Chapter 18 #2
We make a quick stop at my house, to pack and give my sweet pets some love. I’ve missed them and missed my house.
A sadness washes over me. It’s such a violation that someone has tainted the safety of my home, but I can’t dwell on that now; I need to get to Megan.
All packed, I make sure that Indy has plenty of fresh water and food.
I also leave out Beretta’s food for Brent to find.
I give each of them a kiss on their heads, cuddling Indy close and quietly telling him to guard the house while I’m gone.
I have spent entirely too much time away from both of them, and I’m going to make sure that doesn’t continue to happen when I get back.
I meet Don outside by his truck. He wanted to keep watch. When we got out of the car earlier, I could tell he was on alert. He made sure to go through my entire house first, and then once it was clear, he left me alone inside.
“I’m ready.”
He opens my door, helping me in, before taking my bag to place it in the back seat. Before I get a chance to close my door, he stops me, leaning in and kissing me softly.
“Do you want a blanket for the road? I can run back in and get you one.”
My heart melts; this man is all mine. I still can’t believe it. “Yes, please.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Shutting my door, he lopes up to the door, enters quickly, and soon exits with one of my cozy blankets I keep on my couch.
He locks the door and quickly comes back to the truck, hopping into the driver’s side.
He tucks the blanket around me, placing another sweet kiss on my lips and then gets us on the road.
I’m exhausted, so once Don starts driving, the warmth, safety, and motion of the car quickly lulls me to sleep.
The truck coming to a stop wakes me. I’m not sure how long I slept, but the sun is up now. Don, noticing that I’m awake, leans over the console and smooths some of my hair off my face.
“Hey baby, I’ve got to get gas. You want to get out and stretch your legs or run to the restroom?”
God, I’m so fucking lucky.
I lean into him, putting both of my hands on either side of his face to kiss him.
He groans as I run my tongue over his lips, sneaking it in as his lips part.
Our kiss deepens, one of his hands coming up to cup the back of my head.
Breathless and beginning to ache, I reluctantly pull away first. He stares deep into my eyes.
“There you are. Don’t get lost on me. I know a lot is going on, but don’t get lost, baby.”
A breath shudders out of me. How had he known?
We barely know each other, but our connection already runs so deep.
He knows that I have been starting to close in on myself.
I haven’t been this stressed since the summer before I went to college, but somehow he knows my mental struggles.
My lower lip trembles, and he cups my cheek.
“I’ve got you, baby; you can lean on me. My beautiful mate.”
A single tear slips from my eye, and he brushes it away.
I promise, baby, I’ve got you.
Hearing that reassurance in my mind bolsters me.
I’m so thankful for you…mate.
A grin spreads across his face.
I like being able to hear you in my mind. And I love hearing you call me “mate”.
I give him a small smile.
Out loud he asks me, “You ready to get out of the truck?”
“Yes, I do need to pee. Did you notice any place to eat around here, or is it a gas station breakfast for us?”
“I passed a McDonald’s if you’re down for that.”
Eh, it isn’t my favorite, but I’m hungry enough to make an exception. “That’s fine.”
“Alright, I’m gonna fill up the tank. I’ll wait for you to come back out before I go in.”
True to his word, he waits for me to come back so I can sit in the warmth while he goes inside to also use the restroom.
I take that time to check my phone. I have one message from Brent letting me know he has Beretta safe at his house.
He even includes a picture of the two of them on his couch.
I reply back my thanks, and for him to not spoil her too much.
I figure out where we are on my map app and send Megan a message letting her know when I should arrive. I also give her a heads up that Don is traveling with me.
I still haven’t told Megan any of what has been going on with me, and I’m feeling guilty about it.
But now is definitely not the time to unload on her, and I probably can’t tell her half of what happened anyways.
Plus, I don’t want to worry her. Megan has enough to deal with, and I will protect my best friend from the craziness that is infiltrating my life.
After grabbing breakfast we make good time. I offer to drive a few times, but Don is insistent that I rest. Which works out, because I’m really tired still and fall asleep shortly after we get moving every time.
While I sleep, vague dream-like images brush through my mind.
Wolves racing through fields, giant eagles, large saber-toothed cats, an assortment of animals both real and mythical traipse through my mind.
But one stands out—a lone wolf, fur as dark as chocolate, eyes a vibrant purple, with horns spiraling out of its head between erect ears.
Its head tips back and a mournful cry sings from its mouth, but no other creature joins its song. It is utterly alone.