She had asked Luke to keep their group to a minimum. The witches and the sentinel leadership. The request was for Evangeline’s sake.
Her parents were right. This would be hard on the teenager, and she didn’t want her future sister-in-law to suffer any more than necessary once the truth about Tim had been revealed.
Gregory walked back in, and the expression on his face spoke volumes. He knew the story was true.
“Wow, you didn’t tell me it was a drawing party.” Evangeline laughed, walking in right after her father took his seat again beside Marie. She flopped on the soft chair, tucking one foot under her butt.
“Where’s Timothée?” her father asked.
“Right here.”
All eyes turned as he walked in as well. He went to sit on the arm of Evangeline’s chair.
“Evie, come give me a kiss.” Marie held out her hand. “I haven’t seen you all day.”
Rolling her eyes, the teen got up to kiss both of her mother’s cheeks, and then took a seat beside her on the couch. Tim slipped into the chair, and Aiden and Jared moved to flank either side.
“Timothée, these are clan associates from New York. Aiden is the head of the Sentinel Brotherhood and Jared is his second. They make up the leadership with Luke.” Greg gestured to the men, and actually spared a smile and nod for his son.
“So,” Evie said. “Where’s my victim? Josee said Luke needed me to sketch a portrait.”
“I do, squirt,” Luke replied. “Except it’s not the kind of sketch you’re used to doing.”
Her brow creased, confused. “I don’t understand.”
Marie reached for the drawing pad and pencils on the coffee table and handed them to her daughter. “This sketch is a little unorthodox in that we need you to sketch someone from my memories.”
Evangeline laughed, holding the drawing pad and pencils on her lap. “You’re kidding, right?”
Her mother shook her head.
“Maman, you know I can’t do that.” Evie’s voice was an embarrassed whisper.
Gregory put his hand on his daughter’s shoulder, and she turned. “You can, my darling. Whatever else, you are Laval pack. You have the ability, and maman will help.” He covered her hand and squeezed it gently. “This is very important.”
“Trust yourself, Evie,” Josee reassured as well. “We’re all here for you. Luke and the pack need this sketch, and you’re the only one with enough skill to bring this man’s face to light.”
Concern etched Evie’s face. “Maman, did this man hurt you?”
“No, my love,” Marie shook her head, “but he has hurt many people.”
Tim leaned back in his chair, a comfortable smirk on his face. “This could be good, Evie. It might lead to a job as a police sketch artist.” He snorted. “Either that or a carnival attraction.”
Greg shot him a dirty look, and Luke’s fist tightened in his lap. The alpha’s nostrils flared, and his scowl deepened. “You’re drunk!”
Timothée clicked the inside of his cheek. “As astute as ever, sir.”
Greg stood, but Evie held his arm. “Papa, don’t.”
He jerked his arm away. “What you do alone is your business, but you will not drive my daughter while intoxicated!”
“Chill, Lord Laval. Evie drove. I am of age, you know.”
“Want me to zap him for you, Mr. Laval?” Gabby asked, eyeing the dirtbag. “A quick jolt right in the eggs. I’m two for two today. Just ask our basement guest.”
Luke pressed his lips together, but Josee snorted a laugh.
“I should let my future daughter-in-law practice her aim on you, you disgrace! No wonder your father disowned you!”
“Papa!”
“It’s all true.” He looked at Luke, and his face was both resolute and apologetic. “I had my eyes opened in more ways than one. All thanks to my son and his beautiful mate.” He turned back to Timothée. “I made a few calls. Not only were you disowned by your family, but you’ve been abjured by your pack, as well”
“Abjured?” Gabrielle whispered.
Luke leaned in to reply. “Shunned.”
Tim scoffed, moving to get up from his chair, but Aiden and Jared put a hand on each of his shoulders.
“Don’t you want to see your girlfriend’s sketch?” Luke asked. “I’m betting it will paint quite a picture.”
“Evangeline.” Marie took her daughter’s hand. “Forget Tim and everyone else, and just concentrate on me. Close your eyes and listen to your breathing. Focus on nothing else until you can hear your own breath in time with mine.”
Shaking a little, she did what her mother asked, and slowly her trembling stopped. Evangeline took soft, slow breathes until all at once she gasped.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Stay with me,” Marie reassured.
“I don’t see him.”
“Look with your mind, Evie. Not your eyes.”
Evangeline licked her lips. “How is this possible? I never…”
“Through me, love, but it’s always been in you. You’ve just been afraid.”
“Maman—”
“Ssh. Trust yourself, and draw.”
Evangeline’s hand moved across the paper with graceful strokes. Her eyes were unfocused, seeing but unseeing as she sketched with confidence and precision. When done, she blinked so her eyes refocused.
Looking at the sketch, her brow creased, confused.
“Do you recognize the man, sweetheart?” Gregory asked.
She nodded. “He’s Tim’s friend. Aaron. They went to college together.”
Her father took the drawing from Evangeline’s hand and gave it to Alain. He moved from behind Timothée’s chair to hold the sketch up to everyone. “They knew each other long before that, cher,” Alain said with a frown. “I did my own research into sentinel records while your father checked up on our friend here. Both Aaron and Timothée were rejected by the Brotherhood as sentinels. They were fourteen at the time.”
Tim growled low, and his eyes
