My guests surprised me by staying until almost noon. Some, mostly those who'd started heavily on the mimosas and then moved on to whiskey, lingered the longest.

After the baby woke and had lunch, I yawned my way back to the front of the house, smiling to see Sinclair loosening his tie and enjoying banter with Roger and some of the other Alphas.

Isabel and James had returned to their hotel to let little Sadie sleep, but Cora remained, curled up on a couch, half-dozing as Henry—slightly tipsy, I noticed with amusement—told her stories of his youth. Tired but happy to see everyone enjoying themselves, I joined them.

"How are you, Ella?" Henry asked, smiling warmly and peeking at the baby, who looked at him curiously when I handed him over.

"I'm good, happy," I said, grinning. "Though I wouldn't say no to bed soon—"

"Oh my," Henry said, glancing at the clock. "We've overstayed our welcome—"

"No," I said, appalled at my rudeness. "It wasn't a hint—I'm sorry, please stay."

"No, Ella," Cora said, laughing and standing. "Henry's right, and so are you—it's late. Or early, or…" she screwed up her face, "whatever. Time to go home!"

We kissed Henry goodbye before he returned the baby and headed for the door. Cora leaned in for a kiss, but I held her close, whispering in her ear (the baby fussed slightly at being squished between us), "Cora, why didn't Doctor Hank come today?"

She frowned, slightly chagrined. "Well, did you invite him?"

"Of course I invited him," I said, narrowing my eyes. Then I hesitated. "Or…" I slapped my hand to my mouth, realizing… "Cora! I thought you were going to bring him! I didn't send him an invitation because I assumed he'd be your plus-one!"

She raised an eyebrow, slightly offended. "Ella, Hank is not my boyfriend—"

"He's not?!" I gasped. I ran a frustrated hand down my face. "Cora, if he's not your boyfriend, then what is he—"

"He's whatever he is!" she hissed, looking around awkwardly, hoping no one was listening. Her lingering gaze on Roger gave me a clue.

"Cora," I said, crossing my arms. "Hank told me he wants to build a life with you—"

"What! When did he—"

"But if you're holding back because you're keeping a space open for someone else—"

"Ella! I thought you wanted me to—"

"I want you to be happy!" I interrupted, my voice rising. My words echoed, and I blushed, realizing our argument wasn't private. I pulled my sister toward a corner.

"You're crossing a line, Ella," Cora said, glaring. "This is my life, my business—and you're interfering! You say you want me to be happy, then you tell me I should be with Roger, then you practically yell at me for not bringing Hank into a literal pack of wolves for a magical moonlight baptism!" Exasperated, she ran a hand through her hair. "I don't even know what I want anymore, Ella, because you're too busy telling me what you want!"

I inhaled deeply, glaring back but listening. "I just want the best for you, Cora," I said, still angry. "And I thought that was Hank! But if you're still keeping space for Roger…" My glare shifted to the back of his head. "What happened in the woods? Did he say something? Did he kiss you?"

"Ella," Cora said, gently shaking me (though I saw a blush on her cheeks). "Let it go."

"Fine," I lied, still frowning.

Cora sighed. "I'm tired, Ella," she said, looking toward the door, then back at me. "I'm going home, but I don't want to leave it like this. It was a great night—really special. Can we just tell each other we love each other, and then go take much-needed naps?"

"Yes," I sighed, my eyes softening as I hugged her. "I'm sorry, Cora. You're right. I'm just overtired. It's been a long night."

"You did amazing," Cora murmured, kissing the baby's head before squeezing my hand and heading for the door, saying goodbye to others along the way. I watched her go, feeling guilty but…

Still mad. And I knew exactly who to vent on.

Conveniently, Roger moved away from the Alphas, heading to the bar to refill his drink. I intercepted him.

"Stay away from Cora," I said, stepping in front of him and pointing a finger in his face. "I know what happened between you two tonight"—a lie, but he didn't know that—"and I think you're being rotten to her, Roger."

"What?" Roger said, blinking in shock. "Ella, I—"

"I'm serious, Roger!" My anger deepened when he didn't comply. I held my baby close, taking another step. "That's my sister you're messing with, and I won't let you break her heart more than you already have—"

"Ella!" Roger snapped, swatting away my finger (which, I admit, was dangerously close to his face). "I don't even know what you're talking about!"

I narrowed my eyes. "Don't play dumb. You know she still has feelings for you—but if you have no intention of taking her seriously because she can't have your children, then leave her alone. Let her be with someone who appreciates her, whether or not she can give them children."

Something changed on his face. He paled, his jaw dropping, as if I'd revealed a long-held secret. A bitter, victorious smile touched my lips.

"Ella," Roger sighed, stepping closer. "It's more complicated than that—"

"It's not," I insisted. "And as someone who was put down for years by her partner because she couldn't have his children—through no fault of her own—"

Roger's face fell further, guilt evident. He hadn't connected his actions to how Mike treated me before I met Sinclair.

"I'm telling you," I continued, "either love her for who she is, or leave her alone. But don't drag her along just to break her heart, Roger. If you do that, I'll tear you to pieces."

Those words were spat out, and I meant them. I didn't notice Sinclair until he appeared behind me.

"Ella," my mate said sternly. "Back off."

I spun around, glaring. "What, are you going to tell me I'm wrong?" I asked, righteous. "Because if so," I said, looking between them, my baby held tight, "I'll take on you both at once!"