Hay Creek

Chapter 30.

We finally arrived at the residence, and to our relief, the journey had gone smoothly without any complications. Once all the cars were parked, everyone hopped out and began unloading the trunks. As we entered the spacious house, I was struck by how the entrance hall was nearly as large as my bedroom back home—though this room was even bigger. It was beautifully decorated, and the fresh scent in the air was inviting.

"It's beautiful here," Arabella remarked, gazing around in awe.

"I agree," I replied, nodding in appreciation.

"Let's unpack and rest. I'm as tired as Princess Aurora," Stella said, rolling her eyes.

"Well, don't let us keep you awake, Princess Aurora," Greyson retorted sarcastically, earning a pointed look from Stella.

"Shut up! Babe, can you help me bring my bags upstairs? Which room is mine, anyway? Do I get to choose? I want the big—"

Graham interrupted her. "Why do you think you get the biggest bedroom?"

Stella looked genuinely offended. "Don't—"

This time, her mate jumped in. "I'm sure there's a room just as big and nice as Kai's, babe. Come on, let's get your stuff upstairs."

Stella sighed and stuck her tongue out at Graham playfully.

Kai chuckled, "Come on, everyone, let's settle in."

"Yes, after all, this is going to be our base," Roman added.

"This place is really nice, don't you think?" I said, letting myself fall onto the king-size bed.

Kai laughed. "Yeah, it's a nice place. Not home, though."

"You were the one who said to settle in," I teased.

"True, but now I'll rephrase: Let's settle in, but not too much. It's just temporary." He arched an eyebrow at me.

"If you say so, boo."

I felt great, eager to do something fun, though I wasn't sure if that was in the cards for today. Looking over at Kai, I saw he was focused on his phone. When he noticed my gaze, he gave me a small smile, tilting his head slightly, as if to ask if something was wrong.

"It's nothing. I'm just looking at you," I said, returning his smile.

He shook his head, chuckling softly. "I was texting Alpha Dashawn and my dad to let them know everything's good and safe. But I'm about 99 percent sure that's not what you wanted to know."

I sat up, excitement bubbling inside me. "I was actually wondering if we have time to do something fun today. I know we're in the middle of nowhere and on a mission, but I—"

"Of course we can!" He placed his phone on the side table, stood up, and walked over to sit beside me. "Roman and I hadn't planned on starting today. We should have enough time to have some fun. Let me think of something for tonight." I smiled and nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

"I know for a fact that my hair looks better than yours."

"Oh, stop fooling yourself."

"Excuse me!"

"Oh, on the moon," Archer quipped as Kai and I entered the kitchen.

It was Stella and Chloe, Roman's wolf and Andrew's mate. Andrew sat nearby with his eyes closed, shaking his head.

"What's going on?" I asked Archer.

"They've been at it for ages," he explained.

"And they have no filter whatsoever," Andrew added, his voice laced with amusement.