Ella's POV

"YEAH SHE CAN!" The voice behind him is pure rage. How's she even standing after no sleep?

William turns, goes pale. This isn't his little girl anymore.

She's burning holes through him when suddenly - "MATE!"

We all snap to Leo. He's locked onto Ava. Oh hell no.

Ava walks right up to William and Henry, face stone cold. "Back. Off." Pure snarl.

Puna's fighting to surface. The power rolling off her is crazy. Olivia's over there smirking at her cousin.

"Don't you talk to-" Henry starts, but her growl cuts him off. Her eyes flash from blue to green. "Wouldn't wanna tick me off, BROTHER." We're all floored. Only Olivia and I know what happens when Ava and Puna sync up - this is gonna be good.

Leo's still staring at his "mate."

"What, thought I wouldn't figure out you're his kid? Caught your scent at the station - same as his," she tells Henry before turning on William. "And playing daddy now? After ten years of nothing? Save it." William looks crushed, but what'd he expect? I warned him. She just found out about Henry - doesn't even know she's got a sister.

She steps closer, locked on both of them. Puna's power's mixing with Ava's rage - it's intense. Wonder if they can feel what we're feeling.

"Listen up, 'cause I'm only saying this once. I want zero to do with you or your perfect little family. Ten years alone? I survived just fine. Come back in here and my panther takes over - and trust me, she's way nastier than I am." Pure venom. "Now grab your stuff and bounce."

She pushes between them, heading my way.

That's when it hits me - she's rocking Minnie Mouse PJs. Must've sensed him lurking earlier.

Leo's still eye-locked on her when she turns. "Oh yeah, Alpha? Not interested in a mate."

He lets out this monster growl. "You don't mean that." His wolf's barely in check.

She just shrugs. "Take it or leave it. I'm out in a few weeks anyway."

Leo looks wrecked, but hey - I get why she's anti-mate. Those memories... She's got solid reasons for not trusting guys.

Ava's power's getting crazy strong. "Time to go," I tell William and Henry. "Don't forget the cakes."

Henry flashes me a smile, mouths 'thanks.' Wants to say more, but holds back.

Leo's frozen, still staring at Ava.

Henry has to practically drag Leo out to their waiting SUV. William looks ready to argue but gives up, grabs the boxes. Olivia holds the door.

Once William loads up the second SUV, he's gone in seconds.

Henry pops back in for the last box. Ava and I watch from the counter. He stops at the door, looks back. "I know what Dad did was messed up. I don't defend it. Just... hoping to know my big sister someday."

Ava lets out a little growl.

He gives her one last hurt look. "Sorry, Ava." Then he's gone.

Olivia locks up, turns around smirking. "Dang, cuz. Good to have you back."

Ava walks over, hugs her. They both look my way, but I jump in first.

"How'd you know?"

Ava pauses. "Caught his scent outside. Woke Puna right up. And yeah, I knew about everything else. Just never said anything."

"Hate him even more. Never came for me." The bitterness creeps back in. William's got a lot to answer for - probably why she's so against having a mate too.

"Let's wrap this place up. You look ready for bed," I laugh.

Ava looks down at her PJs. She and Olivia crack up. We do our closing routine - lights off, tables wiped, chairs up.

Ava lets out this huge yawn.

"Bedtime for you."

She nods. "Home sounds good." Looks at Olivia. "Sleepover like old times?"

Olivia grins but shakes her head.

No way that's happening - she's got the ceremony with her mate.

"Rain check, cuz. You need your beauty rest."

"Don't mention Jacob yet, Mom," Olivia mind-links me. I get it. She knows some of why Ava's anti-mate, but she's nervous about Ava's reaction.

Another monster yawn from Ava makes us laugh.

"Alright, Sleeping Beauty. Let's get you home." We head out, walking back to the house.