Page 16 of Traveler (Soulbound #1)
Aly
I’m not in my roo m . That much I can tell. First of all, there is someone spooning me and Vivianne would never. I take a second to remember what happened and I smile. Elliott and I had been reading and talking about the book as we went along. We both must have fallen asleep at some point. I close my eyes again enjoying the feeling of his arm around me. He squeezes me briefly before kissing the back of my head.
He freezes. Eyes flying open and sitting up to look at me. When he realizes it’s me, he calms down. “Good morning, I’m sorry I forgot You were here.”
“It’s okay I forgot too for a second. I roll to my back looking up at him. His glasses are gone, and I can fully see his dark eyes. His hair is in his face and sticking up at odd angles. Giving him a small smile I grab his arm and pull him down so I can cuddle. “Just a second longer.”
He tightens his arms “You can have all the seconds You want darling. I'll never complain.”
“This is totally weird right? I mean we just met yesterday and I’m demanding more cuddles...”
“No, it’s not weird. Mate bonds are weird, but they know what they are doing. You feel the way You do because a part of Your soul that was missing the bond is actually able to calm. “
Yep. I’m totally keeping him. I snuggle deeper into his chest letting the moments tick by. My tablet goes off. and I remember the guys are probably wondering where I am. I sit up and reach for the tablet and see a message from Vivianne
Switching to the group chat I almost drop the tablet... okay so not telling them I was staying over was maybe not my brightest moment.
Looking at Elliott I see he’s read the texts and is smiling. “Good to know they are looking out for You, common darling we can stop by Your dorm so you can change”
***
When we walk into, I smile seeing all of my men together as well as Vivianne and Xander. Kale is at the counter grabbing drinks. The second I walked in all of the guy’s eyes move straight to me. I look over at Elliott and see he looks a little nervous. I grab his hand and squeeze lightly.
“Hey guys.” I chirp.
Vivianne rolls her eyes and Xander laughs punching his brother in the shoulder. “Told You.” And holds his hand out Jared drops 10 bucks into it.
Barrett just cocks an eyebrow and smiles. Holding his hand out to me. I leave Elliott’s side and slide into Barretts lap. “Hi big guy.” I say softly.
“Little mate. You do know You’re in trouble, right?” Saul says rubbing at his temples.
“Why? I told You I was with Elliott I’m sorry if You assumed I would be heading back to my dorm at some point, but I never said that. Besides. I’m an adult and fully within my right to sleep over wherever and whenever I want. I don’t need permission” I say sweetly pasting on my sweetest smile.
Alex and Xander fall over laughing. Barrett leans in close to my ear. “Baby, Saul is going to spank Your ass red. And I’m not going to stop him. He just wants to know You’re okay. Obviously, no one expects you to ask us.”
Fuck. Don't look at me like that I can’t help it, I might not have a lot of experience. But I’m a slut at heart what do You want from me. I let out a squeak and jump up rushing to Alex my eyes pleading for him to help me.
“Not a chance gorgeous, I might take a turn after Saul.” He says chuckling darkly. Abort mission . I change directions and try to make it to Elliott but before I can reach him Saul’s arm bands around my waist yanking me into his lap.
“Tsk. You don't actually think You’d be able to escape do You little mate? I’m glad You’re safe. We will talk about the rest later. We all Just worry about you.” He says low. He angles his face and presses a kiss to my lips. And lord does this man know how to kiss. It’s hard and demanding I squeeze my thighs together trying to tamp down on the desire now running through me. Saul lets out a dark chuckle and lifts me slapping a hand to my ass before dropping me in a thoroughly amused Elliott’s lap. I thought he was supposed to be my sweet boy. Traitor.
“Oh, don’t pout darling, I’m always on Your side. However, the guys are right. You should have texted them. I'll make sure one of us does next time.” He kisses the edge of my frown before handing me off to Jared. What is this pass the Aly?
“Here pretty girl. We got You Your latte.” He hands me arguably the only thing I like more than them and smiles when I take the biggest drink. “You’re my favorite today.”
“How do You feel about spending the afternoon with me and Alex?” Jared says.
I throw a look at Saul when he nods, I agree. I feel bad all of the other guys have gotten to spend some kind of time with me, but me and Saul haven’t really had time together since the whole panic attack situation. I let my power loose briefly and extend it to Saul I attempt to prod at his mind. Somehow, he notices and his eyes snap to me he raises an eyebrow and seems to let me in
‘Would You like to explain how You have the power to do this little one?’ His deep voice resonates in my mind.
‘Not really, I was just wanting to double check You’re okay with this.’
‘Okay with You spending time with Your mates? Yes, little one I’m okay with this. We will have our time. However, we will be discussing this little power thing at some point. Especially because You can do more than just create a link can’t You.’
At that I shut the link and reign in my power before I accidentally read Vivienne’s thoughts. The last time I did she threatened to shave my eyebrows off. I avoid Saul's looks, but I know he’s staring a hole in the side of my head. Not being able to tell them what’s going on is hard. What if they feel betrayed because I lied to them? Ugh.
Reaching out to Barrett, I let him know Saul is asking questions and he tells me he will handle it. What that means I have no idea but if it gets Saul to avoid the conversation until our bond is complete that’s great.
“That would be great.”
***
The bell above the café door jingles as Jared holds it open for me, his trademark smirk firmly in place. “Come on, pretty girl. We’ve got a surprise for you,” he teases, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously.
Alex follows close behind, balancing a paper bag in one hand and a thermos in the other. “It’s not really a surprise if you keep hinting at it, Jared,” he says, shooting his friend an exasperated look before softening it with a grin.
“Details, Alex. It’s all about the suspense,” Jared counters, slinging an arm casually around my shoulder.
“Something about the two of you and a surprise is slightly concerning,” I deadpan, narrowing my eyes at both of them. “Where are we going anyway?”
Jared chuckles and gives my shoulder a squeeze. “Relax. You’ll love it. Trust me.”
Alex walks on my other side, quieter but no less confident. “You’ll see when we get there,” he assures me, his voice calm.
We take a left on the path away from the buildings on campus and head in the direction of the training grounds. We cross over a bridge, and I take a deep breath. I’m not a crazy outdoor person, but I like the smell of fresh-cut grass and fresh air as much as the next girl.
We round a bend, and suddenly, there it is: a sparkling lake, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. Jared and Alex lead me toward a small clearing shaded by an old oak tree. Spread out on the grass is a plaid picnic blanket, complete with a wicker basket, pillows, and a small bouquet of daisies.
“You two planned all this?” I ask, glancing between them, trying to hide my awe.
Alex kneels to unload the basket, his soft smile making my chest flutter. “We thought you deserved a break.”
“And by ‘we,’ he means me,” Jared quips, plopping down on the blanket and leaning back on his elbows. “I mean, sure, Alex did the cooking, but I handled the ambiance. You’re welcome.”
Alex rolls his eyes but doesn’t deny it. Instead, he pulls out a plate of sandwiches and a couple of pastries from the café. “Ignore him. Just sit, eat, and enjoy the view.”
I sit between them, the gentle breeze playing with my hair. “How do you even know anything about ambiance, Jared?” I ask, narrowing my eyes playfully.
He gasps, covering his heart in mock hurt. “I’m wounded, pretty girl. I know all about ambiance. It’s part of my charm.” He winks. Okay, now I’m narrowing my eyes .
“Attempting to swoon half of the academy?” I ask lightly. But something I’m choosing to ignore roars to life in my chest, and while I’m not the most violent of people, Vivianne is—and I’m sure she’d handle it if I asked her to.
“Only you,” he says, leaning across the blanket right over the top of the sandwiches, which, of course, sets Alex off on a tirade about “ungrateful fucking assholes” and how he put “so much work into those damn sandwiches.”
Jared and I burst into laughter, and the next thing I know, I’m being held down with air magic. I freeze as Alex’s face comes into view. “You weren’t laughing at me, were you, gorgeous? Cause that would mean I’d have to call Saul over here to get that spanking out of the way—and then add a few more for being mean.” I gulp. He wears a smile on his face, my body heats with desire, and when I try to squeeze my legs together, he tightens his hold on his magic and uses a small tendril of fire to sneak up my leg. Fuck . It doesn’t burn or hurt—it’s just warm and feels way too good against my cool skin. Before I can say anything, he pulls back his magic and hands me a plate of food with a cocky smirk on his face.
“Damnit, Alex, you can’t tease her like that and leave me hanging,” Jared whines, adjusting his pants.
I throw an airball at his chest that hits him like a pillow. “Leave you hanging? You ? What about me !”
“Children, children. No need to fight. I’m sure at some point, you’ll both be thoroughly satisfied after my teasing. Now eat.”
Jared and I lock eyes and smile before turning to Alex, both of us pouting and in unison, “Yes, mommy.” Alex’s eyes snap up, and he gets a cruel look on his face before picking us both up and throwing us into the lake.
I really need to learn combative magic. I’ve got nothin’ . At the last second, Jared grabs hold of Alex, and all three of us end up in the lake, splashing and laughing. I get swept up by Alex, who lifts me briefly before slamming me down into the water. Jared picks me up and holds me while we both rush to get Alex.
It’s moments like these that remind me how fucking lonely I used to be. I have so many people around me all the time, and I love it. I feel seen . And that, my friends, is an amazing feeling.
By the time the sun starts dipping low over the lake, painting the sky in fiery reds and oranges, we climb out of the water and lay on our backs, making shapes out of clouds. Which I have no idea how to do, but the guys help me.
Jared turns his head in my direction. “Told you you’d love it,” he murmurs, his voice low and teasing.
Alex adds, quieter, “We’re glad you’re here.”
“I’m glad I’m here too. Thank you so much for this. I didn’t realize how much I needed it,” I say softly.
The guys walk me back to my room, each giving me a kiss on the cheek before heading next door. When I’ve gotten ready for bed and climbed in, I start to think about how insane the last few weeks have been. I mean, two weeks ago, I was climbing into bed alone, praying I’d dream about something cool. And now I’m at a magical school that my mom went to, with family I never knew I had, five mates, and a kin bond. This is everything I didn’t know I needed .
Cruel joke- 6 Aly- 2