Mended

2

Izzy's POV

The incessant ticking of the clock filled the silence of my empty apartment as I paced around tirelessly, my gaze sliding over to my window with every moment that passed. I tugged at the corner of my lip with my teeth, internally reminding myself to be patient because their flight had just recently landed and they'd be here soon enough.

When I couldn't take the rising anticipation any longer, I rushed over to the window overlooking my apartment building's parking lot once again, and peeked outside. When I spotted nothing out of the ordinary, I groaned and trekked back towards my living room, my mind buzzing from the eagerness.

Elijah and Kaiden were supposed to arrive any moment now. Their flight had left early morning, despite the differences in our time zones, and it had landed at the airport half an hour ago. From there, they'd be coming straight to my apartment, and then together, we'd go over to Ethan's.

Releasing a deep breath, I dragged myself over to the couch and plopped down with my phone in my hand, throwing my feet up on the coffee table. Deciding I needed a distraction, I started scrolling through the text messages I usually forgot to answer, shooting off quick replies to Caleb, Sophia and a text from Sydney that said she'd be back in a few days. I was about to send the message when it happened.

Elijah's name flashed on my screen, the words 'we're outside' accompanying his text.

Quicker than I thought was possible, I jumped off the couch and raced towards the window. My sock-clad feet skidded to a halt as I peered outside, the sight of the sleek black car turning into the parking lot causing my face to break into a smile.

I didn't waste a second. Without bothering to put on any shoes or even grab a sweater, I scrambled for the door and ran towards the stairs, racing down them at a speed that was most likely considered dangerous. If I was thinking straight, I probably would've taken the elevator down since I lived on one of the higher up floors, but the excitement and thrill of seeing my family after so long tuned out all rational thought.

I halted as my feet hit the asphalt outside to scan the parking lot, my heart pounding from the momentary work-out I'd just endured. When I spotted the car pulling into a parking spot, I took off as fast as I could.

Elijah had barely stepped out of the driver's side before I slammed into him at full force, sending him stumbling back a step before he managed to steady us both. My arms banded around his neck and I felt his smile as he slipped his arms around me, burying his face in my hair as he lifted me off the ground.

"Hi, Izzy," he chuckled against the side of my head, the deep sound reverberating through his chest.

I smiled against his shoulder. "Hi."

The feeling of being home returned slowly; the way it always did when I was in his presence. It was a feeling that hadn't gone away, despite the months and miles we'd spend apart.

The beginning had been difficult. Of course I had Ethan and Caleb after the initial three months I'd spent all alone, but it was different with Elijah, Kaiden and Sophia. It was different with every member of our family.

With Elijah, it was difficult being apart from him because I'd depended on him for everything. He'd taken me and my siblings in, raised us after the worst had happened and protected us as best as he could. Elijah had been my guardian—in more ways than one—and the adjustment that came with being away from my eldest brother had seemed impossible at times.

Especially after he'd saved my life.

"Alright, that's enough." Another rough, guttural voice grumbled. "It's my turn now."