It made me realize that even when he was angry with me, he was gentle. That even at our worst, he still showed me respect. I got out of my chair and pulled on a dress as Fender headed down the hallway to the stairs. It was my opportunity to smooth this over. Even an opportunity to convince Fender to change his mind.

Magnus screamed again. “Napoleon took the camp, and I’m the only survivor. So, get your motherfucking ass down here now.”

My dress was on, but I stilled. I knew exactly who Napoleon was. Fender had mentioned him a few times. I’d met him at a couple events. He was a new partner in Fender’s distribution network.

Magnus yelled again, lower this time because Fender must be at the top of the stairs. “He hit the camp with men and guns. Defeated us within an hour. He kept the prisoners and executed the guards. Raven and I escaped on horseback.”

“Oh thank god…” My hand gripped my chest, and I left the bedroom.

Fender’s footsteps sounded as he headed down the stairs. When he spoke, his tone was totally different. Calm. “This all just happened?”

Magnus’s voice mirrored his. “About eight hours ago. We got to my motorcycle at the house and drove straight here.”

I made it to the top of the stairs and looked at the three of them. Raven was in her work attire, standing slightly behind Magnus as she looked at Fender.

Fender didn’t know how to contain his anger, so he turned away and ran his hands over the stubble of his jawline. One hand was on his hip, and he paced in the entryway, his bare feet striking the tile with his movements.

I regarded my sister for a long time, feeling so much relief at the sight of her unharmed. It didn’t matter if every interaction we had resulted in fights and tears. Every time I saw her, it filled my heart with so much love. I moved down the stairs quickly and beelined straight for her. My arms encircled her, and I gripped her hard, felt her clutch me in return. “Are you okay?” I squeezed her, never wanting to let go.

“I’m fine,” she answered. “Just a bit overwhelmed. But I’ll get over it.” When she pulled back and looked at me, there was nothing but pure love there too. She didn’t agree with my decisions or who I loved, but that would never change the way she felt for me. Ever.

Fender continued to pace like he didn’t know what else to do. “How did he know where the camp was?” It was the first time he’d ever looked panicked. Calmly panicked. Moving and shifting as if staying still were impossible.

Magnus’s eyes followed his movements. “I think he followed you.”