I closed the door to the office for a bit of privacy.

“Hello?” I said into the receiver.

“Tilly?”

“Chelle? Is that really you?”

“It's me.”

“Are you okay?”

“I think so. It's so good to hear your voice.”

“I can't believe it's really you.”

Tears flowed freely. Chelle was alive. She was okay.

“Where are you?” I asked.

“I don't know. It was awful, Till. I never want to go through something like that again.”

“But you're okay now?”

“I am, thanks to Lachlan.”

“Huh?” I had to fight back the urge to growl at her.

“I was in this awful prison of sorts. They were selling people and he bought me.”

“He bought you?”

“Yes, but he's been nothing but great. I really like him.”

“To be clear, who are we talking about?”

“Lachlan.”

My heart skipped a beat. He's found her and I knew he was protecting her now too.

In the blink of an eye, I went from overwhelming gratitude to insane jealousy.

Was this his thing? Did he just go around protecting damsels in distress? I knew I wasn't thinking logically, but the idea of him alone with my sister angered me while making me want to puke at the same time.

“Tilly, are you still there?”

“Yeah. I'm here.”

She continued to gush over my mate until I couldn't think straight.

“Can you please stop talking about him?” I snapped.

“Are you okay?”

“Tilly? Tilly, is everything okay?” Lachlan asked.

“Ow. You didn't have to rip the phone from my hand.”

“Sorry,” he muttered. “Matilda, are you okay? You have to speak to me sweetheart. I can't see your beautiful face right now. I need to hear that you're okay.”