Page 6 of Shattered Mates

The area beneath her touch is still flat, but she’s right. I do know.

I step closer and add my hand over hers, feeling the life within. “Of course. We can’t put Jules the Second at risk.”

Sophie lets out a hearty laugh that momentarily lifts the heaviness from the room. “So, you’re already assuming the baby is a girl and picking out her name? You’re taking this auntie business rather seriously.”

“She has to be a girl,” I say with a wink. “We can’t have Kyler thinking he’s going to one-up us with a son. Girl power all the way.”

My poor brother-in-law has endured some torturous nights, being ganged up on by me and Soph, but he’s always taken everything in stride and with a smile on his face. I don’t think my sister could have found a more perfect mate.

“I’m going to get Kyler’s keys and load up the truck with some things you might need,” Sophie says, leaning closer to give me a hug. “You finish up here and meet me at our house.”

“I’ll be there in five minutes.” As much as my stomach churns with nerves, I’m still filled with a fierce determination that continues to propel my movements forward.

She shows herself out and I finish throwing a few outfits into my bag before I glance at my bed, or more specifically to what I know is stored beneath it.

Totes full of River’s belongings. His parents, Vaughn and Kelly, left them with me a couple years ago. It was a sweet gesture but had set me back months.

For weeks, I couldn’t leave my cabin. All I wanted to do was be surrounded by his scent, holding on to whatever fragments of my mate that I could find. His lingering scent had been a balm to the raw wounds that his absence created, or so I kept telling myself.

It wasn’t until Dawsyn showed up and forced me out of my crazed state and promised me that we’d work together to bring River home that I finally put everything away—aside from a few shirts I wear to bed—that I got my shit together again.

I haven’t lost it since and hope that’s not going to change anytime soon.

Pulling out two of the totes, I carefully open the first lid and nearly weep. River’s scent is barely still present, but there’s enough there to remind me of what I almost had, what I’m not going to give up easily.

I’m coming for you, River.

With shaking hands, I grab a few things for him, only allowing myself a deep inhale of the sweatshirt I fold and put into the bag.

I give the totes a final glance. If I have my way, they’ll be the first thing I unpack when we return.

Heading to Sophie and Kyler’s home that’s only a few minutes’ walk from mine, I see her next to the truck with the door open and Kyler exiting their house with several bags and…a gun.

Not that I’ve never shot one before, but I’m not a fan, preferring to use my claws over man-made items. Though, if this is the tranq gun my sister mentioned before, I have no qualms about using that to keep River safe.

Sophie takes one bag at a time from her mate and sets the items into the truck before climbing in. I watch her rearrange things, placing waters and snacks within reaching distance of the driver’s seat and tucking the rest under the back seat.

Kyler slings an arm over my shoulders. “You better bring my truck back in one piece.” He laughs. “I’m kidding. Mostly. As long as you and River come back in one piece, nothing else matters.”

My head leans into his side, allowing myself a moment of gratitude for their unwavering faith. “I appreciate that.”

“And don’t worry about things here,” he adds. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t stress too much.”

All I’ve sensed is support from Sophie, but of course, Kyler would know the truth of her emotions and I don’t blame her for being worried. Not when I am as well. The most important fact is that she’s supporting me.

Sophie hops out of the truck and shuts the back door. “Now, you’re ready to go.”

I step away from Kyler and throw my arms around her. “You’re going to make an incredible mother. Hell, you already are. What you’ve done for me… I don’t think I’ve properly thanked you for that.”

She holds me tighter. “No thanks needed, Sister. Helping you have the life you deserve has been my honor.”

Emotions burn up my throat, and I blink away the tears that threaten to fall. This isn’t the time to lose control.

I pull away and clear my throat, steeling myself for the trip I’m about to take. “I guess that’s it then.”

“And you’re heading where?” Kyler asks, pulling Sophie to his side and holding her waist.

“Dawsyn said he was last spotted in Colorado,” I reply. “I’m hoping once we’re close enough, my wolf will be able to track him through the bond, even though it was never completed.”

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