As the others around the table started to nod, I didn’t do my normal and argue. It wasn’t that I thought I was ugly. I knew I was reasonably attractive, but so were most shifters. Theextrathey spoke of had been imbued in us through the Shadow Beast. I didn’t see how I hadextraextrabut arguing about it just felt redundant.
“How do we find out exactly what’s causing the memory loss?” I asked, pushing us back toward the important stuff. “How can we solve the mystery that has surrounded the entire situation with Len? I mean, my life has always been riddled with weird happenings, but this is definitely the weirdest.”
“Always?” Len responded so quickly I almost jumped. “What weird happenings?”
My next words were raspier as my throat tightened. “I shifted before my twenty-second birthday.” This was the first time I’d ever admitted it out loud. “I actually can’t remember when I first shifted, but I was young. I never had parents around to ask, so I was just a wild shifter pup until I fell into packs.”
Mera leaned so far forward she was all but draped over the table. “You told me that you were with the hippie crystal lover before your first shift.”
I shot her a rueful smile. “Yeah, sorry, I spent so much of my life covering up my differences that it was second nature to stick with the lie.”
No one looked upset by my fabricated story, and I had to assume that in their long lives most of them had been part of a ruse once or twice.
“Shifting as a pup is unheard of,” Shadow rumbled as he sank back into his chair, his eyes unfocused. “For myrulesto be overrode, there has to be some sort of mixed genetics.”
Mixed genetics for me as well? If only I knew who my true family was, that would have made this entire search easier. “I can’t help with that,” I said with a shake of my head. “My parents are nonexistent. It’s quite possible my first shift was after the trauma of losing them or whatever happened.”
“Can I touch you?”
My head jerked toward Len, his deep, smooth tones filling my mind. “Touch me?” I echoed, giving myself a moment to recover.
He nodded. “It’s the best way for me to feel the energy and blocks on your memories. It sounds like they might go back much further than ten years. Touching Tabitha might help as well.”
Despite the request, he made no move closer. If anything, he’d clearly been going out of his way to keep his distance and allow me time to come to terms with who he was, and the path we must traverse next. For that, and the sake of answers, I was willing to take a chance on him.
“Yes,” I said with a decisive nod. “Yes, I would appreciate it if you touched us to see what you can read.”
And maybe ateenytiny part of me was curious how his touch would feel. Icy like his power? Or heated like the liquid silver swirling in his eyes?
Len stood as the food arrived, pausing while the dishes and trays were placed before us. When the robots left, he let out a deep breath. “It can wait until after you build up some strength.” He retook his seat as I wondered how fucking ragged I looked. I’d blame it on this shitty day and the need for a shower, even with Mera’s energy conjuring us some fresh clothes and removing my vomit stench.
My meal was placed before me, and I noted that Len only had what looked like berries and watermelon, or their fae equivalents since they were a little different to Earth’s version. “Would you mind if I gave Tabitha some?” he asked, noticing my stare. “I’m curious to see if she’s drawn to fae foods.”
I almost said no, since she’d only just learned to hold herself upright. But, considering she was also no ordinary child and strengthening her was the ultimate goal, it felt stupid to refuse. Surely Len would know if it was dangerous for a fae to eat so young. “We consume these dishes from birth,” he added when my silence extended a moment too long for politeness. “She will not be harmed.”
Thefrom birthcomment made me wonder if there was a whole range of reasons our daughter hadn’t thrived, even outside of the fact that she hadn’t been in Faerie.
Our. I’d just referred to her in my head asour, and it terrified me that already this joining felt natural. Len was a fairy tale I couldn’t afford to fall into.
Nodding like a Bobblehead, I forced myself to focus. “Yes! Yes. Let’s see if she wants any.”
Len spent a few seconds preparing the fruit, cutting it into strips and making sure nothing was a choking hazard, then he leaned forward and placed a small plate on the tray. I’d never fed my daughter before, not from the breast or bottle, both of which I understood were greatly bonding. I’d missed so much, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from being here for everything else.
Taking my eyes briefly from Tabitha, I noticed that Mera and Shadow had placed a few pieces of fruit before Aurora. Angel and Reece did the same with their boy. Despite their young ages, these children were clearly ready for extra nourishment to help with their astronomical growth. Aurora and Damon all but dove for their food, small hands grabbing up the mash and cubed fruits, eating with more skill than I’d expected. Tabby, on the other hand, was unsure. This was a huge first for her. She prodded the closest berry with her right hand.
“Go on, baby,” I said, leaning down to her level. “Just take a little taste.”
I picked up a piece of fruit, but before I could put it in my mouth, Mera shouted, “Noooo!”
My hand froze as I stared wide-eyed at her. “What?”
She was shaking her head fast. “You can’t eat food from Faerie. It’s designed to trap you in their world.”
Len laughed, the sound a deep bass, and it drew my full attention. “That only happens when you’reinFaerie, and only for those too weak to resist. Samantha should have no worries.”
Mera relaxed, sinking into her chair and retrieving her cutlery that she’d all but thrown across the table. Fairly sure Reece was wiping mashed potato off his chest, but he never said anything as he continued eating.
“Okay, good,” Mera sighed. “I just wanted to check.”
