by Ava Hardy
Blake chuckled and stood up before scooping me up into his arms and putting me over his shoulder. He playfully swatted my butt as he joined Chris on the trail and headed back to the village.
“This isn’t going to be comfortable after a while, but I think I could fall asleep like this,” I laughed after letting out a yelp from the spank. “All the blood will rush to my head as I hang here.”
“We’ll get you home one way or another,” Chris laughed.
Blake and I laughed with him as Blake moved me around so he was giving me a piggyback ride. I rested my head on his shoulder and got comfortable enough to sleep. The sandman was close to taking me away when I heard the two of them start to sing one of Blake’s favorite slow indie rock songs. I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face.
Chapter 18
The day we were set to leave, the villagers presented us with a feast that had more than enough food to feed every two or three meals. I felt terrible that they had used up so much of their resources to prepare the meal for us but they insisted that we sit and eat.
We sat with everyone at a makeshift table that was created in the recreation center. It was where they played basketball on a cement floor. Tables of all sorts were placed side by side to stretch the length of the room. On the side, pieces of plywood were held up by wooden sawhorses and every inch was covered by delicious dishes. I don’t think I had ever seen so much food. I had to try everything.
As we ate, other members from different packs showed up. They wanted to meet the team that had found the local element. It seemed like we had become a bit like celebrities. All the attention made me a little nervous but I put a smile on my face and met everyone that wanted to say hi. There were hugs, pictures, and one guy asked me if I would marry him. I think he was joking though. At least I hope he was.
Throughout the entire time, the element stayed secure in a section of the SUV that nobody knew about other than Chris ’til he showed Blake and me. It was like a safe in the trunk, under the spare tire. He had it custom-built when he bought the vehicle. They thought he was a drug dealer, he explained with a laugh and I couldn’t help but laugh with him. Of all people, Chris was the last person to do something illegal like that.
The sun started to lean more to the west and the other pack members started to leave. The time we wanted to leave had come and gone but we didn’t mind staying to show our appreciation to the village that had welcomed us in with open arms. They had done so much for us and I knew they would take pride in the fact that they helped us get the element. I would almost guarantee that Gaia would reward them in some fashion. She seemed to be the type of being that would want to show her thanks to those that helped others so selflessly.
When it was finally time for us to say our goodbyes, Nan handed me a package. It was a to-go basket with some freshly made treats. I pulled her into a hug. There were so many qualities that she had that reminded me of my grandmother. I thanked her again for everything and put the basket into the backseat for later. I promised that I would only share a little with the boys. Nan gave me a thumbs-up before she disappeared inside the building to start cleaning up.
After a few more hugs, I climbed into the backseat. I was about to close the door when a hand stopped it. Looking up, I smiled when I saw Chris. He slid in beside me and closed the door as Blake climbed in the front seat.
“Who said that you’re allowed to invade my space?” I grinned at him, leaning into him as the engine was started up.
“Nobody. I took my chances,” Chris answered, leaning in to kiss me sweetly.
I moved to lay my head in his lap as Blake pulled away from the village, honking the horn a few times before we were officially back on the road. Admiring Chris for a moment, I reached up to touch his beard lightly.
“I’m surprised that you’re letting him drive your car.” Not that I thought that Chris would never let anyone drive it; he didn’t seem anal that way. But it was still a new vehicle, and I knew men enough to realize that they didn’t like sharing their new toys.
“I drove all the way here. I think I need a little break. Blake missed out though. He could have spent the whole time back here with you.” Chris grinned and Blake laughed from the front seat.
“I take lots of naps. I hope you’re prepared for that,” I warned Chris as I got comfortable on my side. His fingers reached down and ran through my hair, encouraging me to sleep.
“I’m ready for whatever you can throw at me.”
I smiled to myself and closed my eyes for a moment. I didn’t think I had ever been so happy than I was right then. “I’m really looking forward to going home. I bet you are too.”
“I am too. It’ll give me more time to explore Seattle.” His voice was soft, but I heard him clearly as his fingers continued to run through my hair.
“What do you mean Seattle? You live in Oregon.” I returned to my back so I could look up at him. He smiled at me and nodded.
“I did, but do you really think that we’re not going to be wherever you are?” Chris asked simply.
“We? You mean Blake is coming to Seattle too? What about his family? His job? His house?” I started to sit up but Chris pushed me back down, trying to get me to relax.
“My family will understand,” Blake answered from the front, turning down the road that would take us to the lake crossing. “In fact, my mother is probably already packing up my stuff as we speak. My job...I can do that anywhere. I’m sure I can find a department in the Seattle area.”
I let out a deep breath as I thought about it, happy that I wouldn’t have to be without them. “There is one thing we need to do when we get back.”
“What’s that, sweetheart?” Chris questioned with another swipe of his fingers in my hair.
“I need to find a bigger apartment,” I chuckled. “Especially if we are going to have more Gifted members joining the team.”
Author Note
Thank you sooooo much for reading my story. You have no idea how much it means to me. This has been a long time coming and something that I have always dreamed of doing. I have so many stories going on in my head and have another series already started.
I want to encourage anyone that wants to publish their own books to do so! Count me as your cheerleader! Send me a link if you do publish your first book because I would love to check it out.
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Other Books by Ava Hardy
The Elements Book 2 will be coming out in August. Join my Facebook reader group to get updates, beta opportunities and giveaways