The Light In the Darkness {Clexa endgame}

Chapter 1 - Clarke

Turning the lights off in my art studio, I stepped out onto Main Street and locked it up. A breeze kicked up and I lifted my nose to the air and inhaled deeply. It was the typical smells of a small town in rural Virginia. The Shenandoah Valley forest in the Fall was the predominant scent. Followed by what youd expect in a small town; fuel and oil from the auto shop, grilled and fried food from our one diner, late blooming flowers, and wood and sawdust. I sighed and looked up at the sky. The sun was making its lazy way over the Blue Ridge Mountains and our little part of the world would soon fall into dusk and night. I thought to myself that it would be a beautiful night to take a run through the forest. I just hoped that Id get the chance to do so tonight.

I growled slightly and headed to the auto shop. The bay to the garage was open and I could hear the whir of a power tool and the hiss of an air compressor. There was a radio playing nearby and it sounded like a country rock song. I glanced around the garage and felt myself deflate when I saw my truck was still up on the lift. There were a pair of legs sticking out from it and I approached them.

Rae, I called out loudly. Rae, tell me that Ill get her back soon?

Hands gripped the outer edge of the truck and the body of my best friend, Raven Reyes, slowly came into view. I felt a slight blush creep up my neck as I admired her body. There was a cough and I looked up at her face and saw that she had a smirk on it. She knew exactly what I had been thinking.

I shook my head and smiled, Rae, you gotta stop teasing me like that.

Like what, she said with a laugh, This is how I usually roll out from underneath a car. I cant help it that youre mind fantasizes about me.

I glared at her as she continued to laugh and wiped her hands on a rag that had probably been white this morning. When she stood up, she leaned against my truck and looked at me expectantly.

I sighed and asked, How much longer, Rae? I need to get my work down to Richmond in a few days.

Itll be ready by then, Clarke, she replied. Shes an old lady and her lady bits are fragile. I have to be gentle with her. Plus, she needs a new air operated locker. I should get that tomorrow.

So the new suspension has already been installed, I asked. And the new fuel tank?

Yes, she replied. I was just finishing up the tank when you came in.

Is everything else running perfectly, I asked worriedly.

Clarke, yes, everythings running smooth as silk, she said, her brow creasing in worry. Why this sudden need to make sure everythings good on Blue Momma here?

I let out a frustrated sigh and ran my hand through my hair and replied, Rae, its our four year anniversary tonight. Im pretty sure that tonights the night.

She stood up straight and her eyebrows nearly reached her hairline, Seriously?! How can you be so sure?

Wells has been hinting at it all week. Last week, he trapped Mom at the clinic for a few hours. Hes gonna ask.

Are you going to accept if he does?

I dont know, I said as I growled in frustration. Raven, I dont love him. I only agreed to date him so that I could stay in town after we graduated. So that I could stay with Mom.

Damn. A rock and a hard place situation, she said shaking her head forlornly. Look, Clarke, you do what you have to do. I think its a mistake to subject yourself to a lifetime of misery if you accept. You know your mom would understand if you left.

Thats the thing, I said, angrily. I shouldnt have to leave. Just because of our stupid bylaws am I even in this damn mess.

I know, honey, she said as she wrapped an arm around my shoulders. Its so archaic. I mean, seriously, why cant we have a female Alpha? Ive heard that there are packs out there with a female Alpha, so why cant we?