by Alex Dafney
We walk out the door, to the next house over. “Dom and Reese.” Cooper says as I knock. Reese pulls the door open slightly. “Hey. What are you guys doing here?” He pushes the door the rest of the way open, revealing his shirtless chest. We step inside to find Grant at the kitchen table, cup of coffee in hand, in the same attire. My cheeks blush as I take them in. “We, uh, thought ya’ll might want something to eat.”
I take the last plate from Cooper and place it on the table next to Grant. He picks up one of the cinnamon rolls. “Oh poppet, you sure know the way to a man’s heart.” I give him a shy grin. “How are you feeling this morning?” He waves a hand toward me. “A bit of an aching head, but all in all, I’m in tip top shape.” Reese places his hand on my shoulder. “How are you this morning?”
I pull my eyebrows together in a confused manor as I point to myself. “Me? Nothing happened to me.” Reese shakes his head slightly before looking from Cooper to Grant quickly, then back at me. “We all froze, Ophelia. You knew exactly what to do every step of the way yesterday.” I shrug my shoulders lightly. “I just did what needed to be done in the moment. Nothing special about that.” Grant stands from the table, pulling me into a hug. “Where I come from, we’re not huggers, so I hope this shows you just how I feel about what you did for us yesterday.”
Cooper and I leave the house, walking back across the street to his. He pushes open the door, gesturing for me to go inside. I step in and he grips my hand in his. I turn to him and look up to his smiling face. “They’re right you know. You were incredible yesterday. You took charge of the entire room. Jim and Calvin included.” He leans down and presses his lips to mine briefly. He pulls back and gives me a slight grin. “I’m going to shower and head over to Headquarters.” I raise an eyebrow at him and throw a hand on my hip. “Not without me you aren’t.”
Chapter 14
We both get showered and dressed and start for Headquarters. We pull into the parking lot and I start to open my door, but Cooper places his hand on my arm. I turn to look at him and instantly feel the worry coming from him. I place my hand on his cheek. “It’s going to be fine, Coop. They can’t force me to do anything I’m not comfortable with.” He gives a small nod before stepping out of the car.
We walk hand in hand into the building, stopping at the secretary desk in the main lobby. Cooper makes small talk with the young woman at the desk as she dials Calvin’s line. “He says to come on up to his office.” She gives Cooper a sympathetic smile.
We step in the elevator and Cooper pushes me gently against the wall, placing a hand on my hip and the other on the wall next to my head as he kisses me hard. When he pulls away, he rests his forehead against mine. “Don’t let go of my hand, okay?” I nod against his forehead as the elevator door opens. I grip his hand in mine tightly as we walk down the hallway.
He stops in front of a door with Calvin’s name scrolled on a nameplate on the wall, knocking quietly before opening the door. Calvin stands from behind his desk as we walk in. “Cooper. How are you feeling today, son?” Cooper takes the hand Calvin extends to him, shaking briefly. “I’m fine, sir. We checked on the rest of my team this morning. Everyone seems to be as good as to be expected.”
Calvin nods before gesturing his hand to the chairs in front of his desk. I scoot mine closer to Cooper’s before taking a seat as Calvin sits in the executive chair behind the desk, dropping his elbows on the desk and sitting forward. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am about what happened yesterday.” Cooper nods as he moves to the edge of his seat. “As am I, Calvin, but that’s not why we’re here.”
He looks between Cooper and I with a pinched brow before Cooper continues. “It seems Jim wants to send Ophelia’s team into the same mission that nearly cost my team everything.” Calvin’s eyes widen slightly as he sits back, forming a steeple under his chin with his hands as his eyes land on me. “Forgive me, Miss Oakes, but I haven’t been following the progress of your team. Is this something you all are capable of?”
I feel Cooper tense as he grips my hand tighter. I reach over and place my other hand on his forearm, channeling my energy to him. He visibly relaxes. I look back to Calvin as he gives a questioning look at my hand on Cooper’s arm. “We are not ready. I don’t even know anything about the Hunters, and I’m taken down on the mat more times than not.” My cheeks redden as I verbalize my shortcomings aloud.
Cooper pats my knee lovingly, giving me reassurance. I look back up to Calvin. “It would be a suicide mission if you were to send us out right now.” Calvin nods as he picks up his desk phone. “Jim. I need you in my office immediately.” He hangs up the phone and smiles briefly across his desk at Cooper and me.
A knock at the door draws our attention. Jim steps inside with a bright smile that immediately falters when he takes in Cooper and me. He walks across the office to the built-in bar, helping himself to a bourbon. “What can I do for you, Cal?” He says without turning around. Calvin folds his arms over his chest, a look of annoyance on his face as he waits for Jim to turn to him.
When he does, he has an arrogant smirk on his face. Calvin stands, gesturing to Cooper and me. “I hear you have intentions to send Miss Oake’s team out on the same mission that nearly took out our three-year veterans. Do you really think that’s a wise idea with a team that has been together a week’s time?” Jim runs his hand along the back of his neck before throwing back his drink. “We don’t have much of a choice. Cooper’s team is out, probably for a while. They’re the only teams we have for this type of job.” He gestures his hand toward me.
Cooper bristles and sits up in his seat. I place a hand on his arm to calm him. Sitting up straighter I address the two men. “With all due respect, sending my team into a mission like this would be detrimental. We’re not ready.” Jim glares at me with vengeance. “Well, when do you think you’ll be ready? How long do you think we have on a matter like this?” He throws his hand up as he spins back to the bar, fixing another drink.
I stare at his back with my mouth hanging open for a brief second before I gather myself, looking at Cooper. “How long were you with your team before you went out on a mission?” He gives me a wide grin. “Six months, at least.” I look back to Jim with an arrogant smile. “So, it seems we won’t be ready for a few months.” Calvin gives a little chuckle as he sits back in his chair behind the desk. Jim narrows his eyes at me before throwing his drink back and slamming the glass on the built-in bar. “I suggest you work harder. I need you in the field, not playing house with your boyfriend.”
Cooper starts to stand, but I hold his hand tightly. Jim shifts his angry glare to Cooper. “You’re better than this. You’re Assembly, dammit! Stop playing grab ass and act like it.” Cooper rips his hand from mine, jumping up and grabbing Jim by the collar of his jacket. “My team was close to being taken yesterday! How dare you lecture me while you sit behind your fucking desk all day!” Calvin rounds his desk, putting his hand on Cooper’s shoulder and urging him back. “Come on, son. You don’t want to do this.” I stand and place my hand on Cooper’s lower back, closing my eyes and dissipating his anger.
Cooper lets out a deep sigh as he pushes Jim back. Jim brushes his hands down his suit jacket, glaring at me on his way out of the room. He stops with his hand on the door before turning back to me. “You better have your team ready in one month.” He pulls the door open, steps out and slams it behind him. I let out a heavy sigh as I close my eyes and place my fingers to my temples. “I hope you understand Jim is just trying to take out the immediate threats, Miss Oakes. It’s nothing personal against you.” I open my eyes to find Calvin giving me a sympathetic half smile.
I nod as I brush my hair behind my shoulders. I reach for Cooper’s hand, pulling him to my side and looking between him and Calvin. “I think we’re done here, right?” Calvin looks at Cooper as he gazes into my eyes. “Yeah. We’re done here.” He looks back to Calvin. “As long as you can assure me Ophelia’s team will not be sent out until they are ready.”
Calvin tilts his head to the side, giving Cooper an expression that reads, ‘really?’. Cooper drops my hand to offer it to Calvin. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”
Calvin grips Cooper’s hand, placing his other hand on his shoulder and squeezing lightly. “You know I’m always here, son.” He looks over to me with a genuine smile. “For you as well, Miss Oakes.” I give him a gracious smile before gripping Cooper’s hand. “We need to get back home. The doctor will be making his rounds soon and I want to know what he has to say about everyone.” Cooper nods as we walk toward the doorway.
“Miss Oakes?” I look over my shoulder as Calvin steps toward us. He pulls his cell phone out of his back pocket, thrusting it toward me. “Could I have your number so I can call you later to get an update on the boys?” I take his phone and program my number, giving him a smile as I pass it back to him. He nods as he takes it from me. “Thank you. I’ll give you a call in a few hours.”
When we get in the car, I turn to Cooper. “I need to go to the grocery store. Do you want me to take you home first? You look exhausted.” He lets out a sigh before raking his hand down his face. “No. I’m fine. Would you mind if I stay in the car while you go in?” I shake my head as I start the car, driving us to the small grocery store.
I pull up in front of the store, telling Cooper I’ll be quick as I hop out and hastily make my way inside. I grab a cart and pile all the items I’ll need for cooking for ten for the next few days inside. I push the cart to the counter to find Mary once again reading a book. She looks over her book at me giving me a bright smile. “Ophelia! I’m so glad to see you. How are Cooper and the boys doing?”
I give her a half smile. “They’re all pretty banged up, but on the mend. I split my team to look after Cooper’s. I figured I should get a couple of days worth of food for everyone.” She leans over the counter, eyeing my shopping cart. “This won’t do.” She says as she steps around the counter.
I spend the next fifteen minutes following her around the store as she tosses more items in my cart. I end up back at the counter with three times what I originally had. She begins placing the items in bags as she rattles off a few easy recipes to feed a crowd as I mentally take notes. Once she’s finished placing all the bags in my cart she walks around the counter, pulling me into a hug. “You take care of those kiddos.”
As she steps back, I pull my wallet out of my purse. She simply waves her hand toward me. “Nonsense! You’re taking care of two teams single handedly. You really think I’m going to let you pay for this?” I open my mouth to protest, but she holds up her hand as she shakes her head. “No, mam. You handle dinner tonight. I’m calling Margie as soon as you leave to get her set up on lunches for the next few days.”
Tears threaten my eyes as I blink rapidly at her. “You don’t have to do that. Really, I can…” She interrupts me with a harrumph. “We help our own, Ophelia. Margie will bring lunches and I’ll work something out for breakfast. You’ll need to figure out dinners, but you’ve got enough to get you through the next few days.” She pulls a piece of paper out from under the counter, scribbling on it before handing it to me. “Here’s my number. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call me.”
I give her a genuine smile as I thank her and walk out of the store. I peer in the passenger side window to find Cooper fast asleep. I unload the bags in the tiny so-called trunk of the sports car and slip in the driver’s side. As I drive home my cell phone rings on the console. I answer it when I see it’s Mom calling. “Hey.”
“Hey, O. Albert wanted to know if this is a good time to come check on everyone.” I glance over to Cooper softly snoring in the passenger seat. “Yeah. I’ll be home in a few minutes.” Mom tells me she’ll see me there as I hang up. I pull into the garage, hitting the button to close the door behind us. I grip Cooper’s hand and visualize my bedroom, gently landing us in the bed, resting his head on the pillow. Carefully, I extract myself from the bed and tiptoe to the door, closing it quietly behind me before heading downstairs.
I find Mom and Dr. Albert waiting for me in the kitchen. I gesture upstairs. “Sorry. Coop fell asleep on the way back from the grocery store. Let me just put the groceries away and I’ll show you where everyone is.” Dr. Albert drops his bag on the table as he rolls up his sleeves, following Mom and I to the garage. We quickly get the bags inside and Mom helps me put everything away. “You have enough food here for eight people, Ophelia.”
I give a little chuckle before looking over at her as she places something in the refrigerator. “Ten actually. I’m currently taking care of both teams since I split mine up to watch after Cooper’s team.” She closes the refrigerator door, giving me a concerned look. “It’s fine, Mom. The lady at the grocery store said she’d help with breakfast and she’s calling in someone else for lunch. I just have dinner for the next few days.” She gives me that ‘Mom’ look as she steps over to me, placing her hand on my arm. “I’ll help you cook a few meals after I take Albert home.”
I lead Dr. Albert and Mom to each house, so he can check them all over. Once we’re back at my place, Mom quickly takes Dr. Albert back to his place in the present as I stride into the kitchen. Mom reappears next to me a few minutes later. “What can I help you do?”
We start prepping a few meals for the next days in comfortable silence. “What’s been going on with you? I feel like I haven’t talked to you in a year even though it’s only been a few days.” I give Mom a sad smile. “I know. Life here is so…busy.” She gives a little chuckle. “Welcome to adulthood.”
“How are things with your team?” She asks as she chops the vegetables next to me. “I think they’re starting to like me. I had a fun night with Charlie and Raven Sunday night.” She gives a little nod. “That’s good. What about the boys? What’s their names again?”
“Reese and Dominic, Dom for short. I thought Dom was going to be a problem at first, but he’s come around. Reese is still shy, but he praised me this morning on how I handled yesterday.” She gives me a sideways smirk as she looks over at me. “What about Cooper? How are things going between you two?”
A wistful smile creeps up my face. “We’re good. Both of our gifts are getting stronger.” I turn to her with an excited look. “Oh! I can alter his emotions! That’s new.” She gives me a strange look. “What do you mean?” I go back to cooking. “Like, when he’s angry all I have to do is touch him and I can ease his emotions.” I glance over my shoulder to her stunned expression. “Wow. You’re going to win every argument y’all ever have!” We both burst into laughter.
Once we both stop laughing, we go back to cooking quietly. “I’m glad you’ve found someone that makes you happy, O. I can see a difference in you since you’ve met him.” I give a little smile as Mom walks to the refrigerator, pulling out a bottle of white wine. She lifts it slightly. “May I?” I nod.
We finish making the meals and place everything in containers to take to the teams. Mom helps me take the meals to each house. I purposefully leave Raven and Charlie’s for last since you can never tell what will come out of Raven’s mouth. I knock on the door, before pushing it open slightly. “Rave?” No one answers so I step in, walking into the kitchen as Mom steps into the living room.
“This looks exactly like your house, except the furniture. It’s all so… cookie cutter.” I chuckle to myself, thinking that’s the same thing I thought. As I hear a loud thud I glance over my shoulder. “Who the hell are you?” I hear Raven yelling. “Oh shit.” I say under my breath as I jog into the living room to find Raven hovering over my Mom, whose body is pressed into the couch. Raven has a knee in her back and her arm twisted behind her.
“Raven!” I yell as my eyes widen. She looks over her shoulder at me. Her brow knitted with fury. “What are you doing? That’s my Mom!” I point at Mom who’s huffing and trying to twist her arm free. Raven looks from Mom to me. “My bad.” She casually says as she stands up. “I just walked down the stairs and found a stranger in my home. Sorry.
I’m a little tense these days.” She shrugs nonchalantly as I rush over to Mom’s side to help her up.
She runs her hand along her shoulder as she glares at Raven. “Well, I’m glad you’re on Ophelia’s team. I didn’t even see you coming at me.” Raven gives her an arrogant smile. “I’m the best.” I scoff as I roll my eyes. Raven shoots me a death glare. “Don’t start no shit, virgin shifting princess.” My mouth drops open as my cheeks flush. “Raven!” I scold as Mom and her both burst into laughter.
Raven gives Mom a devious smile. “I think I could like you, Ms. Ophelia’s Mom.” Mom shrugs as I glare at them both. “It’s Lillian, and I’m just glad to know she’s still a virgin princess since she’s living with her boyfriend.” Raven scoffs. “I doubt that will change with princess prude over here.” Mom doubles over laughing as Raven throws her head back with laughter. I gawk at them both. “I’m standing right here!” This causes them to laugh harder. I fold my arms over my chest as I scowl.
Mom looks over at me, wiping her hand under her eyes. “Sorry, O, but you have to admit that was funny.” I huff as Raven slaps her hand on my back. “I’m just messing with you, O.” I roll my eyes as I shrug away from her, walking toward the door. “I brought dinner for the next few days. I made sure to spit in yours.” I say as I jerk the door open, leaving it open for Mom to follow. I glance over my shoulder as I stomp across the street, not seeing Mom.
I jerk the door open to mine and Cooper’s house, slamming it behind me. “Uggghhh!” I stomp into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. A hand lands on my hip and I jerk. “Hey. What’s wrong, love?” I start the coffee pot and jerk the cabinet door open, grabbing a coffee cup and slamming it down on the counter. “Oh, nothing. Raven’s over there having a good time calling me the ‘virgin shifting princess’.”