Arlene's POV
Sleep never finds me. When Rockford gently touches my cheek in the early morning light, I have already buried all the overwhelming thoughts from last night deep inside my chest. I need to focus on what matters - these are shifters, and I cannot allow myself to dwell on the terrifying possibilities of what might happen if they lost control around my children. The fear would consume me completely.
"Morning, momma," his sleepy voice whispers against my shoulder.
"Good morning, sweetheart," I manage a genuine smile for him.
"Where's D.A.D.?" Nicholson pats the empty space beside her where Warner had been when she drifted off to sleep.
"How about we look for him once you brush your teeth and get dressed for the day?"
"Okay," she mumbles with a small nod before attempting to burrow back under the covers.
"Looks like you win the first turn, buddy," I tell Rockford softly.
