“We need to get to Savannah,” Simon answers.
Gideon stares longer than necessary before responding. “Okay.” He shifts from one foot to the other. “You need to come inside first.”
Simon sighs. “Dad, I…”
“I insist,” Gideon interrupts.
“Yes, sir,” he answers. The alpha wolf turns, and Simon motions for me to follow. He moves behind me, blocking me from his brothers as we move further into the forest. How did my life go from dreaming of a career in fashion to following a small pack of wolves to my possible death?
FOURTEEN
which one of these things is not like the other?
Traipsingthrough the woods in Florida, surrounded by lycan, feels like something from a book. A month ago, I had no idea werewolves were real. Now, I’m being escorted into one of their homes. I know Simon won’t hurt me, but I don’t trust the rest of them.
The angled roof of a large home comes into view. I don’t know what I expected, but a two-story pillar home is not it. Four large columns line the brick front porch, which is the host of several oversized rocking chairs. Tall windows are standing open, allowing the breeze to flow inside. Ivy grows around the columns, giving the home a lived-in look.
“Come in,” Gideon says, opening the door wide. The twins and Simon grab a set of neatly folded clothes stacked next to the front door. They’re dressed and presentable seconds later.
I follow the man inside with Simon on my heels. I haven’t craved human food since becoming a vampire, but the overwhelming smell of something simmering takes control of my senses and makes my stomach grumble slightly.
“Mary!” Gideon shouts through the house.
“I’m cooking, Gideon. What?” a loud voice shouts back.
“Can you come here, please?”
She sighs too softly for lycan ears but not mine. Seconds later, a woman makes her way into the foyer. She’s a few inches shorter and many pounds heavier than me. “What do you…” She stops, making eye contact with my friend. “Simon?” Her voice cracks with her words.
“Hi, Mom,” he says with a smile.
The small woman rushes toward Simon, pulling him into a strong hug. “Oh, my boy. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” Simon responds after several minutes. Watching them brings tears to my eyes as thoughts of my mother and family come to mind. I miss them more than I want to admit.
Mary pulls back, wiping her tear-stained cheeks. “You’ve come home?”
“He came back for help,” one of the twins answers.
“Stephen,” Gideon interrupts.
“What? The prodigal son has returned, and he’s welcomed back with hugs and tears? That’s fucked up.”
“That’s enough,” Mary answers. “Simon needs our help, and that’s exactly what we’re going to give him.” She turns back to my friend. “What do you need?”
“We need to get to Savannah,” he answers.
“Of course.” Mary turns toward me with a warm smile. “I’m Mary Ward. I don’t know what would provoke Simon to bring a vampire into our home, but I trust him, which means you are more than welcome.”
“Thank you.” I reach my hand toward hers. “Violet Du Four,” I introduce myself.
“I’m guessing whatever the rush to get to Savanah has to do with vampire politics.”
I look at Simon, not sure how much to divulge. “Yes, ma’am,” he answers. “We need Lucien.”
“Lucien Creed?” Gideon asks. “I haven’t heard that name in a while.”
“Simon?” a woman’s voice asks from the second-floor landing.
