A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

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KnightLawn: thanks for your review my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hope to keep hearing from you.

Tyler's POV

Meeting at the alpha's house always set his teeth on edge. Willard and Tyler had been at odds ever since the first day that Ruby ran. Ran from the pack and from him.

Word came from hunters that she had been in Seattle. By the time a team arrived she was once more in the wind. It frustrated both him and the Cates family.

He wanted his mate back and they wanted their daughter. Years had passed since she first ran. Ruby continued to elude them at every turn.

Sherman Blackstone as usual was trying to be the voice of reason. According to him, Ruby could not stay away much longer. Wolves were pack animals being alone was against their nature. It was the same with skinwalkers. Being away from ones pack would slowly drive the person insane. As would denying their inner wolf.

If Ruby kept this up she would take her own life and or the lives of those around her. She didn't understand that they were trying to save her. So they would keep looking until they found her. Until they brought her home.

What they didn't expect was for Ruby to return of her own power. Willard moved to get something from another room. When he opened the door the elder man froze. Shock and disbelief rang though the pack bond. This made Tyler gain his feet to see what the matter was. His own shock and disbelief mirrored that of the alpha.

Standing inside the doorway wearing wear a grey sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a black jacket was Ruby Cates. They all heard Willard say out loud and through the bond, "Ruby..."

Not a single person in the room could believe their eyes. They all thought they would have to drag her back kicking and screaming. It seemed however that once again Sherman was right. As much as Tyler would hate to admit it. However even the great Sherman Blackstone was surprised. It seemed even he didn't expect her to come just yet.

Tyler watched as Willard led his daughter to the couch. For a brief moment the younger wolf hesitated then he sat beside her. There wasn't many places for him to sit but he was meant to be at her side.

She stiffened but didn't say anything. She answered some of the questions that her father had but Tyler could sense her holding back. There was something she wasn't saying. While he wouldn't say anything here she wouldn't get out of answering his questions.

What really made her come back? Was there something more to know about? Was she ill like her father?

The last one would break Tyler's heart til nothing was left. Everyone saw him as evil and uncaring about those around him. Few besides his best friend Buddy knew the truth. Ruby was one of those people once. Now he was wary about opening himself back up to her. The risk of her running again was high.

Tyler was lost in his thoughts so he missed most of the conversation. The obvious parts weren't hard to figure out. Ruby would be staying at the manor for the time being. There would be visits with Sherman and Tyler.

As her mate he had the right to visit her. Sherman was going to try and reform the bond with the pack. Tyler would have to show her how to change again. He knew by Ruby's scent she had not changed once since she left.

Willard said drawing his attention from his mind, "Tyler take Ruby to her room."

Ruby didn't meet his eyes as she stood. There was a set in her shoulders that he didn't like. It was resigned as if she was walking to her own death.

The room they had prepared for her was at the end of the hall. Lucas room was two doors down from her's. If the boy wasn't her brother, Tyler might have objected. He didn't want other males near his mate.

It only took a moment for them to reach her room. Instead of Ruby going straight inside like he expected her to, she hesitated. Her green eyes hesitantly met his ice blue ones.

She said softly looking away, "I'm sorry, Tyler."

Tyler sighed, "I know, Ruby. I'm just glad you came back. We will work through this."

She nodded and turned to open the door. Once more she hesitated but it seemed this time she didn't have the courage to speak. She shut the door but their eyes met one last time. Tyler wanted to go after her but he knew it was useless. For the moment Ruby needed some time to herself.