Page 54

“How about you clean your teeth while I answer your questions?” I ask.

I don’t wait for her nod, already on my way into the bathing chamber to get her toothbrush and the mint paste she and Vera like to make to freshen their breath. While she cleans her mouth, I answer her questions.

“The wolf and I aren’t in trouble with the constable. Conall carried Victor’s body closer to town and left him in an area where the wild wolves often hunt. By the time a hunter found him the next day, the actual wild animals had… well…”

Her face pales. “I think I understand.”

“The general belief is he wandered out of the pub drunk and passed out in the forest, where he was attacked by a wild animal.”

“I see.” Scarlett spits out the paste and rinses her mouth and toothbrush before setting them aside on the night table. “What of his children?”

“His sister arrived the day after he disappeared, before his body was discovered. She’s been caring for them and seems to be happy to have them all. Her husband died two years ago and she hasn’t remarried. Nor did they have children together. Her nieces and nephews seem to love her as much as she loves them.”

“That’s good,” she murmurs. “I’m glad they’re with someone who loves them.”

“Me, too.”

Folding her hands in her lap, she levels her dark blue gaze at me. “What about my stepfather? You didn’t mention his body, so I’m assuming he survived.”

I sigh and nod. “Yes. He disappeared when Conall and I were trying to take care of your injuries. We’ve been more worried about your healing than tracking him down. I doubt very much he has anywhere else to go, anyway.”

She echoes my sigh. “That’s true. He has a brother, but they don’t speak. The only person who will help him is my mother.”

I hate the sad tone in her voice. I know it’s likely for her mother rather than her stepfather, but it still raises my hackles. Neither of them has taken very good care of her.

“The Lycan and I will track him down,” I vow. “He will pay for what he’s done.”

“I know.” Still, she doesn’t sound relieved.

“Does that… trouble you?” I ask.

“The only thing that troubles me is knowing my mother will struggle with him gone. She’s always needed a man to take care of her. I fear she won’t do well without Heston.”

“She’ll have us to help her,” I assure her.

Scarlett laughs. “As long as you don’t move her in here with us. If she needs a place to live, she can stay with Vera.”

“Very well.”

Conall comes back through the door, a plate heaping with food in one hand and a steaming mug of tea in the other. He settles on the mattress next to her.

Scarlett holds out a hand for the tea and smiles at him when he hands it over. “Thank you.”

After she takes a sip, Conall holds a bite-size chunk of bread slathered in butter up to her lips. Scarlett rolls her eyes but lets him feed her. Despite her lack of knowledge regarding Lycans, she seems to understand he needs to take care of her. Especially after almost losing her.

“What are we doing today?” she asks after she finishes the bite of bread.

Conall lifts a piece of sausage to her mouth immediately after she speaks. Her eyes cut to him and narrow, but she opens her mouth to take it. I hope his need to hand-feed her eases after they bond because I doubt she’ll tolerate it for long.

“You are resting,” I answer. “Conall and I are taking care of you.”

She glares at me as she chews and swallows, washing the food down with a sip of tea. “I have to finish my work. The healer and apothecaries will need them next week.”

“Vera is taking care of it for you,” I reply. “She agrees rest is the best thing for you right now.”

Scarlett sighs and leans back against the pillows. “Fine. But only for today. Other than a little soreness, I’m fine.”

“We’ll see.”