Thirty-Three
KIT/KAT
Igroan at Dank’s word, slapping my forehead with my palm. Mysterious proclamations are not my faves—I had enough of that with the stupid Bone Tree’s garbage. The doc has been pretty straight with me, as has the Keeper, and I don’t want any more nebulous ‘maybes’ in my life right now.
“Dank, I?—”
My head tilts as I hear something, and part of me stands up to pay attention. “Do you guys hear that?”
The doctor looks at me with an oddly proud skeletal smile. “Yes, Master Kit, I do. Despite the warding on these rooms by Master Anton and Master Xerxes, I can hear footsteps as people are entering your floor from the stairs. It is quite good that you can as well. Not only for your safety, of course, but also because it means your demon is emerging more rapidly.”
Rogue narrows her eyes at me, and I dip my chin so I don’t have to look her in the eyes. That doesn’t help, though, because she says, “She didn’t hear you coming, nor the elevator just a few minutes ago. What would kick start that process, doc?”
Dank is quiet for a moment, and I wing a prayer to the universe that he’s deciding not to answer. Unfortunately, the old guy hasn’t picked up on her tone, so he replies, “We do not know what demon Master Kit possesses, so it could be several factors in the environment or what she’s done recently.”
“There isn’t a scotch demon I don’t know about, is there?” Morgana asks with a chuckle. “Because we’ve been drinking it, and Fae wine, and eating some sort of magic berry cupcakes. Plus, the food on the tray.”
I breathe slowly, hoping that my friends are going to figure this out. I’m not ashamed of what Oriel and I did, but I haven’t really processed it myself yet. My brain shouts that I need these women to talk about it with, but it’s warring with the part of me that wants to hold it close until I feel ready.
Mental health issues aren’t for the weak, no matter what any ill-formed douchebag tells you.
“Demons can emerge in times of great emotional overwhelm as well. Things like battle, sexual activity, fear, and other feelings that force the ‘protector’ inside to take control are very common,” the doc says as he reaches down to close his bag. “Though I would never presume to speculate on which of those might have affected Master Kit at this very moment. That, I fear, is not my job.”
Both women are staring at me suspiciously, and I have to scramble to my feet, holding my arm out to Dank as a distraction. “We really appreciate your help, Dank. Now that everyone is covered, we don’t need to take up more of your holiday respite. I promise to stay unharmed for the rest of the break, okay?”
“Uh-huh,” Rogue mutters. “That’s not suspiciousat all. Nice cover, kiddo.”
Dank rises, walking over to the door with the intuition of an ancient being. “You are most welcome, Master Kit. Do not hesitate to contact me if you should need me—no matter the place or time. I am always at your disposal.”
Damn. Between their knowing looks and Dank’s kindness, I might just cry, and I don’t want to do that.
“Thank you,” I whisper as I open the door to let him out.
As I do, I note a flash that I believe is a portal closing by Jasper’s room. That’s not the doc; it’s Zavvie. Maybe they’re back, and I can use a little face time to get the ladies off my case before I sink into the floor and straight beyond Hell to the center of the damn planet? I have to try, so I head back in with a big, fake smile.
“I think some of the guys are back. Maybe we should see them for just a bit to figure out where everyone is going to sleep?”
Morgana rolls her eyes, but she says, “And maybe get more food? I’m definitely not going to subsist on the delicious finger food for long. My shifter parts are big eaters, and I’m not nearly full.”
“But you’re not getting out of this convo, girl. We know something is going on, and after this, you’re definitely gonna spill.” The pink-haired Fae stands, picking up her cranky turkey as she stretches. “However, I’m also hungry, and I’m not opposed to maybe turning in for the night. It’s been a really long day.”
Holy fuck, am I lucky sometimes. This will give me time to figure out what the hell I’m gonna say.
“Okay, let’s go down the hall to the pissy prince’s room and see what they found,” I reply. Dottie immediately scampers over, climbing me like a tree until she’s perched in her favorite spot. I look at her seriously, wagging a finger. “And maybe keep yourself one size, huh?”
The expression she gives me is angelic, and the others laugh.
I’m not sure my request is going to be honored, and that could be a problem.
“I agree,”I reply. “I don’t knownearlyenough about… anything to make rash decisions about stuff. Not… sex. I mean, like stuff that has forever consequences or whatever.”
Especially since I just fucking learned about it today.
“Solid point.” Morgana looks at the last room on the right, arching a brow. “Thathasto be for the big one. I imagine he’s got the biggest bed in the joint—which isn’t a necessitynow, but you’ll want to consider things later on, perhaps.”
My eyes widen, and I elbow her as Rogue cracks up. “You guyshaveto get it together before we go in here! It’s hard enough to keep things focused with all the neurodivergence within my caliphate. When you add in my recent reveal and tipsy visitors, it’s going to be a nightmare.”
Rogue grins and knocks on the door before I’m ready, which makes me crack my knuckles nervously. When the door opens, it’s not Jasper or Zav; instead, it’s Slash. He looks at mecuriously, and I smile at him, hoping it will curb the irritable look on his face.
