by Cameo Renae
“Everything.”
“You promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
“Okay,” I sighed, giving in.
He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. “Thank you.”
I guess waiting a little while longer was better than nothing. I knew his memory was still returning too, so I didn’t want to push him.
“I can take her home,” Uncle Garrick offered, his eyes finding mine. “Your aunts Vera and Lydia are there and very excited to meet you. They’ve been going on about how great it will be to have another female around.”
My dad’s brow raised at me . . . a silent question to see if I agreed. And I did. I was glad to learn I had two aunts. Maybe they knew my mom. And maybe they would have some information about her to tell me.
“When you’re done with the doctor, text me,” Uncle Garrick said to my dad. “Lyra said she was going to register you with the Court of the Sun and the Moon, but I’ll try to get a hold of her daughter, Addie, about putting on your tattoos. Maybe she’ll be able to swing by the house later.”
“That’ll be great,” my dad replied, his voice strained.
“Wait. Tattoos?” I said a little too excitedly, knowing my dad would never let me get one.
“They’re temporary. For visitors,” Uncle Garrick explained.
“Why?” I asked. “That’s an odd thing to give visitors.”
“This town is . . . well, not your normal town,” Dr. Underwood added.
“Yeah, that’s what I’ve been hearing.” I exhaled.
Uncle Garrick’s phone chimed. “Come on, princess,” he said, glancing at his phone. “Aunt Vera wants me home. Something about a clogged pipe.” He sighed and rolled his eyes. “I’ll take you to your place, so you can unpack, or rearrange your room, or do whatever it is you want to do.”
“We have our own place?”
“Of course you do.” Uncle Garrick took my hand and led me out of the room. “We have cabins on the outskirt of town, where we run our business.”
I glanced back at my dad before the door closed, his eyes sad, his body tense as he turned to the doctor.
What was really happening? I hoped he could find answers soon. I needed them as much as he did.
As we drove in silence, Uncle Garrick finally spoke. “Hey, Eris?”
I knew the tone. It sounded so much like my dad’s voice when he was preparing to offer a “helpful” speech.
“Yeah?” I answered.
“I know this is a huge change for you. But we’re all family, and you and your dad were meant to be here with us. I understand why your dad left and took you away from here. It was a hard time for all of us, but I really believe things will be better now that you’re both here.”
“You know what happened?”
“Yes.” He sighed, deeply. “But that’s not a story for me to tell. I’m sorry. I know your dad will explain everything soon, but I know it’s overwhelming for him too. Everything he wanted to forget, all the negative memories, especially of the loss of your mother, has come back to him all at once. Just give him a little time to process it all.” He placed his large hand over mine. “Okay?”
“Okay.” I looked out the window and watched the tall pine trees pass by.
“It’s good to have you back, princess.”
“Thanks.” I wondered if they all had their own nicknames for me.
In no time, we pulled down a road that headed toward the mountains. On the left was a large building, with a sign on the front that read “Blaekthorn Lumber & Supply” around a logo of a howling wolf with pine trees. The entire building was decorated with icicle lights and other Christmas decorations.
“That’s our family store,” Uncle Garrick said, pointing toward it. “I’ll give you a tour later.”
“Wow, it’s big,” I murmured, more to myself. “I like the logo. Are there wolves in the forest?”
He laughed and glanced at me. “Yeah, there are definitely wolves that roam around this area.”
“Oh,” I replied. Dad would probably give me a weapon before I went sightseeing. “So, where do you get all the lumber?”
“Right here, on our property. One day we’ll show you the operation. How we chop the trees, load them, and take them to our mill, where we strip and cut them into lumber.”
I was impressed. “How big is the property?” It must have been huge to process a lot of lumber for a lumberyard. I also knew it took years and years to grow a tree.
A smile widened on his face. “Big enough. You’ll soon learn about how things work here at Blaekthorn Lumber, but I think it’s best if you and your dad, once he returns, sit and discuss more important matters first.”
I nodded. His words brought nothing but more confusion, and made my head throb.
We traveled down a graveled drive, with manicured shrubs and greenery lining the path on either side, and beyond that, lots and lots of pine trees.
I imagined the drive filled with blooming flowers during the spring and summer. But it was winter now, New Year’s Eve, and remnants of a recent snow lined the sides of the drive. The sky was brightening, but still gray and cloudy and cold.
Maybe I’d get to see snow fall before we left here. It didn’t happen often in our small town in New Mexico.
Soon, three large log cabins came into view, each separated by at least a half-acre. They were beautiful, with snow-covered mountains as a backdrop. Pine trees in each of the front yards were covered with Christmas lights. I could barely see them now that the sky was brighter, but knew they’d be gorgeous at night.
The cabins were built the same—two stories, with front stairs that led to wrap-around porches. These were not what I had expected when Uncle Garrick said cabins, but then again, I recalled the picture and the dream I’d had, and they were exactly the same.
We pulled up to the house in the middle, where Uncle Garrick’s truck idled. “Well, this is it. Welcome home, Eris.” He handed me a key and patted my hand. “Cam has been staying here for the last few years, when he’s not at our house for food, but we’ve made sure he kept the place clean. Your room is upstairs. I’m sure you’ll know which one it is as soon as you see it. Your aunt Vera bought you some new bedding and girly room stuff, and said she can take you shopping later in town if you needed anything else.”
“Thank you.” I tried to smile, but wasn’t sure if I was ready.
“Did you want me to walk you in?” he asked.
“No, I’ve got this,” I said with feigned confidence.
“All right. When you’re ready, come over. My house is that one.” He pointed to the cabin on the left when his phone chimed. “Your Aunt Vera just texted. She’ll have breakfast and coffee ready when you arrive.”
“That sounds great. Thanks again.” I grabbed my bag, and as soon as I slid out of his truck, a cold breeze bit every exposed area on my body. I shivered, ready to take Aunt Vera up on shopping for some warmer clothes, if I was going to be here for any length of time.
As he pulled away, I stepped up the stairs, stairs I probably ran up and down countless times in my past. My heart hammered, and I suddenly wished my dad was here. There were buried memories I had of this place, and I hoped they didn’t come with some horrors.
Putting the key into the door, I twisted the knob and pushed it open. The inside was nice and open. To the right was a large kitchen with all the amenities, even a large potted poinsettia. Behind the kitchen was a dining area, and to the left was a family room with plush brown couches, a fireplace with a fire already crackling inside—most likely thanks to one of my aunts—and a large screen TV. In one corner was a large, real Christmas tree, beautifully decorated, but losing some of its needles, which were scattered on the ground under it.
Everything was rustic, logs and hardwood, with brighter rugs and curtains. The décor was warm and inviting, and gave me a real homey feeling.
Directly in front of me were stairs leading to the second floor. I headed up to find my room, starting wit
h the room directly at the top of the stairs.
Turning the knob, I pushed open the door and clicked on the light. There was no doubt it was Camden’s room. The décor was dark, with lots of blacks and deep reds. It was clean and somewhat organized, which I didn’t expect. His walls were covered with rock posters and girls in bikinis, which, I guess, I did expect.
I was about to turn around and leave when I noticed something peeking from behind his pillows. I walked over to his bed and moved them. His headboard had four deep gashes, claw marks, marring the wood.
What the hell had happened?
I ran my fingers along them, and they were rough. Maybe he carved them out with a knife.
I didn’t think he’d appreciate me being in here without his permission. But I also wondered if there was something here that could help me find out what happened.
On his dresser were a couple of pictures in frames. I picked up the first one, of Camden and Rylan sitting in front of a campfire roasting marshmallows. They were laughing, and it made me smile. I wondered what kind of a person my brother was—was he kind and fun to be around, or was he a jerk?
There was another picture of him on a ski slope with a snowboard in his hand. Next to him was a pretty blond girl. They were standing side by side, each with an arm around the other’s waist. Another broad smile adorned his face.
In these pictures, he looked so happy, and the big question lingered in my mind. Why didn’t he want to come with us? Why did he want to stay?
Placing the pictures back, I turned to find my room. I headed down the hall to the door closest to Uncle Garrick’s house. As soon as I opened it and stepped in, there was no question it was mine, but I felt like I was walking into a toddler’s room. The walls were a pale pink, reminding me of cotton candy. They must not have been painted since we left.
Then, I noticed the bedding and the matching curtains.
Oh. My. God.
The comforter was pink and covered with images of cupcakes. The pillowcases were cupcakes, and so were the throw pillows. One had the word “sweet” written on it in silver sequins; the other had sprinkles and a cherry. Not to mention the matching cupcake curtains.
Internally, I groaned. Rylan lived next door and probably saw Vera come home with all this stuff. Hence, the “cupcake” nickname. Oh, God. I would never hear the end of it.
The carpets were a dark brown, like chocolate, and super soft. On one wall was a dresser, and on the other, a closet and another door.
Opening the door to the adjacent room, I found a bathroom—again, fully stocked with everything I needed. It was awesome, but I moaned at the décor. More cupcakes. The carpet next to the tub was a giant freaking cupcake. And the shower curtain—pale pink with cupcakes across the center. What the . . . ?
Aunt Vera had OCD—obsessive cupcake disorder.
The sound of a rumbling engine had me exiting the bathroom and peeking out my bedroom window. A motorcycle pulled into Uncle Garrick’s driveway, and I watched Rylan’s tall, muscular frame slide off the bike and pull off his helmet. Even from behind, he looked hot. Especially his butt, and the way it filled out his jeans.
After raking his fingers through his thick hair, Rylan’s head twisted in my direction, his head lifting, his eyes finding my window. A broad smile rose on his lips, and then . . . he waved.
I snapped the curtain shut and pressed my back against the wall. Crap! He caught me. How did he know I was watching? Did he know this was my bedroom?
The thought of him helping my aunt decorate my cupcake room was disconcerting.
Slowly peeking back out a small crack in the curtain, I watched him enter the house. My insides twisted, realizing he was going to be there when I went over for breakfast.
He was going to be trouble.
Chapter 5
After taking a shower and changing into my warmest clothes, I walked next door and nearly froze to death. How the heck could Rylan ride a motorcycle in this frigid air?
As I knocked on the door, my stomach somersaulted, over and over. For me, these were brand-new family members. Most of my memories still hadn’t returned, and I was beginning to wonder if they would.
As soon as the door opened, I was squeezed tight by a woman I assumed to be Aunt Vera. She was beautiful, tall and lean, with long brunette hair and deep green eyes. “Eris Blaekthorn. Look at you,” she said in a Southern accent. “You’re all grown up, and so beautiful,” she gushed, holding my face in her hands. “You look so much like your mother.” Her smile was refreshing. “Come inside, you must be freezing.”
“Thank you,” I said.
She took my hand and led me into the kitchen where it was warm, and there was a huge spread of pancakes, bacon, sausages, hash browns, fruit, muffins, and coffee.
“Here ya go,” she said, handing me a plate, pushing me toward the food. “You must be famished.”
I wasn’t gonna lie. “I am.” It all looked yummy, so I decided to take a little of everything.
“Welcome home! I hope you like your bedding,” she added. “There weren’t many choices in town. It was either the cupcakes or a huge rainbow with clouds.”
“I like the cupcakes,” I said with a smile, sitting at the dining table.
“Well, good,” she chimed. “I liked the cupcakes too. I thought the chocolate ones went perfectly with your carpet.”
“They do,” I agreed, trying to sound thankful. “Thanks again.”
“Cupcakes?” a familiar voice sounded. “I love cupcakes.”
I turned to see Rylan jogging down the stairs, freshly showered. He was in jeans and . . . shirtless. His upper body was still wet, glistening, and it looked as if God himself might have chiseled that chest. Tight skin. Muscles. Perfection.
A tribal tattoo covered his right shoulder and bicep.
“Rylan, put your shirt on,” Aunt Vera puffed. “We have a guest.”
“I see that,” Rylan said before he stretched a shirt over his head. I watched in awe as his muscles flexed as he slowly pulled his shirt down.
Holy hell.
Before he spotted me gawking, I snapped my head to my plate, attempting to spear a stray strawberry.
“Rylan, this is Eris, Camden’s sister,” she introduced, plating a fresh batch of muffins from the oven.
Rylan’s eyes met mine, with a sparkle in them. “Yeah, we met at the medical center.”
Walking over to the counter, he grabbed a plate and piled on bacon, eggs, sausages, and pancakes. Then, he headed in my direction and sat directly across from me.
He winked, and I instantly felt self-conscious, wondering if I had food on my face or in my teeth.
“Rylan, how is Cam doing?” Aunt Vera asked. “Have they found out anything yet?”
“Nothing yet,” Rylan replied. “But Sheriff Kasun and his pack have been investigating. Hopefully, the mages can find a cure soon.”
“I hope so too. I’ve been worried sick. I’ll drop by this afternoon,” she said.
“What did you mean by pack?” I asked Rylan. “And aren’t mages sorcerers?”
“Oh.” Aunt Vera turned with a bewildered look on her face. “He meant officers, and I guess you could say the ones helping are like shamans. Healers.”
The phone rang, and my aunt stepped out of the kitchen.
Rylan leaned across the table to grab the syrup, which was right in front of me. “Hey, cupcake.”
“Don’t.” I scowled, which made him chuckle.
His head cocked to the side. “I thought you liked cupcakes.”
“I do. I—” He was getting me tongue-tied, so I changed the subject. “You could have asked me to pass the syrup.”
“And miss a chance to get closer to you?” he purred.
I narrowed my eyes, glaring at him, but my stomach had butterflies slam dancing inside. He picked up a piece of bacon, his eyes locked on mine, and he bit it. Damn him. And damn the way he made eating that piece of bacon so freaking sexy. He knew it too. Jerk.
Au
nt Vera returned to the kitchen.
“Where’s Uncle Garrick?” I asked.
“Oh, that was him. He’ll be here shortly. He had to run over to the warehouse because they had a big order and needed his help.”
“They should have told me. I could have helped,” Rylan said.
“Oh, it’s already done. Garrick just needed to operate the loader, and you know how much he loves driving that large machine,” she said, turning with a grin.
“Hello?” A voice called from the door.
Aunt Vera shuffled toward it, wiping her hands on her apron. “Lydia, come in!”
“Is our princess here?” a high voice squealed.
In walked a pretty, blond woman of medium build, with bright red lips and large boobs. She peeled out of her long coat, revealing a sundress with brightly printed flowers all over it.
How could she not be cold?
Aunt Vera tipped her head toward me. “She’s having breakfast with Rylan.”
I heard Rylan chuckle under his breath, then I turned to watch Aunt Lydia enter.
“Eris, darlin’. Look. At. You,” she gushed, clapping her hands in front of her. “You’re a vision. Isn’t she a vision?” Aunt Lydia also had a Southern accent, much stronger than Aunt Vera’s.
I stood as she walked over, and she pulled me into a bear hug. My cheek pressed firmly against her chest, and I caught Rylan trying to swallow a laugh.
“I’m your aunt Lydia,” she finally said, setting me free. “I used to change your diapers when you were just a baby.” Another chuckle from Rylan. “You’ll get to see your uncle Barney soon. He’s been out chopping trees or God knows what else. I swear, if I didn’t promise him food and some good lovin’, that man would live in them woods.”
“Lydia,” Vera scolded, her eyes widening.
“Oh, Vera. Look at her. She’s not a child anymore. Are you, Eris?”
“No, ma’am,” I answered, feeling childish, and didn’t dare glance up to see Rylan’s expression.
“You’ll also get to meet your cousins, Weston and Drake. They’re over at a friend’s house playing video games.” She sighed. “I haven’t seen much of them over winter break, but told them they had to come home this afternoon for our New Year’s Eve barbecue.”