Page 111 of Hero of Havoc

“I can explain,” my brother states, taking a step toward us, and I'm more relieved to find that he at least took the time to get some clothes on before showing up here in a panicked state.

The last thing I need to deal with is his naked ass on top of everything else.

“Explanations aren't necessary,” Teddy grunts. "The state of Ivy is answer enough.”

His words are like ice through the air, driving home the point, and Sax's shoulders slink forward, defeat burning in his eyes before he stares down at his hands.

“It was different,” he rasps. “Everything was different,” he clarifies, silently confirming my suspicions, but the guys have no interest in hearing him.

“Well, when Ivy is available to make decisions for herself, maybe then you can show up and offer her some unworthy apology, but for now, you can get the fuck out of here,” Archer grunts, and my spine stiffens.

“He stays,” I bite, nostrils flaring as I fail to contain my emotions, but it’s impossible to do so when my defenses are rising immediately to protect my brother, who shakes his head.

“It's okay, I'll go,” he murmurs solemnly, and it pisses me off more.

“No, you won’t,” I retort. “They offered us the family room to wait in,” I explain, pointing to the door behind me. The room has remained unused since the three of us have paced back and forth repeatedly in front of her door instead. “You can wait in there.”

“Maybe it's not a good idea,” he states, and I shake my head.

“Did you hurt her on purpose?” I push, and his eyes widen, disbelief echoing through his frame as he shakes his head.

“Of course not.”

“Is there at least a reasonable explanation for the matter?” I carry on, and he nods. “Then you're not going anywhere.”

“I don't want him here,” Archer barks, snapping my attention to him.

“And I refuse to have you dictate everything. We’re a fucking team, so shut your mouth and wait for Ivy’s decision. No one gets to outweigh anybody. Nobody gets to make the final call unless your name is Ivy; that's not how this works.” My heart races in my chest as the silence becomes deafening, and to my relief, my brother takes the order and slowly strides toward me, but his head remains dipped in defeat.

The moment he steps over the threshold, he reaches for my arm, gaining my full attention. “The bear, it was Meadow. Do you know if she is okay?” he asks, and it's my turn for my eyes to widen in surprise this time.

“The bear is Meadow?” I repeat, and he nods.

“She was scared, and I think the fear triggered her shift. The first time is always the hardest.”

I exhale slowly, patting him on the shoulder. “She's okay, brother. I don't think she's shifted back yet, that I'm aware of, but I think she's down the hall.”

He nods, slinking into the room without a backward glance.

The second I stand straight and return my attention to Ivy’s door, I find Archer offering me a withering look. But before I can decide whether to call him out on it or ignore him, another rattle of footsteps comes from down the hall.

Only this time, it's not one set.

It's more.

It's like a calling card to my nervous system, and as I tilt my gaze toward the approaching herd, it doesn't feel all that surprising to see my entire family charging towards us.

My mother leads the crew, my sisters a step behind her, while my father and Garside hold up the rear.

Terror stains my mother's green eyes, her cheeks blotchy as she presses her hand against her chest. “Ivy, is she okay?” she breathes, throwing herself at me, and I wrap my arms around her shoulders, pinning her tight to my chest.

“She's still being seen. How are you here?” I mumble, and she leans back, a sad smile on her lips.

“Sax called,” she explains,

"How are you guys all holding up?” she asked, extending the question across the hall to Teddy and Archer too.

I nod, unable to find words, and she quickly glances toward the others.