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“Arlene.”

“Take care of our babies.”

The light becomes blinding.

I grab her tighter. “Don't make me let you go.”

“You never have to let me go.”

Her lips touch mine.

Warm. Soft. Arlene.

Then she's gone.

“Arlene!”

I wake on the hallway floor with my hand reaching into empty air. My chest heaves. The house is dark.

Damian and Darlene sleep on the other side of the door. Arian makes a tiny sound from his bassinet.

My wolf lifts his head.

Mate.

Tears slide down my face.

"I know."

I push myself off the floor. My legs carry me to our bedroom before I fully decide to move. I cross to Arlene's desk and drop to my knees.

Bottom drawer.

I pull it open. My hand moves to the back left corner.

Push.

Click.

The false bottom lifts.

I stop breathing.

A notebook rests beneath it. Letters. A small envelope with login information written across the front.

My hands shake as I lift the notebook. Arlene's handwriting covers the first page.

I press it against my chest and close my eyes.

She knew. She prepared me.

And even knowing she was going to die, my mate spent the time she had left making sure our pups would still have their mother when she was gone.

51

Darian's POV

Arlene's notebook is open on the kitchen counter. I stare at her handwriting while Arian fusses against my chest. Damian and Darlene sit at the table waiting for breakfast, both still wearing their pajamas.