A Bitter Welcome

(Neva’s POV)

Ryker and his mother hugged briefly.

The moment they parted, he turned to me. "Neva, meet my mother, Loralie." He smiled, gesturing at her and then turned to his mother with a bigger smile. "Mom, meet Neva…"

It felt like he wanted to say more, but stopped.

Loralie raised a brow, and with a snort, threw her face the other way "Let’s have dinner. I’m tired and hungry. It’s been a long