verb ~ to go away from

Once dry from the intense shower, we lay cuddling in bed watching the television. I was curled up into Phoenix's side, but his arm draped along the length of my shoulders. It was calm, peaceful and everything I wanted. Tomorrow was inevitable and I knew it was going to be hard being gone for so long without him.

His hand tightened its hold me, as though he was thinking the same. I sighed, leaning further into his bare chest as the movie played out in front of us. I wasn't really watching it, my eyes on the screen but my mind was stuck in the sadness of my departure.

"You're going to be fine." Phoenix's voice mumbled, his voice a comforting lullaby.

His lips came to kiss upon my head, the only comfort I needed. Eventually, I must've fallen asleep, and slept soundly without any dreams, for the next thing I remember was waking up to the sound of my alarm.

I shifted, finding myself facing the window, Phoenix's body pressed against mine. His hand was heavy and warm around my hips and I felt him grumble as my movements disturbed him. Despite not being a morning person, I found myself wide awake today.

"Good morning," I muttered, rolling around to face him.

His eyes creaked open, heavy with sleep. He smiled softly at me, his hair disarray from sleep.

"Morning baby."

I shuddered at the sound of his morning voice and he leaned to kiss me gently on the nose. I watched as he groaned, pulling himself up to sit and stretch his arms over his head. Legs hanging over the side of the mattress, his hands gripped at the edge as he prepped himself for the day ahead.

"How did you sleep?" I wondered.

His head turned, to peak at me over his shoulder. "Not great. I couldn't settle down. How about you? When I was awake you seemed peaceful."

I grimaced, "I slept okay for a change."

He chuckled, running a hand down his face. "That's one good thing out of it then."

We got ready for the day in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the tap running ever so often. I dressed in comfortable clothes, knowing I had all day stuck in a car. I groaned when the reality settled in; I was going to be stuck in a car for eleven hours.

"You okay?" Phoenix chuckled as we descended the stairs.

I nodded, "Just realised how long the car journey is going to be."

He smiled at me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder in comfort. "There's always headphones."

We laughed, hitting the bottom step at the same time. Making our way to the kitchen was bittersweet, not many wolves were around since it was seven in the morning on a Sunday. I was too nervous to eat and didn't want to consume food on such a queasy stomach. I sat at the island whilst Phoenix made us both a coffee, my hands on my chin as I watched the way he moved. It felt like I was going away forever, but in fact, it was only a month or so. I truly did wonder how I would feel being so far away.

Once the hot mug of coffee was before me, I hugged it with my hands. Phoenix stood beside me, an eyebrow quirking as he drank from his own. I shrugged at him, about to answer when the doors swung open and Charlie walked in, my twin not far behind him.

Charlie, awake as ever, had a huge smile on his face. "There's my favourite Alpha pair."

I rolled my eyes. "We are your only Alpha pair."

He shrugged. "I could prefer some other Alpha pair. Maybe Alpha Demetrius."

He snickered to himself, ignoring the distasteful look Phoenix sent him and going to make himself a drink. Pollux was silently watching the exchange, his hands clasped behind his back as he rocked on his feet. His green eyes moved to mine, catching my gaze. I gave him a small smile and he returned it, coming to sit beside me.

His lithe body slid into the seat with ease, his hands clasped on top of the table. "Morning, Nova."

"Morning, Pollux. You ready for today?"

"Am I ready to be stuck in the freezing mountains? No." He mused. "But I am looking forward to showing you around."

I giggled at him, sipping my drink. "As long as there is coffee, I think I'll be fine."

He smirked, leaning over slightly to grab a banana from the fruit basket. I turned my attention to Charlie when he began to complain about something to Phoenix. He was exasperated, hands flying in the air as Phoenix stared at him with a scowl, his arms crossed as he leaned against the cupboards.

"It's exasperating!" Charlie gasped.

"What is?" I wondered.

His head snapped to mine, and before I could even blink, he was on his knees before me. His hands grasped at my sweater, his eyes big and wide.

"Please make him change his mind." He begged.  "You're a kind Luna, you can persuade him. Get your goods out for bribery."

I held back a laugh at his serious expression. "I don't even know what context I am begging for."

He blinked far too many times to look normal before his fingers flexed on my top. "Whilst I am gone, he expects me to give him three-hourly updates. Three hourly, Nova. He is on me like a bitch in heat."

I frowned, setting down my mug. "First of all, ouch, secondly, I'm sure twice a day updates are fine."

He grinned, turning to glare at Phoenix over his shoulder. "Yes! See, that's why you are Luna."

I laughed at him and he rose to his feet, smoothing out his jumper with his hands. He smiled at me, before turning back around to grab his drink from the table. He began drinking, all of our eyes on him but he turned to Pollux with an amused smirk. I looked to see what was so funny but found only Pollux eating a banana.

I frowned, looking back to Charlie who flashed his teeth at me in a grin. "Yes, Nova?"

"Why are you staring at Pollux like that?" I wondered.

Pollux sighed from next to me, folding his banana peel back together. "Eating a banana in a room full of sexualising males is never a good move, Nova."

I frowned again, wondering why it was a bad thing. I have eaten many bananas for breakfast. I looked at Phoenix confused and he smiled, shaking his head. He shifted his weight slightly, his hand gesturing to his crotch. I was confused until it clicked, and a furious blush erupted on my cheeks. Charlie burst into laughter, announcing how funny I was before going to leave the room.

"It's okay Nova, I'm sure you're great at eating bananas."

Phoenix growled at him and he laughed before running out of the room. I huffed when he left, giving Phoenix a pointed look. He chuckled softly, setting down his empty mug before turning to search through the fridge for something else.

"You all packed?" I eventually asked, looking at my twin who was making himself a glass of water.

He nodded, "Yeah I think so. Just got to pack my toilet things."

I smiled in agreement, remembering the day I dragged Pollux shopping. Phoenix was always more than happy for me to use his money; he had so many investments and so much heritage money, he claims he could live six times over. I was never eager to take it, knowing how valuable money has been to me my whole life, but Phoenix acted like it was nothing but pennies. However, the day I decided to take Pollux shopping, none of that guilt seemed to vanish since I knew I would be treating my brother.

He had actually enjoyed it, although he will not admit it. He got clothes, and toiletries and shoes, so he no longer had to continue wearing the same clothes or borrow someone else's. He was shorter than the males here too, so they never looked right on him.

"When do we leave?" He asked.

I eyed my watch a heavy sigh falling from my mouth as the numbers nearly reached half past. "Ten minutes."

I saw Phoenix grimace, stood waiting for me no doubt as he had already demolished his breakfast. I didn't catch what it was, but it didn't last too long. We stood from the stools, both looking to Phoenix to follow. He blinked, looking between us before shaking his head and moving away from the cupboard.

"What?" I asked.

"I don't know how I never realised how similar you two look."

I blushed, sneaking a glance at Pollux who rolled his eyes. "Well, we are twins."

Phoenix grunted at his response, his hand coming to both of our backs as he pushed us out of the kitchen. I giggled, eyeing Pollux's shock as Phoenix forced him out of the room. Once in the hallway, Phoenix dropped his hand, only to scoop me up into his arms.

"Hey! What have I said about spontaneous lifting?" I laughed.

He chuckled, nesting his face into my neck and kissing my jaw. "I don't know, I must've missed the memo."

Pollux had faux vomited before making his way back up the stairs. I laughed at him, causing Phoenix to roll his eyes. He carried me back up the stairs so I could pack the remaining things in my bag since I didn't do it before breakfast.

Once back in our room, I was set back down on my feet so I made my way to the ensuite and scooped up the remaining things in there. Placing them in a bag and then into my suitcase, I did a once over of the room to see if I missed anything.

Phoenix came up behind me. "Got things for the car?"

"In my backpack." I nodded before listing off on my fingers. "Headphones, mobile, tablet, book."

"No sleeping tablets?" He mused.

I shook my head, leaning in to tease him. "I will grab a couple on my way down."

He chuckled, leaning down to grab my suitcase and coat. "Come on then, Charlie is bringing the car around."

I sighed but followed him back down the stairs for the last time in a few weeks. Pack members had increased in numbers, a few more milling around as I entered the foyer. They greeted us before saying their goodbyes however brief.

Stepping out of the front doors, the first thing I came across was Charlie leaning against a blacked-out SUV. He had his arms crossed, sunglasses on as he waited for his to approach. He grinned at us, lifting his arm to raise the key fob. The car beeped, the boot opening automatically.

I saw Phoenix roll his eyes but went to place my suitcase in the boot anyway. Charlie opened the back door for me, and I stepped close to place my bag on the back seat. He shut the door, a stupid grin still in place.

"Nice wheels, no?" He grinned.

I laughed at him, shrugging since I didn't know any different. "It's pretty, sure."

"She, she is pretty." Charlie huffed. "Phoenix never lets me drive this car, so I am making the most of it."

"That's because you could never afford a car like this," Phoenix grunted, coming to stand beside us.

Charlie rolled his eyes, crossing his arms once again. "Spoil sport."

Phoenix released a dry laugh but my attention was caught by the doors opening behind me. I turned around to see both my brothers and even Molly leave the house. Seeing Leo brought an ache to my heart, knowing how long it has been since I've seen my parents. He was the image of our father, and it always hit home whenever I'd think too much about it.

"Hey, guys." I smiled. "What you doing here?"

"Come to say goodbye." Molly laughed, pulling me into a hug.

"Oh, thank you." I breathed, hugging her back.

She pulled away to kiss my cheek which made me laugh. "You just be safe out there, okay?"

"Yes, mother." I teased.

She pouted, "I mean it. I get you are Luna and all that, but if you get hurt, I'm going to hunt you down and lock you in a cell."

I laughed, shaking my head as she hugged me again. "Okay. But I will be fine, when we come back, I will even agree to another Harry Potter marathon."

She grinned, pulling away from me. "Deal."

Leo came up next, embracing me in his arms. He was taller, of course being a male wolf, but his body was leaner than that of my mate's. The change in so many different body shapes had me thinking about who gave the best hugs. Phoenix was biased, being my mate his body naturally felt comforting, but there was something about Leo's hugs...

"Be safe." He mumbled, rubbing his chin along my hair.

"I will." I sighed happily, inhaling his familiar smell.

His goodbye was short and sweet and as he pulled away I saw him and Charlie share looks. Pollux stepped into my line of vision, placing his suitcase in the back before shutting the boot. He placed a small bag in the passenger side before looking at us from over the bonnet.

"Are we going or what?" He chirped.

We all mumbled agreements and I said goodbye once more to my brother and Molly before turning to Phoenix. My heart ached as we locked eyes and he smiled sadly at me. I stepped closer to him, blinking back the tears as his arms wrapped around me. Charlie cleared his throat, the sound of the car doors opening behind me.

"You'll be okay." He mumbled.

I leaned out of his arms, looking up into his eyes. I knew I had to pull away, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to just yet. His head bent down and pressed his lips against mine. His hand grasped at the back of my head, holding me against him. I felt his every emotion through the bond, every promise and every secret. A fire burned in my stomach and I returned the kiss with all of my own.

He pulled away all too soon, cupping my cheeks in his hand. His eyes darted between mine, before trailing along the expanse of my features. I sucked in his hazel eyes, the sharpness of his nose and the redness of his lips.

"Be safe." He muttered, kissing me gently once again. "I love you."

"I love you too." I frowned, biting on my cheek to stop the tears.

I inhaled deeply as he moved away to open my door and I slowly walked my way around him to climb into the back seat. He shut the door slowly, his jaw clenching. I knew he was emotional too, but doing it quickly was the only way before I decided to not go. If I stayed too long, I would definitely be persuaded.

"Right, let's go before Nova starts crying." Charlie cheered, starting the engine.

He laughed happily when the engine revved to life, going as far as to clap his hands. "Seatbelt on, Nova. Sickbag at the ready."

I smiled at him, not quite tearless from my goodbye to Phoenix. I was watching him from the window, as he stared at me through the glass. Charlie put the car into gear and began to turn the car around. I watched him through the tinted glass, watched as he turned into a tiny spec in the distance. My heart ached with every passing meter, my hands clenching at my seatbelt as he slowly disappeared.

I'll miss you. I mumbled through the mind-link.

He was too small to make out his expression, but I saw the noticeable dip of his head as we disappeared into the treeline.

I'll miss you more.

"Right, who's up for some tunes?" Charlie grinned, eyeing me through the rear-view mirror.

***
And that's it. She's away. We ready for some soul searching? 😜

wc: 2705

Question of the Day:
What's something you really enjoy doing? Not like a hobby, but like an act? For yourself or someone else eg  painting your nails, buying gifts, cooking food for someone etc
What gives you a good feeling?

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