Chapter 17: Chapter 17

EVIE

Wednesday afternoon rolled around, and I was still in the dark about Noah’s plans. I found myself gazing into my closet, trying to decipher what he meant by ~dress comfortably~. The Weather Channel played in the background, helping me decide on an outfit.

The day was a typical September one, with temperatures hovering in the eighties. The forecast predicted a drop to sixty-seven degrees after sunset, which was a bit chilly for my liking. Despite living in Massachusetts for five years, I never acclimated to the cold.

I was, and always would be, a Hawaii girl who thrived in the warmth and humidity. I settled on a pair of jean capris, rolling them up to just below my knees. I paired them with a comfy, dark red Harvard T-shirt and my favorite black leather jacket for later.

Red ankle socks and tennis shoes completed the look. I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail. I stood in front of the mirror, giving myself a satisfied nod.

I laid my jacket, keys, and phone on the coffee table, ready for when Noah arrived. The clock read 4:30. I found myself pacing the living room, my hands fidgeting nervously as I awaited Noah’s arrival.

I was inexplicably anxious about tonight. Maybe it was because this was our first planned meeting, or perhaps it was because this was my first date since the accident. Either way, I was a bundle of nerves, and I felt like I was coming apart at the seams.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I took a deep breath and swung the door open to reveal a grinning Noah. He stood there in dark jeans, a gray V-neck, and sneakers.

His shaggy chestnut hair fell perfectly over his forehead, and his olive eyes sparkled with the smile that spread across his chiseled cheeks and strong jawline.

“Are you okay?” he asked, stepping closer.

I met his gaze and nodded.

“Yes, why?” I managed to say.

“Everleigh, I can feel what you’re feeling.” He sighed, causing me to blush and bite my lip. “Why are you so nervous?” he asked after a moment of silence.

“I don’t know,” I admitted.

“You have no reason to be, not with me.” He smiled softly, and I found myself smiling back.

“Maybe I’m nervous because I don’t know where we’re going,” I retorted, crossing my arms and feigning anger.

“Oh, really?” Noah didn’t buy it.

I grabbed my things from the coffee table and ushered him out of my apartment.

“Am I at least dressed okay?” I asked, closing the door behind me.

“You’re perfect,” he responded quickly, winking at me.

I rolled my eyes at him, earning an even bigger grin from Noah. I followed him to his car, where he opened the passenger-side door for me.

Once I was settled, he shut the door and slid into the driver’s seat.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, backing out of my driveway.

“Are we going to dinner?” I countered.

“Just answer the question, Everleigh,” he sighed.

“I’m always hungry.” I shrugged, causing Noah to laugh.

He drove us out of town, past the bonfire beach, and deeper into the bayou than I had ever been.

“Where are we?” I asked as the buildings gave way to swamps and trees.

“This is the pack’s land, our territory,” Noah explained. “I wanted you to see it and to be comfortable here. I want to prove to you that the woods aren’t a scary place,” he added.

I looked at him skeptically, my nervousness returning.

“Don’t be scared, Evie. Nothing will happen to you here,” he promised.

I stared out the window at the blur of trees, wondering if I had made a huge mistake by trusting Noah Landry.

He turned into a neglected driveway. The remnants of a stone road were barely visible beneath the overgrowth. After driving a bit further, he stopped the car.

We were now surrounded by trees. I looked out the back windshield and could just make out the road we had come from.

“Evie, are you all right?” Noah was looking at me intently.

“I’m not sure about this,” I confessed.

“If you want, we can go. But I’d really appreciate it if you’d let me show you that I can protect you, that you can trust me. I want to demonstrate that you can have wonderful experiences here, in the forest. This is my home, Everleigh,” he pleaded.

I gave a slow nod.

“All right, I’ll give it a shot,” I conceded.

Noah’s face lit up with a smile as he hopped out of the car. He was back at my side in a heartbeat, opening my door.

He offered his hand to help me out and then guided me to the front of the vehicle. There, in the clearing, was a large teepee-like structure filled with cozy blankets and plush pillows.

A picnic basket was nestled inside. A large white sheet hung from the trees in front of the teepee, with a projector positioned before it. Twinkling lights were strung between the trees, illuminating the entire clearing.

A small fire flickered next to the teepee.

“Oh, Noah, this is stunning,” I exclaimed, my worries gradually ebbing away.

“I’m glad you think so,” he said, his voice brimming with pride. “I brought some food for a picnic and a few movie options,” he added.

“I adore it,” I beamed up at him, only to find him already gazing at me.

I blushed and averted my gaze. Noah gently grasped my chin, tilting my face back toward his.

“Don’t hide from me,” he murmured, his thumb tracing my lower lip.

He released me and strolled toward the teepee. I trailed behind him, my head spinning from his intoxicating presence.

He crawled into the teepee and beckoned me to join him. I nestled into the soft blankets and watched as he began to unpack the basket.

“We’ll have to wait for it to get darker for the movie, but we can start eating now,” he suggested.

“How much food did you pack?” I chuckled as he continued to unload containers of food.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d like.” He shrugged.

He had baggies filled with cubed cheese and meats, pretzels and chips. There were containers of sliced fruits and vegetables.

The main course was a salad and sandwiches. Noah portioned out the food onto simple, ceramic plates and handed me one.

“This is wonderful, Noah.” I smiled at him after we’d eaten for a while.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” he returned the smile.

“I’m sorry this has been so tough on you,” I sighed, tearing at a piece of bread as I watched Noah tidy up the empty food containers.

I felt Noah’s fingers gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“You have nothing to apologize for, little mate,” he reassured me.

I looked into his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity.

“I feel like I do. You’ve been so honest and patient with me, but I know you’re uncomfortable,” I confessed.

Noah chuckled lightly.

“I’m not uncomfortable. Do I hate being away from you? Absolutely. But it makes moments like this even sweeter,” he said, his thumb brushing my cheek and sending a shiver down my spine.

“I wish I could be as confident as you,” I admitted.

“You don’t have to be, Everleigh. You have every right to take your time,” Noah reassured me.

I studied his face, trying to identify the emotions swirling within me.

“How do you always know exactly what to say?” I laughed, taking his hand from my face and intertwining our fingers.

Noah gripped my hand tightly, as if our touch was his lifeline.

“I keep telling you, we were made for each other,” he whispered.

“When humans say that, it’s usually a metaphor. But when you say it, I know you believe it wholeheartedly. Do you realize how intense that is?” I asked him.

“I know it’s difficult to comprehend. I wish I could explain it in a way that would make sense to you,” he said, frustration evident in his voice.

“What do you want me to do?” I asked, desperate to alleviate his distress.

“Just stay. Every day, I’ll continue to prove myself to you.” Noah’s eyes were filled with such fear and longing that I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch his face, my fingers lightly tracing his cheek.

“Why are you so scared that I’ll leave?” I asked.

Noah closed his eyes, humming contentedly at my touch.

“I can’t live without you,” he whispered.

His grip on my hand began to quiver, a clear sign of his fear, though he was trying to hide it.

“Noah,” I called his name to draw his attention. His eyes fluttered open and locked with mine. “You’re being literal, aren’t you?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Noah gave a hesitant nod.

“Yes, I am.”

“Tell me about it,” I urged, craving to understand.

He let out a sigh, obviously reluctant to share.

“Evie, it’s difficult to discuss. It terrifies me,” he confessed.

“I’m sorry, Noah. I’m just trying to understand this world, to know as much as I can,” I explained.

“I know, and that’s one of the many things that make you incredible,” Noah said, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“Don’t you think I should make a decision based on all the facts? Not just because I feel cornered?” I questioned.

“You’re absolutely right,” Noah responded, a smirk briefly lighting up his face before it turned serious again. “Mates can reject each other, but it’s not easy. If you were to reject me, both Remi and I would suffer immensely. I can’t say for sure how it would affect you, being human, but our bond has already shown to be strong. For a wolf, a rejection can be fatal or drive us to madness.”

His eyes squeezed shut as if he were in pain. I was at a loss for words, so I remained silent.

After a moment, Noah looked at me again.

“But let’s not dwell on that. I want to focus on us, on winning your heart,” he said, trying to lighten the mood by tapping my nose with his finger.

I scrunched up my face at him.

“Werewolves don’t do anything by halves, do they?” I joked.

Noah shook his head.

“No, we don’t.”

Suddenly, something he said triggered a memory. I turned my gaze away from Noah, the word ‘rejection’ echoing in my mind.

“Everleigh, what’s the matter?” Noah asked, his voice laced with worry.

I looked back at him.

“You mentioned ‘if I reject you.’ What does that mean?” I asked.

Noah cringed at the word.

“It’s a term wolves use when they reject their mates. They say the words and both their names,” he explained.

~I, Alpha Russell Winters, reject you, Evie Bellamy, as my mate.~

My hands began to tremble and tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t made the connection sooner. My memories from that time were fragmented due to the brain swelling from the wolf attack. They returned in flashes, triggered by present events, like how Kira brought back the memory of the black wolf and Noah’s words reminded me of the day I met another alpha.

“Everleigh, what’s happening?” Noah was in full panic mode now, cradling my face in his hands.

“I’ve been rejected before,” I managed to say, my voice barely audible.

“What?”