Forbidden fruit.
Things my mother insisted I wasn’t allowed to read, so I’d come by on weekends when she thought I was at a study group and I’d devour them in squashy chairs by the big, tinted windows. I would imagine myself in those books, kissing the bare-chested man who came to the damsel’s rescue.
I wanted to be loved like that. Saved like that. Some giant hero swooping into the small town to protect me from everyone who ever wanted to hurt me. Someone who wanted to love me even though I was different and a little strange.
I wanted to be someone’s soulmate. Their fantasy. And while I started to lose hope in this tiny town, the books were a comfort. They helped me embrace who I am and what I want.
And they emboldened me when I realized I wanted to take those pent-up feelings and create and sell things that help other people who are exploring themselves.
Cielo glances down at me and says, “Leeeebarrry.”
“Yes. Perfect.” It’s far from perfect, but there’s not a chance I’ll ever tell him that.
He grins, fangs showing.
There are a few people milling around, and I can feel the weight of their stares, but I don’t give a shit. The Vyastil are part of society now, and people have to get over it. Especially with how much they’ve done for humanity as a whole.
There is some grey area with the whole compulsory cum donations. I don’t love that. I don’t love that they’ve discriminated against my brother for being Deaf, cancelling his service before he even got started. But I can’t deny the fact that humans overall are happier, healthier, and safer.
I wish it were less complicated, but it’s hard for me to think they’re all bad when I have Cielo’s fingers carefully and absently playing with mine.
My phone beeps loudly, and I wince, pulling it out and shooting an apologetic face to the few librarians who make eyecontact with me. And of course it’s Everest on the other end of the line, so I answer, using my quietest voice.
“Hey,” I whisper. I’m leading Cielo toward the video section, but before we get there, he comes to an abrupt stop. His eyes catch on a section of books, so I let him peruse while I speak to Everest.
“Hey, how is Cielo? Sorry to obsessively check in on him, but I’ve been so fucking worried.”
“He’s really great, actually. We’re at the library looking for some ASL videos.”
Everest pauses and then asks, “We can meet you there if that’s okay? I’d like to check in on him again.”
I hear Rathyn on the other end of the line. “Human libraries? A waste of trees.”
Everest sighs. “Rath, babe, please…”
“Go for it,” I say before Everest can get distracted by his monster. “We’re not too far from you.”
“Give me five,” Everest says, then starts to speak to Rathyn again as the call cuts off.
I can’t help but smile as I shove my phone back into my pocket, and I move over to Cielo. He’s holding up a thick book with a half-naked woman wearing a corset and a man leaning over her on the cover.
Hell yes. I think I’ve even read this one.
‘Ooh, you found the historical romance section,’ I sign. ‘You want to read one?’
‘Yes. I can take one?’
‘Get two or three,’ I tell him. At the very least, it’ll keep him occupied while I’m at work, and maybe I won’t worry so much about him being bored.
He bounces on his clawed feet and trills with happiness before his eyes go back to the shelf, giving each book serious consideration before choosing his next one.
My cheeks ache from smiling as I hold up a finger, and I return a moment later with a tote bag he can add the books to. He’s still taking his time, so I lean against the bookshelf in an attempt to take some of the pressure off my feet.
My pain is better, but it isn’t gone, and I’m starting to wear out. There’s not a chance in hell I’ll let Cielo know how I’m feeling. I’m not going to ruin this for him, but I do hope we’re not here all night.
As Cielo adds two more books to the bag, I see Rathyn striding through the doors, looking domineering and regal as Everest hurries in beside him. His eyes flick around the library before landing on me.
“Hey!” he says, in a dull shout, before striding toward me and pulling me into a hug. Rathyn lets out a low growl, which Everest ignores. “Ooh, books!”
