You are the Answer {boyxboy} ✓ (Dogs, Bats & Monkeys series, Book I | Riley)

Chapter 38

~ The Day of Christmas Eve ~

"Are you sure," I asked into the receiver as the car turned a corner for the last time; from now on Everett only had to drive straight ahead.

"Yes, Riley, I'm sure," Keri patiently replied to what I'd asked her several times today. "She is thousands of miles away with a squad of Sentinels hot on her trail."

She.

It was still difficult for me to comprehend that a woman was responsible for those gruesome acts. And on her own. Not a gang, not a gigantic, muscled man, but a woman of average height and built.

Were all shifters capable of such strength?

I sighed.

At least she was away from us now and that was comforting. It would've been more comforting if the Sentinels had caught her months back when one of them had had a vision of the culprit's whereabouts, but it was already winter and she still managed to evade them, her intentions and her identity unknown to us.

For all we knew, she would be back to torment us at the first opportunity that arose.

"At least she's far away," I repeated, this time aloud, and it was only when Keri spoke that I remembered I was on the phone.

"Indeed. No killings, no new sightings of unknown white wolves... I do believe we are going to have a peaceful holiday."

"I hope so," Everett, who had apparently been listening in on our conversation - not that I minded - spoke up. "Lisa needs her rest."

I smiled, remembering the bulge on his wife's belly. She was six months pregnant and Everett was already on edge; he was constantly reminding her to rest and eat well, he'd asked her to take time off her job - she'd told him she would when she was closer to giving birth - and he kept buying her sweaters to keep her warm. In fact, a new one was lying in the back seat of his car.

Perhaps he was panicking too much, but then again, how could he not?
They'd prayed for a baby for years. Neither Rhys nor I could give birth, but I was sure we'd be just as anxious when it was time for us to adopt.

"Kelly's back; I have to go," Keri said.

"Don't forget to come over for coffee tomorrow," I reminded her and she chuckled.

"When have I ever forgotten to take a dose of caffeine? Besides, I have to bring over your presents."

"You are so gonna love what I got you," I was already grinning; her gift - a huge mug with a Smart is Sexy written on it - was all wrapped up next to Lisa's sweater.

"See you then."

"Yeah, bye," I replied, swiping my finger across the screen to end the call just as Everett parked in front of my home.

"Thanks for driving me."

I still wondered why Rhys had sent him instead of coming to pick me from work himself.

"My pleasure." He smiled and raised his hand in greeting.

I turned around and saw my boyfriend on the porch, waving back at his brother.

"See you at dinner," were my parting words as I grabbed a bag of presents and got out of the vehicle. I received a nod in reply before Everett drove off.

"Hey, baby." I lifted myself on my tiptoes and pecked Rhys on the lips. "I like your brother, but you better have a good excuse as to not coming to get me yourself."

He smirked and opened the door, nodding for me to walk in first. I took off my coat, placing it on the hanger and was putting the bag with presents on the floor when a few unfamiliar objects pinned my gaze to the corner of the hallway.