Chapter 36: Frightened Tears
(Garrett's POV)
Rachel reached toward Dawn with an outstretched hand, her lips curved in what was meant to be a welcoming smile. My daughter shrank further behind my legs, her small fingers digging into the fabric of my pants.
"Come here, sweetie. Let Auntie Rachel take you to wash your hands before dinner," Rachel cooed, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness.
A low growl rumbled in my chest before I could stop it. "Don't touch her."
Rachel's hand froze midair, her expression shifting from saccharine to shocked. The room fell silent as my Alpha authority filled the space between us.
"Garrett!" my mother gasped, clearly scandalized by my tone. "Rachel is only trying to help!"
Dawn peeked out from behind my legs, her eyes wide but relieved by
