Chapter 152
Evelyn’s POV
I stared at the herb in front of me, hardly believing it was real.
“You had this the whole time?” I asked, and I couldn’t hide how angry I was.
Chuck looked embarrassed. “You weren’t the only ones looking for it. Another group came last month. I thought I could… you know, see who would pay more p>
“So you made us walk in circles on purpose,” I said.
He nodded. “Money’s been tight around here. Hunting’s been terrible for months, barely any animals left p>
That made sense. The Rogue attacks had probably scared off or killed most of the wildlife in the area.
“I was planning to make some good money from this herb,” Chuck continued, looking ashamed. “But after what you did, risking your life for people you don’t even know… I can’t take your money. This is my way of saying thank you p>
I reached into my jacket for my wallet, but he stepped back quickly.
“No, no payment. You saved our lives p>
“Chuck, this herb is valuable, but it’s also dangerous. You need to know something.” I looked him in the eye. “This plant is poisonous if used alone. It needs to be mixed with other medicines to be safe. If you find more, don’t try to sell it in town without knowing what you’re doing p>
His eyes widened. “I had no idea. Good thing I never tried to use it myself p>
“If you find more, call this number.” I handed him one of Eryx’s cards. “He’ll send someone to pick it up so you don’t have to travel to the city p>
Chuck nodded gratefully. “I go up that forest several times a month. Only saw this plant once, but I’ll keep an eye out p>
“Jackson,” I called to him. “Give Chuck the payment we discussed p>
Jackson handed over an envelope. Chuck’s eyes widened when he saw the amount.
“This is too much p>
“It’s exactly what it’s worth,” I said firmly. “Take care of yourself and your family p>
As we walked away, I couldn’t help but smile. After all the chaos with Alpha Kane and the Rogues, we’d finally gotten what we came for.
Sometimes the best things really were worth the wait.
Once Eryx and my team had recovered from their injuries, and Calvin’s pack warriors had rested up, we prepared to leave Thunder Creek.
The drive back to Ravenshade seemed endless. By the time we arrived, it was already past midnight.
Calvin pulled up beside my car. He got out, still looking perfect in his expensive suit.
“Let me escort you home,” he offered.
I shook my head firmly. “Calvin, I’m a grown woman. I can handle myself p>
His eyes held mine. “That doesn’t mean you should face danger alone p>
“Thank you for coming to Thunder Creek to help me,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “But don’t do it again. I don’t need your protection p>
He didn’t seem surprised by my response. Calvin just looked at me for a moment longer.
“Get some rest, Evelyn,” he finally said, his voice softer than usual.
I turned away without another word and climbed into my car. When I got home, I went straight to check on the kids. Rowan and Rhys were both sleeping peacefully in their beds.
After a quick shower, I crawled into my own bed where Alexis was already sleeping. I kissed her chubby cheek and breathed in her sweet baby smell. This was what mattered, all my children safe at home.
I fell asleep almost instantly.
The next morning, I felt small fingers touching my face.
“Mommy someone whispered.
When I opened my eyes, all three kids were crowding around my bed, looking excited.
“Good morning, my loves,” I said, still half asleep.
Rhys bounced on his toes. “Mom, I missed you so much p>
“Alex missed too!” my daughter said, reaching for my face.
Rowan stood behind his siblings, looking serious as always. “Mom, you should sleep more. I’ll take Rhys and Alex down for breakfast p>
I smiled and ruffled his hair. “Thank you, Rowan. You’re such a good boy p>
I dozed for another hour before finally dragging myself out of bed. By the time I made it downstairs, the children had finished their breakfast. Through the large windows facing our driveway, I spotted a familiar black SUV parked outside.
Calvin.
He was leaning against his car, arms crossed over his broad chest, his expression unreadable even from this distance. When our eyes met through the gate, I felt that familiar pull—the one I’d been fighting for years.
“Mom, Rhys and I are heading to school now,” Rowan announced, pulling me from my thoughts.
I nodded, tearing my gaze away from Calvin. “Your father’s at the gate. Be careful, okay p>
Rhys waved enthusiastically. “Bye, Mom p>
As they left, I turned my attention to Alexis, who was attempting to bring me coffee. The sight of my little girl carefully balancing a cup too big for her tiny hands, coffee sloshing over the sides and creating a trail behind her, made my heart swell.
“Mommy drink,” she said proudly, her smile revealing tiny white teeth.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” I quickly took the mug before she could spill more and wiped her hands with a damp napkin. The rich aroma of coffee filled the air as Alex climbed onto her chair, watching me with those intelligent eyes while I ate breakfast.
I spent the entire day with my daughter, postponing my lab work until the following morning. When I finally made it to the lab, I immediately set to work on processing the herbs we’d retrieved from Thunder Creek, along with the additional samples shipped from Viremont.
After a full day of intense concentration, I managed to produce a small batch of pills and a specialized salve for Leon. His injuries from the attack were healing, but his leg had taken the worst damage. I arranged for the salve to be delivered to Viremont, where he was recuperating.
Two days later, I received a text from Leon. “The salve is working wonders. Pain’s significantly reduced. Heading back to Ravenshade tomorrow. Will pick you up for the Brownfur Pack gathering personally p>
I smiled at his message. Leon had always been thoughtful that way.
When we arrived at the venue, I realized this wasn’t just any ordinary party.