Tenn snort-laughed. “So did Everest.”

Braison’s face fell. “You hated that.”

Tenn shrugged. “I didn’t trust him yet.”

Everest grinned at that. “Fair.”

Braison’s face was still a little pale as he stared at Tenn. “But⁠—”

“But nothing, Braison.” Tenn smiled, the kind that lit up his eyes. “I’ve trusted you for twelve years. I meant it, fangs or not, you’re family. So, if you need to feed from her again, I have no problems with that. We are just happy to have you home.”

Tears filled Braison’s eyes as he nodded. His lips were mashed together in a tight line like he was trying to contain his emotions. Hunter wrapped his arm around his shoulders and held him tight. Braison let out a deep breath, then sighed and leaned into Hunter.

“Your parents are here in Eden. After we evacuated Tampa⁠—”

Braison gasped and looked up to him. “Did you tell them . . . what happened to me? That I’m⁠—”

“A vampire? Yes, I did.” Hunter smiled and ignored all the worried expressions of everyone else. Hunter shook his head. “Until you’ve had children, you cannot comprehend the pain of losing one. I could not in good conscience let them continue thinking their son was dead, so I told them quietly and privately, and I told them if they told anyone else, they would answer to my daughter and all her wickedness.”

“Awww.” Tegan pressed her hand to her chest. “Thanks, Dad.”

Hunter rolled his eyes at her, but he was smiling. He squeezed Braison, gave him a little shake, then dropped his arm and pointed to the kitchen. “Em saved some fried chicken for your return⁠—”

Braison gasped. “You didn’t⁠—”

“I did.” Emersyn smiled and it might’ve been the first time she smiled since being blinded. “It’s in the red Tupperware in the back.”

Braison looked like he was about to fall apart.

“Go on, Son,” Hunter patted his shoulder. “Go get your welcome home present.”

“Thank you,” he whispered, then cleared his throat. His face was bright-red as he ducked out of the middle of the living room with Albert practically on his back.

Hunter smiled and gave us a wink before he went to reclaim his seat next to Emersyn. Ah. I get it. He was the emotional thermometer of the group. He knew Braison needed a moment alone to feel his feelings, so he gave him that moment. That made me smile.

Everest lifted one hand and black smoke billowed from his palm, filling the space in front of us until it stood like five feet tall. The shadow swirled within for a moment before a girl stepped out. Most of the group was on their feet before I registered who it was. I didn’t know her, she was before my time here, but I’d heard her name shouted in echo that night on Avolire’s front lawn.

Libby.