P, page 10
I’ve been wrong before though. I lie in the bed with the blankets all turned down and wonder what new and fascinating thing Prayer will bring into my life tomorrow. She is a constant surprise and I never know what will happen next. At that moment I start to feel the static in the air again and I put my face into the pillow so as not to laugh out loud. Prayer’s sleeping body, still wearing the furry green bottoms and purple jersey, materializes right beside me. I don’t even try to stop the smile as I kiss the top of her head and reach down to bring the blanket up over us. Prayer makes a contented sighing sound and snuggles deeper next to me. I wrap my arms around her, tuck my face into the back of her neck because I love her smell and drift off to sleep with her.
Chapter 9
Prayer
In the morning, right as I am waking up, I can feel that something is different. You know, I already know what happened. I just can’t believe I did it again. Listening carefully I can tell the man, who I already know is behind me with his arm over my waist, is still sleeping. I don’t want to wake him up but his phone is on the dresser buzzing away. His fingers twitch against me and I turn over keeping his arm across me and watch him as he begins to wake up. Avalon’s body stretches out and he pulls his head back and smiles at me.
“So, are we further limiting the distance I am allowed to travel?” He laughs and nuzzles into my neck.
In my whole life I have never liked physical attention and have always held everyone at arm's length. Every touch from Avalon, no matter how small, calms and relaxes me. The feel of him next to me, the sound of his laugh, the teasing in his voice has me laughing and feeling happy regardless of how odd the whole situation is.
“Part of me wants to apologize for constantly invading your personal space. The other part blames you entirely and feels you should just tolerate it for waking it up anyway. I usually limit any contact with others to a short handshake when necessary. With you, I need you close, apparently really close, all the time. I wish I could explain it but I can’t so I am just hoping you can roll with it the way I am.” I say pleading for understanding. I'm still not ready to talk about what this is, there is so much more to deal with and whatever this is, I'm not there yet.
"This is who you are and I've grown very fond of who you are. I don't just accept you this way, I enjoy it. I'm happy this is who you are." He rubs my back softly as he is talking and I want to drift back into sleep.
His phone buzzes on the dresser again and I look guiltily at him. "It's been doing that for a while now. It's probably important. "
"So is this." He says and pulls me closer and nestles me into him. The phone goes off three more times and Avalon sighs. "I suppose I should deal with that. "
I giggle when he gets out of bed because he sounds so pitiful. I am just bubbling over with the most insane happiness. It's like I've been building a puzzle for years and it's been so frustrating because I haven’t had all the pieces. I feel like some are still missing but I've finally got all my edges. I am still smiling like a loon when I see Avalon frowning down at the messages on his phone. I'm startled to find how distressed I get and how quickly it comes over me just seeing the look on his face.
"Avalon, is everything okay? You look like something is wrong." I really need to get a grip on this emotional roller coaster. If I can't keep up I don't know how anyone else is supposed to.
"It's not world ending, but it's not good. I'm going to have to make a trip out to Sebastian's territory. Damon is still dealing with peace keeping in his territory and Cato is lending a hand there. Meanwhile I have Nichlos waiting for the arrival of the Wyatt family in Arizona and Leander has to stay to make sure problems don't start up when they get there. I don't want to pull Ben from his territory either because I don't think our people would take it with too many Alphas in one place. It starts to feel like a police action and that will work against us. So I need to head to Nebraska and see what is getting Sebastian all worked up and if we can quell it fast enough. "
"You know I'm coming right? " I feel bad for all he has to deal with but as he was speaking I could feel my body trying to go to him. It is something I can feel physically pulling me towards him as well as a powerful urge to help carry whatever burden he has. Staying behind while these feelings are running rampant and uncontrolled inside me is not an option.
"Sweet girl, I think we both know that, at least for now, there is no way I could or would leave you anywhere. I won’t take risks with your well being." He says echoing my thoughts.
"Okay then, I'll go get my shower first, then start packing. We can do breakfast before or after your shower whichever you like. " I walk toward the door but I stop halfway there. I sigh heavily because for real? This is insane! "Avalon, are you okay?"
"I have a lot on my mind Sweetling, it will work itself out I'm sure. Well, I'm hopeful it will all work itself out." He says with more confidence.
"Please understand I'm trying to fight this and I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable. " I say in a way of warning as I walk over to him. "Don't get mad at me." I feel like I have no more choice in this than I do to take my next breath. I lift my arms and wrap them around his neck and lift myself on my tiptoes to be able to press my lips against his. I'm not trying to make out with him but the need to comfort and be part of him is overwhelming.
Avalon brings me closer against him and instantly takes over the kiss. His lips are soft but demanding and without thinking I open my mouth for him. I feel his arms tighten around me and I am lifted until I am no longer touching the floor. My fingers move up into his hair and I hear him groan softly as I feel his body relax ever so slightly.
I revel in the knowledge that something as simple as kissing me can alter his mood so completely. It transforms that overwhelming need to soothe him into a sizzling excitement. Thrilling at the feel of him on my fingers, against my body, his hands and arms holding me and the taste of him I strain to get closer. Avalon’s phone buzzes again and through the intoxication of his kisses I realize it's an incoming call, not a message and I pull back gently but firmly. I look up at him hoping he doesn't think I'm playing with him.
"Please stop trying to control that at all. I'd really prefer it if you just let that happen whenever you feel it. I promise not to get mad. " He says grinning down at me and before I can even think of a response he pulls me in for a fast, hard kiss. He lifts his head, places a sweet kiss on my nose and then grabs his phone again.
I feel better, because I'm insane. I leave to go get my shower and start packing for a trip to Nebraska. What's in Nebraska? Does it even matter? Until Avalon and I figure out this thing between us I'm sticking to him like glue. There is a bright side to this and that is, I get to meet shifters. Men and women who go from human to an animal. Wait, that is the bright side, right? I have gone from not even knowing the supernatural existed, to being a part of it and traveling with a vampire to meet shifters! Literally every single day since I have met Avalon it has been something new and eye opening. To be totally honest, I'm more concerned by how fast I get past it all.
Hey, you can teleport. Well of course I can, can't half the population. This guy here, he's a vampire who takes outings during the day and enjoys ice tea with his dinner. That's to be expected. What self respecting vampire doesn't enjoy a refreshing ice tea? You are totally enchanted by this vampire and would follow him into the pits of hell. Also true but we're not going to talk about that right now. There is trouble in shifter territory so we have to go check it out. On a side note, who thinks shifters pee on nearby trees to mark their territory? I'm voting yes, for the wolves anyway.
I stand in the middle of my bedroom, shower, dress then pack, or pack, shower then dress. It makes more sense to go ahead and get out all the outfits I'll be taking plus today's. No sense going through it twice. I'll take one dressy outfit because I have no idea what I'm getting into and I have to be prepared for all the possibilities. Four pairs of jeans, two pairs of stretch pants. Don't judge, a girl has to have comfort day clothes. Some pajamas, a handful of bras and underwear and definitely socks. I look at my bed and it's just piling up and I know I won't get that all in one bag. How do they make it look so easy on television? The clothes float across the air, land on the suitcase filling each corner so that after the person has emptied their entire wardrobe they just walk over, put a knee on the bag and zip it up.
I grab another bag. It's fine. He's strong. He can carry extra bags. I finally get through all the outfits I want to take and am pleased that even with shoes both bags have closed. I did however forget the outfit for me to wear today. I pull that out and toss it on the bed and then jump in the shower. I wonder when he is wanting to leave and how we are getting there. I also wonder what it is about Avalon that has the other leaders calling him every time a situation arises.
After getting out of the shower I start pulling on today’s outfit. I swear dressing in my own style is one of the highlights of my day. I love using outfits as a form of personal expression. Today I’m going Boho all the way. Perfect for traveling comfortably and still fun. Black flared boho style pants with different phases of the moon scattered across the legs. A cream colored crochet cami top and a matching color cardigan. Finally I layer beads and rope necklaces and pull on some cross tied wedgies. I do my makeup in neutral colors and decide to wear my hair down and wrap a peach colored bandana around my forehead.
Feeling ready and excited to see what new adventure awaits, because I am absolutely certain there will be one, I head out to the kitchen. Avalon is on the couch and points over at the table. He’s already laid out a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and orange juice. Alright, maybe I took a little long getting ready.
“Are you going to eat too?” I ask him, sitting down at the table.
Avalon stares at me for a long moment before getting up and coming to the table. He sits across from me and raises his juice glass to me. I respond in kind and we both tear into our breakfast. When did this become a habit? He had just cooked breakfast and waited until I was ready to sit and eat. How did we become so domesticated? I wonder suddenly if it will be like this in, wait where in Nebraska are we going?
“Where exactly in Nebraska are we going? When are we leaving? How are we getting there? What are we doing when we get there?” I unload question after question onto Avalon until he holds a hand up.
“Whoa, Sweetling. One at a time. Kearney, Nebraska is where the Black River Wolf Pack is. When and how is around eleven o’clock this morning and by airplane. A taxi will be here soon to take us to the airport and hopefully we’ll be on the ground in Kearney around five pm, give or take delays. When we get there I am going to get you situated and then find Sebastian and most likely Roman and Jasper. Once they have gotten whatever it is off their chest and we work out a plan to keep his territory safe, I want to start working with you to control that ability of yours. Also I folded up your mural and placed it with your laptop in your travel pack.” He thoroughly explained. Then he grinned that beguiling grin of his and asked, “Are there any more questions rolling around in that beautiful head of yours?”
I popped a piece of pancake into my gaping mouth and shook my head. Seems he has answered all my questions the same way he handled all the issues. By the time we had cleaned up from breakfast the taxi was here and Avalon had it loaded in one trip. We sat in a relaxed silence on the drive to the airport and once there we picked up our tickets at the e ticket kiosk. We boarded in plenty of time and as he had said, we were in the air by eleven. After a few minutes I had relaxed from the whirlwind which had become my day. Week. Life? I absent-mindedly lace my fingers into Avalon’s, staring out the window looking through the clouds and the next thing I know, I'm asleep.
Avalon
When Prayer had finally come out to breakfast this morning I was temporarily stunned by her outfit. I absolutely never know what fashion persona she will show up in next and each one is more charming than the last. I had been busy getting everything ready so the morning would be as stress free for her as I could possibly make it. It never ceases to amaze me that I can talk to her about anything that comes up and do not feel the need to hold back information unless I feel it will cause her discomfort to hear it. I will always protect her so there is no danger to her but I don't want her worrying unnecessarily about the things that are going on. Once she is settled in and can see she has nothing to worry about, I'll let her in on more of what's happening.
I hadn't thought Prayer had been so tired but when I felt her hand slip into mine on the plane I looked down and saw she was falling asleep. At first I wanted to shake her awake. I had only seen this woman sleep twice but both times she dematerialized and showed up somewhere else. We're on a plane. I have cause for concern. The only reason I don't freak out is because I am sitting right beside her, holding her hand and I am certain it's me her mind has been searching for when she teleports. Showing up in front of me all three times is a pretty big clue. I don't mind it at all. If I could keep Prayer with me twenty-four seven I'm positive that's where I would want her.
Another thing that I am most undeniably certain of is that Prayer is mine. I'll give her time. All the time she needs to figure that one out on her own. I don't want her thinking I'm pursuing her for her abilities or because of my search for the women in general. No, it's important that she understands her reaction to me and her inability to fight it is because she is mine and I am hers. Time will not be an issue, just being close to her will be fine until she works her way through all this. Now space, that's not my fault. I can't give her one room away at the moment without the adorable woman popping up and that's how I want it.
I've had thousands of years of being alone and only ever spending any real time with my family and the Territory Alphas. I'm not antisocial per se. I just don't go looking for long term time investments with people. This particular person just feels like mine and my time, although still commanded by responsibilities, is best spent with her. Hopefully adjusting to both the new aspects of her life and in mine will be quick and painless for her. So far, she has taken everything remarkably well and hasn't argued anything, once she learned the truth. I know she looks on it more like an adventure and a mystery to be solved and that's good. It would be so much harder to get through this if she was in a constant state of panic. Even if she undoubtedly would deserve the right to panic now and again.
The flight from Seattle to Kearney is less than six hours and surprisingly Prayer sleeps that whole time. I honestly hadn't thought she'd been deprived of that much sleep but perhaps it's the teleporting taking a toll on her. I've really got to look into a way of helping her train that ability. She's lived her whole life with it and most likely, from what I have seen, she's accidentally used it from time to time. Maybe Sebastian and the others can help her. Learning how they gained control over their abilities might help her do the same.
The plane touches down and I wait until we are almost to a stop to wake up Prayer. She rolls her head back against my shoulder and smiles up at me. Damn, one little smile and I want to wrap her up in my arms and keep her next to me. She is always beautiful but when she smiles she is radiant. I have decided that all those smiles are mine and I am never going another day without them. I bend my head and give her a quick kiss, because screw resistance. I personally have no wish to deny myself what affection she will allow.
“Are we there already?” She asks, yawning and looking out the window.
“Already? Sweetling you’ve been asleep for almost six hours. My brother, Raphael and Sebastian along with whatever entourage he brings, will be waiting for us when we have cleared the baggage claims. We’ll be driving straight out to the Black River Wolf Pack so if there is anything you want to ask or you want to say, now would be a good time.”
“I need to pee.” She says cheerfully. I say again, this woman is all mine.
“Duly noted. We will find the restrooms then hit the claims and then find the guys.” I say smiling at her and following her out of the plane. We find the bathrooms, finish up and head outside.
Leaning against a long black SUV stands Raphael, Sebastian, Jasper and Roman and I do not know how they could look any more cliche. Raphael, Jasper and Roman are all wearing jeans and black short sleeve t-shirts while Sebastian is wearing black slacks and a long sleeve black button down with a black tie. Really, a tie. I wrap Prayer’s arm around mine and tuck her in close to my side. She has taken everything really well and I’m sure she’ll be fine here too, but just in case meeting four strangers sets her off her game, I want to make her feel safe. I lead her up to Raphael first.
“Prayer, this is my brother Raphael. Raphael this is Prayer.” I look at Raphael with a warning look to be nice.
“It’s nice to meet you, Raphael. I look forward to getting to know you.” She smiles sweetly and puts a hand out for him to shake but I feel her lean her body into me. As terrible as it is I get a dark sense of pride knowing it’s me she takes her comfort from.
Raphael lifts a dark eyebrow in amusement but folds her hand into his. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Prayer. This is Sebastian, Jasper and Roman.” he says, nodding to each man as he introduces them.
Prayer pulls her hand back from Raphael and shakes each man’s hand in turn. After she has greeted each one, Prayer steps back and tucks herself back into my side. Raphael’s eyes shoot up to mine and there is a question there but he doesn’t say anything. Sebastian opens the rear passenger door and I put my hand on Prayer’s back as she climbs inside. I get in next to Prayer and she immediately puts her hands back in mine. Raphael and Sebastian climb in across from us, Roman jumps in the passenger seat and Jasper in the driver seat.
