Chapter 181: Hiding a Human

Garnet POV

She knew the look on Genevieve Blackthorn's face. The sense of having escaped from prison and running away, never looking back. But that didn't mean she lacked the urge to watch her back and look over her shoulder. After the years that Cyran turned dark, Garnet understood the fear in Genevieve's blue eyes. So did Cyran. He and Naomi would be the most sympathetic to Genevieve's haunted expression.

At the moment, though, Genevieve and William seemed to be focused on enjoying Jiro's favorite dish, noodles in beef sauce. The dining room didn't seem to make Genevieve afraid, and she ate with gusto. "Mmmm. I didn't expect to find this kind of food in the shifter lands."

Jiro responded in a dry voice. "Yes, we normally eat raw meat, but this is a special occasion for family."

Annoyed, Garnet elbowed him. Lucina shrieked, "Daddy! Don't eat raw meat!"

"Your father is just making a joke," Garnet said in a calm voice. "Aren't you?"

Because Genevieve's eyes were as big as the salad plates, Jiro hastily said, "Of course. Forgive my inappropriate humor, Genevieve."

The human relaxed, exhaling. "Oh. I see. Well, no harm done." She added, shy, "It was actually funny, I'm sure."

Talon glared at Jiro, hard, but Jiro offered a charming, apologetic smile. After a moment, Talon backed off. Garnet felt a warm wave of respect for Talon. She knew his divorce had been scandalous and bitter and wrenching. For him to be so protective of his ex-wife said much about his character. 

"You're safe here, Genevieve," she stated, wiping Mekito's face. "This Edmund can never touch you while you're with us."

Genevieve's eyes were big, still wary, like prey. "How?"

Jiro's eyes narrowed. "You're a member of the Blackthorn family, which also makes you a Sinsworth. We protect our own, and this human doesn't even know we exist."

"Thank the Goddess," mumbled Cyran. "Doesn't sound like he has the excuse of being controlled by the Dark Goddess, does it?"

"He's controlled by something, alright," Genevieve blurted. "Anger. Bitterness. Hate."

At those pained words, Garnet felt her heart squeeze. She glanced down the table, and saw that William seemed to be focused on Lucina and Tiberius, as well as Cyran's and Naomi's Juneau and Lupi. He didn't seem to hear Genevieve's words about his former stepfather. Rather, he and his cousins seemed to have a good time together, laughing and carrying on. At times, he acted more like a big brother than a cousin.

Garnet turned back to Genevieve. "Kelara and Talon didn't go into detail about the treatment you endured at the hands of your ex-husband, but they did say it was bad enough that they grabbed him and took him away from the house where you are living. I'm sorry if I overstep."

Genevieve shook her head. "No. It ... it helps to talk about it, even if I feel like a fool."

Talon's eyes narrowed. "Your parents pushed that because of our divorce, I suspect. I made them lose face, so If there's anyone who should feel responsible--"

Genevieve's hands shook so badly that she spilled her wine. "NO, Talon. Once I would have blamed you, but you and I were never meant for each other. We had no interest when they told us we were getting married."

"I wouldn't say 'no interest' exactly," Talon said wryly. "You're a beautiful and brilliant woman."

With a huff, she accepted his compliment. "Thank you. And I found you compelling as well."

Kelara offered them a warm and understanding smile. "I'm not at all unhappy. Because of both your parents' meddling, you two had William. He's worth everything."

Just like that, Genevieve melted, tears pouring down her cheeks. Emotional, she jumped out of her chair and excused herself.

Kelara put her head in her hands. "Did I--"

"She wasn't very nice to you before this," Talon said gently. "I think she feels ashamed."

"And this Edmund person deserves a slow death," Jiro growled, his eyes glowing red. "To treat anyone that way, especially a mate ... no mercy if we ever come across him."

William's head shot up, and he noticed his mother's departure. "What's wrong with Mama?"

Garnet rose. "She just had to go to the bathroom, sweetie. I'll go show her where it is."

With an appreciative smile, Kelara followed her out of the room to find Genevieve.

* * * * *

Kelara POV

She should have known that Genevieve would be emotional. Maybe this was the first time in years, since her unfortunate marriage to Edmund, that Genevieve could give free rein to her feelings about that abominable human being.

While trying to find Genevieve in the long red and black halls and rooms, she flashed back to the moment she and Hightower rescued William from Edmund--Genevieve would not go.

It was a remote hamlet in the hills. Sadness cloaked it, seeping into every corner. No children played in the streets. Even the city hall seemed depressed and dilapidated. Edmund's brown-and-cream gabled mansion sat on a high hill, lording his wealthy status as a merchant over the townsfolk. But inside that house ... they'd found William in his room, fine clothes filthy and torn, bruises on his body. He sat alone, a woebegone figure, pretending to read, to be quiet, to do anything to escape his stepfather's wrath. 

The man had stomped around, a savage bull, with Genevieve attempting to soothe him and calm him down. Kelara remembered her stomach twisting in disgust at the woman. But William was her priority. She and Hightower picked him up and sprinted out of that room as fast as they possibly could. Their feet had wings.

Edmund had shouted, "OI! Where do you think you're going with the boy?"

"I am taking MY SON home," Hightower had snarled. "Genevieve, if you have any sense left, you'll come with us."

Kelara had agreed. Not, she now realized with some guilt, out of concern for Genevieve's welfare. No, she simply wanted to humiliate Edmund. Nothing was too good for the monster. 

Wringing her hands, Genevieve had been red-faced ... and her eye definitely didn't look right. "You can't take my son."

"If you won't save him, we will," Hightower had been firm. "Come with us."

Edmund had stalked towards them, purple with rage, ready to take on Hightower. Oh, Moon Goddess, how Hightower had thirsted for a chance to make Edmund rue the day he ever laid a hand on William and Genevieve. 

But in a selfless act, Genevieve blocked Edmund. "Maybe he should go with them ... to take him to the Ironbreaker Military Academy."

"I'M taking him--"

Kelara could smell the foulness coming off Edmund in waves. He wasn't drunk, or under the influence of anything else. No, he was just a hateful person. An abuser. 

Hightower and Kelara hadn't stayed around to watch the argument between the two. Instead, they'd made a break for the front door, Hightower putting his wolf strength and speed and reflexes to good use ...

A sob in one of the rooms clued her in, and she found Genevieve sobbing, wiping her eyes. Kelara put her arms around the woman. In this moment, with Genevieve in distress, nothing else mattered.

"You're safe," she murmured.

"I'm such a fool." Genevieve's tears splashed hot on Kelara's shoulder.

"You got away," Kelara told her. "You got away."

"I was so horrible to you--"

"It doesn't matter. I'm grateful you're here where you can begin a new life. Or at least start to heal with family. He wouldn't know Lycans if they bit him. If he ever tries to harm you or our son again, biting is the least of what he'll get. Now, come back to the table and eat with family."

Genevieve sniffled and followed her to the table where Jiro and Garnet looked up expectantly at them, questioning them with their eyes. "She's safe," Kelara said.

Garnet said with conviction, "This is your home now, Genevieve."

Jiro agreed. "Welcome to the pack."