~ARIEL~

"It is going to be okay," my mate's mother whispers softly to me as she pulls me into a comforting hug. Her eyes are filled with concern, yet there's a determined glint as she tries to reassure me during this tense moment. "I know it's hard to see or even think about, but it's something our family has to fight to overcome," she continues, her voice steady despite the worry flickering in her expression.

"She is right," Ashton's stepfather adds firmly, his jaw clenched with resolve. ...