“No problem. Didn’t your mom or dad give you piggyback rides?”
“No. I’ve read about them, though. We don’t—owls don’t, that is—roughhouse or wrestle. This feels very odd.”
He laughed. “Bears are all about roughhousing and wrestling. It’s kind of our thing.” When we got to his SUV, he opened the door and swung me into the seat before my brain had a chance to catch up. I’d assumed he was going to put me back on the pavement and that I’d climb in on my own. Instead, I was already in the seat and he was rounding the front, reaching for the driver’s door.
“How did you do that? I didn’t even touch the ground.”
Grinning with those dimples, he started the vehicle and turned to me, pointing at the seat belt I had yet to engage. “A lifetime of wrestling. It’s all about practice.”
I pulled the seat belt across my chest and clicked it into place, feeling like I’d been thrown into the ocean with no idea of how to swim. I lived in books. He inhabited the world, taking up space, touching others without hesitancy or worry. I didn’t see how this could possibly work. I really needed him to ghost me.
He’d pulled out onto the road and was headed to my home. “Have you read about trolls? How is this thing invisible?”
I shook my head. “Not really, no. I’ve read what humans believe about the fairy tale of trolls. I don’t even know if that’s what he is. His behavior reminded me of the children’s story. That’s all.”
He turned, heading away from the water. Glancing over quickly, he turned back to the road and added, “I’m sorry you had to see that man get eaten, especially after you’d just saved him.”
I closed my eyes behind the sunglasses. It was still too bright. I wore special lenses if I had to go out during the day. Nick’s helped, but the sun was making my eyes water. “It was horrible in a way that will haunt me for a long time.” Was that too honest? I needed sleep.
I flinched when I felt Nick’s hand, but he held mine anyway. It was strangely comforting.
“You don’t have to go back tonight. You’ve already dealt with him twice all on your own. You’ve more than done your part.”
I considered his point. I was no match for a troll, but I couldn’t sit out the battle. What if something happened to one of them? I’d never forgive myself. Not to mention they all had families, people who loved them. Other than a few insomniacs, no one would be affected by my death.
“You can tip the seat back and rest,” he said.
“I’m awake,” I told him as I rocked side to side with the movement of the car. “I was just thinking that I need a will. I don’t have anyone to leave my things to, though.” I tipped my head to the side and squinted one eye open. “Do you like my house?”
He squeezed my hand so tightly, it almost hurt. “I love your home, but more importantly, I love you in it, reading your books and flying over your woods.”
“Sorry. That was probably an inappropriate thing to ask. It’s just what I was thinking about.”
He stopped and got out. Sooner than I would have thought, he was opening my door, his back to me. He was offering another piggyback ride. “Climb on.”
I did and he walked me up the front steps to the porch. “Do you have a key hidden here somewhere?”
It took me a minute for my brain to catch up. “Right. Good point. Can you bring me around to the back? Or, no. That’s dumb. Just put me down. I can walk.” I took my arms from around his neck, but he was still holding my legs, continuing to carry me.
“We’re almost there. Relax.” When we turned the last corner, he said. “Tyrion left you more gifts.”
“Aww. That’s nice.” My head dropped onto Nick’s shoulder. “Too bad I can’t leave him my house.”
Nick put me in my porch swing. “Where’s the key? I can get it. I think you fell asleep five minutes ago.”
Oh, right. I flew out of here. “No key,” I told him. “Thanks for the ride.” I took off the tee and sweatpants, shifted, and flew through my window, dropping onto the bed and into a deep sleep.
When I woke, I was disoriented. My body wasn’t responding properly. It took me a moment to realize that though I was in my bedroom, on my bed, I was in my feathers. The light was all wrong too. Early evening in the summer meant it should still be bright out.
After I shifted, I grabbed my phone off its charger. There were a couple of missed calls and some texts, all from Nick.
Nick: Good afternoon. I hope you’re sleeping. I’m checking to see if you want a ride tonight or if you’re going to fly.
Nick: If you’ve decided to sit this one out, no worries. I’ll catch you up with what happened tomorrow.
I clicked on the voicemails.
“Orla, hopefully your phone is on Do Not Disturb. I don’t want to wake you during the day. I’m passing on that we’re meeting at the bridge at ten tonight. Let me know if you’d like to drive with me. Okay, sweet dreams.”
