Zone Zero: Vengeance (Book 3 of 3)

Chapter 37

I am dressed and back in the lounge room just in time to see the most perfect sight in the world. Alex sitting on the floor playing with Annerly.

She is all smiles for him as he builds a small tower from wooden blocks only to have her push them over and laugh hysterically. I don't miss his own smile that takes over his face. There's a sight I never thought I would see. Alex is smiling at someone other than me.

Leif and Odin are on the couch together and are the first to notice me. Leif quickly stands and crosses the distance between us with a worrisome look on his face.

"Are you ok?" He sounds concerned so I smile warmly at him.

In the past few weeks we have definitely formed a friendship and it sure took me be surprise. Who would have thought this big Viking would become a close friend.

"I'm fine Leif. But Sabina is not. I'm sorry. I knew that you two had a deeper connection than others." I am genuinely sorry for Leif losing someone he cares about but not sorry that it was Sabina.

She tried to kill me. That I can live with. But when she decided to try and kill Annerly, that deed will never go unpunished. For those thoughts alone she needed to die.

"Its ok Evie. The truth is that I  hadnt seen her in twenty years or so and I was fine with that. Everytime I would see her she would command me to do whatever she wanted. She never took no for an answer."

I smile softly and turn my attention to the white wolf still sitting on the couch, curled in a ball.

"How is he doing?" I ask using my head to point at large animal.

"A bit bruised but he will be ok. I think his ego hurts more than anything."

With that I make my way to the wolf and stroke the soft fur on his head.

"You did a great job, boy. Thank you for protecting us."

Odin's eyes close at that moment as he nudges his head further into my hand to show his affection. If it wasn't for this animal, Annerly and I may not be here right now.

I feel Leif come up behind me and place a hand on my shoulder so I turn to face him.

"I am sorry about telling Sabina where you were. I had no choice but to obey her." Leif hangs his head as he speaks, clearly ashamed of his actions.

I straighten and ready myself for this conversation.

"When did you decide not to side with her and be more of a friend to Annerly and I?"

My question catches him by surprise but he understands what I mean.

"I decided not to go through with her unspeakable plan the moment that child looked at me and smiled. I saw how much she means to you and I knew I couldn't do that to either of you. You especially have been through too much."

I nod at his reply and then place my hand on his shoulder.

"Then all is forgiven. Let's never revisit this again." I say with a smile on my face.

Leif's eyes widen and his own smile grows. I can only imagine how hard that would have been to go against his maker. I think he needs someone on his side for a change.

"Well, Odin and I will head home now and check on you all tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything."

And with that he collects the wolf in his hands and trudges outside.

I wrap my arms around myself and watch them go before turning my full attention to the two most important people in my life.

I sink down onto the floor next to Annerly and she immediately puts her hands up for me to hold her. I do so willingly, just as always.