Bellamy’s eyes widen in surprise, but he’s wise enough not to say shit and pulls it in for a closer look. Then blushes. “Umm… I pretty much lived in my office. That’s why I printed you off pictures; I don’t remember their names, let alone what they do around here.”
Myles interrupts, “Hey, isn't that one of the women right there?” We all look up to see a woman dropping off a pan full of food on a table then retreating through a swinging door on the far side of the room.
Of course, it’s so obvious.
All the moms are hiding in the kitchen.
And if we can't find Ever’s, we'll just pick out the one that makes the best cookies as a replacement.
Ever yelps as I spirit us into the kitchen, leaving the guys scrambling to their feet from where I dropped them as I lift her in front of me Simba style. “Anybody lose a baby? About twenty-four years ago, so use your imagination.”
Why didn't I check Ever’s house for any baby pictures before now? I'm a terrible mate. When we have a little sociopath of our own, I'll make sure to take so many pictures, they'll need their own bookshelf.
After all, if they're anything like their parents, I'll need to keep a current picture on hand for either milk cartons, or wanted posters.
Ever squirms, face beet red as she hisses, “Put me down! Preferably in that sink so I can drown myself.”
Well now I'm definitelynotputting her down.
The entire kitchen grinds to a halt, about fifteen people staring at us, and wouldn’t you know it, my four missing suspects are all here. I scrutinize their faces right back, watching their reactions to seeing my angel for the first time. So the second one gasps, hand fluttering to her mouth as her eyes fill with tears? I’m using a shadow tendril to pull a knife from my hip so I don’t have to set my mate down, blood heating with the desire for vengeance.
“You’re the spitting image of her,” the woman whispers, face falling. “I take it that if she didn't come with you, that means Jasmine passed away?”
Wait. What?
Behind me, Myles mumbles, “I can't believe that actually worked.”
Ever’s throat bobs. “You… you knew my mom?”
The lady gives her a look of pity that has my fingers twitching with the desire to carve her eyes out. My girl shouldn’t be pitied, she’s meant to be envied. Respected. The things dreams are made of.
Not-mom takes off her apron and tells the others, “I’ll be back in a bit.” They nod furiously, ushering her to go with wide eyes and curiosity burning in their gazes, but snap back to business as a pot boils over. “We should have some privacy back here.” She leads us to a table in a far corner that seats about half of the kitchen staff. Leaving long enough to grab a platter, she returns with an apologetic grimace. “Sorry, I haven’t had my dinner break yet. Please, help yourselves.”
I scowl down at the plate, rethinking my plan. It’s full of vegetables, cheese cubes, andraisins. Not a single cookie in sight.
Definitely doesn't get to be our new mom.
None of us sit, unwilling to relax, which only adds to the awkward tension in the room. Ledger recovers first, breaking the ice. “So… you knew Ever’s mother?”
My mate tenses against me, and I band an arm around her waist, latching onto her like a koala. I wouldn’t put it past her to steal my abilities and escape this confrontation, but if so, she’ll be taking me with her. We can run away together. Thanks to the tracker, the others will catch up.
Eventually.
Her features soften, staring at Ever with a wistful look as she takes a bite of her heathen food. “Jasmine and I were held together in the same cage about twenty-six years ago, waiting to be sold off to the highest bidder. The day of the auction, a stranger snuck in and took down the guard watching us, stole his clothes, and ‘escorted us to the buyer.’ We nearly made it out before they realized what was happening, then all hell broke loose.”
She swallows, staring hard at the table. “He pushed Jasmine aside and took the bullet meant for her. Managed to get us out of there and into a van where two others were waiting. It was touch and go for a while, but by the time we stopped driving threedays later he was stable, and the two of them were damn near inseparable.”
Staring at Ever with teary eyes, she shakes her head sadly. “I’d heard rumors of a mimic sanctuary and tried to convince her to come with me, but she was halfway in love with Vasher already. I told her what I knew about how to find this place in case she changed her mind, but never really held out much hope.”
Ledger stiffens. “Vasher? Do you know his first name?”
The woman frowns, searching her memory. “Ethan? Elliot? Something like that.”
Voice like gravel, Ledger asks, “Elias?”
She snaps her fingers and points at him, lighting up with a smile. “That’s it!”
A bad feeling twists my stomach. “Why do you ask?”
