Page 56 of Rising Reign

Wren’s gaze met mine as she embraced my sister, her eyes going misty. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

Clara released Wren, her gaze doing a sweep. “How’d you land her, Pucker? She’s obviously way out of your league.”

I let out a scoff as the rest of my pack laughed. “Little sisters.”

Clara’s eyes twinkled. “You missed me like crazy.”

I squeezed her shoulder. “More than you’ll ever know.”

The fire crackled as Clara sipped her tea, and Wren curled into me, her soft breaths of sleep wafting over my chest in a steady, reassuring beat. The rest of the guys had gone to bed, along with Clara’s guards, Rhys, and Hera. We were finally truly alone.

Clara set her teacup on the saucer she had perched on the side table. “You’ve built a beautiful life here for yourself.” Her nose wrinkled. “Even if you do let vampires in your midst.”

I chuckled, shifting Wren so I could take a sip of my tea. It felt like a little piece of home, having tea with my little sister. “Trust me, having a vampire in our midst wouldn’t be my first choice, but he’s proven…helpful in the past.”

It wasn’t just Ender that Rhys had helped out. It was our whole pack. And despite his questionable tactics, I knew he had some unique insights.

Clara’s lips twitched. “I can’t wait to hear more about that.”

“What about you?” I prodded. “How’s life at home? Are you happy?”

A wistful smile stretched across her face. “I love it there. Love leading our pack. But I can admit, I’m longing for a mate of my own.”

I reached out and squeezed her hand. “They’ll come. Maybe when you least expect it.”

“Maybe,” Clara said softly.

I swallowed hard. “And Mum and Dad? How are they? Really.”

“Good. Healthy, even as they’re getting older, but they miss you.”

A pang lit along my sternum. “I just…I haven’t been ready to face them. To face home.”

“Puck, what happened wasn’t your fault. It’s all on Theo and Alice. I just wish I could’ve challenged her then, too,” Clara spat.

I shook my head. “We didn’t need more death.”

“Maybe not, but I hate that I’ve been without my brother all these years because of her.”

The pang transformed into an ache and settled deep in my bones. “I’m sorry, Clare Bear. I needed to get my head on straight.”

“And now? Is it straight?” she pressed.

“It’s getting there. Wren…she’s changed things for me.”

Clara’s expression softened. “I can see that. And I’ll be forever grateful.”

“Me, too.”

As if half-roused by her name, Wren mumbled something in her sleep and burrowed deeper into me. My lips twitched, and I shifted to pull her fully into my arms. “I’m going to carry her to bed. I’ll be back.”

“All right,” Clara whispered. She watched me as I lifted Wren, a gentleness in her expression. “Puck?”

“Hmm?” I asked, pausing before heading down the hall.

“Please don’t let us go this long without being together again.”

I could feel her pain then, like a living, breathing thing. It hurt and was a gift all at once. “We won’t. I promise.”