Page 22

Ember

On January 20th, we drive for an 8-hours.

I learn more about Mika, like he can’t sing but has excellent taste in music, Fall out Boy, ACDC, Billy Joel, Cher was a shock but Meatloaf, Queen and Bon Jovi isn’t. He puts mayo and mustard on his beefburger 'Meh ok! ' And he likes half strawberry half banana milkshakes 'Excuse me while I gag.' We arrive at sundown, and a Pack meet is in full swing, I tense a little, worried about past experiences within packs.

“Wait here while I grab yours and my brothers. Dad is away, so he will have to wait.” He smiles and heads off.

I’m standing in an open area, I would say the entrance hall, but it stretches to the back of the Chalet, a floor-to-ceiling window wall that looks out at the lake. I see Trick and Bram messing around and singing. Creed and Paxton are there, too, and a few I don’t recognize. I feel eyes on me and turn to see Ren watching me.

A pretty blonde strokes his arm while talking to him. Something in me hurts to see him with a female, but I smile anyway. Mika speaks to the guy next to Ren. As he turns, all the air leaves my lungs, and blackness starts seeping in, but I don’t hit the floor.

“Emmy, baby, breathe,” is the last thing that breaks through the fog.