She quickly processed the information she'd received and reached a hand out tentatively to touch the girl's shoulder. "Your mother was human when you were younger, sweetheart. This time it is different because she is a wolf as well as human, and it is the wolf part of her that is grieving the loss of her mate. I am sure you understand what that means for a wolf, how primal that instinct is, how it can overcome everything. It isn't that your mother doesn't love you or want to stay here with you, honey. It is her wolf that is in control now and it is to the wolf that we must speak and connect with. She needs a wolf pup, and there is only one here that I know of."
Her words appeared to penetrate the girl's misery, understanding registering in the depth of her eyes. "Pippa is only about five
