“We just tell them the truth?” I wanted to make sure we were on the same page.

He found my gaze. “Yes, we tell them the truth.”

Okay, I could do that.

The chattering of hundreds of supes and the distinct smell of the five races hit me hard as we stepped into what seemed to be a central gathering place in the sanctuary. It was around lunchtime, and all of the restaurants were full. I took a moment to enjoy the delicious scents, and my brain starting making a list of what I wanted from each and every place.

What? I was hungry.

Then I heard my name. “Jess! Brax!”

I recognized Jacob’s white hair reflecting the artificial sunlight. Still not touching, which seemed to be more obvious than if we’d been holding hands, we crossed the hundred yards to reach our friends. Everyone was there, the Compasses, Mischa, Louis, Quale, even Grace, who I hadn’t seen much of. And suddenly I saw him … I took off at a run.

“Dad!” my shriek was loud enough to have heads turning, but I didn’t care.

Jonathon Lebron was out of his chair and across the path in seconds, his alpha power surrounding me with the warmth and comfort I’d missed. Strong arms encased me as he pulled me into a firm hug. Just the scent of my father was enough to kick-start countless memories flashing through my mind. Some were shitty, like the years after Lienda had left him, but most were amazing. Besides the Compasses, my dad was the single most important influence in my life. He’d taught me to fight, helped me through my first shift…

I had really missed him.

When we finally pulled back I was a little surprised to see moisture ringing his eyes. I’d never seen my dad cry, not even in the dark years after Lienda left – although I think he’d tried to keep that devastated part of himself private. Speaking of, my mother was waiting to the side, and with only a little hesitation I opened my arms and gave her a brief hug. There weren’t that many memories associated with her crisp, lemony scent, but I still enjoyed the moment.

“It is so good to see you, Jess, I’ve missed you,” said my father.

I grabbed his hand, pulling him back to the massive table where my family was holed up. “I have missed you so much, but … food … I need food.”

It was reaching desperate times.

Jonathon threw back his head and laughed, strong white teeth flashing. He had the same blue eyes as me, but his hair was light. Same as Lienda. I had no idea where Mischa and I got our black hair from, but in most other ways I could see a lot of my features in my parents.