Zone Zero: Vengeance (Book 3 of 3)

Chapter 25

"What a clever girl you are?" I praise as Annerly points to her head when asked. She then begins to wildly clap at herself and giggle maniacally.

I can't contain myself and erupt in laughter as well.

She then sets to work at trying to bring her feet to her mouth only to fall back onto the pillows I placed behind her, sending us both into another fit of laughter.

We have been at this all evening. I gave the sweet girl a bath after her dinner and we have been playing ever since.

I know I should call it a night and put her to sleep but seeing her laugh and smile reminds me so much of Logan that I can't bear to stop it.

She lets out a large yawn and begins rubbing her eyes and I know that's my queue.

"Ok sweet girl. Time for a bottle and bed."

I make her milk as directed on the formula tin and heat it to the right temperature. As soon as it is tested and ready to go I hand it over and she begins to wildly drink.

I wrap her in my arms and snuggle with her on the bed and watch as she drifts off to sleep. I pray that she has only good dreams, filled with loving memories of her father and mother.

She is asleep before she even finishes the bottle and I cover her little body with a soft blanket before building a fortress of pillows around the edge of the king size bed so she won't roll out. Call me cautious but I don't want the first week I take care of Annerly to end with a bruise on her head from rolling out of bed.

I exit the bedroom and head back into the living area making sure to leave the bedroom door open.

I set to work packing up the few toys Sage had packed for her along with the pink teddy that I found at her home in Malta. She loves to play with it and cuddles it tight when I ask her to give big hugs.

Once the floor is free from baby toys I head to the kitchen for my own liquid dinner.

I tear the top of the blood bag off and enter the contents into a large glass and begin to down the blood. It quenches my thirst and sits easily in my stomach.

Just as I finish the last drop and turn to wash the glass, a soft tapping sounds at the door.

My eyes head straight to the clock reading that is 9.30pm. Alex's meeting with the humans won't be over for at least another hour and then he still has to drive the distance to me. At least 2 hours. I honestly don't expect him back until midnight.

I creep over to the door trying not to make a sound.

Maybe its just Imani checking in since she is the only other person trusted enough to know this is where Annerly and I are. No, it can't be. Alex said he would take her with him and Gable.

Who could it be?

The tapping sounds once more before a deep voice speaks.

"Evie? It's Leif and Odin. Hope we aren't intruding."

A small smile erupts on my face at the mention of the white wolf and I tug the door open.

True to his word I find Leif slouching against the door frame with the large wolf sitting eagerly by his side.

Odin stands as soon as he sees me and begins nudging my hand for me to pet his head. I do so obligingly.

"Sorry for the interruption but someone was eager to see if you returned from our trip beyond the wall safely."

I kneel before Odin and wrap my arms around his neck and feel his warm breath on my shoulder.

"I'm ok. I missed you." I say to him and he whimpers softly.