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I offered him a small smile before tucking myself into Lake’s side.
How they weren’t running for the hills yet, I had no idea.
We sat back down in front of the laptop and they didn’t say a word as they waited for one of us to hit play.
My hand shook as I reached forward, but I didn’t let myself back down. I tapped the key and waited for Everett’s laughter to finish.
“Okay, you guys had to know I was going to complicate this. I always make you work for it. I said in my letter to Lake that I wanted this to be a journey, a quest if you will.” He paused again and shot us a smirk, knowing damn well he was being cheesy this time.
I felt myself smiling back. It was crazy how rapidly I could go through emotions these days, especially when it came to him. It was enough to give any sane person whiplash.
“Lockwood is full of history. Each location in the game is significant, and I modeled it after the town. I want you guys to go to Lockwood if you aren’t there already. Once you contact Landon, he’s going to send you back a link to an app that we created together. This app will only ever exist for you guys. I told him to add a few extra just in case you happen to find someone else to spend your time with.”
This time I did risk a glance at the others. Riven was standing behind us, arms crossed, glaring down at the screen, giving nothing away with his expression.
Micah had his hand on the back of my chair, like he wanted to touch me but wasn’t letting himself do so, and I appreciated his hesitation. I couldn’t take it right now.
Drew was giving me a soft smile. It was encouraging and I relaxed a little before turning back to the screen.
“The app has a map of the game and a map of the town. It lists the destinations I want you to go to, and in which order. Once you get to each place, the app will give you instructions, some history, and another video from me.”
He paused and narrowed his eyes at us before continuing.
“I’m going to need you to keep it together. You can’t go blubbering around a town this small or you’ll earn a one-way ticket to a grippy sock vacation.”
Lake groaned. “He’s such an ass.”
My laughter surprised me and it cut off too quickly… but damn it felt good. Strange, but good.
“That’s everything I can give you right now, but don’t worry, you’ll be hearing my voice a little bit more. And I hope each time it’s a little bit easier. Just promise me that you’ll lean on each other for this journey, that you’llactuallylisten to these memories and find a way to move on. I don’t want you to forget me, I just want you to continue moving forward regardless. Then again, that would be impossible. I’m unforgettable.”
Again, there was that smirk. The brat knew what he was doing. It was Everett’s way of adding some humor to the moment that he knew was going to be hard to hear.
“I’m always going to be with you guys, but you can’t live in the past anymore, you have to move on. Iwantyou to move on. Find friends, a pack, and maybe even love again. You deserve it.”
His eyes softened and his smile shifted.
“Remember, Shaye, forever.”
This time, Micah didn’t hold back. Maybe he knew how significant that was to me or maybe I gave some signal, but he put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed. A soft purr rumbled from his chest, soothing us without words.
There were no words anyone could say in that moment. It was too intense.
I didn’t freak out or panic, I just existed as his words were absorbed.
Drew was the first to break the silence several minutes later.
“So, you’re telling me that he created anentirevideo game, an app, and an adventure for you to go on? All while sick?” The beta was stunned and I couldn’t blame him. He didn’t know firsthand how amazing Everett was. When he set his mind to something he didn’t hesitate, he went all in.
“Everett was really thoughtful like that. Lake was outgoing, witty, and laughed easily. Everett was more stoic and calm. He was the one staying indoors while Lake was on whatever outdoor adventure he could find. Video games were his escape and it makes sense that he went through all this trouble to help us cope.”
I trailed off, trying to put words to the storm of emotions and thoughts racing through my head.
“He was trying to save me.”
“Are you going to let it save you?” Riven questioned.
That was such a loaded question, and of course, it came from him. The man who forced me to flush those pills down the toilet.
