Ava's POV
I shot him a sharp look, my wolf rising instantly beneath my skin.
“She’s the daughter I nearly died giving birth to,” I said, my voice low but cutting. “Why shouldn’t I mention her?”
The memory alone made my chest tighten with pain.
I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “Victor… what exactly are you afraid of?” My gaze locked onto his. “A guilty conscience?”
For a split second, something flickered in his eyes, then it was gone.
He sidestepped it, just like always.
“Jasper is just a child,” he said instead, his tone measured. “Don’t take your anger out on him.”
My fingers curled slightly against my lap.
He rubbed his temples, as if I were the problem here. “At least try to act like a mother.”
Silence fell.
My wolf went still, but not because I agreed with what he
