Page 19

CHAPTER 19

RIVEN

We made it. Sort of. We were out of the city at least, and Reeve and I were like 95% sure we were headed in the right direction. We didn’t need public transportation anymore, and the area was woodsy enough that we all shifted without having to worry about drawing extra attention. While Brynn could get away with shifting in the human areas of the city, two massive black wolves were just a little too obvious.

But now we were free to stretch our paws, and my wolf was ecstatic. He didn’t even care that I got stuck carrying the duffel bag. Brynn had fixed it up so it was like a backpack. He’d picked up a map for us at a gas station right on the edge of the city, and we were able to get an idea of where to go to find the property. My wolf didn’t need it though. He was running strictly on instinct, and even if it made no sense, because we’d never actually seen the place, my wolf insisted he knew where home was. It was similar to the reaction Reeve and I had when our uncle first showed us the pictures of the place. It was a run down cabin on overgrown ground, but we knew deep down it was ours. Of course, at the time we figured it would be us and Rella, but now we were ready for our second chance with our mate, and I wouldn’t blow it.

My wolf whined, thinking of the little sister he lost. I wished there was a way I could make it better, but I doubted we’d ever have the chance. Wherever she was, I hoped she was doing okay. I hope she didn’t punish herself for the choices that she had made, and that her pup was healthy and happy and had a better life than we had. Fuck, she could’ve had a whole litter by now. I tried to tuck the thoughts into the box deep back in my brain, because all it did was hurt. There was no way to fill that hole in my heart that my sister and potential nieces and nephews would fill; it was pointless to dwell on it. Maybe one day we’d get pups of our own, or kits, I wasn’t sure how that worked, if a rabbit could have wolves or what, or if Brynn even wanted them.

I could imagine it now, our home fixed up with little ones running around, smiling and full of joy as we gave them everything we never had growing up. Security, love, safety, and some spoiling, too.

I thought about what Reaper had said, that Brynn could be pregnant now. I didn’t notice any difference in his scent yet, but it also was so early, would we know? As much as I’d love to see Brynn’s belly swollen with our kids, I realized the timing wasn’t ideal. Then I shrugged. Whatever happened, happened. I hadn’t put a lot of stock into the Goddess and her plan before now, but it was hard to deny divine intervention got us to where we were now. All I could do was wait and see.

Reeve stopped, his snout in the air sniffing. Brynn hopped in between his legs, nuzzling the back legs before doing the same to me. Our little rabbit couldn’t stay still in his animal form, and I loved it. Seeing him without the terror of the hunt was beautiful. I ducked my head and tried to lick him, but he hopped out of the way.

Reeve huffed, getting our attention. I tilted my head to let him know I was listening. He huffed one more time and then shifted. Standing there naked and unashamed he took a second to get his bearings before speaking. “My wolf is pretty sure the property is right on the other side of the tree line. I’m going to shift back. If he’s right, I want you two to stay back by the trees, and I’m going to go ahead and check it out. It’s been a long time, who knows who could’ve stumbled upon this place.”

I whined, not liking the idea of Reeve going alone. He raised an eyebrow at me. “I know you don’t like it, Riv, but this is one of those things you can’t fight. Please. Stay with Brynn.” Protect him were his unspoken words.

If I could roll my eyes in this form, I would’ve with that bullshit, and I think Reeve knew, because he shot me a half-smile. But I relented. If something was dangerous at the property, it would be better for Brynn to stay back, and neither of us would be okay with letting Brynn completely out of our sight. The bond was still too new, and we hadn’t had a real chance to solidify it. All three of our emotions were still bouncing around wildly, and even the short distance we sat apart in the subway and on the bus had fucking hurt. I was sure Reeve would struggle once he lost sight of us, but he knew I’d protect Mate with my life.

“Good. Thank you. Just wait here until I come back for you.”

He was fucking delusional if he thought I wouldn’t come for him if he was in danger, but my wolf form wasn’t the most conducive to fighting with my twin, so I just glared until he grinned again and then shifted back. The shift was already getting so much smoother than it had been with the collar. Just a few days and I was starting to feel like myself again. Not that I remembered what that felt like, but I felt whole. Truly and completely whole.

We followed after Reeve, Brynn slightly more subdued than he was before. He stayed close, nearly underfoot, and it was strictly my wolf’s overprotective carefulness that kept him from getting trampled. I didn’t mind though. I liked that he wanted to stay that close to me. My wolf was happy to watch his step in order to not hurt his mate.

We made it to the clearing. I hung right on the edge of the trees, like I promised Reeve, but even from there, I could see it. We’d made it. We were home.

The cabin, made out of real wood, sat in the middle of the clearing. The windows were boarded up, the door half on its hinges, and the weeds overgrown. Ivy grew up the side of the drain, and I couldn’t imagine how clogged it was. At least I couldn’t see any holes in the roof.

Reeve turned to us and buried his snout first into Brynn’s tiny neck and then mine, scenting both of us. I did it back to him as Brynn rubbed up against his hind leg. Then he gave me one last look before he was gone.

As soon as Reeve hit the property line, Brynn shifted. “Sorry, I’m too nervous to stay as my rabbit. I’d probably fucking bolt, and I know that’s a bad idea.” I huffed and licked his bare stomach. Brynn just laughed and buried his hands into my fur. It felt so good.

“You stay as a wolf in case Reeve needs you. I’m just gonna babble a whole bunch.”

Reeve had turned the corner, examining the back of the property. We couldn’t see him, and immediately I was on high alert.

Brynn knelt next to me and wrapped his arms around me as much as he could manage. “It’s okay, Wolfy.” I huffed at the nickname. Wolfy? Really he couldn’t think of anything better. Brynn ignored me entirely, “I can still feel him.” He removed his hand and clutched his chest, indicating the bond. “I know you can, too. Just focus on that. You’ll know he’s safe.”

I let some of my weight lean into my tiny mate, knowing he could handle it. He was so strong. Even if he did babble a lot.

“First thing I’m doing once we know we’re safe is finding somewhere where I can get a big ass bowl of spaghetti. I haven’t had a decent carb in forever.” Then he wrinkled his nose, “Okay, maybe second thing. First thing is showering. Does this place have plumbing?”

I dipped my head. I had no idea. It did before. There was running water and plumbing and a solar panel system that would let us run electricity off the grid. But I had no fucking clue if any of it still worked. What were the chances our uncle was still maintaining it for us after all these years?

Reeve must’ve entered the cabin from the back, because before I could really start to worry, he was walking out, through the front door, naked and human. He was grinning as he waved us forward. “It’s safe.”

“Thank fuck,” Brynn whispered, the relief obvious. Then he was running toward Reeve, and I was right behind him. Brynn threw himself at Reeve, who easily caught him with a laugh. He kissed him soundly before putting him down and coming to me. He cupped my face with both hands, like he would when I was human, his dark eyes bright with emotion. “We did it, Riv. We’re fucking here.”

Suddenly, I was desperate to shift back, and Brynn and Reeve were taking the duffle bag off me so I could without ruining everything. As soon as it was tossed in the high grass by Reeve’s feet, I shifted. I did it so fast I was dizzy, but I didn’t care. Reeve had tears streaming down his face. Big happy tears.

“We did it?” I repeated, still having a hard time believing it, “It’s safe? It’s okay?”

He took my hand and squeezed, and then grabbed Brynn’s hand. “It’s more than okay. Uncle Zeke, he must’ve…” Reeve trailed off, choked up. He shook his head. “Well, let’s just go inside. You’ll see.”

Even knowing only good things waited for us inside, my nerves got the better of me as I followed him. I couldn’t imagine what he was so happy about. The outside was a mess. I guess as long as it was all in one piece, it was good. We had shelter. The rest would come with time. None of us were afraid of hard work–

While the outside looked exactly how I expected a property that had been neglected for a decade to look, the inside was anything but. The bare bones cabin that we bought was completely renovated. Polished hardwood floors covered the open space with faux fur rugs thrown over it for warmth. The kitchen, which if I remembered correctly was literally just a hollowed out space with the piping necessary for a stove and sink, looked practically brand new. A sparkling stove and oven, a double sink, an oversized stainless steel fridge, and even a fucking dishwasher. A dishwasher. I’d never had one of those in my life.

I stood frozen to the spot, taking it all in. It was furnished too, with an oversized leather couch in the living room, some empty bookshelves, and a TV mounted to the wall. There was a big wooden table in the space for dining. Barstools at the counter.

“What the fuck?” I muttered, having no other words.

Reeve and Brynn seemed just as lost for words as me. All three of us stood, squeezing hands so tightly I thought I was going to lose circulation, completely shell shocked.

Finally, Reeve shook his head, like he was coming out of shock. “I-I don’t know. There was a letter in the kitchen, but I haven’t opened it. The bedrooms and bathrooms are done, too. The second bedroom, it’s made as a nest.” He glanced at Brynn, “I don’t know if Uncle Zeke was thinking of Rella or what, it’s basic now, but you can add anything to it you want, change whatever…” Reeve was babbling, nervous.

Brynn stopped it with a kiss to his cheek. “I never had a nest at all. Whatever it is, it will be special. This is really it? This is ours?”

I cupped his chin, bringing his face to me. Brynn also had tears running down his face, and I couldn’t imagine what he was thinking. It had been so long since any of us had a home, and even if I thought this cabin could eventually become it, I thought we’d be living rough for a long time. But now…

I felt dizzy.

Brynn seemed to sense it. “How bout you two sit, and I’ll see if there’s anything to eat here. Then we can read the note. See what’s what.”

It was as good of a plan as any. Reeve and I leaned on each other, both on shaky legs, and somehow made it to the soft leather couch. I almost felt bad sitting on it with my filthy body, but…it was leather. It would be easy to clean.

I closed my eyes, just soaking in the buttery soft fabric. Had I ever sat on something so soft before? Where had Uncle Zeke even gotten all this?

I let my thoughts drift as I leaned into Reeve and took strength from him. I opened one eye, just to keep an eye on Brynn as he practically skipped into the kitchen and started opening cabinets and cupboards.

None of this made sense. Uncle Zeke hadn’t visited us once in prison. He never even showed up to the trial. I kind of figured that he sold the property and took off with our money. Not this… Unless of course he was living here, but then why not fix the front up, too?

Soon Brynn came back with two sleeves of crackers, a can of Spam, and…a package of Oreos? What the fuck.

“It looks like it’s only non-perishable food, which makes sense if he had no idea when y’all would be back.” Or if we’d be back. Brynn flopped on the couch, making space for himself between Reeve and me. We both scooted over, loving the idea of our mate between us. He handed Reeve the Spam with a wrinkled nose before diving right into the Oreos.

He unscrewed the cookie and immediately started to lick at the creme in the center. The way his eyes rolled back in his head was obscene, and if I wasn’t stressing about the letter, I’d be hard watching him.

He froze, the cookie halfway to his lips. “What? I haven’t had one of these in ages.”

“Nothing, sweetness. Glad to see you enjoying yourself.”

Brynn narrowed his eyes but then shrugged and finished his cookie. After he ate three of them, he held the letter up.

“Who wants to read it?”

“You,” Reeve and I said at the same time.

Brynn rolled his eyes. “Please don’t do that all the time. It’s freaky. You sure you want me to read it first?”

“Yeah. I’m half afraid this is some sick joke, and the note will say he sold it, and we better get the fuck outta here now.” Reeve put some of my own fears into thoughts.

Brynn shot him a sympathetic smile before opening the letter. I squeezed my eyes shut, unable to look. What was taking him so long? Was there a lot to it?

Finally, he spoke. “Do you want me to read it out loud? It’s good. I promise.”

I glanced at Reeve, and we both nodded.

“Okay.” Brynn took a deep breath and then started.

“ Reeve and Riven, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you during the trial, or after. Or there for you growing up. My relationship with the Obsidian…is complicated, and I couldn’t risk them getting to me. It was selfish. I should’ve taken the three of you with me, but at the time, I could barely take care of myself. I thought it was the right thing. It’s one of the biggest regrets I have, living on the fringes and abandoning the three of you. If I could do things differently, I would. But that’s neither here nor there. I’ll never earn your forgiveness, and I’ve made peace with that.

When you came to me to find this property, I thought that was my chance to make amends. Of course, it didn’t work out that way. I know you may never see this note or see the cabin. This may have been a huge waste of time, money, and emotional breakthroughs, but on the off chance that you may eventually get free and find your way here, I wanted to do this for you. It probably sounds insane, and most of the time I feel that way when I’m working in here, but something, some kind of feeling, told me to do this, so here I am. I come by once a month to clean up any spiderwebs, replace expired cans, and check the pipes. I left the outside the way it was in case anyone stumbled by this place. I hoped it would keep people away, and so far it’s worked. If you do find your way here and don’t want to speak to me, just put a plant on the porch. If I see that, I’ll leave, and I won’t bother you again. If you can find it in you to talk to me, well then, I guess we’ll see. Chances are this letter’s just gonna sit here and collect dust.

Anyway, I hope you’re happy with the renovations. I keep the water, internet, and electricity running. I even have subscription services in my name already loaded on the TV. If you do come here, don’t worry about putting them in your name. You’ll have much bigger things to worry about.

The nesting room, well that was a whim. Hopefully you’ll be able to make use of it eventually.

Anyway, that’s that. For what it’s worth I’m really sorry for being a shitty fucking uncle all your lives, and I hope you eventually find happiness.

Love,

Uncle Zeke

Brynn put down the letter, and I burst into tears, Reeve right behind me.