Page 5 of Shattered Mates

He broke my heart while also still being the only reason it beats within my chest.

I will find my mate and I will bring him home. Even if that means I have to tie him up.

Let me take him down. My wolf emerges from the shadows of my consciousness, her voice a growl of pent-up determination.

A sliver of shock rolls through me. Over the years, since having to learn how to be without our mate, she’s remained a quiet presence in my life. Always there and supporting me in our trainings, but keeping to herself when possible.

If I’d completed the bond with River and then lost him like we did, I’m sure she would have convinced me to go rogue by now. Instead, we’ve had to suffer through our shared heartbreak and figure out a way to come out stronger.

Do you think it will come to that? I ask her with a tinge of uncertainty. That we will have to force him?

I know I said I’d tie him up to bring him home, but actually being forced to do so is something else entirely, and suddenly I’m not so sure that I’m prepared for what we’re about to face.

We’ve spent years training for this moment, she replied confidently, though still aloof. You will do whatever it takes to keep him safe, even if that means protecting him from himself.

Her conviction anchors me, and the weight of assured readiness settles in around me. We’ve been ready for months, maybe even years now. The young, naïve heart River left behind has matured into a driven, unstoppable, and motivated woman.

With renewed vigor, I stride toward my cabin, intent on getting the hell out of this pack before anyone can try to stop me, but the moment my small home comes into view, I come to an abrupt stop.

Sitting on my front porch is my sister Sophie. The sun shines down on her, highlighting her brunette hair and making her green eyes shine as they glance up at me.

Her smile doesn’t make me feel any better, and I cautiously close the distance between us. “I can’t talk right now, Soph,” I say as I open the door to my home.

She follows me inside without an invitation. “I know, but that’s exactly why I’m here.”

Defiance rears its ugly head within me. “You can’t stop me from finding River,” I declare without slowing until I enter my room. “He’s my mate, and I’ve waited long enough.”

Her hand grabs my shoulder, a gentle yet unyielding force causing me to turn around. “I know, Jules.”

My head tilts to the side. “What do you mean?”

I’m fully prepared for a battle right now, but she’s confusing me.

“You’re not a child anymore,” she says softly. “You haven’t been for a long time now and I didn’t want to admit that you don’t need me anymore, but you’re ready for this and I’m happy for you. Truly.”

Damn it. I don’t know how much I need to hear those words until she says them. My body crumples in on itself and I lean into her open arms, a shelter I’ve become all too familiar with these last few years thanks to my storming emotions.

Her hug is all encompassing. “I love you and you’re going to find River and bring him home to all of us.”

I nod against her shoulder. “I will.”

Sophie pulls back, her gaze alight with sisterly pride as she smiles. “How can I help? What do you need from me?”

Turning to grab a duffle from behind my dresser, I try to think. My mind has been so focused on just knowing where River might be for the first time in six years that I haven’t thought about the resources that might make this all easier.

“Kyler’s truck if it’s not too big of an ask,” I say with a grimace. Being able to get through any kind of territory and having the space to toss a full-grown wolf into the bed might come in handy.

“Consider it yours,” Sophie replies without hesitation.

She really is the best. There were a couple years after moving here that I had a hard time getting along with her after all we’d been through, but seeing her now, I know that was just more wasted time. Her love and loyalty aren’t something I intend to ever take for granted again.

“What about food?” she adds. “Oh, and clothes for River. Do you still have his things his parents left? Of course you do. That’s a stupid question. You’ll also want some weapons.” She pauses but before I can get a word in, she holds a finger up and gives it a solid shake. “Tranq gun. Knock his ass out if he’s being stubborn.”

I snort and give her my full attention. “Maybe you should just come with me.”

I’m joking, but as soon as the words leave my mouth, I wonder if it would be better to have backup.

“You know I can’t do that, but I absolutely would if I could.” Her hand covers her stomach, her resolve as clear as the love in her words.

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