Talons

Chapter 136: The SUV'i'

Miracle’s POV

I don’t know what my cousin did to me, but after she reminded me of my own words, I could feel some of my sadness lift, and in a moment of clarity, I was able to understand just how big of a mistake I was going to make.

My mate is listening to B speak, but I’ve since tuned her out and I walk up to him with a single purpose.

I slap him hard enough to make his eyes go wide, and I’m sure he thinks I was expressing my anger. In a way, I was, but not for the reason he may believe.

“Don’t you ever compare yourself to anyone else,” I sob, and Dolton pulls me into his chest, hugging me tightly.

“I’m sorry: I was desperate.”

“Didn’t you hear me tell you that I wanted to be raided? Why would you think I want anyone else?”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry; I’ll never do it again.” Dolton kisses my face all over and I cling to him tightly, forcing him to pick me up so I can lay my head on his shoulder.

We stand there for a long time apologizing to one another about dumb things that we probably didn’t need to say sorry for, but in the moment, it felt right. 

“I will stop trying to force you to abandon your pack’s traditions, but I want you to make changes for me.”

“Anything,” Dolton adds, and my eyes start to tear up again, scaring my mate. “Hey, what did I say wrong? I’m sorry, okay?” I nod, and he puts me down so he can look into my eyes. “What do you want changed?”

“I can’t do it in a tent. Can we at least rent a camper?” Dolton starts chuckling at my words before picking me up and heading out of the garden.

“Done,” my mate says.

Rhea’s POV

I wish that I could be happy for my cousin, but right now, all things about being fated make me feel like my heart is bleeding.

I don't trust in the bond, and while I never wanted a mate, if I had to have one, I would have preferred him to have been a complete stranger, just like Miracle and Dolton.

They are learning about one another as they go, and while the bond helps them, their interests seem to overlap quite a bit.

I don't care what anyone says, Dolton likes K-dramas, that's why he watches them, because there is no way he's doing it to be nice.

I tried and I failed after two episodes. I don’t understand why people would want to feel depressed as entertainment, but I know it’s not for me.

Anyway, the point I wanted to make to her has been sent across successfully, and while I'm a little worried for her when she travels, I plan to ask titi Beautiful to go with her. 

Dolton probably won't like that, but if he's serious about making my cousin his luna, it's a much better fix than having her pretend that he's another man.

Realizing that Miracle and Dolton need privacy, I leave the garden, but they follow me out and I can hear them whispering sweet nothings to one another which has me further depressed.

"Of all the people in the alliance," Sylvia says, and I can't help but to chuckle self-deprecatingly. 

It's amazing to me that only a third of the werewolf population has a fated partner; despite the odds, not only did I make the cut, but so did Colton and of all the options, he’s fated to me.

"Stupid," Sylvia says, and I chuckle again. She really can't believe how unlucky we are, and what's worse is that a lot of devout believers would consider me blessed.

Dolton's POV

As B spoke, I could feel some of my sadness fade away. I can't help but to stare at her as she gently rebukes my mate, and when Miracle slapped me, I somehow know it’ll be okay between us.

I start hoping that B actually gives Colt a chance because he also needs emotional healing. I got away from our father on time, and while my grandfather is also a jerk, he wasn't abusive, just sexists as hell.

Colt and B have no idea how perfect they are for one another, but I see it in the things they’ve forgotten. 

Even when she was telling a story to the little boy with the blackeye gave me chills.

When we were little, my mother used to read to us in her garden after my father would fly into an unhinged rage and hit us.

I remember my brother telling me that his mate would also read to their pup in the same place, and I remember looking at him like he was crazy because I knew he wasn't talking about either of the twins.

I guess the pair must have hated each other so much that they blocked their childhood memories together out of their minds, but before I leave this pack, I will try to help them remember.

In the meantime, I have already linked my brother who I know is either already having a heart attack or close to having one. 

I cannot wait to see the look on his face when he sees it.

Colton's POV

Dolton mind-linked me to come outside with Trey and Carter, and since he’s having trouble with his mate, it didn't feel right to say no.

I stepped out of the packhouse and stumbled backward several feet as my eyes took in the sight in front of me.

I don't care how I look right now, but I found myself tapping the shoulder of the equally shocked Trey for confirmation that I'm not dreaming, and when I turn to Carter, the response is confirmed.

I dash forward, reverently touching the vehicle, hating the fact that there is a thin layer of dust on it, and I swear I need to give its owner a word of advice about its care.

I link my brother, wanting to know whose car it is, and he cryptically responds, telling me that I will find out soon. I just step back and wait, hoping that the person will at least let me sit inside of it.

Rhea's POV

My eyes went wide when I saw my car covered in dust and I jogged up to her in concern. I'm not paying attention to anyone as I open the doors to inspect the inside, and I'm horrified when I see a large piece of luggage on the seat. 

I start openly ranting about its dirty wheels and the audacity. I unceremoniously pull it out the door, quickly going into my glove compartment to get a leather wipe for the upholstery.

I felt another person join me after I pulled out the wash wipes, and before I knew it, Suvi was looking good again.

I turn to thank the person, who I assumed was Miracle or Crystal, but I'm shocked to see Colton.

"Is she yours?" He asks, and I slowly nod.

I don't know what Miracle was thinking by bringing my car here. Now, I'll have to leave without her.

"No!" Sylvia says resolutely. "We will need her to escape."

"Can I?" Colton asks, interrupting my wolf's rant about 'abandonment.'

I look at Suvi in concern because I'm afraid Colton will do something spiteful to her. He has been somewhat cold lately, and if Miracle mentioned how much I love my car, he may use it against me.

Colton's POV

Seeing my mate run toward the car and throw the things inside of it sprang me into action.

I noticed the wash wipes in the glove, and as she pulled them out, I took some as well, cleaning the car to a shine before stepping back and looking at it in satisfaction.

It still needs a good wash and a hot wax, but that's a job for a professional.

With the moment passed, my eyes land on my mate, once again shocked.

"Is she yours?" I ask, hoping she says yes. 

I have always wanted this model of SUV but at 97k, I just couldn't afford it.

My mate nods and I drop all pride to ask if I can drive it. If she says no, I will one hundred percent understand, but I really want her to say yes.

I look over at my brother who has Miracle creepily held in his arms while he smiles at me.

"What the f*ck is going on?" I link, and my brother tells me to ask my mate, so I do.

"Rhea, babe. This car is expensive."

"But she's beautiful," my mate replies, looking at the car with pride.

"It's my dream car," I add, and Rhea's eyes snap to me in confusion.

She frowns before timidly handing me the keys and I let out a breath I hadn't known I was holding.

"If you're going to go far, make sure you only put premium gas in her. Suvi hasn't been driven in a while so…" My mate rambles off a bunch of rules for her car and I nod along before jumping into the vehicle and turning the engine over.

Her face looks conflicted, but I promise her that I won't disrespect her things, especially since somehow 'Suvi' is also mine; I left that part out though.

My seat starts moving and adjusting to my height and I swear I could have just sat there and been completely satisfied, but the passenger door opens and Trey climbs in.

I look at my mate who seems even more conflicted than before, so I try to calm her worry telling her I won't go far, but that wasn't her issue.

"I just… Please don't bring women inside." I noticed that my mate was glaring at Trey and for some reason, I’m happy that he’s the one she doesn’t trust, not me.

“Did you hear your luna?” I ask mockingly, and Trey rolls his eyes.

“Yes, luna, I will not invite any women into your car; not that Colt would let me.” I chuckle at my gamma, who used a monotone voice to speak, so I know he was planning to use Suvi to at least get numbers.

Rhea seems satisfied by his words, but she corrects his use of the luna title before gesturing for Carter to join us. I know that he’s waiting for permission from his mate, and when he gets it, he gingerly climbs into the back as if the leather will break under his weight.

“Oh,” Rhea says. “Press that little button if you park.” Curious, I push it, (I am parked,) and everyone gasps.

“Intelligent windows?!” I ask in excitement.