"Rhea," Elijah began, his voice laced with worry. "I know you've been taking care of our children tirelessly, but you need a break. You've barely slept in days."
Rhea looked up at Alpha Elijah, her eyes reflecting both exhaustion and determination. "But Elijah, our children need me. I can't just leave them when they're so sick."
He kneeled beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "I understand your concern, my love. But tonight is your welcome-back party, a celebration of your return to the pack after your long absence. You deserve to enjoy yourself, even if just for a few hours."
Rhea sighed, torn between her responsibilities as a mother and her longing for a moment of respite. "I don't know, Elijah. What if something happens while I'm away? What if they need me?"
His eyes s
