I winced and let out a sigh. “You are a full-grown moon deity,” I hissed, plucking her ankle off my forehead. “Keep your big feet to yourself.”
Hado, who preferred the form of a black panther but had wisely chosen to shift into the shape of a small black cat tonight, lifted his head. His luminous gray eyes scanned for threats and stopped on me.
He stared, gaze focused on my hand on Abbi’s foot.
He did not approve of me manhandling the Moon Rabbit.
I gently pushed Abbi’s feet up off my face without looking away from Hado. Abbi snorted and flipped the other way, pulling the rest of my pillow up into her arms. Half a breath later, she snored. Loudly.
“Aces,” I grumbled as mosquitos buzzed around my ear, immune to the chemical spray Lula had drenched me in hours ago.
“She’s fine,” I loud-whispered to Hado. I slapped my cheek, the wet smear of bug guts adding to the evening’s delights. “She’s sleeping better than any of us, the little traitor.”
The feline creature blinked, and I had the distinct feeling he was laughing at me.
Swell. Just keen.
He lowered his head and curled back up against Lorde, our big fluffy black chow chow-shepherd mix who was taking up all the remaining space at our feet.
Lorde slept so peacefully, I thought maybe I oughta crawl down there with her, even though there was no room for my legs to stretch out. At least maybe Lorde and Hado wouldn’t steal my pillow.
A bug landed on my ear and bit hard.
I grunted and slapped it.
Twice.
Three for good measure.
Lu’s breathing didn’t change, but there was a sense of awareness in her silence that was unmistakable.
“Sleep,” I said, just that little bit louder, flicking crushed wings and shell off my neck. “I’m fine.”
A heel hit the top of my head, twisted, and then the rest of the foot settled there like a cap.
“For fuck of all.” I—gently—removed her foot, and then sat.
The air was humid, heavy and warm, although the hint of a breeze promised relief. But this was late summer in east Kansas. Any rest from the heat would be temporary.
Lu turned to lie on her back, her braided hair a dusky flame against her astonishingly pale skin. Those honey eyes watched me, and all the world slipped away.
“Do you want to switch sides?” She turned her hand, palm up, and as I always had, as I always would, I dropped my hand to hers.
The warmth of her skin, like heated silk against mine, was still a wonder. I’d only been back in living flesh for two months now, and the sensations of living were still new.
“No. It’s fine,” I said. “Go back to sleep. I just need to stretch my legs.”
She squeezed my hand. “I’ll go with you.”
“No,” I replied softly. “Stay with the rabble. I won’t be far.”
Frown lines appeared between her eyebrows for a fleeting moment, moonlight soft and blue across her cheeks, her lips. She squeezed my hand again. “Not far.”
“Never.” I leaned down and kissed her briefly, her mouth soft and yielding against mine. I knew if I lingered, I’d have to tell the moon rabbit and her shadow to scram so Lu and I could enjoy some privacy.
But the kiss was quick, and when I released her hand, her fingers trailed promises against my palm.
Lorde’s ears twitched, and the dog opened her eyes, but didn’t lift her head.
