Free Rush Against Time by Willow Brooke Page A

contentment.  She was pulled here and there, thrown in the mix of a huge dance off, and even participated in karaoke. 
    The night wound to an en d, and the girls all cleaned up preparing to head home. She was in the process of thanking and hugging each of the silly girls she loved so much when Alan strode through the door.  “Hello, ladies.  I will be your designated escort home.  Please keep all vomit out of the van, clothing on, and your magic contained at all times.”  He grinned, obviously entertained by their drunken stupor. 
    Autumn raised her eyebrows in question.  “Is that for the rest of the night, or do I get to strip down at some point?  I thought you and Braden liked my magic. ” 
    The slightest pink colored Alan’s cheeks while the group all stared at him intentionally to embarrass the Alpha wolf.  “Oh, your clothes will be removed, but not how you think, love.  There will be nothing more than shreds left when we get through with you, my lippie little witch.  Magic will be involved, but not the kind you use.  Your ass is going to be a magical shade of pink.”  The twinkle that sparkled in his eyes emphasized the promise he would surely deliver.  All of the girls broke out in oohs and awws, mocking and teasing them both.  “Okay, okay, ladies, that’s enough fun for one night.  Let’s get you home to your husbands so they can deal with you.  Maisy sweetheart, I am taking you to your mom and dad’s.  I can’t let you torment Chad tonight after you have been drinking.  You are a handful sober.  I can’t imagine what you would do to that boy tipsy.”
    “ Aww, Alan, you are no fun!  There goes the rest of my evening!  Even if I promise not to bite…too hard?”  Her bottom lip plumped out in a mock pout. 
    He rolled his eyes, shook his head ‘no’ at her, and started helping the ladies out with their things.  “Okay, time to load up.  The party van is leaving.”  He told Jessa goodbye, and went outside.  All of the others showered her in hugs and followed, leaving Autumn behind.
    “Are you feeling better now , sweetheart?”  She rested her arm on Jessa’s shoulder. 
    “ Yes, so much better…of course the numbing help of alcohol is always a plus.  I am buzzing pretty good, but I really needed this.  Thank you so much, Autumn.  I don’t think I have ever had so much fun in my life.”  She hugged her tight. 
    Autumn released her and stepped back.  “Mission accomplished.  Now, I want you to get some good rest tonight, okay?  I will call you tomorrow.  Just kick back and relax a few days.  You are safe and sound out here, and don’t have to worry about a thing.”
    “ Okay.  Thank you again for everything.”  She walked her over to the door. 
    “ Goodbye, talk to you tomorrow.”
    “ Bye.”  And with that, Jessa closed and locked the door.  She leaned her back against the cool wood, wondering what she was supposed to do to occupy herself for the next few days.  Deciding to figure it out later, she pushed off with a huff and plopped down on the couch.  Her head was deliciously numb, her body limp and relaxed, and for the first time in a long time, she felt at peace.  She flipped the television on and snuggled down, before slowly drifting to sleep. 
    ****
    Her mind drifted farther and farther into the sweet dreamland as she fell into a deep sleep.  When she looked around, she found herself sitting outside on Autumn’s porch in the white swing that gazed out over the yard.  It was a warm, muggy night.  She gazed up at the stars, noticing how abnormally full and large the moon appeared to be.  Wow.  I have never seen the moon cover the sky like that.  Breathtaking.  Her wolf seemed content, which was odd.  Usually on a full moon she was fighting for a chance to run and howl before darkness could even coat the sky.  Tonight, she lay curled up and content, enjoying the beautiful evening with Jessa.  Strange.
    Lightning bugs were