Irresistible Itch

The exact place where sky and desert met began to paint indigo, the sun prepared to start the day setting free, rays of caramel and bronze which mixed with the darkness creating grooves of amethyst and royal blues, it was a beautiful sight; brushstrokes slowly fading the dark emptiness.

After driving aimlessly for hour and a half planning to let her cool off and water down drunkenness to then take her home, her home…the last thing on his mind was to stroll near devil's hill –a popular cliff among youth where you usually took a love affair– never in his years hidden in the proximities had he visited and wanted to keep it that way.

Cocking an eyebrow swiftly tilted his head to pretend he didn't know the place. But, her lively change was evident, seemed genuinely glad and vivacious –a complete different person from the girl he found in the parking lot– and think on denied her this little piece of peace scorched his heart with heaviness.

Instead of follow his original plan, turned the car around and headed to the cliff. Molly let out a happy squeal and her hazel orbs shone with joy while crossing with his dark old pools of kindness.

They reached the cliff just in time, the place was deserted and the sky was about to give its best show, the best place in the entire state to see a sunrise. Many used it to melt their partners and start the day with a heated romance but Molly remembered it as the place where she and her father used to come and paint the color of the sky in a canvas.

She loved to paint but the brush left her hand the same day her father's hold faltered and he make the jump to a better life…a peaceful one she hoped.

They parked and like a spring, she abandoned the car not even minding to close the passenger's door, merrily calling and waving her hand for him to accompany her near the edge. The weary man hit his forehead against the steering wheel –knowing he had to be on his way, he was already late and will not hear the end of this from Caliban– and with a content sigh, followed her out.

"Let me guess, kiddo, a hot date once brought you here to marvel with the sunrise while lifting up your skirt?" he good-heartedly teased.

"Have you just been defrosted? This place is no longer used for that, many horny teenagers were mugged and now the new place to pork is behind the open-air cinema." She glanced back through her shoulder with a mischievous smile on her plump lips, leant over the rail and jump to the other side to sat on the rusty railing.

His heart skipped a beat at her abrupt motion thinking for a second she was going to jump. His hands didn't have more space for foreign blood to be tainted with. Calming down, he reached the rail and tested its grip –lame; a brusque blast of air could blow it away.

Using his weight as anchor steadied it, crossing his arms on top and bent his torso to be in the same sight level as her.

Quiet peace owned the place and a comfortable silence enveloped them; her mind stopped raising and caring, all her problems seemed far away and she printed the actual moment in her memories.

She started swinging her legs like when she was a child, assaulted by old happy memories she felt captive of the remembrance without realizing that the unprepared rusty rail was squeaking with each swing until finally give up and crack under her weight.

A strike of fear hammered her heart at the feeling of dropping but two strong arms opportunely halted her fall; she desperate clung to him and he effortless maneuvered her like a rag doll into his hold. She heard the railing hit several rocks while falling down the cliff and Molly buried her face in his chest attempting to calm her thundering heartbeat.

She was sure it was the end and weirdly instead of bringing happiness –as she thought it would be, being the sweet escape for her hellish fate– she feared and yearned for another chance.

The day was turning out to be highly enlightening.

"It's ok-…you are ok, kiddo, i got you." He let out in a throaty voice signal he was slightly uncomfortable with the intimate hug. She took a long final calming breath and his cologne attacked her senses, a musky but manly aroma; very pleasant and powerful.

She hadn't aimed to breathe him in but apparently her omega senses were maximized by the lack of suppressants and now it was easier for her to detect suitable alphas.

She was ready to let go but her feet were hanging above the ground, their height difference had her boots dangling in the air like a flag waving on the mast.

"Thank you…" she sheepishly replied for him to lower her down and lifting her chin like wanting to say something was interrupted by the sonorous alarm of his watch informing it was time to wake up, reality awaited.

"Damn it's late! I need to drop the medicine…" he prattled and his soft gaze intensify on her for a moment too long to then make up his mind and resign to ask.

"It's not far but I have to deliver an important item…the next populated place is an hour from here, so…you can come with me or you can wait here and I'll pick you up in an hour or so…"

Molly stayed silent not knowing what to do. This unexpected adventure was taking a wild turn and she wasn't sure if it was a good one; He had proved to be reliable but there was always a one percent of failure and that was enough to make a difference between alive and 'found dead by the river'. But being honest and quieting down her logical mind, she felt safe with him and must of all, safer than staying alone in the middle of nowhere.

Blankly staring at him gaped for a moment to then nod.

"I need you to be more specific, which one?" he hastened her to answer.

"I'll go with you." She firmly spatted taking him by surprise.

She was turning to be bolder than suspected, but what did he expected from a girl he met in a parking lot drowning her sorrows with cheap beer.

"Get in."

She made haste and entered the car glancing one last time at the colorful sky.

"Belts on, kiddo, this is going to be a wild ride."

My life is becoming a wild ride, good sir, she thought bitterly amused.

He did not lie, pressing the gas pedal too hard, the engine furiously growled and they were lucky not to get pull over by a patrol. He seemed exalted or at least that's what she perceived for the tense line his lips formed.

They traveled the road next to arid horizons and arrived at a lot with a water tank adorning the entrance and a small warehouse-like installation on one side. He parked the car in front and saying an 'I'll be right back' abandoned her in the hot vehicle.

Molly leant on the half-open window, her arms crossed over the edge and the wait began. At first, there was no noise but a few minutes later could hear arguments and scolding followed by a tall man covered from head to toe with desert clothes –couldn't glimpse an inch of his skin– coming out of the warehouse with a metal tray in hands carrying chicken breast, vegetables, cold water and pills.

For a brief moment both exchanged glances.

She couldn't see his features due to there were covered by thick dark lenses and the rest of his face by a western styled handkerchief but what she did noticed was the loud sniff he took in her direction and the incensed snort he let out before turning around and enter the water tank.Was someone living inside the water tank? This was becoming plain weird.

Poor guy, must be roasting inside all those layers she thought pitying him.

The heat went from bearable to suffocating in matter of seconds and she tried to open the door but it was locked, so, started to click the buttons on the board aiming to turn on the air conditioner which never went on. Suffocated tried to open the door and this time it was open probably some button she hit made the trick, stepping out Molly leant on the car while stretching her legs; she swayed her long sweater letting some air come in to cool her thighs and swiftly rolled up her sleeves drying the sweat of her forehead with the back of her hand.

Taking in her surroundings missed the extra layered clothed man returning from the water tank, tray free this time; he slowed his pace to dissect the young girl and without her being the wiser went back inside.

"She's a little young for you, don't you think, Logan?" He accused while entering the warehouse and took off his glasses to honor him with a prejudiced look.

"Not that is of your business but she's just passing through…" Logan calmly replied. "You won't see her again…so, there's no need to get feisty," the tired man gulped down a glass of water and glanced at him.

"I'm just saying we already have one person we need to take care of, another wouldn't be highly recommended." The annoyed mutant spatted and open the fridge looking for something while continuing. "Especially, a recently bonded Omega who by the way is more precious than water and for which we would be hunted like dogs, not that we aren't already, so…" He pointedly stared at him closing the fridge with a thud.

"Is there anything you like to share with the class?" he finished his impeachment and waited with arms folded for the adamantium man's excuse.

Logan threw his head back, tired massaging his temple before finally answering. "Not bonded to me, I'm not an animal who can't control his-"

"No one would blame you, Logan, you being an Alpha and her an Omega, you make the perfect match." Caliban acidly nagged and Logan's gaze turned unpleasant.

"Thanks for the confidence vote, Caliban, I really appreciate it." Logan bitterly jested and quickly stood up; putting on his coat to leave but Caliban cut his getaway.

"She's a problem…if I can smell her so can they," he emphasized. "She's going to lead them directly here" worriedly warned.

"Noted."

Logan sighed annoyed by the out loud declaration of things he already knew; he wasn't planning on staying long, just wanted a minute to rest before going back to the road. She was proving to be a challenge even bonded and knotted; the girl still smelled divine –and not trying to agree with Caliban's accusations, but– she had an overpowering pull, a scent that complemented her and made her an irresistible itch.

Caliban cocked his head to the side and slit his eyes guessing where his thoughts were going and Logan hastily change topic.

"How's Charles doing?" he simply asked, passing a hand through his disheveled brown hair.

"As good as can be expected," Caliban pursed his lips shaking his head lightly. "Every seizure is worse than the last…" he admitted.

Logan stayed silent, deep in thought. "But, he's hanging in there…so, you better get going." Caliban urged him to leave, widely opening the front door and motioning with his hand for him to pass.

"There's something about you, Caliban, which always makes me feel welcome." Logan mocked half way out.

"It must be my amazing personality…now, don't come back unless you're alone, got it?" Caliban spatted from the safety of the shadows.

"Sure, sure." Logan started walking to the car, eying the girl dusting her boots near it.

"And bring more medicine, Logan; it isn't enough, we are going to have to increase the dose to keep him steady." Caliban yelled from inside the warehouse and closed the door without wait for acknowledgement.

Logan paused and was about to complain about the difficulty to get the medicine but ran into a closed door and a gone Caliban; He heavily sighed and met Molly's hazel eyes fixated on him with a condescending smile adorning her pretty face.

"And, you thought you had problems." He offered with an easy smile and hopped on the car.

The way back was silent each one in their own head. Each one on their own troubled life.

Molly kept glancing his way every so often, debating on something. He looked like an ok guy but it was plain to see he had his own heavy burdens and she kind of felt in debt with him. After all, he saved her from a drug dealer and then saved her again never asking anything in return.

Not the kind of kindness one found in the parking lot of a drugstore at 2 am, he was different...special, goodhearted.

Maybe, she could give him a break or at least a free pass from his worries for a little bit.

The fresh morning wind hit her face cooling her skin, yet the speed of the air entering through the window deafen her to any kind of chatting they could have.

Closing the window she combed her loose strands of hair behind her ear before trying to start a conversation.

"What do you do for a living?"

He kept looking straight ahead and she thought maybe he didn't hear her or more probably wasn't in the mood to concede conversation. But, she had made up her mind and really wanted to help him so she baited him with something else.

"Logan?"

Euphoric for her good aiming, witnessed the change in his features from stoic to surprise. He shook his head lightly and finally turned his neck her way, looking amused.

"So much for hiding my name, huh." He replied, tension leaving his tone making it less of a growl and smoother.

"It's only fair…besides, Logan is a pretty cool name if I said so myself," cocking her eyebrows up, let out a reassuring sound while nodding.

"No need to butter me up so much, kid; I know it's my best feature" he said, secretly thanking the distraction from his heavy thoughts, he let out a side smirk allowing himself to indulge in her little small talk.

"I think is obvious enough, I'm a limousine driver." He set the obvious part kindly for her to enjoy the teasing.

"I don't know, maybe you stole this car and you are a professional thief." She countered with a fluttering smile forming on her cherry lips and a mischievous glint in her big eyes.

He let out a bark laugh. "Well, if that's what you think then you have worst judgment than I thought you had for you still hopped in with me."

"Maybe I'm a professional assassin myself…and I'm just waiting the perfect moment to strike" she teased, squinting her eyes to look dangerous making him laugh louder.

"Being out of worse, kiddo, but you are very welcome to make your move." A wide toothy smirk set in his lips and she felt herself blushing at his handsome features; it was the first time she saw him sincerely smile.

"I'm going easy on you, Mr. Limousine guy but actually I'm a nurse" she confessed changing her weight to the right to fully face him.

He glanced at her once and then kept driving, his jaw tensed and his knuckles were almost white. Apparently, he was good at reading people.

"What kind of medicine are you looking for?" she asked trying to not sound too prying.

He smirked and shook his head. "Is not your problem, Molly, I really appreciate the sentiment but I can handle myself."

"I'm sure you can handle alone you've been doing it so far, I just want to help…like you helped me" the last part came out as a timid whispered and she heard him snorted.

"It was different, you needed help and I was around…I don't need help."

"Yes, you do! And I am around…I'm a nurse in a big facility and it's easy for me to sneak out medicine without being noticed, if you tell m-"

"Enough." His voice was so deep it halted her half-sentence. Her heart drummed fast at the unexpectedness of his reaction.

A little overwhelmed she leaned to the window to catch some fresh air and there was where she felt his rough hand grab her delicate one. "I didn't mean to be rude, it's just…complicated" he was holding her hand very tenderly while massaging the inside of her palm with his thumb.

"You don't need my complicated in your life…you already have enough going on as it is." He reasoned.

"I'll gladly take your complicated in my life for a chance to see you again."

The sweetness of her tone combine with her sincere stare really send a shiver down his spine making him feel like if she was honey sugar-coating his rough edges; shock registered on his face before he could hide it, but she was equal or more shocked by her own boldness and embarrassing openness.

An awkward smile played on Molly's lips; she was at a loose of coherent excuses, why did she say that?! She had certainly being thinking about it for a long time but never planning to shout it so spectacularly awkward. It was a silent request that acquired volume.

Logan stiff posture and rigid jaw spoke for itself, although she could almost swear a ghost of a grin fought to creep onto his face for moment too short; he let go of her hand and put both hands on the steering wheel. Replying with a curt.

"You really have an awful judgment."

Silence permeated the thin space between them and she felt stupid and childish; now, he must think she was in love with him like a silly girl when she actually craved for his friendship, someone to air up her burdens and heaviness out of her usual circle. Someone with equal problems and open minded to relate and offer advice untainted by closeness.

A forever stranger to keep her more intimate secrets and hold a special anonymous part of her soul.

"You know I'm not in love with you, right?" Molly admonished half-puzzled making him quirked a brow.

"What I didn't know was if this car ride could get more awkward…but, mission accomplished."

"I didn't meant it like that super egotistical alpha, I meant...be friends" Part of her wanted to still try to gain his trust, something about him brought her so much calm it was ridiculous. Not as much peace as the imbecile she called mate but something very unique and pleasant, and she wasn't ready to let it slip from her hands so easily.

"And I say, no and I mean it; this little adventure ends today… now, tell me where I can drop you, kiddo." Molly pouted and folded her arms vaguely irritated, he was being impartial.

"I can take you to your flat if you want" he added less gruffly to ease the winds.

"Why not?" she insisted almost making him skipped a red light.

They had entered the city half an hour ago and were very close to the place where they had met but he seemed hesitant to leave her there, fearing that the drug dealer was in the vicinity. He actually hoped to leave her in her home and like a dad watch as she entered the house before leaving but she was being particularly difficult this morning.

Logan pulled over and stopped the car slumping back in the seat, his back cracked at the suddenness of the change of position, let out an annoyed puff and stared her down hoping to make her reconsider her path of thoughts.

"I'm not going to indulge your little tantrum, now…where to?"

Molly sulked but considering his incessant "I'm not kidding" look decided to take a nicer route. Bending down, she grabbed her bag and started looking for something.

"I can wait all day, Molly, but rest assured that I'm going to charge you per hour." She sent daggers at him from her position to then continue searching finally finding it.

She moved her hands inside the backpack and the ripping of paper polluted the tense silence.

"Here."

She placed a piece of paper in his lap with her number and her name on it. "You can call me if you change your mind…free medicine isn't something to ignore."

He didn't have time to complain or refuse for she get out of the car and started walking away waving goodbye with a broad smile on her face. He grumbled before reaching her with the car.

He lowered the passenger window to complain and she beat him at speaking. "I'm going to take the bus to my house, I'm used to do it and it's safer for me that way" his nose flared with each puff of air he took 'til he finally agreed and ended up saying.

"Fine, it was nice to meet you, Molly." He conceded aiming for closure.

"See you later, Logan."

And with that, she disappeared on the next bus, Logan felt weirdly pleased, it had being a blast of unexpected fresh air he hoped to breathe again.