Chapter 2

Eva Gibson’s pov

Putting the food items away I heard my sister ask Austin to stay for dinner and groaned internally.

Still reeling from the funeral, I side-eyed her and said, “Don't you think it would be better for us to be alone at this time?”

Biting her bottom lip, she narrowed her red-rimmed eyes and said firmly, “Austin's thoughtfulness should be rewarded with a good meal. I will prepare it so don't worry about it, little sister.”

Glancing over at Austin sitting on a stool by the counter, he pretended to be oblivious to our conversation. I huffed out a fine to my sister and asked him if he wanted anything to drink.

“A cold beer sounds good if you have any?” He asked with a grin and I opened the refrigerator to grab one of my dad's.

Handing it to him, I muttered, “Might as well drink them, or they're going to be tossed in the trash.”

Holding the bottle, he inspected it and said, “These were your dad's, eh?”

Nodding, I told him yeah.

“Sorry about them both,” he added and popped the cap off before taking a swig.

“Why were humans this far out on the Alpha’s pack lands? There's no human population around here for hundreds of miles,” I commented and he eyed me oddly.

Setting the bottle down on the counter he inhaled deeply and said, “The driver that hit your parents wasn't human, Eva. The person responsible was a wolf from a neighboring pack who came here to the pack bar to celebrate his graduation from guard training.”

Furrowing my brow I eyed him in disbelief.

“They should be sued!”

Shaking his head he explained that they'd also been killed and had no remaining kin.

Seeing his eyes following my sister moving around the kitchen I growled sourly and told him to check himself.

“I know that you have a hard-on for Olivia, but she is off-limits for a man like you,” I warned him, and he scoffed at me.

Taking another drink he just eyed me with disdain and didn't comment, making me grit my molars at the asshole.

“Just because you can screw a lot of women because you're handsome doesn't mean you should,” I snapped and he chuckled.

“Do you think that I am handsome, Eva?”

Rolling my eyes, I growled sourly, then glared at him.

“Unbelievable, you focused on those words and nothing else I said!”

Frustrated, I informed Olivia that I was going to my room and to call for me when supper was ready.

She waved me off as I stomped off to my bedroom and slammed my door.

“He's such a cocky no brain idiot!” I fumed as I plopped down on my bed and growled into my pillow.

“Of course, he is handsome, duh! I, along with all the other female pack members, thought that, and my opinion was no different!”

Seething, I glanced at my dresser and noticed the pictures of my parents I had there and finally allowed the pent-up pain to roll down my cheeks.

I had held it in for days and now the dam had broken.

The firm knock on my bedroom a while later had me wiping my eyes quickly as I asked who it was.

“Dinner is ready!” Austin's voice called out, making me groan, knowing that he and my sister would know that I had cried.

“I will be there in a few!” I called back and, hearing him moving away, scurried from my room and headed to the bathroom.

Seeing my red eyes I exhaled deeply and rinsed my face off with some cool water to freshen up.

I entered the kitchen and saw Austin sitting next to my sister and pinched my lips together at him ignoring my earlier warning as I took my seat.

After getting our plates full Austin started to speak with Olivia.

“So you are going to drop out to take care of your adult sister? Seems like she is capable of getting employment instead of you having to ruin your future,” he stated plainly and I gasped at the nerve of him.

“I never even had a choice in the decision I will have you know!” I retorted and heard Olivia sigh across from me.

“Could we please have a civil meal? You both are always at each other's throats and now isn't the time for that,” she said firmly.

I glared at him and raised my middle finger causing him to narrow his eyes at me in a threatening manner.

Olivia gave me the look that my parents used to give me. I lowered my eyes from my sister and focused on the food on my plate.

“Austin, I promised my parents on their deathbeds that I would care for Eva. The pack clothing store pay is minimal but will cover our necessities whereas university pays nothing,” she asserted.

“I'm just suggesting that Eva is old enough to get a job and help with the finances,” he said firmly.

“I'm aware, but she hasn't gotten her wolf yet, and per pack law, she's not matured yet and must be parented until her first shift,” Olivia explained and shut him up quickly.

As I ate I felt him watching me and looked up to meet his eyes.

“Take a picture; it will last longer,” I said sarcastically.

“I don't take photos of females,” he growled back, and I glared at him, but he just grinned slightly back at me which was unnerving.

“I can give you a ride into town so you can apply. Eva, you're welcome to come along if you want to get away from here for the day. I can get us all lunch at the cafe afterward,” he said suddenly, and I peeked over at him, looking at Olivia, and cringed when she agreed.

I would have to speak with her about my concerns, I surmised as I lowered my eyes and focused on my plate.