Kelly woke up nestled into Darren’s arms. She was surprised to find herself there. She was used to waking up in the room down the hall. Even that was strange for her sometimes. She was used to her comfortable bedroom at home. But she was definitely starting to get used to this place, as she gazed down at Darren’s sleeping form beside her. He awoke almost immediately upon sensing her wakefulness, and gave her a small smile.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said, sitting up and running his hands through his salt-and-pepper hair. “I was just dreaming about you.”
“Oh really?” Kelly asked, smiling at him. “What were you dreaming about?”
“I was dreaming we were starting a family together. It was one of the most rewarding feelings I have ever had. Would you want that? The family?”
Kelly swallowed hard. “I think I would. I never knew my real parents. So, I guess I’ve always kind of wanted to be a parent myself. But I never thought I would find anybody I wanted to do that with. Everybody from my small town is way too close-minded and selfish for something like that. I wouldn’t want to raise anybody out there. But here, maybe it would be different.”
“Here it would definitely be different,” Darren said, nodding firmly. “We need all the shifters on this planet we can get. Sometimes I am worried that we are going to become extinct here before we ever make our way back home.”
“That would be a terrifying reality,” Kelly said, shaking her head slowly. “I don’t want to think about anything like that happening.”
“Me either, but it is a distinct possibility. Anyway, how are you? Did you sleep well? Are you okay?”
Kelly laughed and shook her head. He was being very protective today. “Yes, I’m perfectly fine. Thank you.”
Darren gazed at her and then gave a small nod. “Good. I always want to make sure you are good.”
He was so sweet for something so scary, and Kelly laughed. “I don’t think anybody here would ever believe what kind of man you truly are.”
“I’m not sure if you know what kind of man I truly am yet,” Darren said, a mischievous glint in his eye.
It sent a surge of excitement through Kelly, and she laughed, shaking her head at him. “I don’t know why, but you make me feel like a teenager.”
“Well, it probably wasn’t that long ago for you, was it?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, and smiling at her. “Not like it is for me, I’m an old man.”
“I don’t know about that,” Kelly said, frowning. “I mean, I know there is an age difference here, but it can’t be that big of a deal, can it?”
Darren chuckled. “I don’t know about that either. But it’s going to be fine. No matter what we do, there is time on our side. I firmly believe that now.”
“I can’t help but think you are right about that at least,” Kelly said, laughing. “You know what? I have never cooked for you yet. I want to. Would you mind?”
“Oh, is that something you are interested in?” Darren asked.
“Yes, it’s one of my many passions.”
“Oh, so what is one of your other passions?” Darren asked, lounging comfortably with her in the bed. She almost wondered if he was just trying to keep her there, so they could continue what they had started and finished last night.
“I have a great passion for learning,” Kelly said. “And reading. I really want to go to school someday. I want an education. But, my adoptive parents didn’t want to sink the money into that kind of thing. They thought it was more important for me to inherit their business. But I don’t want it. I told them that. I know it hurt their feelings, but I have to be able to live my own life. I felt like I had to come here and do this.”
Darren took in this information quietly and then gave a subtle nod. “I think you had to do this too. Not just because I want you here or because we are meant to be together. But because there is so much more potential here. Your town was a terrible place. You deserve to be somewhere that you are able to run free and have your gifts recognized. And you know, you have a gift far beyond anything you might find in a town you are from. It is an independent spirit that resides within you and compels you toward doing great things.”
“I feel more at peace here than I did with my parents. I never thought that would be possible. And I don’t know if it’s just because of you, or if there’s something special about this land.”
“As much as I would love to take credit for that, I think the answer lies in Oak Mountain. There is a great sense of purpose here. We’re building something special and unique. And not only that, but we are also attempting to find our way back. I’m glad you like it here. I love that you are comfortable. I love that you stayed in my room last night, and I hope you will continue to do so. I understand if that is not what you want, because you are independent and have a strong desire for your own privacy as well.”
Kelly shook her head, dumbfounded by the incredible caring of the man she had slowly begun to fall head over heels in love with.
“I would really like to stay in here with you.”
Darren smiled and gave a firm nod. “It is settled then. That is what we are going to do.”