“Hello, Ruth. What can you tell me?”
“I’ve managed to get in touch with all of the Council members with the exception of James and Lucie. We think we know what happened to James, but no one has heard from Lucie in three days. I have a feeling that she’s been taken as well.”
“This is bad Ruth. What do we do?”
“We’re assembling a team of our finest Warriors and Locators to help. They’ll be sent to investigate and hopefully find both of them.”
“But I mean, what can we do? I can’t just sit here while the Grynn have two Council members.”
“Alix, it is imperative that the Grynn don’t get their hands on you. I don’t think François will underestimate you again. He doesn’t strike me as the type to make a mistake twice. Please let the rest of the Council handle this Alix. Without you, there’s no hope for saving the rest of the world. What happened Christmas Day is likely to happen again, and we’ll need you to save us. Under no circumstances are you to search for Lucie or James. I’m sure that’s what the Grynn are counting on. I also think it would be best if you found a way to start being homeschooled. Even though we’ve protected the school I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be there without the protection of the Warriors. And we can’t exactly explain why you suddenly have bodyguards in school with you.”
Alix wanted to argue but she had a feeling Ruth was right. But she didn’t like it at all.
“What about everyone else here?” Alix asked. “I have everyone here at the safe house right now. What are they going to do? They can’t stay here forever.”
“I think if the Grynn were going to harm any of them they already would have. It’s you they want, and they know where you live. But I do think it’s a good idea that no one goes anywhere alone if they can help it. We all need to be fully aware of our surroundings right now and constantly be on the lookout for Grynn. It would also be a good idea for everyone to protect their homes if they aren’t living in the safe house.”
“Okay, Ruth. Is there anything else?”
“Not that I can think of at the moment. But keep your phone close just in case.”
“I will.”
“Stay safe Alix. Goodbye.”
Alix said goodbye to Ruth and hung up. She went back to the table and told everyone what she’d learned from Ruth.
The table was quiet. It seemed that no one knew what to say. Ben was the first to speak.
“I think Ruth is right about you not going to school. But if you’re going to be homeschooled then so am I.”
“Me too,” Shay added looking at her mom.
“I can’t ask you to do that,” Alix told them.
“You’re not asking,” Ben said. “We’re volunteering. And if you think I’m going to let you out of my sight you’re crazy.”
“Same goes for me,” Shay said.
“Karin,” Ben said, “Do you think you can help us figure out how to do this?”
“Of course I can,” she answered. “First thing in the morning I’ll talk to the counselors and have them make the arrangements.”
“Thank you,” Ben told her. “That’s one thing taken care of. Now, what are we going to do about the Grynn possibly being in Sunset Creek?”
“The Council’s team will be here soon,” Kris said. “I’ll fill them in on the situation and start having them patrol the town. I think we should also have a Warrior escort everyone to and from their jobs. I just don’t want to take any chances.”
“I agree,” Alix said.
The talk turned to the Grynn as they finished eating. When Alix was done, she started cleaning up the kitchen. She needed something to keep her busy. When the doorbell rang Kris went to get it. It was the Council’s Warrior team. Everyone was introduced, then Kris took them to another room to tell them about what was happening.
While Alix had been cleaning it had been decided that Sonya was going to stay with Kris, Mike and Karin were going to carpool and Shay would stay at the safe house during the week. Her mom agreed that it was best for everyone.
When it was time for everyone to leave, they were all escorted by a Warrior. Shay was leaving with her mom but was going to be back as soon as she could with her clothes and stuff. Alix was grateful Shay was being allowed to stay with them. Everyone was as safe as they were going to get right now. All she needed was her mom to get home and she’d be okay.
Chapter 33
Alix waited impatiently for Shay to get back. She’d also made everyone promise to text her when they were safely back at their houses. So far, she’d heard from Karin and Mike. She knew Kris lived just a little ways out of town so it would take him longer to get home.
“Come here,” Ben finally said holding his arms out to her.
She was still getting used to the whole boyfriend thing but right now some comfort seemed like a good idea. Alix went over to Ben and let his arms wrap around her. She laid her head on his chest and just breathed. After a few minutes, he felt her relax against him.
“Better?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you.”
“Anytime,” he said kissing her on the forehead.
“Am I interrupting something?” Shay asked giggling.
Alix shook her head and immediately blushed but smiled at Shay. “I’m glad you’re back. That didn’t take you very long.”
“I knew you’d be worried, so I just grabbed what I needed and came back.”
“Thank you. Let’s go put your stuff away.”
They decided that Shay would take the room next to Alix. While they were getting Shay settled in the room Alix got a text from Kris telling her that he and Sonya were home safe. That was one less thing to worry about. Now she just had to wait for her mom to get home.
They went downstairs to the den and turned on the news. This was something they did every day now. They were constantly watching to see if the Grynn had done any more terrible things. Tonight, Alix also wanted to see if there was news about any missing people and maybe they would learn what happened in Bozeman that had the hospital crazy busy.
There were no reports of any missing people. Alix took that as a good sign. But they did learn what happened in Bozeman. There had been an accident on the interstate involving a tractor-trailer and a school bus. Since her mom sometimes worked as a pediatric nurse it made sense that they would need help with the kids. Alix hoped that everyone was okay.
When they’d learned everything, they could from the news they switched the station to a sitcom. Alix tried to enjoy it but until she saw her mom she couldn’t fully relax.
Eventually, her dad, Shay, Natalie, and Rick went upstairs to bed. Alix was going to wait up for her mom. Ben said he’d wait with her. He was flipping through the channels while Alix was trying to read. But she was too lost in thought to actually absorb anything and put her eReader down. Ben nudged her knee with his to get her attention.
“Since it doesn’t look like your reading, do you want to make out?” he said with a huge grin.
Alix felt her cheeks go red and her mouth was hanging open.
Ben couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “Oh Alix, you should see your face.”
Alix still couldn’t find her words.
“It’s okay Alix, breathe,” Ben said to her. “We don’t have to do anything you aren’t ready for. But be sure to let me know when you’d like to try.”
Alix had to smile at the look on Ben’s face. It was sincere but the smile on his face was all Ben. She had to say something back to him.
“Uh … well … sorry?” That was the best she could do.
“Relax Alix, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I was mostly joking anyway.”
“All I seem to do is embarrass myself with you. It started as soon as we met.”
“You have no reason to be embarrassed, I like that I make you blush.”
“I hate blushing,” Alix grumbled. “I need to tell you something that might help.” Gathering her courage, she told him her little secret. “W
hen we kissed outside at the safe house in Rio, that was my first real kiss.”
“It was mine too,” Ben told her taking her hands in his.
“But how is that possible?” Alix wanted to know. “I mean you’re hot, funny and charming.”
“You think I’m hot?” Ben said teasing her.
“Cut it out. Really, I’m being serious.”
“I was so used to moving from place to place that I never really let anyone get close to me I guess. It was true when I told you I’ve never been out on a date. And I didn’t really have any close friends before you and Shay. I knew the first time I saw you two in the driveway that you were going to be different.”
Hearing that helped Alix relax a little. Ben had no more idea what he was doing than she did. She wasn’t really nervous about kissing Ben, she was afraid that she would do something wrong.
Ben had turned his head back to the TV but his hand was still on her leg. She put her hand over his and he looked at her. The look in his eyes said everything she was feeling in that moment and had her insides melting a little. He moved his hand and caressed the side of her face. Her eyes locked with his and she felt this was right. She leaned in and their lips connected.
She stopped overthinking and started feeling. When she felt Ben’s tongue on her lips she automatically opened her mouth a little. Then she felt his tongue touch hers. The sensation was both welcoming and a little strange. She tried her best but eventually she started giggling.
Ben pulled back, a little confused. “What’s wrong?”
Alix couldn’t help but laugh some more. “Didn’t that feel weird to you?”
Ben chuckled and started smiling at her. “Actually, a little, but good too.”
Alix agreed and they just sat there for a minute smiling at each other.
“What am I going to do with you?” Ben said fondly. “I guess we’ll just have to practice but I think that’s enough for now. I’m not sure you could handle any more of me.”
Alix lightly punched his arm but was grinning from ear to ear. No matter the situation Ben had a way of making her feel good about herself.
Ben found a movie they both wanted to watch. Alix pulled her feet up on the couch and snuggled up next to him. He put his arm around her while she rested her head on his shoulder. Alix was really glad he was there with her.
“Thank you,” she whispered to him.
“For what?”
“Being here with me. Helping to distract me.”
“So, you figured out my plan huh. I know you’re worried about your mom and there’s no place I’d rather be than right here with you.”
Alix sighed. She knew she was lucky to have Ben in her life and wasn’t going to take that for granted.
Chapter 34
“Alix honey, I’m home,” her mom said shaking her awake.
“Huh?” Was all Alix was able to say. When she got her eyes open, she jumped off the couch.
“Mom, you’re here,” Alix said giving her mom the biggest hug. “What time is it?”
“A little after 3 am. Were you waiting for me?”
“Yes. Ben stayed up with me, but I guess we fell asleep,” Alix said looking at Ben.
“Hey Heather,” Ben said with a little wave. “I’m really glad you’re home. Alix was worried.”
“We saw the crash on the TV. Was everyone okay?” Alix asked.
“The driver of the semi, the bus driver and a few children are all in the ICU and several other children were admitted to the hospital with serious injuries, but no one died.”
“Oh thank goodness,” Alix said.
“Now can you tell me what’s going on? Why did two Warriors show up at the hospital and escort me home?”
Alix told her mom what happened to Sonya and about James and Lucie going missing.
“Oh, that’s awful,” her mom said. “I can understand why you were worried. But I’m home safe now so you’d better get to bed. You have school in the morning.”
Alix then explained to her mom about starting homeschooling.
“Are you okay with that?” her mom asked.
“Not really but I understand why. It’s not worth risking my safety every day just to go to school when I’m sure we can learn what we need to here. Karin is going to help us and I think we can just do everything online,” Alix said with a yawn.
“I think it’s time to get you to bed,” her mom told her. “Besides, I want to let your dad know I’m home. I’m sure he was worried too.”
The three of them went upstairs. They waited until Heather was in her room. Ben stopped outside of Alix’s door with her. He turned to face her.
“Remember, if you need anything, I’m right next door. Bad dream, stuck zipper, I’m your guy.”
Alix smiled remembering the night of the Induction Ceremony. “Thank you.”
She turned to go into her room when Ben stopped her. He kissed her before saying good night. She walked into her room smiling.
* * *
Alix was woken up the next morning by Shay jumping on her.
“What the heck Shay?”
“It’s time to get up sleepy head. I’ve been up for hours.”
Alix looked at the clock, it was after 10 am. Her first thought was that she was late for school then the events of the night before came back to her.
“I guess it’s a good thing we’re not going to school today,” she said to Shay.
“Yep, you don’t even have to shower if you don’t want to,” Shay said laughing.
“So, why did you wake me up if we don’t have to be anywhere?”
“Because I know that you wouldn’t want to sleep all day. What time did your mom get home anyway?”
“Around three. But Ben and I had fallen asleep on the couch.” Alix’s cheeks went pink when she remembered kissing Ben last night.
“Alix,” Shay said with a grin, “why are you blushing? What happened? Tell me, tell me, tell me.”
Alix knew it was useless to pretend nothing happened, so she told Shay everything about her and Ben’s first try at kissing. Shay was giggling by the time Alix finished telling her.
“Only you Alix, you know that right,” Shay said still giggling.
“And what was your first time like kissing a guy like?” Alix said a bit defensively.
“Awkward and messy. Remember Jimmy? It was with him and I had to wipe my chin off. It’s like he was drooling on me instead of kissing.”
Now it was Alix’s turn to laugh. “I think I prefer my experience to yours.”
“Yeah, I think I do too,” Shay said smiling. “Now get up, we have a lot to do today.”
“What could we possibly have to do today? Ruth hasn’t called me back, we’re not going to school, and I can’t go fight any Grynn. So, what is it?”
“You’ll just have to get dressed and come downstairs to find out.”
“Ugh, fine,” Alix said and got out of bed.
Shay left her room and Alix went to shower. No matter what Shay said Alix was still going to shower every day, even if she didn’t have to go to school.
Alix’s first stop was the kitchen. No one was there, so she made her coffee. With her cup in hand, she went to find Shay and Ben. She finally heard them arguing in a room they never used.
“No Ben, it has to go like this,” Shay said stubbornly.
“Why? I want it to go this way,” he said back to her.
“But that’ll look funny,” she argued.
“No, it won’t, see,” Ben said moving something in the room.
Alix finally entered the room and wasn’t sure what she was looking at.
“Um, guys, what are you doing?”
As soon as Ben saw her, he smiled and went over to her. “Good morning beautiful,” he said and gave her a quick kiss.
“Good morning,” she said with a smile. “So, you never answered me, what’s going on in here?”
“We’re setting up a classroom,” Shay said. “But Ben and I can’t agree on where to
put anything.”
That made Alix laugh. Ben and Shay argued about almost everything but always in a friendly way. She looked around the room and the various pieces of furniture scattered everywhere. There were three regular desks and chairs, like you’d see in an office, a couple of whiteboards, and a bookshelf. She also saw three brand new laptops still in the boxes.
“Where did all this stuff come from?” she asked.
“Mom sent two of the Warriors to Bozeman early this morning to pick up what we needed and made the Council pay for it,” Ben told her.
“Huh, okay then. The desks need to face the windows so we don’t get a glare on our laptops, so I think we should put them right here,” Alix said and went to stand in the middle of the room gesturing with her hand. “The bookshelf should go on that wall.” Alix pointed to her right. “And the whiteboards should go on the opposite wall.”
Ben and Shay looked at each other and laughed.
“We’ve been arguing about this for thirty minutes and you solve the problem in one,” Shay said smiling. “I guess that’s why you’re the Chosen One.”
“Yep, I guess so,” Alix said smiling back. “Now Ben, use those muscles and move those desks.”
He chuckled but started moving the desks. Alix and Shay started moving the other things in the room. About an hour later they had everything in place, including pens, paper, and laptops. It looked like a cross between a classroom and an office.
“Now all we need is schoolwork,” Alix said when they were done. “Have we heard anything about that?”
“Yeah,” Ben said. “Our mom’s all contacted the school and told them we’d be starting homeschooling today. They were told that Karin was going to coordinate everything for us. I think she’s going to bring us to work once a week and be available for help if we need it.”
“So, we have nothing to do today?” Alix asked.
“Nope. Now that we have a space to work in we’re done for now.”
“Okay,” Alix said. “Let’s have lunch then I have an idea.”
After they ate Alix led them down into the Map room.
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