Mated To An Enemy

“Are you sure it was all right to leave today?� Myka asked as they drove down the road.

They had left Winter at first light. It would take most of the day to reach the Moonguard territory. Once they arrived, they would hike a few miles into the forest and find a spot to camp for the night before starting the trek up the mountain in the morning.

Myka knew that Ashleigh wanted to get going as soon as possible. He had surprised her with his plan to bring the troop and delayed their departure by another day. But today was also Bell's last day in Winter. He was sure that Ashleigh would have wanted to see her off.

“The sooner, the better,� Ashleigh replied, focusing on the road ahead.

Myka nodded. Perhaps it wasn't that strange. Eventually, Ashleigh would return to Summer as well. They would see each other again every day.

He looked into the back seat. Stefan was asleep with his head on Sadie's shoulder. Sadie was reading a book, but she felt Myka's eyes on her and looked up. She smiled before returning to her story.

Myka smiled to himself at the gentle acknowledgment. He then glanced over at the others. They had followed Stefan's example and were sleeping peacefully.

All the children in the car, save for Stefan, had been from the lab. When Myka had first mentioned the trip, they hesitated, but hearing that Ashleigh would be going with them, they quickly agreed.

Sadie had told Peter and Myka that many of the others saw Ashleigh as a hero. Though Alice had been a part of the rescue and the reason for the mission, it was Ashleigh who had guided them out of the building. In the children's eyes, she was the one responsible for their freedom.

Even Stefan had developed a bit of hero worship for Ashleigh. As he heard the story of how she had saved not only the children but how she had gone back in and saved Alice from Holden, he saw her in a new and golden light.

At dinner the night before, Stefan had been filled with excitement. He and two other boys on the trip had discussed, in detail, every moment of the rescue in the lab. Stefan had then heard from one of the other adults about some other heroics Ashleigh had participated in. Again, his eyes had sparkled with delight.

Myka let out a soft chuckle.

He had wanted to take the kids out for some practical application. To let them learn by doing. But he hadn't planned on doing it now or any time soon. The only reason that Myka had thought to bring his little troop along on this mission was because of Ashleigh.

It was clear to everyone that Ashleigh was struggling, and no one could blame her, least of all Myka. Were Peter missing, he would have done anything to get him back. Held to any hope and gone to any length. So, he understood that Ashleigh couldn't take a break or let go even for a moment.

But Myka also knew that the chances that they would find the answers she sought in Moonguard were slim. He thought bringing the children along might give her something else to consider. She had the knowledge to share, and they were eager to learn.

Perhaps this trip would give Ashleigh an opportunity to find a new purpose. Not to let go of her hope or give up on her goal. But to allow for something bright to live in the darkness that clouded her thoughts.

It had taken a little convincing, and she wasn't thrilled by the idea of bringing the children along. But after some back and forth, she finally agreed, though hesitantly. Myka decided to take that as a glimmer of hope that he might be able to get through to her.

The rest of the drive was fairly quiet. The children woke up, and they talked amongst themselves. Several times, Stefan had tried to engage Ashleigh in conversation. Still, she told him that she needed to focus on her driving.

Myka reassured Stefan that they would be spending the next week together, and there would be plenty of time to chat and get to know each other. Stefan was relieved and returned to talking with the others.

“Is everything all right?� Myka asked quietly, leaning closer to Ashleigh to keep his words from the ears of the children.

“Yea,� she said. “Just focused on the road.�

He glanced at her hands on the wheel gripped tightly. Her eyes darted back and forth ahead as she searched the trees they drove through as though she expected an attack.

Myka swallowed. He glanced back at the kids once again. They laughed and told jokes together. Then, he turned back to Ashleigh.

“It is safe, right?� he whispered.

Ashleigh didn't answer right away. Instead, she breathed and turned to Myka with a gentle smile.

“Of course,� she said. “There's nothing to worry about, Myka.�

Myka felt a strange jerk in his stomach. Her words were reassuring, but there was something off about them.

“Even if something happened,� Ashleigh continued, returning to face the road. “You've got me. I'll protect all of you.�

This time, Myka didn't feel entirely reassured.

“Ashleigh--�

“Ashleigh's right!� Stefan called out happily. “She's a hero, Myka. If something happens, she'll definitely protect us!�

Behind him, the other kids agreed enthusiastically. Myka smiled, took a deep breath, and let it out with a shake of his head.

“Of course she would,� he sighed with a gentle smile. “I just worry too much.�

“You get it from Peter,� Sadie laughed.

“You're right,� Myka laughed.

“Don't worry, Myka,� Ashleigh said. She looked over at him and smiled. “I got this all under control.�

Myka nodded and returned her smile. The feeling in the pit of his stomach was still there. But he reassured himself that he was just nervous since it was the first time he was directly responsible for so many people.

He turned and sat back in his seat.

‘There is nothing to worry about,' he told himself. ‘Axel approved this trip. He wouldn't have done that if there was any danger.'

With another deep breath, he felt a bit more relaxed. He closed his eyes, deciding he would rest for a while. Since there was nothing to worry about.