The disbelief on my face was evident when I saw the crowd of werewolves on my doorstep. They would like to send me off like I'm about to leave the pack for a long time. For goddess sake, it will be only a week. Sally was already sniffing on her hands while Chris was caressing her back. The gloomy weather added to the ridiculous spectacle.
"You need to take care of yourself, okay? Why do you need to go to another pack? We can take care of you here just fine," crocodile tears in Alvin's eyes were so silly that I wasn't able to hide my disgusted face. Why is he here anyway? The mart must be busy this morning. With the fall season almost on our doorstep, lots of folks would be stocking their necessities. In a week, snow would be coating the whole state, and I hope I would be back in the pack by that time.
"Don't worry about the mart. I got it covered along with those reliable part-timers," he added.
"What are you all doing here?"I did not even try to hide the disapproval on my face. I get that they wanted safe and comfortable, but man, they're overdoing it. Some breathing space would be ideal to have.
The small crowd murmured their answers, and I huffed, crossing my arms as I listened. Atlas would be here any moment now. I need the space so I can think of a way on how to face Luke. I know we had a deal, but fronting my mate's boyfriend would be uncomfortable. It would also mean intruding on their privacy.
I have no idea why they're traveling back to their pack for a week when they decided to stay here for the incoming Pack Summit. Atlas didn't give me a reason either, didn't even tell me if Luke consented to my barging on their trip.
A small window of alone time would do me well. I need to organize my thoughts on how to deal with Luke. What came over me yesterday when I agreed to this trip went over my head. Maybe, it was the soft look Atlas sported when he stared at me. Perhaps, the sparkle in his eyes as he talks about his pack. I don't know.
"We heard you're going on a trip, so we thought you need some staples to bring with you. You can't exactly do anything with your hands," Chris extended his hands in my direction while Sally nodded. He was holding a liquor. My sharp eyes immediately recognized it from my store.
"A warm coat would also protect you from the cold, Mi Amor," I can't even believe that Angel joined this exaggerated bunch of werewolves. Adelaide was silently watching the whole ordeal.
A few folded coats were nestled safely on Angel's hands. They indeed looked warm and comfortable.
"You need to bring them gifts too. I've prepared some homemade apple jam," that was Maita, Beta Erden's wife. Maita placed the basket near my feet. I can't precisely carry them with my splinted arm.
"You need pain meds for that wrist, here," Amalia gave me a small but light bag. She hangs it on my uninjured shoulder. I smiled at the woman. Amalia was so adamant about not letting me travel that far.
In the end, Amalia understood why I needed the space. She's like a big sister to everyone here. The responsible one, unlike Sally. I giggle at the thought. The pack members would be breathing down my neck every chance they got. So, me, wanting some space was reasonable. It's just nice to know that I'm well-loved in this pack.
"You will also need cash, you reckless kid," with those words from Regina, I wasn't able to hold down my amusement at the crowd and burst to laugh. Regina thrust some rolled bucks in one of my coat's front pockets. I can't believe Regina would send me off too. Craig would be believable but seeing the woman was so ridiculous.
"You all, I'm only going away for a week. You'll see my face again by next week. You don't have to worry about me. Also, I need space from you all. I'm drowning with affection that I can't stand it anymore," I said with a voice full of hilarity. Wiping the side of my eyes, I tried to gather myself if I wouldn't want to end up wheezing again.
Regina hit the back of my head with enough force to stop me from laughing. It was effective.
"Tch. I'm sure this ungrateful woman would be fine. Now, disperse everyone." the command in Regina's voice was heed by the crowd. Before that, they leave their gifts on my feet. I look silly with them.
"Take care, Mavy. Text me when you get there," Sally hugs the hell out of me before marching out. Chris did the same and hurried after his wife. The others follow.
"Remember to take the meds only when the pain's unbearable. Travel safe, "Amalia follows the horde of leaving people, and now I'm left with a variety of things on my doorstep. How am I going to carry them all?
"Let me help you with that," startled by the sudden voice, my eyes met Luke's amused blue orbs. The amusement I felt a while ago vanished and was replaced with embarrassment. I did not notice the park ranger in my small driveway. They might have witnessed the spectacle my members caused just a few minutes ago.
"Luke, are you okay with me going with you two?" the question just spilled out of my mouth without much thought. The body language that Luke gave me was vague.
"There's only one thing I'll say to you, Mavis. I trust your word and our deal," with that. Luke carries most of the gifts the pack member prepares to the park ranger on my small driveway. Atlas also came rushing in my direction. He grabs my small suitcase and the basket of jams.
"You ready?" he smiled at me. Am I really going to do this?
"I think so," my smile wobbled.
I quietly followed him to his car. He was kind enough to open the door to the backseat. He assisted me until I was comfortably seated on the shiny leathered seat. I murmured my thanks. I didn't mean to feel it, but Luke's seating shotgun troubles me. We haven't even been away from my pack, but I'm already feeling like this.
The more I think about it, the more I feel like I'm making a big mistake. Nevertheless, I have a deal to finish. The sooner I'm done with it, the better.
"Fastened your seatbelts please," those words came from Atlas. I don't know if Luke was intentionally doing it, or it could be a regular occurrence for them, but Atlas buckled Luke up. The scene itself soured my already plummeting mood. I looked away. Pretty sweet of him to do it when he can't even buckle up his own injured mate.
When all things were done, Atlas slowly steered the car out of the driveway. He didn't look in my direction to check if I was fastened just right.
The car was about to drive away when someone blocked the road. The person waves his arms slowly. A backpack was slung on his shoulder. My eyes fell on the rearview mirror, and see two pairs of eyes staring at me.
I nodded.
"What are you doing, Kalix?" my question was ignored as he looked at the Alpha instead.
"Alpha, may I go with you, please? Let me accompany Mavis. You guys would be busy back at your pack, and I don't want her to be left alone." If I wasn't quick enough, I wouldn't have been able to catch the fleeting grim on Atlas's face. Luke, on the other hand, was full-blown smiling at the dark coppered hair man.
"Of course, hop in," Luke approved of the sudden development. Atlas was still quiet, while my poor self was dumbfounded. How the hell is Kalix going to accompany me through the whole week when we don't talk much back at the pack.
Kalix was one of the talented pack warriors. Instead of rising in the hierarchy, he chose to be a plain warrior himself. I've heard that he was one of the candidates to take over the head warrior along with Wyatt. He conceded, and his reason was to focus on his craft. He's into furniture design, and Alpha Cedric did not delve further.
Besides the usual greetings and seeing each other around the pack, I don't understand why he's here.
"Thanks," he grins again.
Not to be partial or anything but Kalix got a charming smile. Kalix sat beside me after climbing in the car. His gaze fell on the belt and went for it.
"Your seatbelts not fastened well," my face reddened in embarrassment as the people in the front peered at me.
"Oh, so dumb of me you're injured. Sorry, Mavis. You should've told me." Luke sounds genuine, while Atlas looks apologetic.
"It's fine, I got her," another beaming grin from the man, and he was finished locking my seatbelt in. Kalix even went far as adjusting the collar of my coat before he fastened himself.
"Ready?" Atlas asks with a blank look as he glances at the backseat. I nodded, and he continued driving. I'm feeling awkward, but I guess the rest weren't feeling it.
"Kalix, what's happening?" I link him, and he looks at me.
"I ran out of ideas for my next project. What's better at overcoming it? An unplanned trip," he smirks. I can see it right now as he links back. He's now staring at the front.
"You don't have to use me as an excuse if you just wanted a free vacay, you know?" I hope the subtle sarcasm reaches him. And, I think it did because the golden-eyed man chuckles like I said something hilarious.
Both Luke and Atlas glances back.
"Don't mind us please," he beamed at the two.
"You two seem close." the curiosity in Luke's voice kind of irks me.
I'm stealing glances in Atlas's direction, but he doesn't even mind though he appears to listen to the conversation.
"We're friends," I treaded safely. I don't want to shame the man who only wants a vacation.
"Sometimes yes, sometimes no." my head whipped in a flash in his direction. What's he getting into? I feel a gaze boring at me. By the sudden burst of tingles on my face, it's Atlas.
"Interesting," Luke smiles at us suggestively. I can't help but glare at Kalix. If anyone heard what Kalix states, the people would surely misinterpret the idiot.
"Yes, she is," the way Kalix said those words made me think that there's something he's hiding. The way his eyes glinted while staring at me spoke volumes.
"Stop it," I blinked at him.
"Alright," another blinding smile. I huffed and squinted at Kalix. I directed my gaze outside the car and watched the golden forest zip by. It's going to snow any day now.
It would be nice to catch some winks.
"Here," Kalix placed a neck pillow on my head suddenly. I wasn't able to react on time. The soft pillow wrapped my neck in a comfortable lull.
"Whatever you're doing, please don't involve me in it. Though, I'll take the neck pillow. Thank you." I continued linking him while giving him a grateful smile. Kalix smiled back at me as he continued to talk to Luke animatedly. Looking at him, he's quite a looker and charming at that. He just met Luke, and he was already sharing a laugh with the latter. It makes me smile.
I would like to join them, but my eyes were getting heavy, and the cool air from outside just makes it more perfect for a nap. Stealing glances at Atlas one more time, my eyes finally cave in. I felt something warm wrap me up before I completely fell into a deep sleep, wishing the bond to just disappear.