ELLIE.
I rolled my eyes as Bella’s phone pinged again. It has been nonstop since we left Atlanta, and I knew it was Trent on the other line.
“Are you sure you didn’t tell him we’re coming?” I asked Bella before I yawned and stretched my arms. My twin was sitting beside me in the back seat while our parents were in the front seat.
“Nope. Otherwise, Mom will be furious.” She smiled at me, her eyes twinkling.
“I’m surprised you didn’t slip. You’ve been texting him for almost 24 hours now.”
“What can I do when this man never sleeps?” She giggled, cuddled the small pillow in her arms, and started typing on her cell phone again.
I knew I would be messaging Dawson if I didn’t tell him I was taking a nap. Like what I’ve been trying to tell him for most of the last 24 hours, because I didn’t want to slip and let him know we were on our way to Riley’s territory.
We still had a week to go before our semester ended, but we were just finishing requirements, and everything could be done online and did not require attendance anymore. This was the usual protocol at the university we were at, unless you were part of the graduating class.
So Mom decided we should head off to Riley’s without letting him know. She wanted to surprise him. Mom was super excited because Aunt Laura and Uncle Theo were already there and would be spending a month with Nadia. She was too happy upon finding out that Uncle Theo was Nadia’s father, making Aunt Laura an official part of the family.
She made Bella and I swear not to tell our mates either, so her surprise for Riley and Nadia wouldn’t be spoiled.
“My eyes are about to fall off. Good thing we’re almost there.” Dad groaned before glancing briefly at us. “We’ll be reaching the border in thirty minutes. Make sure you are ready. I’m sure they’ll be checking on us.”
“I told you I could drive too.” Mom’s hand reached for Dad’s hair, brushing it gently.
“Hun, I know you. You tend to get distracted on a long drive. Do you want me to remind you how many cars you have crashed? And you know, I would rather get tired than let you get another scratch.”
Mom giggled, and if I was not used to them flirting with each other, I would have rolled my eyes. So instead, I placed my headset back in my ears. Otherwise, I would be hearing more things that would make me feel I was the one violating their privacy when it was them having a public display, not just of their affection but also of their lust for each other.
I was already tempted to message Dawson, but I put it off until we reached the border. I couldn’t wait to see him. My hand went to my neck and let my fingers run on the mark he gave me as a smile graced my lips on the memory of our mating night.
Aside from seeing Riley and Nadia, I was looking forward to spending time with Dawson and eventually meeting his family. I have already talked with Luna Graciella over the phone, and she was very sweet and welcoming.
My eyes darted to Bella, who was giggling despite herself. She wasn’t marked yet. But based on the improvement in their relationship these last few weeks and the way her mouth talks nonstop about Trent, I was sure she’d be the first one to mark him.
But I am happy. For Bella and me, for Mom and Dad, for Riley and Nadia.
Everything was falling into place. Sometimes, I felt it was too good to be true.
I smiled as I closed my eyes, leaning my head back on the seat. I was starting to get lost in the music when my body suddenly jerked forward as pain shot through my stomach and my chest from being held back by my seatbelt.
My eyes flew open at the exact moment the front windshield cracked before it finally shattered.
RILEY.
I couldn’t concentrate. Something was terribly off. I kept checking in with the patrol team to see if there was any news or movement within all borders, but they were all positive.
‘Where are you?’I sent Nadia a mindlink.
‘I’m at the training grounds with Laura and Jenny. Some of the females are here, and we are just chatting about anything.’She responded immediately, and I was able to breathe. She was the first thing that came to mind when the eerie feeling arose in my chest.
‘Do you think you can leave and come home soon?’
‘Is there something wrong?’
‘I don’t know, but I don’t feel good. Like something is wrong. I want you around me right now.’
‘Okay, I’ll be there soon.’
I closed the mindlink and left my office. I bumped into Theodore in the hallway, and he must have noticed the dark expression on my face because he turned around and walked beside me.
