Ethan stormed into the room. His heart was racing. Adrenaline surged through him, mixed with the feeling of fear. What his eyes ran across first in the room was Ayla collapsed on the floor, her face streaked by lines of tears. Her sobs were quiet, yet intense, like an indication of deep, unrelenting pain.
"Ayla!" Ethan was instantly on his knees beside her. "What's going on? Where are the pups?
"They took them... again," Ayla gasped and cried. "I couldn't stop them."
Ethan pulled Ayla close to him, his arms wrapping around her. "I am so sorry, Ayla. I should have been here. I should've protected them."
"It's not your fault," Ayla whispered, though her words were heavy with grief. "I tried... I really tried..."
"I'll find them, Ayla. I swear, whatever it takes, I will bring
