The Heir of Crescent Moon

Chapter 6 - The New Head of Department

A/N::::If you've already read Everly's next part, go clear the cache so you can read the real Chapter 5 - Interviews and Delphi Brew. Apologies for the confusion

Cory POV

I woke up the following day to Jo opening the blinds. “Wake up, sleeping beauty.” He said.

“Shut that s**t,”I groaned. Why did I have a hangover? It was just beer.

“Yes, well, I figured you might have a hangover considering it's your first time drinking that new brew.” He said. “I brought some Tylenol.”

“New brew? What the f**k was in it that I feel like a train ran me over?” I asked.

“Traces of delphinium.” He said quietly.

“WHAT? Why would you give me that?” I growled. Delphinium was a flower closely related to wolfsbane and had similar effects. The significant difference was that it didn't suppress your wolf. Still, it did, however, make you vulnerable. It repressed your strength, wolf healing, and other things. No wonder I was hung over.

“James just wanted you to relax. It's called Delphi Brew for a reason. I didn't realize you would have as many as you did.”

“f**k. I gotta apologize to Evie.” I groaned, falling back into bed and pulling a hand over my eyes, trying to block the blasted sunlight.

“Yeah. I don't know. She seemed upset and confused initially, but then she just looked concerned. I explained what we did. Maybe she's not mad at you. She was the one that told us to make sure you didn't drive.”

I opened an eye and peeked from under my arm. Tenoch was deliriously happy to know she had been worried about us, and I couldn't pretend I wasn't either.

“She did?”

“Yep. What's going on?” He asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Come on. I saw the way you said that guy's name last night. Why did it make you so angry?”

“No reason. I just don't think he's good enough for her. Never did.” I half lied.

“Yeah, OK. But I thought we decided to try to play nice so she'd hang out with us. Get the old group back together?”

“The old group is never going to be back together. Bells isn't here.” I pointed out.

“Exactly. So how about we try to save the friends we have? The rest only approach when they need s**t. Evie was never like that. Meli could use a friend.” He argued.

“I already said I would apologize.” I reminded him.

“Alright, well, James is making you his hangover tacos as an apology, so take a shower and let's go eat. I'll be back in ten.” He said, walking out of my room.

Everly POV

The closer I got to the pack house, the slower I walked. I couldn't lie to myself and pretend that what Cory said last night didn't sting. I knew it was the truth. I just didn't think any of them cared.

I told you we should have gone with the boys. You hardly ever listen to me - Tozi, my wolf, growled at me. She's been whining about turning down the invitation since yesterday. She loved the boys for some reason, despite never having spent much of her time with them since I got her.

We had already made plans. I wasn't going to cancel last minute. We keep our promises - I said.

Paolo isn't our mate. We owe him nothing, and I don't like the way he touched us - she growled.

I'm not arguing with you about this. What's done is done. Can we move on?

We can move on when you actually enter the pack house. You've been standing outside for three minutes now - Tozi mocked.

I sighed. I shouldn't be the one nervous about seeing Cory after last night. He was the one that made that remark, not me. But up until this point, I didn't realize he had even noticed I hung out with them. I was always 'Bell's little friend. Little Evie. Little one.' The fact that he had not only noticed but seemed to resent it made me feel strangely happy and guilty.

But it must have just been the alcohol talking. Bells was probably the one that got her feeling hurt when I decided to try to find another circle of friends. Sighing, I pushed the door open and headed toward the kitchen. It was past breakfast time, so I knew the only food found right now would be here. I was hoping for leftovers but caught the smell of freshly made salsa and scrambled eggs.

I walked in and was surprised to see James on the stove. He turned around and grinned at me.

“Evie! Want some breakfast tacos?” he asked, motioning over to the skillet where he was blistering tomatoes and serrano peppers.

“Sure! I didn't know you could cook,” I said. I was honestly surprised.

“Luna Celeste taught anyone willing to listen,” he said, returning to his skillet before he turned around again and winked. “It's great for picking up ladies.” I chuckled but rolled my eyes.

“What happened to waiting for your mate?” I teased. He and the boys always talked about how they would wait forever. Most wolves did before puberty, and most wolves failed. His face dropped slightly, but then he smiled again and turned back toward his food.

“A man's gotta sow his wild oats,” he tried to say as if it didn't affect him.

“Alright, he's up and mad, so you better not f**k them up. Oh hey, Evie,” Jo said from the entrance. A very pretty brunette was at his side with kind brown eyes and a shy smile. “Evie, this is Melissa, my mate. Meli, this is an old friend of ours, Everly.”

I stood up and stretched my hand out.

“So happy to meet you!” I said with a big smile. She took it, then shook her head and hugged me, surprising me.

“Evie! Everyone talks so much about you. I feel like I know you already,” she said with a relatively thick Spanish accent.

“Don't believe a word they said,” I teased. We sat back down and started chatting slowly.

“James, I'm going to f*****g kill you. I feel like I got run over by a f*****g train,” Cory growled when he walked in. James turned around with a plate of tacos in front of him.

“Look Tacos! Peace offering!” he said hastily. Cory paused when he saw me, and a red tint appeared on his face. Then turned back again toward James with a growl and took his plate of tacos. He walked over and sat at the edge of the island.

“I'm sorry about last night,” he whispered.

“It's alright. The boys told me what they did.” I tried to dismiss it, then felt the need to add. “I really am sorry I couldn't go, but I had already made plans, and it seemed rude to cancel at the last minute.”

He smiled and took a bite of his taco.

“Are you guys dating again?” James asked, placing a plate of tacos in front of me.

“No. I haven't seen him since high school.” I said, taking a bite of the tacos. I wasn't going to inflate his already big ego, but these were amazing.

“I drove my little truck down from Rochester. It didn't sound too happy after. He is a mechanic at the shop over at Guardian Moon, and he asked me to go have dinner and catch up.”

“What are your plans for the day?” Jo asked.

“Nothing, actually. I finished some of my work early and was thinking of heading into town. I need a few things I had to leave behind.”

“Oh, we were going to the mall today. Care to join us?” Jo answered.

I looked around at everyone. Cory had his face on his plate, not looking at anyone. I don't remember him being this shy or grumpy before. The hangover must be big. James was waiting for my answer while he shovelled his taco into his mouth. Meli looked...hopeful.

“Sure, if you guys have room. I'll go get my list?” I said.

“Great. We'll wait for you outside.” Jo said before he turned to his mate. “Go get your purse, baby.”

I ran out and went to grab my tablet and my purse.

“Hey honey, where are you off to?” Mom asked.

“I'm off to the mall. I'll be back later.”

“Are you taking Dad's car?” she asked.

“No. I'm going with Jo, Cory, James, and Jo's new mate Melissa.”

“Oh. I didn't know you guys were friends again. Have fun!” She said, but her words made me stop.

“We were always friends, Mom. We just didn't hang out as much.” I corrected her.

“Oh. Ok, sweetie. My mistake.”

I frowned and walked back towards the pack house. When I was fifteen, and I was moved up two grades, I decided to make new friends. It wasn't because I hated these guys, but everywhere I went, I was Cory's friend, Bell's friend, the future Alpha's friend. I just wanted to be myself. I wanted to be seen by people. I never actually meant to make people feel like I had ditched them.

“You ok, Evie?” Cory asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. I didn't realize I was so close to the pack house already.

“Yeah, I'm alright. Just trying to figure out if I forgot anything.” I smiled. He opened the door to the SUV, and I climbed up. At my five-four, I was of average height for a female, but all these guys were so tall that they made me feel tiny compared to them. I always felt so small, and sitting between James and Cory now, it was like I was ten years old again and hanging out with Bell's big brother. I sighed.

You're not ten years old anymore. You're a grown woman, and these are your friends. You've made your own life, and it's ok to keep them in it, I told myself.

I shopped around for the stuff I needed, and then we went to another few shops for Melissa. I found out that Jo had only met her a few months ago, and she'd moved here from Mexico, so she still needed a lot of things that she wasn't able to bring with her.

As an introvert, I'm not a huge fan of shopping, but her energy was contagious. We had the men carry her bags, and with Jo's credit card, we shopped until we literally were close to dropping. After they dropped everything off at the car, we went to dinner at a restaurant within the mall.

I noticed halfway through dinner that Cory's eyes glazed over, and the rest of them continued talking as if it wasn't happening. Every now and then, a smile or a frown would come over him, and I wondered who he was talking to. When his eyes finally cleared ten minutes later, he smiled lightly at me and apologized.

“How's Bells?” Jo asked.

“Good. She passed her finals.”

“You can talk to her from Montana?” I asked.

“The twin bond. It doesn't matter the distance. We are still connected.” He explained.

“Does that happen to all twins?” I asked. I had never heard of it being like this.

“I…am not sure. I've never asked anyone, to be honest.” He said sheepishly.

We finished dinner and drove back. Everyone was well-fed and exhausted from all the shopping. I was wedged between James and Cory again. I leaned back as a comfortable silence filled the car. James' heavy scent of citrus and Cory's smell of apples and something floral were soothing to my senses. Today had been a long day, and I didn't realize how tired I was until I felt someone rubbing their hand on my arm to wake me up.

“We're home.” Cory said softly. I rubbed my eyes with my hands and looked around. We were in the garage of the parking lot. Jo was carrying his mate out of the car, who was also asleep, and James was opening the back to grab bags.

I looked at Cory and saw he was still in the car. I wondered what he was doing before he gave me a sheepish grin.

“You're on my arm. I can't get out until you move.” He explained.

“Oh. Oh Goddess, sorry.” I said, sitting up straight so he could pull his arm. He began twisting it, and I wondered if I'd hurt him.

“I fell asleep too. My arm's asleep.” He said before he got out and held his hand out for me. I took it and let him help me down.

“These are yours I think, Evie?” James said, bringing the bags over.

“I'll help you with them.” Cory said, taking most of them and leaving me with one.

“I can carry stuff home, you know.” I said, annoyed.

“I know, but Mom would kill me if I wasn't on my best behavior.” He flashed me a grin. My stomach gave a little flutter, and I remembered his smile always had that effect on me. I grunted and walked away, knowing he would follow behind me.

“Wait, Evie.” He ran up to me. “What's wrong? What did I say?” I slowed and sighed.

“Nothing Cory. I'm just tired. I'm sorry I was short with you.”

“Are you sure that's all?” He asked. I looked up at him, and I could see the vulnerability in his eyes. I smiled.

“I'm sure. I haven't done that much shopping in years.”

“Yeah. It was a little crazy.” He laughed.

“Did you even buy anything?” I asked, trying to remember if I'd seen any of the boys pick anything up.

“No. I just came along for the ride.” He chuckled. “Can't let the Beta Female go out alone. What if she's attacked?”

“Is she in danger of it?” I frowned.

The smile fell off Cory before he chuckled again, but I could tell it didn't reach his eyes. I saw him fiddling with a bracelet on his wrist.

“Overprotective mate, you know. Anyways, I gotta head out. I'll see you around? Mom's cooking tomorrow. I know she'd be happy if you came around.”

“I wouldn't miss it.” My mood brightened considerably. I always loved the Luna's cooking.

“It was nice… to hang out again.” He said, walking towards the porch steps. “I hope you stay this time.” He said quietly before he walked away.

Tozi whimpered in my head when he turned to leave. I tried to ignore her, but I felt the same pang of loneliness she was feeling. I looked at the pictures on the wall while we walked up the stairs to our room. I missed home, and I missed my friends. Even when I was making other friends and having fun at MIT, there was always this feeling in my chest that made me long for home. I wanted to stay, but I needed to find a job. One that I deserved.

Monday morning came around, and I saw Dad leaving. I kissed Mom goodbye and grabbed her keys. I didn't want to be late for my appointment. I walked up to the first floor and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” I heard a hoarse voice say.

I walked in to find all three friends with their jaws hanging open. Tozi chuckled in my head, and I simply smiled at them.

“Good Morning Alpha Cory, Beta Josue, Gamma James, Mr. Roswell.” I acknowledged them formally.

“E-Evie?” James stammered.

“Yes, Gamma James?” They stood there silently for a few more moments, but my Dad was the first to get his bearings back.

His face went from shock to excitement and then pride. He finally realized I had played him at his own game and won. I wanted to get this job on my own. Not because I was a Roswell, not because I was friends with the CEO. He’d reached out to me to help him bounce ideas on what he thought would make the software better. He'd done that a lot lately, and I knew it was because he missed me, and this was his way of connecting with me.

“I am here for my interview? Or did you change your mind and decided to go with one of the other candidates?” I asked.

“N-no. Not at all.” Cory answered. “Please sit.”

I walked over to the only empty seat on the table. I could feel how intensely everyone looked at me, and I did my best not to fidget under their stares. I wanted them to look at me as an equal. As someone to be respected and I needed to be able to sit before them as such.

I saw them mind linking each other and waited patiently. I know this was a curb ball, so I waited for them to get their bearings.

I walked out there with a smile on my face two hours later. I had conceded a few points but mostly got everything I wanted from them. I had to hand it to them, they put up a good fight, and I was actually very grateful for it. I would have felt bad if I thought they let me have everything because of who I was.

What's so wrong with that? People get jobs based on connections all the time. It's called networking. - Tozi argued.

I wanted this on my own merit.

Fine, can we at least celebrate with Dad and our friends? - She pleaded.

They didn't ask us to?

'Honey, can we grab lunch?' Dad's mind link came through before we got to Mom's car, and Tozi chuckled.

'Sure, Dad. I'm downstairs.'

'Great! We'll be right there!'

'Wait, we?'

'Well, yeah. The boys want to celebrate,' he said.

They took me to a fancy restaurant in town. I hadn't been here before. In fact, I don't think this place existed when I was still living here, but the waitress seemed to know all of them personally. I couldn't help but feel annoyed at the attention she was showing them and the familiarity with which they were treated. Everyone ordered, and the waitress finally left.

“Evie, I can't believe you tricked us like that,” James said.

“I didn't trick anyone, James. I simply went through the process, just like everyone else.” I told him.

“Yeah, but, like, you could have just told us, and we would have given you the job.” He said.

“James...” Cory warned.

“What? It's true. You yourself offered her a job.” He defended.

“No. I told her she could apply, which she did.”

“But...”

“I am the best person for the job, and I got it because of that.” I said, standing up and grabbing my purse. “Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.”

“Wait, Evie.” Cory said, reaching for me, but I moved out of his reach. I saw the hurt in his eyes and heard Tozi whimpering in my head.

“I need a moment.” I told him. I walked to the bathroom and sat on the toilet, taking deep breaths. I took out my stress ball and gripped it so tightly that the sponge broke in two.

You can't let James get to you. You know he didn't mean it the way he did. - Tozi said.

I did everything I could to get this job on my own, and even the people that were present think I only got it because of who I am. I will never be rid of the shadows. - I said.

'Evie, James is a clown. You know you got this position with your own credentials. You should have seen how excited these guys were even before they knew it was you. Please come back.' Dad's mind link reached me, and I sighed.

'I'm just using the washroom, Dad. I'll be right there.'

'Yeah, and I graduated with a 2.0 GPA. I know my girl. Come on. Cory looks like he'll kill James, Jo looks like they canceled Christmas, and James looks like they took away his cookies. You know how much that man loves cookies.' I chuckled. Dad always knew how to cheer me up. I got up and walked back to the table.

I looked at my friends, and they did look like Dad described them, which made me chuckle and confused them all.

“James, you look like someone took away all your cookies. Relax. I really did just need to use the restroom. You guys didn't give me a pee break in the middle of the interview, and I had two espressos this morning.” I lied.

They finally relaxed, and we started talking about some of the things I'd said in the interview. Dad mentioned that he should have known it was me from the way I snorted the same way he had.

The food finally arrived, and Tozi once again got her hackles up at the way the waitress interacted with the boys. People like her gave women a bad name. She may be human, but even humans can feel the power the boys emanated as ranked members. It was the story of my life. I've spent every moment with these guys watching women throw themselves at them. Before we left, I watched in annoyance that the waitress gave Cory the receipt, and I could see her number written on it. When I saw Cory roll his eyes at it and leave the receipt on the table, I felt strangely happy about it.

Once I got home, I made a call.

“Did you apply?” I asked.

“Of course. You told me to.” Zi answered.

“Did you get an interview?”

“A follow-up.”

“Excellent. Are you OK with joining the pack?” I asked.

“Like a pack member?” She suddenly sounded unsure.

“Yes. It's one of the requirements to work here.”

“I...I don't know Ev. You know what happened last time.”

“Just… trust me. I know these people. They aren't the same.”

“Is this the only way?”

“Yeah. It was non-negotiable.” I said. I tried. I really tried to see if the boys would let my friend stay in town.

“Do they know?” She asked.

“No, but trust me, they won't care. You'll be safe here. I'll make sure of it.” I heard a sigh on the other side of the phone.

“OK. I trust you.” She finally said.

“Start packing and arranging school transfers. I'll send you the details over the next week. The daycare is a fifteen-minute walk from the office, and you'll get a house, not an apartment.”

“How did you manage that?” She asked.

“I made your position conditional on mine,” I said casually.

“Ev...”

“It was only if they liked your resume, and clearly they did, considering you already have a job interview. This is on your merit. I'm just pushing you that last bit so they'll give you a nicer salary and because I will miss you otherwise.”

“Alright. I'll tell Molly. She'll be happy to see you again.”

“I miss the little munchkin.” I sighed happily, grabbing a green apple from the counter and heading up to my room.

“I have to finish that project for Alpha Anthony so I can focus on the new job.”

“How's it feel to be the head of the department?” She asked.

“Honestly, I feel great. I have missed home. The whole time I was away, I felt like something was missing. Like something was calling me back home.” I explained. “I'm just happy I get to stay this time.”

“Well, I'll see you in a few weeks then.”

“Yep, I'll send the documents, and then I'll fly out when you're ready to move. I'll help you drive.”