Surveying the store for additional gifts, I find that even flowers are absent from this meager establishment.Perhaps Abbie will appreciate a book, I muse momentarily before remembering her inability to read.A comic book might suffice; maybe she could interpret the story through the illustrations.If she were to return with me and reject her mate, I could take it upon myself to teach her how to read.
Thirty minutes later, I arrive at the outskirts of Kade’s territory.Abbie’s dwelling is barely on the border, and I navigate down a long, winding dirt driveway.The place before me hardly deserves the title of a house; it resembles more of a shack – a structure that seems poised to crumble with a mere gust of wind.
I catch sight of Abbie at the clothesline, her gaze shifting toward my approaching car.Shielding her eyes from the sun’s glare, she squints to discern my identity.Swiftly parking the car, I send a text message to Damian as per his request.Abbie gazes apprehensively at the vehicle, her worry evident.I wonder why a random car would cause her concern.Nevertheless, she appears unchanged – save for a slight tan, as if she has spent ample time outdoors.Her cheeks bear hollow contours, more pronounced than when she departed, and her skin wears a wearied pallor.Despite these signs of fatigue, she seems to be holding up well, or so I hope.
“Oh, it’s you,” Abbie states, her tone laced with nervousness as she approaches.“Why are you here?”she asks, her lips caught between her teeth.
“What?Is that all you have to say?”I inquire, raising an eyebrow in surprise.A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips before she rushes toward me, and I swiftly enclose her in my embrace.
“God, how I’ve missed you,” I confess with sincerity.Abbie nods, her thin arms wrapping around my neck.She lets out a relieved breath, and I can’t help but wonder why she was anxious about an unfamiliar vehicle.But for now, she is safe, and that is all that matters.
“Why are you here?”she murmurs.