26

"Everything tastes delicious," Kessler tells me, giving me a closed-mouth smile. We had made breakfast, well, more like me since Kessler took care of tidying up his kitchen. It's clear that no woman lives here. I'm curious to know if this house is his or his mother's. I made scrambled eggs, toast, avocado, and some coffee.

"Thanks, I had to make something with what little you had in the fridge. You need to go grocery shopping," I said, taking a sip of my coffee.

"Will you come with me?" he proposed. I didn't dislike the idea at all. I like it when Kessler includes me in his plans.

"Sure. After the... funeral," I replied. "Hey, Kessler. Whose house is this, by the way?"

Yes, I know I'm very curious... maybe nosy. It's just that I like to be informed about everything, so I avoid creating ideas in my head.

"It's mine."

"Did your mom give it to you?"

He laughed.

"Of course not, Eva. I bought it myself. I have my own money."

"Oh, well, good for you," I smiled. "You're independent now."

"I've been independent for a long time, Eva."

"Do you live alone?"

"Yeah, sometimes the guys stay over after a good party, but that's it."

"And Riley?" I wanted to know, delving further into the topic.

"Eva, let's not talk about things that can hurt you."

I felt something in my chest when he said that. It meant that, yes, Riley had been here with him, on the same bed where we made love, in this very kitchen. I felt disgusted in that moment.

"I think I should go," I stood up, trying to leave the kitchen.

"What? Eva, don't do this."

"Kessler, please. I have to get home," I gave him a stern look. Maybe I'm acting a bit jealous and crazy, but I can't tolerate the idea of using the same things that stupid Riley did, especially after she tried to kill me. Rain started to fall outside. We were in winter, so it's obvious that the days and nights will be like this.

"Why are you reacting like this? Eva, I told you not to ask," he said. "Before I knew you, Eva, that's why I made mistakes with certain people, but now that I have you, the only one I want here is you."

I raised an eyebrow and calmed myself down.

"I don't want anything that Riley has touched. That girl is bad and has hurt me a lot. I can't say I hate her, but if a wolf wanted to eat her, I wouldn't be disgusted," I half-smiled. "I'll wait for you at home for the funeral at ten," I stood on tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

Kessler hugged me.

"Okay, sweetheart. Remember, I'm yours and yours alone. And you're mine."

After we parted, I left his house almost running and crossed over to mine. I got a bit wet. Dad and Lucas were in the kitchen, talking about something related to the police station. I quietly went up the stairs to my room.

•

After showering and putting on appropriate clothes for the funeral, I went down to the kitchen.

"Good morning, Eva. How did you sleep?" Dad came towards me.

"Fine, I'm a bit calmer now."

"You didn't have any nightmares?"

"No."

"Of course not, she slept very well," Lucas murmured. I gave him a murderous look.

Does Lucas imagine that Kessler and I...? Oh no, how embarrassing.

"We're leaving in a bit," Dad tells me. "Are you hungry?"

"No, Dad, I'm not hungry."

"Well, I'll go get dressed," Dad left the kitchen, leaving Lucas and me alone. I sat down on the chair next to him.

"What are you insinuating?" I asked him.

"I'm not insinuating anything, Evangeline."

I rolled my eyes.

"What's going on with Lottie?"

"Nothing, she and I are... complicated," he pondered. "Have you been feeling strange lately? Like your body is changing?" he looked at me. His eyes... Lucas' eyes are lighter than usual, I'm sure Lucas' eyes were brown, but now they have a more yellowish color.

"No," I replied. "Are you okay? Are you feeling sick? We can call a doctor."

"No, I'm fine."

"You seem different, Lucas. If you have any problems, you know you can trust me. We're siblings, you have to tell me anything, no matter how silly it may seem, okay?"

Lucas nodded.

"Yes, okay..."

I had the feeling he wanted to tell me something more but couldn't bring himself to do it. I know it's difficult for Lucas to express himself, but deep down, I know he's fragile too.

•

Around ten in the morning, the rain had subsided a bit, leaving only a light drizzle. Dad and Lucas went ahead in the patrol car, and I stayed behind, waiting for Kessler.

"Ready?" he appeared behind me. I nodded, so we got into his Jeep.

When we arrived at the cemetery, there were many people since there were several deceased. As soon as I got out of the car, I felt the wind colder than usual here in the cemetery. I hugged myself as I looked at all the graves. I've never liked cemeteries; they scare me. Kessler took my hand, and we walked towards where the ceremony was taking place. We sat at the back with an umbrella in hand. I noticed Lottie with Lucas, Dad, Kessler's mom, Riley...

Wait a minute... Riley.

The girl had her arm in a cast because it was bandaged. I also noticed several bandages on her chest and part of her face. What could have happened to her? I suppose some wolf injured her last night for thinking she owned all the animals. I wish it was more than just a simple fracture. Riley looked at me, so I held her gaze to show her that I'm not defeated and that we will meet again.

"Stay calm," Kessler tells me beside me. "Ignore her."

"I can't ignore her after what she did to me," I said, standing up.

"Eva, where are you going?"

"With Lucas, I'll be back," I lied to him so he wouldn't follow me. I walked through the crowd until I stood next to Riley. "Seems like you had a rough night," I looked at her.

What does this mean? When Riley looked into my eyes, I froze because her eyes had the same yellowish shade as Lucas'.

This is impossible.