Chapter 13: Chapter 13

EVIE

There was a sense of power that washed over me as Noah allowed me to lead him down the beach. He had made it abundantly clear that I was the one calling the shots, that he would bend over backward to make this work. And I was determined to make it work.

“The wolf that attacked me was as tall as you.” I finally broke the silence that had settled between us during our walk.

Noah glanced down at me, a look of surprise etched on his face.

“Really?” he questioned.

“Kira was big, but she was at eye level with me. The wolf that attacked me was towering over me. When Kira shifted and ran toward me, it triggered a memory of that day, clearer than ever,” I explained.

“Do you remember what he looked like?” he inquired.

The image of the wolf’s golden eyes flashed in my mind.

“He was black with gold eyes,” I stated. “Do you think he was a werewolf?” I asked, looking up at him.

“I can’t imagine a regular wolf being that large,” he mused, clearly deep in thought.

“Why would he come after me?” I wondered out loud.

Noah looked down at me, his eyes momentarily flashing black before returning to their normal color.

“Why do you think it came after you?” he countered.

“I’ve never seen anything bigger than a squirrel in my backyard, then suddenly a gigantic dog breaks through my fence, attacks me, and runs off. What do you call that?”

Noah smirked at me.

“Don’t laugh at me!” I shot him a glare.

“I’m not laughing at you, love. You’re just so adorable.”

I rolled my eyes at Noah but couldn’t suppress the small smile that tugged at my lips.

“Everleigh.” Noah halted our walk and positioned himself in front of me. “If you don’t trust anything else, please trust that I will keep you safe from anyone and anything.”

Noah’s gaze bore into mine, and I felt an overwhelming sense of safety.

“I do trust you, Noah,” I whispered, and the look on his face made my heart flutter.

“You do?” He sounded genuinely surprised.

“Yes, I do,” I reassured him.

Noah grinned and took my hand again, resuming our walk.

“What made you want to meet Kira today?” Noah asked after a while.

“After yesterday, the thing that scared me the most was the idea of a wolf living inside your head.” I glanced at him sheepishly. “When Molly came over, she asked if I wanted to meet her wolf, and I thought it was a good place to start. I actually feel a lot better after talking to Kira,” I explained.

“I’m glad to hear that, but I really want you to be able to come to me with any concerns or questions that you have, Everleigh,” Noah urged me.

“I’m doing the best I can, Noah,” I sighed.

He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I know, love.”

“Why do you call me Everleigh?” I asked him out of the blue.

“Because everyone else calls you Evie.” I blushed at Noah’s response. “Is that all right?” he asked.

I nodded, biting my lower lip. I jumped when Noah growled and spun me around to face him.

“We need to talk about this.” He purred, running his thumb over my bottom lip. “You’re testing my control, little mate.”

I pouted. “I’m not little,” I protested.

“You’re a shrimp,” Noah teased me, and I let him.

“Size isn’t everything.” I smirked at him, watching as desire flickered in his eyes.

Just then, my phone started ringing. I pulled away from Noah’s touch.

“Saved by the bell.” I giggled, pulling out my phone.

Noah threw his head back and groaned dramatically as I answered the call.

“What’s up, Elijah?” I answered, a hint of laughter still in my voice.

“What are you doing?” Elijah sang in an accusing tone.

“None of your business,” I retorted.

“Sassy sister.” Elijah chuckled.

I turned my back to Noah, shooting him a warning look as he watched me with an intense expression.

“What’s up, Eli?” I asked again.

“Just checking in. I felt some weird vibes earlier today.”

I inwardly groaned. Elijah must have sensed my fear when I faced Kira. As twins, we had a very close connection—almost similar to the mate bond connection Noah talks about.

“I’m good,” I lied.

“Evie, you’re so wrong.” He was accusing me of lying again.

“Really, I’m okay.” I tried to reassure him.

I could hear Isaac, my older brother, in the background. “Let me talk to her,” he said.

There was a rustling sound, and then Isaac’s voice came through the phone. “What’s happening? Should I come over?”

“Oh, Isaac…” I let out a loud groan.

Elijah was like my reflection. He was the life of the party, while I preferred solitude. He understood me better than anyone else. Isaac, just two years older than us, was our guardian. No one dared to mess with him, and by extension, no one dared to mess with Elijah or me. Becks, our eldest brother, was the wise one at thirty. He always had the best advice and was the most level-headed.

Being their little sister was a pain, but I was incredibly fortunate to have them as my big brothers.

“I’m just settling in, really. There’s nothing wrong,” I tried to sound convincing.

I had become quite adept at lying convincingly, thanks to years of sneaking around my overprotective brothers.

Noah was nervously pacing the beach. I wasn’t sure what aspect of the mate bond was bothering him now, but all I wanted was to comfort him.

“Call me if you need anything,” Isaac ordered.

“Of course,” I couldn’t help but laugh.