Reverie Dyad

Chapter 37

Reid POV:

"Home sweet home," I whispered, standing in the doorway and gently dropping my bags onto the polished wooden floor. The air was filled with the welcoming scent of rustic wood and aged animal skin, wrapping the place in an earthy and comforting aroma. The golden rays of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, amber glow across the room. The creaking of the old wooden floor beneath my weight felt reassuring like an old friend greeting me after a long journey. I took a deep breath, allowing the familiar scent to seep into my senses, grounding me in the comfort of my own space. It was more than just a house; it was a sanctuary, a haven where every corner held cherished memories and every wall whispered stories of the past. With each breath, I felt a profound sense of belonging, a reassurance that no matter where life took me, this place would always be my anchor, my refuge in the stormy sea of life.

"If you miss it so much, we can all come and spend weekends here," Cole suggested as he strolled over to the comfortable couch, casually dropping his duffel bag next to him. His voice held a hint of playfulness, and a warm smile graced his face as he made the offer

"I miss the hunt more than the home," I confessed, closing the door behind me. Cole nodded understandingly. He took his phone out of his pocket and dialed Val's number, undoubtedly letting her know that we had arrived safely. As he spoke with her, I couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the thrill of the chase, the rush of adrenaline that came with it. The memories of tracking through the wilderness, the wind carrying scents of the wild, and the satisfaction of a successful hunt flooded my mind 

Stepping into the kitchen, I got down to business. I opened drawers and cupboards, checking off our necessities mentally. Plates, glasses, mugs, and cutlery—all present and accounted for. The clinks and clatters of metal and porcelain echoed in the air as I inspected each item. The sunlight poured in, giving the kitchen a warm, inviting atmosphere. It was a no-nonsense approach, a practicality that came naturally. I surveyed our provisions, a satisfied grin tugging at the corner of my lips, knowing we were all set for our time here.

"Okay, drive safely, okay?" Cole said before ending the call. He walked into the kitchen, carrying two six-packs of Corona beer. I eyed him curiously, and he must have sensed my gaze because he looked up and shrugged as if to say, "Why not? Let's make our stay here a little more enjoyable."

"Is she okay? Is she getting along with Jude?" I asked, a bit concerned since I hadn't spoken with her since she left. Cole nodded reassuringly. He bent low and began placing the bottles in the fridge. The bottles emitted a satisfying clink as he placed them one by one inside the cold refrigerator. The sound of the chilled shelves welcoming the beverages added a touch of anticipation to our stay, and it was clear that our time here was off to a promising start.

"I mean, do I like the fact that she's alone with a guy in a car without us?" Cole said, voicing the unspoken concern that had been lingering in the air. He put the last bottle in the fridge, closed the door, and straightened up. His subtle tension mirrored mine, acknowledging the unease that came with the situation. The gravity of being apart from Val settled in, casting a shadow over our initial excitement.

"No," he continued, his tone firm as he shut the fridge door.

"But it's for her safety, so I'm allowing it. She sounded good like they were having fun together," he added, his gaze distant yet intense, a jealous glint flickering in his eyes. His words hung in the air, a mixture of concern and possessiveness, revealing the complexity of emotions he was grappling with at that moment.

"You really need to loosen up," I said, shaking my head at him. My words carried a hint of exasperation, a gentle push for him to ease his grip on the situation and trust Val to make her own choices.