With open eyes

Along a bumpy dirt road that barely fit two cars, a black SUV was driving with the sun just peeking up from the trees. There was some frost still on the grass, and a few leaves budding on the trees. The sky was clear and baby blue. The sun painted the east a faint orange. A middle-aged man was driving the car, his gaze attentively on the road ahead. The car was silent, the radio was turned off and no chatter emerged in the traveling car. In the back seat sat a young woman, the only thing they both had in common was their height. Both are very tall, but otherwise very different people. He had a salt-and-pepper look with a gruff beard, she had long chocolate-colored hair in soft waves. His eyes were grey and looked weathered, hers were golden with sparkle and a twinkle. There was a fire in her gaze, while he was soft. His face was square with sharp lines, her face was heart-shaped with soft lines and high cheekbones. His frame was broad and muscular while hers was feminine and curvy. She had an hourglass figure with hips and a chest that any woman would kill for. His curves were bulging muscles and a long life settling in. The woman was looking out the side window the whole ride, a few times she would take her gaze off the scenery and scowl at the driver. The drive took them to a small highway, which after a while took them to a highly trafficked highway. They went through suburban areas, remote areas, small towns, and even bustling cities. Around midday, they arrived at an open area with huge grassy planes on all sides. A huge wired fence surrounded a huge square building. The gate had two small guard booths, one on each side. The driver parked the car and they waited in silence. After a while, the gate opened and a tall and muscular man walked through. His frame was imposing, his arms and neck littered with tattoos. One tattoo went from his neck to the side of his skull. Both sides of his head were shaved clean, showing off his defining tattoo of a skeleton hand with bloody claws. His long sandy brown hair was pulled back and tied in several places along the back of his head. His face was square with a jawline that could cut through bone. His face was clean-shaven and had a small grin as he approached the car. He carried a small duffle bag in one hand and opened the passenger door with the other. He went to throw the duffle bag into the back seat when he noticed the woman, he froze for a second then he turned to the driver. They both exchanged a look before he nodded to the driver. The driver just clicked his tongue in reply. So the man gently put his duffle bag behind his seat as he got in. The younger man made a big grin at the driver “Jared, how have you been? It’s been a while”. Then he winked at Jared. His eyes were glinting in a deep blue hue. His grin and expression are inviting and friendly. Jared smiled back with an equal grin and raised his hand. The younger man took it in an upward shake, more like a clasp. “Been 5 years J, life has been dull without you around.” “I can imagine Jared, thinking of changing that though.” The man relaxed his shoulders and leaned into the seat, then he buckled up. Jared started the car and continued on their drive. The scene could easily be mistaken as three friends roaming the roads as they all slumped back. All three wearing worn jeans and a simple t-shirt, it looked like they were taking a vacation of sorts. A comfortable silence took over the trio. After an hour of driving Jared broke the silence “you want some food James? I can stop at a diner. I’m sure princess here would love some food as well” he nodded in her direction. “Princess eh, that’s a funny name” James turned his head to look at the woman. She didn’t acknowledge either man. James lifted an eyebrow then clicked his tongue, he let out a sigh and then turned to face forward again “alright then.” After a few minutes, the woman finally spoke in a flat tone “It’s Lola, and I’d love something to eat.” “Well look at that J, the lady speaks,” Jared spoke with sarcasm in his voice. James quipped back, “just like any other female, can’t seem to stop talking.” Both had a small chuckle. Lola had a faraway look on her face not bothered by the comments. After a while, Jared pulled the car over and parked at a diner. They all got out and walked in. They got a table and sat down, the waitress was an older lady with grey hair pulled up in a bun. She took their orders and walked to the kitchen. Jared and James started to small talk about anything that had happened in the last five years. Lola was not listening, her far-away look intensified as she looked out the window following the people going by with her eyes. Outside a mom was bustling with two small kids, a boy, and a girl. The girl dropped a toy and the mother did not notice. But the boy did, he tore himself from the mom and ran back. Mom got upset as he was not being safe, but as he came running back with her plush toy the mom’s expression soften. The boy handed the toy to his sister and then kissed her cheek, the mom’s face broke out in a blissful smile. Lola found herself smiling at the interaction between the siblings. James noticed her smiling at that and his focus shifted for a second, but long enough to miss what Jared was saying. As the food arrived all three started eating, and silence fell on the group again. After a little while James addressed Lola “so, Lola. What brings you with us today?” Lola looked up from her plate and looked James in the eyes. She finished chewing before she answered, “I’m joining your pack, my pack, and your pack made a deal.” “Huh, how so?” Jared turned to James and continued, “Lola here is a beta, her pack needed cash and we need females.” James choked on his drink when he heard that, “excuse me? We bought a female?” His brows scrunched and his eyes squinting. “Relax James, I’m not some mail-order bride. Your pack is a sausage fest and my pack needed cash, it’s a straightforward transaction.” Lola looked back at her plate and continued eating. James cleared his throat and looked at Jared. The only thing he got in return was a smirk, before both continued eating. After dinner, they ordered some coffee, and James and Jared were chatting again. As the coffee arrived James tried again to include Lola “so Lola, I noticed you’re a bit reserved”. Before he could continue Lola interjected, “I have a lot on my mind, that’s all. My pack is struggling so it’s hard to leave them right now. And mom is going in for surgery, I’m just really worried about her.” Lola shifted her gaze back to her coffee. “Is that why your pack needed money?” “Yeah, the pack can’t afford to feed everyone, and mom won’t survive without the surgery. We needed some help... a lot! I guess we got a good deal.” Lola didn’t lift an eye as she told that to the group. Neither did her voice falter nor an eye tears up. Her expression was hard, stoic, and tired. After a small pause, James spoke again, “I hope your mom gets all better!” Lola smiled at James, “thank you, James.” Her eyes finally showed a little glint as they watered up.