“Wait a minute. I’m paid up for today. We hugged in the diner, again after I danced, and just now inside. That’s three.”
“The second two don’t count. You didn’t hug me back in the woods, and the one just now was an escape hug.”
“You can’t start adding rules now. My arms were around you on the third hug. It counts.”
“Gods, you’re stingy with your hugs. Come on. Just give me another.”
He got down in that playful pose he had, like he was ready to catch a jump hug, and wiggled his fingers at me.
“I’m not hugging you, Fenris.”
“Fine. Then I’m stealing one.”
He launched himself at me and, before I could react, had me crushed against his chest.
“You really need to find your mate,” came out as, “Boo eeddee deed do ind uh ade.”
The rumble of his laughter vibrated through me.
“Come on, spaghetti. Use those arms.”
I hugged his waist then pulled my head back enough to get some breathing room.
“Your need for constant affection will stifle someone.”
“Doubt it.” He leaned his cheek against my head and inhaled deeply.
“Are you sniffing my hair?”
“Are you going to question everything I do? Where’s the unconditional trust?”
I rolled my eyes, well aware that everything was once again in sharp focus.
“I get that you like to push boundaries, but I can’t afford to lose any more friends because of my lack of good judgment.”
He pulled back and cupped my face, his expression intensely serious.
“You will never lose me, Eliana. No matter what you say…no matter what you do…I will always be here for you.”
My chest ached at the sincerity in his words, and my eyes started to water.
“Thank you.”
He leaned in and pressed his lips to my forehead. My pulse stuttered then raced. Without meaning to, I pulled him closer. He tightened our embrace as he exhaled heavily, and his sweet scent wrapped around me, hinting at chocolate with creamy notes. As soon as I thought creamy, I felt myself going down that dark path of hunger and need.
“Let go,” I rasped.
Fenris immediately released me.
I swallowed hard and stared up at him with an intense longing I shouldn’t feel.
“Please walk away.”
His gaze swept over my face. He gave me a sad smile, then went inside. The urge to follow him rode me hard as I turned around and walked down the sidewalk.
Just as I reached my car, another one parked on the other side of the road. Eras and his friends got out. Laughing about whatever had been said in their car, they didn’t notice me. I watched them go inside then grabbed my phone.
Me: Eras just walked in. You should probably leave.
Fenris: Probably, but I’m in the mood for a little trouble.
Me: Then go feed Elbner for me. He can throw a shoe at your head to knock some sense into you.
With a growl of frustration, I got into my car.
Fenris: I’ll feed your vertically challenged rage machine, but you’ll owe me a non-contact favor in the future. Do we have a deal?
Me: Deals with you are dangerous.
Fenris: Deals = fun.
Then he sent a chicken and squirrel emoji.
Me: Fine. Just leave now so Elbner doesn’t feel slighted.
Fenris: Leaving now.
Objective accomplished, I started the car and pulled away. In my rearview mirror, I watched the red doors open and Fenris emerge with his herd.
Boston Cream pies hung from every tree limb. As soon as I finished one, another appeared. It felt like I’d been gorging on them for an eternity, but I wasn’t full or sick of the taste. I just wanted to keep going indefinitely.
Eventually, though, the dream faded away, and I drifted off into a deeper sleep that even the sun couldn’t pierce. However, the persistent buzz of my phone finally did.
“Hello?” I said groggily.
“Morning, beautiful. Any names you need me to add to the punch list?”
I smiled sleepily and rolled onto my back.
“I’m not even out of bed yet.”
“What? It’s four in the afternoon?”
I sat up and looked at the clock in a panic then scowled.
“It’s eight in the morning. You’re cruel.”
She laughed.
“No new names,” I said, answering her question. “But there might be today. I have to check in with Fenris to make sure Eras didn’t try anything with him and check on your goblin to make sure he didn’t do anything to Fenris.”
“So…you’re protecting Fenris?”
“Shut up. It’s not like that. Eras thinks I stole one of his meals and is trying to find ways to make me miserable. And your goblin has a special brand of hate for Fenris since Fenris purposely screwed up the goblin’s mash. Both things were my responsibility in the first place. I’m not going to let Fenris deal with the fallout of my actions, no matter how much he professes to love trouble.”
“Sounds like you’re getting to know Fenris pretty well. Are you spending a lot of time with him?”
“I am. Not intentionally. I think he just likes spending time with me because it’s a break from his herd.”
She made an agreeing sound.
We talked for a few more minutes about her and Oanen’s travels, and I could hear the complete adoration in her voice whenever she mentioned him. I smiled, happy for my friend and a little jealous. That was what I wanted. Real love. Real affection. Not something induced from some weird compulsion.
After hanging up, I got ready for the day and sent off two texts. One to my mom to let her know I was on my way and the other to Lauv, asking for an update regarding the location spell for Ashlyn. Both responded immediately.
Lauv: We did one last night but ran into some complications. You wouldn’t happen to have a personal item of Ashlyn’s, would you? Hair, toothbrush, worn underwear.
Mom: Dad has everything ready and waiting. Hope you’re hungry.
I made a face. After Lauv’s request, I wasn’t even remotely hungry. Rather than respond to Mom, I sent off a quick reply to Lauv.
Me: I’ll see if I can find something. How soon do you need it?
Lauv: The new spell won’t be ready until tomorrow. Meet in the pool bathroom before class?
Me: Okay.
The soft murmur of Mr. Quill’s voice drifted from the study as I made my way downstairs. It was answered by a very familiar tone. Adira. Keeping my steps light so she wouldn’t hear me, I hurried into the kitchen, waved to a startled Mrs. Quill, and escaped to my car.
Mom was waiting for me at the door by the time I parked in their driveway. She wore a beaming smile and an embarrassingly see-through nightgown.
“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable with a robe on?” I asked, getting out of the car.
“And cover up this beautiful creation your father picked out for me? Never.”
As I followed her inside, I made a mental note to speak with Dad about his choices on the days they expected me for breakfast. How was I supposed to eat waffles while pretending Mom wasn’t practically naked next to me?
“Baby girl, I’m so glad you’re here,” Dad said from the kitchen. “I made something new. Chilled crepes with strawberries and cream and shaved chocolate.”