Aric cocked a dubious eyebrow. “I’m sure that’s true in your mind, but it’s not reality.”
“Whatever,” I muttered. “Did you grab all of our bags from the foyer?”
“Yes.”
“Did you remember the extra toilet paper?”
“Yes.”
James made a face. “Why do you need extra toilet paper?”
“Tell him,” Aric said, grinning.
“I’m not going to be caught out in some inbred hick area without toilet paper,” I explained. “It’s just not going to happen.”
“What makes you think it’s an inbred hick area?”
“I’ve seen Deliverance.”
“Yes, but that was set in a different state,” James argued.
“The intent is the same,” I shot back. “If you purposely live out in the woods with no access to malls, coffee shops, ice cream trucks and cell phone signals, then we’re talking about end of days stuff. I refuse to face it without a guarantee that I’ll have toilet paper.”
James scowled as he glared at a chortling Aric. “Why are you encouraging this?”
“Because I think she’s cute,” Aric replied. “As for the rest, well, I’m not really keen on having to worry about toilet paper either. I seem to remember some of those cabins being rustic. I’m not taking any chances.”
“You’ve gone soft.”
“I can live with that,” Aric said brushing my hair out of my face. “Did you grab bug spray? I don’t want to hear your nonstop complaints about being eaten alive by mosquitoes and possibly contracting some rare jungle disease.”
“Oh, yes, because that’s too far,” James deadpanned.
I ignored him. “I packed two bottles.”
“That should be enough,” Aric said, running his hand through his hair as he studied the back of the Explorer. “I think that’s everything.”
“Except an explanation on why we can’t ride together,” James interjected, making a face. He was clearly at his limit, and that was only one reason we weren’t sharing a vehicle.
“We can’t share a vehicle, Dad,” Aric said. “Five people and one dog in one vehicle is way too much.”
“Then leave the dog here.”
Now it was my turn to make a face. “We can’t leave the dog here. He’s a puppy. He will shred the house. Oh, and he will die without food and water, too.”
James shrugged. “So? I’ll get Sami a new puppy.”
“Don’t make me punch you in the nuts,” I warned, horrified. “I will if you ever suggest anything like that again.”
“Aric?” James was practically a whiny mess when he turned his attention to his son.
“Dad?” Aric asked, his patience wearing thin. “What do you want me to do? If we ride in the same vehicle, Zoe will kill you and Mom. You’ll definitely want to kill Zoe, because she is beyond annoying on road trips. Oh, and that’s on top of everyone wanting to kill Sami because she learned how to travel with Zoe. This is better for everyone.”
“But … I wanted to arrive together,” James groused. “You going to the gathering is a big deal. You haven’t been since … well … .” He broke off, giving me a pointed look.
“Since you married the crazy woman who doesn’t sniff her own butt when being friendly,” I filled in, causing Aric to laugh as he grabbed the front of my shirt.
“I find that funny,” Aric said, holding me close. “The other wolves won’t. Sniffing butt jokes are kind of like slavery jokes … or Nazi jokes … or even rape jokes. Be mindful of your audience.”
“I’m not afraid of them.” That was mostly true.
“This is another reason we should all ride together,” James said. “I think I’m going to need the five hours to drill Zoe on proper wolf etiquette.”
I bristled at the suggestion. “Excuse me?”
“You’re not educated in our ways,” James said. “Aric has never taken the time to make you behave like a proper wolf wife. You just … say whatever comes to your mind.”
“Oh, the horror,” I intoned, earning a smirk from Aric.
“We need the time together for me to educate her and Sami,” James said, adopting a pleading tone.
“They’ll be fine,” Aric countered. “I don’t care how they act. I’m not making them follow rules. They’re not wolves.”
“But … .”
“No.” Aric cut off his father with a firm headshake. “If the wolves don’t like them, well, they can bite them.”
“But not literally,” I added. “That would hurt.”
“Exactly,” Aric said, cupping the back of my head. “It’s going to be fine.”
“If you say so,” James muttered. “I think it’s ridiculous for us to drive separately, but that’s your decision.”
“It is,” Aric said, turning toward the front of the house when he heard the door open. Sami stepped out and hurried in our direction. She had a big smile on her face. She was looking forward to an adventure. “All set?”
Sami nodded.
“Okay then,” Aric said. “Everyone buckle up.”
“Just five more minutes,” I said, skirting away from Aric and shooting him a rueful smile. “I have to go to the bathroom. You should’ve reminded me.”
Aric scowled. “And that right there is why you’re getting the good end of this deal, Dad. You’d better hurry up, Zoe. You have three minutes or I’m leaving without you.”
We both knew it was an empty threat, but I cocked my head in challenge anyway once I neared the front door.
“Fine,” Aric said, blowing out a sigh. “I’ll wait for however long it takes.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“SO, WHAT’S your dad’s deal with us riding together?” I asked, rummaging through my bag until I came up with a Game of Thrones coloring book and colored pencils, and passed them to the back seat so Sami could amuse herself. She had earbuds in and her iPod resting on the seat next to her, giving the illusion that she was in her own little world, but I knew she was listening. She was eager, but nervous. Today she definitely got that from me.
“He just wants to make a big show of arriving together,” Aric said, his eyes alert as he checked the rearview mirror and monitored traffic on the freeway. “The council has been after him for years to get us to attend a yearly gathering.”
“And why did we never go again?”
“Because I knew you’d hate it.”
That sounded reasonable, and yet ... . “Are you sure this isn’t about you?” I asked. “I understand if you’re embarrassed because I don’t strip down in front of the fire and howl at the moon, but you don’t have to make excuses any longer. We’re going. I want to know what to expect.”
Aric looked frustrated when he slid his gaze in my direction. “How many times do I have to say that I’m not embarrassed?”
“Just until I believe you.”
“Well, I’m not embarrassed, Zoe,” Aric said. “Why would you even think that? Have I ever given you one reason to believe that I’m embarrassed about you? Is it perhaps the way I spoil you rotten and fawn all over you?”
His tone grated. “I didn’t say you don’t love me,” I gritted out. “I said that you’re embarrassed about me. There’s a difference.”
“I’m not embarrassed about you.”
“Why would he be embarrassed about you?” Sami asked from the back seat, all pretense of pretending she was above the conversation evaporating. “Do I embarrass him, too?”
“I’m not embarrassed about anyone,” Aric snapped. “Stop saying things like that to her, Zoe. It’s going to be hard enough for you guys to fit in as it is. If she goes around saying stuff like that it’ll be worse.”
“Ha!” I extended a finger, catching Aric off guard. “That right there is what I’m talking about. Embarrassed might be the wrong word. You’re definitely worried, though. You’re worried we’re going to say something stupid or get our butts kicked because we don’t know proper wolf etiquette. Admit it.”
“You drive me crazy,” Aric muttered, shifting his eyes to the window and collecting himself before continuing. “I will never be embarrassed by either of you. I need you to know that.”
“I’m embarrassed by Mom all of the time,” Sami offered. “I’m not sure what the big deal is.”
I snorted. “She has a point.”
“Things will just be different,” Aric said. “Most wolves don’t run their household like we run ours.”
That sounded like he was skirting around something big. “Does this have anything to do with what your father said about not making me behave like a proper wife?”
“Kind of,” Aric hedged, refusing to make eye contact. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It obviously does matter,” I argued. “You need to tell us, because we’re walking into an atmosphere where we’re woefully outnumbered. I know you don’t want to hurt our feelings, but … you need to tell us.”
Aric looked as if that was the last thing he wanted to do. He was resigned, though. “Fine. Do you want to hear all of the terrible details?”
“It can’t be worse than listening to this crap music,” I said, turning down the radio. “Let us have it.”
“It’s nothing big,” Aric said. “Wolf marriages tend to be very … gender specific.”
“I have no idea what that means,” Sami said.
“He means that in wolf families the men boss around the women, while the women make dinner, clean the house and raise the young … pups … while still finding time to prop their husbands’ egos every night.”
“Ugh.” Sami made a face. “That sounds terrible.”
“It sounds like a bad horror movie,” I said. “Do you remember that one we saw with the woman who died and came back to life with magic powers? You know how it made no sense that she killed everyone and went to Hell? That kind of marriage is worse than that movie.”
“Nice,” Aric said, shaking his head.
“I try.”
“I don’t understand,” Sami admitted. “Do men like women who do what they’re told?”
Aric looked caught by the question. I was mildly curious to hear how he’d respond. “I … it’s a wolf thing.”
“Mom doesn’t do what she’s told,” Sami said. “How come you married Mom when she’s the exact opposite of what wolves supposedly want?”
Aric pinched the bridge of his nose as he rocked back and forth in his seat. Finally, he shifted his eyes to me and pierced me with a hard glare. “I blame you for this.”
“She asked an honest question,” I said. “If wolves want meek wives who do what they’re supposed to do and worship their husbands, why did you pick me?”
“Because I fell in love with you and don’t care about that stuff.”
“But Mom is more powerful than most wolves,” Sami said. “Shouldn’t the wolves bow down to her?”
“I think that’s a fabulous idea,” I said.
“Listen, I don’t want to make you guys nervous, but you’re going to get a lot of stares,” Aric said. “I made a choice most wolves won’t respect. They won’t get why I have a mouthy daughter and the world’s biggest gutter mouth for a wife.”
“Oh, I can just feel the love,” I drawled.
Aric captured my hand over the console and squeezed it. “I don’t believe in antiquated gender roles. I don’t believe the man is stronger than the woman – especially because I’ve seen your mother in action and know she’s stronger than me.”
My heart rolled at the admission. I’d worried numerous times over the years that he would feel emasculated thanks to my magic. He never once gave me that impression. “Aric … .”
“Zoe, I knew what I was getting into when we got together,” Aric said. “I always knew. I could’ve walked away that year we broke up, but that’s not what I wanted. I’ve always wanted you.
“I don’t care that you’re not traditional,” he continued. “I also wanted Sami raised to know that she’s just as good as anyone else. While she inherited my looks and your mouth, what I really wanted her to get was your self-confidence. I think we’ve mostly managed that.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. He was so earnest. “We’ll do our best to not embarrass you.”
“Yeah,” Sami said, bobbing her head. “We’ll call you ‘sir’ and ‘my lord,’ and rub your feet to make people think you’re lord of the manor.”
I didn’t want to laugh, but couldn’t help myself.
“I don’t want any of that,” Aric said. “I want you to be yourselves. That’s all I ever want.”
“It’ll be okay,” I said, squeezing his hand. “Even if we don’t fit in, we can put up with crap from mouthy men for a few days. It won’t kill us.”
“You’re strong,” Aric said. “You’re both strong. I am worried people will feel threatened by your strength, though. You’ll be something completely new for them to ogle.”
“Is that a good or a bad thing?” Sami asked, her eyes lit with curiosity.
Aric shrugged. “I honestly have no idea.”
His worry was enough to cause my stomach to flip. I wasn’t upset about defending myself against a few alpha males. Sami was another story. She was still at an impressionable age.
“Don’t worry about it,” I said, making up my mind on the spot. “I’m sure you’re overreacting. Everyone will get along fine.”
Aric looked dubious. “I hope so.”
“I know so.” I faked more bravado than I actually felt.
“Besides, even if everyone doesn’t get along, Mom can beat them up with her mind and then tease them until they cry,” Sami said. “It will be the same as at home … just with bonfires.”
Aric barked out a laugh. “I guess you’re right,” he said after a beat. “I’m probably worrying about nothing.”
That would be a nice change of pace.
Eight
“This is it.”
Aric parked in front of a small cabin and killed the Explorer’s engine.
“Home sweet home,” I said, wrinkling my nose when I saw the rustic abode. He said it was better than a tent, but I wasn’t so sure.
“That place looks haunted,” Sami complained, fastening a leash on Trouble’s collar and making a face. “If ghosts come to get us in our sleep, I’m going to be so ticked.” She pushed open the door and hopped out while Aric slid a sidelong look at me.
“She gets that from you.”
“Yes, well, she’s not wrong,” I said, pushing open my door. “If ghosts come to get us in our sleep, I’m going to be ticked off, too.”
Aric snorted as he exited the vehicle, moving to the back of the Explorer and opening the hatch as he scanned the area. There were a lot of curious faces – some at the central bonfire area in the middle of the campground and others floating around the road. It seems we were definitely a point of interest.
“Grab some bags,” Aric ordered, grabbing our big suitcase and Sami’s smaller one. “We’ll get settled inside before I introduce you to everyone.”
“Are you collecting your strength?”
“Stop saying things like that,” Aric ordered. “I’m doing the best I can. I’m as nervous as you are. I haven’t seen most of these people since I was in college.”
“Since me,” I mused, making eye contact with a dark-haired woman who stood next to the bonfire pit. She didn’t even bother faking a smile, so I followed suit. “I think I’m going to be very popular here.”
“You’re popular with me,” Aric said. “That’s all that matters.” He turned his attention to Sami as she wrinkled her nose and bagged Trouble’s deposit before throwing it in one of the trash receptacles close to the parking lot. “Sami, come over here and grab your stuff.”
“Okay.” Sami seemed amiable, which was very unlike her, but I realized it was because she could feel a hundred different sets of eyes on her as she moved toward us. She was perceptive and she didn’t miss the heavy atmosphere hanging over the campground. “How come they’re staring?
”
I opened my mouth to answer and then snapped it shut when I realized I had no suitable response. I merely shrugged as Aric turned his full attention on Sami.
“Ignore them,” Aric ordered.
“That’s easy for you to say,” Sami countered. “I feel like I’m in the zoo and they’re staring at me because I’m a gorilla.”
“Just fling your poop at them if they won’t stop,” I suggested, causing Aric to scowl. “What? That’s what the gorillas do.”
Sami giggled – which is what I was going for – and Aric’s expression softened when he saw the smile.
“It’s going to be okay, guys,” he said. “We’re in this together. We’ll take the stuff into the cabin and unpack. Then I’ll show you around. Everyone should be over the staring within a few hours. You can’t be novelties forever.”
“And if that doesn’t work, then we’ll fling our poop,” Sami said.
Aric chuckled as he shook his head. “Sounds like a plan.”
“DID YOU get everything unpacked?”
I rested my feet on the wooden coffee table an hour later and made room for Sami to settle beside me. Aric was busy unpacking our suitcase – something I thought was an utter waste of time because it would be just as easy to keep everything inside and rummage around when need arose – and I was officially bored because the cabin didn’t have a television.
“I just threw the bag on top of the dresser,” Sami replied. “I can get the clothes out of the bag just as easily as I can get the clothes out of the dresser.”
I bit the inside of my cheek. “Don’t say that to your father. He doesn’t find that funny.”
“I already heard,” Aric said, strolling into the room and fixing us with an amused look. “You get that delightful quirk from your mother, Sami.”
“Well, the good news is that I didn’t see any ghosts while I was in there,” Sami said. “The bad news is that the room is so creepy I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a body under the bed and the ghost hasn’t had time to realize it’s dead yet.”
Aric’s smile tipped down. “You get that from your mother, too,” he said, shaking his head. “Are you guys ready to look around, or do you want to hide in here?”
Dying Covenant: The Complete Series Page 33