Chapter 100

Two weeks later.

The drive back to Ironwood was quieter than the drive out. Not tense. Just… thoughtful.

Aria rested her head against the window, eyes frequently shifting between watching her husband drive and watching the forest slowly grow thicker the closer they got to the territory. The familiar scent of pine and damp earth drifted through the slightly open window.

Cole drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting loosely on the gear. Now and then his fingers tapped lightly against it; not nervous, just thinking.

The two weeks away had done something to him. The anger that once sat in his chest like a live wire was gone. In its place was something steadier; heavier perhaps, but clearer.

Aria turned her head to look at him, finally, not distracting herself from him anymore. “You’re quiet.” She stated the obvious, a way of asking what thoughts were going through his head.

Cole glanced at her briefly, then back to the road. “Just thinking.