Chapter 22: Lexa

We both get up early the following day, shower, and grab a quick breakfast. Then we head to the garage to check over the Hum-v we would be taking on the mission. After we checked it over, we loaded up our gear. There was no reason to wear our battle gear today since we were headed to the town closest to the compound. Once we had all our equipment loaded up, I went to find Reed and Jose.

We headed out around noon. The ride to town was pretty uneventful. There was a lot of small talk between Reed, Jose, and me while Ash kept pretty quiet. Once in town, we checked into a hotel, which was another first for me, then all four of us went out for an early dinner. After dinner, we returned to the hotel, Reed and Jose went to their room, and we went to ours.

Ash had been too quiet all day, so finally, I asked her, "What's wrong with you? You haven't said ten words all day."

"I'm sorry, I just don't have a good feeling about this mission. I just keep thinking of everything at stake."

"I know, I have the same feeling, but I am trying to stay out of my head and just focus on the task at hand. I want you to know that no matter what, I will do my best to keep you safe, and if for some reason we get separated, I will find you. I promise."

"That's one thing that worries me, babe. I don't want to lose you, and I know you will sacrifice yourself for me. I just don't know what I would do if you died protecting me. So, can we just agree to watch out for each other, and both come back alive?"

"That's the plan! Now can you please stop overthinking things, and let's snuggle and watch a movie."

She smiled at this and said, "Fine, but you better not leave me. I mean it, I don't want any of your heroic crap. Understand?"

I laughed, "Yes, ma'am. Got it, no heroics, and don't worry, I will never leave you unless you make me."