Safe Travels

by Alex Dafney

  He walks us back to the waiting area where we find most of the group standing around. I walk over to Charlie, Reese and Dom. “Ya’ll done?” They all nod just as Raven and Ryder come walking toward us from the hallway. Raven lets out a content sigh as she joins us. “I always feel amazing after getting a tattoo.” I give her a questioning look. “How many tattoos do you have? I’ve never seen any.” Ryder peeks around her shoulder with a wide grin. “A few.” He says as he waggles his eyebrows.

  I chuckle as she slaps him in the arm. “Don’t be telling my secrets, Ry.” Zane steps over to her, placing his hand on the hem of her shirt, acting like he’s going to raise it. “Come on, Rave! Show us what you got.” She slaps his hand away as we all laugh. “Don’t do it, Z. You know I’ll take your ass out.” He raises his hands to her and makes a mock scared face as he backs away.

  I shake my head as I walk over to the desk where John is. “How much do we owe you?” I ask as I pull my card from my purse. He waves his hand. “No way am I charging the power couple. People would storm my shop.” I raise an eyebrow at him with an annoyed look as Cooper steps over next to me. “Damn, John. You charged me double for our team tats.” He shrugs with a shit eating grin. “You weren’t the power couple then, and you did bring a rather drunk Zane into my shop.” Cooper offers his hand and they shake. “Thanks, man. I’m sure we’ll see you soon.”

  We all say our goodbyes to the artists and step out onto the busy street. “I’m starving!” Zane says behind me. I turn to Dom, knowing this is his territory. “Where to, Dom?” He looks left to right, before tilting his head to the left. “There’s a burger and bar place this way.” He leads the way as the group follows him along the sidewalk. I start to walk, but Cooper pulls my hand, urging me to stop.

  I look up to his charming smile, my mouth instantly turning up as I look at him. He pulls me to him, wrapping his arms around my waist as I link my hands behind his neck, pressing up on my tiptoes to meet him as he lowers his face to mine. As our lips touch a vision plays through my mind in flip book form, just like the first time. I see Cooper in a dark blue suit with a gray bow tie, looking dashing. I see our teams sitting in chairs, all turning to look behind them. When I turn, I see myself in a long white dress, a bouquet of flowers in hand.

  Cooper pulls away from me just as the vision fades with a wide grin on his face, letting me know he seen it too. “I love you, O.” My heart patters in my chest, knowing we just glimpsed our wedding day. I feel like I should be feeling nervous seeing it, but instead I feel excited. “I love you too, Coop. I’m going to tell you that in every city in the world.” He chuckles lightly before dropping his lips to mine.

  “Come on! We’re all starving!” We both turn our heads to Raven who has her hands on her hips, tapping her foot impatiently on the sidewalk. “Shut it, Rave. We were having a moment.” Cooper calls over to her. She huffs as she looks up at the sky. “Ya’ll are always having a moment. Let’s go!” Cooper grips my hand in his, walking toward Raven and Ryder who have hung back from the group, waiting on us. “This was a big moment though. We were seeing our wedding day.”

  I look up to Cooper at my side with wide eyes. The huge grin on his face warming my heart though. I look over to Raven and Ryder who have shocked expressions. “Uh, what?” Raven finally says. I wave a hand toward her as we start walking again. “Nothing, Rave. Just a vision.”

  Chapter 17

  I wake up early the morning we’re due to leave on our mission. Untangling myself from Cooper, I walk to the bathroom. As I turn the shower on, I place both hands to my face, taking a few deep breaths to ease my nerves. The last few days I’ve been perfectly fine. Calming Cooper when he had doubts or hesitations about this mission, but now, I’m freaking out.

  I step in the shower, tilting my head back as I close my eyes, letting the warm water run through my hair and down my back. My eyes open as I hear the shower door open. Looking over I find Cooper stepping in with a warm smile. He steps in front of me, dropping a sweet kiss to my cheek as he runs his hands along my upper arms. “You look worried, love.” I let out a deep sigh as I lean forward, resting my cheek against his strong chest. “I am.”

  He moves his hands to rub along my back as he rests his chin on the top of my head. “Understandable, with it being your first mission. My first mission, Grant and I both took turns vomiting in the bushes before we left.” He gives a little chuckle as I look up to him with a half grin. “Really?” He nods as he gazes down at me, brushing his hand along my cheek. “You’re going to be amazing today, O.”

  After our shower we both stand in front of the mirror in my bathroom. Or our bathroom. Cooper moved into my room weeks ago, only using his for the closet. I apply my makeup as he shaves. Smiling at him in the mirror, before I walk out of the bathroom with my towel wrapped around me. Walking into my closet I scan my clothes, not knowing what to choose for Barcelona in the seventies.

  I walk out into the bedroom, grabbing my phone from the nightstand and calling Charlie. “Hey, O.” She answers after the first ring. “Hey. I probably should’ve asked this sooner, but what do I wear today?” She gives a little laugh and I hear shuffling in the background. “Wear whatever you want. I have your outfit waiting for you at Headquarters.” I give a nod. “Awesome. I’ll see you soon.”

  I hang up the phone, tossing it on the bed before stepping back to my closet, picking out a long sleeve dress and a pair of ankle boots. Once I’m dressed, I step back into the bedroom to find Cooper sitting on the edge of the bed, staring down at his phone in his hands. He looks up, a smile spreading across his face as he stands. “How do you always look so damn beautiful?” I tilt my head to the side as I feel my cheeks begin to blush.

  He steps over to me, placing his hands on my cheeks as he drops his lips to mine. “I love you, O.” He says lowly as he pulls back. “Love you too, Coop.” He grips my hand in his, leading us out the bedroom and down the stairs. We walk out to the garage, getting into one of his cars.

  As we pull into the parking lot of Headquarters my stomach does flip flops. I grip Cooper’s hand tightly on the console of the car. He pulls into a parking spot, shutting the car off, then turning to face me. “You alright, love?” I pinch my eyes closed as I shake my head, swallowing hard. He reaches over, placing his hand on my cheek and turning my face toward him. I slowly open my eyes as my stomach churns. He gives me a faint smile. “I got you, O.”

  I give him the best smile I can muster. “I know you do, Coop.” He leans across the console, dropping his lips to mine quickly before pulling back. “We need to get inside and get ready.” I let out another deep breath, trying to curb my nerves as much as I can while getting out of the car.

  We walk through Headquarter doors to find both of our teams waiting in the lobby. I scan the faces of my team, noting nervous expressions on everyone’s faces. Cooper hits the button to the elevator. Once we’re in the research hall, he makes his way to the front of the group, pulling me along with him. He gives me a small smile before turning to address the teams.

  “Good morning everyone. It’s a great day for a mission!” A few chuckles go through the group as he squeezes my hand gently. “Last time we where in Barcelona, things didn’t go according to plan, but we followed instinct and training. That’s all we have to do today. With this being Ophelia and her teams first mission, I expect my team to take point on this. Everyone stay together with your group.”

  He looks down to me with a little nod of his head toward the group. I let out a shaky breath as I gaze over at them. “I don’t know if I feel the same as Coop about it being a great day for a mission. I feel more like it’s a great day to lose my breakfast.” A few chuckles pass as I take in a deep breath, letting it back out as I look at my team. “A few months ago, I didn’t even know this place existed. That people like you, or us, existed. I’m truly honored to be here, as a part of this team. So, thank you for trusting me to be your lead. I look forward to many successful missions with ya’ll.”
>
  Dom starts to walk toward me, as Charlie drops Micah’s hand walking alongside him, Reese right behind. They all reach me, Dom throwing his arm around my shoulder as Charlie wraps her tiny frame around my waist, Reese wrapping his arm around my other side. “Group hug time! Get your ass over here Raven!” Dom calls loudly. I giggle as I watch Raven strut toward us with an annoyed look. “Gah. I’ve already told ya’ll I’m only here for the food, not the team bonding bullshit.” She joins in on the group hug despite her words. We all step back, everyone smiling. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

  Charlie leads the group to another room off the side of the research hall, chattering away about fashion from the seventies as she scans a notebook in her hand. Once she flips the light on in the room, my eyes widen. Firstly, I didn’t know these many clothes existed in the world, secondly, how did I not know this room was here? There are rows and rows of clothes hanging. Decade numbers topping the racks.

  We walk almost to the back of the room where Charlie stops, turning to us as she runs her hand along the clothes and looks at her notebook. She grabs an outfit from the rack. “Zane.” He steps forward, taking it from her and holding it up. “Seriously? Plaid pants?” I snicker as he looks at it with disgust. Charlie flips her pigtails behind her. “Just go change. I didn’t choose the fashion sense back then.”

  She hands out entire outfits to the group, saving Cooper and I for last. “Alright, Coopster.” She says as she hands him a pair of bell bottom jeans and a plaid shirt. He sighs heavily as he takes it from her, walking over to the dressing room with the rest of the guys. Charlie looks at me. “Would you rather have a dress or jeans? I feel like jeans are more practical in the event you’ll need to run.” I nod in agreement as she flips through the rack, handing me a pair of denim bell bottoms and a white top. “Go get these on while I grab everyone’s accessories.”

  I walk over to the dressing rooms, taking the one with Raven. She turns in her bright yellow bell bottoms and denim shirt that’s unbuttoned down to her cleavage. “Uh, I’m not even going to lie, I may keep this after this mission.” I giggle as I nod. “It really does look good on you.” She fans her long black hair around her shoulders as I strip out of my dress and boots, pulling the high waisted jeans up. I pick up the shirt, holding it out in front of me. “What the hell is this?”

  She glances at me over her shoulder. “Here, let me help.” She walks over to me, taking the shirt and flipping it around. “It’s a crop top, O.” She holds it out as I shrug it over my head. I look at myself in the mirror, my cheeks heating at the sight. The top sits just under my breasts, leaving my mid drift exposed. The sleeves are a lace material that bell around my wrists and the plunging neckline leaves little to the imagination. “Damn, O. Cooper’s going to need a moment when he sees you in this.”

  I give her an eye roll in the mirror as she laughs. “Come on, hot mama.” She says as she opens the door. We step out of the room, finding most of the group already dressed. Cooper turns to me as I take in his super tight denim bell bottoms and button up flannel shirt, the top buttons undone. Damn, he’s too cute. His eyes widen as he looks me up and down, making his way to me. “Told you so.” Raven whispers as she walks by me.

  He stops in front of me. “Wow, love. You look…” He trails off as he shakes his head slowly. “Hot! The word you’re looking for is hot!” I laugh as Raven yells over at us. Cooper takes my hand, holding it above me as he spins me around slowly in front of him. He stops once I face him again, dropping his lips to mine. “She’s right. Hot is the word I’m looking for.” My cheeks burn as he pulls back.

  Charlie bounces over next to me, thrusting a pair of wedge heels at me, a huge floppy hat and a pair of light-colored, large sunglasses. “Put these on.” Cooper offers me a hand as I balance to slide the tall wedge shoes on. Once I’m standing, I’m only a few inches shorter than him. We all gather in the middle of the room, chatting about each other’s attire and laughing at the more ridiculous pieces, like Grant’s neck scarf, and Doms’ brown leather vest.

  Out of the corner of my eye I see Jim walk in. He stops in front of the group with a large grin on his face. “This takes me back.” He says with a chuckle as he pulls his phone out of his pocket. “Get together. We’ve got to have a picture of this.” We all scrunch together, making silly poses as he snaps a few pictures. As he places his phone back in his pocket, he takes on a serious face.

  “Are you all ready? It’s almost time.” Suddenly, the nerves that had disappeared while we laughed about our costumes come straight back. I take a deep calming breath before stepping forward, Cooper right beside me. Jim steps forward, handing each of us the tiniest earpieces I’ve ever seen. I reach up, placing it in my right ear as I look at Cooper doing the same. “Keep in contact with me during the entire mission. I don’t care if it takes two hours or two weeks, take all the time needed to figure out what the Hunters are planning. You’re all on the same frequency, so you’ll be able to keep in contact with each other as well.” Jim says as he makes his way around the group.

  When he’s handed out all the earpieces he steps back to the front of the group. “Safe travels.” He says with a salute before turning to walk out of the room. I turn so I’m facing Cooper. He grips both of my hands in his. “Ready, love?” I give a little nod before looking back to the group. “Let’s do this.”

  Micah steps forward, holding a closed fist out to Cooper. “It’s the only thing I could find to get us to the day we need.” He gives me a slight grin before turning around. Cooper opens his hand to reveal a diamond ring. I scoff loudly as I glance over to Micah who holds his hands up. “It was the only thing I had!” I shake my head at him. Since the vision I had of our wedding day, both of our teams have been obnoxious about it. Cooper holds his hand out to me. “Will you do the honors. I already look silly enough without wearing a woman’s engagement ring.”

  I pick the ring up, sliding it on my left ring finger, holding it out to admire the impressive sized diamond. “That was the worst proposal I’ve ever seen!” Raven calls out. “That wasn’t a proposal.” I narrow my eyes at her as she flips her hand in the air. “But you did take the ring. Doesn’t that mean you accept?” I whip my head back to Cooper as my eyes bulge, only to find a bemused grin on his face. I sigh loudly before swatting his chest as the rest of the group laughs. “Relax, love. I’d never propose to you with someone else’s ring, and a room full of assholes watching.”

  I chuckle as the room erupts with boos while Cooper leans down, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. Stepping toward the group I hold my hands out to my side, Cooper gripping one and Dom on the other side as everyone else grips hands, forming a circle. “Ready?” A round of ‘yeah’, ‘hell yeah’ and nods comes my way as I close my eyes, focusing on the ring that tingles on my finger.

  Reese gives me directions as I move us all through the darkness between the present and the past. We appear in a large living room with dated furniture. Well, I guess it’s modern furniture for the time. I look around the room. “Where are we?” Reese steps over to the velvet looking, orange couch, falling back on it with his arms wide. “Think of this as an Air BNB, only the owners didn’t rent it to us, or know we’ll be staying here.”

  Grant walks over to the couch, sitting next to Reese as he swings his arm over the back of the couch around Reese. “Well done, chap. This place is the bee’s knees.” I look around the room once again, taking in the spacious area. “And the owners won’t be coming through the door at any moment?” Looking back to Reese I see him shaking his head. “Not due home for a few weeks. This was the only place I could find big enough to accommodate us all. There’s six bedrooms in total and eight baths. A private drive and basically a compound.”

  Zane walks over to the built-in bar in the corner of the room, throwing open the cabinet doors to reveal a wide array of liquor. “Nice work, bro.” He says as he closes the doors, stepping down into the seating area. “How do you want to do this?” Dom asks as he joins the g
uys on the couch. I shrug as I look over to Cooper.

  He runs his hand through his hair. “Well, we’re basically going to act like we’re on vacation. Ophelia and I will go out sightseeing and trying to find out what the Hunters are up to. I guess you all should look at this the same since you won’t be able to follow us.” Raven gives out a whoop as she pumps her fist in the air. “Hell yeah! No babysitting the virgin shifting princess!”

  She looks over to me with a devious grin as I give her a death glare. “Well, I guess you’re just the shifting princess nowadays.” My cheeks burn as I glare at her. She lets out a laugh as she heads for the stairs. “Come on, Ry. Let’s find us a good bedroom to break in while we’re here.” Ryder shrugs before following her up the stairs.

  I let out an annoyed sigh before turning to Cooper. “We might as well start now.” He grips my hand in his, turning back to the group. “Everyone keep your earpieces in. We’ll let you know when, or if we need you.” We turn making our way to the front door of the home, leaving our teams behind.

  The next three days go by the same. We’ve had a few run ins with the Hunters, but Cooper and I quickly resolved the situation with just the two of us. We haven’t been able to figure out the plan as of yet, but we’ve had a great time touring Barcelona and eating great food.

  As I stand in front of the bathroom mirror, applying my seventies style makeup, I let out a discontent sigh, causing Cooper to glance at me in the mirror as he shaves. “What’s wrong, love?” I scrunch my face at him as he smirks. “I don’t feel like we’re accomplishing anything.” He finishes shaving his neck and places the razor on the side of the sink, turning and placing his hands on my arms. “Patience, O. We’ll figure out what the Hunters are planning.”