Project Rescue - A Shifter Novel (NaNoWriMo19)
Chapter 68 - He-man Kit

It had been a busy last few months for Matheus and me. We made more gadgets together and learned a lot about our temperaments, considering we were around each other time I was surprised we worked pretty well together. I was ready for the court-martial case to be called up. I was getting huge and I was constantly worried Ice would attack. So far he hasn’t. But, I didn’t know if he wanted me to get comfortable or what. I knew he was still on the base. And, from what Matheus had heard from the new recruits he was being awful to them. I knew Madrid had taken a lot of complaints from the recruits. I wouldn’t have wanted to have Madrid’s job for anything. I found out he only answers to the president.

“What are you thinking about, Selina?” Matheus asked me. “I’ve been calling your name for the last five minutes.”

“Sorry, I was thinking about life. I’m ready for this case to go to court,” I told him honestly. He leaned over and gave me a kiss and hug.

“Ready to try this new project?” Matheus questioned me.

“Oh, yeah. I can’t wait for Madrid to see this baby. He will shit a gold brick,” I remarked, causing Matheus to laugh with me.

Our new project was basically a foldable motorcycle. You could put a person in front of or behind you. It was fun making it. We had a few setbacks but overall it took less time than I thought it would. I knew I wouldn’t get to ride it this time. Matheus had been making sure my balance was good. I had one little problem and now he babies me. I hate it.

Matheus unfolded the bike and put the bolts into the frame. He bolted it and popped on the engine. The engine was solar-powered or gas. It was a cool design that I helped paint with Matheus. I came up with the designs. I couldn’t wait for Madrid to see this one. We made it for him first, although we had more.

Matheus got on and raised a brow at me. I sighed and he helped me on in front of him. He hit the solar lights in the ceiling, not wanting to pour gas around me. We zoomed around the room for one final test drive. It was smooth and went a lot faster than I thought it would, plus it was quiet when it was solar-powered. We rode around a couple of times, getting ready to call the men. Matheus hid Madrid’s bike and took out several of the bikes that needed to be put together. We wanted the men to be able to put their own bikes together.

As we waited for the men to get to the warehouse I ate an apple and drank some water. I needed the extra nutrients and it was hot in the warehouse with the lights on. I took Matheus some water and leaned against his side.

The men came through the door, laughing and cutting up. They looked at what was in front of Matheus and me. They groaned and asked in unison, “Is this one of those he-men do it yourself projects?”

I snorted. “I put one together and I’m not a he-man.”

“And, you let her,” Flirt exclaimed.

I walked over and slapped the back of Flirt’s head, not waiting on one of the other guys to do it for me. “I don’t have to ask permission, idiot.”

All the men chuckled as I walked back over to Matheus and rolled my eyes.

Matheus stood up from where he was leaning against the table. “Alright, men, this is our newest invention. As you could tell from when you walked in you will need to put it together. It’s easy as it can be. We wanted to make it easy in case Flirt loses hit wits again. “Anyway, if you will have a seat on the floor I will show you how to put it together.”

" Ha-ha! Flirt commented.

All the men sat on the floor in front of a bike and watched as Matheus put the bike together. Once it was together Matheus showed them how to tear it apart and put it back together again. He was a wonderful teacher. Patient, kind and he joked a lot to calm anyone’s nerves about the bike not holding up. It was wonderful to see him in his element. After they put the bike together again Matheus had one more surprise.

“Where’s the gas for this baby?” Flirt questioned, earning a slap to the back of the head from Warrior.

“We don’t want any gas fumes around our niece or nephew, idiot. We will probably be taking them outside to test them, right, Matheus?” Coaxed Warrior.

“Uh, not exactly. Let me finish before you all have questions about the same damn thing,” Matheus complained. “These bikes are both gas-powered and solar-powered. It’s better to have both in case you are in a tight situation and can’t replace gas. Plus, they are quiet when run on solar. They’re still quiet on gas but not as much as solar. Want to check and see if you put them together right?”

“You mean you’re not going to check them first?” Flirt questioned, looking distressed at the words.

“I guess you should make sure your is put together right. As for me, I’m ready to ride,” joked Madrid.

They all got on their bikes, yes, even Flirt, and rode around for a long time. I watched until Matheus stopped beside me. “Want to ride?”