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I embrace him, pulling Cleo into me as well.

“What happened?” Austin asks.

“That boy is hurt,” Cleo says, staring off toward the place where Gage had laid. “He got hurt in a fight, but he gets hurt at home too.”

I look over at the empty pavement and then back at her. “What do you mean?” I ask her carefully.

“I saw them. They hurt him at his house too. His grown-ups. ”

I turn to Austin, worry in my eyes. “He’s so young,” I whisper, “And I found him being beat on by a human.”

Austin’s eyes darken and the muscle in his jaw tics.

“He’s from Highland Pack. There’s nothing I can do,” he says, finally.

I nod, a single tear falling down my cheek as I look out to where Sylvie had disappeared with him. The idea of adults willingly hurting children makes me sick to my stomach.

“I hope he gets out,” I whisper.

“Let’s go,” Austin says gruffly, reaching for my hand. “If Highland felt comfortable enough to come into town while we’re here to sell their wares, they’re plotting something. I need you and Cleo safe at home.”

I let him lead me back toward the sorting station, stopping only to have him carry the box of supplies to Sonia and Tiffany.

The entire drive home, all I can think about is Gage and the way his little face was marked by pain.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Yelena

“You make the absolute best blueberry muffins. I don’t know how you do it. I’ve tried that recipe you gave me a dozen times, but they never turn out the right way. What’s your secret?” Luna Elizabeth teases, rinsing the old yellow mixing bowl.

My kitchen smells divine. For the last two hours, Elizabeth and I have been baking up a storm. We’ve made cookies, muffins, and even a pan of brownies.

I pinch off a piece of my muffin and stuff it in my mouth, savoring the sweet taste. “I don’t have any secrets, it’s just the recipe,” I laugh. My coffee cup is empty, so I get up from the table to refill it.

“Well, whatever you do, it’s delicious,” Elizabeth says fondly. “The boys will be so excited when they come in from the workshop.”

I smile and reach over to grab her coffee cup as well, refilling it at the same time. She accepts the hot mug with a quiet thank you and I join her at the table. This time with Elizabeth is so affirming. Having her as my mother-in-law is more than I could ever ask for. She makes me feel welcome and accepted, not only as Austin’s mate, but as their daughter by marriage. Having theopportunity to have a mother figure in my life like this, sharing simple moments like cooking and visiting, warms my heart.

Austin has also seen an improvement in his relationship with his parents, and it gives me joy to watch him flourish like this. He and his father have been hard at work making a dollhouse for Cleo in the old workshop. Every weekend they are out there, carving small animal figurines and building the rooms.

It’s beautiful to watch them like this.

“Where is my little princess this morning?” Elizabeth asks, blowing on the hot liquid.

I hesitate for a second before remembering that Elizabeth and Malakai know all about Cleo’s Seer abilities.

“She’s training. We had a coven trainer come in. Her name is Aurelia. She’s supposed to be the best of the best. I want Cleo to have a full understanding of her capabilities and control over her powers. Before it’s too late.”

Elizabeth nods thoughtfully.

“A wise choice, to be sure. Callie used to refer to her abilities as her greatest blessing and the most wicked curse.”

My heart clenches again at the memory of Callie. How I wish that she could have been here for this, to help guide both me and my daughter.

I manage a watery smile. “Callie was so very wise,” I murmur.

Elizabeth lays a comforting hand on my shoulder. “She loved you, you know that,” she tells me, giving me a soft smile.