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“I don’t think we should have her stay with anyone who has pups,” Kai said. “That would put them and their families at risk.”

I agreed.

Mom cleared her throat from where she stood near the sink. I had been so focused on the discussion that I’d forgotten she was there.

“Bryn can stay with me,” she said. “I’ll be able to keep an eye on her.”

I stared at her. It was one thing to speak with Bryn and have breakfast with her every morning, but it was another thing for my mom to keep Bryn in her home.

“What are you planning, Mom?” I sent to her.

She crossed her arms and stared at me, refusing to answer. I sighed. It was obvious that she wasn’t going to budge on the issue, and I didn’t feel like trying to convince her otherwise.

“Alright, she can stay with you. But she isn’t allowed to leave your home. She is our prisoner and a necessary part of our plan. She can’t have free reign of the village.”

Mom frowned. She looked very much like she wanted to scold me for the way I talked about Bryn, b