SWNOVELS Chapter Road Trip
Once we checked in, Bishop grabbed a few things from the car and we made our way to the room. It was a cozy, Victorian style bedroom with a king sized bed, an en suite bathroom and a balcony view of the beautiful woods behind the property. A small table sat in the corner with a basket of fruit and nuts along with a loaf of banana nut bread, baked freshly that morning.
Yawning as I unwrapped the bread, I broke off a piece and took a bite while my mate lite the fireplace, heating up the room. The weather was much colder here, making my bones ache from the drastic change in temperature.
"I'll run us a shower and then we need to get some sleep so we can travel during the night. We also need to hunt to keep up our strength and I know just the place." He smiled then kissed my forehead before entering the bathroom and turning on the water.
I walked around the room checking out the knickknacks when there was a knock on the door. Looking through the peep hole, I saw an older lady with short white hair holding a tray of water and Danish in her hands.
Opening the door, I smiled as she laughed and said, "Welcome to Rosedale, Luna."
My heart started pounding as she rushed past me into the room and set the tray down on the table just as Bishop exited the bathroom. When he saw her, he wrapped the little old lady in a warm hug and said, “Avia!" Then kissed her on the cheek.
She grabbed his face in her hands and started to cry and said, "I never thought I would see you again my child."
Looking over at me, his eyes gleamed with love as he walked towards me and said, "Ember, this is my grandmother, Agnes. Avia, this is Ember, my mate."
Reaching out to shake her hand, she pushed it away and wrapped her arms around me taking me by surprise. "I-it's nice to meet you, Mrs. Agnes."
She pulled away and said, "Phooey, call me Avia, you are family." She brushed my hair from my face and cupped my cheek saying, "Bishop, she is beautiful! She is going to make gorgeous pups one day."
Sensing my panic, Bishop grabbed her arm and said, "Let's not scare her away, Avia." Then whispered into her ear, "But you're right." As he smiled back at me.
Just hearing him agree with this woman, who knew nothing about me, that I would make a great mother settled the nerves inside. Sure, one day we would have pups but there was still so much to do before then and he and I had just marked each other, so the baby discussion was a little too soon for us both.
We talked with her for another half an hour before she excused herself to let us get some rest and as soon as she left the room we took a quick shower then both collapsed on the bed ready for some uninterrupted sleep. Ten glorious hours later, I opened my eyes and looked over at my mate still snoozing away.
Careful not to disturb him, I got out of bed and went to the bathroom to pee and brush my teeth. Throwing on a t-shirt and some leggings, I tiptoed out the door and headed downstairs for something to eat. Rounding the corner, I saw Avia in the kitchen stirring a pot and the smell danced around my nose making my stomach growl.
"Come in child. Supper is almost ready and you need to keep up your strength."
Laughing as I entered the room, I walked by her side as a few of her other guests came in and sat at the table. "Can I help you with anything?" I asked.
"You can make the salad." She said while pointing to the lettuce in the sink.
Washing my hands before picking up the leaves of Romaine, I dried them off then began tearing them up into the bowl. Next I chopped up the bacon for homemade bacon bits and placed them into a smaller bowl along with some shredded cheese and croutons.
Taking everything with me, I placed them each on the table then returned to the kitchen for more things to help with.
Once the table was served, I set a place for Bishop and I then ran upstairs to wake him up. Entering the room, I could still hear his soft snores as he laid there peacefully under the covers. I walked over to him and kissed the tip of his nose making him wriggle it then he grabbed me, pulling me into the bed on top of him.
“As much as I would love to stay like this, Avia has cooked us a delicious supper and we need to get back on the road.”
He groaned and said “I’m getting up but you better not deny me again or you’ll pay for it Red.”
His threat sent tingles racing through my body as my core began to heat up. Images of blindfolds and being tied to his bed popped into my mind and I knew it was his fantasy he was projecting onto me.
Blushing, I quickly ran out the room before he made good on his promise and kept me locked in the room for the whole night. When I sat down, I noticed an expectant couple across the table from me and I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her rubbing her baby bump. Her pregnancy glow was radiating, as if illuminating the whole room with light and her husband was just as happy.
I continued to stare when I felt Bishop brush his hand across my back as he sat down next to me. Quickly looking away from the joyous sight before me, I smiled at my mate and grabbed his hand bringing it to my lips and kissing his knuckles. We ate in silence as everyone around us buzzed with conversation but I had an inner peace that was comfortable and much needed.
After supper we packed the car full of delicious food and treats from Avia. She wanted to make sure we were fed properly for the rest of the trip as well as bringing some of his mother's favorites to her.
"Ember, I am so glad I got to meet you. Please take care of my grandson for me and don't let him push you around." She said as she winked then hugged me.
After our goodbyes, we drove off for another long ride ahead of us, planning to stop again tomorrow morning before we made it across the border to his stepfather's pack. I couldn't contain my excitement as well as my hesitation at meeting them, especially obtaining the Luna wisdom his mother would be able to pass along to me.
Awwwww, she got to meet his grandmother and she seems like a feisty one. I hope we get to see more of her because I'm pretty curious as to why she is living in Minnesota among the humans.
I sense a little baby fever consuming Ember, wonder if Bishop noticed and if he feels the same way!!!
Soon they will be in Canada, how will the introduction go? Does anyone think it will be a disaster or a good thing? And if his mother does like her, will she be willing to give her any advice?