Clayton

After a game of water wrestling, I turned to check on Eve to find her talking to Harmony. They didn't seem to be fighting, but after Harmony walked off, Eve looked a little upset after Harmony walked off.

I walked over to where she sat and shook the water out of my hair, making her squeal.

"Clay!"

I plopped down in the sand behind her, then pulled her to me so that her back was against my front. Hmm, much better, I thought as I held her close. "I saw you talking to Harmony. Are you okay, Little Bird?"

My heart skipped a beat when she snuggled into me and laid her head on my shoulder.

"I'm okay. We had a little chat, and then Harmony left."

As the sky darkened, everyone congregated where a huge bonfire was lit.

I had only walked away from Eve for a few minutes to take a leek, and I was now on my way back when I was approached by Cameron from the football team. "Dude, did you know Eve used to be smoking hot?"

Confused, I crossed my arms, trying not to get pissed. Plus, I already thought Eve was hot. "Explain"

Cameron held up his phone; there she was, my beautiful Little Bird. Her whole face was joyful as she sang and played the role of Belle in the play Beauty and the Beast.

The girl in the video looked so full of life and had the voice of an angel. My stomach sank when I saw the date on the video, July 10th, 2022.

"Shit, do you know if anyone has shown this to Eve?" I asked

Cameron shrugged, "Don't know."

I hurried to where I had left her with her friend Penny.

My heart broke when I found her crying.

Penny had her arms around her, trying to comfort her when I approached.

"I got her," I said, lifting her into my arms. I held her tight as I grabbed our things. I was almost to the Jeep when I was approached by Harmony.

"Were you the one who sent everyone the video?" I asked

"I didn't know she would react that way. I'm really sorry, " said Harmony, acting like a wounded puppy.

"Bull shit! I know how you can be. Leave Eve alone!" I growled, then continued on my way to the Jeep.

My beautiful Little Bird fell asleep on the way to her house. The front door opened as I lifted her from the Jeep.

"By the heavens, is she alright?" Asked her grandma as I approached.

"She was doing well until someone thought it was funny to post a video. Eve saw the video and got really upset." I explained as I carried her inside.

A large bird screeched loudly as I stepped into the house. I was used to the bad reactions of smaller "normal" animals. They feared us because they could sense the animal spirits inside of us.

"Shut it, George! Her room is the last door on the left," yelled Jennet as I headed down the hallway.

After laying her on her bed, I smiled when I saw pictures of a familiar-looking wolf pinned to her wall. I spotted a framed photo on her nightstand of a young Eve wearing an Alice costume on her nightstand, standing next to a red-headed woman dressed as the Mad Hatter.

After removing her shoes, I tucked her in, then kissed her forehead lightly. I hated having to force myself from her side, then head home.

The following day, after a quick shower, I decided to call Eve.

"Hello?" She answered, sounding like she had just woken up.

"Good morning, Little Bird. How are you feeling this morning?" I asked

"Umm, I feel okay. I'm sorry about what happened last night. I totally overreacted when I saw the video." She replied

"There is no need to be sorry." I explained, "What are your plans for the day?"

"I don't have anything planned."

"Well, last night, the guys sent out a text about throwing together a flag football game, and I wanted to know if you wanted to come."

"I'll come as long as I don't have to play," she replied

It was a little after noon when I picked her up. Today she wore a white hoodie with Beauty and the Beast on the front, paired with black leggings and her converse shoes.

I cranked up the radio, then headed off to Asher's.

When I pulled into the long driveway, Eve's face lit up at the sight of Asher's beautiful two-story log cabin home. The house sat on a large property hidden deep in the forest.

I texted everyone this morning and asked them to be on their best behavior and to tell everyone there would be no shifting until I took Eve home. I needed to tell her soon, but I feared what she would think.

After helping her out of the Jeep, she held my hand as I guided her towards the back of the house, where I spotted father at the grill talking with the Chief. Not wanting to be rude, I greeted our leader and introduced Eve.

"Chief, I would like you to meet Evelyn. Eve, this is our Chief, Nosh Denton."

When the Chief saw Eve, his face turned pale, then he dropped to his knees before her.

"Child, may I ask who your mother is?" He asked softly.

I shrugged when she looked up at me, confused. I was just as confused as she was.

"My mother's name was Angelica Monroe." She replied.

"I get it now." Said the Chief " I was confused when she suddenly left, and now I understand why."

I felt like an idiot when I didn't see it until now. Eve was the spitting image of our Chief.

"I don't understand," whispered Eve.

I watched, frozen with shock, as my Chief took Eve's face in his hands. "Child, Evelyn… I am your father. "