Page 115 of The Tracker's Dawn: Sunderverse

Tall and handsome, my big brother stood there smiling from ear to ear.

“Leo!” I exclaimed and, in two strides, I was on him, hanging from his neck as I hugged him tightly.

In an instant, Mom, Dani, and Lucia were there, also wrapping their arms around Leo, trapping me there, and it was the best feeling ever.

The first thing that got through to me, after my surprise, was that he smelled wonderful, like home.

We pulled away from him, and the questions poured out.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?” from Mom.

“Where have you been?” from Dani.

“When did you get in?” from Lucia.

“Woah, woah!” Leo put both hands up. “One at a time.”

“You’re eyes!” I exclaimed, forsaking all questions.

When he’d left, they’d been brown like mine, but now they glowed with an inner green light, which meant... he was an Emerald Mage!

He smirked and ran a hand through his dark brown hair a bit subconsciously. It was shorter than when he left. He’d also grown broader at the shoulders, and his skin was a shade darker, bringing it to a honey tone.Dang!If I was being objective, he was handsome as hell.

“Leonardo Sunder.” Jake stepped forward, clasped Leo’s hand, then went in for a man hug.

“Jacob Knight. I see you didn’t listen to me.” Leo’s gaze flicked in my direction. “I told you to stay away from my sisters.” There was menace in his voice.

Jake’s jaw clenched and twitched as he seemed to hold his breath.

Leo threw his head back and laughed. “I did have a feeling it would be inevitable. You always had it bad for Toni.” Smiling, he turned to Lucia. “So where’s the celebration, baby girl?”

Lucia’s face lit up. She didn’t mind Leo calling her that. “I want a big old steak,” she declared. “You all figure out where to get it for me.”

She wasn’t worried about her friends anymore. She was in the here and now, ready to let us be a family.If only Dad was here the moment would be complete.

I pushed the sadness away. I still hadsomuch to be grateful for, despite his absence.

In truth, I had everything I needed to be happy.

THE END

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