Page 19 of Accidentally Joining His Cult (Chicago Awakenings #1)

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Beck

Goldie

ZERO MORE DAYS!

Goldie

Good morning!

Goldie

SO EXCITED!

Salem

Good morning, can’t wait to see you. About to board the plane now.

I tuck my phone away as I grab my carry-on bag to board this flight. It’s the smallest commercial plane I’ve ever been on. My family might be able to afford private, but it seems like such a waste of resources if it isn’t necessary.

And I kinda hate that my first thought when I saw this tiny plane was that I should have just taken the jet.

Might make me an entitled asshole, but I wish I had.

The flight lasts a little over three and a half hours, and I try to get ahead on some work, but the business class seats that were the best option for this tiny aircraft are just slightly bigger seats at the front. The person next to me is chewing loudly, and I’m too distracted thinking about seeing Cody to get anything done anyway.

It’s been a really long, annoying, frustrating month since I last saw him. We’ve talked every day; constantly texting, talking on the phone, or video calling whenever we could. Cody and I have shared countless orgasms over video calls, and have even sent dirty pictures and videos, teasing the other person when they’re busy, but talking over the phone could never compare to actually being with him in person. I want to fall asleep with him in my arms, not on a video call propped up on the pillow next to me.

The Werewolves had a great run, but we were eliminated in game six of the semifinals. I was devastated we made it so close to the Cup, and just like that, the season was over. The players were pissed, the fans were a mix of angry and heartbroken, and the office felt like a funeral.

Obviously, I was also very, very sad.

But there was a tiny part of me—maybe it’s Cody’s glass-half-full attitude rubbing off—that felt a flicker of relief. I could finally shift my focus to planning this trip.

Sure, I wasn’t able to visit until after the draft, regardless of our loss, but there was still a ton of work I had to wrap up before I went on this trip. If we’d won, it would have significantly delayed my departure, not only with more games but with the press, parades, merch, and all the chaos that comes with winning.

I’ve decided next year is the year the Werewolves will take it all, and for now, I can focus on what the fuck to do about Cody.

Not that I’ve been able to think of anything yet. I’ve been doing some research into Kyla, but other than their marketing campaigns for their programs and their required public tax filings and business statements, there isn’t much about them online.

I even asked Jordan if he’d heard anything unofficial about them, and he said he vaguely remembered someone from Kyla giving a seminar at his company, but nothing beyond that.

I was hoping to find an easy solution, maybe a way that Cody could relocate to Chicago, but it isn’t that simple. Their only offices are located in Montana, and I know how much Cody loves working for Kyla. I could never ask him to quit. And what the fuck would I do in Montana? Working for the Werewolves has been my dream for as long as I can remember. My friends are in Chicago, and my family. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

I’ve finally admitted to myself that I want a future with him. I know that I should have accepted it sooner, given how much I think about him and how amazing he makes me feel when we’re talking or spending time together. Even just thinking about him makes me happy.

My relief at losing our shot at the cup this year made one thing very clear.

I love him.

I don’t know why I kept trying to convince myself that it was just a fling that would fizzle out when we got bored with each other.

There’s no moving on from Cody. He’s it for me.

I want the wedding, the dogs, and the whole damn happily ever after—whatever he wants, I want it too. But I also want us to be happy. It might make me a selfish asshole that I’m not willing to pack up and join him in Montana permanently, but I want both of us to have fulfilling lives as individuals so we can make each other stronger by being together. I want to find a way for that future to exist, where one of us doesn’t have to sacrifice everything to make the other happy. Even I know that can only lead to resentment and problems.

I can’t settle for anything less than the kind of future Cody deserves. I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen, but leaving Chicago and everything I love there doesn’t feel like the right decision.

Every morning since I finalized a date, I’ve woken up to a countdown text, followed by a “good morning” from Cody. Each message feels like it’s piecing my bitter, untrusting heart back together. I know in my bones that Cody doesn’t give a fuck about my family’s money or influence and is excited to spend time with me for me.

I’m still not sure what makes me so special, but I’m trying to ignore those doubts and embrace how lucky I am to have met him. I never thought I could meet someone I’m able to trust so completely.

His boss, on the other hand, seems to really care about my family’s name. Viktor’s been sending me emails asking about what my specific interests are in Kyla, if anyone else in my family wants to join a program, and even if I’ll pose for some pictures with him that he can use in their marketing. Despite that sounding like literal torture, I agreed because I don’t want to disappoint Cody or create any issues with his boss when I’m hoping to spend more time with him in Linna.

Finally, we land and I’ve never been happier to deplane. I was surprised to find out there’s a small international airport close to Linna with flights directly from Chicago and other major cities. Cody explained that it was one of the reasons Viktor chose Linna for their headquarters, which makes sense.

I rush to get my checked bag, which is already there because this place is so tiny, and when I pass the security checkpoint, my giant smile might rival Cody’s. I spot him waiting for me with a pick-up sign that just has a poorly drawn cartoon cat on it in black marker, and I can’t help but laugh.

The second he sees me, he drops the sign and breaks out into a full-blown sprint. I barely have time to drop my bags in anticipation before he launches himself at me.

He wraps his legs around my waist like he isn’t a giant who probably has fifty-plus pounds on me. My lifting time in the gym has clearly paid off, though, because I’m able to catch and hold him as he squeezes me with his entire body.

He cradles my face in his hands and leans in for a surprisingly sweet kiss. I wasn’t sure how he’d react to seeing me again, but this is way better than anything I’d pictured.

Clearly, Cody isn’t worried about PDA. I wasn’t sure how accepting Montana would be of same-sex relationships, but when we finally pull apart, and Cody hops down to take my hand with one of his and my bag with his other, the only looks I notice are smirks at our over-the-top display.

“Hi,” he finally says, and I chuckle.

“That’s the only way I want to be greeted from now on,” I tease, and he blushes. I fucking love making him blush. I follow it up with a wink, watching his cheeks darken further.

“Sorry if that was a little obnoxious. I’m just so excited to see you,” he explains, sounding shy.

I don’t want him to ever feel like he needs to hold back around me. “Cody, I love how excited you get about things. There’s never a need to apologize to me about something making you happy,” I reassure him and lean in for a quick kiss on his cheek.

“Okay,” he agrees with a huge grin.

“So, what's the plan for today?” I ask as we finally head outside.

“We’ll stop by my house first to drop off your stuff, and then Viktor wants to show you around headquarters. We’ll probably be there for most of the day.” He sounds excited, so I attempt to squash down my disappointment that his answer wasn’t hang out at my house naked . “Then we’ll do dinner at the Old Mill,” he continues. I’m assuming that’s a restaurant, so I nod, giving him a smile. I like that he wants me to like his city as much as he does.

During the drive through town, he catches me up on his morning and points out different things about the area as we pass.

Linna is a small city of just over ten thousand people, nestled beneath a stunning mountain. Cody explains how the town was first established during the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1800s. Over time, factories employed most of the locals, but as younger generations moved away and technology reduced the need for workers, the population began to dwindle. With the factories gone and the airport at risk of closing, the town was full of empty, abandoned homes.

“Viktor had a dream one night about building a state-of-the-art campus for the company headquarters beneath a beautiful mountain right next to an airport so that everyone had easy access,” Cody says with a sense of wonder. “He wants everyone here to always have a reason to look up and remember to keep striving for their next peak.”

Does Cody actually believe this guy had some divine vision? More likely, it was a strategic land grab—cheap property with convenient access. Viktor clearly has a flair for dramatics, and Cody is so trusting and positive that he probably buys into the whole story.

“When they started building the campus, it created a lot of local job opportunities for the people who were still in the area. Viktor offered them free Kyla programs so they’d know more about the company that was moving in. Most of them still participate in courses today.”

Awesome , a whole city full of people drinking the Kool-Aid. I shake off that disturbing thought. I’m sure it’s not like that.

Obviously, Cody is into it too, so they’re not all bad. But the emails I’ve been exchanging with Viktor, combined with the weird vibes I got during the classes Cody didn’t teach in Florida, have me wary of this place.

Cody being genuinely happy all of the time is adorable and refreshing, but a place where everyone is like that seems unrealistic.

As we drive, he points out the high school, grocery store, police department, post office, and fire station, naming all his friends who work there. It’s like he knows everyone. Growing up in Chicago, I can’t imagine knowing anyone everywhere I go, but I guess that’s normal in small towns.

We pass a neighborhood of very cookie-cutter McMansions with a sign advertising available lots. I’m surprised to see so many new homes, honestly. I wonder how many people have moved here just for Kyla.

We drive through the quaint downtown that looks straight out of a made-for-TV movie. Old buildings with small stores and businesses line both sides of the main street, with people walking around enjoying the weather. Every single one waves as we pass, and Cody continues naming people and pointing out his favorite places.

Then we pull onto a side street not far from downtown, and it’s full of older-looking homes. They’re all well-maintained with a lot of character and charm. I’d definitely rather live in one of these than the new builds.

Cody pulls into the driveway of a beautiful white Victorian farmhouse with a wraparound porch, complete with a swing. It’s the quintessential American dream home and fits him perfectly.

“I’m surprised you don’t have a dog. This yard would be great for one,” I say, looking around the spacious grass enclosed by a white picket fence.

“I’d love a dog,” he says, a little sadly. “But I travel so much, it wouldn’t be fair to them.”

I want to tell him I’ll get a dog for him. I’ll let it live with me, and he can see it whenever we’re together. I want to tell him I’ll do anything not to hear that sadness in his voice again. But I know I’m getting ahead of myself.

“Hopefully, one day,” I say instead, making him smile.

The inside of his home is beautiful. Hardwood floors stretch throughout the space, and everything looks like it’s been recently updated with a brand new kitchen. It’s so clean, it looks like a model home ready to be shown.

“Wow, Cody, are you always this clean, or are you trying to impress me?” I tease. I have people who clean for me, but if I had this giant house to myself, there’s no way it would look like this.

He looks around, almost like he’s taking in the space for the first time. “Oh, I guess it’s always like this. I don’t spend a lot of time here, and I have someone come in and clean it when I’m traveling,” he says offhandedly as we head up the stairs.

“Have you lived here long?” There’s a surprising lack of personal touches. I’d assume my happy guy would’ve filled his home with memories of his friends and family, but other than some Kyla awards, it really does look like a staged home.

“Yeah, I’ve been here since I moved to Linna five years ago. I’m so excited to have you at my house! I’ve been thinking about it nonstop,” he admits a bit bashfully as he opens the door to what I’m assuming is his room.

I drop my bags and walk up to him, wrapping my hands around his waist. “Me too,” I say, tilting my head up for a kiss. It’s another sweet kiss, both of us enjoying the moment for what it is, knowing we don’t have time for anything else.

All too soon, we pull away and share a small smile. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such a perfect man looking at me like this, like I’m everything he wants.

I want to deserve that look.

“Alright, if you need to change, I’ll give you a minute. Then we can head into the office. Do you need to eat or anything?” he asks.

“No, I ate on the plane, thanks,” I answer and pull out a suit. If Viktor’s there, I’m sure I’ll be photographed.

Can’t wait.