I guess I have to wrap my head around the idea that it’s my space now.
Somebuddy and Nobuddy are still in the throes of celebration at the return of their doggy daddy when I find him setting a couple of takeout bags on the kitchen counter.
“Tanner heard about last night and sent us—” The moment he sees me, he’s crossing the floor and pulling me into his arms. “What’s wrong, P? What happened?”
I tell him about Mom, and about sending her to rest with the ancestors. And, as usual, unloading my heartache on Asher lets me breathe again.
He holds me, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You did the right thing. You know that, and I know you know that. And you’re right, if you need her, she’s still anchored to the property. You can tinkle on the ivories and bring her back.”
I burst out laughing. “Dude, you tinkle the ivories. You don’t tinkleonthem. That’s gross and unsanitary.”
He cracks a wide smile. “And I don’t suppose it’s good for the keys.”
“Probably not, no.”
Asher shrugs and turns back to the bags. “I got a banquet burger and rings for you. I figured after all that stone healing, you could use some greasy carbs.”
I curl my fingers into the shape of a heart and bring them to my chest. “Love you hard.”
He winks and continues to pull out our comfort food feast.
The two of us settle in on the island stools, and I’ve just taken my first bite when my phone buzzes.
“Unknown number.”
“Ignore it. Joe Schmo can clean someone else’s ducts.”
It probably is spam, but with so much happening, I don’t feel right not answering. "Hello?"
"Miss Hallowind-Forrester, it’s Garrison Thorne. Are you home? Would you mind if I pop in for a chat?”
The edge of power in his voice makes my spine straighten. “Mr. Thorne… your Honor… uh, of course. You’re welcome to come over.”
The line remains quiet for a moment, and then there’s a pulse of energy behind me, and I spin on my stool. “Call me Garrison. That Honorable Mr. Stonehoof bullshit gives me hives.”
Seven feet of mythical bison stands in front of me, his curved black horns and massively broad shoulders covered in a thick mane of shaggy brown and black fur. The ceremonial cape he wore on the night of the Order meeting is gone.
Today, he wears black leather pants but no shirt. Then again, I doubt there’s enough fabric on the planet to cover that muscled chest.
I blink and my mind stalls out. “Wow, when you said pop in… you meant it literally.”
His brow tightens, and then he seems to understand. “Ah, my apologies. If your solicitor didn’t chat me up, you might not have realized I prefer to handle things in person. And, as I’m a Rift Minotaur, I’m able to walk the hidden corridors of the labyrinth of reality to be anywhere in an instant.”
“Yeah, no, Vale didn’t say anything.” My mind is still tripping on the labyrinth of reality thing, but I realize Asher is unusually still. “Asher, put down the burger and say hello to the head honcho of the Order of the Arcane.”
Asher is staring, wide-eyed, mouth open, and sitting there with his burger halfway to his mouth. “Holy fuckamoly! Poppy said you were a badass bison man, but wow, dude!”
Smooth, Ash. I turn, ready to apologize, but Garrison doesn’t seem the least bit offended. In fact, if I had to guess, I’d say he was amused with Asher’s assessment.
“Badass bison man? I can honestly say that’s one of the more complimentary descriptions I’ve been given in my life.”
My cheeks are burning so hot, I could probably fry an egg on them. “Garrison, this is my best friend and roommate, Asher Hendrix.”
“The boy who found you and kept you safe.”
I nod. “The very one.”
Garrison extends a hand the size of a shovel, and Asher takes it without hesitation. “You did well, son. It’s the sign of a true warrior to stand as the champion of a stranger.”
