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I drop to my knees.

Paige brings Arian to me, and I take my baby into my arms. His little fists clutch my shirt as he cries. Damian stops in front of me, and Darlene presses against my side.

I pull them both closer.

Three pups. Our three beautiful pups.

How the fuck am I supposed to tell them their mother is never walking through that door again?

“Daddy?” Darlene whispers.

I kiss the top of her head. “Mommy died tonight.”

Her body goes still.

Damian stares at me. “No.”

My vision blurs. “She's with the Moon Goddess now. She's going to watch over you from heaven.”

“No!”

Darlene's scream tears through me. Arian startles against my chest and cries harder.

“I want Mommy!”

“I know, baby.”

“I want Mommy!”

She hits my chest with her little fists.

“I know.”

“Bring her back!”

My breath catches. “I can't.”

Damian steps away from me. “Why?”

I look at him.

His face crumples. “Why didn't you protect Mommy?”

Fuck.

“You're powerful!” Tears run down his cheeks. “You're an Alpha! You kill rogues. You protect everybody!”

His voice rises with every word.

“Where were you? Where were you when Mommy died?”

Piper starts toward him.

I lift my hand.

She stops.

Damian wipes at his face. “Why didn't you protect my mom?”