Chapter 69

Soren

My car’s engine sputters every now and then, the car lurching forward and making me think that it is about to die at any moment. It does not die, though, and I thank whatever god is out there for allowing me to get to Oxford Bay with only minor complications.

On the long stretches of road, I hold Celia’s mother’s journal in my hands, reading passages from her medical notes. She actually has notes on my own condition, one that can only be found in royal wolf males. My father had it and it was passed down onto me. A genetic curse that we are unable to get rid of.

Celia’s mother, though, was able to find the solution. The fated mate mind link that will subside any and all symptoms — including death — if the mates remain close to each other instead of being far away.

At least I know firsthand that her method works. Ever since Celia came back into my life, my headaches and migraines have left me alone alongside the stinging ache inside my sensitive eyes that left me blind some days. But now that Celia is gone and away from me, the dull sensation has returned, reminding me of just how much I fucked up when it comes to Celia.

The long hours of the drive get to me and I watch as the sun sets before rising just hours later, the sea reflecting the light of the sun. It glimmers and shimmers in the distance, reminding me that it is Celia I am after and how much she would love to see the scenery.

As soon as I reach the town, I am able to relax. I pull over for gas and fill up my tank, looking around at the deserve town. It feels as if time has stood still here.

There are old fashioned signs and the paint is chipped, the wood of the storefronts beginning to rot due to mistreatment and abandonment. I wonder how much money it would take to make this town feel more modern. Or, at least, bring in construction crews to update the wood and reinforce the structures before they come tumbling down. It can keep its old fashioned charm and flair.

Oxford Bay is minuscule to say the least. There are strings of houses but many of them are empty with for sale signs standing out front.

I wonder why this beautiful town is somewhat abandoned. I wonder what could have happened in the past for it to be ignored by the rest of the world for it to be so run down and decayed.

I get back inside my car and pay the attendant, driving through the rest of the small town.

My eyes scan the sidewalks and roads. I even slow by storefronts that have big glass windows that showcase what they have inside to see if Celia is hidden from within the shadows. I do not see her, though, and can only sigh and move on to the next place.

I park in a spot by the beach, getting out of the car and heading towards the sand. I place my hands on my hips and stare out at the waves. The sounds of the waves help ground me while also reminding me of why I am here and what I need to do.

I must find Celia no matter what. I will find her and bring her back into safety, my protection, and ensure that she is going to be okay.

I close my eyes and slowly suck in the salty air. My mind calms down, the sound of waves becoming muffled, as my wolf comes out of his slumber.

We reach out for Celia again. The scent of storm wind mixes in with the salty sea breeze. I am about to give up after searching through the darkness when I pick up the sweet scent of honeysuckle.

I push through the darkness, the honeysuckle becoming more and more prominent as I wade through the white noise and distractions. My inner wolf barks and howls, pushing me into the right direction.

“Celia,” I breathe out her name, “where are you?”

She does not respond. I do not expect her to but I can use a hint, any kind of hint. I know that she is here in Oxford Bay but where exactly is she?

Am I picking up on her scent from when she left? Am I picking up on the lingering notes of her presence? Is this just another false lead in my desperate attempt to find her?

I open my eyes and am met with the sign of chaotic waves. High tide is slowly coming in, the moon at work up in the sky.

My body subconsciously turns and my feet take me back to my beat up car. I get inside and take slow, deep breaths, allowing the fragrances of my mate bond with Celia to guide me.

The car engine roars to life as if it is a sign from Mother Nature herself that I am heading in the right direction.

Hope blossoms from within my chest. I push forward and guide the car down the winding and never-ending streets, navigating my way through the small seaside town as if I have lived here for the entirety of my life. It is like I have walked these streets before, having explored the town in a previous life that I must have had.

I park in front of a row of houses. Many of them are lived in with no ‘for sale’ signs out front. Many of them have their curtains drawn so nobody can look inside while others remain open.

I slowly get out of the car and close the door behind me, the sound of the slam echoing down the deserted street. I shove my hands into my pockets and inspect the homes with a close eye.

There is one that is painted white, almost as if it was just freshly painted not too long ago compared to the other abandoned homes. Another house has a dead lawn, the once green grass now a tan color that matches the sand not too far away.

The house on the corner of the street is painted yellow. There is a beautiful garden from behind the white picket fence. Daisies are most prominent while other flowers, such as lilacs and roses, are stuck between the white petals of the daisies.

My body moves me towards the house. I walk down the cracked sidewalk and look around, noticing that there are no kids running around or people moving in a rush to work.

The yellow house’s front door open. It catches my attention and my pace quickens, moving me closer and closer to the home.

As if it fate itself, Celia steps out of the home and down the stairs. She holds a watering can in her hands with a smile on her face. She begins to water the plants, not noticing me, as I get closer and closer to her.

I stand across the street from her. She moves around the garden, having to refill her watering can with the hose a few times, and continues to water the plants. After a few minutes, I gain the courage to yell out her name.

#Chapter