Gabe
Some of the pack members have already left for Desert Moon. It’s only a weekend trip yet I’ve been hauling bag after bag to trucks and jeeps all morning.
If it weren’t for the AC in the packhouse I’d be sweating my ass off. Alpha Joshua helps load the cart while I see how many bags I can hold with one hand.
“This is the last bag I swear!” Mavy giggles. “Can’t be too sure of what we’re going to wear and what we might need,” she blushes.
Alpha Joshua grabs it from her and puts it on the cart. “I’m sure you guys have everything you need. Be outside in 10 minutes Mavy.” He tells her sternly.
We make our way downstairs and my hands are getting tired. “Excuse me Ady,” I huff out.
She moves out of the way, “Sorry Gabe, I was daydreaming,” she says deep in thought.
A heatwave hits me and I can feel myself sweating. “I’m ready to hit the road and get there,” I tell Alpha.
“I know what you mean it’s not too far away so we will get there quick,” Alpha tells me.
“Can I ask you for a favor Gabe?” Alpha asks after we get all the suitcases and bags loaded.
“Of course, Alpha,” I tell him.
“Could you keep an eye on Mavy this weekend? I’m going to be busy and with all the unmated males around,” he says nervously.
“Yes, Alpha. She’s like a little sister to me. I’ll bug her this weekend,” I reassure him.
“Thank you, Gabe. I can breathe a little better now.” Alpha says while he shuts his jeep door.
“Morning Adea,” Joshua says as we turn around.
“Women and their things,” I groan.
Alpha throws his head back and laughs, “You think this is bad? This is just for a weekend trip.”
“Morning Alpha,” Ady nods as she greets Alpha.
“What’re you going to do when you find your mate, Gabe?” Alpha asks and it’s quiet until I realize he’s asking me.
“I don’t think I’ll find her. It’s been a year since I’ve turned 18 and I have yet to find her… Not that I’ve been looking,” I say while trying to hide my embarrassment.
“Well, we are going to the biggest ball of the year. With so many packs on one territory, your chances are really high.” Ady encourages me.
“Haha… yeah,” I say scratching my head. “Are your bags packed Ady?” She’s not one for fashion and dressing up but I know she’s got some stuff from shopping.
“Yeah, I’m all packed and ready to go.” She says.
“My stuff is already in my car, I just have to grab some snacks for the road. I’ll grab it and head to your room to help with your stuff.” I tell her.
She turns and heads to her room. While I’m packing my phone beeps.
Shane- We’re heading out now. Let me know when you guys make it to Desert Moon.
I’m not friends with Shane and we don’t hang out but after the way Ady cried, I’m definitely not fond of him.
Throwing my phone in my pocket, I grab the bags of snacks and head to the car. Time to get this show on the road.
***
Adea
I take off the scrunchie that was in my hair and let my hair loose. Driving in Gabe’s red 1970 Dodge Challenger was a vibe. It was scorching outside but with the windows down and the wind in my hair. It was close to paradise.
I look down at the book I’m currently reading. As soon as I open it Gabe snatches it out of my hands. “No no no, we are not reading a book on this road trip. Save your book for when you’re in your room before bed or something,” he says as he tosses my book to the back seat.
I chew on my bottom lip, “Fineee. What’ve we got to snack on?” I unbuckle and reach into the back seat to look through the bags.
“We got everything you need. Chips, gummy bears, gummy worms, and chocolate.” He says proudly.
I snag a bag of tropical flavored gummy bears and sit back. “Ready for the ball?” He asks while I pop a few yummy little gummies into my mouth.
I snort so hard I choke on them. “I’m ready for it to be over,” I say as sweetly as possible. He runs his hand through his hair and chuckles.
“I know what you mean. Everyone wants to find their mate but I’m kind of resigned to the idea. I’m happy with how my life is right now,” he says honestly.
“Do you think a mate would ruin your happy life?” I say as I grab a handful.
“I don’t think they’d ruin it, I’m just content, you know?” I chew and think about what he said. “I think I know what you mean. I don’t want for much…” my voice trails off as I think of Shane.
“So you going to tell me what’s going on between you and our future Alpha?” He asks. I don’t hear any judgment in his voice. “He wanted me to let him know when we get there. Is there something I should know?”
It’s not cold but I shiver when I think of Shane. I pull my legs up to my chest and cross my arms. “Honestly, I don’t even know what’s going on,” I murmur.
Sensing my discomfort Gabe changes the subject and the rest of the drive goes by filled with laughs and ends with me throwing a handful of gummy bears at him.
The greenery has disappeared and has been replaced by farmlands. There’s a small city area up ahead and Gabe lets out a low whistle when we realize we’re staring at Desert Moon.
Tall buildings and shops welcome us to Desert Moon territory. I knew they were doing good but this is basically a small city.
We pass a big sign that says, “Welcome to Desert Moon”.