The next day, I was late getting ready for the party. I had fallen asleep after returning to the pack house early that morning and slept for several hours.

I was certain my brother would think I'd become lazy. He might even take over my position in the pack company; I was finding it increasingly difficult to manage my responsibilities. This was entirely due to Adrian Miller.

I couldn't forget his words and actions. The memory of his kiss made me clench my fists.

Despite my anxiety, I wore the dress my brother had chosen for the party. After applying makeup and putting on high heels, I went to my children's room.

They were diligently studying. I smiled at them from the doorway. They were my reason for living; looking at them, I could happily spend my life alone. I didn't need a man to protect me.

"Mommy," Aria mumbled sadly, noticing me.

Noah turned, smiled, and ran to me. I took his hand and went to Aria, who was looking downcast, still upset about being scolded. I sat beside her, hugged her, and asked, "What happened to my baby?"

She pouted silently. I kissed her head and said, "Mommy's sorry. She scolded you, but what she said was for your own good."

Tears welled in her eyes. I wiped them away, embracing her.

"I'm sorry, Mommy," she whispered.

"It's okay, my baby."

After releasing her, I saw Noah watching me. He was always so mature. I wondered why he'd been so unfriendly to Adrian; I'd never said anything negative about him.

"Mommy, when will we go to a party with you?" Aria asked hopefully.

I bit my lip, battling my emotions. I wasn't a good mother. Though I longed to tell the world they were my children, their safety prevented me from revealing them.

"Soon, my baby."

"Don't worry, Mommy. We don't like parties that much," Noah said, hugging me.

I was blessed with such caring children. I sometimes wondered if I could give them a normal family; would they be happier?

I left their room and went downstairs, where I found my brother, Jason, and Eric waiting.

"You came home late," Jason remarked as we left the pack house.

"As you suggested last night, I enjoyed the fresh air," I replied, getting into the backseat as Jason's driver opened the door. Jason sat beside me, and Eric sat in the passenger seat. He glanced at me, clearly wanting to talk, but I was angry. He was a good friend, and his words had hurt me. Otherwise, I would have ignored him.

"I got a call from the border guard. Two rogues entered our pack last night," Eric told Jason.

Jason frowned. "What? What were the guards doing? Standing around?"

"They didn't see them. The rogues may have entered with guests."

"How did they find out?" Jason asked.

"Someone reported photos to our Gamma. I'm sending them to you."

Eric sent the photos to Jason's phone. His frown slowly disappeared as he looked at the picture of a dead wolf and another wolf hanging from a tree, its neck broken.

He turned to me and asked, "Did you shift last night?"

I chuckled at his certainty.

"Of course she did," Eric muttered.

I glanced at him. I sighed and turned to my brother.

"They were chasing me, so I killed them," I said simply.

He cupped my cheek. "Are you okay? Did they try anything?" Anger was evident on his face.

"Don't worry, brother. I stopped them before they could touch me."

Jason smiled proudly. "That's my little baby."

I looked out the window at the passing landscape. I didn't enjoy killing. I wasn't that kind of wolf.

At the party, Jason and Eric and I entered the hall. Everyone greeted us, congratulating Jason on a new alliance.

"My friend, let's celebrate!" Alpha Leo said, hugging Jason. He then approached me, kissed the back of my hand, and said, "I want to turn this business friendship into a relationship."

(The final lines appear to be promotional text and have been omitted.)