the Arcadians, the Dark-Hunters against the Daimons. The Apollites against everyone. In the end, all we have are memories."
She indicated two candles that were set up on the wall. "Those are for my sons.
Bastien and Gilbert." A tear slid down her cheek. "It is in their honor that Sanctuary was founded. I vowed that no mother, no matter if she is human, Apollite, Katagaria, or Arcadian, would ever know my grief so long as her child was housed here underneath my roof."
"I'm so sorry, Nicolette."
The bear sniffed and patted her arm. "I appreciate your words, Bride. It is for you that I am renouncing Vane's banishment."
Vane looked stunned.
"It is my wedding present," Nicolette said. "You have no pack to protect her with and, as Acheron says, you have paid a high enough price for your kindness.
You protected Sunshine for the Dark-Hunters and so we protect you and your mate."
"Thank you, Nicolette," Vane said. "Thank you."
Nicolette inclined her head, then excused herself.
Vane lit the candle, then placed it next to the one for Colt's mother. His hand lingered on the glass. By his expression, Bride could tell he was remembering his sister. That he was grieving horribly for her.
His eyes were bright and shiny as he watched the candle flicker. After a moment, he glanced to her.
"Come," he said, taking Bride's hand. "It's time to meet my brother."
Bride followed him out of the room and up the staircase.
As they passed the first room, a man stepped out whom Bride actually recognized.
"Carson?"
He looked as shocked by her presence as she felt for his.
"Bride? What are you doing" His voice trailed off as he sniffed the air. His eyes widened. "You're one of us?"
"Us?"
"Carson is a hawk," Vane explained.
"No way!"
Carson nodded. "I'm the resident veterinarian and doctor here at Sanctuary."
He opened the door to the room he was leaving to show her a state-of-the-art examination room that was complete with some of the cages Vane had mentioned.
"I can't believe it," Bride said as she stared at Carson. She'd known him for years now.
"Neither can I," he said. He looked at Vane. "I suppose congratulations are in order. You do know what her father does for a living, right?"
"Yes. Neuter King."
Carson drew his breath in between his teeth. "You do have guts, wolf. Lots and lots of them."
"Yeah, I know."
"Well, I suppose you were on your way to Fang's room. I'll see you two downstairs."
Vane took her to the next room, which was a bedroom.