Emma's Mate (ON HOLD)

Chapter 29

Emma Smith

Finally, the time had arrived for our adventurous road trip to commence. We settled into the sleek convertible that Ashton had rented for our journey, prepared for whatever surprises the road had in store for us.

As we settled into our seats, I could inhale the crisp autumn air. The leaves were already starting to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the sun cast a warm glow on the city skyline.

"So, DJ Emma," Ashton grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief, "what's on the playlist for our epic journey?"

"Hmm, let me think," I teased back, feigning seriousness. "How about some Beethoven to get us in the mood for philosophical discussions?"

He shot me a playful glare. "Beethoven? Seriously? And philosophical discussions? C'mon, I think we need something a little more upbeat for this adventure."

"Fine, fine," I conceded, a playful smile spreading across my face. "How about some classic rock then? Springsteen, maybe?"

"Now you're talking!" He exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. "But don't forget the Queen. We can't have a road trip without some Freddie Mercury belting out his anthems."

"Of course not," I agreed, reaching for my phone. "Queen it is. Any specific requests?"

"Just make sure it's loud enough to drown out your singing," he joked, winking at me.

"Hey, I'll have you know I have a beautiful voice," I retorted, feigning indignation.

"Oh, I'm sure you do," he chuckled, "especially when you're screeching while singing."

I swatted him playfully on the arm. "You're one to talk, Mr. Ashton Williams."

"True," he conceded, a mischievous glint in his eye. "But at least I can carry a tune."

As we drove, we bantered back and forth, sharing stories and laughing until our sides hurt. We talked about everything under the sun, from our new favorite movies to all that we did in the last three years, to our hopes and dreams for the future.

When hunger struck, we stopped at a small diner along the way. We feasted on burgers and fries, enjoying the greasy goodness and the chance to stretch our legs.

As the sun started to dip below the horizon, we arrived at a charming hotel to spend the night. Despite feeling exhausted, the thrill of our journey kept us energized. Sharing a room, our laughter, kisses, and whispered secrets filled the air until we eventually fell asleep.

The next morning, we woke up early and hit the road again. The scenery changed dramatically as we drove through different states, from the bustling cities of the East Coast to the wide-open spaces of the Midwest.

We stopped at various attractions along the way, visiting historical sites and taking in the beauty of nature. We hiked through forests, marveled at waterfalls, and even went horseback riding.

As the days passed, our bond grew stronger as mates. We learned to rely on each other, supporting each other through the long hours of driving and the occasional setbacks. We shared our deepest fears and our wildest dreams, and our love for each other deepened with each passing mile.

Finally, on the fifth day, we reached California, the Golden State. The sight of the palm trees and the autumn breeze filled us with a sense of homecoming. We were almost there.

As we approached our pack in California, a bittersweet feeling washed over us. Our road trip was coming to an end, but the memories we had created would forever be etched in our hearts.