Three
Duncan
Once we are settled into the SUV and are on the road, I can hear her stomach growling. I cannae help chuckling.
“Sorry. In my haste to get here, I manage not to eat anything today.”
“That's not good, you must take care of yersel’.” Her soft fingers are delicately stroking my rougher ones. The light touch is a soothing balm, which is completely unexpected.
A few seconds later there is a pale light from the passenger side of the car. Much like from a mobile phone. Suddenly, I ‘have’ to work hard to control a shift from happening in the SUV. I have never had such a strong urge to shift unless there was some kind of danger. Taking my eyes off the road for a split second, I glance over and realize the pale light is emanating from her fingertips.
“You are the Light,” I chokingly whisper. This startles her and causes a chain reaction. She pulls her hand away from mine, which makes the light go out and I look back at the road in time to narrowly miss a deer.
She clutches her chest as I swerve hard. Due to the heavy rain that has been steadily falling since we left the airport, the SUV starts to hydroplane a bit, but I am able to correct it.
“I am the Light. Specifically, I'm your light.” Her answer doesn’t make much sense to me.
“What does that mean, exactly?” I ask, paying close attention to the fucking road.
“Well, that’s the thing. As far as I know, I am the first of my kind and have no basis for comparison. My ‘understanding’ is that I am supposed to help you.”
“The first of yer kind? Do you have any idea how powerful our cubs will be?”
“No, but I can’t wait to find out,” she pauses. I glance over again. She looks mortified. “I mean-”
“I know exactly what ye mean, lass,” I growl at her. She absentmindedly strokes my hand again. I drive until I find a roadside diner. It is lit up with neon signs. After parking, we get out of the car and walk hand in hand inside. Following the sign to please be seated, we head to a small booth in the back of the restaurant. I hate having my back to the door, so I sit on the side facing it.
“I,” I start to say at the same times she says, “You.”
“You go first,” I say.
“I forgot what I was going to say,” she says as the waitress walks up to the table.
“Hiya, folks. I’m Doris. What can I get ya to drink?”
“I’ll have a coffee, please. And would you bring lots of creamer over?” When Doris nods, she finishes with “Thanks.” Her smile is bright.
“For you sir?”
“I’ll have a black coffee and a large glass of ice water. Thanks”
“No problem. Do you know what you want to eat?”
“Cheeseburger and lots of fries,” Gypsy says.
“I’ll take four cheeseburgers and lots of fries.” I laugh when Doris’ eyes go wide. “I have to keep my strength up to deal with this one here.” Gypsy giggles.
“You’re one of them shifters, aren’t you?” She says with a huge smile. Surely, I am not the first one she has met.
“Aye. First shifter?”
“No, I was just gonna say that’s a lot of food. I’ll get your order in and out to you as soon as it’s ready.”
“Thanks.” Doris leaves the table side and for the first time, I can stare at my Mate without prying eyes on us. She rubs a spot on the tip of her cute upturned nose.
“What? Do I have something on my face?” She asks.
“Nae. I am just getting my fill of you. Memorizing yer face. I feel I already know the rest of ye so well, but I dinnae understand why yer face was kept from me.” Another waitress silently drops off our drinks and then moves away from the table so quickly that neither of us could offer our thanks. Strange bird.
“I am not sure, because I’ve always known what you look like. Nothing was kept from me. Maybe I got to see all of you, so I wouldn’t be frightened. You knew I was your’s based on scent, right?” Her over annunciation of “nothing” has me thinking she knows what she is in for when it comes to my cock. I nod, and she continues. “I don’t have that ability, so maybe Fate thought this was fairer or something.” She shrugs, and I can’t help being fascinated by her.
“I agree with that. Are you tired?”
“Very much so. It’s been a long ass day.”
“I am as well. I could sleep for days. I suggest we get a couple of rooms tonight. There was a sign a few miles back for a hotel. I think Halloween is when we are supposed to be in Manchester anyhow.”
“A couple of rooms? Better not be the Bates Motel,” she mutters. I feel it’s wise to keep my laughter to myself.
“Of course, I need to be sure of your wishes to share a room. And I would ne’er take ye someplace that was unsafe.” Not that any man is a match for my bear.
“I’ve waited my whole life for you, Duncan. I will not be apart from you another fucking instant. How is that for reassurances?”
“That settles it then,” I say, as Doris delivers our food.
“Anything else, loves?” Doris asks. Gypsy looks at me and I shake my head since my mouth is already full and she answers for us.
“No, we’re good. Thanks, Doris.” She leaves, and Gypsy directs her attention back to me. “What do you think we need to be in Manchester for? I am curious as to why suddenly it was do or die?”
“I have been wondering the same thing myself, but I have not been able to come up with a sufficient reason,” I reply.
We talk some more while we finish eating. Finally, I pay the bill and we head back towards the car. A few more miles down the road, we stop at the Elysian Motel. It’s not the luxury hotel she deserves, but it will do for the night.