“I couldn’t even save myself from it.” He squeaks as tears brim his eyes. The meaning of his words dawn on me. He was also a victim to their heinous acts.
“They…made…us…they knew we…were like…family.” Everly says from behind me. I almost throw up again as I swallow harder.
“I am sorry. To both of you. You should have never had to experience such a horrific thing.” They look between each other before staring back in their own directions.
“We need to get off the road.” Ryon states, in an attempt to avoid further discussion. Slowly we collect ourselves. The gravity of what happened is still fresh on our minds. In silence, we walk back to the car. I do not know whether to hold her or give her space, so I settle with walking beside her. She will get her justice, if it is the last thing I do on this earth.
Chapter Fourteen
Casper, The Kinky Ghost
Everly’s POV:
It’s been two days since the events that unfolded at the docks. Blake has been radio silent since. I think I traumatized him, poor guy. The guys have been a hugepart in helping me work through what has been going on in my head after reliving the events. Laying in my bed, the door swings open to present my mother. She strides in and sits beside me, adjusting the covers as she does.
“Dominic Mikaelson called to give his congratulations on completing the mission. Your father offered to host a dinner tonight to celebrate. Dinner will be at six o’clock.” She says in one breath, seeming flustered by the news. She fixes her hair while looking around the room. Well, that fixes the absent Blake issue.
“Mom, are you okay?” She chokes on her scoff as she looks at me with a heartfelt look.
“I should be asking you that.” She brushes hair from my face. I lean into her hand. My family has never been afraid to show our love or physical touch.
“I’m okay or at least I will be. Now go, I need to get all dolled up.” I laugh while gently smacking her with a pillow. She giggles along with me.
“You mean to get ready for your new boyfriend?” She asks with wiggling eyebrows.
“He’s not my boyfriend.” I deadpan.
”Yet!” She points out. I toss another pillow and this has her scrambling for the door. I laugh at her obnoxiousness before heading to the shower.
Once finished, I sit in front of my vanity to get my hair and makeup ready. I choose a natural face look and pin the nondominant side of my hair back with a delicate clip. Heading to my closet, I pick out a simple lightblue dress with spaghetti straps. I don't bother with shoes as I’m home and will have no use for them.
I head downstairs and meet my mom in the kitchen. She dances around the room to some acoustic piece as she readies dinner. I love to see her so carefree. She deserves it. Having gone through so much in her lifetime, seeing her at peace makes my cold heart melt just a little. She notices my presence with a startle. I giggle at her reaction.
“What are you making?” I ask.
”Skewered salmon steaks, a butterbean and garlic purée, with charred summer greens for the main course. For the appetizer, I made whipped ricotta crostini with walnuts and salted honey. I also made apricot-pistachio crème brûlée tarts.” She smiles as she describes each item. Food is my mother’s passion. She has always been an artist in the kitchen. She occasionally makes classic dishes but for the most part, she created something new with each meal.
“Wow, you’ve outdone yourself! Everything looks and smells amazing.” I cheerfully give her praise. My mouth waters as I look down at each platter.
The sound of a knock behind me cuts my drooling short. Walking to the door, I pull it open to find Dominic standing before me. His navy blue suit fits him impeccably, as I take notice of the area in which he was shot the last time I saw him. Next to him is a blonde woman in her forties. Rubies dangle from her ears, accentuating the red dress she has on. She’s beautiful. Her eyes are a soft green that reflect the peaceful presence she carries. Just past her stands a younger woman, roughly around my age. She is just as beautiful, with long mahogany hair and the same eyes as her mother.Her soft green dress that pairs perfectly with her eyes lightly moves in the breeze. That’s when my view finds him, Blake. Standing behind Dominic, he’s fitted in an all black outfit. A black dress shirt with rolled up sleeves and black slacks, paired with black loafers, has him looking delectable. I smile politely at them before making space in the doorway.
“Hello, won’t you come in?” I beckon formally. As if I didn’t ask, they would just stand at the door all night or eat their meals on the porch. I internally laugh at the thought. I hate formalities, it’s all so stuffy. I wish we could just cut the shit, but no, this type of society requires formal matters.
“Thank you, Everly. It’s lovely seeing you again and thank you for helping me in my time of need.” I wave his pleasantries off.
“No need to thank me. I was just doing what had to be done.” I offer a smile and wave my hand in an inviting manner to beckon them inside.
As his parents and sister pass me, Blake stops in front of me. As if to wait for me. I give a small smile and shut the front door. He reaches out to me and I place my hand in his. Looking down at our hands, my mind quiets at the contact. He has this calming effect. Like no matter how bad things get, he could make it all go away with just a touch. It’s profound and cosmic.
“How are you? I apologize for my lack of communication. I had some business to attend to.” It’s vague but direct. He’s being truthful but is leaving something out. This peaks my interest but I don't push the matter for the sake of a peaceful dinner.
“I’m doing better, thank you for asking. I apologize for any upset that night may have caused. I’m sure it wasn’t theeasiest to hear.” I say while avoiding eye contact. He laughs, like really laughs. I whip my head up in utter shock.
“I am-sorry. It is just- that you said - “upset” me.” He continues to laugh while making air quotes with his fingers. I just stare as his laughing subsides. This was not the reaction I had expected from him. I look over to find confused expressions painted on the faces of his family to match my own.
“That was funny. I do not get upset, Everly. What you told me was horrific but I was not upset. I was enraged. Horrified even.” He says while putting a hand on my arm.
“Yes, well I’m happy to hear it. Shall we?” I nod towards the kitchen. Blake loops my arm around his, settling it into the crook of his elbow.Such a gentleman-like gesture.
