I started crying as we drove away, and I couldn't stop.

I didn't stop when little Nathanial and Laurie were brought to me, crying and hungry.

I didn't stop as they emptied my breasts of the milk that should have been for my boys.

I didn't stop as they fell asleep in my arms.

I felt a hand on my shoulder; Estelle had come over to sit on the end of the couch. "It's all right, Ella, you just let it all out."

I turned to her, taking in her white hair and wrinkled appearance. "I'm an Alpha, Estelle. I'm supposed to be stronger than this, and I feel like...