Everlyn
I spent last night at Zephyr’s house. I have to admit, I’d ended up unwinding better than I would’ve at home. His house had replaced my little house, which had always been such a sanctuary for me.
And while sex had played a role in my chilling out, it wasn’t the only thing that had. It was Zephyr. The echoes of his presence in the place helped. That had become crystal clear when he went to meet with his club, and I stayed behind.
Zephyr explained that they had a process for allowing non-members into the clubhouse. He sounded so apologetic that I didn’t press him. Instead, I told him I understood, and it was no hardship to remain in his incredible home. He’d beamed with pride when I said it.
I amused myself by exploring at my leisure. It was something I hadn’t been able to do the last time I was there. Before leaving, Zephyr had told me to look at anything I wanted. I took him at his word.
It was evident that he was proud of his heritage. Not only did the design of his home reflect it, but some of his decorating did as well. It was tasteful, but it gave his home a Scandinavian look, based on photos I’d seen online. Yes, after meeting Zephyr, I’d been curious.
It projected a sense of functionality and minimalism, yet it was warm and cozy.
The walls, carpet, and countertops were neutral, light colors of beige, white, soft earth tones, and gray, with black accents that contrasted.
The natural wood he used was light blond, which contrasted with the leather, linen accents, and ceramics in the rooms, so it didn’t feel cold.
There was no clutter. His furniture wasn’t fussy with a bunch of ornamentation.
The windows had shutters, but they were kept open, allowing in the light.
Strategically placed mirrors reflected even more light.
He only shut the ones in his bedroom and bathroom.
I knew without him saying a word that Zephyr loved light.
And the greenery, candles, floor lamps, wool rugs, textured pillows, and throw blankets added the coziness and warmth to all his spaces.
I wondered if Spoiler and Slayer had helped with the decor or if it was all his.
I didn’t snoop in anything that I found, such as the wooden box I discovered in his one dresser. By the time he came back, I was seated in the living room, had a throw on my legs, sipping hot tea, and reading a book on my Kindle. I hadn’t done that in months.
One thing led to another, and my book was forgotten. Then, he presented me with his protective rune. I believed in objects imbued with power we didn’t fully understand. Mom had told me so many stories passed down within her family that reflected those same ideals. I discounted nothing.
I hated that we had to get up this morning and go our separate ways to work.
Zephyr insisted on following me to the office.
He said that if I decided to visit the worksite, I should call him so he could go with me.
I promised I would, but I had no intention of heading there today.
Zephyr showed no hesitation in kissing me goodbye, where anyone could see us.
The remediation and cleanup had basically started back at stage one with the busted pipe.
I shared my concerns about Bishop Reeves with my boss, Martin McGuire, who wasn’t stupid.
He listened, and while he agreed it was possible, without proof, he couldn’t do anything other than hire people to protect that area until we were finished.
He disliked that I’d given him my notice.
My final day was open because I couldn’t say when the project would be done.
I promised to tie up any loose ends on other projects before I left.
And if he wanted me to sit in on his interviews for my replacement, I’d gladly do it.
Martin agreed to that idea. He told me if I changed my mind, he’d gladly have me stay. I wasn’t changing it.
I knew from the rumors I heard that the city council, whose spill was affecting everything, had called and lodged complaints that I was incompetent.
Reeves hadn’t done it himself. He used his puppets on the council to do it for him.
Martin told them I was the most competent person there was.
If I couldn’t fix it, then no one could.
He also hinted that the second rupture was suspicious, and we were investigating.
The last thing he mentioned to them was their plant manager’s unacceptable behavior toward me.
They were told that Bishop wasn’t allowed back on the site. They hadn’t been happy.
I was so glad when five o’clock came. Yeah, I accomplished a few things, but thoughts of Zephyr kept popping into my head.
I said goodbye to those I saw on the way out.
I hopped into my truck, and off I went. Tonight, Zephyr will meet me at home.
I had dinner planned. I hoped he’d stay the night. He hadn’t said if he would or not.
I knew things were moving along relatively quickly, and many would caution me to slow down, but it felt perfect for us.
I was sharing more with him than I ever had with anyone else.
It was especially true about my life before Jeremiah became my guardian.
He listened to my stories about Mom and held me when I got to the painful part of losing her.
On his end, Zephyr spoke a lot about his club and what he did at work.
He didn’t say much about his childhood or his actual family.
I was curious, but I didn’t ask. I kept telling myself he’d tell me when he was ready and not to push.
I sensed there were big issues that he didn’t want to tell me.
Sometimes you have to give a person time to reveal those.
My ride home was smooth. I didn’t waste time changing my clothes and starting the next steps of my dinner after I arrived.
I’d put the chicken and some of the vegetables in a slow cooker this morning.
Now it was time to add the final ingredients and let everything meld.
Zephyr had texted to say he was on his way.
He should be here soon. Everything was on track.
Ten minutes later, I had put a load of clothing in the washer.
The machine was loud when it ran. When I was back in the laundry room, I heard nothing.
It was loud like a roaring beast. However, as I finished loading it, I thought I heard pounding.
Stepping out of the room, I went toward the living room. There it was again. Zephyr was here!
I rushed to the front door, unlocked it and opened it.
I thought for a moment that my eyes or brain were playing a trick on me.
I blinked twice, and the same person stood there.
It wasn’t Zephyr. It was Dirk. What was he doing here?
He stood there with a smile on his face as if we were old friends and hadn’t seen each other in forever.
I couldn’t help but freeze and stare, saying nothing.
“Everlyn, it’s good to see you. It’s been too long. Aren’t you going to invite me in?” Dirk asked, with his characteristic confidence.
“Dirk, what are you doing here?” I asked.
“I’ve come to see you. What else? It’s been long enough, Everlyn. It’s time for us to let the past go. You know that you’ll never find anyone as good as me. I mean, look at you. It’s been two years, and you haven’t seriously dated anyone.”
His smugness made me want to reach out and slap him. His ego was so inflated, he thought, because I hadn’t turned into an alley cat like him, going through men like they were water, the way he did women that I was hung up on him.
“Dirk, you know nothing about my life. So let me be clear one last time. I am not waiting to get back together with you. I want nothing to do with you. I’ve heard all about the manwhore you’ve been for the past two years.
You try to pretend every time we see each other that you’ve been waiting for me.
Well, you sure knew how to console yourself while you did. ”
“Ever—” he started to protest, but I cut him off.
“As for me not having a man, just stand right there another minute, and you’ll get to meet him. Although you running for your life might be the smarter thing to do,” I said, smirking.
The reason I smirked was that I heard the roar of a now-familiar bike engine coming closer. Zephyr was almost here. And if I knew anything about him, he wouldn’t take kindly to an ex being on my porch, pushing to speak to me so we could get back together.
The sound became something Dirk couldn’t ignore. He turned to stare up the long drive that came from the main road and past the main house. The downshift of gears came next, then the louder roar as Zephyr came into view. My heart skipped a beat seeing him.
He rode like a man in control of the beast between his legs, both of them, and the world around him.
His face, which had started out with a smile, quickly morphed into a frown.
He was wearing his ever-present cut, proclaiming he was a Grave Prowler.
His beard and pulled-back, braided mane added to his dangerous aura.
His dark sunglasses shaded his eyes, so I had no clue where he was looking.
A glance at Dirk caught him swallowing and taking a step away from me.
Zephyr brought his bike straight up the driveway and parked outside one of the garage doors. He killed the engine and swung off in one motion, then came striding up to the porch. He passed Dirk as if he didn’t exist, coming straight to me.
I was swept into his arms and kissed as if we hadn’t seen each other for weeks. When he finally let go of my mouth, leaving me panting, Zephyr slowly turned his head to look at Dirk. The movement reminded me of a predator moving to study its prey, moments before fatally striking.
“Elskling, what have I told you about waiting for me without your shoes or a jacket on? You’ll get sick, and I won’t be happy if you do. And who is this?” Zephyr’s voice moved from concerned to challenging.
“Baby, I’m sorry. I heard a knock, and I thought it was you. When I opened up and saw it wasn’t, I forgot I was shoeless. He’s Dirk, an ex-boyfriend of mine. You remember, I told you about him,” I replied sweetly.
Zephyr’s scowl deepened. “Dirk, the one from two years ago?”
I nodded.
“What the fuck are you doing on her doorstep? You’ve been out of her life for years,” Zephyr snapped at Dirk.
A flush spread up my ex’s neck to his face. He wasn’t used to anyone talking to him that way. I saw how he puffed out his chest, which in normal circumstances wasn’t anything to laugh at, but next to Zephyr’s was no competition.
“Listen here, I’m here to talk to Everlyn, privately. What we have to discuss isn’t any of your concern. We may have been apart for the past two years, but that was only temporary. She’s mine. And I don’t appreciate anyone kissing and manhandling my girlfriend.”
His audacity made me gasp, but before I could blast him for his arrogance, Zephyr chuckled. It was a low, menacing one, not a funny one.
“She’s not your girlfriend. She’s mine. And there’s nothing you have to say to her that can’t be said in front of me.
However, since I know you’re undoubtedly here to try and win her back, the way you’ve done on and off for years, let me save you time and breath.
Everlyn is mine, and she’s remaining mine.
You have no place in her future. You’re nothing but an unfortunate detour on her path to me.
“I know what a treasure she is. I won’t use her or mistreat her.
I won’t flirt with other women or cheat on her.
Everlyn is the complete package, and I was smart enough to see that from the beginning.
And if you want to make a big deal out of it, we can.
But I’m warning you that you’ll require a hospital stay afterward.
And if you continue to bug her, you’ll get a special tour of my business,” Zephyr informed him.
I saw it affect Dirk, but he kept pushing, trying to pretend he wasn’t intimidated.
“Oh yeah, what business is that? Some garage where you work as a grease monkey?” Dirk chuckled like it was funny.
“Being a mechanic is a hard and honorable profession, but no, that’s not it. I run Norse Passages, the funeral home. And my club and I make custom caskets. I can give you a personal guided tour.”
The threat was undeniable. Dirk’s face lost all color. His eyes darted to mine. Panic was there, but he made one more attempt.
“Everlyn, tell him,” he pleaded.
“There’s nothing to tell. You and I have been through for two years. I want nothing to do with you. I’m with Zephyr now. Go away, and stay away from me.”
“I suggest that if you see her in town, you avoid her at all costs. It’ll be best for your health,” Zephyr added.
Dirk remained there for several moments, glancing back and forth between Zephyr and me, before he must have gotten the message.
When he did, he turned and walked off the porch without another word.
His car was parked in the driveway. He got in and drove off without a backward glance.
When he was out of sight, I was guided into the house by my man.
I knew he would have questions about what happened before he got here.
He removed his cut and boots, then we went to my living room. Zephyr sank onto the couch, bringing me down onto his lap.
“Did he do more than talk? Did he touch you or try to?”
“No, he didn’t do either. Honestly, he wasn’t here more than two minutes, if that, before you showed up. I swear he’s like a bad penny that keeps showing up no matter what you do. However, I think after today, he’s gotten the clue and will stay away,” I said.
“What did he say before I got here?”
I repeated the whole asinine experience. Zephyr rolled his eyes.
“He’s an idiot, but even idiots can cause trouble. If he tries to approach or speak to you again, let me know. I won’t have you stalked or made to feel as if you can’t leave the house. While I don’t blame him for trying to get you back, he’s out of luck. I won’t give you up.”
Zephyr’s voice was firm and adamant. I snuggled into his chest.
“Forget about Dirk. Welcome. I’m so glad to see you. Dinner will be done momentarily. I hope you’re hungry.”
His expression changed into a happy one. “I counted the seconds all day until I got to see you again. And yes, I’m hungry. Let me see what you made. It smells delicious.”
And just like that, we forgot about Dirk and went on shaping our relationship. Briefly, I wondered what it would be like when we were finished shaping it.