11 - Was I Crazy?

~Ellie’s Point of View~

I was having the most amazing dream, it was about my maple syrup heart throb. I couldn’t understand where he went, why didn’t he come back to check up on me? It seemed like we really shared a moment when he found me, but maybe I was just woozy.

I dreamed that he was with me, caressing my hair, stroking my arm. I knew I had been given his shirt, I just knew it was his, it had to be! Why would he do that and then just never show himself to me again?

I definitely felt like there was something everyone was keeping from me, but they were all so nice and I didn’t want to seem ungrateful. I was up quite late thinking about everything and worrying about what would come next. What were they going to do with me? It seemed like they didn’t even know. I put that aside.

I felt so relaxed, so at ease. My bed felt exceptionally warm and snuggly. I sighed and stretched, and heard a thud! I jumped at the sound and flicked my eyes open.

There was a man sitting in the chair by the window, but he looked a bit shaken. Wait, was it … my dream boat?!

“Are you … did you cut your hair?” I was incredibly confused.

I paused and he moved toward me, and sat on the end of the bed. He didn’t have a smell and it puzzled me. Was I crazy? Everyone had a smell…

“You’re not … maple syrup,” I asked, cocking my head to the side.

I felt incredibly confused, but I needed to hear him, I wanted him close. Why was he here though?

He looked like maple syrup ... maybe I hallucinated his hair being longer, but … his smell? 

He laughed with his whole body, and I loved it. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he seemed so welcoming, so relaxing to me. 

“No sweetie, I’m … my name is River.”

I smiled at him, I mean he was gorgeous. Perfect smile, dark brown hair, not too long but enough that I could run my fingers through it, which I found myself desperately wanting to do.

He had sky blue eyes and the cutest dimples, just like my maple syrup. Surely they both had mates, they were far too hot to be single.

“Do you know the guy that saved me? You look just like him,”  I said, hopeful. I gave him my best smile.

“Yes, that’s my brother, Hunter,” he smiled.

“Wow! Twins? That’s so cool,” I giggled and clapped my hands.

He laughed and I found myself feeling self-conscious. I really could use a bath. I could smell myself and it wasn’t pretty.

“We’re actually triplets, believe it or not. Hunter is the oldest, then me, and Skyler is the youngest,” he said, getting up to stand and taking a step toward the door.

He looked … nervous? Did I make him nervous? I’d have to think about that later. Play it cool!

“Triplets!! I’ve never seen triplets before,” I beamed, wondering where the rest of them were hiding. I wanted to see them all, line them up! My mind had to see them all to believe it.

“Well Hunter is actually bringing up your breakfast, he’ll be here in a minute, and I’m not sure where Skyler is but he’s around. How are you feeling,” he said.

I hoped he stayed awhile, I could listen to him talk all day, his voice was smooth and calming.

“Much better, the Goddess has truly blessed me, I’m very lucky. Although, they said I can’t go home, so I have been worried about what’s going to happen to me,” I said.

I wondered if he knew what the heck was going on. Surely he did.

“Well that’s actually why we’re here. We wanted to know if maybe you wanted to go live with our family, I have two teenage sisters and I think you all would get along great,” he said, timidly.

He was so welcoming, I just wanted him to hold me, his arms looked so big and strong and... 

What the heck was wrong with me?! I never felt like this about any of the guys in my old pack, but then again none of them looked at me like this guy. He looked like he wanted to crawl right in bed with me and honestly, I’d probably let him!

Calm down Ellie, jeez!

Another thought hit me quickly, and I had the old fear about looking at males that weren’t Tyson. Alpha Gunner beat and imprisoned several males who dared try to speak to me or look at me when I was growing up. 

But Godfrey said we were far from there, surely they couldn’t get me here. Not in a house full of so many different creatures! Just then another one came in, and I grinned.

“Hunter,” I asked, with an urgent but excited voice and pointed at him.

He smirked, “way better than Hunter! I’m Skyler.” 

He sat on the end of the bed where River had previously sat, and I beamed. They were identical, all three of them, my goodness!

Just then the third one came in with a tray of food and my stomach flipped, but then my smile fell.

“Maple … syrup? Why don’t you smell anymore? Am I crazy?”

They all looked at each other and I felt like an idiot. The one with the food gave a weak laugh.

“Yes, I brought some syrup for your pancakes, I hope you’re hungry,” he said.

Pat appeared at the door. I suddenly got angry at her presence and I didn’t know why.

“Hi sweetie, did you sleep okay,” she said. 

She abruptly cleared her throat and all the guys quickly gathered at the door. Please don’t go! My mind was fighting between jumping up to grab them all and staying put. I felt like I could jump out of my skin at any second. Get it together Ellie!

“Yes, very good actually, I woke up feeling very refreshed. I never usually sleep in so late. Could ... I please have a moment alone with Hunter,” I asked.

I couldn’t help it, I had too many burning questions that I needed to ask. Surely he would tell me, if we maybe didn’t have a crowd in here!

Everyone looked at Hunter and he beamed. Pat started to speak but stopped herself. She looked like she was torn on what to do. What did she care?

“It’s fine, guys give us a minute, please,” Hunter said.

Skyler looked pissed and River didn’t seem too happy either. What was I missing? Everyone finally left and Hunter sat on the edge of the bed. I didn’t like how far away he still was. I wanted him to hold me. He’s a stranger Ellie, get a hold of yourself!

“I just … I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am, and to thank you for answering my prayers. I begged the Goddess to help me, to send an angel, and then suddenly you just came out of nowhere, I was convinced I was as good as gone,” I said, staring into his beautiful blue eyes.

He grinned and it took all my restraint not to throw myself at him. Breathe, just breathe.

“Just doing my job sweetie, glad I got there in time, you were pretty cold and you were-”

He stopped himself and I raised my hand and gestured, indicating he should continue

.

“Well I’m just glad you’re okay, and glad we could help. I think you’ll do well with my family,” he said.

I was absolutely giddy. I was going home with them!

“It’ll be quite a full house, all of us together,” I said, excited and clapping.

He looked confused and I couldn’t understand his reaction.

“Oh, oh no sweetie, we live here. My brothers and I are Shadow Warriors, we live and work out of here. My parents live a little ways away, but we could visit sometimes,” he said.

My face fell at that, and I slumped back against the wall. I crossed my arms and I could tell he didn’t like my response. 

“It’ll be okay, you’ll like it there, we’ll see that you have whatever you need,” he said, reaching for my hand.

I happily scooted forward and took his hand and without even realizing it, I put it to my cheek and felt his warmth. He didn’t pull away, and I could swear I actually heard him purr. Maybe I was purring, who knows.

“Why can’t I just stay here, everyone is so nice,” I asked, hopeful.

“Oh no, this isn’t … I mean, only warriors live here, this is kind of a workplace but we just crash here too,” he replied.

I scrunched my nose and frowned, he pulled away. I wanted to pout but I didn’t want to seem like a brat. He brought the tray of food and sat it on my lap.

“Eat up, okay? Pat will bring you some clothes and things to shower with once you’re done. My mom and my sisters will be here later to get you,” he said, with a look I couldn’t quite make out.

“I’m just really, so grateful to you Hunter, if there’s ever anything I could do… well I’m a good cook! Maybe I could make you and your brothers dinner some night,” I said, hopeful. 

Food always made guys happy, surely that would guarantee I would see them again. 

“We would love that, it’s a date,” he said, moving toward the door. 

I felt warm all over at the idea I would have a date … a DATE with triplets! 

I started to ask more about his brothers when Pat appeared at the door again, with some clothes and other things in her hands. I wanted her to go away. She was intruding!

“Bye Ellie,” Hunter said, waving.

Nooooo! Please don’t leave! Please get in bed with me and … oh what’s the use. 

“Bye, Hunter,” I said, pathetically. 

I loved hearing him say my name though, he was so sweet and so handsome, my hero. I would have sweet dreams tonight!