Chapter 452 Chapter 452
Emersyn watched Aspyn come down the slide. She squealed with delight and landed on her bottom on the ground. Each time she heard her laugh, or saw her smile, she wanted to cry. Not out of sadness, but with relief. Her daughter was free. She would never know the horror that her mother had lived through. She hoped she was young enough that she’d forget all of it. Lindon, hearing her mother cry, seeing the other women bruised and void of any spark for life. All of it, that’s what she wanted for her.
“Be careful.” She held her breath as she went up the ladder again. Wren was right behind her. She owed so much to that child. Wren had been by her side when she couldn’t be there. While she was only six, she acted much older. For such a young one, she had seen too much. Crossing her arms over her stomach, she wondered if they would be able to find her mother.
Penny had told her that Wren’s mother was one of the clan Lindon had taken away and no one knew where. How could he do that to his own clan members? A chill went through her, and it had nothing to do with the cold outside. He had killed, maimed, and sold his own clan members. She would have to ask Noah if they had any ideas where she might be.
She watched as the girls took to running around the yard. She was never going to tell her daughter about her father. Never. Aspyn was full of joy, and she intended to keep it that way as long as she was able.
Penny came over, zipping her jacket up. She gave her a brief smile. “It’s strange.” She said as she pulled up her auburn hair. “To come outside whenever we want.”
Emersyn nodded. She had spent her life looking out a window wishing to feel the air on her skin. It was cold today, but she didn’t care. Cold air on her face was better than wishing to feel it.
“Are you planning to stay?” She motioned to the house, “with us?”
Emersyn pulled the collar of her jacket up and checked on the girls. They didn’t seem to even notice the drop in temperature. “Yes.”
Penny looked relieved, “oh good.” She looked over at the girls, “they’re so attached to each other.” Tucking her hands in her pockets, she kicked at the thin layer of snow on the ground. “Wren was so withdrawn until Aspyn arrived.” She blew out a breath that was visible in the cool air.
“I have no wish to go back to my clan.” Emersyn pulled her hand through her hair to move it from her face and paused to feel it was damp from the snowflakes. That was something she’d wished for when she was trapped inside. “Half of them are here, half are still in another country.” She glanced at Penny wondering if she would judge her for having no desire to see her family. “I will talk to them when I’m ready.”
Penny nodded, there was no judgment in her eyes. “I’m glad you’re staying.” She turned and smiled at the girls. “I’m going to get in on this chase.” She turned and ran toward the girls.
Emersyn blew out a breath and marveled that she could see it in front of her face. Movement caught her attention and she turned to see Cooper walking back along the side of the house. She hadn’t spoken to him other than a hello when their paths crossed, but he seemed like a nice man. She wondered what had happened that he walked with a cane, and hoped it wasn’t permanent. She understood what it was like to not have free movement. He knew Noah, she’d heard them speak a few times. Noah seemed to listen intently when he spoke, so she knew there was respect there.
He paused and turned around like he had sensed she was watching him. She froze, panic filling her. With a jerk of his head, he called her over.
It took a few deep breaths for her to build up the courage to do that. She just had to remind herself that she was safe. The males here were not part of the world she’d escaped. Noah trusted him, so she should too. All of that only half worked, but she was going to go speak to him despite it. She didn’t want to be rude.
He gave her a pleasant smile when she was closer. “I guess the cold doesn’t bother them.” He motioned to the girls.
“I don’t think they’ve even noticed.” She clasped her hands in front of her.
“It’s nice, hearing children play.” He nodded his head and then turned to look at the little house at the far end, “I need a woman’s opinion.” He jerked his chin toward it and started walking.
She looked back to see Penny was still playing with the girls and decided she could help him for a few minutes. She walked behind him, head down, hands clasped together out of habit. It was safer that way. Silent and docile.
When he reached the little house, he opened the door and went in.
Her nerves were getting the better of her and she was only able to step into the door frame and stand there. She looked around. It was a small home, as far as she could figure. A very dirty, dingy one.
“I don’t know where to start.” He stopped in the middle of the room and stood there. “Do I toss it all outside and go from there or clean it up piece by piece?” He made a sound that was similar to a growl, but not at the same time. With his cane clunking against the floor, he went over and sat down on a dirty wooden chair. “This cold makes it ache something crazy.” He leaned down and rubbed his hand down his leg. “I can’t wait to shift and heal it all up once and for all.”
“You were injured?” She stepped inside a few more feet.
He took off his hat and rubbed his hand over his head. She was able to see his brown eyes better now, they were hard but filled with compassion at the same time. “I was in the shop alone and a jack stand gave out and the rig fell on my leg a while back.” His tone told her he was very annoyed with this. “It should be safe to shift soon. I plan on haranguing Shaelan when she comes back to check on it and give me a thumbs up.”