I have lived too long.
Existence is a loop. A hollow echo of a world that once had teeth.
Even my sanctuary can’t soften the edges this morning.
The shop is quiet. Suspiciously quiet.
I’m so bored I can barely contain the groan that rumbles from my throat as I drop my book on top of the pile next to my favorite reading chair.
“Ezra, please. Your sighing is driving me fucking nuts. I’m trying to work through these invoices and fill the online orders. I’m begging you. Hire someone else to support the online shop.”
“Hiring someone else is out of the question,” I snap, my lips curling into a snarl. “I don’t want anyone else involved in the shop, and that’s final.”
“Well, at some point, I’d like a life outside this damn shop.” Thane glares at me, his mouth tugging up into a small smile.
Apparently, this is what he calls “joking.”
I don’t find it humorous, but if it keeps him here, I’ll suffer through it.
There’s something unsaid between us that makes our companionship almost comfortable. Thane, in a very human way, knows I’m not normal. And I, in a very monstrous way, know he isn’t either. We don’t discuss it, and chances are we never will.
I can’t imagine casually blurting out, “By the way, did you know I’m an ancient shadow creature that can shift into different forms and has to eat a human every three months?”
What a doltish way to out myself.
Thane, however, doesn’t miss the snort of laughter meant only for me.
“Something funny, Ezra? Or is it my less-than-subtle hint that I need to get out of here and maybe find a warm body for the night?”
His self-righteous smirk makes me want to rip his heart out and shove it down his throat.
“No.” Who the fuck does he think he’s talking to? “But your desperation is pathetic. I suggest you reconsider your evening plans.”
Thane places a hand over his chest and gasps. “Ezra! Are you … jealous?”
His bright green eyes glint with mischief before he breaks into a hearty laugh.
The fucking nerve.
I glare, sinking into my reading chair with a low growl, fully committed to ruining his day.
The hours drag on, and I wonder, not for the first time, how Thane can spend his entire day here.
Yes, I love books.
But I watched Alexandria burn. I’m not doing invoices.
Fortunately, he keeps the place running.
That’s … useful. Not that I’d ever say it out loud.
“Why don’t you head out? I’ll lock up.” I wave him off with an eye roll. “Go find your warm body.”
Thane flashes me a shit-eating grin. “Thanks, Methuselah.”
Gritting my teeth, I resist the urge to give him a new hole in his chest.
Methuselah?
