The Alpha Twins and their Runaway Witch

59

Ariel walked on the front steps and paved driveway gracefully. Unbothered by her lack of shoes. Getting into Binh's car. Both were silent as he drove out of the driveway, back towards the city. Tonight had gone better than expected. Binh could have been knocked over by a feather when he watched the surprise dinner guest heal every scar from Ariel's body, all her broken bones and bruises. Wheelchair remaining abandoned in the hallway where she had risen from it.

Kit had restored Ariel's hair and given her a chance to choose a style all her own this afternoon. Binh knew, Kit had made Ariel feel attractive and his demon heart had smiled. Now her mate's sister had healed all Ariel's visible physical scars. He had seen the long lashed scars from a whip on her back when he had taken her to the hospital after being struck by the car. He wondered if those most aged of her scars had also been healed like her ear had been. He dared to hope they too were erased. Desperately wanted Ariel in real life to look more like she did in her dreams. Separate her even more from the nightmares that plagued her.

The further away he drove from the twins' rented home, the harder Ariel gripped her knees, one hand on each knee. Knuckles white. Face stoic her lips counting each breath in and out. "If you need to go back, we can turn around?" Binh offered, he had not imagined the pull towards her mates to affect her with this much intensity before they had a chance to properly claim her.

Ariel shook her head at his words. "No. I said too much. I need time away from them." She closed her eyes. Trying to hold back the flood of useless tears her stupid heart wanted to cry. This was twice now that she had blurted out something, out loud, where anyone could hear her in front of them. She knew better. Never say anything out loud unless you want it used against you. She knew that. They made her thoughts twisted. Made her unable to try hard enough to protect herself.

The minutes went by and soon enough the pain of driving away lessened to a manageable ache in her chest. Her thoughts a little clearer. "I'm so tired." Her mind had so many questions, and thoughts and ideas. Ariel was warm, over fed, and she felt safe. The driving of the vehicle over smooth roads easily lulled her exhausted body into a peaceful sleep.

Binh drove the car ensuring there was not a single bump or shift in centripetal force on her. Her body had healed in seconds what should have taken weeks. She needed to eat and sleep to recover from the effort required as much as she could. It was a gift, but one that came with a price attached.

Binh had already been feeling a mild degree warmer towards the fated mates for Ariel. Then as he was about to turn into the underground garage for his building; he abruptly switched from the chicken turning lane back into the flow of traffic. Safely, but not perhaps comfortably for those with mortal reaction speeds.

Ariel had started dreaming. A real dream of a wish her heart called for while her mind went quiet in sleep to recover from the strains of the day. Ariel dreamed of all the Greenrivers siblings she knew, and hazy figments standing for those she had not yet seen. Binh was going to do everything he could to let her dream continue as long as she needed.

A warm home that was nearly all wood and stone through the living area. Enough room and seating for more people than Ariel thought she could name. Everything felt warm and comfortable. A plate holding a freshly baked pastry in her hand, resting on her lap. Alex and August to either side of her in a love seat. Cuddled close.

Binh saw himself seated on the chair beside them. Lumi and Sebastian cuddled together in an oversized chair. Cassi stood against the wall like a model waiting to be caught in perfect repose. Two more brother's hazy feelings at the edge of the dream, another two more sisters, a mom and four dads all bursting with love for each and every one of their children.