“You referenced you and Dax going; not me.” He points at me and narrows his eyes. “I thought at first you were going that direction, but that last sentence seems to take it away. In my defense, what am I to think based on your history?”
“I get it, but why don’t you ask before just assuming the worst?” He does have a point, but I’m not going to take all of the blame. “So yes, I was hoping you might want to join us this time.”
“Hell yeah, I do.” He places his arms on both sides of me, trapping me in. “For once, it would be nice not to be worried sick the entire time you’re gone.”
“It’s not that it’s ever been on purpose.” Things always seem to happen outside of my control. “This time, I want to be ahead of the game with us dictating who’s going and when.” It also doesn’t hurt knowing I have three artifacts running inside me and that I can protect him.
A smile fills his face. “I am onboard with that suggestion, and you’re right. We need to get moving before something bad happens. But first…” He leans down and kisses me, leaving me breathless.
I enjoy the moment but then pull away. There is no telling when my powers will get screwy again. “I hate to do this, but I’m going to get up and take a quick shower.”
“Yeah, okay.” He lifts his arms and gets out of the bed. “While you’re getting ready, I’ll get dressed and grab some things to eat on the way. I’m assuming Dax is at the Mansion.”
“That’s where he should be, but I’ll locate him before we go.” I grab some clean clothes and head into the bathroom. “I should only be a few minutes.”
Within five minutes, I’m out of the shower and slipping on my blue jeans and tank top. It may not be the most comfortable for some people, but this is what I like to wear. I put my hair into a ponytail and then brush my teeth. When it’s all said and done, I walk out and find Charlie stuffing food and water into a backpack.
He’s dressed in jeans as well and a fitted shirt that shows off his lean, muscular chest. He glances at me and licks his lips. “I wish we weren’t rushing off.”
Me too. And to think I had that body draped over me last night. A repeat sure would be nice this morning. “We’ll make sure to make up for lost time when we get back.”
A loud knock at the door echoes between us.
“Are you expecting someone?” Charlie glances at the door and back at me.
“No.” It’s still early in the morning, so I have no clue who would be here at this hour.
“Hey.” Dax smiles as I open the door. His eyes search the room behind me; as soon as they land on Charlie, the smile disappears. "Oh, I didn't realize you had company."
The air around him seems a little off today; there is a hint of light gray in his aura. That's odd. "I wouldn't say he was company. He's practically here as much as I am."
Charlie steps up beside me and wraps an arm around my waist. "That's a very true statement. I mean, I even sleep over almost every night."
Oh my God. Did he go there? Granted, I get that Dax puts off a weird vibe sometimes, but that's pretty much proclaiming we have sex without saying those three little letters out loud.
Dax winces and clears his throat. "Ummm... Sorry I interrupted, but something felt off. I had to come over and check on you."
Something doesn't add up. "Is the council watching me or something?"
"What?" HIs mouth drops open, and he shakes his head. "No."
"Really?" Charlie's arm tightens around me, and he lifts his chin. "We were about to leave to find you, and all of a sudden, you're at our door."
"You guys were coming to find me?" Dax focuses back on me. "Are you okay?"
If one more person asks me that, I might scream. "Yeah, but how did you know to come here. It does sound fishy."
"Hell, Chris." Dax throws up both hands. "You're one of the council members now. They can't watch you like they use to, or it would look bad."
"Don't be fooled. They don't trust me." The elder lady would throw me back in the dungeon if she could.
"I didn't say they trusted you." He drops his hands again and sighs. "Only that they can't watch you like they used to. They have to save face."
"I don't know." Charlie looks down at me. "His timing is really suspect."
"Look." Dax steps into the apartment and into my personal space. "I had a feeling earlier that woke me up and sensed you needed me for some reason. I'm not sure why, but I couldn't shake it. That's the only reason why I'm here."
"Chris..." Charlie's tone is low.
Yeah, I get he doesn't trust Dax, but in all fairness, he doesn't know him. I take in Dax's stormy gray eyes and search for something. I'm not sure what, but the elements inside me do.
He stands tall, letting me search for whatever it is I need. "I'm not going anywhere, so take your time."
It takes a moment, but something inside me stirs. Whether Charlie likes it or not, Dax is someone I can trust. I'm not sure how I know it, but I do. My instincts haven't let me down yet, so I'm going to trust them. "Fine, but only the essential information makes it back to Luke and the others." This is what I need to confirm. Dax is loyal to Luke, but at the end of the day, everything inside of me tells me he'll do what’s right.
"Are you sure?" Charlie whispers in my ear.
"I trust him.” I turn to Charlie and give him a small smile. "But this time, you'll be there
