#Chapter 40: Her Daughter

Alaric’s POV The Arbun family of Pack BloodyMoon is renowned for their deep care and loyalty toward their kin—a trait that is on full display at this very moment. “What’s going on?!” “What’s wrong with Mia?!...she's weak!” “What did you do, Alaric?!” Those sounds come from Cara’s brothers. “I’m okay, Mama,” Mia says weakly after she catches her breath. “It was just the ice cream.” Cara leans down in front of her daughter, the resemblance between the two even more striking now that we’re in a well-lit space. Cara rubs Mia’s leg at the injection site, “You know you’re allergic to ice cream, Mia.” Cara’s voice was soft and motherly, not mean or harsh. Cara placed her hand on Mia’s forehead, checking for fever. But she looks even more exhausted herself—she’s been through too much tonight. “I know, Mama. But I was having fun!” Mia says happily. It almost brings a smile to my face, the strong spirit in this little one. Until I see the terrible scowl on Cara’s face,