Chapter 8

“Melody, can you please stop being underfoot?” Ember prayed for the third time after almost breaking her next because her adorable cat was not amused with her packing things and running between her feet seemed like the best type of revenge. Luckily, she had just placed the last bit by the door. Pretty sad that her whole life came down to two boxes and two duffle bags. Oh right, she reminded herself as she turned towards the bedroom. Plus, the giant box monstrosity that was her bed.  

It needs to go in the SUV first. She had already moved the backseat down before walking in. Picking up Melody she moved her to her little travel kennel. No way was she risking another fall while carrying this thing. Also, keeping Melody out of the way and safe.  

“Sorry, girl, I know you’re not happy about this either. Maybe we’ll head somewhere with a lake, and I’ll catch you a fish. Sound good?” 

The only response Ember received was a snooty look of distain and a flick of the cat’s black tail.  

With the cat put in a safe place she reluctantly started the whole push and pull process of dragging the box out to the car. Thinking about how sweet it would be if she could fall asleep like a normal person. Being woken up by sunlight hitting you. Taking naps on a couch. But, no, she must fall asleep in a cramped fireproof box. Must set annoying alarms every single day to wake up to everyday. Always be super aware not to accidently fall asleep anywhere else. Learned that the hard way. Suddenly, the box felt lighter as she was trying to push it along the walkway. 

“Do you always use such colorful language?” A gruff voice chuckled.

Ember’s head popped up, looking over the box now, she schooled her features. Not her first rodeo of people trying to track her down. She stopped trying to push the box, took a step back, and dropped her hands to her side. This was the first person to get so close without her realizing though. She really did get too comfortable in this place. 

“Only when necessary.” Shielding her eyes with her lashes she took a long scan of her surroundings. She sent her smoke low and searching for any others. 

“Don’t be frightened little mate. I’m alone. Now where and why are we hauling this thing?” The man then easily lifted her box up on his shoulder. “Guessing the car, since the trunk is standing open.”

Ember just stood there, very confused. Her smoke tendrils didn’t alert her to anyone else. This guy was huge though and he was lifting her bed like it was nothing. She was strong but not that strong. Pasting a smile on her face she turned to the intruder and started to tune her movements with her smoke. Sending the signal to leave the area.

“You know that’s really pretty, but not going to work on me.”