Jonus meets my eyes. “I’ll make sure you can get there. Even if you can’t walk. We’ll have security protocols, communicationplans. Everyone knows where the safe room is and how to get there.”
Garlen nods. “If they come?—”
“Whenthey come,” I correct quietly. “It’s when, not if. I know how these people operate.”
The room falls silent. Grim acceptance settles over everyone.
“Then we’ll be ready,” Laurie says. She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Together.”
I look around at these people—orcs and humans, family by blood and family by choice—and a watery smile spreads across my face. I’ve been on my own for so long, with only Lucy as my ride or die. My coworkers and work friends have been there for me and we’ve of course worked as a team, but in reality that friendship is situational. I have a feeling that this group might take me on as something deeper, if I want.
Ellie checks her watch and sighs. “Sorry to cut this short, but Garlen and I have to go or we’ll be late for work.”
They teach social studies together at the private school, which I find adorable. This huge orc and his human wife. I wish I could be in their classes.
Garlen stands, stretching. He looks at Jonus. “You’ve got this?”
“I’ve got her.”
Ellie hugs me carefully, mindful of my bruises. “Rest,” she says. “Let him take care of you.”
“I will.”
Loki starts barking again, rushing around ankles. Garlen and Ellie head out—quick goodbyes, promises to check in during lunch.
Dane clasps Jonus’s shoulder. “Laurie and I are going to go check in with neighborhood watch and let them know we’ve got a new danger and to be on the lookout.”
Laurie kisses my cheek as they leave. “You’re in good hands, honey.”
Aldar is already heading for the door too. “I’m on my way to the police department to start checking in with law enforcement. The laptop and phone for Sloane should arrive by this afternoon.”
“Thank god. I need to access my files and contact my editor.”
“And I need to call my contacts in law enforcement and update on what’s happening with you.”
The door closes.
Silence.
It’s just Jonus, me, and Loki now.
The corgi trots over and puts his head on my knee, looking up at me with those ridiculous puppy eyes. I scratch behind his ears automatically.
Their house feels different with everyone gone. Quieter. More intimate.
I look up at Jonus. He’s watching me with an expression I can’t quite read. Something soft and warm.
“So,” I say. “What now?”
He doesn’t hesitate. “Now I take care of you.”
And the way he says it—low and certain, like it’s the only thing that matters—makes me believe him.
Chapter Ten
Jonus
The house is quiet now. Just me, Sloane, and Loki in the open, expansive kitchen and living area.
