Piper’s POV
The moment I heard those familiar footsteps behind me, my heart leapt with excitement. It had to be her. I turned quickly, only to find Janet staring right at me with a big, beaming smile on her face. Relief washed over me as I realized why she hadn’t been there to welcome me earlier … she must have been out of the house.
I stood up, my legs almost tangling in my long skirt as I fastened my pace toward her. I couldn’t wait to wrap my arms around her and feel the comfort of home again. But just as I reached out for a hug, Janet’s expression shifted. She dodged my embrace and rushed past me without a word.
Confused, I turned on my heels, my gaze following her. My breath hitched when I saw them at the top of the stairs — Avery and the Alpha.
My chest tightened. Janet had ignor
