Chapter 2. Back to My Pack

Evelyn’s POV

“Gotcha.” Griffin chuckled as he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I plastered a smile, not wanting to ruin my son’s birthday by making a scene about what I had heard my boyfriend talking about, to goodness knows who on the phone.

As we finished exchanging gifts with Ethan, we had a cake filled with laughter. I couldn’t help but wonder what secrets Griffin was hiding. But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on celebrating with my son. He was my priority.

As the evening drew close, Griffin turned to me with a mischievous glint. “Hey, babe. I was thinking, how about I stay over tonight and make it a birthday sleepover for Ethan?”

I hesitated, trying to come up with an excuse. I didn’t want to ruin the special moment, but I knew I couldn’t let Griffin stay over. I wanted to be the one to put Ethan to bed tonight, to tuck him in and whisper goodnight in his ear. I needed time to be alone and think things through. My mother was dying, and my boyfriend was up to no good behind my back.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I said, trying to sound firm but gentle. “Ethan needs his routine, and I want to be the one to put him to bed tonight.”

Griffin raised an eyebrow. “Come on, it’ll be fun! We can make it a special birthday sleepover.”

I shook my head. “I’m sure it’s fine. You’ve had a long day, and I want to take care of Ethan’s bedtime routine myself.”

Griffin looked at me for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, okay. I get it. But can I at least say goodnight to him?”

I smiled. “Of course, you can say goodnight. That’s fine.” he leaned over to kiss my cheek before going in to see Ethan.

I observed him and relived the conversation that I had heard. I felt terrible about it but knew it was best to play happy until he had gone.

As Griffin said his last goodbyes and headed out the door, I felt relief. I made sure to lock the door behind him.

Now that he was gone, I could finally start packing our belongings. My life had been here in the city for the last four years; it was all Ethan knew, but the unease made me decide that staying was not a safe option. My mother needed me, and Ethan needed to be away from Griffin. I had no other choice but to return home to Mystic River.

I perched myself on the edge of the bed and closed my eyes for a moment. A particular face popped up in my mind, causing me to let out a small cry of frustration. Could I face him again after all these years?

Suddenly, Wolf Harper’s calming voice echoed in my mind, assuring me we would be ok.

“Evelyn, we will get through this. I am with you every step of the way,” she told me. I wiped my tear-stained face and nodded.

“I know I’m just scared. Scared of the unknown.”! Whispered.

Ethan suddenly came rushing into my room, and I immediately stood up to compose myself. I did not want my son to see me upset like this on his birthday.

“Mummy, are you ok?” he gazed up at me with those beautiful big eyes, and all I saw was his father when I looked at him. I plastered a smile and pulled my son into my arms. Kissing his cheek, I nodded and assured him I was okay.

“How about me and you go on a little adventure?” I said, and his eyes widened in wonder.

“Like the knight in my new book from Griffon?” he exclaimed, and I nodded.

“Yes, exactly.” Ethan jumped up and down with excitement. “Yes, mummy.” He jumped on the bed, and I chuckled.

Getting up, I began to walk around the apartment, gathering our things: clothes, books, and toys. As I packed, my mind started racing with questions: what would happen if I stayed here? Would Griffen hurt my boy? What would my mother say when she saw me again?

The memories came flooding back—the fights with my family, the tension in the air, the feeling of being trapped and betrayed by the one person I had never stopped wanting. Was it worth going back there? Was it worth putting myself through that again?

But where else could I go? What other options did I have?

As I finished packing the suitcase and slung my bag over my shoulder, I knew one thing: I couldn’t stay here. Not now, not with Griffin’s secrets and uncertainty hanging in the air.

I wasn’t sure what the future held, but I didn’t want to worry Ethan with my doubts and fears. I needed to be strong for him, for both of us.

“But mummy, what about Griffin? Is he coming too? He promised me a football game?” my son’s words made me stop. I knew how much he loved and adored Griffin, but I couldn’t stay here anymore. We had to leave. I helped him put on his jacket and shoes and then looked him in the eyes.

“No, it’s just the two of us. Griffin has some things he needs to do.” I said, not sure what else I could tell him.

“Okay… Can we come back and visit Griffin sometime?” His words tore me up inside, and I bit my lip to hold back from crying all over again.

“Of course, buddy,” I said, trying to sound calm. “We’ll make sure to stay in touch with Griffin and come back to visit him often.”

Ethan grinned, his worries seemingly forgotten. “Yay! I love Griffin!”

As we walked out the door, the cool night air enveloped us. I couldn’t help but wonder what lay ahead, but for now, I was just grateful to have my son by my side.

I held my son’s hand tightly and promised myself that nothing and nobody would ever harm a hair on his head.

“Let’s go.”