Page 49
Zeke swallowed and gave a tight nod.
I didn’t know what had happened, but I suspected something had gone down between Ezra’s father and Zeke. It wasn’t my place to say anything, but I didn’t like the tension around Zeke. Before I could say anything about it, Zeke sat up and smacked the table with both hands, making me jump.
“So that’s the situation. We’re stuck.”
“And how does that equate to needing me?”
Ash rotated the black band on his pinky finger. “Since you’re the source of our arrival, we think it’s smarter to stay near you—or at least near the place we arrived.”
Great. I didn’t need my home to become a demon hotspot. I attracted enough of their attention. Still…
“We?”
“Yeah, the guys and I discussed it.”
I nodded slowly, processing the information. “Right. You discussed staying in my home—without me. You decided—again, without me—that the best course of action is to stay in my home.”
Ash winced. At least he had the good sense to realize it didn’t sound as sensible as he’d hoped.
“You found the money for clothes and phones but not to rent a place or a hotel. Now you expect me to let you stay in my two-bedroom townhouse. The four of you.”
“That’s kinda the plan, yeah,” Zeke said.
“Zeke.” Ash shook his head. “We’re not assuming or expecting anything.” He glanced at Zeke. “Well, most of us aren’t. We’re asking if you’ll allow us to stay. We discussed the best course of action, but no one is forcing you to accept it.”
“Well, we’re not.”
I turned to Zeke. “What do you mean?”
“Cyn didn’t think we should ask you.”
“And what did he think you should do?” I sat back, crossing my arms.
“Zeke,” Ash said in warning.
“No, let’s hear it. Zeke?”
“Uh…” Zeke glanced at Ash, then me. “He wanted to tell you we’re staying.”
“That’s all?” I had a feeling there was something he wasn’t telling me.
“Well, no. He—”
“Zeke. That’s enough,” Ash said, sitting up. I glared at him. “What? He doesn’t need to—” He jerked back when I lifted a hand in front of his face.
“Let him finish.” I looked at Zeke expectantly.
“Cyn wanted us to lock you in your room until we left,” Zeke admitted, face twisted in concern. “I told him I didn’t want to do it, if it helps.”
I rolled my eyes, taking in his sheepish expression. “Marginally.” I turned to Ash. “And you? Did you wanna lock me up too?”
“No. Ezra didn’t either.”
“Color me surprised.” I looked down at the empty burrito bowl on the table. “I’m surprised he didn’t wanna just kill me and eliminate the problem.”
“Ezra wouldn’t do that,” Zeke said, grabbing my cell phone and spinning it on the table. “He acts like a hard ass, and he is, but he wouldn’t kill someone who didn’t deserve it.”
Key phrase being “didn’t deserve it.” I wouldn’t be surprised if he thought I did, considering he believed I summoned them on purpose.
