Lay on the sofa in Cassius's study, a tear slid from the corner of my eye. I didn't bother to wipe it away, letting it run across my cheek and onto my ear. I held back another round of sobs, rolling to my side. I felt like I'd cried for three days non-stop.

Squeezing my eyes shut, holding the rest of the tears in place I forced myself up and padded to the small bathroom. Running some water, I washed my face. Through tired and puffy eyes I examined the bruising to my throat. Thankfully, it was fading, almost gone courtesy of my wolfie healing abilities.

My wolf whimpered, feeling the loss our mate too. It's okay, girl, we'll find him.

It had been four days since the Jinn had taken total control over our mate. And the look of complete desolation in his eyes before he darted off into the night had damn near ripped my heart out.

The first twenty-four hours I searched non-stop, until my feet ached and my wolf was near to collapse before The Elders forced me to return with Sylar.

"Pearl?" Heading back into Cassius's study, I called out, "In here." It was Orion.

"Hey, okay?" He looked around his brother's study.

I nodded and sat down on the old creaky sofa. "Yeah—have you heard from Seth, Noah or Nile?"

He shook his head. "Still nothing."

Fuck!

It didn't help that Cass had vanished in Logan's Pass, hours away from here. It made the search all the harder. Luckily, the Alpha from the Nightsbane Pack, Ryker, had volunteered his best trackers. It had surprised me, as Cassius had killed quite a few of his wolves before shifting and taking off. Perhaps he just wanted him off his lands?

I reached for a loose pillow and hugged it tightly. I'd slept in his study since arriving back. It was here his scent was the strongest and I took some comfort in closing my eyes and pretending he was here. "I never thought I could miss someone this much."

Orion sat beside me and ran his arm around me, pulling me toward me. I rested my head in the crook of his shoulder. "We'll find him Pearl; my brother is the strongest wolf I know." He tightened his hold to reassure me. "But honestly, how are you holding up? Still no weirdness from the moon goddess hitching a ride?"

Everyone was looking at me differently once they heard. But honestly, I did nothing. Luna and my squatters banded together along with the Elders' magic and banished Selene from Ember. I couldn't remember what happened. Only waking up and seeing all hell break loose and Cassius on a killing spree.

I sighed, swallowing the emptiness. "How's Sylar?"

Noah had told me Sylar's wolf had protected Ember, and I wasn't sure what to think of that. Luna had sent him to sleep, so he wouldn't get hurt.

We brought him back to Kings Moon's pack lands, but he refused to shift, or let anyone near him. His wolf either howled or paced non-stop, as if in constant torment. For his safety and those of the pack, I agreed to his confinement, but only because he wouldn't acknowledge me, Gunner or Willa.

"No change," he said as I pulled from his embrace, burying my face in my hands, groaning.

"What can I do to make you feel better, Pearl?"

I dropped my hands, noticing he had the same colour blue eyes as Cass. "I'm fine, just tired." It was a flat out lie.

"Why don't you sleep upstairs... in bed. Cass wouldn't mind you using his bed. In truth, when he finds out I let you sleep in here, he's gonna kick my ass."

"I just feel closer to him here." I shrugged, putting the cushion next to me.

"Hey, I know how to make you feel better." His tone was playful. "How about I make a pass at you? Kiss you again?"

What the fuck? My eyebrows pinched, unsure if I'd heard him right.

"C'mon, it might make you feel better. I kiss you. You hit me. I've heard it can be quite therapeutic!" He bumped my shoulder with his. "It always cheered Cass up—kicking my ass or trying to." he smirked.

A smile teased my lips, thankful he wasn't serious. "Thanks, but I'll pass... on the kissing, and the hitting." I placed my hand over Cassius's mark, hoping he could still feel me, and knew how much I missed him.

Clearing his throat, I looked up to see Gunner fill out the door frame, hands fisting by his side. He grunted, glaring at Orion, eyes narrowing, top lip curling.

"Okay big guy, no need to look like you wanna knock me out." Orion rose from the sofa. "I'm off to see Willa. You know where I am if you need me."

"Thanks Orion."

Gunner growled as Orion passed him. It didn't faze him as he slapped Gunner on the back, sniggering to himself.

I stood as Gunner stomped toward me. The air was punched from my lungs as he yanked me into a bear hug, Gunner style. I wrapped my arms around him and patted his back. "You look like shit, Pearl?" he mumbled.

Pulling back; his face softened. I knew he was worried about me and Sylar, although he would never say it. He was a man of action, not words.

"Thanks Gunner." He looked surprised. "I should have said that a while back—you've always looked out for me and I'm quite aware I've not been the easiest to babysit, pain in the arse."

He curled a brow and lightly nudged my chin with his fist. "Anytime kiddo." He hugged me again as I gripped his t-shirt between my fists.

"Any news with Sylar?"

He rested his head on top of mine. "No, but the others landed at five, on their way now."

Separating from his warmth, I wanted to dance on the spot. This was the best bit of news I had in forty-eight hours. Gunner had contacted Hunter when I'd returned, and I was gobsmacked to hear they were travelling here. "How long?"

"We need to leave in an hour."

That gave me time. "Good. I'm gonna check on Sylar and Willa and then we can head to the border and meet them, yeah?"

"I'll meet you out front, I need to see Eve."

Meeting his mate had brought a sense of calm and peace to the man, and I couldn't be happier for him.

~ ~

It was cold as I made my way to the building where they'd confined Sylar. I knew it as the Pack Holding House. I guess you could call it a jail, but it didn't have bars and all the doors, from what I could see, had no locks. But outside someone always stood guard. Today, it surprised me to see Carmel, the pack's Zeta, standing with two other pack members who I'd not seen before.

"Luna." They bowed their heads. I still found it strange to hear and one day hoped I could earn the title.

"Pearl," welcomed Carmel. It was safe to say I liked her. I'd learned in the last couple of days she was sarcastic with a potty mouth to match my own and it was fun to watch her tease the males. She was also fiercely loyal to Cass.

The two pack members left us. "Hey Carmel. Any-?" she interrupted.

"No, not since the last time you were here." She answered before I asked. "You should rest. We will fetch you if there is any change."

"I'm good, grabbed a couple of hours' sleep." Another lie. "How's Willa, holding up?"

"Willa is a King, she is strong, like her brothers."

I smile, nodding. "Heading inside—you coming?"

"No, I will remain on watch."

Inside, I walked down a darkened passage, passing a few empty rooms. Coming to the end room, I heard Willa talking to Sylar as I slowed my steps. His wolf whined, which was an improvement on the growling. I reached out. 'Sylar?'

Nothing.

Standing in the open doorway, Willa hadn't heard me arrive. "Hey."

She turned toward me. "Hi Pearl." She looked exhausted.

Sylar, who lay in the room's corner on a makeshift bed, snarled, but didn't look at me. "Has he eaten today?"

Willa shook his head. "No, but he sniffed the deer that Orion brought for him, but then pushed it away and howled." She pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around them. "He misses her."

She was talking about her crazy bitch twin. "You look tired. You need to get some sleep, Willa." Like I was one to talk.

Shoulders sagging, she fixed me with a smile. "You should take your own advice Pearl." Her eyes dropped from mine. "Sorry. I'm good, honestly."

She wasn't wrong, but I would give it one last go. "You realise Cassius will read me the riot act when he finds out I let you sit here, constantly watching him—not looking after yourself."

Willa shook her head. "I can't leave him, Pearl. He needs me." Stubborn ran in the family and I didn't have it in me to push further. I would do the same.

"Have the Elders come up with anything?"

She sighed. "They don't think it's a spell."

"But they can't be sure?"

Willa opened her mouth, I sensed her hesitation. "I've asked them if they could return my magic, but it would mean severing my bond to Cass—" She stopped, but I knew what she was about to say. Willa might be the only one able to reach him when we found him.

"Sorry Pearl."

"Hey, don't be. Let me worry about your brother, bring him home."

I tentatively walked toward Sylar's wolf, kneeling in front of him, holding my hand out. He sniffed, huffing, but refused to come closer. But at least he'd stopped growling. That had to be something, right?

"I'm heading to the borders with Gunner. My family has landed, heading here now."

"That's wonderful news Pearl, I'm looking forward to meeting them." Her eyes brightened. "It might help his sister being close."

I had my hopes pinned on it. "Promise me Willa. When I get back. You'll rest. Me and Sage will sit with him."

She looked dubious, nibbling her bottom lip and I tried to reassure her. "He won't be alone Willa, ever."

"A shower and some fresh clothes might be nice." She finally relented.

"Yes, because between you and him." I flicked my head in Sylar's direction. "You're both stinking up the place." I was only teasing, but at least it earned me a genuine smile.

"You might be right, Pearl." Wrinkling her nose.

~ ~

Stepping over the magical barrier, I now stood where I'd first met Seth.

"What time is it?" Nervous excitement had my stomach in knots.

Gunner looked at his watch. "Expecting them any minute."

I rose on my tiptoes and in the distance, dust kicked up as a black limo drove along the narrow dirt path. Coming to a stop, I squealed, rushing to the door, flinging it open. Sage got out first, and I threw myself at her.

"Fuck, it's good to see you, Sage," I whispered as she hugged me just as fiercely, her calming presence already making me feel better. "I've missed you."

"Missed you too, Pearl."

Inhaling, I released her to see Hunter get out. I threw my arms around him as he lifted me from the ground. "I can't believe you came."

Setting my feet firmly back down. "Your family Pearl, do you honestly think we'd let you do this alone, yeah?"

I stepped back with the biggest smile on my face as he zoned in on my bruises but kept quiet. "Meh, I think you missed me!"

"Can I say yeah to you?" he smirked.

Smart arse.

Misha exited the car with Hannah, David, and Olivia right behind her. "Good to see you, Pearl," she said, smiling.

"Jesus, you all came?" A lump sat in my throat. David and Olivia each grabbed a leg. "My little Monsters. Let me hug you both to death." They let go, and I bent down and pulled them both in for a hug. "I've missed you both. You were good for your Mommy and Daddy?" They pulled back and both nodded with a glint in their eye.

Hunter huffed. "Yeah, right." As he ruffled his son's hair.

Hannah gave me a little wave as she took her mum's hand. I smiled and winked.

"You good Gunner?" asked Hunter, but had his eyes on the three pack members who walked toward the limo to get their luggage.

"Fuck, it's like door service without the hotel."

"Mon Dieu! Language Hunter," scolded Sage. "The Children." She held up her fingers to cover her lips. I was honestly surprised it wasn't the twins' first word... but apparently David's first word was 'yeah' Who would have guessed?

"Yeah, sorry, baby." He leaned in to silence her with a kiss. "Forgiven?"

"I see nothing changes?" I said as Sage gave her head a little wobble.

Gunner grunted, "Here." He threw a set of keys toward Hunter, who caught them. "You ever driven a Jeep?" he asked.

"First time for everything." He looked around. "Hey, where did they go?"

I rose and took a hand of each of my monsters. "You'll see. C'mon, you'll love this; we have to step through a magical doorway."

The twins giggled, then gasped as we entered the Kings Moon Pack.

"Not bad," muttered Hunter, but I knew it impressed him as he took Sage's hand and we headed to the jeeps.

It didn't take us long to reach the pack house, where Orion showed Misha, Hannah and the twins to their rooms, so they could change and unpack.

Hunter, Sage, and I went into Cassius's study.

"Fuck me. Have you seen this, Sage?" Hunter went straight over to Cassius's desk and ran his hand along it. "Fuckin beautiful, yeah?"

Despite myself, I laughed. "Jealous Hunter?"

"Fuck, yeah," he replied.

Sage walked toward it, but her attention was on the picture. "Is this Wolf...Cassius?"

I nodded. "Yeah, that's him and his sister, Willa."

"Sylar's mate." She ran her finger over Willa, smiling. "I can't believe you both found your mates here... in America."

"Well, you know me. I can't do anything the easy way."

Hunter sat in Cassius's chair, and I felt a sharp stab to my chest.  "You okay Pearl?" he asked.

"Yeah, it would be better if the wolf that the table belonged to was sitting there, that's all."

"You want me to shift?"

I shook my head. "Nah, I just miss him."

Sage took my hand. "We're here now. You're not alone. I want to see Sylar and then we get to work finding your mate."

With my family here, hope unfurled in my chest.