When I lower my hands, I find him frowning. “Plane? Zavier said I was correct when I called it a sky bus.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “That’s because Zav is full of shit and you should never listen to him.”
“Noted.” He looks to me for confirmation that he used the expression in the correct way, and I nod.
We left for the adoption agency this afternoon. Valen insisted on driving for practice, although he’s an incredible driver and doesn’t need it. I can’t say I blame him for skipping the legal route and using Zav’s contacts to speed things up.
When I asked for the afternoon off, Captain Barnes didn’t seem worried. After finishing up my emails and ensuring he was set, I had Valen pick me up from Luna’s. There’s no way I was settling in for a mini-road trip without caffeine.
It’s an almost seven-hour drive to the edge of Wisconsin, and my nerves get worse the closer we get. I almost chickened out this morning, but Valen gave me a look while petting Pom Pom in his chair. He looked like an evil villain daring me to back out on our agreement.
Valen fiddles with the screen to turn music on. After he got driving down, he wanted to know more about the features of the car and technology. I’m still working on the whole contraction thing, but he’s always willing to learn.
“I’m sad about leaving Pom Pom behind,”Valen says suddenly. “What if Zav forgets to give him his nightly toothbrush treat?”
I can’t help my giggle. He and the Pomeranian have been inseparable. I hope when I come into my powers I can feel the familiar’s emotions like Jade can.
“You left him notes around the house and have called three times already. I don’t think he’s going to forget, sweetie.” I pat his arm and pull out my phone.
Scrolling through, I see a text of encouragement from all three girls. They know today is tough for me. Settling into my seat since we have many hours ahead, I pick an audiobook and throw my earbuds in. I close my eyes and try to think about anything but what lies ahead.
“Ava.”
A gentle shake wakes me up. I blink wearily to find Valen standing on my side of the car with the door open.
“What’s going on?” I rub the sleep from my eyes and wipe the drool from the side of my face.
Ew.
“I stopped at a hotel like we discussed. I’m not sure how to get a room, though, and need assistance.” He rubs the back of his neck and backs away so I can unfurl from the car.
Stretching with a yawn, I feel multiple things crack.
Looking around, I see it’s almost pitch-black outside. I must’ve passed out, but I’m not surprised after last night. I tossed and turned, so much so that I’m not sure Valen slept either.
Lights illuminate the name of the hotel, and I nod in approval at Valen’s choice. I gave him a list of chains that were okay to stop at, and he happened to pick my favorite one.
“Let’s grab our bags and I’ll get us checked in.”
Having packed light, I make to grab my tote, but Valen stops me in my tracks. He hoists the bag over his shoulder and gestures for me to walk in front of him. This big man carrying my pastel pink bag is a funny sight. Blushing, I move forward, but he stops me. I give a confused look, and he holds his hand out with a grabby motion.
“This?” I place my hand in his and he nods. A smile curves my lips.
After Spencer, I didn’t plan on dating for a while. My heart felt too fragile. While the split was a mutual decision, it didn’t make it any less sad. The last thing I expected was to have a mate show up and somehow, even though I kept him at arm’s length for a while, chisel at my walls and worm his way into my heart.
Hand in hand, we mosey into the quiet lobby. Check-in goes quickly, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t internally kick my feet when Valen said we only needed one bed. We’ve been sleeping together almost every night, but I still didn’t want to assume.
Our room is on the fifth floor, and I slide the key card into the door and push it open when the light flashes green. It’s a modest room with a loveseat, king-size bed, desk area, and generic art on the wall. The window showcases a sprawling view of the parking lot.
I collapse onto the bed with a groan. “I know I just woke up, but I’m so tired.” I’m not sure if Valen can understand the muffled words, but the bed dips down with his added weight. His scent envelops me, and I instantly relax at the soft touch of his hand on my back. I turn my head to look at his gorgeous face.
Dark wavy hair cascading over his forehead and warm chocolatey brown eyes. Full lips that look like they werecarved by a Greek sculptor along with his cheekbones and muscled body.
“It’s a stressful trip, and you’ve worried yourself to the point of exhaustion.” Valen hands over a plastic bag I missed earlier and plops it down next to me. “I grabbed some snacks I’ve seen you eat from the gas station. I didn’t want you going to bed hungry.”
Sitting up and crossing my legs, I froth at the mouth at the sugary sweets and treats inside. It surprises me how much Valen notices about me without me saying a word.
“If you want something else, I can search for sustenance,” Valen backtracks, mistaking my silence for upset.
