If I had to guess, I’d say Ri’s the oldest, Sol’s the middle child and Kel’s the youngest. But it’s just a hunch.
They’re all magnificent in their beauty though.
“We’re all set. Let’s get you into town,” Kel says, motioning for me to follow.
We walk outside together, the crisp morning air hitting my face as we step into the small car park. I make a beeline for mycar, instinctively heading towards it. But just as I reach for the door, Ri’s hand closes over mine, stopping me.
“Your car’s not going to make it,” he says, his voice firm but calm.
I frown, pulling my hand back. “What do you mean? It’s fine. I’ve driven it here already.”
Kel shakes his head. “Not for long. It won’t make it all the way into town and unless you fancy walking the rest of the way, I’d suggest you ride with us. We’ve got the truck ready for you.”
Ri leans against the side of their truck, arms crossed, watching me with a smirk. “Yeah, trust us. You’re better off riding with us.”
I hesitate, glancing at my car. “How do you know my car won’t make it?”
Sol looks at me sideways, a knowing glint in his eye. “It was struggling last time you drove it, wasn’t it? I bet it broke down more than once.”
My mouth falls open slightly, surprised. “How did you know?”
“Magic,” Ri says, shrugging like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Spells Hollow doesn’twantvisitors and it employs every trick in its magical arsenal to keep strangers out.”
I can’t exactly argue with that. I was lucky to even make it as far as I did. Sighing in resignation, I walk over to their truck. I flush, feeling a little embarrassed.
“Yeah, it did break down. Sol’s right. But then again, he was with me…wasn’t he?”
“Yeah that was me,” Sol admits with a sheepish grin.
“And Ri was the arsehole to you in the lobby that day?”
“Correct again.” He grins.
A thought occurs to me. “Are you all identical in your dog-forms too? Will I be able to tell you apart?”
“We’re pretty similar.” Sol shrugs. “You might be able to, once you spend a bit more time with us.”
I don't know what to say to that, but I’m saved from having to answer as Ri cuts in. “You’re riding up front with us,” Ri says, opening the passenger door for me.
The truck is massive compared to my car. I try to climb in, but it’s so ridiculously high. I squeal when strong arms grab my waist and hoist me into the cab.
“Not necessary!” I huff, indignant at being picked up and moved around like a small child.
A sharp slap on my ass has me scrambling forward into the middle seat, rubbing at the tender spot. “Arsehole,” I grumble under my breath, trying to ignore the flash of heat coursing through my body.
Ri chuckles, but says nothing and then walks around the truck to the driver’s side. Sol climbs in beside me. It’s a squeeze. The heat of both their bodies presses against mine, making the small space feel even smaller.
I have to resist the urge to fan myself, but when I swallow, the sound is loud and telling in the quiet of the cab. My cheeks flush.
Kel hops into the back, shutting the door behind him. “Alright, let’s get going.”
“Seatbelts,” Ri grunts. Everyone wordlessly obeys. Guess it’s not just me he’s an arsehole to then.
He starts the engine, the truck rumbling to life beneath us, and pulls out of the car park with ease. The ride is smooth, nothing like the rattling death trap of my own car, and I can’t help but feel a small sense of relief that I’m not the one driving for once.
As we head into town, I glance at Ri, who’s focused on the road ahead, his hands steady on the wheel.
“So you can just...tell when cars are about to break down?”