Austin

For the first time in my life, my dreams don't surface, and my sleep is peaceful. Something shifted in me last night. When I had her crushed against my body. Swallowing her every moan. Eliciting her intense pleasure.

I turn toward her, I'm already erect, but she's not there. Getting up, I slip on my sweats and check the balcony. Not there, either. It's hard to believe she didn't wake me getting out of bed, and I begin to imagine all kinds of asinine things until I find her with Jacob in the kitchen. I check the clock to my side. It's much later than I expected. This is a first. I've never slept past seven am. In fact, I've never slept through the night. She sits at the table, oblivious to Jacob and I, playing with the honey between her fingers, catching it with her tongue. I stiffen all over again, and I just managed to cool down.

"Having fun?"

She jumps startled, when her eyes find mine, then travel lower she quirks a brow, glancing at Jacob. He's reading the paper, and she takes the opportunity to torture me. Sucking her fingers clean, she rolls her tongue the way I like. Her lips are coated, and she sucks those next, lapping at the sticky sweetness. I have to have her now! Jacob clears his throat, reminding me we're not alone.

"Weren't we supposed to train today?"

Her question catches me off guard until I realize its code for let's get busy.

Jacob looks between us.

"We will be leaving shortl. Cann it not wait a day?"

He turns his attention solely on me.

"Sit down, eat."

He makes a valid point about foo, at least. I'm definitely hungry.

Amanda pout, and I wink, promising to make it up to her later, multiple times. Everything feel to perfect and I get a suspicion of impending doom. Brushing it off, I enjoy my newfound happiness.

Jace, Wrath, and Grayson step in from outside in full winter gear. Wrath wears a grin from ear to ear. I lean forward to see what all the hubbub is about. Ah, a snowmobile. I laugh at Wraths expression.

"They are much faster than my horse. Do they make them for land?"

The crowd wonders into the living area as Jace begins to explain the varieties of big boy toys. I remember my first time coming over to this world, and it wasn't near as exciting. I can only imagine the clutter in his brain.

"When we get back to Minneapolis, I have a guy waiting. We have an impressive supply of weapons to check out."

I perk up to that, Jacob knows me too well.

"When does our flight leave?"

"Twelve forty, but we need a good hour to make it to the landing strip. Our usual spot is snowed in, hence the snowmobiles."

Amanda is still. She seems to be off in her own little world,

"Have you ever ridden a snowmobile before?... Amanda?"

She shakes her head as if clearing it and her slow seductive smile returns.

"I've had many powerful things between my thighs!"

I burst into laughter as Jacobchokess on his coffee. "Well, I'll be leaving now, plenty to do."

I chuckle, I think our conversation has gotten a little too hot for comfort. I check the clock again and do some calculating,

"We should shower."

Her eyes light, and she gets up in a hurry.

"Good idea, I'm feeling really dirty."

I grin, following her beautiful ass as she sashays with confidence. As she should. Her feminine form is a tribute to the gods!...

I'm as relaxed as I can be when we board the small plane. I look aroun. Everyonee seems to be in high spirits. Even Rosa who's sat as far away from Wrath as possibl, is smiling and laughing at something Tally is whispering in her ear. The mood is to calm and sure. It gives me pause, and that impending doom sneaks up on me again.

"What's wrong?" Amanda leans in, her bottom lip stuck out as she pouts at my worry. I nip at the tempting flesh. I haven't had this much sex since? Well, ever. She tempts me like no one ever has. I took her twice just this morning before we left, once in the shower and again in her room. I would have a third time if we didn't have an audience. Watching her as she rode the shit out of the Summit one thousand, maxing it out with a look of pure bliss. The mix of fast toys and hot women should be illegal. I nearly ran into a tree watching her.

"Nothing, love."

She curls into me, and I keep my expression blank. I've never been an over thinker and definitely not a philosopher, nor do I give into feelings of superstition. Yet I just can't shake this. Maybe I'm too happy? And I'm not used to it?

The move we're making today feels rushed, and I don't like putting complete trust into a single species. As revered as they are, it's not like they're gods. Just their foot soldiers.

"I get it,you'rer nervous. Maybe even scared, you have every right to be... I am."

Michael is the last person I expected to relate to me. I have insider's knowledge of the fact he hates me. "Were all nervous." I tell him.

He looks at Amanda, then back to me.

"Yes, that's true, but to different degrees."

He points at Amanda ,

"Could you sleep right now?"

I recognize Amanda's light snore and think about Michael's question,

"No, I couldn't, what's your point?"

He smiles looking at me like I missed a memo or something then makes a frustrated noise.

"That's the difference between survivors and fighters. They know when to submit and when to be leery. We make our own path, you and I are couper du même tissu. (Cut from the same cloth.)"

Alright then? I think I know what he said, but my French is rusty. Trying to seem sincere, I gently brush him off. I need some time alone in my head. If I can just get my mind in the fight to come, I'm golden, I think. He leaves, sitting back with Jacob and Estevan.

My thoughts go from the fight into odd territory, I find myself wondering if our lives are all planned out and we're just playing to script, like it's one big show someone is watching while we feel everything. I laugh at my train of thought. I have certainly delved into philosophy territory, which is odd for a fae. Jacobs not sure on the numbers, but I agree the element of surprise is going to be our best advantage. The thought inspires an idea. I get up slowly, laying Amanda back in her seat and approach Jacob,

"Do you know anyone with access to magic?"

He stops conversing, and squint's lowering his brows.

"Why? What are you thinking?"

Taking the seat next to him, I settle in for a long discussion. Jacob hates magic.

"What if we were able to put the humans asleep? Then we would only have to contend with the others, surely their numbers would be more even with ours."

He thinks about it then hits a roadblock ,

"Then what would you propose we do with the humans? They are not all innocent. How would we know which would stand against us and which would fall in line? No. it's not the way of war... In a perfect world all humans are redeemable but we don't live in a perfect world."

He has a point

"There's got to be something we could do to gain the upper hand."

"What is this about? Really."

I look over at Amanda's sleeping form.

"Ah, I see. This is why relationships and jobs don't mix well."

I try not to be defensive or show any annoyance, but I was never good at masking things.

"Okay, fine. So she has a little something to do with it. I'm still right and you know it."

He cracks up, and it ignites my irritation

"The only thing I know is this will be our one and only chance to save species that are going to be butchered and used like salvaged cars. I'm not going to delay it for anyone... look, you can try to convince her to stay back with Tally but look at her. I've never seen her so healthy and succubus are a resourceful and strong species. She'll be a valuable presence. You don't want to hold her back, trust me. As much as you love her, she will grow to resent you."

My words catch on a swallow, it sounds like he's talking from experience.

"I don't love her, I'm worried about her."

My tongue burns at the lie before I realize that's what it is. My anger mutates into anxiety and I want to tie her up and hide her away for her protection and my sanity. I don't even know what love is. The whole lot chuckles and Jacob pats me on the back.

"Sure you don't, but you know the saying; if you love something, set it free. That didn't become a saying because it went unproven."

We arrive in Minnesota, and the pilot starts the landing, telling us to take our seats. I roll my eyes at Jacob and sit back by Amanda. She wakes up smiling at me.

"We're landing, love."

She stretches and my eyes catch on her cleavage kindling my excitement but it's tainted with worry. Fucking Michael! I was doing just fine until we had that little chat. How am I supposed to be ok letting her put herself in danger time and time again? I'm not going to be able to concentrate, I'll be too busy protecting her.

"What's wrong?"

I can't afford a fight and knowing her she'll take it as a jab at women in general and I'm not ready to say the big L word. At least not with a life-threatening mission the same day that's a bad omen.

"Nothing my sweet, my mind is on the fight to come is all."

She nods, walking ahead of me and off the plane. The warm air is a shock from the dry cold we left in the mountains. It could be worse, I could be Wrath right now. Walking around with blue balls and either fascinated or terrified by everyday I object. I laugh as he Crouches with his hand on his sword. He's staring at the car pulling up. Rosa avoids him like the plague, and he stares at her with a hunger I can only imagine. With Amanda, it's more of a longing, like I need her to breathe.

"Get your mind on the mission Austin!"

I swear one of Jacobs abilities is to read minds. How does he know me so well?

I can't shake this bad feeling and it's messing with my mojo. Jacob sends Tally to the complex with a few men that stayed back to keep an eye on the property. Although he managed to get the weapons room repaired, it's not exactly stocked. The rest of us head downtown to see his friend. We park behind a Chinese food restaurant, Jacob gets out and knocks on the door.

I'm a taken back when three men come out holding cases and sliding them in the back of our van. It looks like we're taking empty bins back, returning spoiled food or some shit. It goes to show not everything is as it seems. I've been to the restaurant before and never noticed anything obscure. When he gets back in, I put it in drive and pull up to let Elliot park in my spot. The men return with more cases.

"Who is this person that's supplying us? What's his interest?"

Jacob grins,

"Just an old friend that owes me a favor... I've been around a lot longer than you, my life has not always been so...simple"

All he's seemed to do is make me more confused. I should know better. This is standard Jacob. I know as much about him today as I did the first week I met him.

"One day old man, I will uncover all of your secrets."

He punches my arm, hard, and I rub it to get back sensation.

"Who are you calling old!"

I snort, and he gives me a smirk, looking at my shoulder. He turns serious for a moment.

"Some things are better left in the past."

We get back on the road and make our way to our final destination. My palms sweat and the human reaction causes me to laugh out loud.

"What is it?"

"I was just thinking how we all have similarities to humans and the more time I spend here, the more human I become."

"Is that what you think?"

What now? I've sparked a hidden lecture, I can feel him sorting through the words in his head.

"I think your right."

That I was not expecting he pulls over down a back road waiting for everyone to follow.

"Do you know why your riding with me?"

I look at Jacob trying to study him and pick up on his mood.

"I drew the short straw?"

I laugh at my joke, but all I get is a small smile.

"I'm worried about you, your distracted. The best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Have a little faith in the succubus."

He gets out before I can respond. I get out to and head over to the last van where Amanda, Rosa and Grayson are. Jacob hands out vests and uncovers the weapons, directing us to put them together. Amanda struggles but catches on quickly. When she seems ready, I pull her aside.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

She frowns, looking confused.

"Of course I do, what would make you think I don't?"

Now I'm agitated. I pull her further away so no one can overhear and lean in,

"Enough of the, it's my duty crap. I want to know if you can handle being shot at or watching people die in front of you. Have you even thought of the risk your taking?"

She rips out of my hold, glaring at me.

"I'm not a child! I may be partially human but I'm not a coward nor am I weak. When I joined... yeah, I was a little nervous and confused, but I've come a long way since then and I'm stronger in every way... I'm devoted to this team. I remember what its like to be caged and-"

She breaks off tearing up; I hold her in my arms,

"I'm sorry, your absolutely right. I shouldn't have questioned you like that... I just don't think I can stand seeing you hurt or worse."

She pushes back, looking up at me.

"No one else is going to help these people, I'm honoured to be a part of this."

I pull her back in my arms, hugging her tight. I'm proud of her, but call me selfish... I wish she felt differently.