Twice Awakened

Chapter 10

The pizzeria driver greeted us with a warm smile.”Ten pizzas, five pounds of wings, and ten two liters of mix variety of soda? We threw in three pounds of mozzarella sticks as well.”

“Ooouu yes!” I smiled excitedly. The smell of the food was mesmerizing. Alex and I started taking the food to the kitchen island. The first two boys to arrive helped us carry everything in and open the door. Alex’s stomach growled with the anticipation to dig in. His plan was delayed as the boys sat the sodas to the side.

“What up, bro?” The boy with sleek black hair chimed in. He was slender yet toned. He was swift in all his movements.

“How’s it been Derek?” Alex replied with a grin, going towards him, and doing some weird handshake. Another boy with stylish clothes, short blonde spiked hair, with a slender build came through the door with the last of the drinks. “Hey Matthew! Been keeping Derek in line?” Matthew gave a dramatic sigh and a look of as if crossed his face. Derek chuckled grabbing Matthew around the waist and Eskimo kissing him. I see now why Derek would jump his ass. They are gay and look absolutely enchanted by one another. They were absolutely adorable.

“So what’s up with the trucks?” Derek turned to Alex questioning.

“Oh just helping a new friend out.” Alex grinned at me and winked. “Shes new to Titant and needed some help.” Derek and Matthew both grinned at me. Matthew full of excitement to have someone to gossip with and just girl chat.

“A new friend to Alex is a new friend to us!” Matthew’s feministic voice was melodic to hear. It was smooth and his words just danced across the air. His words melting my heart. “ I am sure the rest of the gang would totally agree.” Matthew skipped over to me giving me a little squeeze.

“Agree to what?” A strange voice came from behind me and few hums of agreement from others. Startled I spun quickly facing five unfamiliar faces.

“Anya this is Brad, Curtis, Adam, Benni, and Micahala.” Alex placed his hand on my shoulder to ease my nerves.

“Please call me Mica.” A tall, dark haired boy held out his hand. His face framed with yellow rimmed glasses, his skin a beautiful caramel, and a glistening smile. I shook his hand and nodded. Trying to remember everyone’s name.

“I’m Adam nice to meet you Anya!” Adam was masculine, with broad shoulders. His hands were rugged from, what looked like, hard labor. His dirty blonde hair, spike forward to a slight point. His skin looked as if it were kissed by the sun.

“Anya.” Curtis nodded. His hand outstretched as well. He was slim, tall, and very energetic. He had headphones that hung around his neck.

“Hey a new running buddy! Maybe she will keep up better than you guys. My names Brad.” Brad was a brunette and sun kissed. He had a quirky smile and, of course, the jock figure. His comment was followed with groans and eye rolls.

“Hey hello hi! I’m Benni with an I.” He had a crooked smile and beautiful mocha skin.

“Gotta watch Benni,” Mica pointed “He’s a jokester and will have you rolling on the floor.” Mica chuckled as if remembering something.

“Well, it’s an absolute pleasure to meet all of you.” I beamed ear to ear. “The furniture trucks will be here soon, so please go ahead and dig in. I don’t wish for anyone to try and move anything on an empty stomach.”

They all lit up in unison with the word of food. I stepped out of the way so they could each have a few slices of pizza, and some chicken. They went to town as Matthew and I stepped back and watched as if their wolves took over.

“Sometimes I worry they’ll choke scarfing food down like that.” Matthew chuckled. We sat and ate for a few minutes when we were interrupted by a loud horn blowing.

“Alrighty guys, let’s get a move on!” Alex clapped his hands together and everyone followed. “ Anya I need you to direct traffic. You know where each piece is going so I need you at the front door. Matthew please, anything small like lamps, stools, and so forth you can handle. I do not want that ass whoopin’ from Derek if you get hurt.” He half smiled half winced. Matthew sighed but nodded. “Oh Anya I almost forgot.” Alex bolted to his car and returned with 3 large bags full of stuff. “Your housewarming gifts.”

He handed each bag to me as I looked in them. The first had numerous sized furniture sliders I could stick to the furniture so it effortlessly moved around, the second was beautiful candles that he had seen me pick up and smell. Each one smelled heavenly and I was planning to go back for them. The third bag was picture frames of all sizes, boxes of string lights, and more trinkets that held photos. I became teary eyed with the thoughtful gifts and wrapped Alex in a hug. Startled by my own action I went to step back. Stopped by Alex wrapping me in a tight hugged.

“I thought you would like them!” He pulled back with an accomplished look. His eyes twinkling with admiration. I patted my cheeks to hide away the tears that had fallen and returning to the doorway. I began rummaging in the sliders as beds, chairs, dressers, a vanity, and other large furniture items passed through. Guiding them with my little diagram of where I wanted everything for the moment. Knowing my tendencies, each room will bug me and I will rearrange every few months. After an hour the first truck was fully unloaded, I tipped the driver and signed the receiving papers. He waved and drove on out. As I marked things on the diagram, a second horn sounded off, and the men fell into position. They worked marvelously as a team. I looked on with admiration, wonder, and appreciation.

“That’s Titant’s knights for you.”Matthew had noticed my gaze and filled me in. “Each one has their side jobs but,” he hesitated misty eyed. “they are excellent young men. Each with his own unique ability. However, they each have a heart of gold and since you’ve managed to break through to Alex. The whole team would lay down their lives for you.” Matthew looked at me fondly. Eyes full of admiration and sincerity. “You are a truly remarkable girl Anya. You aura and glow shed so much hope, light, and love. What’s your special ability?” I looked at him puzzled for a bit and shrugged.

“I’ve only been bonded to my wolf a few days. Freya and I have yet to find ours.” I stated a bit bummed out. Matthew squeezed my shoulder. Letting me know everything would be ok. The second truck was Anita’s which was suppose to come after Linilli’s.: This may cause some problems.” I glanced at Alex biting the corner of my lip. He looked at me with a reassured look, pulling his hands to him as he inhaled deeply and then pushing his hands out slowly with him exhaling. I took his queue, closed my eyes, breathed in deeply and slowly released it. Opening my eyes I nodded to Alex. We moved swiftly adding sliders to everything we needed to. Every item orchestrated to it’s proper place. Three quarters of the way done and Linilli’s truck pulled in. With plenty of room, the driver backed in his truck as well. The boys never missing a beat. We made a damn good team and finished both trucks in an hour. I guess we just had to get the flow of one another. Signing receiving papers and tipping both drivers. The men split up into 3 teams, one upstairs, one on the main, and one in the basement. Placing curtains, shelves, and anything needing tools or height. Matthew and I took to making the beds, placing trinkets, and other odd jobs here and there. Everything was finished in three hours, from the first truck to the final picture frame being hung.

The groups all gathered in the living room as I grabbed the final bag that Alex had given me, the candles. I gently unwrapped them, placing them throughout the main floor. Keeping two that smelled of cloves and the other of cinnamon for my own room. Alex watched as I skipped around with my new treasures in hand. Everyone looked accomplished and smiles plastered every one of their faces.

“Anya to your new beginning, we snuck away with a list from everyone.” Matthew had hugged me tightly. “Now no peaking.” He placed his hands over my eyes and I could hear shuffling and things moving around. “Ready?” His voice hummed with excitement as he uncovered my eyes. Boxes of wines, foods, liquors, art, and other various items. The most beautiful gift however was on the wall. It was the rope photos line. Clothespins held new photos of everyone today. Every smile, joke, laugh, and hug was captured. Above the photos read “A new beginning with New Friends”. I clasped my hands over my mouth as I looked at each photo lovingly, tears blurring my vision. Where were these marvelous people 6 months ago. They just met me and they have made me feel as if we have years of friendship.

Matthew interrupted my thoughts.”Oh honey don’t cry! You will make me cry and then it’ll just be a mess.” He wiped my tears knowing they were absolute tears of bliss. “Alex told us of how cruel people were and we wanted you to know you have us.” He paused as we looked around the room. The boys I had seen earlier now looked like knights. From their stances and sincere looks, each one felt as if a piece inside was unlocking something. A strange sense washed over me I still felt like the final piece was missing. Everyone felt it, it was strange and baffling.

“It seems the moon goddess has given us a sign that Anya is definitely a good fit with our team.” Brad chimed in. Everyone agreed in unison and we all chuckled.

Brushing the feeling off I began unloading the box of goodies. Everyone helping to place them in their proper spots. At the bottom was a beautiful, handcrafted calendar. The numbers on blocks of finely designed wood, holidays, and months. At the bottom were hooks for keys and other hanging objects. I looked up to Adam with a hammer and two nails ready to place it. I chose a spot by the door, a place where every morning I would look at it. The last item was a planner, flipping through I came across a little contact section, eight names were filled in neatly with numbers and addresses. I smiled brushing the paper with my fingertips.

“Now you can text us whenever!” Matthew piped out. He clapped with excitement. I hurriedly grabbed my phone, added everyone, and sent out a mass message.

“Hey, it’s Anya! Thank you for all you have done. I truly appreciate everything. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Everyone’s phones chimed, dinged, hummed, and Benni’s made a funny noise.

“It’s already nine thirty.” Mica seemed thrown off. “I have duty tomorrow and I got to head on out,” He hugged me and the others began filing out. Each giving me a hug and a smile. Chatting a bit as I saw them off. Waving to each as they pulled down the drive and out of sight.

“Hey if you ever want to run hit me up!” Brad nonchalantly walked to my side.

“Well, how about tomorrow morning?” I shrugged back.

“I'm down. Is six o'clock good?”

“Oh yeah. The early times are the coolest. Helps you get ready for the day.”

“Alright I shall be here bright and early.” With a quick pat to my shoulder he went to his car and headed out. Matthew and Derek looked out over the grassy field towards the ocean. Listening with me to the crashing waves.

“After your run tomorrow, you wanna go clothes shopping with me tomorrow.” Matthew chimed. I nodded excitedly, I did have a whole walk-in closet to fill. Derek gave me the better you than me look. “Alright girly text me when you get back and I’ll come pick you up.” Matthew and Derek gave me a squeeze and headed out. Everyone had gone except Alex, who was currently missing. I walked inside to see him looking at the wall of photos. Hands in his pockets and smiling.

“I really love everyone of these photos.” I stood beside him studying the photos once more.

“To a new beginning with you Anya.” He pounded his right fist on the left side of his chest. This meant the highest respect in our realm, it’s a sign of loyalty and trust. An unspoken bond between friends and allies. Mimicking his actions, I repeated the same, and bowed my head in acceptance.

He began walking to the door, gave me a tight squeeze, waved, and drove away. I messaged Liz of everything, we chatted for a few, and she had decided to stay permanently in Titant with Jonathan. She had began transferring everything from her office today letting time slip away from her. We said our goodnight as I shut off the lights, and headed upstairs to my room. I listened to the waves through the opened window, a breeze so gentle dancing the curtains around, and cooling the room. I changed to my nightgown and laid my running clothes out. Maneuvering my card and cash over to my arm band for any matter. I brushed my hair, my teeth, and laid in my cloud for a bed. I drifted into a deep sleep within moments. A woman calling out to me in my dreams, a beautiful flowing dress, illuminated by a soft golden glow. A man of a dark demeanor beside her. They seemed so familiar yet foreign to me. Hand in hand they reached out to me, calling me to them. Everytime I went to reach them I fell back into a deeper sleep.