Page 45 of (Sur)real
I want to leave Paul and the cubs here. I think it is the safest place for them.
She was quiet for a moment.
Agreed. I don’t think Blake will be actively searching for the cubs now.
Why? What happened?
It’s a long story, but Olivia is playing both sides, it seems.
I frowned, wondering on which side her true loyalties lay.
We’ll need to be careful,I sent Winifred.
Yes. I’ll have Michelle send you the information for our new destination.
My phone beeped a few minutes later with the new hotel address, located just outside of Salt Lake.
I cleared my throat to gain the attention of the room. The cubs immediately turned to me.
“I have some good news and some bad news,” I said with a playful wink. “The good news is that you two get to stay here and watch cartoons and order room service until Santa brings you some presents. The bad news is that you need to make sure Paul stays in bed.”
Aden cheered and jumped on Paul. The boy grunted in pain but didn’t complain. Another few days and the bone would be knit solid again.
“That means you and Henry are leaving?” Liam asked. He still sat on the floor.
“Yep. We’re going to go pick up Mimi, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Nana Wini. Maybe even do some holiday shopping, too. Is there something you want from Uncle Jim?” I asked with a teasing grin.
The cub stood and came to me, his serious expression unaffected by the promise of presents. I picked him up without him needing to ask. His little arms wrapped around my neck as he hugged me.
“Races on our porch like we did this summer.”
He was telling me to come back. He was too smart. My heart ached a little, and I hugged him tighter in return.
“Aden and I are going to kick you and your dad’s butts.”
Aden whooped. Liam nodded and pulled away, signaling he was ready to be let down. I set him down and watched him return to his cartoons.
It didn’t take Henry and me long to pack a bag and say our goodbyes. Both cubs were back to watching cartoons already, their small bodies tucked against Paul’s sides. I worried I was making the wrong choice, but I worried more what would happen to them if they came with us.
Keep them safe,I sent Paul, pausing for one last look before closing the door.
Always.
HENRY…
I inhaled deeply as we left the lobby and stepped out into the cold. Nothing unusual scented the air. No Urbat. Nothing but the white snow drifting down from the grey mid-day sky as we walked to the new rental in the parking lot. There was no trace of the previous, destroyed car.
Jim unlocked the doors, and I got into the comfortable, leather passenger seat, glad we were finally moving again.
“Michelle’s going to run out of money at the rate we’re going,” I commented as I closed the door.
Jim snorted.
“I doubt that. Her gift likes to pop up just when we need it. Winifred feels bad about using her like that, but if it helps the pack…” Jim shrugged and turned the key. The engine purred to life, and he eased forward out of the parking lot.
Although his words could come across as indifferent, I knew better. He loved Michelle like I loved Paul.
“So why didn’t you leave me behind, too?” I asked. “Two are better than one for protection.”
