Just when I think we're done, Mom throws me a curveball. She closes the door behind everyone else and turns to me with this look that makes my heart skip. "We need to talk about Ava."

Back at the couch, I sink into the cushions while Mom stays standing. She's practically vibrating with nervous energy, and I can tell she's struggling with whatever she's about to say.

"Your dad told you about Lucy - I could feel it the second I walked in. William's face said plenty too." She takes a shaky breath. "But there's more to the story. Something they don't know about. Ava... she's special. Her panther - it's different. And Lucy..." Mom's voice catches, a tear sliding down her cheek. "Lucy was my best friend."

Watching Mom cry over Lucy hits different. All these years, she's been carrying this around. Makes me wonder what else I don't know about Ava - my mate.

Mom's voice breaks as she keeps going. "I lost both of them - my friend and her little girl. Would've done anything for them. Lucy came to me just days before... before William rejected her. She was worried about Ava. I had no clue what William was planning. Tried calling her after, wanted her to know I wasn't part of it, but she just... shut me out."

Mom sinks into the couch next to me, and I grab her hand. Need her to know I'm here.

"Didn't even know she died until Ella showed up. Found out a few months ago that Lucy... she passed away ten years back, just months after the rejection. That's why I've been MIA lately." Yeah, now it clicks - Henry and Stella said Mom wouldn't leave her room for like a week until I got home.

"Your dad and William? Didn't say a word about Lucy dying." She wipes her eyes. "This whole thing's messed up. I don't care if someone has one mate or ten - who are these Elders to wreck a family like that?"

Mom's staring off into space, and my heart's breaking for her. These Elders destroyed a family they had no business messing with. Maybe... maybe it's time to give Mom some hope.

"Mom, I found my mate," I say quietly. She smiles, but before she can jump in, I add, "It's complicated though. I need to keep it quiet for now."

"Does your dad know?"

"Nah, just you, Henry, and William. Need to keep it under wraps - especially from Dad."

This knowing smirk crosses her face. "It's Ava, isn't it?" She actually looks happy. "Used to push you two in your strollers around the territory together, Lucy and me. We always hoped... well." She squeezes my hand. "Your secret's safe with me, honey. God, I need to see her - she was such a beautiful little girl."

"She's still gorgeous," I mumble, feeling my face heat up. Mom cracks up at my embarrassment. "I bet - Lucy was a knockout. If Ava takes after her mom, she must be stunning."

Before we head out to get ready, Mom turns serious. "Leo, honey, be careful with her. Yeah, she's got issues with William, but you need to show her you're serious about being her mate."

"I know, Mom. I'm gonna take it slow, win her over. But..." I pause, thinking about what Ella said at the cafe. "Think there's more going on than we know."