Chapter 22
Evening brought a sudden storm.
Nyra was brewing coffee in the kitchen when thunder exploded overhead, rain battering the windows.
She’d just secured the last window when urgent pounding echoed from her front door.
“Who’s there?” She opened it to find Evander standing there drenched, his arms wrapped protectively around something.
“Christ, get inside!” She quickly stepped back to let him in.
Evander rushed past her and carefully opened his jacket-a tiny white kitten was pressed against his chest, trembling violently.
“Found it getting swept down the storm drain.” His voice was rough with concern.
vyra immediately grabbed a towel, gently bundling the kitten: “Poor baby. Let me get the hair dryer to warm it up.”
As she turned to go, Evander’s hand caught her wrist.
Wait, you’re soaked too.” He frowned, brushing rainwater from her shoulder.
hey stood close enough that she could smell the storm on his skin mixed with that clean pine scent.
ler heart skipped, and she instinctively stepped back.
vander dropped his hand, clearing his throat: “The kitten first.”
Right.” She ducked her head, her cheeks warming.
ater, Nyra sat cross-legged on the living room rug, gently stroking the sleeping kitten’s fur.
he kitten had fall asleep. Its tiny chest rose and fell steadily.
vander appeared with two steaming mugs, offering her one: “Not tired yet?”
Want to make sure it pulls through.” She accepted the hot cocoa.
vander settled beside her, close enough that their shoulders almost touched. After a moment of comfortable quiet, he spoke softly: “Nyra.”
Mm?”
f you ever wanted to… try trusting someone again…” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “What would you need from them?”
yra went completely still, turning to study his profile in the lamplight.
is usual easy smile was softer now, his eyes holding emotions he wasn’t bothering to hide anymore.
er heart started racing, heat creeping up her neck as she looked away quickly. “I… I haven’t really thought about it.”
vander nodded without pushing, but his smile was soft with understanding.
vander smiled without pushing further.
he next morning, Nyra knelt in her garden, coaxing the rescued kitten to eat small pieces of fish.
he little thing devoured everything eagerly, occasionally headbutting her fingers with purrs.
he couldn’t help but laugh, gently booping its tiny nose.
Evander, this guy’s definitely putting on weight already,” she called over her shoulder, assuming he’d come to check on their little guy.
alence answered her.
yra frowned, starting to turn, when powerful arms suddenly locked around her from behind.
A familiar scent enveloped her instantly-cold cedar mixed with a hint of tobacco smoke.
Theron.
Her entire body went rigid.
“Found you…” Theron’s voice was raw against her ear, shaking with barely contained desperation.
His arms caged her, as if loosening his grip would make her evaporate.
Nyra forced herself to calm down: “Let go.”
Instead, Theron’s hold tightened until she could barely draw breath: “Do you have any idea what you put me through? I’ve torn apart three territories looking for you. How could you just vanish like that?”
“Theron.” His name came out flat, emotionless. “Let go of me.”
“No!” His voice cracked with desperate fury. “You don’t get to just walk away! You don’t get to leave without a word! Do you know what 1-”
Before he could finish, a figure charged from the side and drove a fist straight into Theron’s face.
