Thomas' thundering voice reverberated through the cavernous room, "Izbee!"
A hulk of a man with a carrot top and more freckles than stars in the sky picked her up, twirling her around. "Oh Izbee, I've missed my big sis."
She kissed his forehead, holding his face as he dropped her. "My God. I think you're bigger than when I left, if that's possible."
He smirked and held his fists up, flexing his biceps. "Some guns, eh? Don't think you'll be taking me down this year."
"We'll see about that." She squeezed one of his biceps, her eyes focused on her parents and they shared a group hug.
Miriam said, "So good to see you, Sweetheart."
Her father held her back by her shoulders. "Let me look at my little girl." He nodded in approval and drew her in for another hug. "Welcome home, Honey." In a whisper, he said, "I'm betting you can still take him." He pulled away and winked at her.
They retrieved her suitcase and all loaded into the limo waiting to drive them to the area where private planes took off and landed. Thomas did most of the talking, catching Elisabeth up on everything that had happened in his life since they last spoke. No one mentioned the rogue werewolves or Jackson. For the time being, they were a family reconnecting.
Thomas and Caleb remained with the luggage to help the flight crew stow the bags while Elisabeth and Miriam boarded the plane. "How is father taking things?"
"Oh, about as I expected him to."
"And Thomas?"
"They are encouraging each other. Alone, they seem to be adjusting, but when they're together they regress." She waved a hand in the air. "Pack mentality runs deep."
The men appeared at the front of the plane and the foursome settled into their seats. Once they were airborne, the flight attendant passed out champagne with pâté and crackers.
Thomas chuckled at the way Elisabeth attacked the plate of appetizers. "What's the matter? Are they starving you?"
"I slept through lunch."
The flight attendant heard the exchange and returned with a sandwich. "Can I get you anything else?"
"No, thank you. This is great."
"I'll be up front. Knock if you need anything."
When Elisabeth finished eating, Thomas shifted in his chair to face her. "Dad and I have a bet on how long it will take us to talk you out of this lunacy with the bloodsucker."
She removed her seat belt, stood in front of him, and leaned over, pinning his shoulders back. "It is not lunacy, I will not be talked out of it, and his name is Jackson. If you ever call the man I love anything but his name again, I will make you regret it."