Page 56 of Father of the Wolf

“Who knows, he may suit Lasair. She has odd tastes,” Reultan said with a laugh.

“Perhaps we should warn him off of Allaidh,” Rath said. “She would eat him alive.”

“He might just enjoy being eaten!” Hope grinned.

“He most likely would not survive it,” Rath growled in irritation.

“But I can think of no better way to go. Can you?” Reultan slapped his brother’s back.

“Certainly, no better way,” Rath agreed with a laugh.

“Díon and Reultan will be with Steve to protect him from any unwanted attention,” Athair said. “Hope, do you have a wagon?”

“Yes. A Volkswagen.”

“So, you can teach us to drive while we wait for the others to return?” Athair knew this would be hard for her. He could easily feel her fear of driving, but they needed to get past it. This was only one more step in her healing.

“Athair, I don’t drive.”

“But you can, if the need arises.” He laid his hand on her thigh. She was tense, like prey that had caught the scent of danger. He channeled his strength into her, letting her feel his confidence in her abilities.

“Yes. I know how to drive.”

Good. I need you to teach me. He sensed her immediate withdrawal, as if she thought he was the threat. Yet he wouldn’t allow her to run from this fear any longer.

“Please. I don’t drive.”

“Then why keep a wagon?” He heard the defeat in her tone. She would do this for him, but she resented being asked. The thought that healing her might hurt their future together made him hesitate. But he pushed her for her own good.

“For Granny, and for emergencies.”

“This is an emergency. What if we need to run from here? I need to know how to drive. I do understand how difficult this will be for you, but it’s important. It may save our lives.” Athair sighed as he felt her thigh relax under his palm. Hope was ready to face her fear. She was finally ready to heal.

“All right.”

Steve returned with the map, and Sgrios showed him the general location of the teaghlach. Steve furrowed his brow as he searched for the best route to get there. He chose Route 80, because they would make better time on a larger highway. It would only take three to four hours to get there, depending on the traffic.

Athair frowned. It had taken them almost three weeks to travel that distance on foot. He needed to learn how to drive. It would have to be a priority. And maybe they could see about a phone as well. He would like a way to stay in touch with family that was out of range of his telepathic abilities. He had been wondering how the trips to local towns had gone, but he had no way of finding out. Because Sgrios had brought Reultan and Díon east as back up, he hadn’t gone back to the teaghlach yet, either.

Some of his worry must have been caught by Hope, because she turned to Steve. “You should stop and call us from the first town on the way home.”

“I can do that. How soon should we leave?”

“How soon can you?” Sgrios asked bluntly.

“Now, I guess. We can be back by late tonight,” Steve answered. “Especially if someone can spell me for some of the driving.”

“If you’ll teach us, we can both help you drive.” Reultan said. He motioned toward Díon, who continued to be silent.

“I can teach you. Let’s go.” Steve picked up the map, and the three of them headed for the car. Reultan and Díon followed Steve without comment.

Athair watched them go. A few minutes later, he heard the car start and pull down the driveway. At least that part of the plan was in action. If there was no other benefit, at least the boys would learn the basics of driving a car.

Sgrios was obviously ready to start his task as well. He stood and started toward the woods, then turned back. “Dàn, do you know where Sandulfr is now? It could save me some tracking time.”

Dàn looked thoughtful for a long minute, and then said, “South of here, about four miles.”

“Thanks.”

---