Page 113 of Dueling the Suitors

She grinned back. “Yes, we did.”

Cyrus leaned down and kissed her tenderly. Someone coughed loudly from far behind.

Astoria pulled back and turned to the doorway immediately. She had nearly forgotten her brothers and the others were still there. Heat flooded her cheeks, but Cyrus pulled her back into his arms with a chuckle.

“For goodness’ sake, we are married.”

“Good luck getting that through Emmett’s thick, overprotective skull,” she replied and took down the shield to let them through.

Emmett held out a hand to feel the shield and then took off in a sprint towards her. Astoria pulled away from Cyrus and met him halfway. She buried her face into the collar of his shirt and inhaled his signature perfume. Her eyes watered, and the full force of missing him hit her. Oh, she had missed him more than she thought she did.

Even though he no longer smelled like home.

Home. Her home stood right behind her, watching her reunion with a soft smile. She didn’t have to turn to confirm it.

Astoria felt Emmett’s chest shake. She brought her hand up and stroked his hair in comfort. No words were needed; their actions were enough.

There was a commotion at the doorway, and Astoria heard Cyrus and someone else’s voices, but she refused to let go of her brother. Finally, Emmett pulled away to look at her.

His eyes were wet, but they smiled. “You scared me. You are so good at scaring me it is a miracle every strand of my hair isn’t grey already.”

She laughed tearfully, and Emmett’s eyes lit up even more. “That’s one way of saying you missed your little sister, I guess.”

A throat cleared behind them. “It’s a miraclemyhair hasn’t turned grey yet, given it seems like years I have been standing here waiting for my turn to greet my sister.”

Astoria pulled away from Emmett and turned to face Silas. He was smiling at her. She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her, and she flung her arms around him, squeezing out his breath.

“I missed you too, Silas.”

“I didn’t say I missed you.”

“Actions speak louder,silly.”

Silas chuckled softly and tightened his already tight arms around her. “Better?”

She must be dreaming. “Perfect.”

They were both grinning when they pulled away, just before Astoria’s attention latched onto the figure standing next to them, a few feet away.

Jasper.

She turned to him. His blonde hair was ruffled, and his hands were stuffed into his pockets. His eyes were already on her.

She smiled. “Jasper.”

He smiled back. “Astoria.”

Astoria didn’t remember when was the last time he called her by her full name. He had always called herStorie. But she understood. If it helped him, she was only glad.

She stepped towards him tentatively. “Thank you for coming.”

He shook his head with a forced smile. “It looked like you didn’t even need our help.” He jerked his chin pointedly behind her.

She followed his gaze and saw Cyrus. His mouth moved as he talked with his brother, but his eyes were on her. General Sean was next to them, his eyes on her as well. Had the commotion been their arrival?

Astoria exchanged a smile with Cyrus and turned back to Jasper. “Yes, our powers magnified after Skylar and Spyrah left to get you.”

Jasper arched an eyebrow at her.

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