Chapter 903 Chapter 903
Going for a run seemed like the perfect thing to do before he left. It would give his animal a chance to run off some energy, and it was easier to spend time with Ena when he couldn’t do something he shouldn’t, like begging her to come with him.
They’d spent most of the night before together, just talking, kissing, and hugging. Just being in each other’s company made him feel so many good things at once. Leaving was going to suck.
What he hadn’t anticipated was his animal being difficult when it was time to shift back. Never before had he had to negotiate with him to change back. Now, he was going to stay for breakfast when the plan had been to grab something to go and leave at dawn. The weather forecast was going to be a bit sketchy until he reached the border to the Dakotas, so he wanted to be on the road early.
Dressing quickly before his coyote changed his mind, he hurried back to where he knew Ena would be waiting for him.
She gave him a quick smile. “My animal is not in a cooperative mood this morning.”
That made him feel slightly better. “Same. I had to negotiate staying for breakfast so I could get my skin back.”
“Well, I guess we’re having breakfast then.”
He nodded and pulled her closer for a hug. Leaning down, he pushed his face into her hair and inhaled. “You’re going to have to shove me into the van and tell me to go after that. I don’t think I’m strong enough to drive away from you.”
She looked at him. “What makes you think I am?”
He kissed her forehead and started to walk, bringing her with him. “I know you are.”
“I was thinking if you have to drive this clan somewhere after you find them, that I could come for the drive.”
He looked to see the hopeful look in her eyes. “Yeah, that’s a great idea. I’ll go locate them and see what the situation is like. If I’m not moving them and have to stay a few days, you could come down and stay with me.”
She nodded and then smiled. “I like that idea. My animal does too.”
Foster couldn’t sense what his animal was feeling. He knew he was there and figured after what happened shifting back, he was probably just pouting. Who knew they could be dramatic like that?
She stopped, stretched up, and kissed him. “I’ll go see if Aunt Heidi is up and then get breakfast started.”
Foster smiled. “I’m just going to double check I have enough snacks and things for the drive.” He knew he did, but he had to step away from her for a few minutes. It was harder to do each time, but if he didn’t have things places where he always did for the drive, he’d have to stop to locate them. The fewer stops meant he could get there faster.
Reaching the van, he opened the passenger door and leaned in. Putting this phone in the holder, he looked around inside. Map book under passenger visor, because sometimes it was easier than zooming in and out on a screen to find somewhere. That and he put red dots on the places he’d been. His red dots were now below the border, he thought.
“Foster.”
He turned to see Jesse walking toward him with Evanna. They were both carrying what looked like medical supply totes.
“We’ll switch out yours with these. Ours are fully stocked.”
That’s why he’s boss, he thought. Foster had forgotten that half of his was gone after Betty had shopped in them.
Going around, he opened the back and located his. Pulling them out, he set them on the ground and took the one Evanna was holding.
“We’ll keep an eye on your girl.” She smiled. “Scare off any animals nearby.”
Foster wondered if she meant her and Jesse or her cat. Either way, he’d take it. “Thanks.”
“I put two cases of protein drinks in while you went for your run.
“And a box of snacks,” Evanna said. “You might need those.”
Foster took the tote from Jesse. “Snacks are always good.”
“Oaklyn talked to the girls, and they were able to describe a few landmarks. I’ll text them to you. It might help you find the right direction faster.”
Foster glanced at Orson’s. “Faster is good.” He closed the door.
“Are you still okay with this?”
He shook his head. “Not really, but I’ll do it.” He looked at the house again. “If I have to stay or transport, Ena’s going to come down.”
Jesse nodded. “We’ll get her there.”
Ena came back outside. She was carrying a bag. “Aunt Heidi is up and has made you lunch for later.” She smiled. “Probably enough for dinner in here, too.”
Foster took the bag, went around, and set it on the passenger seat. “Food is always good.” It was, normally, but he wasn’t feeling it right now.
Ena looked at Jesse and Evanna. “Would you like to join us for breakfast?”
Evanna looked at her mate. “We’re going to patrol.”
Jesse turned to Foster. “Fog is coming in again, so you should go soon.”
“Yeah. Just going to eat and then head out.”
Jesse put his arm around Evanna, and with a nod, they walked toward the trees.
Ena watched them until they were out of sight. “I don’t understand it, but they really aren’t alike, are they?”
He knew she was referring to Leah and Evanna. “Not at all.” His stomach was in knots. “So, what’s on the menu?”
She smiled, and he could see in her eyes that she was feeling the dread, too. “Bacon and sausage, I know you like your meats at breakfast and eggs with toast. Aunt Heidi is a traditionalist for breakfast.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that.” He held out his hand for hers. Inside, he was trying to remind himself why he had to leave her. He had to do this. There was a clan out there that needed help. It was his job, and he’d get it done. All of the other couples didn’t stop doing their jobs when they found their mates, and he wasn’t going to either.
“We’ve got this,” she whispered, and he squeezed her hand in response because if he stopped the internal chatter of convincing himself, he would back out.