Chapter 117

Kara

As I walk back into my bedroom, Elio is gone, and strangely, I miss his looming presence. Aurora pulls open the door on the other side as a man stands on the other end, a man I recognise, a man I trust more than anyone else … well before Elio, that is. Matthew Reynolds, my mother’s chosen mate. His broad grin lights up his face as his eyes crinkle with his slicked back salt and pepper hair. “I’ll see you down their Ka,” my sister says with a wink as she brushes past him. Dad walks over the threshold towards me, the epitome of pride over his face.

He crosses the room in three large strides, his arms open wide as he pulls me in for a tight hug, one hand on my back, his stump glides by my waist. “Your mother told me you were awake, but I didn’t want to believe it until I saw you for myself,” he whispers against my ear, his warm breath on my neck. I give him an extra squeeze, holding him tight as his strong, woody scent surrounds me. “I didn’t mean to worry you … I feel fine now,” I