A/N: I am writing this from an undisclosed location, due to prnamber3909's last couple of reactions. ;) Thanks for reading and reviewing! I'll catch your comments later today. I just wanted to get this up ASAP. Happy reading! -SJ

I'm drawn to the wall, and pick my way across the debris on the floor to place my hand against it. I am aware that others are around me, but they are kind enough to pretend they are not watching as they clear the glass and scrub away blemishes. I narrow my eyes at the phrase. A sickening stain on the floor confirms the words are indeed made of blood. I wonder whose. Suddenly cold in the warm air, I step back, and wrap my arms around myself.

Footsteps on the stairs break the silence. I can tell from the footfall who it is, and don't even look towards him until I feel his arm slide across my shoulders. I lean into him, still wordless. I can't relax, but the familiar weight comforts more than anything he could say. I reach up to grab his hand and he starts and draws a sharp breath. I move away from him a bit, and notice the brace peeking out from beneath his jacket sleeve, wrapping around his right wrist. My expression says it all.

He's quick to answer, "It's nothing, love. Just a simple sprain."

"How?"

He looks a little sheepish as he confesses, "Carter and I were a ways from the safe room when the alarms went off. He was a little exuberant in his protection of me."

I cradle his hand in both of mine. "I'm just glad you're safe."

His face shows his surprise at my subdued response. I will save my anger for the terrorists who invaded my home. He cradles my face in his left palm, "And I'm glad you're back." He presses his mouth to mine, gentle, sweet, and restrained. "You have three little boys upstairs who are clamoring for their mother. Are you ready for breakfast?"

I lean my head into his chest, "Who?" and gesture to the wall. He knows what I mean.

"Officer Riley was on watch here."

I nod, remembering the young man being trained for our personal guard by Avery and Carter. After a few more silent moments, I let Maxon guide me up the stairs.

I cannot hear my family through the closed door, which is unusual for our group. Aspen is in the hallway, conferring with Avery, Carter, and Paige. I am relieved to see that they all made it through the night. Carter has a bandage on his face under his eye. Avery and Paige look relatively unscathed, the bags under their eyes the only tell-tale sign that something happened last night. As they stand at attention, I murmur my greetings. But, we pause before going through the door. The guilt of inviting my whole family into danger is pressing on me.

Maxon squeezes my hand, a silent reminder that we can make it through this together, too.

He opens the door, and I take in the scene. Cal is trying to engage Griffin in a quiet game on the floor with Griffin. Abrielle is in May's lap at the table, stealing muffin pieces from her plate, while May is uncharacteristically quiet and trying to finish her breakfast around her. Mom is deep in conversation with Kota, while Kenna and James look on with serious, almost angry, expressions. Barrett is trying to pull Astra, Elena, and Jimmy over to the door to the nursery, and away from their parents. But the older kids are resisting, though still trying to be kind to the smaller boy. They look reluctant to leave Kenna's side. Mom's smile spreads and her eyes shine, the only one that looks totally at ease. She can barely contain her joy, as the prodigal son eats breakfast beside her. She instantly looks ten years younger-though her hair has long since gone completely white. I had almost forgotten about Kota, since I sent the rest of the traveling party to the back door. I am almost glad I didn't see the reaction when he arrived.

Because of the subdued atmosphere, every one turns to the door when it opens. Before I can blink, two little boys are tearing across the room, intent on their target. Both Barrett and Griffin barrel into my waiting arms. I bury my face in their sweet baby necks, and collapse on the couch with them both in my lap, letting pudgy hands pat my face and work their way into my hair. Cal looks like he is trying to be reserved in front of his cousins, especially Jimmy who is six months older, but quickly drops his act. I put an arm around him as he sits down close next to me. "I missed you all, too." All too soon, Griffin climbs back down after placing a slobbery kiss somewhere near my ear. He is not much for cuddling. Since Cal is occupied, he heads for Jimmy. Barrett, though, snuggles into my shoulder and closes his eyes, whatever he is planning for his cousins apparently can wait until later. I lower my voice and ask Cal, "Last night?"

A shadow passes his face briefly. He is already learning to compose his expressions, and part of me regrets that he is getting so good at it so early. "I thought it was another drill, but it took Dad awhile to get to us. And Uncle Carter was bleeding when they did." He tries to shrug, "Dad told me you were coming home, and I was more worried about you. Even Griffin slept we were in the safe room so long."

I pat his hand, "Thank you for being so brave. I know you were a big help to Miss Paige and Aunt May."

"I didn't feel brave, Mama. But I had to act like it so nobody else got scared like me."

I feel Maxon's hand on my shoulder, and he leans in to the quiet conversation. "And that's what courage is Cal. Acting brave when you'd rather hide." Maxon's attention turns to me, "Love, I hate to do this, but the council will be here in an hour."

"I know. We're needed elsewhere." I inwardly sigh, but know we will break for dinner this evening. "Just let me say hello to Mom and Kenna." At least all the additional company will distract the children while we are gone. I don't like to see Cal's face so drawn. "We'll talk more this evening?"

He nods, and I pass Barrett to him and approach the table. I hug Mom around the shoulders, nodding to Kenna and James. "Kota, we'll talk about the arrangements for your hand tonight. I know you are anxious to return to Carolina."

"Oh, America. He just got here! Don't you think a nice long visit is warranted?" Mom looks at me reproachfully and I look to Kota. He shrugs almost indetectably. But he says nothing.

"I was under the impression that Kota wanted to immediately begin his stay in rehabilitation for his hand." I raise my eyebrow at him. Always willing to let me take a little heat for him, but I'm not nine anymore. And I thought there we had an understanding. I notice Kenna is also narrowing her eyes at Kota. My big sister is always in my corner.

"It's been so long, can't he stay here and have the doctor come here?" Mom looks at me expectantly, but there is an edge to the question. I am not willing to argue about this right now. We have more important things to worry about then where Kota sleeps.

"We'll talk about the arrangements this evening," I repeat. "I just wanted to let you all know that Maxon and I are excusing ourselves. Mary is here to assist you, so if you need anything, just ask. The palace is at your disposal. Please, just refrain from going in the front hall until told otherwise. It sustained most of the damage last night." I think of the destruction and Riley's blood smeared across the wall.

"Of course, America. Don't worry about us. I was thinking this would be a perfect day to plan the birthday party," Kenna attempts a smile and May nods in agreement. They'll really take care of everything.

The smile I give them is real, "Thanks. We'll be back as soon as we can." I feel Maxon's light touch on the small of my back, ready to guide me to our next responsibility.

"Of course we will. At the very latest, we'll see you for dinner," Maxon flashes his smile at Mom and she is agreeable again, patting Kota's hand. I refrain from rolling my eyes, and am thankful she is so easily charmed by my husband. I swear she likes him better than me anyway.

We leave the warmth of our rooms and head to Maxon's study to have the meeting before the meeting. Stavros and Aspen are there waiting for us, talking intently at the table and stopping to nod as we enter the room.

I pull out my chair, next to Maxon's at the head of the table, and shuffle through the agenda items, gathering my thoughts about what I need to share based on the trip. Maxon takes his seat and does the same. I scan the "condolences" section, Riley's family is listed, along with Campbell and Stephens. I didn't know them except by sight; but, I can feel the loss of good people and empathize with their families. Two names catch my attention at the bottom of the list: Newsome, Robert and Alexandra. My breath catches in my throat as the room starts to spin.