Chapter 0573

“I think we are going to head out.” Alec said once everyone came back to our table.

“Ah! Really? Wse sare havfing sso much ffun!” Echo slurred.

“Sounds like you need to head home too!” I laughed at her trying to speak correctly. She was mouthing each word as if try to not slur but it was just making it worse.

“Maybe we should head back too.” Jace shook his head but laughed at her.

“Night is still young! I'm not ready to give up yet!” Emmy exclaimed and ran back out to the dance floor with Jasper.

“Me either!” Penny laughed and pulled

Colt out to the dance floor.

“I'm ready for bed.” Emily yawned. noveldrama

“This is way past our bedtime.” “It’s like 11:00 pm.” Jacob looked at his watch.

“We need our beauty rest.” Emily stuck her tongue out at Jacob.

“I wouldn’t mind going home too.” Sherry said quietly. She looked up at Jacob. The smile he gave her didn’t reach his eyes and his shoulders showed his disappointment.

“If you are ready, we can leave.” He tried to make it sound like it wasn’t that big of a deal. Downing the rest of his drink, they stood up, allowing everyone else to follow.

I watched her mouth, ‘thank you’ to Jacob before we all headed towards the

door. By this time, others were starting to leave as well, making it a little more crowded out front. The front steps all had females waiting on their dates to bring the car around.

With all the fresh powder that has accumulated, Alec just picked me up bridal style and carried me to the car.

“My strong man.” I whispered in his ear.

Alec rolled his eyes but I felt the humor inside of him. “Really?” “Can we start a fire?” “Of course. I already planned for that and have wood in the fireplace.” “You’re amazing.” Alec was able to open the car door and place me inside so didn’t touch a single snow flake unless it had landed

on me. A shiver ran up my spine as Alec got in. I was able to see Jacob get into his car before we pulled out. We made eye contact was we left our parking spot for a brief second before he was out of eye sight.

“Do you really think she is going to change?” Alec muttered. He was so skeptical that I doubted he would actually listen to her.

“She doesn’t have anything to hide anymore. She was ashamed of her past and didn’t want us to find out. It wasn’t that she was trying to hide information but hide what happened to her. I remember a time I didn’t want to tell you about Ann because of what you were going to think.” “There is a huge difference.” Alec retorted.

Not wanting to argue about it tonight, | let it go. Besides, we pulled into our cabin. Alec had light on that were on the walk way and one in the livingroom. “This is so beautiful at night.” I whispered as he turned off the car.

“It is. I'll grab our bags if you want to head inside.” Alec said and pushed the trunk button.

“Alright.” That meant I had to walk in multiple inches of snow but I was going to be taking my shoes off anyway. The way my foot fell into the snow was so cold and wet that I started to run up the ramp.

[ was about half way when something caught my eye. There was a void in the snow. Bending down, I started

examining it before it hit me what it was. Looking ahead, there was a trail.

“Kristen, what are you doing?” Alec came up behind me.

“There are footsteps on the ramp, leading inside.” Alec kneeled down beside me and looked at the indents. “Stay here.” He said quietly and gave me our bags.

I was left in the cold as Alec quietly walked to the front door. Looking in the windows, I watched his body relax before waving me forward. “Who is it?” I asked as I got closer.

Alec was holding the door for me, very clearly annoyed. He just motioned for me to go inside, which T'was thankful for. As soon as I stepped inside, I saw

Gunther standing by the fire place. He had started it and was just enjoying the heat.

“We have an office.” I was annoyed now too.

“I’m keeping a low profile and that doesn’t mean walking into your packhouse.” Gunther stood up but stayed by the fire. His clothes were damp and I realized he was trying to warm up.

“What are you doing here?” Alec asked as I took our bags and walked to the bedroom. I wanted to change and I knew Alec kept clothes here that I could exchange with him so I could put his in a dryer.

Thankfully, I packed some shorts and a fitted tank. After hanging up my dress, [ walked out to the boys again. “Here.

Wy TI RUWNS You can change and I'll put your clothes in the dryer.” “Oh... um..” Gunther looked down at his clothes and at me.

“Just go.” He didn’t argue after that but took the clothes and walked to the bathroom. “What does he want?” “To give an update. I told him to wait for you.” Sitting down on the couch, I just grabbed a blanket and curled up. Alec walked to the bedroom to change his clothes. I was alone for just a few moments before Gunther came out.

Getting up, I took his clothes and put them in the dryer without a dryer sheet. Judging by the clothes, he wasn’t in a position to be smelling like

lilacs.

Alec met me as I was walking back to the livingroom. Gunther had resumed his spot by the fire. “So, what was SO important you wanted to tell us now, instead of just calling us?”