Safe Travels

by Alex Dafney

  I lie back on my bed, covering my eyes with my arm. “Ugh. Why am I being so crazy about not talking to him?” I grumble to myself. I’ve been so worried and missing him like crazy over the last week. A knock on the door disrupts my thoughts. “Come in!” I say without even opening my eyes, assuming it’s Mom. When she doesn’t say anything, I move my arm and open my eyes. “Hey.” Cooper says with that grin that highlights his dimple as he leans against the doorframe to my bedroom, his hands in his pockets.

  Before I can stop myself, I’m bounding off the bed toward him, barreling into him and wrapping my arms around his waist as he stumbles backward, slamming into the wall behind us before he can get his hands out of his pockets. Mom peeks her head down the hallway. “If you two put any holes in that wall I’m calling Gamma to bring the spoon.” I wave her off as I pull away from Cooper. He keeps his hands on my hips, smiling down at me. “Can I come back in a few days and you do that again?” I pull out of his grip and smack him in the arm. “I’ve been worried about you.” I say with a glare as I fold my arms across my chest.

  He runs his hand through his hair while giving me a cocky grin. “You’ve been worried about me, love?” I slap his chest again as he laughs. I turn and stomp back into my room, Cooper following. He pauses with his hand on the door. “Do I close this or leave it open? I’ve never been in a girl’s room before.” He gives me a boyish grin that melts my heart. “You can close it.” I sit on the bed and cross my legs under me as he sits next to me.

  I turn so I can face him. “Where have you been? I thought you’d be back days ago.” He shakes his head slightly, while looking around my bedroom. “I should’ve been back days ago. Things didn’t go as planned.” I notice the bruising to his cheek, and I feel his emotions change, stress coming from him. I reach over and grip his hand in both of mine, lacing our fingers. I take a deep breath and release it slowly, feeling him relax with me.

  When I open my eyes, he’s staring at me with a perplexed look. “How the hell are you doing that, O?” I shrug as I try to pull my hand away, but he keeps our fingers laced together. “I really don’t know. I even tried it on Mom, and it didn’t work.” I shrug. Cooper leans in quickly, taking me by surprise when he kisses my cheek lightly, sending tingles down my spine.

  “For what it’s worth, thanks.” I feel my cheeks redden as I look down at my lap. Cooper takes one finger and slips it under my chin forcing my head up so I’m looking at him. “I missed you.” My heartbeat quickens as I stare into his eyes. His face is so close, all it would take is me pushing forward a few inches and our lips would meet. Cooper does just that, inching forward ever so slowly as I close my eyes. A knock on my bedroom door effectively ruins the moment. We both jump apart as Mom opens the door.

  She looks between the two of us before clearing her throat. “I, uh, sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with you both.” She turns and walks up the hallway toward the living room. Cooper looks over at me as we stand to follow her. I simply shrug to his unspoken question. I have no idea what she wants to talk to us about. Instead of stopping in the living room, Mom goes straight for the dining room. “Oh, shit.” I mumble as we follow. No good conversations ever happen in the dining room.

  Mom takes a seat on the opposite side of the table from Cooper and me. She folds her hands in front of her on the table as she starts to speak. “I’m leaving for New Orleans in the morning.” I give her a questioning gaze. “Okay?” She sighs loudly as she pulls her laptop case in front of her. She flips it open and pulls a few files out before settling her gaze on Cooper. “Carter reached out to me. I was surprised to find out he’s your brother. He asked me to pass this along.”

  He holds his hand out, waiting for her to pass him the files. I look between the two of them, wondering why Mom hasn’t handed him the files. Cooper pulls his hand back, giving Mom a slight smile. “What is this going to cost me?” My mouth falls open as I look between Mom and Cooper. Is she seriously trying to extort him? “Mom!” I say, but she simply waves her hand at me. “Quiet, Ophelia. You know nothing of this.”

  I clench my hands into fists under the table, practically seething at my Mom’s actions. Cooper places his hand on my leg, rubbing his hand along slowly. “Calm down, love. This is the way it works between the Society and the Assembly. Ms. Oakes isn’t doing anything wrong here.” I calm, but only slightly as I scowl across the table at my Mom. She tilts her head to the side with a small grin. “Really, honey. This has been going on between us for years.”

  She turns her eyes back to Cooper with her all business face. “Now, as I was saying, Carter wanted me to pass these along to you. I don’t know if you’re aware, but we work closely with one another from time to time.” Cooper shakes his head slightly. “I did not know that. How is he doing?” Mom gives him a sad smile. “He’s great. He and his wife, Amelia, are expecting a baby in a few months.”

  I can feel Cooper tense next to me. Placing my hand on his that is still on my leg, I feel him relax, releasing a deep breath. He looks at me briefly with a smile so small and fast that I’m not sure I even saw it, before turning back to Mom. “That’s wonderful. I hope he’s happy. Now, what is this going to cost me?” He nods his head to the files in Mom’s hand. She places them on the table and slides them toward Cooper.

  He raises an eyebrow as he slowly places his hand on the files, pulling them toward him. “You’re going to allow me to see these before giving me your terms?” She crosses her arms over her chest, shrugging slightly with a tight smile. “I’m asking for something, more like a personal favor.” Her eyes find mine briefly before looking back to Cooper. He removes his hand from my leg under the table and flips the first file open.

  I lean into him, trying to quickly scan the information. He closes the file before I can finish reading it, sliding it back across the table. Quickly doing the same with the next file. He sits back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest. “What kind of favor are you requesting, Ms. Oakes?” She tilts her head to the side, with a small grin. “I think we’re past the Ms. Oakes part. Call me Lillian.” He nods. “Very well. What is this favor?”

  She places her arms on the table, sitting up straight. “I need you to watch over Ophelia while I’m away.” For the second time during this conversation my mouth falls open. “I’m not a child, Mom! I am perfectly capable of staying here while you’re away.” She shakes her head slowly before meeting my eyes. “Things are different now, Ophelia. You’re of age now. The Hunters know that, and they will be coming eventually.”

  Cooper grips my hand under the table. I turn to look at him and he has a slight frown on his face. “She’s right, love. You’re not Society or Assembly. Most shifters in this situation live at the North Pole in hiding.” I drop his hand and push back from the table, standing with my hands on my hips. “I do NOT need a babysitter.” I start to march out of the room, but Cooper grips my elbow, spinning me around. “I’m not trying to be your babysitter.” He drops my arm and runs his hand through his hair as he glances back at Mom. “Why don’t you come and stay with me at the compound while Lillian is away?” He turns to look down at me. “You could learn more about the Assembly and see if that’s what you really want to do. Besides, Jim has been on me about bringing you by since you met him.”

  I narrow my eyes at him. All he’s doing is taking me to his house to babysit me. “Jim? As in, Jim Conrad?” Mom asks from her place at the table. Cooper turns his head to her. “Yes, mam. He mentioned he knew you and your late husband.” Mom nods. “Yes. He and Robbie were close. They were on the same team for years. How is he doing?”

  Cooper turns fully to her. “He’s well. He doesn’t go on missions any longer. Now he places the new enrollments.” Mom raises an eyebrow at him as she narrows her eyes. “What position are you?” Cooper chuckles. “I’m a lead, mam.” She gives a knowing nod. “Of course. Same as Robbie.” Her eyes find mine. “Same as Ophelia, if that’s what she chooses.”

  I shake my head trying to sev
er the moment. “Well, I guess I have no choice but to pack a bag.” I fling my hair over my shoulder as I walk out of the room, heading straight to my bedroom and slamming the door behind me. I lean my back against the door, letting out an aggravated breath. I can’t believe Mom is asking Cooper to babysit me. I hear hushed voices as I shut my eyes. I find myself in the shadows in the dining room, watching Cooper pace as Mom sits with a worried look on her face.

  Cooper stops and places his hands on the edge of the table, looking Mom head on. “Are you sure your intel is correct.” Mom flips a hand in the air. “You know as well as I do that intel can be flawed.” Cooper blows out a long breath before returning to pacing. “This is serious.” Mom chews on the side of her thumb, her nervous tick. “Yes. Very serious for not only the Society, but the Assembly as well.” Cooper runs his hand through his hair before facing Mom. “They’re making moves. Big moves. We all need to be prepared for what’s coming.”

  Mom nods as she tends to her thumb. “I know. That’s why I’m asking you to watch over Ophelia while I’m away. She has no idea of the danger she’s in.” Cooper stops pacing and gives her a pointed glance. She holds her hands in front of her, palms facing out. “I know. I know. It’s my fault. I just wanted her to have a chance at a normal childhood. How was I supposed to know she was part of the Prophecy?” Cooper scoffs in irritation. “How could you not know? Her gift is beyond anything I’ve ever seen!”

  Mom shakes her head quickly before meeting his eyes. “I know it is. I’ve done my best to keep her from all of this for so long.” Cooper stops pacing and rakes both hands down his face before settling his gaze on her. “I’ll watch out for her. Not only while you’re gone, but always. If she does decide to join the Assembly, she’ll most likely be placed as a lead.” He shakes his head and drops his gaze to the floor. “You know there’s only one lead per team. I won’t be able to keep her safe while she’s in the field, but I’ll teach her everything I know.”

  Mom looks at him with teary eyes. “I know you will. Thank you, Cooper.” She stands and walks around the table, offering her hand. He looks down at it and pulls her into a tight hug. “I’ll give my life to keep her safe, Lillian. You have my word.” Mom chokes on a sob against his chest as she wraps her arms around him. “Thank you, Cooper. I’m sorry we started off on the wrong note, but I know you have Ophelia’s best interest at heart.” She pulls away from him, swiping both hands under her eyes. “Can you go and help Ophelia pack? I think if I go back there it will make things worse.” He gives her a small smile while placing his hand on her shoulder. “We’re all going to be fine. I assure you.” He tells her pointedly before turning to walk down the hallway.

  I open my eyes just as he knocks on my bedroom door. I scramble away from the door toward my closet as he opens the door, peeking his head around. He raises an eyebrow at me as I grab a suitcase. Closing the door behind him, he leans against the doorframe to my closet, folding his arms across his chest with a slight smirk. “I thought you’d be done packing by now.” I look up at him with as much sass as I can muster. “Sorry. Wasn’t planning on leaving today.” He takes the few steps between us, squatting to the floor and placing his hand on mine. “Did you hear everything, O?” I fall back on my butt, ungracefully. Knowing there’s no way I can lie to him, I rub my temples. “I watched the entire conversation. I stayed in the shadows.”

  I chance a glance at him. He still has a slight smirk on his face. He stands and offers his hand to me. I take it and he pulls me to standing, placing one hand on my hip as the other brushes my cheek. “I’ll never let anything happen to you, love.” He whispers. I take in a shaky breath as I take a step back, out of his arms. I look around my closet, before looking at the suitcase on the floor beside us. “What do I need to pack?” He steps back, running his hand through his hair. “You should pack a little of everything. You never know where we’ll end up.” He shrugs before walking out of my closet and opening my bedroom door, closing it behind him.

  I throw an array of clothing in my suitcase. Everything from a winter coat to a bikini. Dragging it behind me down the hallway, I stop in the kitchen where Cooper and Mom are chatting quietly with a cup of coffee. I drop the handle of my suitcase, placing my hand on my hip. “Secrets don’t make friends.” I say with a scowl. Mom shakes her head with a laugh as Cooper gives me a faint smile.

  He keeps his eyes trained on me as he speaks. “She heard everything we talked about. She was in the shadows.” Mom’s eyes widen as she looks between Cooper and me. I stare at him with an annoyed glare. How dare he tell her I can shift in the present now. My eyes drift to Mom. “Ophelia Orene Oakes! You didn’t think that was something you should tell your Mom?” I nonchalantly shrug. “Kind of like you not telling me about ANYTHING my entire life.” She grimaces, and I feel bad instantly.

  Cooper places his coffee cup on the counter, walking around the bar to me. He gives me a look somewhere between understanding and scolding as he picks up my suitcase, before turning and giving Mom a small wave. “I’ll just take this to the car while you both say your goodbyes.” I watch him as he walks toward the front door. As he pulls it closed behind him, I turn back to Mom.

  She has her eyes trained on the floor, the side of her thumb in her mouth. I roll my eyes at her nervous habit. “Stop doing that. You’re going to bite your whole thumb off.” She gives a forced chuckle before looking at me. “I’m sorry, Ophelia. I should’ve told you earlier about everything.” Her shoulders slump as she looks down at the floor. I sigh and walk around the bar toward her, placing my hands on hers.

  She looks up to me with teary eyes and all my irritation with her falters. “I understand, Mom. You were trying to protect me.” She nods vigorously as she swipes her fingers under her eyes. She lifts her head to find my eyes and I can see the concern and stress all over her face. “Cooper will explain everything once ya’ll are settled.” I nod as she continues. “I never thought I’d be sending you to your boyfriend’s house, willingly.”

  I huff as she looks at me. “Cooper’s not my boyfriend. He’s just a, uh, a friend.” She rolls her eyes as she steps back, pulling her hair that’s almost the same color of mine behind her shoulder. “You may want to reconsider. I just watched the exchange between the two of you in the dining room.” I roll my eyes as she chuckles. “We’re taking things slow. Between the Society, Assembly, and Prophecy, I don’t have much more room in my racing mind.”

  I walk over to the kitchen table, slinging my purse on my shoulder. Turning back to her I give the best smile I can at the moment. She makes the few steps between us and pulls me into a hug. “I’ll be back in a week. Cooper knows how to reach me if you need to.” I step back and clutch my purse. “Okay. Have a good trip.” I turn and walk toward the front door, looking at Mom over my shoulder one last time before closing the door behind me.

  Once we’re on the interstate, leaving town, my cell phone rings in my purse, causing me to jump. Cooper has been on the phone, talking quietly since we left the driveway. I finally find my phone, glancing at the screen before answering. “Hey, Cal! How’s the beach?” Callie has been on vacation the last week. I have so much to fill her in on. “Oh my gosh, O! This place is amazing! If it weren’t for you, I may never come back!”

  I chuckle as I shift the phone to the other side. “When are you coming back? I’d like to see you before you move!” I hear her sigh. “I’ll be back in two days. You’ll have to help me with packing for school. You know I’m horrible at that stuff.” I nod my head, thinking of the time she told her Dad she was all packed before they moved into their current house. She called me at one in the morning to come and help. Much to my surprise, nothing had been packed. Nothing. We stayed up through the night and got it done, but still, I don’t want to do that again. “Of course. I’ll help when I get back next week.”

  “Get back? Where are you going?” My phone starts beeping in my ear, alerting me to another call coming in. I pull it away as Callie continues questioning
me. “Hey, Cal.” I interrupt her. “I’ve got to take this call. I’ll talk to you soon.” I switch over as she continues talking. “Hel….” I don’t even get a chance before Gamma begins talking. “Has your Mother lost her damn mind? Sending you off to live at your boyfriend’s house for a week! Don’t you dare show back up here, knocked up, and expecting me to watch a baby while you go off fighting the Hunters. I won’t do it! I won’t! Did she at least put some condoms in your bag? With you staying alone with that boy, and the way he looks. Lord, help us all. The next time I see Lillian I’m going to take a spoon to her ass, then I’m gonna snatch her ball headed. Hasn’t she ever heard of Netflix and Chill? I know what that means!”

  Once I’m able to pick my jaw up out of the floor, I interrupt her to no avail. Finally yelling. “Gamma!” She quiets as I turn to look at Cooper’s wide eyes. “Sorry” I mouth to him, knowing he’s still on the phone. “You don’t have to worry about that, Gamma. I’m just going to stay with him until Mom gets home. Okay?” She grunts in response, causing me to chuckle. “However, if you do take the spoon to Mom, please wait until I’m there to see it.” With that I’m rewarded a slight chuckle. “Fine. Fine. Just make sure you use protection, and don’t forget about the foreplay. If you’re going to be with this boy, you need to make sure he takes care of your needs too. I was with a man once…”

  I hold the phone away shaking my head vigorously as I pinch my eyes closed. “Oh God, I don’t need to hear this.” I mumble to myself. I gingerly bring the phone back to my ear, hoping she’s done. “But he was well endowed, so it wasn’t all bad.” I place my hand over my eyes, pinching them closed. “Okay, Gamma. I really have to go. I’ll talk to you in a few days.” She makes a clicking sound with her tongue. “Alright. Just remember what I said. Oh, and tell Cooper thank you for me. Bye”