The Protectors: New Generation Book 1

14 - First Impressions - Dominic POV

After a two hour drive, through curvy mountain roads, EJ turns off of the main road. The side road leads up to a two story cabin that has been recently completed.

"How many did you say would be here?" I ask.

"Eight teens..."

"Hey."

He grins. "Fine, eight young adults and four Elders, who will be the trainers."

My head whips around, and I raise an eyebrow. I glance at the cabin and back to EJ. "And we will all sleep in that cabin?"

"There is a lower level with a rec room and four bedrooms."

Nodding, I get out of the car and EJ follows; chirps and thrills from insects and birds greets us. Oak and hickory trees with an occasional pine cover the area. The only place spared is immediately around the cabin. When I look into the woods, only a few rays of light make it through the trees until my gaze spots the edges of a clearing.

"So that's one of the training areas, I assume," I say, pointing in the direction of the clearing.

"Only one of many. We scouted the area before we decided to rent this cabin. You won't have to worry about the diversity of scenery while you train."

I scratch my head. "It all looks the same from here."

"Oh, what's that saying?" He pauses scrunching up his face. Finally, he waves his hand in the air. "Never mind, I can't think of it at the moment. Anyway, do you always take things at face value?"

"No. Almost never."

He slaps me on the back before moving towards the back of the car. "Then, why do so here?" he asks over his shoulder, while opening the trunk.

I didn't think I brought many bags, but with mine and EJ's we are having to tote them over our shoulders and covering our arms—anywhere a bag would fit. Why make two trips from the car to the cabin when you can make one?

Climbing up on the porch, we stumble into the cabin when a woman, her graying blonde hair pulled into a bun, opens the door.

"EJ, you're just in time." She says while engulfing him in a hug.

"Good to see you, too. Mia, this is Dominic Young. Dominic met Mia Gwerder, one of our Elders and trainers."

She looks up at me with a gentle smile. "Nice to meet you, Dominic."

"You too, ma'am." I go to try to extend a hand to shake, but I receive a hug instead.

She turns to EJ. "You always do have great timing. Both of you get in here and wash your hands while I plate up dinner."

The mention of dinner makes my stomach growl, reminding me that EJ and I haven't eaten a meal since breakfast - snack foods in the car don't count.

She looks between EJ and I and then to our hands and arms full of bags. "Just drop the bags in the living room. You sound like you need a good meal."

We start walking toward the living room, and EJ calls out to the retreating woman. "What are we having tonight?"

"Steak and baked potatoes."

"You're too good to me, Mia. Why didn't I marry you?"

She chuckles. "You charmer. Analiese is the perfect woman for you, and Adank is the only man for me."

"If you say so," he says, pecking her on the cheek before going into the kitchen to wash his hands and help.

"Can I help?" I ask.