Safe Travels

by Alex Dafney

  As I reach the bottom step, I find Cooper standing next to the kitchen table. I give him a bright smile as I walk toward him. “What are we having?” I glance at the kitchen table littered with takeout boxes before looking at Cooper. He has his hands in his jean’s pockets and a plain white T-shirt on, looking hot AF. I don’t know what it is about a guy in jeans and a simple white t shirt, but damn. “I wasn’t sure what you would want, and the only thing I can cook is eggs and bacon, so I went out and got a few things.”

  I chuckle as I take a seat, grabbing a plate and helping myself to everything. “Great. I’m starving!” He chuckles as he sits next to me, loading his plate down as well. “How was your first day?” I roll my eyes as I scarf down the pasta on my plate. “Horrible. My team hates me.” He chuckles as I glare at him. “It’s not funny. Seriously, half of them hate me.” I whine as Cooper gives me a congenial smile. “The first time I met my team they all hated me. It gets better.”

  I scoff. “I doubt it. Dominic is their leader as of now, and he hates me. He berated me in front of everyone about you and I.” I motion my hand between us. Cooper raises an eyebrow. I can tell he’s focusing on not scowling. “I’m not sure about him. Keep your guard up when he’s around.” I nod in agreement. “Was your team all rainbows and unicorns when you first started?”

  He throws his head back laughing. “No. God, no! None of them would even give me the time of day until I punched Zane in the face.” My eyes pop open as my jaw drops. “You punched him?” He chuckles lightly. “To be fair, I think we’ve all hit each other at one point, but we’ve been together for a little over three years now.” He shrugs as he gives me a charming smile. “You’re the lead, love. You’ll figure out what works for your team.”

  I shake my head as I finish off my plate, pushing it away. “I don’t know. Dominic made such a big ordeal about us being the power couple. Raven seems to be following his lead. Reese and Charlie are quiet. Well, Charlie’s not quiet, but I sense she’s not going to inject herself in the drama.”

  Cooper sits forward, reaching over to grip my hand in his. “Since you’re bringing it up, I wanted to ask you something.” I look at him expectantly as he runs his hand through his hair before settling his eyes back on mine. “I, um, I-.” He looks away from me. I roll my eyes with a smirk on my face as I grip his chin with my free hand, turning him to look at me. “Speak, Coop.”

  He chuckles as he looks at me. “Be my girlfriend, O? Let’s make this official.” My heart pounds in my chest as a huge smile creeps up my face. I school my features, pulling my hand from his to fold my arms across my chest. “What’s in it for me?” I ask with a playful grin as he laughs. He takes on a serious expression. “I’m serious, Ophelia. I want to know everything about you, and not just because of the damn Prophecy, but because I really like you.”

  I tilt my head giving him a small smile. “I guess that makes you my hunky boyfriend.” His smile widens as he leans forward, placing a light kiss on my lips. I pull back quickly, planting a hand on his chest. “I still want to take things slow.” He nods in agreement. “Of course. I’m not asking you to marry me.” My heart skips at the thought of that size of a commitment.

  The next morning, I wake up at five, thanks to four alarms on my phone. I made arrangements with Niko to change my private lessons to the morning instead of the afternoon. I shower and change into workout clothes, making my way downstairs quietly. I grab a yogurt from the refrigerator as I write a note to Cooper.

  I’ll see you at training. Getting a head start on my team. – O

  I leave the paper next to the coffee pot, sure he’ll see it before walking into the garage. I slide into the same Audi sports car I drove home last night and open the garage door, backing out onto the street. I grab my cell phone from the passenger seat, hitting Gamma’s number as I pull the phone to my ear. “Why are you calling me this early?” I chuckle at her greeting. “I’m on my way to training. I just needed to hear your voice.” She scoffs. I hear her pouring herself a cup of coffee over the line. “I know what you want. Just say it.”

  I let out a long sigh. “Will you please tell me I’m making the right choice?” She’s quiet for a few beats. “You’re making the right decision, Ophelia.” I let out a contented breath. “Thank God.” I mutter more to myself than Gamma. “Watch your back, O. There’s someone on your team that’s not what they appear.” I pull into a parking spot in front of headquarters, shivers running down my spine.

  “What do you mean?” She sighs heavily. “I don’t know yet. I’ve seen someone on your team betraying you, but I can’t see how, or who.” I narrow my eyes as I see Dominic walking into the building. “Got it. I love you. I’ll see you this weekend.” I end the call before she can say anything more.

  I grab my purse from the passenger seat and toss my phone inside as I walk across the empty parking lot. Scanning Cooper’s keycard to enter the building, I head straight for Dominic who’s waiting for the elevator. He looks over to me in surprise. “Wow. Wouldn’t expect the golden child to be here this early.” I scoff as I stop next to him, watching the elevator numbers tick down. “I told you I’d prove to you that I can be a lead.”

  I sneak a glance at him, noting the slight grin on his face. The elevator door opens and we both step in. He hits the button for the training floor as I worry with my purse. He turns to me as we descend. “I shouldn’t have been an ass to you yesterday at lunch.” My mouth drops open as I’m taken by surprise. “No worries, Dominic. I hope we can be a formidable team.” He gives me a half grin. “I go by Dom.” I nod as I thrust my hand toward him. “Sounds good, Dom. Can we start over?” I raise an eyebrow as he takes my hand, a slight grin on his face.

  “Of course. Let’s kick your boyfriends’ team’s ass.” I chuckle as we shake hands. He drops my hand as the elevator door opens. We step out together to find Niko working solo. He looks up as we approach, breathing heavily and placing his hands on his waist. “Well, well. Not what I was expecting this early in the morning.” I drop my purse in a corner as I pull my hair into a messy bun. Placing my hands on my hips and looking between Dom and Niko. “Let’s do this.” I say with confidence.

  Niko stands to the side of the mat, instructing Dom and I as we combat. Dom takes me every time. Helping me off my back after he takes me down. After ten times I’m leaning down with my hands braced on my knees, heaving for air. I hear the elevator doors open and catch Cooper walking in. I give him a little wave as I try to catch my breath.

  “Back in place!” Niko yells. I begrudgingly step back in place on the mat, taking my stance as Dom does the same in front of me. Niko yells ‘go’, and Dom charges me. I twist at the right times and dodge at the others, doing my best not to get taken down, yet again. “Come on, Ophelia!” I hear Cooper yell. I take a deep breath as Dom rushes me. I turn at the precise moment, gripping my hands around him and landing him on his back.

  I breath heavily as I stare down at him with a smile. “Nice.” Dom huffs out below me. I smile down at him as Cooper wraps me in his arms, spinning me around in a circle. He lowers me to my feet with a quick kiss on my lips. “That was fucking awesome.” He says as I giggle. I step away from him, brushing my hands down my clothing before offering my hand to Dom. He pulls himself up, cracking his neck to both sides. “That’s what I’m talking about, lead.” He holds his hand up for a high five that I deliver.

  Cooper scowls at him as he walks off the mat. I reach out, placing my hand on his forearm. “Hey there, handsome.” I say with a cheeky grin. He looks back to me, his scowl replaced with that grin that highlights his dimple as he lowers his hands to my hips. “Good morning, love.” He says as he drops his lips to mine. I let myself get lost in the moment, running my hand through his hair as he kisses me.

  “Ahem!” I hear as I pull away, still gazing into Cooper’s eyes. I look around us to find his teammates smiling to one side of us, and my team to the other. Cooper releases his grip on my hips, placing a soft kiss on my cheek
before stepping away. “I’ll see you later.” He whispers as he strides by me to stand with his team.

  I join my team for warm up. Not that I need it since I’ve been here for two hours, but I’m hoping it will build comradeship. We warm up for a half hour before we’re all standing in front of the mat, Niko in front of us. “I know you all are not used to training with another team, but today we’re going to try something a little different.” He says as he places his hands behind his back. “We’re going team to team.” Mumbles emerge through the teams as mine and Cooper’s eyes lock.

  “We’ll start with the brawn. Dominic and Zane.” Dom and Zane both step forward onto the mat. Niko steps between them, placing a hand to each of their chest as they face each other. “This is only an exercise. You are not to use any moves that will incapacitate your opponent.” He looks between Dom and Zane, then toward the rest of us. “Everyone understand? Soft take downs only.” Everyone nods or verbalizes their agreement.

  Niko steps back as they get into position. With a quick flip of the hand they go after each other. My eyes widen as I watch them take each other down time and time again, each bounding up quickly and blocking an advance. Niko whistles loudly after a few minutes. “Draw!” They shake hands before stepping off the mat, back to their respective teams. “Ryder and Raven, step up.”

  I tilt my head and whisper to Charlie next to me. “I wasn’t expecting Raven to be the brute force of the team.” She gives me a wide grin. “Just watch.” Niko waves his hand as they get into position. They circle each other briefly, each taking jabs and the other blocking. Within the blink of an eye, Raven is sitting on Ryder’s shoulders. She locks her legs around his neck and throws her body to the side, pulling him down to the mat with her legs locked tightly around his throat. Ryder taps her leg and she releases him, standing up and flinging her long black ponytail behind her. “I think I may be in love.” Ryder murmurs as he rolls to his back on the mat.

  Niko shakes his head at her. “Seriously, Raven?” She shrugs as she offers a hand to Ryder, both stepping off the mat. “The rules did not mention shifting being an illegal move.” Niko tries to hide the smile pulling up on his lips. “Fine. No shifting, guys!” A few chuckles go through the crowd as he shakes his head. “Research, you’re up.” He looks between the teams. “Grant and Reese first, then Micah and Charlie.” Charlie groans next to me as Reese and Grant take position on the mat.

  Rather quickly Grant has Reese pinned on the mat, tapping out. Charlie bounces onto the mat as does Micah. He looks at Niko with a slight frown. “I, uh, I don’t think this is a fair match.” He says as he glances down at Charlie. I can’t argue with that. Charlie is all of five feet tall and Micah towers over her with at least a foot in height difference and more in weight and muscle. Charlie flips her braided pigtails over her shoulder. “Oh, come on Micah. You afraid of little ole me?”

  They get into position as Niko waves his hand between them, stepping back quickly. Charlie bounces around as Micah places his hands on his hips, watching her with amusement. She throws her hands up in the air. “Come on! You’re not even trying!” He chuckles. “I’m practically double your size.” She crosses her arms over her chest, stomping her foot. I can’t help the chuckle that escapes me.

  Micah turns to Niko. “I’m not com-.” Charlie takes him by surprise, jumping on his back like a spider monkey and wrapping her arms around his neck. Within a few seconds he’s tapping her arm as she hops off him. She gives him a little curtsy before skipping off the mat as the group erupts with laughter. Micah just shakes his head as he rejoins his team.

  Cooper grins over at me as we step on the mat together. “Alright kids. This is the tie breaker. The team that wins gets to leave out early today while the losing team gets thirty extra minutes of cardio.” He steps back as Cooper and I get into position. “Don’t go easy on me.” I say as Niko waves his hand between us. “Never.” Cooper says with a wink before rushing me. I spin and dodge his advance. He turns just as I make a swing for him, but he blocks it with his forearm. “Good work, O.”

  I roll my eyes as I take a step back. “Whose team are you on?” He gives a chuckle before moving toward me quickly. I manage to slip away a few more times, but he closes in on me as I try to spin, grabbing me from behind, his arm around my throat. I see Raven shaking her head and whisper something to Dom as she points at me. I know I’m not getting out of his grip, so I choose to take the low road.

  I reach behind me, finding that spot on his ribs and tickling him. He removes him arm from around my neck, gripping my wrist. “Dammit, Ophelia!” He says through his laughter. I take the opportunity to kick behind his knees, forcing him down as I jump on top of him, tickling him with everything I have. We’re both laughing wildly as Niko whistles, ending our match. “I’d say Ophelia wins.”

  Cooper grips both of my wrists in his hands, pushing them behind my back as I smile down at him. “That was low, love.” I give a little shrug. “But I won.” He chuckles as he releases my hands. I stand up, my feet planted on either side of him and offer my hand. He stands directly in front of me, his eyes locked on mine. “You know I’ll have to pay you back for that.” My heart quickens as he places a soft kiss on my cheek. “Pizza and beer at our place tonight. Good show everyone!” A round of applause goes through the group as Cooper walks back to his team.

  Chapter 10

  I step on the elevator with my team, ready to get home and shower off the day. “Good work out there, Ophelia.” Dom says as the doors open to the main lobby. “Thanks.” I say as I step out, turning back to face them. “Are ya’ll going to come over tonight?” Charlie bounces up and down. “Of course!” She says as she looks around the group. Raven folds her arms over her chest, raising one eyebrow at me. “Another opportunity to watch you drool over your boyfriend? Wouldn’t miss it.”

  She scoffs as she walks around me toward the door. Dom sighs as he shakes his head. “I’ll try to get her to come. Anything I can bring?” I shrug. “I don’t really know. I’ll talk to Cooper when he gets in and text you if there’s anything.” He nods to me before running to the door, catching up to Raven in the parking lot.

  I turn back to Charlie and Reese. “What about you?” Reese gives me a slight shrug. “I, uh, don’t really know if it’s my scene.” I give him a half smile. “It’ll be fun. The guys set up video games, drink beer, and eat pizza.” Reese chuckles. “I may.” He turns and walks across the lobby, leaving Charlie and me. “Well, I guess I better get home and cleaned up before everyone comes over.” I turn and walk toward the door, Charlie walking alongside me. “Could you give me a ride? Raven apparently forgot we rode over together.”

  I nod as we walk to Cooper’s car. Charlie gives me the directions to her house as I pull out of the parking lot. “Oh, you live on the same road as Cooper.” She nods. “Yeah. We all live on that road. Jim tries to keep everyone together.” We drive quietly through the compound. “Where are you from, anyway?” I glance over at her. “Alabama.” She nods. “Raven’s from Georgia. She’s really not as big of a bitch as she acts. I think she’s just leery of you.”

  I scrunch my forehead. “Why?” She waves her hand in the air. “Our first lead up and left us. She’s waiting for you to do the same. He asked for a new team.” My eyes widen. “I didn’t even know you could do that.” She turns toward me with an anxious expression. “Are you going to ask for a new team?” My mouth drops open as I look over at her. “No! I just didn’t know that was a possibility. I’m still learning everything about the Assembly.”

  Charlie smiles brightly. “Good. I think we’ll be great together. BFF’S for life!” I chuckle at her enthusiasm. Reese and Raven don’t want anything to do with me, and Dom and I are rocky, at best. “I hope you’re right.” I pull the car onto our street, stopping in front of her house. She opens the car door, turning to me before getting out. “Thanks, Ophelia. I’ll see you in a bit!” She throws her arms around my neck quickly, catching me by surprise.

&nbs
p; I smile lightly as she gets out, closing the door behind her. I pull the few houses down and open the garage, pulling the car into its spot, grabbing my purse from the back seat I make my way inside, ready to enjoy a nice long bath.

  I lean my head back on the tub, my eyes closed, enjoying a relaxing playlist I started on my phone. A knock on the bathroom door causes me to jump. “Cooper?” I hear him chuckle on the other side of the door. “Just wanted to let you know I’m back. Are you taking a bath?” I giggle. “Yeah. Want to join me?” I hear the doorknob rattle immediately. He groans as he realizes it’s locked, causing me to laugh. “I’m going to take a shower.”

  I sink back down in the tub, letting the warm water relax my tired muscles. It’s only day two of this intense workout and I ache all over. After a few more minutes I decide I need to get out before I become a human prune. I dry off and wrap the towel around me before walking toward my closet, eyeing the suitcase on the floor, knowing I’m going to have to unpack soon. I bend down, grabbing a pair of jeans and a tank top off the top of the pile.

  Once I’m dressed, I head downstairs to find Cooper lounging on the couch in nothing but a pair of workout pants. My mouth parts slightly as my cheeks heat. Damn, did it just get hot in here? He has one arm propped behind his head, the other resting on his defined abs. I blink my eyes rapidly, trying to bring myself out of this Cooper induced daze. “Hey, love. Did you enjoy your bath?” I nod as I walk toward him. “Yeah. That bathtub is amazing.”

  He grabs my hand as I try to walk past him toward the loveseat. He pulls me down on top of him, kissing me deeply as he runs his hand along my lower back. I pull back, smiling down at him. “Thanks for letting me take you down today. My team seems to like me a bit more because of it.” He gives me a shy grin. “Tickling me wasn’t exactly fair, but you got me.” He shifts to his side, backing up against the back of the couch as I roll to my side, my back to his front. Grabbing the remote he turns up the volume on some movie as he drapes his arm over me.