Page 129 of Awakened
The road in front of the little white house was littered with potholes, and I swear Zach hit every single one.
He drove over a particularly deep hole just before pulling into the driveway.
Leaning forward, resting my elbows on the backs of the front seats, I glared at Zach. “Are you shooting for a perfect pothole score or something?”
He winced. “Sorry, Sunshine. I’m not used to driving such a big vehicle.”
“Mm-hmm.” I looked over at Chastity’s confused face. “You okay, kid?”
“Uh, yeah. I’ve just never heard anyone, especially a woman, talk to a beta like that or a beta apologize. I’m. . .”
I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it. Hope has.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I caught Hope holding back a laugh.
“Well, I’m going to head into the house. I need Grandma Rose to check my ankle.”
Chastity darted out of the van. She tried to help me, but I nearly took her down. The Perkins clan was a tiny one, for sure.
Zach gently moved her out of the way and swung me into his arms.
“You don’t have to do that.”
He effortlessly carried me up to the house. “Shh, let me at least do this. You did the heavy lifting today. Let me carry you.”
“Are you saying I’m heavy?” I asked in a shocked tone.
He looked horrified. “No, no, of course not. I meant, let me carry the load. Not that you’re a load. It’s just—you take on so many burdens. Oh Goddess, that’s not any better, is it?”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter any longer.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Les. Don’t do that!”
I lightly slapped his cheek. “Payback for the potholes, babe. Deal with it.”
He placed me on the couch, getting me a blanket and pillow as if I was incapable of lifting my arm six inches. “I’ll get Grandma Rose for you.”
Quickly grabbing the burner, I texted the Howlers.
It’s done. I have the jump drive. I’ll upload the files soon.
Good work. How are you doing?
Fine. Ankle sprain, no biggie.
And your nerves? How are you coping?
I’m fine. You’re not my shrink.
No, I’m not, but I am concerned about you.
I blew the hair out of my face. I hated it when the Howlers played buddy-buddy. They knew too much about me, making me wonder how long they’d been watching me before I was tapped for service.
Fine. I feel better than after Toledo, worse than after the Ozarks. My ankle is twisted, and I'm terrified because I’m in the same town as the people I just stole from.
I’m sorry, Les. You’re doing a fantastic job. Please rest tonight. I’m watching you and don’t plan on leaving. If there’s any trouble, I’ll swoop in just like in Toledo.
My whole body shivered. I could feel the ropes that bound my wrists as if it were yesterday. Without the Howlers, I would have become one of the missing women. Instead, we saved two.
