“I think it has to do with me being gifted by Papa Legba. I mean, normal zombies stink to high heaven because of all the rotting flesh.”
They both shuddered. Sammy cocked his head. “I’m wondering why you haven’t retained your scent from before you died.” His tone was carefully neutral, telling Jon they could steer away from the topic anytime he wanted if it got too uncomfortable for him. Sammy was such a dear. Strangely, ever since he had started hanging out with Barion, his undead status didn’t bother him as much, and he realized he was able to think about his past without wanting to cry, shout or bang his head against the nearest wall.
“I don’t know, and to be honest, I did think about it before. I could have asked Grann, but I was too chicken. She and the family were meddling enough as it was without me giving the slightest hint that I might want to find my forever person. I don’t even know if zombies have such a thing as a mate.”
“The Walking Dead kind surely do not.” Sammy took another sip of his coffee, and his skin was a bit pale. The man might be cool as a cucumber when it came to real life paranormals and all the gory things they could throw at you, but he absolutely hated films with zombies in them. Jon didn’t take it personally. Most of them were terrifying, which, he knew, was the whole reason they were made and watched. Still… He would never understand some people. “But you’re not that kind of zombie. You’re a gift, a miracle. You should have a mate. Anything else would be unfair.”
Sammy said the words with a determination that Jon had learned to fear. His friend had made a decision.
“It’s fine, Sammy. I’m not sure I’m ready for a mate yet.”
“Oh, you so are. Everybody is the moment they meet their mate…when they’re adults.” Sammy’s brow furrowed. “I’m going to start researching zombies and mates. Or you could ask your Grann.”
“Uh, no, I think I’ll pass. One thing at a time with her. She still needs to get used to Barion.”
“I understand.” Sammy smiled broadly.
“You really don’t have to trouble yourself for me.” Jon wasn’t sure if he wanted Sammy to find out anything about the mates of zombies. What if it’s something horrible?
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. You’re my friend!” Sammy looked so happy that Jon didn’t have it in him to outright forbid him his research.
“Well, then, thank you, I guess.”
“You’re so welcome! And while I’m looking, you can think about taking a leap with Barion. He’s a great guy, and I’m sure you can talk to him about anything. It would be a great learning experience for you both.”
Sammy got up, stuffing the last piece of apple pie into his mouth. “I have to go. Dre wants to talk to Barion before he comes here. When did you want to meet today?”
Realizing he and Barion had been set up, Jon sighed. “It was late yesterday. He’s coming for lunch.”
“Wonderful. I’m off. Have a nice day. I’ll tell you once I find something out.” Sammy was through the door before Jon had a chance to say anything else. He stared at the empty plates on his kitchen counter, wondering where his life was headed. As much as he had enjoyed the security his years reclused in the basement had brought him, he had to admit it was more fun now. Perhaps it was time to take that leap. And perhaps he could cheat a little and use a ladder to get down the cliff.
* * * *
Barion was dusting his stag head with the diamonds when Dre popped into his home.
“Brother, what a pleasant surprise.”
Dre made a face. “You know, you could try to sound a bit less sarcastic and a good deal happier about your older brother visiting you.”
“I could. And you’d know I’d be lying, which would make you say I should be a little more honest. The outcome would be the same…us arguing.”
“Hmm. Sounds right. Okay, forget about the happy.”
Barion had no intention of letting his brother have the last word. “Plus, I just know you’re going to pester me about something, most probably Jon. Am I right?”
Dre grumbled something, the red of his scales intensifying, a sure sign he was nearing the end of his short line of patience. “I’m not just here because of Jon.” His brother sounded defiant. Barion lifted a brow.
“I wanted to tell you that your idea worked. Milo will be working for Quirion starting next week. He accepted the raise once he saw how big Quirion’s library is and after our brother talked to him nonstop for an hour, explaining all his duties to him, along with all the things Quirion absolutely hates. Afterward, Milo told me he wanted fifteen percent more.” Dre grinned so broadly that his fangs were clearly visible. His brother was proud of himself and rightfully so.
“Letting Quirion do the introductions and the job interview was a genius move, if I do say so myself. Milo was suspicious when we first told him how much he would be paid, but now he knows it’s not enough.” Dre was laughing out loud and Barion joined him, because he could just see it in front of his inner eye—his oldest brother talking Milo into submission.
“That’s wonderful news. And I’m glad I could help.”
Dre clapped him on the back. “You were great. Now let’s talk about Jon.”
Barion groaned, knowing there was no way out of it. He and Jon would meet for lunch, which was in two hours. There was enough time for his brother to pester him.
“What’s there to talk about? He’s great. We get along splendidly. We’re friends and business partners.”
