“Pix,” Aiden says, sitting next to me on the couch. “Please, talk to me.”
I glance up at him, but don’t say anything.
“You’re right,” he comments. “It’s your house. But, knowing helps me do my job.”
“How would knowing about a few cameras make a difference?” I search.
“A lot,” he answers.
I lift a brow, intrigued to hear what he has to say.
“It would have helped in setting up our cameras,” he states. “It would be helpful for if there is anything that happens while I’m here…with or without you. And….”
“And?”
“And,” he begins, “I’m sorry.”
I study him for a second. “You’re only apologizing so you can get laid again.”
“Am not,” he replies while trying to hide a smirk.
I offer him an unimpressed expression.
“Okay, maybe a little,” he chuckles. “Is it working?”
“Nope,” I deny.
“Pix,” he calls, moving closer.
“Go away,” I direct.
“No,” he counters, laying on top of me. He takes my book and puts it on the coffee table next to the iPad and my phone.
“I’m not in the mood, Aiden,” I comment.
He laughs at me.
“What?”
“Something couples say…and, we haven’t been together that long,” he muses.
“Very funny,” I snap. “Go away.”
“No,” he argues, leaning in, seeking a kiss.
“Yes,” I return, turning my head to the side.
“No,” he says, snatching my lips with his.
“Yes,” I mumble, slowly accepting his embrace.
As we begin to make out on the couch, Aiden’s hands explore my body, halting the minute the house system goes off. “Fuck,” he groans.
We sit up and I grab my iPad as he adjusts himself and reaches for the gun under the couch.
“How did you know that was there?” I ask.
“I did a preliminary sweep of the house awhile back,” he admits.
“You…what?” I gasp.
Aiden offers me one of his charming smiles.
“That won’t work,” I inform, unaffected by his charm.
“You sure?” he checks confidently, widening his grin.
“Yep,” I confirm. I glance at the iPad screen. “It was just a bird.”
“I think it’s working,” Aiden states confidently.
“Nope,” I giggle. “Just like the bugs you put in my phone and car didn’t work.”
Aiden looks at me but doesn’t comment.
“You thought I didn’t know about them, huh?” I laugh.
“Once I learned that you didn’t just suddenly drive right into the lake, yes,” he confirms. “I was surprised that you didn’t say anything when you got back.”
“I figured I should make you sweat,” I reply, denying him a kiss.
“What?” he whines. “I thought we were just getting to a point of making up.”
“Nope,” I deny.
The house system goes off again.
Aiden studies me when I don’t comment and stand. “Where are you going?” he asks when I’m slipping on my shoes.
“Out,” I announce, grabbing my purse.
“Where?” he checks.
“None of your business,” I remind.
“Pix….”
“Nope,” I challenge, opening the door.
“Hey, Laurie,” Marcus greets when I get onto the porch.
“Hey, yourself,” I return with a wave. “Don’t wait up,” I comment, looking to Aiden and winking at him as I close the door.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Trudy asks, leaning over Marcus a little.
“Coming with you,” I remind. “What does it look like I’m doing?”
“Aren’t you forgetting someone?” she presses.
“No,” I comment.
Trudy gives me the evil eye before looking past me. “Hey, Aiden. Lock up the house and climb in.”
“What?” I whine, glaring back at Aiden for revealing himself.
“He’s your significant other,” Trudy says as I watch Aiden do as she instructed with his shoes in hand.
“Go back inside, Aiden,” I direct.
“Don’t you dare,” Trudy challenges.
“Too late now, Pix,” Aiden states, jogging over to me. “The door is locked.”
The only reason he can’t get back in is because I have yet to give him access to come and go freely with the house. If he leaves while I’m gone, he’s stuck waiting for me.
“Stop pouting and get in,” Trudy commands.
“You suck,” I mumble.
“I’d thought you’d be happy to introduce him,” Trudy mentions.
“To who?” Aiden checks.
“No one,” I down play.
“My family,” Trudy answers.
Forty - Aiden
Since I found out about Laurie’s home surveillance system, things between us have been rocky to say the least. I get it to why she has it and I’m a little surprised that I didn’t expect it from her knowing how the house is set up. She’s been distant the past few days, barely letting me get close to her, but I don’t think that’s the only reason why she’s acting this way. I think that she and I should have a talk to catch each other up on some things. Maybe if I share with her some information about Quintin then she’ll open up and share some stuff with me.
I had a blast meeting Trudy’s family earlier today despite Laurie not being happy with me tagging along. They’re very friendly people, but I did have the distinct feeling that a few of them know who I am, as in the fact that I’m a federal agent and not really Laurie’s boyfriend.
Once things were more relaxed, I got to watch Marcus and Jacob practice shooting their bows with their grandfather and uncle, and I learned a lot about Trudy and her deceased husband. When Jacob and Marcus were with their cousins, I saw a different kind of energy come out of them. They seemed at peace and more willing to engage in sports, especially Marcus. I got to play soccer with them and the other kids until dinner was ready.
After our amazing meal, Trudy, her parents, brother, Laurie, and I gather around a fire in the backyard. Overtime, several other tribal families join us as well, sharing stories of their history. The children added themselves to the little gathering once the sun is down far enough that they can no longer see to keep playing.
By the time Jacob fell asleep on his mother’s shoulder, the group quietly disperses. When Trudy has a challenge picking up an unconscious Jacob, I offer to carry him inside. Ten minutes later, Trudy is walking me over to a small house that I assume is for guests. Apparently, the house isn’t used by anyone except Laurie when she comes to visit. Trudy apologizes on behalf of Laurie who didn’t stick around to show me where to go, but I tell her it wasn’t necessary, knowing that this is still challenging for Laurie to cope with.
Trudy doesn’t follow me into the house, figuring I would be safe with Laurie since we’ve been living together and she hasn’t killed me yet. The door is unlocked when I go to open it, which is surprising. I noticed earlier that the Chief’s home didn’t really have locks either, so I’m guessing that there’s a very different sense of community and trust within the tribe.
Before I have the door closed behind me, Cain and Mable are eagerly greeting me. I play with them a little as I take in my surroundings. It’s a beautifully built, log cabin with sound insulation in the walls and ceiling. There’s a single bedroom which is above the kitchen like a little loft that can be looked into from most of the lower level. The place is minimally furnished, but still very comfortable like Laurie’s home in Willow River. When I stand from petting the dogs, Laurie emerges from the bathroom that is off to the right of the kitchen. She quickly covers her half naked body with the open sweater she has on over her usual pajamas: tiny shorts and a tight tank top which accentuate every single curve of her sex
y body.
“Hey,” I greet, sauntering over to her like an idiot.
“You’re on the couch,” she states.
“Why?” I complain, wanting to keep her close and hoping to get her naked.
“Pillows and blankets are in there,” she comments, pointing to the armoire.
“But….”
“Don’t start with me, Aiden,” she interrupts.
I flash her a sexy grin, hoping to charm her.
“It’s not going to work,” she announces, beginning to take the stairs.
“At least I’ll have a great view all night,” I say playfully.
Laurie continues up the steps, ignoring me.
“If you need anything…I’m just right down here,” I remind.
“I don’t need anything,” she replies.
“You never know,” I tease. “You could have a bad dream…get really turned on….”
“How would I get turned on?” she peruses.
With a grin, and my shirt already off, I wait for her to look down at me. As soon as she sees me, I let my pants fall to the floor.
“Not in the mood,” she comments, seeming unimpressed by my stiffy.
“Come on,” I groan in protest. “You can’t stay mad at me.”
“I’m not in the mood,” she replies, sliding under the covers.
“I’ll be here all night,” I reiterate.
“That’s nice,” she answers.
“Naked…under just this little, thin blanket…” I announce.
“Go to sleep, Aiden,” she directs.
“Happily,” I goad. “Dreaming of your sexy ass.”
Laurie faintly sighs.
“Good night, Pix,” I bid, slipping under the blanket.
“Night,” she returns.
Before the sun rises, Laurie, the dogs, and I go for our morning jog while everyone else is still sleeping. We’re quiet most of the time, even while we take a break about three miles in at a beautiful waterfall. Laurie and the dogs cross over the large, fallen tree trunk first with me just behind them. The sun just starts to peek over the mountain top as we relax on a rock that rests to the right of the log.
Suddenly, the dogs perk up and get in their protective stances around Laurie. Oddly, I think they’re including me as well. Cain is in front of us with his body sideways while he faces a particular direction. Mable is behind us, pointed in the same manner.
“What is it?” Laurie asks the dogs.
Cain growls, making his presence known to whomever or whatever is across the river.
Laurie reaches behind her, grabbing a knife that she has hidden in the seam of her shorts.
“Let me,” I offer.
Laurie shakes her head as we both keep our eyes searching for movement across the way. I refrain from arguing with her. About ten seconds later, a wolf reveals itself. It’s solid white. The animal nonchalantly trots to the water’s edge and lowers its head to take a drink.
Cain and Mable growl louder, causing the wolf to lift its head and sniff the air while its eyes lock on us.
“Don’t move,” Laurie instructs, returning the knife to where it was before.
“Why? And, what are you doing?” I ask, wanting to see what’s going through her head.
“It hasn’t been following us,” she states.
“So?”
“So, it means that it’s not hunting us,” she adds.
“Which means?”
“Which means it’s alone,” she explains. “And, we out number it.”
“So, the wolf won’t attack?” I presume.
“It’s a coyote,” she corrects. “And, no. It won’t attack.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“You’ve heard of great white buffalos in Native American history, right?” she asks.
“Yeah,” I agree.
“All animals are sacred to Native Americans, even the ones they hunt and kill for food, which is why they use every part of the animal’s body and pray after each kill…a way of giving thanks to Mother Earth,” she explains. “Some animals are more prominent in their culture, used as totems or considered spirit animals. Seeing one of these totems, like that of a white buffalo, is considered a spirit animal.”
“So, because it’s white, it’s a spirit animal?” I ask.
“Yes,” she confirms. “White animals, also known as albinos, are very rare which is why they’re viewed as spirit animals and are forbidden to hunt let alone kill.”
“Good to know,” I sigh.
“Yeah,” she chuckles.
“So, what are we supposed to do?”
“We wait, let it pass,” she states, having already instructed the dogs to stand down.
“There’s no ritual that needs to be done when you see one?” I check.
“No,” she laughs. “Spirit animals present themselves to you for one reason or another. It’s very rare to see one in the flesh. Usually you’ll see them in your dreams.”
The coyote sniffs the air another second or two before it returns to the forrest.
“Do we need to talk to anyone about seeing it?” I inquire.
“No,” she giggles.
“Then, how am I supposed to know what the reason is for me seeing him?” I inspect.
“Or, her,” Laurie adds.
“Or, her,” I repeat.
“You’re not supposed to know,” Laurie informs. “That’s part of why they present themselves to you. They arrive during at time when you might need to make a choice….”
“So, what’s the choice you need to make?” I ask.
“I’m not answering that,” she quips.
“Why not?” I challenge.
“Whatever you’re presented with is for you to know and handle personally,” she informs.
I don’t pry any further, making note to do some research when we get back.
After a stretch and small snack back at the cabin, Laurie and I take turns showering. She wouldn’t let me join her which isn’t really surprising, but she’s still a little distant like the past few days. When I finish my shower, I notice she’s no longer in the cabin, but there are some clean clothes on the couch for me with a note. Trudy must have come in at some point, offering me some of Mike’s old clothing to use instead of what I came in.
Once dressed, I make my way over to Trudy’s parents’ house as the note instructed. With my dirty clothes in a bag, I toss them into the back of the truck. I knock on the house where I know everyone is before entering. I’m warmly greeted by Trudy and her brother who are sitting in the living room. Once breakfast is ready, Trudy wakes the boys and we eat, returning back to Willow River about an hour later.
By the evening, Laurie is curled up on the couch with the dogs as she reads a book. I’ve been half checking in on the feed to Quintin’s house, half paying attention to Laurie since she’s continuing to act weird — weirder than usual for Laurie.
“Hey,” I greet, sliding onto the couch.
“Go away,” she whines.
“What's wrong?” I inquire politely, climbing across her and the dogs.
“Nothing,” she huffs. “Go away.”
“Did I do something?” I check.
“No,” she answers. “I just want to be left alone.”
I lean in and kiss her. Laurie’s lips accept mine, but seem like they’re uninterested.
“Hey,” I coax.
“What?” she groans, trying to stay focused on her book.
“Seriously, are you mad at me?” I double check.
“Yes,” she says on a large breath out.
Laurie returns my kisses, but still lacks her usual excitement, so I move to her neck, knowing that she loves it when I focus on a particular spot. My head snaps back when she doesn’t move other than to turn the page of her book. Then, I realize what’s going on.
Without a word, I hop up and head into the kitchen. The dogs follow me as Laurie stays put, but I can tell she’s watching me from the corner of her eyes. I put on the kettl
e to boil some water, grab two mugs and some tea. While I wait for the water to finish, I dart up to her room, in search of something in particular. I hear her yell about me being in her room, but ignore her. Most of my clothes and an extra set of shower stuff is in her bathroom for the times we have guests. I have yet to sleep in her bed. We’ve had shower sex twice in the Jack and Jill bathroom on my side, but never in hers. Her bedroom and bathroom have always been off limits when it comes to us being intimate.
“What the fuck?” she exclaims when I’m halfway down the steps.
“What?” I answer, hiding the item in my hand.
“What were you doing up there?” she inspects.
“Nothing,” I deny.
“Aiden, I’m really not in the mood to play around,” she admits.
“I know,” I say.
I can feel her eyes beaming into my back as I ignore her, getting our tea situated. I grab one of her large serving trays, place the mugs with a tea bag in each, the honey and some of her homemade ice cream with spoons on it. Once the kettle whistles, I pour the water and then carry it all over to her.
“What’s this?” she checks with surprise.
“I thought it might help,” I reply.
“Help with what?” she returns.
“You aren’t in the mood,” I state bluntly. “Ergo, the treats.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she says, eyeing me suspiciously.
“I know what it means when a woman isn’t mad at a guy and still isn’t in the mood,” I chuckle.
“Dare I ask what you think that might be?” Laurie says.
I hand Laurie her tea once I put honey in it. My brow lifts in response.
“Fuck off,” she retorts.
“I didn’t say anything,” I defend.
“Yeah, you did,” Laurie challenges. “It was in your eyes.”
“What?” I feign.
“You’re just pissing me off by denying it,” she comments.
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