Fated

Chapter 6

As the group finished up their breakfast, they also were looking at the itinerary. “Old Fort Niagara is first on the list?” Asher asked, curious about the why.

“Alashia knows I like military stuff, each event is planned out with someone in mind,” Chase explained, putting on a child’s coat.

“And what about Art Alley?” Asher followed up.

“That’s me,” Alashia murmured.

“You like art?”

“I do, although I wouldn’t say I know much about it,” Alashia admitted.

“Well, it seems like it will be quite a pleasant day, shall we?” Asher said, once all the kids were ready.

Daniel grabbed his father’s hand while Rickly grabbed his mother’s. The oldest boy, Lance, surprised Asher by taking his hand.

“Lance sweety, are you okay? You can hold Mommy’s hand,” Alashia asked worriedly, glancing from Asher to Lance.

“NO, MOM!” He excitedly uttered, louder than was appropriate.

“I don’t mind,” Asher smiled, looking at the young boy.

“Thank you, he doesn’t warm up to people often. His autism makes him socially... different.” smiling, Alashia looked at her oldest son, confidently holding Asher’s hand. Her son was an excellent judge of character. If he thought Asher was safe then safe he must be.

All of them loaded into the van and took the thirty-minute drive, after spending a few minutes putting up one of the seats for Asher.

“So, Asher, you said you lived in Bellview Subdivision?” Chase asked once they were all settled.

“Yes, I moved there about a year ago.”

“What made you move into the area? Family?” Alashia asked, glancing at her children.

“Work, actually. I help my employer find things of value, and I’m paid quite well for it,” Asher’s amusement was quite evident. Alashia’s inquiry was less than subtle.

“Mom, Dad, look, park!” Daniel screamed with joy, causing everyone to look towards the park they were passing.

“Sorry, babe, but we are going to Fort Niagara, we are only a few minutes away,” Alashia laughed in amusement.

They turned away from the park and within a few minutes arrived at the entrance to Fort Niagara. Alashia and Chase took off their seat belts and unloaded the children, while Asher watched them. He was curious at how well they seemed to work together and respond to one another. They were definitely a family unit, and he wasn’t sure how he would become a part of that.

He knew he had to meet his contact near Art Alley, and discuss with the witch what she knew of His Queen, and she may even have some insight about his Beloved’s two soul bonds.

For now, though, he was content watching her point up to the lighthouse and explain to her children what it was used for. She looked over at him while her children were chattering amongst themselves and gave him a smile that made his knees weak.

“She’s something, isn’t she?” Chase commented, seeing him stare.

“I’m sorry, I’ve just never met anyone quite like her. I can call a cab to take me back to the hotel if you’ve changed your mind?” Secretly, he would continue to follow them. He did, after all, have their itinerary.

“I’m fine with it if it all works out. If she says no, though, that’s the end of it. She and I have a deal that we can explore other options as long as we talk about it. She’s already said she feels like she knows you, and she felt that way about me too. Obviously, something is up with all of it.” Chase didn’t seem all that worried about the situation.

“Aren’t you worried she’d leave you?” Asher glanced at him and saw him hold back his laughter.

“Not at all. She and I have been in love with one another since I was nineteen. I’m thirty-five now. Pretty sure if she ever wanted to leave it would have happened by now.”

“That is quite a span of time,” Asher murmured. For a human, he added silently.

They all gathered together, and entered the building, starting their journey together.