SWNOVELS Chapter Back To Reality
A few hours in, I took a small break and had a good lunch before I shifted into my wolf and let her carry us a little while. Eventually she too became tired and refused to go the rest of the way on paw. When we made it to the main road, I saw the same old truck that brought us to the bus station weeks ago and I secretly hoped it would stop again.
Just as if the driver knew I couldn’t take one more step before passing out, I heard the engine dying down and the truck come to a halt.
“Need another ride?” Said the same girl as before.
“Please?” I pleaded as I began jogging towards her.
“Jump on in.” She said as she smiled.
“Thank you so much, again! It’s Everly, right?”
“You’ve got a good memory. And you’re Ember?”
“Yes.”
“Should I be concerned that I’ve picked up you not once but twice on this deserted road with luggage in your hand?”
I looked out the window nervously as I tried to think of something to say when I glanced back at her and saw her radiant blue eyes flash a brilliant green color.
“Everly? Are you...”
She nodded her head then said “No one around here knows. I’ve hidden myself among the humans for years.” Her sudden change in demeanor indicated that she didn’t want to talk about it any further so I didn’t push.
“You know you could come to Tennessee with me. I don’t know what or who you would be leaving behind here in Georgia but a new start could be perfect for you.”
She kept quiet as we rode into town and then drove right past the train station. I wasn’t sure if she was really going to go through with it but my Uncle Mark would never turn away a wolf in need, if she decided to stay.
I stared out the window watching the city lights fade into the distance, fighting my heavy eyelids as we sat silently in the truck. The sound of the engine and the road beneath the tires eventually lulled me to sleep.
The slamming of a door woke me from my slumber and when I looked up, Everly had stopped at a gas station to fill up the tank. It was almost 2am and my belly began rumbling from its emptiness so I stretched my legs then jumped out the truck.
“I’m going get some snacks, do you want anything?”
“Sure, whatever you get is fine with me. I’m not picky.” She laughed as she replaced the cap on the tank and closed it.
She followed me inside then headed to the bathroom as I grabbed four different bags of chips, beef sticks, chocolate coated candy, sunflower seeds and a bag of nuts. I reached the cooler and picked up some waters then headed to the register.
When I got back to the truck Everly was buckled and ready to go.
“How about you let me drive for a little while and you can rest?”
She laughed and said “If you think you can handle this old raggedy thing, be my guest.” She slid over as I walked around and climbed into the drivers seat.
We took off down the road singing along to the radio and munching on the numerous snacks that were sprawled on the seat in between us until she finally fell asleep an hour in as I finished our drive to the pack.
My nerves were churning thinking of what Bishop would say when he saw me again, if he cared at all that I was gone and if he would agree to help me. My future literally rested in his hands but would it interfere with our lives? I wanted to make things work but what would happen if I did take over my pack and he chose to stay here?
The long empty highway assured me that we were close to our destination and my body was trembling. I hadn’t realized it was getting so close to the next full moon and another heat. With everything else that was going on my body must have suppressed my emotions but at least I had a few more days of clarity until my lust filled haze began.
I turned down the gravel road that lead to the Siler Raven pack and stopped when one of Chase’s guards saw me approaching the gate. I stopped the truck and showed him my ID, proving I was his cousin, and was let through with no other interruptions.
A few minutes later we pulled up to the house just as the sun was breaking over the horizon. I saw Chase walking towards the truck and I knew this was going to be hard to explain but I didn’t care what he thought.
I puffed up my chest and began walking towards him when I saw his gaze turn towards the other side of the truck and I almost forgot that I brought Everly with me. His eyes turned dark and I jumped in front of him blocking his path.
“Before you freak out, I had to bring her with me.”
The truck door behind me closed and Chase pushed me aside rushing towards the terrified girl who had just emerged from her sleep in a foreign place. I ran after him hoping that he wouldn’t attack her when I saw him grab her and pull her into his chest.
"MATE.” He whispered as he held her tight.
My jaw was on the ground as I watched the two strangers in front of me staring into each other’s eyes with pure adoration.
“I’ve waited so long for you.” He said as he brushed his knuckles along her cheek. “What’s your name beautiful?”
She couldn’t speak, no doubt from the pure shock she just endured, so I stepped closer very slowly and said “Chase, this is Everly. Everly, this is my cousin Chase. The Alpha of Silver Raven pack.”
“Everly.” He said as he gave her a sweet kiss on her lips. “Forever my love.”
She melted into his touch and everyone around them was in complete awe at the beautiful display of affection between two total strangers who were made for each other, linked by heart for eternity.
Uncle Mark cleared his throat, effectively breaking everyone from their gawking, as my Aunt grabbed Everly and hugged her tightly.
“Welcome to the pack Everly. I am Chase’s mother but you can call me Penelope and this is Mark the former Alpha and Chase’s father. We are so happy he found you!”
Everly smiled and a single tear rolled down her cheek causing Chase to pull her into his arms. “I'm sorry, did they hurt you or scare you? My family can be a bit much the first time you meet them.”
She shook her head and said, “I finally feel like I'm...home!”
After the excitement wore off and she was introduced to everyone, the pack returned to their normal duties and my family went inside to get more acquainted while I took off to find my mate. I just hoped he wouldn't be too mad about me leaving without telling him.
Everly is a wolf???? Who knew?
Chase finally met his mate!!! And she's so frickin adorable!!!!
Please, goddess, give Ember the courage to tell Bishop what is going on and please let him help her!