by C. J. Hart
“Hang on,” she says, “I have to put you down, because if anyone sees me on the phone…”
“I’ll wait.”
There’s a tap and I imagine her setting the handset down on the coffee table, walking down the hall to the door. I can just make out a male voice. For the first time, I’m both happy and irritated to have a wolf’s hearing.
“Cass, take a seat,” I hear him say. “I got the results back on the sample from the girl.”
I hold my breath as I wait, torn between wanting and not wanting for it to be her.
Cassie
“Cass, take a seat,” Uncle Scott says. “I got the results back on the sample from the girl.”
I do as he says, knowing my gut feeling is right. “Go on,” I say, vying for an even, relaxed tone.
His mouth opens and closes several times before he speaks. And when he does, he takes on the formal tone of Sheriff Scott. “The girl—” He looks at me, probably imagining me on a cold, stainless-steel slab in autopsy. “—the body that was found last week is indeed Evelyn Anne Murphey.” His face crumples. “Cass, I’m sorry.”
It takes seconds for the meaning of his words to hit me. Eve is dead. Eve was murdered. I thought I’d be a wreck. But I don’t feel a damn thing. I’m numb all over. Did she suffer? Feel pain? If she did, I wish I could take it away.
I can hear Seb breathing hard through the phone.
Scott strokes my shoulder. “If there’s anything I can do…”
He must be able to hear Seb. My fingers itch for the phone, for my boyfriend. I shake my head.
“Anywhere you’d like me to drop you?”
I look up at him. He raises his eyebrows, and then nods towards the handset. He’s making a big mistake, crossing a line my dad has stubbornly drawn. The repercussions for both of us could be fatal. But in this moment, I don’t care.
I jump up. “Take me to the Adler’s?” I don’t know whether Dad’s aware Seb is staying there or not, but I’d rather fall apart with my boyfriend then alone.
“Sure.”
I grab the phone. “I’ll be over in a minute.”
“What—but—you can’t!”
I cut off Seb’s protests. “See you soon.” I tap the end call button, throwing my arms around my uncle.
“I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I do.”
“I’ll try to speak to your dad, get him to come ’round.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen any time soon.”
“Okay, well c’mon. Let’s get Cinderella to her Prince Charming.”
My heart swells. “Thank you.” I reach up to press my lips to his cheek. “For everything.” My mind swirls with thoughts of Eve and Seb as we drive the thirty-second route to the always-fragrant home of my extended family.
Sarah opens the door. “Hi. Are you—?” Her eyes dart over my face. “Come in, dear.”
She knows.
Seb jogs from his room, irises scorching with rage and sorrow. He coils his arms around me, squeezing tight. I press my face into his chest, clinging to him like a starving person might cling to food. I could feel the walls crashing down as soon as he’d touched me.
“Come,” he says, towing me into his room.
My chest heaves. I’m fighting to keep my misery locked inside. But as soon as he closes his door, it bursts out. I try to catch my breath as images and thoughts whip through my brain—why her? Eve didn’t deserve this—but I can’t. I feel droplets of water drip off my chin as I sob and wail.
Seb’s arms are locked around me, rocking me, crying with me. He hardly knew her, but we are a team—when I am in pain, he is also.
“Sh-shh.” His fingers weave into my hair. “We’ll get through this. Believe it, Cass, we will.”
I know he’s right, but at this very moment, it feels as if my world is ending. I just hope we can survive the apocalypse.
After I’d pretty much cried myself out, Seb and I stay up watching his favorite lame cop shows—which are becoming my favorite as well—and munch on treats Sarah picked up for me on her usual afternoon stroll.
Seb pops a chocolate malt ball into my open mouth. The corners of my lips lift infinitesimally. I’d like to smile, tell him I’m okay, but I seem to have no idea how to tonight. Instead, I curl my fingers into his, rest my head on his shoulder, and, somehow, drift into slumber.
I wake to outcries. A millisecond before the bedroom door rips open, I realize it’s Dad and Sarah. The wood clatters against the lime green wall, knocking a picture frame from its nail.
“Cassandra Louise.” My name rumbles throughout the room. “What the hell do you think you are doing? I told you to stay away from him!”
“Doctor Spencer,” Seb calmly says, “Cass just received some devastating news.”
Dad’s eyes swerve to him, and then back to me.
“Don’t blame Seb,” I say. “This has nothing to do with him.”
“You bet I’ll blame him, young lady.” He lurches forwards and grabs my wrist. “You’re coming with me. And we’re going to have a long talk about obedience and how you’re never going to see this boy again.” He yanks me out of the bed, out of Seb’s reach, with such force that I stumble and fall on my face.
“Leave her alone,” Seb growls.
I can see Mrs. Adler loitering in the doorway, shaking, nervous, not knowing if she should intercede.
“This doesn’t concern you, mutt.”
I hear Seb’s breathing quicken, deepen—almost a snort—feel him and the room vibrate. He’s shifting. I roll onto my back and pull myself up.
Dad grabs my arm. “Get out of here, Cass. I’ll deal with him.”
Deal with him?
He extends a silver knife from his sleeve.
“No!” I shake his grip off me.
“Now listen here!” Sarah creeps forwards. “This is a boy you’re speaking of killing; he’s like a son to me! You’ll do no such thing!” She pushes me behind her.
I notice Seb is white-knuckled, gripping the mattress, trying to hold the wolf inside.
“Sarah, he’s an aberration. He must be dealt with like any other creature of the night.”
“You get out of my house,” she says, dead serious. “And don’t come back.”
Dad sets his jaw.
“First, you cut us off from our goddaughter—which was unbearable and inexcusable—and now, you want to take Seb? No. I won’t let you do it.”
“It’s not up to you, Sarah.”
“The hell it isn’t! What has he ever done to you?”
“He’s not human; he doesn’t get to play boyfriend with my daughter! I can’t lose her…”
“You lost her the moment you threatened him, Brett. Now, get out. I’m not going to say it again.”
Dad slides the knife back up his sleeve. Without looking at me, he says, “C’mon, Cass. Let’s go home.”
“The girl stays here.”
He levels a stare at Sarah. “I’m her father. Who the hell are you to say what’s best for her?”
“Because I, dear Brett, am her godmother. And Libby would’ve wanted it.”
“Do not talk about my wife as if you know a scrap about her.”
She hugs me to her side, lifting her chin high. “I’d wager I knew her better than you did.”
He grunts and pushes past her, jostling us. “We’ll talk about this later. I expect you to be home tomorrow.”
“There’ll be no later, Dad.”
Seb, now composed, closes the gap between us and reaches for my hand.
“My home,” I say, “is wherever he is. And if you don’t want him in your house, then consider my departure effective immediately.”
He turns and marches towards the front door. I tremble. What have I done? Seb’s arm curls around my waist, crossing over Sarah’s.
“Who’s up for some hot chocolate?” she says.
None of us can even hope of catching forty winks, now that Dad has threatened Seb.
So we might as well have a hot drink and watch some more TV.
“Sure,” I say, letting her lead us to the kitchen. “Do you mind if I stay here for a few nights?” I say to her, but I direct the question at Seb as well. “Until he calms down?”
“For as long as you want,” Mrs. Adler says, “you’re always welcome.”
Seb nods in confirmation, a grin flooding his features. “This’ll be fun!”
I know what he’s thinking. It’s as close to having our own house as we can get at the moment. Maybe this is a good thing. I can sort out my dramas before facing my father. “I don’t have anything. I didn’t think to bring a thing when I left.”
Sarah scoops powdered chocolate into three mugs. “Jess still has a closet full of clothes here.”
“Oh, I don’t know if I can do that…” The thought of someone touching my stuff without asking unnerves me.
“She’ll be back in the morning. Three marshmallows?”
I nod.
“She got transferred from Jacksonville. Seb, three as well?”
He grins. “Four.”
She clicks her tongue. “Cheeky boy.” She hands me a mug. “If you like, I can send my husband to your house tomorrow to pick up anything else you need—schoolbooks, toothbrush…”
My vision smears. “Thanks.” I blink back the tears.
“It’s been a trying day, hasn’t it?” She sits next to me.
Seb, on my other side, sips his chocolate, his hand never leaving mine.
I squeeze his fingers. “Yes, it has.”
“Poor thing.” She smoothes back my hair. “I remember when you were just a tiny baby. I was there when you were born, did you know?”
I shake my head.
“Your dad was late, as usual.” She rolls her eyes, amused.
I smirk. “Has he ever been on time?”
“It took him hours to realize you were here,” Seb says.
Sarah hops up and skips over to the freezer.
I gulp some hot chocolate. “You said something about Jess being transferred back here?”
She nods and hauls out a gallon tub of caramel swirl ice cream. “Yes. She got promoted to regional manager.”
“That’s awesome.” The last time I’d seen her daughter, she had just started high school. I’d heard about the big things through Liam, but even we grew apart as the years ticked by. Having a father with a distaste for the Adlers didn’t make it easy to maintain those friendships.
“She’s getting married next year, and they’re expecting!” She sets the tub and three spoons in the center of the table.
I can’t believe I’ve missed a whole chunk of their lives because of Dad’s arrogance. Something happened between him and Sarah. I know it. A fight? They seem to clash easily, like tonight.
Seb attacks the dessert, and then offers me a spoonful. “She’ll be happy to see you.”
Is it weird that he’s living with my godparents? I haven’t got enough mental space left to figure that one out at the moment.
I accept the scoop and achieve what I pray is a smile. “I can’t wait to see her either.” What does she look like now? My eyes wander over the room, hopeful for a photo. None in here. I’ll remember to scour the living room later. I pass him back the spoon. “Where’re the others?”
“Jack’s pulling a double shift at the precinct. I don’t know where Liam is.”
“He’s with Whitney,” Seb says.
“Oh, yes.” She’s quiet for a minute, fiddling with the hem of her pajama shirt. “It’s such a shame what happened.”
Don’t cry. You are done with crying, for tonight at least. “Yes.” I’m surprised my voice didn’t shake. I push myself up. “I should call Miley.”
“It’s past twelve. Nothing you can do tonight, Cassie.”
She’s right. My eyelids grow heavy at the mention of the hour, my lashes flutter closed.
“Get her to bed, Seb,” she whispers.
He swings me into his arms.
***
The next thing I remember is waking up next to him, the midmorning sun streaming through the parted blinds.
“Morning.” He smiles and kisses my forehead.
I stretch every muscle before saying, “Morning.”
“You sleep okay?”
I roll into him and press my nose to his collarbone. “Mm. I guess so. You?” I look up at him.
Shadows line his lower lids.
“Did you sleep at all?” I say.
“An hour here and there.”
“Worried about me?”
He responds by tugging me closer and brushing his lips against mine. “Do you want breakfast?”
I consider that for a moment. I’m not hungry, but I should probably feed my body. “Something totally fattening.”
“Good choice.” He grins. “Feel up to going out, or shall I pick up something and bring it back?”
“If I can borrow some clothes and a hairbrush.” Going out, getting on with my life, sounded wrong. But Eve would approve. Sorrow is for suckers, she’d say.
“Jess is home. Go ask her.”
I swing my legs over the side of the bed and pad into the hall. Where’s her bedroom? I recall it being opposite to Liam’s. I make my way over and knock on the door.
There’s a shuffle of papers, and then she says, “Come in.”
I crack open the door. “Jess?”
Her eyes drift to me. “Cassie!” She propels herself forwards, wrapping her arms around me. “Wow, look at you!”
I let her twirl me around.
“All grown up!”
“Yeah, eleven years does that.”
As she swamps me in a hug, she says, “Stupid parents and their egos, eh?”
“I heard you’re going to be a mom soon?”
“Yes.” She releases me and returns to her desk chair. “Not showing much yet.”
“I’m so happy for you. Can’t wait to meet the newest member of the Adlers.”
“Me either.” Her smile is genuine and glowing, matching the elation in her features.
“Mind if I borrow some jeans and a shirt?”
“No problem at all.” She pushes back her frothy, brown hair and rises again. “Take your pick, it’s the least I can do.” She opens her closet.
“I guess you heard, then?” I select a black V-neck and a pair of torn jeans.
“That you’re dating the newest member of the family or that your dad went Psycho on you?”
I blush at her comment of Seb. “But you missed one.”
“Yes, I know.” She drops her gaze to her boots. “But Mom banned me from bringing it up. She’s so protective of you.” Jess smirks.
I can feel a sob manifesting in my throat. I need to change the subject fast. “I heard you got promoted.”
“Yeah. Last week. I’m moving back to Aeston with my fiancé. Living with the parents is a temporary thing, until we find a house or an apartment—we haven’t really decided on what type of property we want.” She chuckles. “More options this way.”
“Gosh, I couldn’t believe it when your mom told me you were getting married, and when Liam said you were having a baby.” Though there are seven years between us, it still feels as if we’re sisters. Just not by blood. With the Spencers and the Adlers reunited, it feels as if we’re one big family again.
She turns away. “I know, right?”
I strip out of my clothes and replace them with hers.
“You’ll like Neal. He’s sweet—a lot like your guy.” She peers over her shoulder, sees that I’m dressed, and swivels back, grinning. “Think you two will get married?”
“I hope so.” I collect my clothes. “Speaking of, I’d better get back to him or he’ll send out a search party.”
She barks a laugh. “Yes, yes. Go.” She pretends to shoo me. “We’ll catch up later.”
I return her smile. “I’d like that.” I’ve missed too much.
Seb waits for me in the hall. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I comb my fingers through my hair.
“Don’t worry,” he says, “you look beautiful. But then again, you always do.”
“You’re so good to me.” Do I deserve him?
“I don’t have any other choice.” He winks and tucks me under his arm.
***
At 1:15 pm, Mr. Adler drives me home so I can collect some things. We turn onto my street. Dad’s SUV is in the driveway.
“He’s home,” I say.
“Nothing to fret about, sweetheart.” He smiles and pats my knee.
I pray that this goes smoothly. Just in and out. Two minutes is all I need.
“Let’s get this over with.”
“I like the way you think.” I step out and shut the door.
The house seems still, silent as we march up the path and the steps. Jack pounds his fist on the door. A second later, it opens.
Dad stares out at us. “The prodigal daughter returns.”
My nose wrinkles. He stinks of whiskey and sweat.
“Come on in.” He opens the door wider. “I suppose you’ve come to get your things? Good. Should’ve kicked you out years ago.”
He’s just baiting you. Don’t react.
“Now see here, Brett.” Jack gives me a gentle shove inside, past Dad. “If you don’t think you can look after her anymore—”
“Go ahead, take her.” He swigs from a bottle. “She’s nothing to me anymore but an inconvenience.” He shoots me a glare.
I round the corner and press myself to the cool wall. This isn’t him. He’s drunk, lost his mind—zombies ate his brain or whatever. This is not him, the way he’s acting. Still, I can’t stop the tears streaking down my face. Get your shit and get out.
“You don’t really mean that,” Jack says.
I stumble into my room, not wanting to overhear the answer, and pull out my suitcase. I throw in my schoolbooks, toiletries, some clothes, and any other little things I can squeeze in. This feels too final for my liking. Something has divided us. Equal parts of stubbornness and scheming maybe. My two minutes are up. I drag my suitcase into the living room. My godfather remains by the door. Dad and the whiskey have migrated to the couch. He’s past caring, and so am I. This is it.
Jack ushers me out, shutting the door.
