Eva glanced at John, heart hammering. Did I say that out loud?
John laughed. “Anna, I brought her over here thinking it would do Eva good to interact with a fellow human, and you’re acting all scary psychic.”
Anna glanced between them guiltily. “Sorry, I was never a very good human. People always thought I was weird.”
“You are not weird, babe,” Cage murmured.
“Not any weirder than anyone else here anyway.” Anna smiled. “You’ll get used to it, Eva. I was a little overwhelmed when I first arrived too.”
“How did you come to be here?” Eva asked.
Cage smiled the kind of smile Eva had seen lots of men giving their mates. It was hard not to yearn for such a thing. The devotion and love in their eyes was something far more intense then she’d ever seen anywhere else. Her father had loved her mom. She’d often caught them looking adoringly at each other, but this was so much more. She’d heard mates could sense each other’s emotions when connected by a love that could never end. For an outsider looking in, it was a concept hard to grasp.
“She walked right into the heart of wolf territory like a crazy person,” Cage answered.
“Only because you wouldn’t listen to me when I found you in Canada,” Anna retorted.
“Canada?” Eva frowned.
“It began with visions of Toby—his younger brother—he was going to die. Eventually, I couldn’t ignore it anymore and set off to find him.”
“Which led her to me,” Cage continued. “Only I wasn’t in the mood to listen.”
“How did you find him?” Eva asked. “Did you know what he was?”
“No, I dreamed of wolves, but I didn’t understand it until I met the packs. And I found him by following my gift. It’s like an internal compass,” Anna explained. “To cut a long, complicated story short, Cage wouldn’t listen to me when I told him his brother was going to die if he didn’t return home, so I set off to find Toby myself. Luckily, Cage did listen in the end and saved everyone.”
“Got shot in the process too.” Cage rolled his eyes.
“That seems to be a thing here,” Eva noted. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. It was one thing to be told they were at war, but apart from the attempted kidnapping and the incident with her brother, Eva didn’t have much of an understanding of what that might mean. She’d studied wars in school, seen terrible things on the TV, but half of the time, Eva found the wolf world around her an unimaginable dream.
John and Cage shrugged.
“You’ll get used to it,” Anna answered in a tone Eva thought was meant to be reassuring, yet she wasn’t sure she wanted to get used to people being shot. “If you stay, that is,” Anna added.
Eva’s cheeks heated as John’s gaze bored into the side of her head. She refused to meet his eyes. She owed him nothing. He wasn’t her boyfriend. She wasn’t sure what he was, but she was sure that the life around her seemed just as daunting as the prospect of returning to college.
“Sorry, I’ve put my foot in it again, haven’t I?” Anna’s expression saddened, and Cage kissed her cheek softly.
“It’s all right,” Eva replied. “I deferred for a year after it was clear my mom wasn’t going to recover from cancer. “I’ve got two years left of studying to do. I need to go back and finish it.”
“What were you studying?” Cage asked.
“Biology. I want to be a vet. After my bachelor’s degree, it’s four years of vet school,” she explained.
Cage whistled. “That’s a long time in school. I dropped out as soon as possible.” He laughed.
“Yeah, but you’re kinda in wolf school, aren’t you?” Eva pointed out.
“True. A vet around here might come in handy.” He laughed.
John had grown even stiller beside her, his hand in hers like stone. Tension seemed to radiate off him, and it was clear Anna and Cage felt it too. They excused themselves moments later, and after they left, Eva worked up the nerve to look him in the eye.
“Want to get out of here?” she asked gently, squeezing his hand.
“Yeah, okay. Wait here. I’ll go tell Bass we’re going home.” As the word home left his mouth, his face seemed to twist with pain, and Eva’s stomach sank uncomfortably.
She’d asked him what he’d wanted from her and while he hadn’t answered directly, but had made it clear what was happening was more than a bit of fun, it had never really occurred to Eva that John might want what his other friends had with their mates, with her.
She found the whole prospect confusing. John hardly knew her. They were strangers, really. How could he know he wanted to be connected to her in such a way without even knowing her deepest secrets? Most days, Eva felt as if she was failing miserably at being an adult. Becoming a mate, the equivalent to someone’s wife, was so far off her radar, the idea was laughable.
She knew John was older than her, and it had never really bothered her until she realized he was ready to settle down, but she was just setting out to find herself. She’d purposely not given much thought to the kisses they’d shared or the way he’d acted with her tonight, and maybe that was because deep down she knew the truth and it was too complicated to comprehend.
“I’ve upset you,” she whispered as they walked through the trees, their pace hindered by her inability to see in the dark.
“No, you haven’t,” he replied, not looking her way.
“John, I might not be able to sense emotions like you, but I’m not stupid.”
Pausing, he let out an audible breath. “You haven’t upset me. I’ve upset myself.”
“It was the talk of college, right?” she murmured, not sure she actually wanted to have this conversation but knowing she wouldn’t sleep tonight if they didn’t.
“I let myself conveniently forget you have a life waiting for you beyond these woods.”
“I’m not sure I want it anymore though, John, and that has nothing to do with you. I don’t know how to be the girl I was before I lost my mom.”
“You can’t be, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue something you wanted enough to commit to eight years of study.”
“I don’t even know how to have this conversation, John. College, the future, it’s a far distant, terrifying concept, which I just don’t have the strength for right now. I’ve no idea how to decide what to do next, and I’m not sure I want to.”
Taking her face in his hands, John gazed down at her with the beautiful, unearthly yellow of his wolf eyes. “What do you see when you look at me?” he murmured.
“Peace,” she answered honestly. “The calm within the storm, and right now, all I want to do is take shelter with you.”
When he kissed her, everything inside her stilled. The pain, the uncertainty, it all faded away, leaving a rightness in its place. Eva didn’t understand it, but that didn’t matter. After being broken for so long, she’d chase anything to feel whole again.
“Then that’s enough.” For now… silent words he didn’t voice, but Eva knew they were there.
“Are you sure, John? I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Have you seen me?” He laughed. “I’m not exactly easy to hurt.”
But somehow, Eva didn’t think his tough exterior protected the huge heart within. He was a deadly wolf, capable of killing with a flick of his claws. But the price of that power was the ability to love blindly, selflessly, to the point he’d walk in front of a bus if it meant an innocent would live. And Eva found herself wanting to protect him, even if it meant risking her already fragile heart.
Chapter 12
John
John led them the rest of the way through the trees, careful with the path he took so Eva wouldn't trip in the dark. He didn't mind the slow pace, spending more time with her was always a bonus even with his wolf snarling in his mind. It did not agree with the steady approach he was leaning toward for claiming Eva. Just the thought of her leaving to return to college had a howl building in the pit of his stomach. But he
wouldn't cage her. Eva was meant to finish her study even if it caused him pain. She was so much younger than him, unaware of her strengths and unsure of her future. If he was to force her into a mating, he might one day wake to find the woman he loved had upped and fled, spreading the wings he'd inadvertently crippled.
It was enough he brought her solace. It had to be. It was all she was ready to give.
"John?" she whispered, uncertainty in her tone as they parted to separate bedrooms shortly after arriving home. "Stay with me." Red dusted her cheeks, her gaze swimming with uncertainty. "Last night... it was the first time I've slept well in a long time."
"Look at me," he murmured, closing the distance between them and cupping her cheek. "Don't ever be embarrassed for needing something from me. I'm here, Evaline, for anything."
Her smile kicked him in the gut, sparking joy in his veins. "How did you get under my skin without my notice, John Warden?"
His thumb grazed her lips, his mouth lifting into a slow smile as hotter things fired awake in his blood. "Wolves have a way of doing that."
"I feel like there should be a warning label for women everywhere. Warning: sneaky, sexy, wolves nearby."
"I’m sexy now, am I?" He smirked, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Her breath caught, eyes widening. "The hair, the muscles, that smile…. Come on, John, you're most definitely the sexiest man alive." Her words were bold, her skin a bright shade of pink. He loved this daring yet innocent side of her, as if she was shocked to even be saying such things.
“Keep talking like that, baby, and I'll never leave your bed."
Bending, John claimed her lips and lifted her until she wrapped her legs around his waist. And as he carried her into the bedroom, showing her just how much he cared, his wolf calmed, satisfied for now that this beautiful, surprising woman was his.
***
"Where are you going? It's still dark?" she mumbled sleepily in the early hours of the next morning.
“I need to catch up with security and double-check the border and rosters before training," he answered, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Sleep, Evaline."
A ghost of a smile creased her cheeks as she answered incoherently. They’d been up late, John kissing her into the night, coaxing her toward a future where she'd be his. He wasn't stupid; it was going to take more than a phenomenal kiss, but it wasn’t going to hurt either, and he’d had fun doing it.
Heading out, he first stopped at the pack kitchen, picking up a muffin, banana, and protein bar from the table of prepared food. Coffee in a flask was his next port of call, and then he was out and heading to the main building where pack business was run from.
There was one note on his desk from a senior member asking for one of the novices to be rostered off for a day, but no other reports to deal with. The most senior of Dark Shadow were keeping a critical eye on the people under their care, making sure everyone was coping with the increased work, both mentally and physically.
The extra weeks of training were a blessing for some, but for the most experienced taking the brunt of the work, the strain was beginning to show.
Breakfast finished, and the roster shifted to accommodate the needed time off, John set off on foot to meet with those on the outer border. They were the first line of defense for both packs if the worst should happen, and it was near a 100 percent possibility it would.
It wasn't a necessary part of his job as second to the alpha, but John wanted to be accessible to his people, and taking extra time out of his day to talk with them showed he cared.
Shift change had recently happened, and everyone he met would be at the position for six hours. Snacks and warm drinks were always delivered at intervals by novices that couldn't necessarily take a guard position but needed to feel useful, making sure everyone on the first line was at their strongest.
"John, rumors have been circling this morning. Seems you've taken a liking to an innocent puppy," Tyler said as he came into view.
Regan smacked his chest. "Leave him alone. They're cute together."
"Cute is not a word most people associate with John, babe," Tyler countered, laughing. "Have you seen his hair? Caveman comes to mind."
John absently touched his shoulder-length hair. He'd not even brushed it this morning, deciding a few fingers run through it would suffice.
"Some women like the rugged look, Ty. I'm sure he's an exciting temptation," Regan continued.
Caveman… rugged… temptation. He'd had enough of this conversation.
"I'm right here, guys," he muttered. Gone were the days when Regan was a timid thing who talked to no one. Up until now, he'd thought it was a good change. "And I don't need you gossips talking about me."
"Aw, come on, John. We need something to chat about, and the fact you've fallen for a human when you can scare female wolves is the perfect distraction." Tyler grinned.
"So pleased to be of use." He rolled his eyes. "Can we get back to business now?"
"Nothing to report. All was quiet last night too."
"Calm before the storm," Regan murmured, growing serious. "I don't like it. I sense something coming."
"Are you psychic now?" Tyler teased, kissing her cheek.
"I know what you mean, Regan. I don't like it. We're all getting restless," John agreed. He’d pushed for them to make a move and attack the Indiana pack before they inevitably came to them, but too many believed they’d have a better chance on home turf and so the decision had been put off once again.
John left Tyler and Regan shortly after receiving similar views from most of the people on patrol. Tension ran through the air. The call for war drove their wolves restless. The wave was at its peak, and pretty soon, the world they knew would crash down, covering them with blood. He’d been bracing himself for the moment for some time, yearned to deliver penace to his enemies, yet John’s world had shifted. He was prepared for war, but was he ready to race into battle, knowing he would now be leaving his mate behind? Facing death wasn’t so easy when his heart was more than his own.
Chapter 13
Eva
After waking and taking a shower, Eva dressed in jeans, knee-high boots, and the thickest sweater she owned under her summer jacket. Winter had arrived in the night, painting the forest white. Children were playing in the snow when she exited the cabin in both human and wolf form. Snowballs flew in all directions as their laughter drifted through the air. It was a heartwarming sight.
She pulled her coat tighter around herself, wondering how the children weren't freezing.
"We didn't pack for this weather, did we?" Her father called, making his way to her side, his coat too was zipped to his chin, a hat on his head she was sure wasn’t his own.
"No, we didn't. I'm missing my wardrobe."
"Going for breakfast?"
"Yeah, you?"
Her father nodded. "Can I join you?" His expression was careful, guarded, as if he thought she might say no.
Wrapping an arm around her father's waist, she pulled him close. "Since when do you need to ask me if we can eat together?"
"Since I keep messing up.” Casting his eyes down, he let out a deep pained sound. “Lately, it's like I'm losing both of you. You're growing up, and Zac... well, he has an alpha and enforcers to turn to."
"Dad, we're always going to need you. You're our father and the only parent we have left. And Zac's got Bass for wolfie things, yeah, but he'll never replace you, silly. He's just a kid. He's going to need you for a while yet.
As if on cue, Zackary appeared around the corner with a group of boys his age. Spotting Eva and his father, he broke off, waving at his friends as he jogged away.
"What's up?" he said, bumping Eva in the shoulder before he wrapped an arm around her waist. "Family breakfast?” he asked, smile hopeful.
"Sounds perfect." Eva smiled. "Dad was just telling me how much he misses you."
Zackary laughed. "I saw you this morning, Dad, before I went for a run with the guys."
The
ir father shrugged.
"Well, I'm here now." He turned his gaze to Eva. "So, big sis, something to tell us?"
"No. Why?"
She didn’t like his tone, and from the happy “I've got dirt on you” look he was giving her, Eva wasn't sure she would like his next words.
"Rumor is you've hooked up with John."
Eva screwed up her nose. "Hooked up? Really, haven't people got more important things to worry about other than who John asks on a date?"
"So, you did go out with him? Damn, and here I was defending you. I was certain you'd be afraid of John. I mean, look at the man, Ev. He's huge, scary, and looks like a wolf even in human form."
"He's not that scary once you get to know him, and anyway, what's the big deal? I only went to a pack party with him."
"Hang on a minute." Their father interrupted. "I did not approve of this date."
Eva paused before entering the pack kitchen. The last thing she wanted was nosy wolves overhearing her business.
"Dad, I'm twenty-one. I don't need your permission, and everyone is blowing this out of proportion. I haven't eloped."
"That's a point. How old is he?" her father continued.
"Twenty-eight," Zackary answered helpfully. "I had two old ladies ask how old you were this morning, Eva. This whole situation is hilarious."
"No, it’s not," she hissed. “I'm beginning to see living in a pack is like having too many nosy relatives sticking their noses where they don’t belong."
"Mine’s the only nose you need to worry about, Evaline," her father argued, flustered. Great, now everyone is using that name.
Zackary burst out laughing. “About time it was you in trouble, sis. Miss Goody Two-shoes.”
“Ugh!” She threw her hands up, leaving them behind. "I have done nothing wrong."
Every head turned her way as she entered the seating area next to the kitchen. At least two younger women scowled. Eva wasn't used to this. Her brother was right. She was a good girl. But damn, she wasn't backing down now. Hell, if kissing a man wasn't allowed, someone should have told her. She wasn't even sure if what was going on between her and John would last. She didn't need other people looking over her shoulders.
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