“I know, but you need to work out something because not finishing your degree and making a home with John here is not an option.”
Eyes narrowing, Eva gritted her teeth in an attempt to control her anger. “That’s a little unfair, don’t you think?”
“Is it? I’m just not sure I want this for you, Eva. There’s a big, wide world out there, and being tied here more than you already are is going to guarantee your world stays very small.”
“I’m a big girl, Dad.” Eva stood up. “And I think you’re jumping way ahead of yourself.”
“You’re angry with me,” he noted, his gaze becoming heavy. “I just worry.”
“Not angry, just… hurt, Dad. I’m hurt. You’ve got to trust I can make my own choices and that they’ll be the right ones. I’m off to go see Oliver, okay? I’ll see you later.”
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Bye.”
Winding through the tables, Eva left the building, her father’s words haunting her. Because as much as she didn’t want to admit it, he was right. The shifter world was small, but it was also big in love and loyalty, and maybe it would be enough. John made her happy when happiness was hard to find. And after so long waking up with nothing but sorrow and pain, a little happiness was a welcomed change.
Chapter 28
John
Unable to detach Mathew from his neck, John had no choice but to relinquish the driving to Tyler. Fitting everyone and their belongings into the cars took a little juggling, but soon they were ready for the road, with Theo from Indiana traveling on foot with them. Mathew didn’t seem to care when John told him they’d be running home. He’d simply maneuvered himself around John’s neck until he was attached to his back instead of his front.
The cars stuck below the speed limit to keep those on foot at an easy speed, and as John veered away from the road and into the trees leading to home, the sun was high in the sky glistening over the snow. Bass and Jackson were aware of their impending arrival, and the plan was to meet at the pavilion where they’d decide on the next course of action.
Saluting Logan as John jogged over the shared border, he readjusted Mathew, who’d nodded off about halfway into their journey and slowed to a walk as the trees gave way to their homes. Cutting across the clearing, John had every intention of going straight to the pavilion when he caught a scent on the breeze, which had him changing direction.
“John?” Noah called, pausing as he noticed him turn left.
“I won’t be long. I just need something.”
Noah tilted his head, breathed deeply, and a grin spread over his face. “Since when is a woman a something?”
“Zip it, Noah. I’ll be five minutes, max.”
Laughing, Noah ran off to join the group up ahead, and John carried on following the trail, which would lead him to Eva. He wasn’t surprised when it brought him to the infirmary. There was a battle coming, and Oliver would need all the help he could get. John also hoped Eva working with Oliver would help her feel like she belonged here and give her a place within his pack.
Mathew’s head lifted off his shoulder as John walked through the infirmary doors. Eva was in the corner, appearing to be counting medical supplies in the cupboards.
Tilting his head, John caught Mathew’s eye. “See the pretty girl over there?” he whispered to the sleepy boy.
A small nod was his reply.
“That’s my girl,” John murmured, his smile reaching more than his face as he crossed the room.
She looked back just before he wrapped his arms around her from behind and nuzzled his face into the curve of her neck, breathing her deeply into his lungs. Everything inside of him seemed to relax as if he hadn’t quite been able to breathe fully since leaving her in his bed.
“Hey, sweetheart, you look busy.” John kissed her cheek.
Twisting in his arms, Eva stepped back as far as she could, her hands finding the counter behind her. The smile on her face morphed into a frown. “John, you seem to have a little someone attached to you,” she noted, taking Mathew in.
“Eva, meet Mathew, aka Matty the barnacle. Matty, this is my girl, Eva.”
“Hi, Matty,” Eva answered, peering over John’s shoulder as Mathew shifted back to hide.
“Where’s his parents?” she mouthed.
“Dead,” John mouthed back. Eva’s face fell. “Matty’s new here. He’s just arrived from the Indiana pack. He’s not a big talker, but you’ve got a good grip, hey, pal?”
Mathew clung on impossibly tighter.
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Matty.” Eva stepped closer, gripping his shoulders she pushed up onto her toes and peeked over his shoulder. “Boo!” she mock shouted.
John felt the little boy’s body shake with silent laughter, and a moment later, he was lifting himself higher and half over John’s shoulder, his big blue eyes studying Eva.
“He kinda attached himself to me and wouldn’t let go,” John explained.
Eva met his gaze, an unreadable emotion warming her eyes. “I don’t blame him. Must be pretty cool riding up there, huh?”
Mathew nodded.
“I’ve gotta go,” John said. “I caught your scent in the air and got distracted.”
Eva shook her head. “You’ve no idea how weird that sounded to me.”
Cupping her jaw, John tilted her face upward, toward him. “I’ll see you soon.” Leaning forward, he kissed
