The house is full, and conversations are in full swing. I walk past the kitchen towards the back door into the garden. My eyes immediately snag on Evan as he perches on the patio step with two women and two children.
His scent lingers in my chest—fresh cotton and sweet cherries.
My nails dig into my palms as the smell invades me without permission. It’s stronger today and chips away at my soul.
Evan’s eyes light up as he says something to one of the women, and they laugh. It’s light and airy. Then a child points to the grass with daisies sprouting. Before I know it, he’s sitting on the ground, making daisy chains with the kids.
My hand raises, and I rub my chest at a sudden feeling forming. Not one of pain, one of admiration. The ease on their faces isn’t surprising. Evan made an effort with Cole’s pack when he was still their Alpha, and they enjoy his company.
Jaxon made sure they had a strong alliance, and it shows. They find Evan comforting, and as much as I dislike him being here for my own sanity, he brings calmness and peace to those who are still a little wary.
He glances in my direction, blinking when he finds me staring. His curly blond hair gently blows in the wind, strands tickling his forehead as his blue eyes remain on mine. I grind my teeth together as the bond draws me in so deeply that I can’t tear my gaze away.
He’s a trance—a trance I cannot snap out of, no matter how hard I try.
His bruises have only started to heal, which has more questions buzzing around my head. Why does he take so long to heal? That’s not normal for a wolf.
“Oh, they love Evan,” Zara says as she creeps up beside me. “He’s such a wonderful person.”
I grunt in response.
Zara turns to stand in front of me. “Did you just grunt? He’s doing the Goddesses’ work here. All of them are. You should be grateful.”
“I am,” I mumble.
With integrated training, I knew seeing him once a week would be fine, but having him here every few days is fucking torture.
“Join them,” Zara encourages. “It’ll do you some good to show you’re also trying.”
I release a long sigh. “What’s that going to solve?”
“Proving that you might be a grumpy ass, but you’re not a bad guy.”
I’ve grown up being cold and blunt to stop my father from getting inside my head with his powers. When I was younger, I realised the more emotion I showed, the easier it was for him to manipulate me.
Meaning now, it’s easy to keep my face blank and my mind clear. It was the only way to survive growing up with him. Mind control isn’t something to mess with—especially when you’re the victim. Now I find it hard to snap out of it, but I do it to protect myself and others.
It’s how I’ve been programmed.
She narrows her eyes at me as I stare back at her. “Go.”
My eyes close for a brief second before I head towards them. Both of the women look up at me and immediately straighten their spines.
“Alpha.” They nod respectfully.
“How are you ladies today?”
One of them blinks, and I know it’s bad that I don’t know their names, but I’ve had to learn hundreds, and it’s still a skill I’m yet to perfect. I sense Evan’s eyes in the side of my head as I swallow at the warmth it gives me. I glance at him as he remains silent.
What are their names?I ask Evan through our mindlink.
He flinches. Not expecting my voice.
Evan narrows his eyes.You’re their Alpha. You should know.
The tingles that hit my sternum are completely unexpected. To hear his voice in my head. To feel it wrap around every last nerve ending. My nostrils flare, and I resist the urge to scratch my head to rid myself of the imprint he’s left.
Unfortunately, learning everyone's names within weeks isn’t my strong point.
