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I nod and drop my hands to the sink.

She slowly works them through the holes. Once the shirt lays open, she moves behind me and carefully removes it.

I stand still as she goes to get me another. “They aren’t saying anything.” The only thing I can hear from the bedroom is the movement of the covers and the depression of the mattress.

“They will when there’s something to.” She uses the towel to clean the blood that seeped through the shirt.

My eyes fill with tears when she rubs my cheek gently. “Thank you, Penny.”

“We girls have to stick together. All of us are here for each other when we need it. You may not know me well, but know that I will always be here for you. There's too many of us out there that tear others down. If at any time, you want to talk, or get a drink, or bitch about your mate—because they may be hot, but they are still men—call me.”

“Okay,” I whisper.

When I am free of Elijah’s blood, she helps me put on his shirt. It gives me a small amount of comfort.

“Saylor,” is shouted from outside the house.

I know that voice.

My heart races as I scramble out of the room. I pause by the bed, torn between my two worlds. Estes sees my indecision.

“Go. I’m not done yet.”

“The minute you are, get me,” I growl.

“I will, girly,” he confirms.

I run from the room and out the front door. I sprint down the stairs and push past the lions that are standing in front of my mom.

She’s alive.

It’s really her. I hit her with a thud and our arms surround each other.

“Mom,” I cry.

“My girl,” she sobs.

“It’s really you.” I bury my face in her neck and breath in the familiar scent. “You’re here.”

“I am. I came back to you.”

“Mom,” I choke. All the emotions fall on top of me with hearing her voice, and giant sobs rack my body. Painful shudders vibrate through me, my hands shaking so hard it hurts.

We fall to the ground, her arm holding me tight, her other hand stroking my hair.

“Let it out, baby,” she coos. “Give it to your mom. Let me take your pain. I have strong shoulders.”

She starts humming in my ear. I distantly hear Penny crying and her mate soothing her. Everyone else is silent but I feel their presence around us.

All the good memories rush over me and her humming fills the empty void her leaving me caused. I don’t care about the reasons for her calling Grant. I don’t care what kind of relationship she had with my dad. Right now, all that matters is her return to me. I don’t ever want to let her go again.

“What’s your name?” I hear Penny ask.

It reminds me of the woman that was standing with my mom.

My sister.

I pull back and my mom wipes my tears. “I love you,” she says, smiling hesitantly.