Chapter Nineteen
Evie watched the scenery turn from the city streets of Manhattan to the highways of Pennsylvania and Maryland to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She had lived in the flat plains of Kansas her whole life and then moved to the urban jungles of Manhattan, so this was way different from anything she'd seen before. Everything was big and green and majestic. They were also going up the mountain roads, and she could hear her ears pop as they climbed higher and higher. Along the way, she saw all kinds of wildlife, even a family of black bears by the side of the road. She wanted to stop and take pictures, but knew Connor was on edge and moody.
She pouted and slunk deeper into the seat. A couple of hours ago, he'd snapped at her and she snapped right back at him. Over what, she couldn't remember. But she was sore and tired and hungry, and he was being a grumpy wolf. She snuck a look at him. He was staring at the road, eyes forward, and she couldn't help but watch his handsome profile. Her eyes traced down his aquiline nose, firm lips, strong jaw. Her eyes moved lower to his shoulders, down his tattooed forearms as the muscles flexed while he shifted gears. She bit her lip. Was there anything he did that wasn't sexy?
Connor slowed the truck down and pulled it to a small gas station. He cut the engine and faced her. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
Evie unbuckled her seatbelt and scooted closer to him, cuddling up to his side. “It’s okay. I know you’re nervous.”
“Nervous?”
“We could be meeting your clan, right? And maybe … your family?”
"Sure," he said. "I should go pump some gas. According to the GPS, this might be the last station until we get to Winter's Creek." He kissed her on the forehead and slipped out of the truck.
Evie bit her lip, wondering what Winter's Creek, West Virginia would be like. It was a town deep in the Shenandoah Valley, and, apparently, where the clan was located. It was isolated, and Evie couldn't find a lot of information on Google about it. From the few photos she saw online, it seemed like a typical township with a little Main Street, but most houses were on acreages or farms, spread out and far and few between. According to the GPS, they were almost there, maybe thirty more minutes on the backcountry roads.
Connor had explained the plan. He would go to Clifford Forrest’s house and ask him if he knew anything about The Facility. As a Lone Wolf, it would be easy for him to just come to town without having to announce his arrival. Quinn was also tracking their movements and would be listening in on audio the entire time.
Did Connor even want to know if he had family left? Evie was sure the Alpha would know. Maybe if he saw Connor, he’d recognize him.
“Ready?” Connor asked when he jumped back into the driver’s seat.
"Ready," she said, placing her hand over his.
Connor started the engine and put the truck into gear. They sped down the one-lane highway and eventually veered off onto small country roads. It was breathtaking out here, especially now that they were in the middle of spring. Everything was so green and smelled so fresh.
The robotic GPS voice led them down Main Street. It was quaint, with small shops, houses, and cafes lining the street. They turned right and drove past identical little bungalows. Eventually, it turned into a country road again and there were fewer and fewer houses.
The air around them changed as they got farther and deeper away from the town. Evie felt a shiver run down her spine. Were they getting closer to the clan?
Finally, they saw a small post box with 8 Garden Lane painted on it. That was the address the Lycan High Council had on file for Clifford Forrest.
Connor maneuvered the truck onto the dirt road. Evie squinted and saw a house in the distance. As they drove closer, she realized how big it was. It was a classic, two story country-style home with all white paneling and a wraparound porch, plus a balcony. It looked old but well-maintained. Parked outside was a couple of vehicles, including a black Dodge Ram that was quite similar to Connor's.
Connor parked right next to the other truck, and, for some reason, Evie felt goose bumps rise on her arms. Silly, she thought. Black Dodge Rams were common, especially in these parts. Why would she have such a reaction to what was obviously a coincidence?
"Stay here," Connor said. "I'll have audio on, and Quinn will be listening." He switched on the small earpiece in his palm and put it in his ear.
“All right,” she said.
Connor gave her a nod and then slid out of the driver’s seat. As she watched him walk up the porch steps, a small, niggling feeling scratched at her brain. “Stay here?” she huffed out loud to no one in particular. “No way.”
She opened the passenger side door and hopped out, then strode in the direction of the house. Connor was already at the front door, but he wasn’t moving. She slipped in beside him and put her hand into his.
“Dammnit, Evie,” he cussed. “I told you to stay in the truck!”
“I’m not letting you do this alone,” she protested.
“It could be dangerous,” he said. “I can’t protect you if I don’t know what to expect.”
“You’re worried about nothing!”
“How do you know?”
She slammed her foot on the floor like a child. “I just do!”
Noise from inside made both of them whip their heads toward the door. Soft voices and heavy footsteps were approaching.
“Shit,” Connor cursed. He tried to turn, but Evie gripped his hand hard to prevent him from leaving.
“Don’t go,” she said. “Stay and see what happens.” Her heart was pounding in her chest, but she wanted to know, too.
The lock turned, and Evie went still, though her heart continued to hammer in her chest. She gripped Connor's hand and watched his face closely. The wooden door swung open.
“Who the fuck—”
Connor tensed visibly and then went very still. Evie looked at the figure standing in the open doorway, and she had to do a double take just to be sure she wasn't seeing things. She started from the bottom, scrutinizing the man's well-worn work boots up his faded jeans to the tight white t-shirt molded around a broad chest. His shoulders were wide, and tattoos curled up his neck and down the bulging muscles of his arms. She gasped as she went higher to the ruddy beard and the familiar face with green eyes.
Only the man standing toe-to-toe with Connor wasn't just familiar to her, he was an exact mirror image. Same height, same face, same nose, same high cheekbones, same square jaw under the thick beard. And a Lycan, of course, she could tell, just like she could when she first met Connor. There was only one thing different: the other man was missing her Connor's scar.
Both men stood there, not budging. Evie herself couldn’t breathe or move. Was this really happening?
Finally, mirror-Connor turned his head and braced his arm on the doorframe. "Momma," he called, his voice rough. "I think you should come out here!"
"What is it, Jackson?" a feminine voice answered from somewhere inside the house. "I have my chicken on the stove, and you know I can't just leave that." Soft footsteps approach them, and a small, older woman with reddish blonde hair ducked underneath the mirror-Connor's arm. "Now what's so important that—" She let out a gasp, and her eyes went wide as saucers when she looked up at Connor. She didn't move for what seemed like forever. The wooden spoon in her hand dropped to the floor, the clattering sound breaking the silence.
"C-C-Connor?" she said, her voice breaking. "Is that …" She reached out slowly as if she were afraid he was going to disappear into thin air if she touched him. When her hand landed on his cheek, she let out a cry and launched herself into his arms. "Connor, it really is you!"
Connor’s face was still inscrutable, but he wound his arms around the tiny woman clinging to him. He swallowed, then relaxed.
The woman was full-out sobbing, her body trembling as she wept and bawled. Evie looked over at mirror-Connor—his face was pale, and his expression was that of complete and utter shock.
“Momma, c’mon now. Let him breathe,” he finally said and gently pulled the woman off Connor.
She gasped and stepped back, her eyes shining with more tears. “I can’t believe … you found us. You came back. But how?”
A muscle in Connor’s jaw ticked. “I don’t know. I mean …”
“It’s a long story,” Evie interjected.
Familiar green eyes stared at her. “Oh my, I’m so sorry. I’m just so …” She wiped her hands on her apron. “I’m Lily. Lily Forrest.” She nodded to mirror-Connor. “And this, as you can probably guess, is my son, Jackson Forrest. He’s Alpha of our clan.”
“I’m Evie King,” she said, extending her hand. “Alpha,” she said with a reverent nod.
“I think you should come in,” Jackson said. “You’re both welcome in our home.”
"Thank you, Alpha." She looked up at Connor. "May we follow you in a minute? I need to talk to Connor."
Lily looked worried for a moment, but Jackson tugged at her arm. "All right, we'll be inside. Oh, my fried chicken! I should check on it! You'll stay for lunch, right?"
Evie nodded, and Lily and Jackson disappeared into the house. She turned to Connor, touching his arm. "Connor?"
His back was stiff and his jaw tense. "I think we should go." He shook his head. "No, Quinn, it's fine," he said, and she realized he was talking into the comm unit in his ear. "I said it's fine, we're driving back now."
“No!” Evie protested. “We’re staying.”
“No, we’re going,” Connor said. “Shut up, Quinn…no…” He let out a growl and tossed the earpiece away.
“We’re staying,” Evie said, planting her hands on her hips.
“We’re going.”
“No, you stubborn ox,” she said. “We’re staying. We need to find out more.”
"Find out what?" Connor said in a terse voice. "They obviously knew about me. And they let them take me …" He let out an angry growl and slammed his fist on the wall, causing the white paneling to break under his hand.
“Connor, you don’t even know what happened,” Evie said, tugging on his arm.
"And I don't wanna or need to know." He was really angry now, and Evie's lungs were choking from the heaviness of the air around her.
“Hey!”
They both stopped and looked toward the door. Jackson was standing there, arms crossed over his chest. The scowl on his face was so much like Connor’s. Evie still couldn’t believe there were two of them.
Jackson walked out onto the porch, stretching up to his full height. “If you’re done destroying my house, asshole, then you should come in. You shouldn’t keep a lady waiting, especially your mother.”
Connor snorted and turned away. “We’re not staying.”
Jackson huffed. "Look, stay or not, I don't give a fuck. But you should listen to what she has to say before you make any judgments. You don't know what she's been through."
Evie looked at Connor with pleading eyes. “Connor, c’mon. Let’s go in.”
“Fine.”
Jackson nodded. "I swear, though, if you break her heart, I'm gonna break your face."
***
They followed Jackson into the house, and he led them to a large, airy kitchen. Lily was standing by the stove, watching over a cast iron pot as the oil bubbled. The smell of delicious frying chicken filled Connor's nostrils. Much like the outside of the house, the kitchen interior was old and worn but clean and well-maintained. Lily obviously kept everything in order and took pride in her kitchen.
"Have a seat." Lily motioned to the chairs around the large table.
"I'll watch the chicken," Jackson said as he urged his mother to sit down as well.
"Would you like some coffee? Tea?" Lily asked.
"We're fine," Evie answered for them.
Connor was still holding his tongue, unable to speak. To say that he was in shock was an understatement. The moment he saw Jackson, everything he knew had flipped upside down. A twin. He was a twin. And Jackson was Alpha, which meant … Clifford Forrest was their father. Where was he, then?
Evie glanced at him, then turned to Lily. "I know this must be a shock."
"It is … I never thought I'd see my baby again." She laughed. "Well, not a baby. But you were a baby when they took you. How did you escape?"
All eyes turned to Connor. "A man helped me." They waited for him to explain further, but the pain gnawing at his chest made it difficult to talk.
"Lily," Evie began. "If you don't mind, could you tell us what happened, please? You said someone took Connor?"
Lily nodded. "My husband, your father, was Alpha of our clan. He was a wonderful man, and he did what he could to protect us. The Shenandoah Clan has always preferred to live out here in isolation because our wolves … well, they tend to be more aggressive and unmanageable. It's easier to let lose without too many humans around." She paused. "You and Jackson were only eight months old. Eight months and twelve days," she said, her eyes wistful. "A group of Lycans came. Lone Wolves. They were asking for help, for shelter. There were storms and flooding, you see. Cliff gave them shelter out in our barn." She nodded to the red structure in the distance. "But … that same night, they came in. Barged into our home and they went to your room. One of them had both of you in his arms. We thought they were trying to kill you."
Evie gasped and gripped his hand tight. "Then what happened?"
"We fought them, but there were too many. Five against two. Cliff managed to take out the man holding you both, and he dropped Jackson. But one of them, this huge red-haired man with a thick beard, got your father and …" She sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I tried … he tried, but we couldn't and …"
"Shhh …" Evie got up from her seat and embraced Lily. "I'm sure you did all you could."
"We tried to look for you," Lily said. "I'm sorry … I heard what you said outside. That you think we just let them take you. But we couldn't fight them. I'm sorry we failed to protect you …"
"They tried looking for you," Jackson added. "I know, believe me. They told me everything while I was growing up. But put yourself in her place before you judge. All of a sudden, Mom lost her husband, the clan lost its leader, and she had an infant to take care of." His eyes hardened. "Maybe if you want to blame someone, you should blame me."
"No," Lily cried out. "No, no, Jackson, don't think that. I love you." She looked at Connor. "I love you both. But he's right. I had to step up as Lupa and keep the clan together. I had to be strong for them and for Jackson. We've tried all these years, looking for you. Even hired a detective, and for ten years, he searched for you."
Connor took a deep breath. "You wouldn't have found me," he said in a quiet voice. "No one did. They made sure of that."
"Who?" Lily asked. "Who were those Lone Wolves that took you?"
The tightness in his chest began to loosen, and he somehow found the voice to speak. He told them what he could remember of the early years and, briefly, of the time he spent fighting in The Cage. Lily's face went from shock to horror.
"Jesus," Jackson muttered, rubbing his palms down his face.
"I'm sorry, son," she whispered. “I could never …”
"I'm not telling you this to make you feel guilty." Why was he telling them, then? He wasn't sure, but it was like something inside him broke and it all came spilling out. "The night I got this," he pointed to the scar down his face, "there was a man in the audience. Even from The Cage, I could feel his eyes on me and that he was different. He was a human. My handlers patched me up, and I spent the night in the infirmary. That man, he broke in, despite the fact he could have been ripped apart by the wolves, and got me outta there. He took me far away from that place and brought me to his home in Portland."
"He freed you," Lily said.
"He gave me a family." He offered a small laugh. "A fucked-up family. Sometimes I want to kill them, but they're mine." And he realized he wouldn't have had it any other way. Archie, Killian, Meredith, even that idiot Quinn were his family; not one he was born into, but one they all made together. He could have left anytime. Archie never forced any of them to stay, but he did. They all did.
"I'm sorry for what you went through," Lily said. "I'm glad you found your place in the world and people who love you. But, how did you find us?"
"A man led us here. He was my trainer," Connor said. "Someone had told him I was from the Shenandoah Clan. We looked through the High Council records and found your address."
"We tried to find you. We really did," Lily insisted. "But we didn't know the names of those Lone Wolves. Not their real ones anyway."
"Sounds like they did their best to stay under the radar," Evie said.
"Yes," Connor agreed. "I doubt the owners of an illegal cage fighting operation would keep records or register with the High Council."
Lily wiped the tears from her eyes with her apron. "Oh goodness. This has been quite a morning. You'll stay for lunch, right?"
Before Connor could say anything, Evie put her hands on top of his. "Yes, of course. We'll stay."
"Good. Now, I—" The front door slamming open and the sound of footsteps running interrupted her. Lily and Jackson looked at each other. "What in the world—"
"I'm not here!" a voice cried out from the foyer. "If anyone asks, tell them I'm not here! And I didn't set fire to no field!"
Jackson let out an exasperated sigh. "Excuse me," he said, nodding to Evie and Connor. He disappeared into the hallway, then came back moments later. He shoved a small figure into the kitchen by the ear.
"Oww! Pa, what'd you do that for?" The figure—a young boy who was maybe eight or nine years old—rubbed his ears and looked at Jackson indignantly.
"We have guests, Austin," he said.
Austin, who was the spitting image of Jackson except for the platinum blonde hair, turned to the kitchen table. He looked at Evie curiously, but, when his gaze landed on Connor, his face turned pale. "Holy shitballs! You look just like my Pa!"
"Watch your language, Austin!" Lily admonished. "Or do I have to wash out your mouth with soap again?"
"Aww, Grams, c'mon," Austin whined. "It was an accident! You didn’t expect me not to piss my pants when I saw him, didja?"
"This little troublemaker," Jackson said, pushing Austin closer to them. "Is my son, Austin Forrest. Say hello to your Uncle Connor and Aunt Evie, Austin."
The young boy staggered forward. He eyed them suspiciously, but then held out his hand. "Nice to meet ya, sir. Ma'am." He gave Evie a sweet smile.
"Aw, he's so cute," Evie said, as he took the boy's hand. Austin shook it vigorously, then jumped into her arms for a hug. "He's … uh, quite friendly."
Connor scowled when the young boy pressed his face against Evie's chest. It seemed like an innocent move, but Jackson’s deep sigh told him otherwise.
"Hey now, Cassanova," Jackson scolded, pulling Austin off Evie. "How about saying hi to your Uncle Connor?"
The boy stepped toward Connor, his eyes growing wide. Connor let out a loud growl, and the young boy squeaked and then turned tail, running out of the kitchen.
"Connor!" Evie admonished. "Why did you do that?"
"Little pervert deserved it," Connor grumbled.
Jackson laughed. "He sure did. Maybe I should call you when I need to discipline him. God knows he needs an ass whooping now and then."
"Let's get ready for lunch, shall we?" Lily said. "You all wash your hands and clean up."
"I'll help you," Evie offered.
The two men went to the sink to wash their hands as Evie and Lily set the table. Jackson called Austin back from upstairs where he was hiding in his room. When everyone was in the kitchen, they all sat down for lunch.
"This is delicious, Lily," Evie said as she bit into some chicken. "The best fried chicken I've ever had. And these biscuits are phenomenal."
"Thank you," Lily said.
"Grams makes the best food," Austin said through a mouthful of mashed potatoes. "If you're my Aunt Evie, are you Uncle Connor's girlfriend? Wife?"
"Austin," Jackson warned.
"Oh, the mouth of babes," Lily laughed, then looked at Evie, a hopeful glint in her eyes. "Well, are you? Because I'd love another grandchild. A girl, maybe?"
Evie blushed furiously.
"Momma," Jackson said with a tight laugh. "Sorry," he said to Evie apologetically. " She's a bit nosy."
"Well, I can hope, can’t I?" Lily said. "And she's so pretty too! You'd make such beautiful babies."
"Please forgive my Momma," Jackson said. "She's baby-obsessed right now."
"Hey, I thought I was your favorite grandkid," Austin pouted.
"Aw, you will always be special to me, Austin," Lily soothed, ruffling his hair. "But wouldn't you like a little cousin?"
"No, because babies are stupid," he retorted, his nose wrinkling.
Evie snorted. "I don’t think you have to worry about that." She avoided Connor's eyes, but her cheeks turned about ten shades of crimson.
Connor didn't know why, but her words sent a strange pang across his chest. They had both avoided the question of what Evie was to him, even to her parents, but maybe soon they'd have to face it. He didn't know the answer himself; all he knew was Evie was his.
"So, did you drive all the way here from Portland?" Lily asked.
"No, New York," Evie supplied. "Connor and his siblings moved to New York to work for Creed Security. I work as their part-time assistant."
"Is that how you met?" Lily asked.
"Er ..." Evie turned red again. "Kind of."
"Wait ... Creed Security? As in the Creed Dragon?" Jackson asked.
"Holy fu—dge nuggets," Austin exclaimed as a piece of chicken fell from his mouth. "You work for the dragon?"
"You know about him?" Connor asked.
Jackson nodded. "We're not totally isolated out here. The High Council keeps all Alphas up to date with news, and I read up once in a while. There was that big thing with some bad people in Norway, right?"
Connor nodded. "We were there."
"And you saw the dragon?" Austin blurted through a mouthful of mashed potatoes.
"Sure did."
"What was he like? Is he really a hundred stories high? Can he breathe fire and lava?"
"Austin," Lily warned. "Don't talk with your mouth full. And stop pestering Uncle Connor with questions."
"It's no bother," Connor said, taking a swig of his iced tea. "I've only seen him once. We were fighting the mages, and then I saw something gold flying above us. He must have been a hundred feet tall and his wingspan maybe twice that."
"And then what happened?" Austin asked, completely transfixed.
Connor continued the story of the battle in Norway, and Austin was even more impressed (and a little less scared) by his Uncle.
"That's so cool," Austin said. "One day, I'm gonna be Alpha and I'm gonna fight battles like that! And maybe I can even fight for the Creed Dragon, too!"
"Hopefully that's not for a long time," Lily said with a resigned sigh. "So, Evie, Connor, you're not going to drive all the way back to New York today, are you?"
"We weren't planning on a long trip," Connor said.
"But we could stay the night, couldn’t we, Connor?" Evie asked with a hopeful look.
"We didn't make reservations for a hotel."
"Nonsense," Lily said. "You'll stay here. We've got six bedrooms and only three of them occupied."
"We'll stay," Evie declared. "What?" She looked at Connor. "I don't have a job to go back to, and your brothers owe you a vacation."
The two women and Austin looked at him as if daring him to say no. He grumbled, then looked at Jackson. "If it's okay with the Alpha."
His twin chuckled. "Even if I wanted to say no, I'm outnumbered. You're welcome to stay."
"It's settled," Evie said, clapping her hands. "Thank you for your hospitality, Alpha, Lupa. We would love to stay."