Reject, A Continuation

Chapter 3

Getting off the bus first thing in the morning, I immediately go to the advertisement board for various motels and hotels, making note of the cheapest looking one and going over to line of payphones to call for a taxi. 

"Mom," Archer tugged on my jacket, getting my attention as I look down at him, "Can we get cheeseburgers?" 

He gave me his best puppy pout, knowing I'll give in. 

I sigh defeatedly, clever little kid. 

He gave me a beaming smile, knowing he's gotten his way again. 

Who even taught him to make the puppy face? 

Oh right. 

Me. 

"You're the best mom." Archer rubbed in his victory more. 

"Watch it mister," I warn teasingly, "Else we're going just going to go to the help kitchen." 

Nothing wrong with the free food from generous volunteers but there is only so much canned food you can consume before wanting some good'ol fast food. 

That shut him up, still that mischievous smile on his face that just made me want to squeeze his cheeks. Which I do, leaning down to put both my hands on either side of his cheeks, squeezing them as I go to kiss his forehead. 

"Eww," he groaned, pushing me off and wiping his head with the back of his sleeve. 

I giggled at his behavior, leading us outside as we now wait for our taxi to take us to our temporary home. 

"Luna?" 

Our bubble was popped exceptionally quickly when I heard that name that sent chills down my spine. 

"Zach," I spun around, pulling Archer behind me and out of sight from Q's second in command, "It's been a while." 

We never spoke when I stayed with Q, but we've seen each other enough to identify each other if we were to run into one another. I'm not quite sure how he's here, given I just bought a bus ticket for the furthest stop, and got off a few stops before. 

"Luna, it's really you." Zach stepped forward, noticing the little boy behind me. 

Before he could really identify him I stepped into his view, "How did you find me?" 

"I was in the area," he turned his attention to me, "And I got reports that you might be heading in this area." 

"Do you just have people at every bus stop," I joked, but his silence told me that it was true. 

"Q just wants to see you again," Zach stepped forward, and I stepped back, so he just froze in place holding his hands up sort of defensively, "Please Marina, after you left and your pack attacked all of us have been separate and doing everything to survive." 

What?

That's not what I foresaw. 

Though I didn't really look into the pack after I left, I just wanted to protect Archer until he can fulfil his destiny. 

"He's on his way here," Zach added, stepping forward cautiously, this time I didn't move, "Q's only a few hours away so please, just let him at least see you're alive and well." 

"You know he isn't going to be satisfied with that," I smile sadly, noticing my taxi approaching I turn to leave but Zach was quick to grab onto my arm, keeping me in place, "Let go of me Zach." 

"I can't do that Marina, I'm sorry," his voice was desperate, and grip only got tighter. 

"Let go of my mommy!" Archer screamed, rushing forward and shoving Zach's legs, actually managing to push him back. 

Zach stumbled backwards, shellshocked, "M-mommy?" 

I quickly scooped up Archer, ignoring Zach's stares as I rush into the taxi, grabbing and setting all our stuff in the back seat with Archer. Going for my back for my suit case Zach managed to grab it before I did. 

"Marina I'm not going to ask again," he warns, but a wave of realization came over him that he definitely crossed a line, "S-sorry." 

"It's fine," I rip my bag from him, both of us using a bit too much strength as he ripped the handle right off. Ignoring that I told the taxi driver where to go as I got into the back seat, shuffling out little belongings around so we can sit comfortably. Also ignoring the fact that Zach heard every word about where we'll be spending the night. 

The taxi was quick to speed off, leaving Zach clutching the handle of my suitcase. 

**Q is definitely coming for us,** Claris murmured, also staring at Zach until we turned out of sight. 

**I know.** I sighed, feeling a small warm hand get placed on top of my clenched fists. "Archer?" 

"Who was that?" Archer asked, a worried expression on his sweet little face. 

"A friend of your fathers," I chose to be honest, seeing how he's going to see Q very soon, "He was just letting me know that your father wants to meet up with us."  

"Oh," Archer looked confused for a second, his face lighting up a bit, "I'm going to see my dad?" 

"Yes," I put my hand on top of his, making a little hand-sandwich, rubbing my thumb comfortingly, "You're going to see your dad very soon." 

"Cool," Archer gave me a toothy smile, starting to fidget in his seat with excitement, "Wait am I going to see him today?!" 

"Yes, probably later tonight, so you'll get to stay up a bit before bedtime," I try to see a bit into the future to see if I was right, and judging by the image of Archer running around in his pajamas I guess I was right. 

"Yay!" He cheered, now really getting excited, accidentally kicking the driver's seat a few times but he quickly apologized, getting a small 'it's fine' in response. 

At least he's looking forward for Q.