Page 41 of Scornful

Kraken adopted her when she was a toddler, so even though he’s technically her uncle, the man raised her. It’s sweet to see her call him Dad.

And yet, one of her little brothers is defiling my sister.

Ew.

We work together to get the banner straight—it reads "RAIDERS OF VALHALLA MC HALLOWEEN BASH" in dripping red letters.

Everly's been around more lately, which is odd considering she’s in her junior year at Florida State University.

You think she’d be in the city, living up her college life.

"So," she says casually as we adjust the banner, "you seem happier lately."

I nearly drop my end. "What?"

She shrugs, but her green eyes are knowing. "Just an observation. You've got that glow, you know? Like something good's happening."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say, focusing intently on the banner.

"Sure you don't." Her tone is teasing but not pushing. "Just saying, whoever he is, he's good for you."

Before I can respond—or panic—Mom appears at my side. "Everly, honey, can you help Dasha with the kitchen setup? I need to steal my daughter for a minute."

Everly winks at me before heading off, leaving me alone with Mom.

She guides me to a quieter corner near the hallway, her expression shifting from party planner to concerned mother.

"Everything okay?" I ask, worried something's happened with the club.

"That's what I want to know," she says, studying my face with those sharp eyes that miss nothing. "You've been different lately. Happier, but also... distracted. Like your mind's off on another planet."

I force myself to maintain eye contact. "I'm fine, Mom. Just busy with work and everything."

She doesn't look convinced. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right? Even things you think I wouldn't understand."

The offer is tempting.

Mom's always been my safe place, but this secret... it's too dangerous to reveal right now.

"I know," I say softly. "I'm okay, really."

She sighs, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "I fell in love with your father when everyone said it was a bad idea, you know. He was older, had baggage, and came with three kids."

My heart skips. Does she know? "Mom?—"

"I'm just saying," she continues, "sometimes the heart wants what it wants. And sometimes the best things come from the most unexpected places."

Before I can figure out how to respond, Oskar's voice booms across the room. "Mom! Where'd you put the extra extension cords?"

The moment breaks, and Mom pats my cheek before going to help Oskar.

I stand there, shaken by how close I was to actually telling her about Geirolf.

I need some fucking air.

I head toward the office Dad shares with Runes to grab my phone, thinking I'll step outside for a few minutes.

The hallway is empty, and I walk right into their office.

---