"You're a terrible liar, Anika," Jennifer said softly, not unkindly. She picked up a plate, not looking at me, giving me a moment to compose myself. "You always have been. I saw the way you flinched before. I recognized that look on your face. You met your mate during your trip, didn't you?" I focused on scrubbing a pot, the soapy water sloshing over my wrists. "It's nothing for you to worry about, Jen. Really." "It's my job to worry," she replied. She placed the dried plate in the cupboard with a quiet click. "Especially about my family. And especially about my sister-in-lay who taught my children how to properly throw a punch." She paused. "The bond... It's painful, isn't it?" My scrubbing stilled. I stared into the murky water. She came to stand beside me, leaning against the counte