Page 23 of After the Fall
I laughed. “It looks great. You ‘tooth’-ally rock it.”
Savannah straightened in her seat, and crossed her arms. “Cut the dad jokes. I know when something is wrong. Spill, Davis.”
My feet tapped anxiously on the wooden patio, as I debated how much I could tell Savannah and Connor without putting them in jeopardy, or pissing off Wyatt even further. But I’d promised myself I was done with lying, especially after Savannah had been so open and candid about her relationship with Connor and his now not-so-secret identity.
“You’re right,” I sighed. “A… lot has happened since yesterday. It turns out my dad didn’t abandon us all those years ago, at least not the way I thought he did.”
Savannah’s jaw gaped. “What are you talking about?”
Connor pursed his lips, his confusion evident. “Your dad abandoned you?”
“Shh.” Savannah glared at Connor. “You don’t need Harper’s entire back story right now.” She turned to me. “Keep talking. I’m listening.”
Connor rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, mimicking Savannah’s posture. “We’rebothlistening.”
“Come on, guys,” I laughed, grateful for the comedic intervention. “My story is not worth breaking up over.”
Savannah’s posture relaxed and she uncrossed her arms. “Sorry,” she apologized to Connor. “It’s been a stressful day at work and I shouldn’t take it out on you. But please,” she turned back to me, “continue. We’re both all ears this time. What do you mean he didn’t abandon you?”
“He showed up here last night.”
Savannah gasped, and I held up my hand, indicating there was more.
How could I put what had happened into words that they would understand? But then I remembered that Connor was a supernatural creature, and the perfect audience for what I had to share.
“Only he wasn’t exactly my dad anymore,” I continued. “I mean, a part of him still was. But he was also like… them,” I whispered.
Savannah leaned forward in her seat, deep ridges etching into her forehead. “What are you saying? Your dad is a sasquatch?”
My eyes darted around the veranda to make sure there were no cameras. Once I was satisfied that we were well and truly alone, I lowered my voice to a whisper and told them everything, starting with my dad’s arrival, and ending with his warning to everyone.
“Wow. Harper,” said Savannah. “I’m so sorry you went through that. I can’t believe it. What do they think happened to him?”
It was the million dollar question. I turned to Connor. The entire time I’d spoken, he’d stayed quiet, conveying no emotion. He leaned forward, resting his chin into his palm. “I’ve heard rumors of humans dabbling with supernatural genes, and you said your dad was a scientist, so it’s not too far of a stretch. But as far as I know, no one has ever succeeded at combining genes like that. Bannon would know more.” He spoke quietly, articulating each word.
Bannon was Connor’s Alpha – what Wyatt was to the Stirling County sasquatches. And while the logical part of my brain knew that Wyatt would be livid at involving the wolves, the emotional part of me wanted,neededanswers. I would do whatever it took to help my dad.
“Can you get in touch with Bannon? I’m worried. My dad is out there somewhere, alone, and it’ll be winter soon.”
Connor nodded once, which I took as a yes.
Savannah rose from her seat and embraced me. Her hug felt especially comforting and I leaned into it. But the smell ofher perfume was overwhelming and a wave of nausea passed through me. I pulled away, my face grimacing.
She frowned as I clutched my belly. Her hand grazed my shoulder. “Harper. Are you okay?”
“Sorry. I’m fine. The smell of your perfume is just setting me off for some reason.”
She lifted her hand from my shoulder and sniffed her wrist. “It smells good to me.” Her forehead creased and I could see question marks dancing in her eyes.
She looked to Connor, who shrugged. “It smells alright.”
“Alright?” she moaned. “I don’t want to smellalright,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “I’m testing out this new fragrance for an event I’m responsible for. That’s why my day’s been so crazy. It’ll be my biggest event to date,” she gushed. “Not to take away from what you’ve just told us.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m happy to hear some good news for a change. Congratulations. What’s the event?”
She returned to her chair and sunk into the cushion, clasping her hands together. “The Carder Corporation is throwing a gala on Halloween to announce some big development with Genocorp. They’re throwing a ton of money at it – I mean, insane money, and I need everything to be perfect.Everything. Including this fragrance.” She turned to me. “Sorry Harper, I know you’re not the biggest fan of the Carders, or Genocorp.”
I waved my hand, trying to keep my facial expression neutral, when inside I was raging. “My dislike of the Carders shouldn’t keep you from an amazing work opportunity. You know me better than that.” I forced a smile and hoped it came across as genuine.