We startle awake when the bedroom door slams against the wall. Both, Mason and I spring up on the bed, weary-looking, still half asleep.
The first thought that comes into mind, is that Ava has come to crash our little rendezvous and raise hell on earth. I can see it happening. I would not expect any less from the petite blonde. She has sharp claws and even sharper teeth.
It does not take long for the heart rate to spike to an unholy rhythm, making me lightheaded. It also could be that I stood up too suddenly. I can't tell anymore. Intense emotions have become a day-to-day thing. I firmly believe, that when I die, it will be because of a heart attack.
" Good morning love birds," Graham coos, as he walks around the room picking up some flowers strewn on the floor. We knocked a vase over in our lust haze, it broke, but we never cleaned up. We were too busy frolicking. We did a lot of frolicking.
" Uuuh...Harriet is going to have a fit when she is going to see all this mess," He chuckles, Mason groans and flops himself onto the bed, pulling a pillow over his head.
" Get the fuck out Graham," Mason bristles, his voice still heavy with sleep. I glance outside and notice that it's still early morning. Judging by how high was the sun, I'd say around nine, maybe ten. That means that we had, a little over two hours of sleep. If you ask me, it was time well spent.
" So, you will be pleased to hear that your beloved fiancé is making a hasty return upon hearing of your party," Graham informs unceremoniously, while I look down at Mason's naked figure, but I can't see the look on his face, only the heavy muffled sigh leaving his lips.
" Word travels fast my friend, but apparently your fiancé travels even faster. I suggest you get up. Word is that she just drove into Morston and heading this way,"
Tugging on the sheets, I climb out of bed, wrap them around me as I walk, and collect my things off the floor. Not good. This could spell disaster.
" I told you to be in her ear. The fact that you are here, tells me that you've done nothing of the sort, " Mason sits up on the bed, and props his arms on his knees, scowling at Graham.
" I did....for the most part. There is only so much one man can endure listening to a woman yapping about trivial wedding things. Just for the record, she's found the dress she is looking for...," Mason and Graham heave out a collective sigh, looking at each other rather desolate.
" I'm sorry, Graham. It seems that we can't catch a break. Enid thought this party would be a perfect cover-up, so Lily and I could have a moment without everyone breathing down our necks. It wasn't your responsibility. I appreciate you doing this for me, " I hear Mason say from the other side of the door. In the time Mason had taken to give that heartfelt speech, I took that moment to put my clothes back on, wishing to be anywhere else but there.
With a deep tortured breath, I grab the doorknob and close my eyes praying fervently that Ava isn't storming through the front door of Northenhay as we speak.
Bitting down on my anxiety, I turn the knob and yank the door open. If she does happen to enter the room in that instant we are all doomed.
" I'll go and keep watch," Mason nods, and then Graham turns to me, " You either become invisible or find the strength to endure the minus fifteen degrees outside. Because if she finds you here, you're toast," I give Graham a grim smile, while I watch Mason pull on a pair of trousers and a long-sleeve shirt.
With a heavy sigh, he opens the wardrobe, pulls out a thick sweater and hands it to me.
" You need to keep warm. We have to go," He tips his head towards the french doors and starts walking. I follow suit. When something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
" Are you coming with me?" I ask in disbelief, while he pushes both doors open, a loud thud echoes in the distance, and it comes as no surprise when Ava shrieks so sharply that we both wince and pile outside into the freezing cold, with a certain sense of urgency.
Shutting the door behind us, he urges me to move forward as he walks backwards covering our tracks until we are out of the garden, close to the gate. We both peer over hedge trying to be as stealthy as possible. People are milling about on the streets, and right about now, one of those pockets would come in handy.
The feel of his hand cradling mine brings my addled brain to its senses. We can't run into the street together, people will see us and we will definitely attract unwanted attention.
I close my eyes and quickly wrangle my brain to come up with a suitable environment for us where we can stay tucked in until the storm passes.
" It is done, Canim," At the sound of his voice, I find the courage to open my eyes and find ourselves in a clearing next to a pond with emerald green waters lapping at our feet, glinting from the pale sun above us. We both look around, examining the surrounding forest with caution. The pocket seems a lot smaller than the previous ones, ending right past the thicket of trees. The small yellow flowers pepper the verdant grass the little clearing is idyllic in its essence. And it provides safety for now. We've never stayed long enough to figure it how long it takes before it collapses. I guess we will find out soon enough.
" This is better than the last one, " Mason says as he looks around, observing the mossy rocks at our feet, the little flowers brightening up the pocket. In the distance, a few birds are chirping. And it is the first time that I've managed to create that probably won't try to kill us.
The pond is offering me a sense of peace, and safety, and I know that somehow we will weather this storm, just like many others.
Tired, we both slump on a mossy rock next to the pond, leaning against each other. His head falls on the top of mine, and we both heave a sigh of relief.
Adrenaline is still running rampant through my brain, making me slightly queasy. But this too shall pass.
" How long do you think it will take?" I find myself asking, absently looking at the ripples on the surface of the lake.
" Knowing Ava, it will take a few hours. She will search the house top to bottom to make sure, that Graham is telling the truth," Mason heaves a sigh, and wraps an arm around my shoulders.
" Any progress?" I dare to ask, even though, I know it is far too soon.
" We have made some, but we still need more to make sure I can get rid of them for good," We both puff our cheeks, the night we spent together, now a distant memory clouded by the rude awakening. Sadly reality came crashing through our bedroom door. We will never have the peace we both desperately covet. And yet, we still try. The very definition of insanity.
" I made you a promise, Canim. And I'll keep it," He kisses my temple, his lips gentle and soft against my skin, and all I can do for us is hope.
I feel helpless. What use is to have the power to command light, and other unseen forces, if you can't help the ones you love. It feels pointless, useless. I wonder why Micah wants it so much.
Or have only scratched the surface? I can't help but wonder.