As I walked toward the study from the outer hallway, Harriet's voice drifted through the half-open door before I could step inside.
"Wonderful. This is truly wonderful, Elliot," she said emotionally. "Once Anastasia becomes your mate, you must protect both her and Jared properly for the rest of your life."
My footsteps halted instantly.
Something inside my chest tightened quietly as I remained standing outside the room, listening without meaning to.
Then Harriet spoke again, her voice softer this time. "Thank the Moon Goddess my wish for the Tillmans and Presgraves to become one family has finally come true. When I leave this world someday, I must personally thank Officer Amelia for saving our bloodline."
The mention of my mother struck me deeply.
For a moment, my wolf instincts trembled with emotion. I could hear the genuine gratitude in Harriet's voice, and suddenly I understood just how much my mother's sacrifice years ago still meant to the Presgrave pack.
