Shadows (Book 2 of the Zara's Wolf Trilogy) BWWM

28. Good Morning

The awkward silence is broken when Daddy yawns loudly.

We're gathered in the living room with Evan's parents on the plush rocking chairs, Evan and his sisters on the couch, and chairs from the kitchen table pulled in to provide seats for Daddy and me. Mama refuses to sit and instead stands between me and her husband in what can only be described as a protective stance. She's wearing her fluffy purple bathrobe around her simple cotton pajamas. Her face, free of makeup, is pulled into a deep frown that makes the bags under her eyes that much more prominent.

I always thought Mama looked fabulous, but seeing her now, I can see that time and stress has taken its toll on her. A twist of guilt constricts my heart. She should be in bed, not getting involved in our mess.

Marcus clears his throat. "We really do apologize for coming so late and unannounced."

Mama's arms are crossed in front of her, her frown deepening, while Daddy is struggling to stay awake.

"Let them stay the night, Vanessa," Daddy says as his mouth flies open for another yawn. "We'll discuss matters in the morning."

"You can go to bed whenever you want, but I need answers before I can even attempt to go to sleep," she snaps back at him.

Daddy shrugs and pulls himself up from his seat with a groan. "Suit yourself."

"We don't mean to be a burden," Tamara says as she watches Daddy leave the room. "We can leave at sunrise, if you wish."

Mama sighs, closing her eyes and massaging her forehead with the tips of her fingers. Her plucked eyebrows furrow at the internal battle she is having with herself. I can tell that she doesn't want to be the bad guy here and kick us out, but at the same time, she's uncomfortable.

"No, it's fine," she says finally.

She opens her tired eyes and they fall on me, scrutinizing me from head to toe. Her nose wrinkles a little. "Where did you get that get-up?"

The corners of my lips tug up in a nervous smirk. "Donation bin."

Her eyebrows arch up. "Should I ask?"

I purse my lips and shake my head. "Maybe in the morning?"

Exhaustion getting the best of her, she exhales and slumps forward a little. She grips the backrest of Daddy's former seat in her large hands, her three rings glinting in the faint lamplight. "Alright. But I expect answers in the morning. Baby, do you mind getting them all settled?"

Jumping to my feet, I put a reassuring hand on her arm. "I got it, Mama. Get some sleep, aight?"

She pulls me into a hug and sighs into my shoulder. "I'm so tired."

My eyes prickle as she releases me and heads for the stairs. I already know she's tired, but I can pick up the underlying message within her tone. She's been worrying about me. She's been worrying herself sick, and she's tired of worrying.

I wish she didn't have to go through all this. I know how hard it must be for her, and I don't blame her. Is it too much to ask for a normal child when she's incapable of having one herself?

I force back the growing lump in my throat. Looking away from her with even more gnawing guilt, I force a small smile on my face as I look back at Evan's family. The floorboards on the old staircase creak with each step she takes up. I wait until she's at the top before I speak in a lowered voice.

"Well, we don't have a lot of accommodations around here, but the couch is a sofa bed, so two of you can sleep on there. I'll get some blankets, sheets, and pillows."