Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
ORION
Unlike the tube train Daria had offered me shelter in, this one came without beds.
Sleeping on the rows of seats or the floor for us it was, then.
Much better than sleeping on the streets.
The train, stationary on Canada Water’s westbound platform, was warm and dry and zombie free. On this part of the Jubilee line, there were glass safety barriers along the platform edge, the gates open along with the train doors.
Candles and battery-powered lanterns, scattered across the platform, were provided by the vampire at no extra cost.
“We don’t get many zombies around this part of the network,” Joseph told us. “The odd stray, no more than that. You can relax.”
“Good to know,” James responded.
“Well, I bid you goodnight. Another night here costs you more marshmallows.”
“You’ve got our one and only pack,” I answered.
“Then be gone by morning.”
“No problem,” Miko said. “Thanks for your kindness.”
“I will guide them away from here come morning,” Daria added, leaving with him.
We all stuck together in the same carriage, safety in numbers. Trev started handing out the sleeping bags and travel pillows he’d brought from Dragoon Street.
The troll could bear some serious weight.
I took mine from him then grabbed his violet hand. “Do you need to talk?”
“Not right now, mate. But thanks for the offer.”
We’d found each other on the road, becoming fast friends in our new life at Haven.
“I’m here if you need me.”
He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. Well, gentle for a troll. “I really appreciate it.”
My fingers throbbed a little from the crush. “I meant it.”
He nodded, joining Paige further down the carriage. He had to bend as he walked due to his size, the carriage rocking under his heavy footsteps.
The oracle.
How? Why? What else was there to know?
Stars, I hoped he got his memories back soon.
I caught Basil staring at me.
“Are you okay?” I asked him.
“Yes.” He crossed his legs, turning his head to the window as if he were riding the train, watching the tunnels whizz by.
“There might be something to sleeping on trains,” James said cheerfully, stretched out on a row of seats. “This is quite good for my back.”
“Are you having back troubles?” Paige responded. “Want me to take a look?”
The beta wriggled, folding his arms behind his head. “Nah, I’m good. I just like a hard surface.”
Paige gave me a wave.
I waved back.
Should I try my saliva on her now? Surely the wolfsbane wouldn’t be a problem anymore.
I got up and asked her, admiring her Snoopy badge.
“Nope. You get back over there and rest. I’m not letting you take risks.”
“But—”
“I wouldn’t argue, mate,” Trev jumped in. “Losing battle for sure.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Paige’s fair and freckled cheeks flushed a rosy pink as she smiled, making her pretty blue eyes sparkle. “When the sun’s up, my limp will be gone. You’ll see, sweetie.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. And you only get one of those.”
“One of what?”
She raked a hand through her tight blonde curls. “Asking if I’m sure.”
I knew when I’d been defeated. “Fine. You win.”
“I know, sweetie. I know.”
I trudged back to Miko.
“At least you can admit defeat,” the alpha said.
James snorted.
I offered my mate my best glower, still annoyed with him.
Miko shrugged, rolling his sleeping bag across the dusty floor. “Down here or up there?” He nodded at the seats.
“Oh. I don’t know. Are you sleeping on the floor?” Obviously he was, what with the rolling out of the sleeping bag.
“Can I sleep with you?” I asked, a little hot in the face.
And suddenly not so mad.
Paige released a tiny squeal of delight, contributing to the heat.
Right. So, I’d let Miko fuck me against a wardrobe, yet this brought on the bashfulness.
Yes. Made complete sense.
“Yeah. You can sleep with me.” Miko rolled out my sleeping bag.
Cursing my silliness, I took a seat and checked on Wendy before I settled down. Made sure she was still on silent, cleaned her digital poop, fed her, played a few games with her.
“Is she okay?” Miko asked, sitting directly opposite me.
“She’s doing well.” I slipped her into my pocket. “Shall we get some rest?”
“Lets.”
After removing my coat, I wriggled inside my sleeping bag.
Stars, this floor was not comfortable.
Miko got inside his, laying on his back, eyes wide open.
I rolled onto my side to face him, getting a whiff of my armpits. After the Camden incident, and plenty of sweating, I needed a shower. We all did. But without Haven’s hot water system, designed by James—pack engineer wizard—we’d have to wait.
I kept my fingers crossed for clean water somewhere along this journey, hot or cold. I’d been getting used to clean skin and smelling better.
“Can you sleep like this?” I asked Miko.
He nodded, lifting an arm.
I snuggled into the proffered nook under his arm, pressing my body against his. He ponged a bit, but mostly smelled of that spicy earthy scent.
A scent like a warm blanket, a hug in winter.
He stroked my back, his breathing even and easy. So soothing, so safe.
I let it lull me into sleep.