Okay, I have no idea how long this book is going to be. I was planning 30 chapters and now...I have no idea. Like I have so many plans for character development and how I'm going to get from point A to B. Ugh! There's a very simple way where I can end it but, it's boring so...

Also, a quick announcement, the sequel to 'My Protector' will come out as soon as I finish this book. Thank you guys so much for the patience!

•••

Katelyn's POV:

My group and I were enjoying the show of the two brothers lecturing their older one in the distance. We couldn't hear what they were saying but, oh boy, were they expressive. Waving their hands all over the place while Garroth stood there taking all of it.

"Man," Travis chuckled. "I kind of feel bad for the guy."

"He kind of deserves it," Laurance shrugged, smiling at Travis.

"Yeah he does," The still soaking wet Ivy mumbled. Aphmau quickly hit her upside the head and glared at her.

Zenix, Aaron, and Ivy were all in handcuffs sitting at a close distance so we could keep an eye on them. They were unamused by everything that was happening. I was holding back loud laughter seeing Vylad turn red when Garroth just nodded or shrugged. 

"So, Aph, what's your new boyfriend like?" Aaron asked with a smirk. Everyone just glanced over, interested to hear what she would say. Aphmau just smiled.

"At least he's wasn't born on a highway."

"What do you mean by that? I wasn't born on a highway." He asked, utterly confused.

"It's just where most accidents happen. Like you."

Now, that made me burst out laughing. Aaron's jaw was ajar, trying to process what had just happened. He was about to say something but, the three were came back to join us. They seemed to be fine, unlike five seconds ago. Aphmau waved goodbye to the still frozen Aaron and walked up to Garroth. She took his hand and gave me look to ask if she was waiting for directions. I could tell Garroth was trying to explain silently so I wouldn't get upset but, I just softly smiled, signaling it was okay. I kind of already guessed their secret relationship by now. I'll ask them about it later.

"Okay, team," I say, grabbing everyone's attention. "We are going to run a bit behind schedule. With our recent development, we will set out to Denver tomorrow. Now, since I'm in a good mood, I just need you two boys," I say pointing at Travis and Laurance. "to set up the fire and put these three idiots in a safe place where they won't try anything."

Laurance and Travis nodded and went to work.

"You four," I meaning Garroth, Zane, Nana, and Aphmau. "can do what you please. Just...no getting hurt or roughhousing. We have guest tonight and I don't want them getting the wrong impression."

They all nodded and went off. Either helping Laurance and Travis or setting up sleeping arrangements.

"What would you like me to do?" Vylad asked.

"I want to have a private conversation with you," I say, crossing my arms. He looked a bit nervous but agreed to the offer. We headed off to the closest secluded area that we could find so the others wouldn't come ease drop on what we were saying. This is leader to leader. Once we were far enough away, in some wooded area with trees, I asked; "What's your plan?"

"Well..." He sighed. "I don't know. I'm sure the you and the others are still continuing your mission, correct?"

"Of course."

"Garroth during our-"

"Sibling squabble."

"Dispute, informed me off some...tribes."

"You want to find them," I say, understanding what he was trying to say. He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck.

"But...I was wondering if we could tag along with you all so we can find information as well," He asked shyly. "That is if you are okay with it."

I chuckled and nodded. "I would be happy if you all came. I don't know what Denver is like but, I'm sure it won't be easy. We could use your help." Vylad smiled and thanked me. "So...are you mad at Garroth or...?"

"No...just a bit concerned," He shrugged.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"What happened on the island wasn't like him. I'm sure he was just going through something but, I've never seen his powers get that dangerous before."

I was silent for a few moments.

"...I'm sure he's fine. Right now, we need to focus on the island itself," I say, remembering that he told me what happened a few moments before.

"You're right," He seemed to get more serious again. "I should go ask my brothers-" He started to walk off towards the others.

"Wait."

He looked back at me and asked; "Yes?"

"I wanted to thank you. For what you did back there."

He smiled again. His pine green eyes seemed to sparkle a little more.

"It's my pleasure. I didn't want you getting hurt. Especially when you have so many people depending on you."

I rolled my eyes and looked down at the dead grass.

"Like who? You?" I smirked, laughing softly.

There was a short silence before he answered;

"Yes." I looked up, a little taken a back by his answer. He thought he needed me? The powerful being in front of me, needing me to be by his side. "Don't act surprised Katelyn. You are needed for this team. For me."

"T-Thank you," I stutter, trying to tell myself he doesn't have the best socializing skills compared to everyone else.

He doesn't mean it like that.

"Just know you can always talk to me. I'll always be here."

Oh my Irene! He just makes my heart flutter! There! Happy?! His brown hair and perfect tan skin. His laugh, his intelligence, his kindness, and his leadership makes me fly through the roof. He's just too perfect...

"Do you wanna come back with me? I smell food by the others!" He says, sounding excited.

"I would love to."

He let out his arm like a cheesy gentleman would do and...I took. I didn't mind if people questioned it.

Because I was enjoying it.

Word Count
1058