The Key to My Hart

Chapter 9

The next day, I woke to Doc yelling and complaining as well as other commotion going on outside. I was, once again, the last one to rise from bed. Rowan and I had slept in the same bed last night. Thankfully this time there was no nightmares to wake either of us up. Chogan had refused to speak or look at me all evening.

I walked outside to see Doc yelling at Rowan as Rowan detached the Jeep from the bus. Kaito and Ryder stood by laughing while Rowan's face grew redder. Sam, Angel, Azrael, and Chogan weren't anywhere in view. Carlos and Finn were unloading a few of the Doc's supplies from the front seat and brought them into the bus.

I approached Kaito and Ryder. "What's going on?"

"Rowan needs the Jeep and the Doc is furious because Rowan refuses to unpack all of the supplies." Ryder wiped away gleeful tears.

"I guess I should take pity on him and help. Rowan looks like he will snap at any moment." Kaito signed before walking over, grabbing Doc by the elbow and leading him to a park bench.

I could vaguely make out Doc's words. "All of my research is in that vehicle. If something happens to it, it will set me back by years until I can find a cure for this horrible mess." I tuned him out and walked over to see if Rowan needed any help.

"Hey." Rowan lifted his head at my voice. "Anything I can do to be useful?"

"I've just about got it." There was a loud click as the hitch fell away from the Jeep. Rowan stood and dusted his hands off. "I'll be leaving here shortly. I should be back before noon, so everyone needs to be ready to leave. Sam, find a place for the Doc's equipment in the bus."

I took a few steps back at his abrupt tone. "Oh okay. Are you going alone?"

"Yes." He answered simply, proceeding to grab a few more boxes from the Jeep and drop them on the ground. Doc started yelling again. This time about manhandling his equipment.

"Rowan, I don't think it's a good idea to go by yourself. Take someone with you. Kaito, even." I suggested.

Rowan cut his eyes to me. "No. I'd rather go alone." With that, he stomped around to the driver's side of the Jeep. Without second guessing myself. I slipped into the passenger seat and quickly buckled up.

Rowan scowled at me. "Get. Out. I'm going alone."

"No. My Jeep." I grinned.

"I could make you." He remained staring at me, unblinking.

Feeling a tad bit playful, I grinned. "I'd love to see you try."

Rowan jerked back in surprise, his face showing the briefest hint of shock before his scowl returned. "I think I prefer the stubborn obnoxious Atalia over the flirtations version."

My smiled slipped as his words stung. I looked away so he couldn't see the hurt written on my face. I kept the pep in my voice as I said, "Time for an adventure. Just the two of us."

He just shook his head and pulled out. As we were leaving view of the camp, I spotted Chogan on the outskirts, patrolling the area. He made eye contact with me, then quickly averted his attention elsewhere. I took a deep breath and clenched my fist. Today would be about Rowan. I needed to push Chogan out of my mind. We both needed space, and I would wait for him to come to me.

"What are you muttering about over there?" Rowan's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Oh... nothing. Just having a mental conversation with myself." I chuckled nervously. "So... how long will it take to get to the cemetery?"

Rowan's knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel. I could hear the leather cracking under his strength. I reached over and patted his leg. "Why don't you tell me a happy memory you have of your family?"