“Arthur,” Evie admonished. “He’s my … friend.”
“Friend, huh?” Arthur said, eyeing Connor suspiciously. “I’ve never seen you around here before.”
“I’m a friend from New York,” he answered.
“And you came all the way here? What for?”
Connor looked at Evie. “Your sister needs a friend right now.”
Before she could say anything else, a man in a white coat came out of the room, along with her stepmother.
"Evie, you're here!" Stephanie King cried as she wrapped her arms around her stepdaughter. "Thank God! I wasn't expecting you here so soon." Her blond hair was disheveled, and there were bags under her eyes. Though Stephanie was usually dressed professionally because she worked as an insurance agent in Kansas City, today she was looking more casual in sweatpants and a T-shirt. Evie imagined she probably threw on the first thing she could when ...
"Can we see him?" she asked the doctor, not wanting to picture her father in pain.
The man in the white coat shook his head. “Not yet, I’m afraid.”
“Is he going to be okay?”
"I can't be one hundred percent certain, but the prognosis is good. We were able to open up the blocked artery without surgery and, with the proper care, your father should be able to make a full recovery."
Evie felt her knees go weak as relief swept through her. “That’s great news.”
“He’s not quite out of the woods yet, but we’ll see. In the meantime, I suggest you all get some rest.” The doctor looked at Stephanie and Arthur. “I know you two have been here for a couple of hours. You can’t do much more for him, but you can come back this afternoon if you want. We’ll call you if anything changes.”
After thanking the doctor, Evie turned to Stephanie. "You guys should get some rest. I can stay here and wait if you want."
“Nonsense,” Stephanie said. “We’ll all go home and get freshened up and rest.”
“Even Connor?” Arthur asked.
“Who?”
Evie realized she had forgotten all about Connor. “Oh yeah. Um, Stephanie, this is my friend, Connor. Connor, my stepmom, Stephanie King.”
Stephanie peered up at Connor. Wearing his tight white t-shirt, jeans, and boots, and with tattoos up and down his arms, he must have looked intimidating to her stepmom. "Oh, my … I mean, nice to meet you, Connor. What brings you to Kansas?"
Evie groaned. “I’ll … explain later. Let’s go home.”
***
Connor offered to drive them all back to their home, but Arthur had taken the car over. So, they decided that Arthur would drive himself and Stephanie, and Evie and Connor could follow them back.
The hospital was only a couple of miles from the King family home. As they walked up to the ranch-style home in the suburb just outside Kansas City, Connor couldn't help but feel out of place. This was the American dream. The perfect suburban home, complete with the picket fence and perfectly manicured lawn.
"Should I put your friend in the guest room?" Stephanie asked. "You both are staying the weekend, right?"
Evie went red. “Uh …”
"I can stay at a hotel," Connor offered. "I didn't pack a bag or anything."
"Nonsense. You must stay here. Er," she looked around, "I don't think we have anything we can lend you. Even with Arthur's growth spurt, I'm afraid his sweatpants won't fit you."
“That’s fine, I can pick up some clothes later,” Connor said.
“Then maybe you’d like to freshen up a bit?”
"Thank you, Mrs. King," Connor said.
“Down the hall, to your right,” Stephanie replied. “And, please, call me Stephanie.”
"Thank you, Stephanie." He nodded at Evie and headed to the bedroom. He didn't need to freshen up, but he realized that was probably the signal that Stephanie wanted to be alone with her stepdaughter.
As he walked to the bedroom, he couldn't help but look at the photos lining the hallway. There were lots of them, and he recognized a much younger looking Evie, along with Arthur, Stephanie, and a dark-haired man with a bright smile who must be Evie's father. In one picture, he had his arm around her and their heads were leaning together. He could easily see the resemblance between father and daughter.
“Oh my God,” Evie said from behind him. “Those were my awkward years. Please stop looking.”
He smiled. “You were cute,” he said, pointing to one of her school photos.
She giggled. "Right. Pimply, chubby teen. Anyway." She moved closer to him. "Um, sorry about … the whole guest bedroom thing. Um, my parents are pretty conservative. Catholics, you know? And with Arthur here, they probably wouldn't let us stay in the same room anyway unless we were married." Her cheeks turned pink.
“It’s all right.” He had to admit, it stung a bit when Evie introduced him as a friend, but he didn’t hold it against her. She had more important things to worry about than his hurt feelings. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m … not really sure.” She shook her head. “I’m still processing.”
"He'll be okay," he assured her. He wanted so badly to hold her, to comfort her, but he wanted to be careful around her in her parents' home.
"You should—" The sound of the doorbell interrupted her. "Stephanie and Arthur are trying to get some rest, so I should go get that."
He watched her retreating back and headed to the guest bedroom. He found it easily and used the facilities to wash up. As he was drying his hands, his keen ears picked up raised voices outside. His senses went into overdrive, and he bolted for the front door.
More loud voices, one of them Evie’s. He would have ripped the door open if Arthur wasn’t already there, peering out the front window.
“What’s wrong?” Connor asked.
The younger man turned around, his face drawn into a deep scowl. "Richard. Evie’s stupid ex-boyfriend."
The hairs on the back of his neck bristled. Hands curled into fists at his sides. “Is she okay?”
“She’s not happy to see him, that’s for sure.” Arthur turned around. “Are you going to hurt her like that asshole did?”
Smart kid. “I’ll try not to.” That was the best he could promise for now.
Arthur stepped aside. “Go get rid of that bastard then.”
He cracked his knuckles, getting ready for a fight if needed. Pushing the surge of jealousy down deep, he opened the door.
“Evie, please, listen—”
"You said you only wanted to know about my dad's condition," Evie said, cutting him off. "I don't want to talk about us!"
“I do, but, please, you need to—” He reached for Evie’s arm, gripping her tight.
“Get your hands off her,” Connor growled.
The blond man in a dark suit stopped and looked at him. “Who the fuck are you?”
"I said get your hands off her, or I'll make you."
Richard's face twisted into fury. He straightened up, pulling his jacket to smooth it out. "Look, bro, this isn't any of your business."
“If you touch her, it is,” Connor said, his voice chilly.
“Is this your new boyfriend, Evie?” Richard said with a huff. “My, you’ve really outdone yourself.”
Connor stepped forward, but Evie quickly stepped up, grabbing his arm. “Connor, please, it’s okay.” She turned to Richard. “He was just leaving.”
"Fine," Richard sneered. "Don't come crawling back to me when he dumps your fat ass and you--"
Richard never finished his sentence because Evie's fist collided with his face. He staggered backwards, fell on the porch, then let out an indignant scream.
Evie's face quickly morphed from angry to surprise as she looked down and saw the blood flowing from her ex-boyfriend's nose.
“You bitch!” he cried, clutching his face as he struggled to get up. “I’m going to sue you!”
Connor chuckled. “Really, asshole? You’re gonna tell the cops and the court some girl knocked you flat on your ass?”
Richard
let out another indignant screech and then turned around to lumber back to his car.
“I can’t believe I did that,” Evie said, her face pale. “Did I …”
“He deserved it,” Connor spat. “For what he said. For everything he did to you.”
“Maybe it was too much, but I couldn’t help it. I’m just so done…” Her voice shook.
Before Connor could reach out to comfort her, the front door flew open.
"Jesus, Evie! You got that bastard good!" Arthur let out a hooting laugh, then looked at Evie with pride in his eyes. "The look on his stupid face …"
Connor was disappointed he didn't get the satisfaction of decking Richard himself, but he was glad Evie stood up for herself in front of her younger brother. The young man should learn that women aren’t helpless nor do they always need a man to defend them.
“Watch your mouth, young man,” Evie warned. “Stephanie will wash it out with soap if she hears you cussing like that.”
“I’m sixteen,” Arthur moaned. “I’ve said waaaay worse than that.” He turned to Connor. “Did you teach her that?”
Connor shook his head. “Your sister did that all on her own, I’m afraid. So, don’t cross her.”
“Arthur,” Evie began. “Can you give us a moment?”
“But—”
“Please? We’ll come right in. I just need to speak to Connor alone.”
“Fine.” He sulked, then walked into the house.
Evie let out a breath as she rubbed her knuckles. Connor grabbed her hand and then looked at it closely. “Not too bad, but we should get some ice on it.” He stared at her face, then tipped up her chin. “What’s the matter?”
“Um … yeah, so that was Richard.”
“Dick?” He teased, using Selena’s favorite nickname.
She giggled. “Yeah. So, as you can see, I’m not the best judge of character when it comes to boyfriends.”
“What’s the matter?” He knew there was something else bothering her.
“I just …” She turned away from him. “I hate that you saw him.”
Connor tamped down the jealousy building inside of him. It was unnerving to see the man. From what Connor could piece together, Richard and Evie had been in a long-term relationship. There were some things they shared that made him want to tear the other man to pieces. But that was the past, and Connor knew Evie had to go through all that to make it here. Evie accepted him and his past, so he could accept hers. "It doesn't matter," he said, drawing her to him. She relaxed against his back, and he wound his arms around her waist. "He was part of your past, but what matters is today. Now."
Chapter Sixteen
Evie was bouncing on her heels when they walked into the hospital. It was Sunday morning, and the doctor had said her father was up and could now see more visitors. Stephanie had driven to the hospital the night before and stayed there, while she, Arthur, and Connor stayed at the house.
She turned to Connor, who gave her a warm, comforting smile. While she respected her parents’ rules in their home, she was frustrated about not being able to sleep with him. She snuck into the guest room when she was sure Arthur was asleep, but Connor made her march right back to her room. He said that while they were staying under her parents’ roof, they would obey their rules. Plus, he didn’t want to be a bad influence on Arthur.
Not that the last one was a problem. During dinner, Connor had told them some stories about his work for Creed Security and her younger brother was entranced. He practically had hero worship written all over his face when he looked at Connor. He even asked him for tips on how to build his body and learn to fight. While she didn't want Connor to have to relive the memories from before, she was surprised by his patience with her brother and how willing he was to give him some tips and encouragement.
"Dad," she called when they walked into the room. Charlie King was sitting up in the hospital bed with various wires sneaking under his gown. His thinning hair was mussed up, and he looked pale and tired. But he had a wide smile when his eyes landed on Evie and Arthur.
“Evie! Arthur!” He opened his arms and gathered his children in them. Both of them eagerly returned his hugs. “C’mon, now, princess,” he said to Evie, brushing the tears from her cheeks. “No need for that. I’m as strong as an ox, you know.”
"Uh-huh," she replied, trying to force a smile on her face. "Stubborn as one, too. Didn't your doctor say you should start eating healthier food?"
Charlie chuckled.
"I'm just glad you're okay," she said, giving him another fierce hug. She hadn't seen her dad in weeks, not since she had gone back for his birthday.
“Who’s this?” Charlie’s eyes narrowed, and he tipped his chin up.
“Oh,” Evie turned to Connor, “this is Connor, Dad. Connor, this is my father, Charles King.”
“Nice to meet you, sir,” he said, extending his hand. Charles took his hand and shook it, but his eyes narrowed suspiciously at the other man. “And, Connor, you know my daughter how?”
“We work together, sir,” Connor supplied. “At Lone Wolf.”
A brief flash of recognition sparked in the older man’s eyes. While Charlie and Evie knew about Lycans, Stephanie and Arthur had no idea. “Of course. She’s told me about her job there.”
“Connor brought Evie here on a private jet,” Arthur interjected.
“It was the company jet,” Connor added. “With the good work Evie’s been doing, the boss was happy to help her out.”
"Glad to hear," Charlie said with a nod. "Evie's always been a hard worker."
There was a knock on the door, and they all turned toward the sound.
"Excuse me," a nurse said as she poked her head in. She looked at Evie. "Ms. King, someone out here would like to visit your father. I told her it's family only, but she insisted."
“Who is it?”
“She says she’s your mother. Amelia White.”
The blood rushed out of Evie's face, and her throat went dry. She looked at her father and Stephanie.
“It’s fine,” her stepmom said, holding Charlie’s hand. “If it’s okay with you, dear.”
“Of course,” Charlie said with a nod.
The nurse disappeared, and then, a second later, the door opened. An older woman dressed casually in jeans, a t-shirt, and boots strode inside. Her long brown hair was swept back in a ponytail. Amelia White looked young for age, certainly not old enough to have a daughter in her mid-twenties.
“Charlie,” she said in a worried voice. “I came as soon as I heard. I—Evie.” Blue eyes gazed at her warmly, but then narrowed as they landed on Connor.
"Hello, Mom," Evie replied in a tight voice. "I'm going to get coffee. Does anyone want anything? No? Okay then." She quickly pivoted and walked to the door, yanking it open.
Evie wasn't quite sure what she was going to say to her mother. It had been years since she'd seen Amelia White. Graduation, maybe? She'd never even been to one of her shows. She and her clan lived far away, in a remote area southeast of Kansas City. Bitterness built up inside her, and she swallowed it down like she always did.
“Evie.” She turned and saw Connor walking toward her. “Are you all right?”
She shrugged. “I’m fine.” Connor crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a knowing look. She sighed. “I’m just … I don’t know, okay?”
“Your mother. She’s an Alpha.”
She nodded. "Her aunt was Alpha to the Kansas Clan, and, since she didn't have kids, the leadership was passed down to her."
"Evie!"
Evie's head turned instinctively at the sound of her name. Amelia White was walking toward them, her face worried.
She quickly turned and began to walk away, intending to put as much space between her and Amelia as possible.
"Evie, please don't go." Amelia caught up with Evie before she could go any farther. She then looked at Connor.
“Lupa,” Connor said, using the traditional honorific for female Alphas. “Apologie
s for not showing you respect right away.” He lifted his shirt to show Amelia the wolf’s head tattoo, symbolizing his status of Lone Wolf. “I ask for safe passage while I pass through your territory.”
“You brought a Lone Wolf here?” Amelia said in an annoyed voice.
"Technically, being a Lone Wolf means he can freely roam around, as long as he stays neutral," Evie pointed out. "Now, what do you want?"
“I need to talk to you. Alone.”
Connor cocked his head at her, and she nodded. "I'll go and find that coffee for you," he said before walking away.
"A Lone Wolf?" She laughed, then looked at Evie. "What have you gotten yourself into?"
Irritation built up in her. “What did you want to tell me? Say it, then you can go back to your clan.”
“Evie, baby,” Amelia pleaded. “I know you’re mad at me for leaving …”
"I don't want to hear this." Evie threw up her hands. "I know how it went. I was there. You and Dad divorced, and you gave him custody. Then you went back to live happily ever after with your clan. The End."
"It's not like that!" Amelia said. "There was more to it. I loved your father, and I love you."
"But you chose them over me." Evie put her hands over her mouth. She was shocked by her own outburst, but it was so hard to control the emotions churning inside her, especially after the last twenty-four hours.
“I had no choice, baby,” she said. “The clan was tearing itself apart. I had to step in.”
“Then why didn’t you take me?” Evie asked, her voice breaking at the unshed tears.
“Because they would have used you against me,” Amelia said. “I did it to protect you. Not all Lycan clans are like New York or San Francisco or those other big cities. There was a power vacuum when your great-aunt died. My enemies would have hurt you to get to me.”
A cold wave washed over Evie. She'd always been shielded from clan life, but, after working for Lone Wolf, she'd come to know the cruelty of some Lycans. "Why tell me this now?"
"It took me a long time to build up my power," Amelia explained. "And things have only been stable for a few years. Please believe me; I would have taken you if I could. Leaving you was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make."
All for Connor: The Lone Wolf Defenders Book 3 Page 14
