11
943 Words
Cole’s POV
As soon as we are alone, no sound but the roar of the engine between us, Meredith finally relents.
The tears rolling down her cheeks, her eyes gently closing as soft sobs replace the silence.
I try to ignore it, allow her the time she needs, but the sound is like nails on a chalkboard and neither I nor Ares can stand it a moment longer.
I skid the car to a stop, my hands tightening around the steering wheel as I whisper “stop . . . Please stop”.
“I’m so... sorry” Meredith mumbles, as her hands quickly work to wipe away the evidence.
“What are you thinking?” I ask quietly as my head falls back against the seat, my eyes closing as my hands relax down onto my thighs.
Meredith takes a moment before she answers and as she does I slowly turn the car off, linking Callum to go ahead as to have them not waiting behind us.
The car pulls past, and I give them a soft wave before returning to my more relaxed position.
“It’s just . . I mean I guess I’m just a bit sheltered” Meredith softly laughs in reply “stupid really” she adds wiping away the last of her tears.
I remain quiet, pushing Meredith to fill the silence as she continues “I mean today. . . It’s the devastation, yes, but also just realizing to myself how much I have truly missed, locked up in my gilded cage. To think I could have been doing something, anything instead. I know I’m not a were, but I still think I could be of some help. .......You think I’m being stupid too, don’t you?”.
“No” I say automatically..
"Sheltered, maybe, stupid no" I add as I look down at her.
“You’re welcome to join me tomorrow too. . . If your cage isn’t locked that is”.
Meredith doesn't reply, her eyes on the horizon as the sun softly sets beside us as I turn the key, engine roaring back to life.
We arrive back at Blackfur in pitch black and I can see Meredith’s confusion through the darkness. “Home” I confirm.
“But where?” She smiles, looking around.
I reach around, turning on the trucks lights as I confirm again “just there”.
“Oh” Meredith nods, going to get out of the car before turning back to me.
Before she can ask I answer “I’ll wait here, you go in first”.
“Okay” she mumbles, offering a soft smile before she departs, walking carefully inside.
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Meredith’s POV
Even with the lights shinning from the truck behind me, I still walk slowly, carefully, as I make my way back.
The last thing I need is for Cole to see me face plant in the mud.
Although I know he wouldn’t laugh, I also know my pride wouldn’t be able to face him again if I did.
Thank goddess I make it back without such embarrassment.
I open my door and nearly hit the ceiling as I jump upon hearing a spooky “good evening Meredith” come from within the darkness.
I muster up my bravery quickly finding the light only to roll my eyes and stomp away as I spot Bella sitting there smirking.
“Very funny” I monotone as I make my way to the closet.
“Any particular reason you’ve been missing for the last oh. . Six hours?” she asks smugly, pretending to check her non-existent watch as she leans casually on the door frame, thoroughly blocking my exit.
After a few failed attempts to bypass my so called best friend I give in, sighing as I ask “did he notice too?”.
“Your dad. Of course he did.”
Bella pauses looking down, pretending to check her nails leaving me nearly biting mine before smirking back at me as she adds “lucky your bestie covered for you. Oh, and next time heads up would be nice, I mean I’m quick, but prepared stories always stand up a little straighter”.
“Thank you” I say honestly before taking advantage of her distraction and moving past her and into the bathroom.
As I change Bella yells out for me to hurry up, as always not letting it go without the full story.
I mean I also couldn’t blame her.
Locked up in Blackfur all my life, my father and now brother always making sure my life is predictably boring means my best friend usually also has no gossip to hear.
Well except for today.
My nerves again rise in my throat, the sickness stirring in my stomach as I think of what I have actually done today.
I left Blackfur.
A rarity in itself.
But today I left Blackfur without my father, or brother.... without guards.
And the worst part?
Now I can't think of another day trapped within these walls.
Changing quickly, I'm relieved to enter my room and step out of my small wardrobe.
After a few deep breathes I look around to find Bella as I ask “what did you say. . .to cover I mean?”.
Bella shrugs casually replying “First you went for a walk, then you were in your study and then back here for an early night. You know your normal exciting life.
Now tell me what you actually did today and please oh please tell me it was actually exciting”.
- Writer
