It would take a fool to not see the anger and disappointment written so clearly on the Monster’s face as she approached the small family. Nakato lowered her dark ears and avoided the sharp gaze of the alpha as she stood like a demon above the children. A small whimper left her throat, as if this was all she would need to do to be forgiven of her crimes. Memories of the night Tobias attacked came flooding back and it took all she had to keep her hackles lowered.

Nothing was more aggressive than a mother’s love for her pups. Instinct drove her to protect them from anyone, including the Monster. It was taking everything she had to keep that instinct at bat as she watched Tick Tock eye each pup. She was judging them, just like the king had done. Finally, with her observations complete, the poison stare fell upon the new mother. Her voice was like ice and the healer continued to stare elsewhere but those eyes.

"Yes, Mistress. These are my children, Jakuta, Athena, and Tiamat. A wolf called Zeus is the sire to these two," she said, indicating the black and white cubs. "However, this child is an orphan I adopted not too long ago." Her electric eyes watched each child carefully, but hovered over Jakuta a little longer. Her daughter had been quiet so far, a stunned look on her face, but the healer knew the girl could be mouthy without understanding the consequences of her words.

Sooner or later, she was going to have to come clean about her actions the following year. The Monster had not come only to observe the children. The two adults needed to have a serious talk. With a sigh, she returned her gaze to the alpha and whimpered. "I am sorry, Mistress. I know you are not happy with me and I understand and accept any punishment you have for me for keeping my children a secret."

Nothing was mentioned about Tobias. She was sure the Monster already knew of his attack on her. No one had come to save her that night and she still bore the scars of his fangs on the nape of her neck. Perhaps that had been punishment enough, but she was still ready to accept more should it come her way. "Please do not blame them. They are young and my errors are not theirs."