Quintin's Expedition

Chapter 3

I made sure to avoid Gale for the next few weeks. I had probably spent more than he was expecting, if he had checked the bank that is. Regardless, I didn't want to risk it. I busied myself with clearing the folders off my desk, ensuring that all necessary tasks were completed prior to my departure. Nik had become more readily available in the last week so Gale had been redirecting most of the queries back to him, rather than to myself. I assumed that was the case anyway, as no further folders found their way onto my desk.

Just as I was packing my suitcase in my home, a knock came at the door. I packed the camera and film reels into the pocket before zipping up the case. Another knock came from the door. I grunted to myself, abandoning the case and rushing down the stairs to open the door.

On the other side was Gale and Laurie. His arm was draped around her waist, though I actually think he was supporting her. In those few weeks, her stomach had grown and even standing looked like a struggle for her. After some moment silence, I pulled myself back from my thoughts.

"Alpha, Luna! Hello. Quick, come inside." I said hastily as I moved aside, pulling her door towards my body to allow them entry.

Laurie slowly walked in, groaning with every step she took. Gale followed behind, holding her hips as he straddled over her legs as they made their way into the living room. I heard a huff and a thud, confirming that Laurie had sat down. I closed the door and darted into the room to join them. Gale was standing to the side of Laurie, stroking her hair and twirling it in his fingers as she panted to herself.

"You didn't have to come here. You should have linked me, I would have come to you." I cried. Guilt racked my body as I looked upon Laurie's flushed cheeks.

"She insisted." Gale sighed, letting go of her hair and patting it back down.

"I did, I wanted to see you off." She said, trying to move forward but ultimately slumping back into the cushion.

"I appreciate that, Luna, but you should be resting. That pup you're carrying is getting bigger by the day." I said, gesturing to her stomach.

"Nothing I can't handle." She replied valiantly, though she took a moment to catch her breath. "I hope you will be back in time for the birth."

I felt my heart melt at her words. My face visibly softened as I looked at her in admiration. I moved my gaze to Gale, whose expression was as soft as mine.

"I hope to be. We have a couple of months until that pup is due. Though with the rate it's growing, it may come sooner." I chuckled. "If you feel anything, you link me and I will be back on the next flight available." I said sincerely. Laurie simply smiled back before resting her head against the cushion behind her.

"When do you go?" Gale asked me, breaking the silence.

"Tomorrow at noon. The flight takes several hours so by the time I arrive, I'll be heading straight to bed." I explained. "Though I'm staying in a tavern; I might have a cheeky drink before doing so."

"A tavern is costing that much?" Gale asked, his eyebrow raised. Laurie slapped his arm and his flat lips rippled into a smile. "I just hope it's worth it, that's all I'm saying."

"I appreciate your trust, Alpha. I have a number of film reels packed as well as several notebooks. I hope to record as much as I can for you both." Laurie squealed at my words.

"I really cannot wait! Will you bring back souvenirs as well?" She asked as her eyes lit up. I could see Gale's eyes widen out of the corner of my eye, but a glint of deviousness flashed over mine. I took Laurie's hands in mine as I replied to her.

"I'm sure I'll find something." I said optimistically.

"Within reason." I heard Gale mutter through gritted teeth. Laurie and I both laughed in response while she struggled to her feet.

"So be it! I will see you soon, Quinn. You be safe out there." She said to me firmly.

"He's a wolf, I think he'll be fine." Gale replied on my behalf, giving me a wink as he escorted Laurie out of my home.

I waved them both off and returned to my bedroom. I looked around, making sure I had packed most of the necessities. The only things remaining were my toothbrush and comb, but they could wait until the morning once I was ready to leave.

I decided that I didn't feel like cooking that night. I had emptied the majority of my food to the unranked house, leaving only tinned foods in the cupboards. I hadn't even spared myself any milk to have a cup of tea in the morning. With the tinned vegetables not striking my fancy, I decided to venture into the streets and eat out. I had looked into the food in Egypt. It was more exotic than our food here and that made my stomach turn. I chose to enjoy one last meal that I knew I could pallet.

At the restaurant, the waiter brought my plate of fried fish, chips and peas, which I had chosen to pair with a pint of lager. I savoured every mouthful while I imagined eating only lentils and salad in the desert city. I never wanted the meal to end, but it was over all too soon. Before long, I was home again, curled up under my sheets and my eyes closed. My sleep was fairly restless though as the thought of flying invaded my mind throughout the night.

I woke up early, not that I really slept, and completed my morning routine. I triple checked my case to ensure everything was packed before heading out of my house. After a few minutes, a human driven taxi appeared at my door. The driver wound down his window and shouted over to me.

"Off to London airport?" He chirped. I nodded in response, holding my case up casually. "Right you are! Put it in the back."

Obeying his words, I opened the rear door and paced my case on the back seat footwells before joining the gentleman in the front seat. Black Moon was just outside of Lincoln, so according to the maps I had, it would take two to three hours before we arrived at London Airport.

The journey itself was fairly pleasant. We made small talk and shared a few of our interests. I had to keep reminding myself during our conversation that he wasn't a wolf, so some of my answers took a while to string together as I had to remember the human words for things, such as children instead of pups.

He asked about my work and my reason for travel. I explained I was someone who researched topics to teach in schools, and that ancient Egypt seemed to be a favoured subject. It seems that humans let their children go on excursions to different countries with their schools. Perhaps I would suggest that to Gale as well, but not for a few years after his pup was born. He'd be frightened enough, the poor thing won't be let out of his sight if he can help it.

The hours slipped by and before I knew it, we had arrived at the airport. I paid my fare and bid the driver farewell as I made my way into the building. There were people hurrying everywhere. I stood there stunned for a few moments as I registered the coast unfolding before me.

I must have looked pathetic, as a young woman walked up to me and tapped me on the shoulder. I returned from my daze and turned my body to look at her. She smiled sweetly and rested her hands by her sides.

"Can I help you, sir?" She asked.

"Ah, yes. It's my first time flying." I stammered. She giggled lightly.

"Yes I could tell. Many people share the same look that you had on your face upon entering the foyer." She explained. My lips felt dry as I forced them into a smile.

"I'm trying to find terminal..." I trailed off as I patted my jacket down. I let out a small sigh of relief as I extracted my ticket from the pocket. "I am looking for terminal nine." She glanced at the ticket in my hand and nodded.

"Of course, follow me." She said before trotting off along the floor. I scooted after her, dragging my case behind me.

She brought me to the gate and waved goodbye as she returned to her station. I gave my ticket to the hostess that was waiting at the terminal entrance, who quickly read over it before stamping it firmly from her ink pad. She thrust the paper back at me and pointed into the tunnel to the side of her. I took a step back to trace the tunnel's heading. As I stared out of the window, I could see the mouth of the tunnel was fixed against an airplane waiting on the airstrip. I shivered internally, giving the hostess a curt nod and rushed down the corridor.

I was met by another hostess who took my bag from me and passed it to the luggage handler on the exterior of the tunnel. I was then herded into the plane and directed towards the seats. I chose to sit by the window, though on reflection it was a terrible idea once we were in the air. The seats were soon filled with eager people. Once everyone was boarded, the tunnel was removed from the hull and the door was pulled tightly shut. This was it - I was now trapped.

After the plane took off, of which I don't remember too much of, leading me to think I did faint during this time, I did begin to feel comfortable. I watched as the surrounding fields faded from view as we rose into the clouds. With nothing to look at except for the tops of clouds, I turned my attention to the aisle. A couple of hostesses were attending to the passengers, handing out drinks and snacks. Once they arrived at my seat, I paid for several bottles of beer which I downed one after the other as I tried to dull the nerves. The women giggled at me in bemusement before moving on to the rear of the plane. I closed my eyes, satisfied that the flurry of alcohol in my system was starting to take effect as I relaxed into my seat.

I was jolted awake a few hours later as I felt the plane beginning to land. I gazed through the window once more and my mouth gaped. I was surrounded by beige sands that cascaded across the horizon. As we pulled in closer to the airport, the yellow depleted but the buildings still looked dusty compared to those in England.

The next hour flashed past my eyes as I was ferried off the plane and into customs, where my bag was thoroughly searched along with my person. Once the attendees were satisfied I wasn't a risk, I was released into the foyer and guided towards the streets. With my case clattering behind me, I walked out of the doors and was immediately hit by an intense heat, even in the late hour that it was. So much so, I had to rip the tie from my neck as I felt sweat pooling beneath my collar. I placed the tie in the pocket of my case and pulled the map from my jacket. After finding the street name on the page, I traced my way to where my lodgings would be for the duration of my stay.

I had done it, I had arrived in Cairo.