Now that we’re done ordering, the room dissolves into micro-conversations. Archie is trying to get Javi to stop biting his finger, Rogue playfully shoves Damon off the back of the couch, Lucas tells Slash about how he once ate an entire walrus, bones and all, and Xerxes snarks at Damon about royal shit versus gang royalty shit.
I like way more than I should have given that we will eventually part ways.
I stretch, walking over to the window on the far wall so I can stretch my colossal frame. The world outside is dark and imposing, with the lights of the campus blurring into the fog. I see the lights of what I believe is that arena they’ve spoken of and, far beyond, the orange burn of what I suppose is the exit to campus into Hell proper. As I turn back, I take note of what’s going on now that I’ve moved.
Slash approaches Kat without warning, holding his hand out for her to stand. She does, and he leads her away from the couch. “You survived,” he says.
Kat looks up with a proud grin. “I did, and it was very good. You guys were right; Ilikethese women as friends.”
It’s rude to eavesdrop, but it’s not like these people don’t know about supe hearing.
“Your behavior is much less beleaguered than before. I am pleased with your efforts, little demon.”
She turns red again, murmuring, “Thanks, Daddy Shark.”
I almost snort, but he shakes a finger at her reproachfully. “What did we say about you spreading that silly name? I will not have Oriel and Salem mocking me at every turn, even if it is satisfactory to hear you say it somehow.”
Kat laughs, this time her lips curving into a much more flirtatious grin than I’ve seen yet. “But I enjoy ruffling your fins as well, Slash. You have the best reactions to things, including how much you just protested yet I saw your chest puff up.”
Slash shrugs, his expression unrepentant. “It is true that my shark and my demon find that… interesting. However, it should not be for public use. They do not appreciate others hearing it, I believe. Perhaps you may use it in our private sessionsonly?”
She tilts her head, twisting her mouth as she whispers, “Aye, aye, Daddy Shark. Just you and me.”
That makes him choke and sputter before he purposefully walks away. I see Kat snicker, and it makes me think again that she’s hiding something. Whatever it is, it’s given her a shit ton more courage.
Rogue flounces up to me as I scan the room for clues. “So,” she whispers, “is the plan to get everyone wasted or just full of carbs? Because I can’t imagine them serving this food without some sort of drinks.”
“Whichever keeps them all from eating one another is fine by me,” I whisper back.
Rogue snickers. “So, are you gonna forgive Kaspar anytime soon, or what? No one complaining about him being a dick has to be an improvement, right?”
“Maybe. Let’s see what the reports from the others say when they return. He’s been doing better since another body dropped.” I shrug as I look at Lucas chatting with Archie. “Those two get along like long-lost bros. After we figure shit out, they’ll definitely have to hang out.”
“You’re right, but you’re lying about your dragon. The professor too. I think you want your whole family.” Rogue leans against my shoulder, then tilts her head. “You’re kind of an inspiration to Kat and me, you know. We haven’t had good female role models, obviously, and you’ve got your shit together pretty well,” she says, so quietly I almost don’t hear.
I grunt, then feel my face go hot. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m a fucking mess. No one looks up to me; in fact, they mostly scorn me up there.”
Kat walks over, studying us for a second. “Uh-oh. Serious talk. What’s up?”
“Rogue says you two can use me as a role model, and I said she’s full of shit.”
The newly emerged supe beams at me. For a second, her anxiety drops away, replaced by pure, feral joy. It’s so contagious, I can’t help but smile back. That’s when she says, “Fuck yeah, we can. You’re a survivor, a brave person, and you don’t take people’s shit. You are a good role model, and I’d be okay with that.”
“Told you so,” the Fae says with a snicker. “Now you’re stuck with us, Lady M.”
Oh, that’s just fucking fabulous—I have groupies now, and they’re much more fragile than me.
Thirty-Six
SLADE
I’m sitting on the floor, watching Angelo’s pulse hammer. My hands are in my lap as I stay still, both of us hoping to avoid triggering magical wards on the studio’s steel door. The elder Gemini, for all his airs, is the worst at this game of ‘statue’—every third breath is a nervous wriggle, and his knees occasionally jitter against mine.
Damon is definitely the less anxious twin, and I suppose it’s because Angelo is the action guy.
I shoot him a look, one eyebrow arched as we wait. He meets it and bares his teeth, but I know it’s just being playful. The twins seem far less imposing than their reputation, and even better-behaved than the others make their parents out to be. I assume he’s just not used to waiting for things like this in person.
Jasper stands behind us all, shadowing the hallway from wall to wall with his arms folded. “You look ridiculous,” he mutters, which from Jasper is practically a sonnet, I gather.
