Cara’s POV I do feel somewhat less panicked with security out of my house. They are still patrolling around outside, which I don’t mind as much. There was just something about having so many strangers in my house, so soon after the knife attack, that had me unnerved. At least my kids are safe with my brothers. But me? I’m not sure what’s going to become of me. I sit on the couch in the living room, with Alaric sitting to my right and Noel to my left. I felt safe with Alaric and wanted to feel safe with Noel, but perhaps inviting them both to stay was a mistake. Even now, they are casting sideways suspicious glances at each other over my head. “Are you comfortable, Cara?” Alaric asks, just as Noel asks, “Are you hungry, Cara?” “I’m fine,” I say to each of them. Since the moment Noe

