Kaden

"I never caught your name," I start, sensing the small foundation for a first name basis surfacing.

Between the time of picking them up to slowing alongside the curb opposing the small house, the female and I made light conversation. It took some coaxing, although the mention of Mary's Crafts loosened her up. It's strange to think we have something in common, yet I'm pleased the notion puts her at ease. I feel for the female, I do, and as much as Jax thinks otherwise, my gut is telling me Calex isn't responsible. How they crossed paths is a whole new question.

With a fleeting glance in the rearview mirror, he's fussing with the seatbelt to even notice. We barely exchanged a word in the entirety of the journey. Grunts and minimal of three worded responses; even they had been tied with the three-way conversation I managed to pull up. I'm hurt he didn't want to engage, although, after the stunt we pulled at the cabin and the lack of connection over the years, I can't blame him.

"Chin up, Kade, things will work out," Vern assures, knocking his head against nothing, yet I can picture it being a comforting rub if we could touch. "I like the girl. She's interesting."

The encouragement puts a smile on my face. There's no denying she's something else. I've never seen someone go through what she has—judging by the fear I smelt upon my arrival, it hadn't been good—to endure a shift, then stand up to an Alpha. I'm sure it bruised his ego, but considering the circumstances, he's not going to take it personally.

"I quite like you," she starts, and it doesn't take a genius to point out it's something she wouldn't have thought about with any of us, but I don't mention it and let her carry on. "And I'm sure you would've managed to figure it out anyway," she whispers, tone gentle toward Calex. "My name's Eve."

There's a low rumble in the back of the Jeep, and it's weirdly softer than what I've heard since our reunion. His eyes have lost their edge, the green is illuminated, and there's a small quirk to the corner of his mouth. At that moment, the space surrounding me became cramped.

"We better tell Jax. If he comes forcefully, this is going to cause a scene for the neighbours," Vern sighs.

Not only that, but Jax could end up hurt, or worse. Dead. Calex will have every right to dish out a challenge and beat his ass up and down the street. Or simply straight up beat his ass.

"That's a nice name. I would introduce myself, but I'm sure you heard back at the cabin," I chuckle, scratching the nape of my neck in relief at diverting her attention from me spacing out with my wolf. When she smiles with a nod, I wrap it up due to the low noise from the back. "Well, it was nice to meet you, I'm sure I'll see you around."

Glancing between us, she swivels in her seat to face me. "How do you guys know each other?"

The tension floods in and turns suffocating. I shouldn't be surprised she asked. I'd rather she had pursued her goal to hate us enough to be ignorant, but that's not the case. I don't dare risk a glance for fear of the look I'll receive from him if I do, I can feel the glare on the back of my head.

When neither of us say anything, her mouth parts on a word to nudge us, but Calex's abrupt exit from the vehicle catches her attention.

"Inside." He instructs, and to my disbelief, it's not demanding.

Eyeing the both of us for a moment longer, Eve thanked me for the ride, making a sweet comment about a possible run in at Mary's Crafts. Hopping from the Jeep, retrieving a backpack he extends with a huff before proceeding across the road. When she disappears inside, I'm unable to stop myself from admiring how perfect the size of the house is for her.

Other than the tree I've parked alongside for a new addition and the relocation of Mary's Crafts, nothing drastic has changed. It's still the same quiet street with the houses varying from small to medium with a few meters between them.

This is the safest place in town for a newly transitioned wolf to relax—

"You informed him where she resides."

I don't miss the disapproving growl.

Lowing my head in shame, recalling how I linked Jax the second I had the address. I did tell him to let things cool down before his next move.

Scratching the nape of my neck, I stare at the dashboard. "I'm sorry, br—Calex." Huffing out a heavy breath, I trace the shape of the acceleration pedal with my shoe before mustering the courage to meet his gaze through the open window. "I'm trying to do what I can with what I have. I don't want either of you in a position you don't want to be in; I don't want to fight, and I can see what Eve means to you, and I'm truly happy you found her."

There's a flicker of emotion in his eyes, only he doesn't say anything. I'm not sure what I'm saying but it's true. We only met a little over an hour ago, and this sentimental speech has cropped up at the wrong time. However, I wish he would, even if it's a curse so I know where I stand rather than guessing. I don't want to bounce back and forth now that I've seen him, and the last thing I want is to ruin this for him after everything he's been through for the past thirteen years.

"I'm going to warn him that while he's near the premises, there won't be any bad blood." I shake my head. "I'll keep this a secret, after all, it's your news to share if you deem so. Using her well-being will keep Jax in line; I can see he wants to do well for she's a new she-wolf and stressing her out won't be acceptable."

"Like me, you mean." It's not a question or an accusation, simply a straightforward statement.

Dragging my hand down my face with a slow rumble, I narrow my eyes on the steering wheel. "I don't see it that way." Waving my hand toward the house Eve disappeared in, I add, "She looks good, so I know you're trying to take care of her. After a small investigation, he'll see that too."

Calex remains silent, then gratefulness flutters through me at the sight of the stiff nod he sends my way. I'm about to bid him a goodbye when nothing is said, only he surprises me with more. "When should I expect you?"

Swallowing the tightness in my throat, I say, "Tomorrow."

"See you then."

His eyes linger on me longer than I thought they would, and it leaves a sinking feeling in my gut and the tightness migrates to my chest as I recognise it. He's taking me in, making up for the time we've spent apart, and scrutinising each feature as if this could be the last time before pivoting on his heels and stalking across the road toward the house.

I will never forget that look because I was doing the same thing.

Eve

My helper joined me not long after sending me into the house while he spoke to Kaden. I'm not sure what was said, but he didn't have that confident air around him until he noticed me lingering in the sitting room. I'm sure he smelt my whereabouts because he came straight to me. Neither of us had uttered a word, that was, until the thought of him needing to know where everything is came to mind. I'd rather sleep peacefully than hear him bumping around in the night.

"Everything OK?" I whisper, not trusting my voice, yet cursing myself because I had something different on the tip of my tongue.

His eyes brighten for a second, then he grumbles, "It doesn't concern you."

I hold my tongue, sucking in a sharp breath.

Well then. . .

"I'm sorry, little wolf."

I don't say anything. Instead, I brace myself and eye the hallway for the original plan.