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“I love you, too.” I take in her appearance. She looks the same, just a bit older, with a few extra scars, and there’s a world of pain in her eyes. Maybe it was always there and I didn’t notice. “Nothing else matters right now except that you are here.” I see her shoulders relax. “I have a mate. He’s injured badly.”

“I’m so sorry, baby. I’ll be here for you when you are ready.”

I nod and look up.

I slowly stand up and face my sister. Her posture is rigid, afraid of my reaction, or afraid of hers. She taller than me, her stunning face delicate but filled with pain of what she has lived through. Her pitch-black hair teases her shoulders and is paper straight. I glace at her hands that are clasped in front of her, her knuckles white, her fingers strangling the others. Her clothes are baggy, hiding much of her body. She’s hiding.

“Hi,” I say softly.

“Hi.” Her voice deep and husky.

“What’s your name?” I ask, taking a step closer, grateful she didn’t back away.

“May,” she replies.

“I’m Saylor.”

“I know.”

We fall silent, studying each other.

“I’m glad you are here,” I offer.

“Me too,” she confesses. The pain falls over her face.

“Fuck it,” I mutter and hug her tight.

Her arms pause and then return my embrace. She lets out an unsteady breath. “It is nice to meet you.” She pulls me closer.

“I’ve always wanted a sister,” I tell her, a smile in my voice.

“Me too.”

“I’m excited to get to know you,” I rasp.

“Me too.” We break apart, both of us let out a laugh. “I’m sorry about your mate.”

My laugh disappears. “I need to get back to him.”

“I understand.”

“Please stay,” I say, reaching back for my mom’s hand. “Both of you.”

“Of course,” my mom says with a small smile.

“I’ll take care of them,” Sally steps forward.

“Thank you, Sally.” I’m grateful to her for more than just that. She found where Elijah was before us. She met us in the woods and showed us the way. We had already been on the trail but Elijah’s scent veered off and we didn’t know which way to go.

“Anything for you,” she says.

“How about I go get something to eat and drink?” Laken offers.

“That would be great,” Sally says. “I’m partial to doughnuts, dragon.”

“Noted.” He kisses Penny before walking away.

“Thank you all for being here.” Bishop is holding Penny, her eyes still wet. Kerian and River are sitting on the porch. Logan and his brothers are standing close watching me solemnly.