Creating Roots

Xavier

Two weeks have passed since the incident on the trail. Now, Hailie has taken up extra training with Atlas. Both have taken up training in the morning and after dinner. After weeks of intense training Hailie is visibly stronger. Her biceps are well defined and her confidence has soared. Hailie looks like she belongs here.

Atlas has even taught Hailie a couple basic Krav Maga techniques. The basic knowledge has Hailie feeling empowered. The power radiates off. her. Hailie’s shoulders are straighter. Her voice stronger. And people are beginning to notice.

Hailie smiles wildly as she passes the other teachers. Today is the final day of camp. The families will be joining the teachers for dinner tonight. The vibrant energy in the air is contagious. The overnighters are excited to see their parents. And all of the children are restless to show off how they break their boards.

Hailie has been going over portfolios for the last couple hours in between getting her and Atlas’s parting gifts ready. Focused, Hailie jumps as Atlas takes a seat next to her.

“How is everything?” Hailie shrugs and shoves a couple portfolios Atlas’s way.

“Can you double check these? See if I should have added more notes.” Atlas rolls her eyes as she flips a portfolio open.

“I’ve never worked with someone who is so attentive to the kids. I’m sure whatever you put in will be stellar.” Hailie smacks Atlas with a portfolio after sliding it her way.

“Oh, save your bullshit. You just hate doing portfolios.”

“Well considering no one else has ever lifted a finger to help me complete the portfolios, yes I hate them.” Hailie shakes her head and continues making marks on the remaining portfolios.

“Are you excited about dinner tonight?” A smile slips across Hailie’s face and she nods enthusiastically.

“I’m excited to spend more time with the families.” Atlas nods her head and begins packing up the files and gifts.

“Come on, we have to set up our table and then get ready for dinner.”

The day passes by in a blur and soon Hailie finds herself perched in front of Atlas as she curls her hair. Hailie decided to do a tame makeup look. She looked elegant and poised.

“You look beautiful, Hailie.” Hailie smiles broadly at Atlas, “Thank You.” Atlas pats Hailie’s shoulder after she dropped the last curl in place.

“Go put on your dress and meet me back in my room.” Hailie gently nodded as Atlas left.

Hailie could feel nerves wracking her body. Hailey felt in her bones that change was coming. Sighing, Hailie left her desk and went to her drawer to pull out her mother’s dress.

Hailie could not help but smile as she viewed herself in the mirror. Hailie dabbed on some perfume and began to put on jewelry. Looking at herself in the mirror one more time, Hailie headed to Atlas’s room.

Atlas whistled as Hailie entered her room. Hailie laughed as she sat on Atlas’s bed.

“Do you need help with your hair?”

“Sure.” Hailie moved to Atlas’s side and began playing with Atlas’s hair.

“Should we do a couple dutch braids?” Atlas hummed in appreciation. Hailie quickly braided Atlas’s hair.

“You look regal. Elegant and ready to kick some ass.” Atlas laughed as she stood up and began putting on a crystal necklace and earrings.

“Are you ready?” Hailie pulled her shoulders back and nodded.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” The two women linked arms and made their way to the imperial staircase. Teachers lined the landing as the families appeared below. Soon, Luna walked past all the teachers to the center of the landing. Clapping her hands she gathered the attention of all the guests.

“Hello Everyone! Though I am sad to announce the end of the summer camp, I am very excited to share the evening with you all.” With those words everyone burst into applause. Putting her hands up, the room went quiet.

“Now we will begin introducing all of our teachers.” Soon, Luna began calling out each teacher by name. Once the introductions were done the teacher was to descend the staircase and join their families. Hailie could feel her heart beating in her chest. She had not been this nervous since she started at the camp. All too soon, her introduction came. Hailie bowed gracefully as her aunt called out her name. Looking out from the landing she sucked in a deep breath as she saw her students and their families. Among the crowd were the Conolies’. And just as James said, his older brother was there. They soon made eye contact and her breath instantly caught in her throat. His eyes looked familiar. Snapping back to attention, Hailie descended the stairs. Her nerves were at an all time high and it took all her concentration to not stare at James’s brother. She felt as his energy was suffocating her, calling out to her to join him.

Hailie let out a breath as Atlas descended the stairs. Grabbing onto Atlas’s hand, she whispered into her ear.

“He’s here.” Atlas remains looking forward as she pays attention to Hailie.

“Who’s here?”

“James’s brother.”

“What about him?”

“His eyes. They’re familiar.” Atlas smirked and squeezed Hailie’s hand.

“You’ll be okay.”

The women quieted down as the last of the teachers descended down the stairs. The dinner was about to begin.

Once everyone was seated, waiters began passing out the meal. Hailie could not help but smile as she saw all the children dressed for the occasion. Though her smile falters once her gaze lands on James’s brother. He was charming.

He had prominent cheekbones and a set of plump lips. He was clean shaven and looked a year or two older than her. With thick black wavy hair, he was a sight to see. Though his deep sea-green eyes are what truly drew Hailie in. Looking at them brought her a feeling of safety.

Hailie must have been staring too long. After a beat, he directed his gaze onto her. Hailie could feel heat rise to her cheeks and she immediately turned to Atlas.

“The kids look wonderful, don’t they?” Atlas, previously talking to a waiter, and almost missed Hailie’s comment.

“Yes, it’s always great to see the kids all decked out.” As Atlas looked at Hailie she could not help but smirk. Hailie’s cheeks were still crimson. Mindfully, Atlas turned to look at Xavier. She could not miss the golden rim around his eyes. Hailie was his mate.

“Hailie, will you excuse me for a minute?” Taken back, Hailie simply nodded. Immediately Atlas mind-linked with Luna.

Luna, I need to speak with you immediately. Join me in the bathroom. To not raise alarm, Atlas only glanced at Luna to ensure she was getting up from the table.

The women met in the bathroom. Atlas quickly checked every stall to ensure it was empty before locking the door behind them.

“Xavier is Hailie’s mate.”

“Excuse me?” Atlas rolled her eyes before continuing.

“You heard me, Luna. You have no choice but to tell her now.” With those words Atlas turned on her heel, unlocked the door, and went back to the dinner. Soon, the dinner was called to the back yard.

A DJ had been hired and chairs and tables had been set up previously. The chairs, tables and tents were all white. The furniture was accented by blue hydrangeas. The atmosphere was quant. Hailie let out a deep breath as she stepped outside. She immediately headed to the bar.

“Shirley temple, please.” The waiter obliged Hailie’s request and she was relieved as she sipped on the drink. Hailie was rattled by Xavier’s presence and she felt like laughing. She had not felt this way since high school. Though the instant draw was nice, she was not sure what to do about it. Was it worth pursuing? She did not have a deadline of when she was to leave. However, she assumed she would leave shortly after the camp ended. Lost in thought, Hailie had not noticed the crowd quiet. Looking up she saw the Conolies stepping out of the hall. Glancing around she noticed most of the crowd had their heads tilted up to them. Though as quickly as she noticed the action, the crowd stopped. As the family stepped onto the dance floor, a soft country song came on.

Immediately, Xavier locked onto Hailie and made his way to her. Reaching her he simply extended his hand.

“May I have this dance?” Hailie swallowed roughly. Taking a sip of her drink before leaving her drink on the bar.

“Watch that drink. We will be back for it.” Hailie eyed James’s brother wearily. The tone of his voice was off putting. Authoritative without the pleasantries of being humble. Hailie tsked the man lightly and pretended to not notice his eyebrows raise. Deciding to ignore the tone, she took his hand. Bowing lightly, Xavier kissed Hailie’s hand.

“I must warn you. I am not much of a dancer.” Xavier straightened and a coy smile was on his face.

“Just follow my lead.” Hailie nodded softly and that was all Xavier needed to whisk her onto the dance floor.

Immediately, Xavier pulled Hailie to him and left a firm hand on her lower back. Hailie sucked in a breath as tingles jolted up her spine. Her nerves had kept her watching her feet. However, the gesture gave her the courage to meet Xavier’s gaze.

And Hailie was captivated. A primal need rose within her. A need so strong, Hailie found herself biting her lip to the point of bleeding. Emotion overwhelmed Hailie that she had not noticed the song had come to an end. In fact, she did not notice until he twirled her back to the bar.

Xavier gave her hand a soft squeeze before dropping her hand.

“Thank you for the dance.” Hailie’s voice was so dry she found she could only nod.

“Give the lady her drink.” Immediately Halie’s drink was presented to her.

“Thank you very much.” The attendant bowed slightly before excusing themselves. Taking a sip, Hailie watched James’s brother intently. A distant look covered his face. She watched as he frowned slightly before coming back to attention.

“I have business to attend to. Thank you very much for our dance, Hailie. I will be seeing you.” With those words turned on his heels leaving Hailie alone.