Page 21 of Traveler (Soulbound #1)
Aly
The guys ha d out done themselves. The living room was cozy, with blankets and pillows strewn about
“ Who was in charge of snacks,” I said, setting out bowls of popcorn, pretzels, and a few sweet treats—candied fruit, chocolate truffles, and some sparkling herbal drinks. The room already smelled like melted butter from the popcorn.
“We all brought some.” Alex chirps from his spot on the floor.
“Well, you all did great then, I love soft pretzels.” grabbing a plate I load up with the pretzels and a small bowl of cheese. I take bite and let out a small moan. Dear god these are good.
Jared and Vin were the first to plop down on the couch, instantly making themselves comfortable. Jared was already cracking jokes, flinging a piece of popcorn at Vin, who caught it with a smug grin.
“ You know,” Jared said, pointing at the screen, “I’ ve got a theory that every movie is better with more explosions. Like, if this rom com had just a few more car chases and some gunfire, i t’ d be way more interesting.”
Vin, who was still chuckling, raised an eyebrow. “ Wha t’ s wrong with a nice rom com?” he said,
Alex chuckles his smile turning mischievous. “Jared cries during the big love proclamations. Every. Single. time.”
“ Hey!” Jared throws a pillow at Alex. “ I will have You know I have no shame about the tears from the notebook. Them dying together was so sweet and if You didn't cry, You're a monster.” He huffs
Elliott, who was sitting on the arm of the couch, smiled sweetly at the two of them. “ I also cried at the end of the notebook. Rom- Coms are sweet. Action movies stress me out. I’m always stressed someone’s about to die”
“ Elliot t’ s got a point,” Alex chimed in from the floor, wrapped in a blanket. “ Sometimes, all You need is a bit of comfort , no need for all the chaos.” He gave me a warm smile. He reaches out a hand and pulls me down next to him.
Barrett, still sitting quietly, finally spoke up, his deep voice cutting through the noise. “ Alright, enough talk. W e’ ve got a movie to watch. Le t’ s get to it.” His tone was firm, but there was a playful edge to it. Even though Barrett was known for being intense, but if I didn't know any better is think he was enjoying himself.
Saul, who usually had the intensity of a thunderstorm, was sitting beside Barrett, quietly watching the screen. His sharp gaze never left the movie, but I could tell he was enjoying the evening.
“ So, what are we watching tonight?” Vin asked, looking over the selection. “ Rom-com? Action movie? Horror?”
“ Definitely not horror,” Saul said, his tone as serious as ever. “I’ m not spending my evening in a state of perpetual stress.” His voice was deep, low, and steady, and though he could seem like a walking storm most of the time.
“ Yo u’ re missing out,” Jared grinned, “ I swear, if You just gave it a chance, you’d be hooked on the thrill of a good horror flick.”
Vin raised his hands in mock surrender. “ Alright, alright, no horror.”
“ I love horror movies.” Jared said, leaning back on the couch. “ Something with explosions, high-speed chases, and a great soundtrack. This movie could use some of that.”
Alex smiled to himself, adjusting the blanket around his shoulders. “ Alright, no explosions. How about a comedy?”
That got a few enthusiastic nods from everyone. Comedy it was.
We popped in Stepbrothers. Don't look at me like that. It’s a classic. And everyone loves Stepbrothers As the movie started, the familiar cheesy opening credits rolled, and we all settled in.
Jared was, of course, the first to start cracking jokes. Every time a ridiculous line came up, he would repeat it in a perfect impression.
“ Oh, this is where it gets good,” Jared said, practically bouncing in his seat. “ Comedic Gold in three.... two.... one....”
“I know you touched my drumstick. Cause the left one has a chip in it!” Jared Shouts.
“ Are You fucking crazy, man? You sound insane. Do You realize that? You should be medicated.” Vin Chimes in. and as of Brennan and Dale were in living room both Vin and Jared give us the performance of a lifetime. By the time Vin informs Jared he is going to go rub his ball sack on his drum set all of us are practically rolling on the floor we are laughing so hard.
Next thing we know Jared has tackled Vin and the boys are now rolling around shouting obscenities.
Barrett stands from the couch and grabs Jared to separate them. “Alright, alright. That’s enough.”
“ I do n’ t understand how they made this scene funny,” Saul muttered, but there was a little twinkle in his eye.
“ See?” Jared said, triumphant. “ I t’ s all about the timing.”
Elliott giggled, shaking his head at their antics. “ You two are impossible. You never just watch a movie, do You?”
“ Impossible in the best way,” Vin said, nudging Elliott gently. “ At least it makes things more fun.”
“ See? I told You,” Jared said with a grin. “ Just a few jokes and some explosions and i t’ s perfect .”
“I wouldn't call Crashing a boat an ‘ explosio n ’ but sure.” Alex says.
The rest of us laughed as the movie continued. Every so often, Saul would lean over and mutter a technical comment about the way the scene was shot, which Barrett would respond to with a few brief words of his own.
As the movie neared its end, we were all lounging lazily, each of us in our own little bubble of comfort. The jokes had slowed down, replaced by easy conversation.
“ So,” Vin said after a long pause, “ Are we doing this again next weekend?”
“ Absolutely,” I said, smiling at the group. “ No excuses. Everyone will be here on Saturdays for movie nights at 6:00 new family tradition.”
“ W e’ ll make sure to find more explosions for Jared,” Barrett said with a smirk, and even Saul let out a soft chuckle at that.
“I’ m in,” Jared said, throwing a thumb up.
“So little mate, are You planning to tell us why You wanted to see us all tonight.” Barrett lifts me from my spot on the floor with Alex and pulls me into his lap.
“What, cant a girl just want to spend some time with her mates? “I mumble. Cuddling into Barretts chest.
“Of course You can darling. But let’s not pretend that is what this was yeah?”
“I found another mate this morning when I was on the training grounds getting ready for my tutoring with vin. It didn’t go well, and I don't think he’s interested in being with us. Which isn’t that big of a deal it just hurt my feelings, and I wanted to spend some time with You guys.”
“I’m sorry pretty girl. Who is it?”
“Carion Mitchell.” Vin says looking around the room. Everyone’s faces turn to grimaces.
Throwing my hands up in the air I groan “Okay what is going on why does everyone know something I don't.”
“It’s not really our story to tell Aly, but just so You have an idea. Mate bonds are strong and usually mated pairs eventually can share thoughts, emotions can flood through, and intense physical feelings. Carion’s dad.... well, it’s kind of a rumor but carion has shown up to classes with some really bad bruises and, well- “
“People think his dad is abusing him. If You’re bond and it grows to a certain point, there is a chance You would feel the physical effects of what his dad does to him.”
My heart starts pounding. What the fuck. Why hasn’t anyone done anything?
People have tried little one. It’s never been proven, and Carion hasn’t ever admitted anything so no one can do anything. There are also some other things that go into this. His dad is less than quiet about wanting to become the prime and if he does that the whole of Narine would be affected
He is probably trying to protect You little mate.
Fuck that! I don't need protection. He on the other hand.
Anger like I’ve never known clouds my mind. Before I know what’s happening I feel my magic flood my body. It overwhelms me and before I can reign it back in a flood of magic is flung from my body, and everything goes black.