19. Adrian
Adrian
"So, the man who drove here slower than a herd of turtles is taking me to a racetrack?"
I can't help it, then. The laugh I release pauses me mid-step, my head tipping back as my chest rumbles with the weight of the sound.
The comment is more hilarious than she could possibly know.
For one, I'm not exactly known to be the cautious one of our pack when it comes to doing stupid shit, like driving too fast, even in the rain.
But if she believes I'm slower than the tiny, shelled creatures, I'll let her believe that.
I won't put her life in danger by speeding.
And selfishly, I want her to think the best of me.
But secondly, the activity I have in mind is the furthest thing from a race of any kind.
"What's so funny!" she huffs, crossing her arms.
Trying to stifle my laughter, I grab her shoulders and turn her to face the short line of people just ahead. Pointing, I lean down and whisper next to her ear. "See that sign?"
"'Gondola rides…lines start here'? We're going on a gondola ride? Wait, really?" She spins in my arms, smile wide.
"Yeah, is that okay?" I ask. "This is one of the best views you could hope for.
You can even see some of the black runs, too.
In the winter, you can catch some skiers or boarders in action.
" I don't have to wait long for a reaction to know how she's feeling.
The little hops on the balls of her feet and happy claps tell me this was a good call.
My inner primal nearly puffs up in pride knowing we're able to please our mate. Shaking my head, I try to clear it, guiding her forward.
After waiting a short sprint in line, we're guided towards the western slope's entrance, and I'm content to see I worked the timing just right. The sun is setting perfectly; by the time we get going, the sky will be a vision of pinks, purples, and oranges.
The employee takes our tickets and makes a joke, earning a smile from my omega.
My soft growl is involuntary, and apparently loud enough that Opaline hears it, turning to me with wide, surprised eyes.
I nudge her forward and narrow my eyes at the guy, his hands going up in a gesture of surrender before shaking his head and helping the next customer.
Another guy meets us by the gondola, opening the metal door, eyes on the beauty at my side.
Blocking his view of her, I help her as she tentatively steps inside, realizing it's sturdy and safe.
Jesus christ, what is wrong with me? I have to get my primal in check before I scare Opaline and she tries to run and hitchhike her way back to our pack to get away from me.
The higher we get and the further the ground begins to fall away, the more and more thankful I am that the gondola is enclosed and not exposed to the open air.
By the time I see my omega shiver a third time, my inner primal is practically jumping into its metaphorical cage walls, my own teeth and fists clenched.
Her smile and awe never falter; she is simply thrilled and happy to be here.
That thought alone is like a punch to the gut.
I don't know much, but I've gathered enough of her situation and past that things like this might have once seemed more like a dream than a possible reality of hers.
I want to be the one who makes these moments come true. I want to give her every experience she's ever so much as had a fleeting thought of.
Without thinking, I shuck off my flannel, tossing it to the bench next to me. "Opal," I say, voice rougher than intended.
Hands against the glass as she looks down, she turns to me, waiting.
"Will you sit with me?" Even to my own ears, I sound ridiculous. I don't know which one is worse, or which version she'd prefer. But, hopefully, bumbling idiot places above dickish asshole. She doesn't respond, but she nods, still smiling, that perfect bottom lip caught between her teeth.