The Unwanted: Changing Fates (Rewriting)

36.

Her hands trembled as they curled around the plain white mug. Another mouthful down letting the bitter taste slip down her throat, Gatlin wished she had put in another spoon full of sugar but there wasn't any time with the ache in her body swelling. They hadn't found a cafe till they were almost halfway there and in that time the disturbance within Gatlin’s body had only exacerbated to shaking and sweating. Her clammy hands had trouble holding the cup but she continued drinking it as though she was in the desert dying of thirst “slow down” Arro spoke up as she continued to guzzle the warm liquid.

“I need it to get it into my system, Arro” Gatlin’s voice was strained and weak after she finally finished off the drink and practically slamming the cup down onto the table.

“How are you feeling?” Arro’s blue eyes watched her closely with concern. Her hands continuing to shake and sweat continued to drip down her temples and forehead before finally hunching forward letting her head rest onto her arms now crossed on the table.

“Like I'm coming down from a hangover” she groaned “mixed with gastro... It's all I can think of to describe it.”

Arro reached out his large hands cupping her elbows his thumbs stroking her upper arms “it will pass, I promise.”

She peered up from her arms “how long did this happen to you?”

“Almost a day before I realised then two days to find a witch... Lucky for that tea because the pain only gets worse” he sighed his thumbs still caressing her soft skin.

“Are you ever going to tell me what happened?” she questioned it was obvious the pain was subsiding as she slowly began to sit up in her seat.

Arro’s hands slipped from their hold on her arms to instead rest beside them on the wooden tabletop “one day I promise” he gave a weak smile “let's just get you through this.”

“Thank you” Gatlin moved her arms and let one of her hands take his.

“Onyx would be feeling it too. It's something that happens on both ends” Arro practically whispered the words.

“I'm sure Eliza can comfort him” she snarled and was already cursing herself at the obvious signs of jealousy. The distance between them caused a longing in the bond which wormed its way into her emotions.

“Linz--”

“It's just the stupid bond, Arro. I am fine once the tea fully kicks in I will be fine” she attempted to assure him but she wasn't certain.

“Well I'm sure Jaxon would be comforting you if he was here hmm?” he attempted to tease her and lighten the mood but Gatlin just sighed.

“For now... It's nice I won't lie. To be wanted but eventually, Jaxon will find his mate and move on” Gatlin seemed to try and shrug it off but it was obvious she was hurt.

“At least we got each other right?”

Gatlin squeezed his hand lightly “right” Around here in this small town named Lantaton two hours out from their destination where no one knew them perhaps they could be mistaken for lovers but Gatlin and Arro knew different, they filled an empty void for one another perhaps why their bond formed so quickly and even though despite having close family Arro had that same feeling deep in the depths of his heart that he was alone, unwanted and unloved something that seemed to join them taking some sort of comfort in one another with their shared insecurities.

:::

Another two hours and finally she was in the large town of Branton, 20 minutes outside of the city the town was beautiful and Gatlin wished she had some sort of memory of the place however at least she would be able to create new ones. Gatlin couldn't help but admire the scenery as the drove through the streets Arro searching for the address as the car screen gave directions. Gatlin didn't miss the stunning hillsides perfect for hikes in the wooded area and observing the vast amount of new plants in her surroundings. “Are you okay?” Arro asked as he glanced her way from the corner of his eyes.

“Great... I've never seen... Well, all this” she spoke in awe. They could even see the tall skyscrapers of the city that were only across a small bridge.

“Overwhelmed?” Arro chuckled at her starry-eyed gaze at the surroundings.

“Maybe” she shrugged as the pick up turned into a paved driveway. A small white slate house sitting at the end of it now had her attention especially when a tall slender brunette emerged from within. It had been year's since she had seen Aurella. She had visited a few times after Gatlin’s father passed but once her mother had remarried it was clear Aurella was no longer welcome in her new life. Just like Gatlin was but they were at least able to keep contact by phone. A grin formed on the woman's thin face once she saw the pickup and Gatlin couldn't help but smile also “Rella!” Gatlin exclaimed practically jumping from the vehicle and rushing to her aunt's open arms.

“Oh, I missed you girl” Aurella spoke her arms wrapping tightly around Gatlin “look at you you are beautiful... That mate of yours what is he blind?” she smirked leaning back to face the younger brunette who stood a few inches shorter.

“Rella” Gatlin shook her head at Aurella’s words.

“Ah hey I'm Arro” Arro suddenly introduced standing by the car.

“Damn girl you move fast picking up a new hottie” Aurella winked.

“Rella, no! This is just my friend Arro” Gatlin emphasised the word ‘friend’.

“Hey, you would be lucky to have me I'm a catch” Arro huffed causing Gatlin to laugh.

“Well, Linz and just a friend Arro. How about we go in and get you settled huh?” Aurella smiled at the pair “ready for your fresh start” Aurella had no idea how desperately Gatlin wanted that fresh start she mentioned and as soon as she found a witch she could do just that.