Page 88 of Tangled Hearts

“Once, about ten years after we left,” he said, closing his eyes as I massaged his head. “My sister and father found us and tried to convince Soren to come back. They promised they would give him the freedom he desired, but that he needed to grow up and come back home. Neither of them acknowledged me when they came to us, acted like I wasn’t in the same room with them.”

“Those assholes,” I said, feeling protective. “They don’t know what an amazing person you are and what they are missing out on. You shouldn’t have to change any part of you to be loved. I never expect you to do that because I love you for who you are and not what you can give me or this family.”

Gray studied my face before bringing me in for a kiss again. It was rougher than the one we just shared. It was messy and raw with so much emotion.

“I didn’t even know I was waiting for a person like you,” he said against my lips. “I never knew life could feel like this or be like this. You make me feel like I’m home.”

“I'm glad that you aren’t like Soren,” I said, bringing our foreheads together. “I don’t need two of the same people. I love that you are different. I like that you are so smart and sweet while Soren is headstrong and stubborn. You will never live in Soren’s shadow with me because I love you equally. I love your differences.”

His body sagged as tension left his body.

“I know it’s dumb, but thank you for saying that,” he said.

“It’s not dumb. Your feelings are never dumb,” I said, hugging him tightly.

“I love you, Oria, in every lifetime,” he said, squeezing me a little tighter.

Thank you. Soren said in my mind. He’s suffered long enough thinking he’s in my shadow, but he just doesn’t know how great he is.

My heart grew, feeling their bond and love.

“We are about to cross into pack lands,” Ryder said. “I don’t want to be rude, but can everyone stay quiet?”

Ryder looked at Soren.

“I won’t say anything,” Soren grumbled.

I laughed knowing it would be hard for him to stay quiet. Ryder looked over to Max who nodded, but I knew Max wasn’t the type of person to say something out of line.

“We aren’t walking into a hostile pack?” I asked.

“No, it’s just wolves are very particular about hierarchy, and they see vampires as a threat,” Gray said, adjusting me on his lap so I could look out the window. “The Balder pack lands are beautiful.”

It didn’t take long for the scenery to change to an open area as the car slowed. Two wolves stood in the street blocking our way. Ryder stopped in front of them about ten feet away. He exited the car, and my body grew tense immediately wanting to exit the car with him.

“This is normal,” Gray said, rubbing my arms up and down. “He’s like royalty here.”

The wolves came up to him, one of them barking before they jumped on him. I lurched forward ready to get out of the car when Ryder's laugh stopped me.

“He’s fine, Blondie.” Soren turned around to look at me. “Every time we've come back here, they make a big deal, like the prodigal son is back.”

“He’s the oldest so, of course, they love it when he comes home,” Gray said.

“If he’s the oldest, doesn’t that mean he will take over the pack?” I asked, seeing Ryder laugh again as he got up petting the wolves.

“Maybe, but Samira and Wyman are still young,” Soren said, as Ryder made his way back to the car.

He slid into the driver's seat, his happiness was infectious, and I was glad we had come here. He drove the car down the path with the two wolves keeping up with us. Occasionally I'd see another wolf join in the running until we had at least ten wolves running with our car.

We pulled up to an enormous wood house with peaks on the top that looked to be two stories tall. There was an array of people out in front like a welcoming committee. Ryder got out first, walking fast to the older woman in the middle of the crowd. No one inside of the car moved, so I stayed put, even though I was itching to get out of the car. My bond was on edge as he hugged an older man and then another man and a woman who looked closer to Ryder's age. Another beautiful woman came up to Ryder, hugging him tightly that made jealousy burn in me.

“Are we going to sit here the entire time?” I snapped, seeing the woman hold on longer than necessary.

“He’s telling them we are here,” Soren chuckled. “Even though we usually come with him, I think he’s also telling them about Max and you.”

“He better say it's his mate in the car,” I mumbled, making Gray chuckle.

“Are you jealous, Sol?” Max looked over his shoulder with amusement in his eyes.

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