That’s why they work so well together, in my opinion.
“Jasper will also be eager to discuss the events and the possible allies we met. The Fae and the Gemini twins could be strategic.”
Kit puts her book down again, leaning forward in his chair. “And I want to get contact info for Morgana and Rogue. They seemed cool as fuck, and I’d like to at least be able to text them sometimes.”
My grin is huge; Kit trustinganyoneis a big deal. I don’t know if we helpedher do that or if we just supported her well enough for her to get there on her own, but I love that she’s actually interested in making friends.
I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure she gets to do that—and if they hurt her, they’ll have to deal with me.
One of Us
Kit/Kat
The rest of the guys slink in eventually, and I can tell they’ve all… calmed themselves. Jasper looks much less on edge than he did on the surface, and Zav isn’t even clutching his tails. Whatever they do in private is clearly beneficial to both, and that thought comforts me a bit. I’m not one to judge their dynamic if they’re happy and healthy; it seems silly. I wouldn’t want people commenting on whatever the fuck I figure out I like just because it doesn’t fit in their neat little boxes.
I’m kind of amazed that I could think about having preferences related to that without a single shudder—that’s some serious fucking progress.
As Slash and Oriel help my roomie get the plates and stuff set up, Dottie and I curl up in my big chair. They allinsistedI’d done enough repeatedly, so I quit fighting the overbearing dudes because I honestly am very exhausted. Not having to mask that is helping my energy store immensely—or I think it is. My brain is definitely less fuzzy, and my limbs feel less heavy than when I first emerged from my room. Slash’s preaching about eating and keeping my reserves up is also smacking me in the face pretty hard right now; he wasn’t joking about how different it is when you have this thing inside of you trying to wiggle its way free twenty-four-seven.
“Little demon, I’m bringing your plate first. You are looking better, but still pale.” He turns to Salem, his gaze narrowed as he grunts. “Watch more closely, panda. You are here with him most often and need to help him learn to managehis energy levels.”
Salem smirks, then winks at me. “I promise I willabsolutelykeep very close track of KK’s energy and exhaustion from now on, big guy. In fact, I’ll monitor so closely, he’ll think I’m breathing down his neck.”
Ooh, that sneaky son of a bitch.
I snort, tilting my chin up as I mutter, “So you think, sleepy boy. You’re not my keeper anymore than the others are.”
“Ah, but Iamthe chef,” he snarks back and I feel my eyes widen as color floods my cheeks. “And what I say goes in this kitchen.”
Emotions flood my veins as I fight off a multitude of sensations and feelings coursing through me as the clever panda strikes a very surreptitious blow. He wasn’t lying about keeping my secret, but he definitely left out how much he’s going to tease and taunt me. I swallow hard as I sink into my chair lower, ignoring the suspicious laughter-like chitters from my kinkajou. They can both suck it—I’m fighting for my life here.
“That’s correct,” Slash says as he pours another glass of my juice. “Assert your control, and remain vigilant, my brother. I am pleased with your dedication.”
Oh, come on! The big guy is supposed to be on my side.
Xerxes looks at me, biting their lower lip as they dart between looking at me, then Salem, and suddenly, they press their fist against their mouth. I’m not great at reading people, but I’m pretty sure they just realized Salem is ‘in the know’. Shaking my head a tiny bit, I hope they get that this isn’t a topic we can discuss now. In fact, we need to wait until absolutely no one else is nearby. The cobra finally lifts their hand, a knowing smirk forming almost immediately.
“Shit,” I mutter to myself as I tear my eyes away so I don’t fuck up this very delicate balance of ‘I know he knows you know he knows’ game. “Slash, are you done piling my plate full enough to feed all of Hell’s armies or what?”
That distracts everyone long enough for Oriel to add, “Don’t forget the crunkleberries.”
“A point to the crow. KK loves those and he’ll be much less cranky once he has eaten a few,” Salem says as he finishes loading the dishwasher. “They make him giddy.”
Anton looks up from his book for a second. “They make everyone giddy, Salem. However, I do believe they affect KK a bit more than us. Probably because his demon isn’t quite done baking,so to speak.”
“And no one checked me to see how I’d react to the food down here before feeding me; don’t think I forgot that tidbit from our visit with the fortune teller tree.” I glare at the guys, and Jasper finally stops grading papers to give me a shrug.
“Because at first we didn’t give a shit what happened, shrimp. Perhaps not the answer you’dlike, but it’s the truth. Those aren’t always pretty in Hell, as you know.”
I can’t decide if he’s a bigger dick when he’s just being honest or when he’s aiming for my kidneys, but the Prince is a pain in my ass either way.
“I’m aware my safety was of little concern until some of your better demons decided not to be huge asshats, Jasper. You don’t have to rub it in every time I say something that highlights your poor choices.”
Zavida gives a reproachful look as he pushes his glasses up. “He wasn’t really being mean, Kit.”
“Oh, how the spines soften when they’ve gotten some,” Oriel snarks as he and Slash walk into the living room with what I assume is my food and drink. The crow follows the big guy over to me, handing me the glass and silverware first, then Slash waits until I’m situated to give me the full plate. “Jumping back to Prince Pricklypants’ defense, mmm?”
“No,” Zav says firmly. “At least, not like that, Oriel. I’m simply being fair. He was being blunt and truthful, but not mean this time. It’s a step, right?”
