Caiden's eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. In the children's faces, there was no mistaking his own features. Although the photo didn't show their movements or scent, Caiden could still see himself in them. He sensed the bond between them. They looked very strong and happy."This is Sterling, the first to emerge, followed by Noah, the second, then Lucas, and Kyler," I said, pointing to each face and addressing each one as though I were presenting them to their father for the first time. "Sterling is the one who most resembles you, both in terms of appearance and personality.""Aren't they safer than you, Kamara? At least their wolves are awake." Caiden said, cocking his head to stare at me. He took the picture out of the frame and pocketed it. "You seriously shouldn't be walking around with your head held high.""I do not care about that," I said, glancing around the house in an attempt to find a hint might take us to the quads. "Are you able to sniff anything?"With an irritated t

"Is mom safe out there? Do you think she will experience the same thing that happened to Aunt Catherine?" inquired Lucas.He gave his brothers an even closer hug and said, "Our mother is a very strong woman. I know no one will be able to capture her.""Sterling, do you think she'll come to our rescue?" Noah enquired.Gazing into his brother's puffy eyes, he answered, "I know she will. I'm sure Mom is searching everywhere for us right now."Noah smiled, then Kyler murmured, "I'm hungry."Although Sterling felt bad about it, there was nothing more he could do.In the face of the anguish that lay ahead, he remained silent since he was at a loss for words with his brother. Silence fell over the room as the brothers in the corner got more dejected. Sterling became aware of how keen his senses had grown. Dim noises from outside the room could be heard by him. A bird soon began to sing, and the intensity of the wind caused the leaves to rustle. The boy heard what seemed to be the sound of a

Though suspicious, Caiden nodded. He quietly left the area, observing the two of us as we made our way to the building. Although I didn't feel at ease, Caiden appeared glad to have me back, even though he would never say so.Jessie showed me to the building's basement, where there was an abandoned mattress, and urged me to lie down. The space had a musty mold odor and it was dark. It was unbelievable to me that I could have been so stupid as to follow Jessie there. It was obvious that Jessie would degrade me by making me stay in such a place like an animal. Also, I lacked the bravery to confront the Luna and insist on having a better sleeping area.I thought that the quads might be in a similar or worse situation than mine as I surveyed the area. How much suffering must my kids be experiencing? I felt really guilty that I'd never had them ready for this, as I made the old mattress and lay down. Perhaps if I had told them they were werewolves, they would have tried to defend themselv

I sighed deeply and went to the bathroom at last. It would be too risky to spend the whole night with Caiden so near to me. Jessie already didn't like me, so she would have an unheard-of argument with her mate if she found out that he had slept somewhere other than home to keep me safe. But I knew there was no way I could persuade Caiden to reconsider.I discovered one of Caiden's old shirts in the bathroom and put it on before I came out. I had nothing to wear and had fled my house without packing any clothes. I noticed something I hadn't felt in a while when Caiden turned to face me. The alpha soon stopped responding or uttering words. He merely observed me, attempting to conceal his admiration."I figured wearing this shirt wouldn't be an issue after finding it in the bathroom.""Not a problem," he said, staring at me nonstop, "I'll ask someone to buy clothes for you tomorrow."I thought it was nice that he wouldn't ask Jessie, at least. A blanket was prepared for me when I moved

I believed that asking for Caiden's help to search for my kids had been a grave error. I knew I couldn't stay here any longer, even if I didn't understand why he was helping me. I had to make a decision. Either I stay here and become a problem, or I go alone and without Caiden's assistance in the endless hunt for my kids.I gave Caiden a sad look as if I were saying goodbye and said, "You don't have to choose anything. I'll be on my own from now on, but thanks for the help."He meant to stop me, saying, "Kamara, you can't do this alone.""You don't actually expect me to remain in a place where I've never been welcomed," I said, gathering up my bag and my dirty clothing from the floor.After giving him one last glance, I left the room. Caiden tried to stop me, but Jessie moved her own body in front of him to block his moved. She looked like she was pleading with him to stay. She gave him a tight hug, sobbed, crying her eyes out in front of the alpha by letting all of her feelings out.