Arlene's POV
The twins glance up from their Hello Kitty Monopoly game, their innocent faces breaking into smiles that immediately ease the tension coiled in my chest. I breathe in their familiar scents, no longer embarrassed by this instinct that other mothers in the pack assured me was completely normal.
"We behaved perfectly," both children declare in unison as I step into the panic room and kneel before them.
"Excellent. I'm incredibly proud of both of you." I stroke their hair gently.
"You shouldn't be proud," Rockford admits, genuine guilt flickering across his features. "We argued over the Hello Kitty crown and told you a lie."
"Now apologize to each other and embrace," I instruct, rising to my feet. They obediently stand and follow my directions, and I suppress a laugh at how easily Rockford crumbled without me even having to scold him. "Let's go. We need to help with cleanup."
"Is everyone safe?" Rockford extends his small hand toward me.
