So I started rushing through my rounds and coming back to bed sooner instead of wandering the kingdom all night.
Even when I ask him to sleep beside me every night and let him wrap himself around me, I can still hear his heartbeatracing. Like he’s waiting for me to push him away. Like he doesn’t trust this to last.
Since sleep isn’t an option anymore, I slip out of my room—our room now, I guess.
Dean thinks I haven’t noticed, but I know he’s been sneaking his things in, hiding them under my bed or in my closet like I won’t realize he’s slowly moving in.
I feel a little guilty leaving without telling him, but it’s not like I’m going anywhere dangerous. I just need a little fresh air to clear my head.
With nothing else to do, I make another round of the kingdom, ignoring the night shift warriors when they tell me to go back and rest.
I know I’m crossing more than a few boundaries, checking inside of every castle instead of just the grounds. But I’d rather be overbearing than incompetent if something happens to the people I care about.
I’ve just finished clearing inside the Horsemen castle when a loud crash echoes from the kitchen. My heart jumps straight into my throat before I can think.
I don’t hesitate. I take off running toward the sound.
When I step into the kitchen, August’s head snaps up, eyes wide like he’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
The second he sees it’s just me, his shoulders relax.
Of course, it’s him. If anything breaks around here, it’s either this little menace or his mother.
He grimaces when I glance at the broken dish on the floor, pressing his hands to his cheeks like he can’t believe he dropped it.
“You’re only in trouble if you get caught.” I crouch down, gathering the broken pieces and tossing them into the bin.
I know it’s probably the wrong lesson, and I wouldn’t do this with any other kid. But August isn’t like other kids his age.
He worries too much. Always bracing for consequences the second something goes wrong.
Being around Nevaeh has surely helped him loosen up and act his age, but he still needs to learn that making mistakes isn’t the end of the world. Sometimes they can even be fun.
“If anyone asks, your grandpa did it.”I wink.
“But he didn’t.” August’s frowns.
“Yes, he did.”
“I did it.” The little werewolf points to himself.
“Nope.Deanbroke the dish.”
Finally, he gets the hint, and a slow smile tugs at the corner of his lips.
August tries to wink and ends up blinking both eyes instead. So damn cute.
“Hazy, he broke mama’s green mug.”
That’s when I noticed the broken handle clutched in his hand.
Oh boy. I think I created a monster.
I ruffle his hair. “Go back to bed, troublemaker."
“Okay. Goodnight, grandma!”
Excuse me?
