Daughter Lost, New Love Found

I was arranging fresh sunflowers in the living room—Mae's favorite—when I heard the commotion at the pack house entrance. Voices carried through the hallway, one in particular making my wolf stir uneasily within me.

"She's back," whispered my wolf, Sera, her voice laced with warning.

I set down the vase and moved toward the sound, my heart pounding against my ribs. The pack house was usually quiet this time of afternoon, with Robert handling business matters in his office and Mae at school. But today felt different.

The moment I turned the corner, I saw her—Melanie King—standing in our foyer like she belonged there. Her honey-blonde hair fell in perfect waves around her shoulders, and despite her claimed illness, she looked radiant. Robert stood beside her, his hand resting protectively on her lower back.

"Siena," Robert said, his voice carrying that formal tone he used when addressing pack members rather than his mate. "Look who's returned to us."

Melanie's eyes met mine, a smile playing on her lips that never quite reached her eyes. "Hello, Siena. It's been too long."

My wolf bristled. "Too long since she tried to claim what's ours," Sera growled.

I swallowed hard, forcing my face into a neutral expression. "Welcome back to Moonstone Pack, Melanie."

Robert's fingers tightened on Melanie's waist. "Melanie isn't just visiting. She's come home."

The way he said "home" made my stomach twist. This was my home—mine and Mae's and Robert's. Not hers.

"There's something you should know," Robert continued, his eyes darting to Melanie's pale face. "Melanie is sick. Very sick."

Melanie's performance was flawless—she swayed slightly, her hand fluttering to her chest. "I didn't want to burden anyone, but..."

"Kidney failure," Robert finished for her, his voice tight with concern. "She needs a transplant immediately."

I watched as Melanie leaned into Robert's embrace, her eyes closing briefly. "The doctors gave me weeks, maybe less," she whispered. "I just wanted to see Robert one last time."

The calculation behind her words was so transparent it made my skin crawl. Yet Robert nodded, his expression grave with worry.

"You'll stay here," he said, not a question but a command. "We'll find a donor."

---

Over the next few days, Robert barely left Melanie's side. He canceled pack meetings, missed Mae's school play, and ate dinner in Melanie's room rather than with his family.

I found him there one evening, sitting beside her bed while she sipped broth from a spoon he held.

"You remember that summer by the lake?" Melanie was saying, her voice soft and nostalgic. "When you promised we'd be together forever?"

Robert's eyes softened in a way I hadn't seen in months. "I remember everything, Mel."

My throat tightened as I watched them through the doorway. This was a side of Robert I'd never seen—gentle, attentive, completely captivated.

"I'm afraid," Melanie whispered, reaching for his hand. "Not of dying, but of never experiencing true happiness again."

Robert squeezed her fingers. "You will. I promise."

I backed away silently,