Shared Interest

25: Waging War

Once back to the car we had set off immediately heading for the highway to get the fuck out of Seattle. Being stuck in a car with Parker was torture as I couldn't even stand to look at her knowing a tiny piece of metal was in my head as per her orders. I knew she could be controlling and jealous but this was a new low. If we were anyone else, anyone in a normal relationship, this would be grounds for a restraining order, a lawsuit even. This was single handedly the craziest most fucked up thing she had done to date and that was really saying something. Our relationship had always had this subtle control dynamic to it but putting a tracker in my head? That was too far.

"Where are we going?" Colton questioned glancing over at Parker

She shook her head "I can't say but we're meeting Luna there."

The mention of Luna perked my spirits up a bit as I felt an in withhold able smile form on my lips.

Parker glanced at me in the mirror and smiled "There's that beautiful smile."

Colton scoffed at her and my lips tugged down "It wasn't for you."

She pursed her lips and refocused on the road.

~ 8 Hours Later ~

"Well that was the worst car ride of my life." Colton muttered as we exited the car

We were now far from the city, so far we had passed other cities and were far from them as well. We were on the outskirts of a small town called Kleinville, population 200.

"I'll second that." I grumbled

We were standing at the end of a long winding driveway leading to the nicest safe house we had yet to have the privilege of hiding out in. It was a three story modern craftsman home wrapped in around porches at every level. The gray siding seemed brand new, still shiny in the morning sun.

"At least I got us a nice air bnb right?" Parker joked

We both glared at her before heading for the front door without another word.

Before we even reached for the knob the heavy oak door swung open to reveal a wide eyed Luna. She went for Colton first pulled him into a tight hug and fiery kiss. I felt myself grow uneasy as the sudden sight of their mushy gushy couple behavior for the first time in person. Before I had a chance to recover I was pulled into a bone shattering hug.

"Harp oh my god." She cried into my shoulder "I missed you so much."

I hugged her back stiffly, my brain overloaded from the events of the past few months, well more like year.

"I missed you too Lune." I smiled into her shoulder, letting my head rest as I tried to relax marginally for just a moment

We separated and she let us into the house, her words a mile a minute as she explained the layout. Parker followed behind us in silence, smart move. We found everyone else scattered throughout the living room, except Talia and Aria who were sitting rather closely together whispering. They spotted us and Talia smiled while Aria's lips formed a tight line.

"You survived!" She exclaimed with a bright smile

I laughed "Yeah operation solo dolo wasn't a success but I can say I lived."

"More like operation dumb impulsive decision making." Parker grumbled

I turned crossing my arms over my chest "Did anyone ask you? No? Then fuck off miss tracker."

"Miss tracker?" Aria questioned seeming amused by our current dynamic

"Yeah so," I pointed to Parker "this one decided it was morally sound and not questionable decision making to put a fucking tracker in my head."

"You what?" Aria questioned turning to Parker "Wow this is a new low, even for you."

"Whatever I'm going to bed." Parker growled before stomping off towards the stairs

I rolled my eyes and followed after her as though a magnet was attracting me.

"I'm not in the mood to talk." She grumbled as we reached the top of the first flight

I grabbed her wrist and turned her to face me, "Yeah well I am and I think you owe me at least that."

"Okay you're right." She sighed, "Do you want me to take it out?"

"No I want you to put one in." I stated matter of factly

She gave me a curious look "Another?"

"No one in you." I clarified

She laughed and turned walking towards one of the rooms "Yeah right."

"Fairs fair Parker. I want a chip in you and I want the tracking gps information at all times." I pressed further

She stopped and looked at me, a newfound calmness seemingly washing over her features "Will you let it go if I agree?"

"It'll be a start." I shrugged

She nodded "Fine I'll request they send the needed materials in the next supply drop."

"Good," I nodded, unsure of what else to day as I was still shocked she'd even agreed "well that's all I needed to say, goodnight."

"You're obviously tired too, why don't you join me." She said as she opened the door to reveal a comfy looking king size bed made up with white sheets

I shook my head "Not tonight."

With that I took my leave before she could argue and wandered back downstairs to rejoin the group.

"So trouble in paradise once more huh?" Aria asked as she came back into the room with a bottle of vodka

"Something like that." I held out my hand "So I think that entitles me to a shot."

"Maybe even two." She grinned as she passed it to me before sitting directly beside Talia once more on the brown leather love seat

I fell back into the open spot of the matching sectional sofa with Colton, Luna, and one of the guards. I unscrewed the cap and took a long swig before holding it out to Luna. She gave me a curious look before taking a sip and passing it to Colton. We settled into light hearted conversations, even playing a game of never have I ever. It should have felt refreshing to let everything fade to the background for a minute, to just be normal twenty something year olds for a night. It felt dreadful instead, my stomach twisting and turning at the thought of what was yet to come in this war we were waging both amongst ourselves and against Sam