Chapter 19

This time, he stops me from moving ahead.

“Because I could surround you with ways of protection and you will still feel unsafe and still jump every time that alpha is mentioned.”

“Because it is my fear. You cannot protect me from my fears,” I dramatically say.

The rest of the way is silent, not a word spoken by either of us until Sebastian brings me up to the house. He tells me that he will be back later after knocking firmly on the door.

A girl opens it, maybe a year or two older than me. Fiona, I am assuming, reminds me of the dolls I used to play with. Her smile is sweet and inviting. Her hair is jet black and forms shiny, large curls, and her entire aura makes you want to please her. I look up at her with admiration, wanting to know how she makes everything seem dandy.

“You must be Evangeline.” Her voice is like an angel’s—a voice you would want to sing lullabies, rocking you to sleep.

“Um, yes,” I awkwardly say.

I thought this was going to be easy, a walk in the park. How am I supposed to make friends with a perfect girl like her if I suddenly cannot remember my name?

“Fiona?” I ask, hoping that the person in front of me is not Fiona so that I can get another chance.

“Of course,” she says with a toothy smile. All her teeth were straight and white.

“Please come in. I’m so happy you’re here. You’re so pretty.”

Am I pretty? If I am pretty, she is something above gorgeous. Next to her, I probably resemble a troll, preferably one from under a bridge.

I look back at Sebastian, wanting to know if he sees Fiona the way I do and he seems to.

“I’ll be back to get you later unless you two end up at the house somehow,” he tells me again, but this time, I abruptly grab his hand, not wanting him to go.

This feels all too familiar.

He gives me a questioning look.

“I’ll give you two a moment to say goodbye.” Fiona blushes and politely closes the door.

“What’s wrong, Evangeline?” he asks, and I do not let go of his hand.

My breaths quicken as the memories come back to me, though I am not sure why they are affecting me now. Sebastian has left me before this, leaving the house for the searches and for alpha duties, but for some reason, this time it is different.

“Where are you going?”

“To the west border,” he tells me briefly. “Are you alright?”

“When will you get me? What time?”

“Probably in a few hours, maybe more. Just get to know Fiona and have fun. I’ll be back.”

Sebastian makes a move to walk away, but my grip on him tightens, not letting him go.

It is all coming to me.

Her eyes gaze up at mine—with that lovely chocolate color that usually brings a smile to my face—but this time, I could not smile. I latch onto her arm tightly with all the strength I have.

“Sweetheart, we’ll be back in a few days, okay? Grandma will take care of you until then.”

“I don’t know Grandma,” I mumble.

“Well, you can get to know her. She can play dolls with you.” My mother strokes my cheek, wiping the stray tears from them. “Don’t cry.

Daddy and I are coming back.”

I could see the pain in her eyes.

“Please don’t go. Why can’t I stay with you?”

“The pack isn’t safe right now. Once things clear up from the attack,

I’ll be knocking on the door, alright?”

I shake my head, gripping her tightly. “Don’t leave me.”

The tears continue to fall down my cheeks, only to have more follow behind.

“Please don’t go.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she whispers while pulling her arm from my grasp. “Daddy and I will be back. We’ll be back,” she calls to me as she hurries to my father in the distance.

My grandmother holds onto my shoulders, stopping me from chasing after her. I sob, and I sob, and I sob.

“Mom!” I shout at the trees. “Mom!”

“Evangeline?” Sebastian’s voice caresses me. “Are you crying?”

Suddenly, my hand shoots up to my cheeks, and I fiercely wipe the tears off my face.

“No, I mean…No, I just.” I struggle to come up with the right thing to say.

Turning away from him, I curse myself and fan my eyes with my hands.

Sebastian grabs me and turns me back around, facing him.

“What happened? What did I say?” The concern is evident on his face, and I hate myself for making him feel this way.

“You didn’t do anything. I-I just…I don’t know.”

“Calm down,” he tells me until some sort of realization comes to his eyes.

He places his hands on either side of me, forcing me to look up at his handsome face.

“I’m coming back. I’m coming back, okay? I’ll be at the west border.” Sebastian points in the direction. “I’ll be just over there. If you

need me, tell Fiona, and she will take you to me.” I nod.

“You know what? Just step outside, scream my name, and I will come running. I’m not going anywhere.”

I take few deep breaths, trusting Sebastian, trusting that I will see him again. “Okay, okay. Can I have a hug?”

Sebastian does not think twice before wrapping his arms around me.

I take in his scent greedily and finally find myself relaxing. “If you need me—”

“I’ll scream.” I interrupt as we pull apart.

At this moment, I feel close to him. I feel our bond strengthening, and it is a good feeling.

“Thank you.”