Page 47 of Dark Surrender

Women don’t compliment me, and men only compliment me when they wanna get into my pants, which I never let them near.

“I’m Sola,” she greets, taking my hand into hers and folding our fingers together like we’re long-lost besties, then nods to the besotted man with her who looks like a movie star. “That’s Rot, my husband. Well, one of them…”

One of them hangs in the air for half a beat before she fills in the blanks for me.

“I know it’s unconventional, but I have three of them. You might meet the other two sometime, but they’re not…”

“They’re assholes,” Rot fills in with a warm laugh. “I’m the socially tolerable one.”

“Yes. What he said…” Sola chuckles. “And this guy is Creature.”

The man with the scarred face bows his head in the most gentlemanly way. “Hello, ma’am.”

“Hi. I’m sorry about my sister.”

He waves me off with the flick of his wrist and a single shoulder shrug. “It’s not a problem. I’ve been briefed.”

I wanna ask what Cell said to them to get them to agree to let us come, and what “briefed” means. Did Cell tell them Dee’s a psychopath? Probably. I just hope they don’t judge her too harshly for that. Dee can’t help who she is. Trust me, she’s tried. It’s always ended with a self-harming shame spiral. The one time she tried to off herself, it was horrible. Dad was pissed. Called us weak. Then beat us both. We were forced to sleep in the woods for two days.

When Sola notices the puncture on Creature’s shoulder, I explain what happened in detail, so she doesn’t have to ask. I half expect her to be angry or turn up her nose at how violent Dee is, but all she does is laugh.

“Let’s meet this sister then, shall we?” With her hand still in mine, Sola guides me to the house and waves to Mia, still standing on the grass, as we step onto the porch.

The house smells of vanilla and lavender as we enter, and the air is cool. Deliciously cool.

I suppress a sigh as it washes over me.

Air conditioning is the best.

There’s a dream catcher on the wall just inside the door, with crystals and feathers hanging down in various lengths, almost touching the floor.

“One of my sisters made this,” Sola comments as we pass.

Pressing my lips together, unsure of what to say, I settle for a constipated smile. It’s not pretty or welcoming, but I’m out of my element here.

In the living room, Sola finally releases my hand. It’s damp from her touch, so I wipe it on the side of my shorts.

Doug’s voice carries from somewhere in the house.

The screen door opens and closes as Rot joins us, but keeps his distance, standing in the entryway, arms loosely folded over his chest, his stance relaxed. I can tell he’s trying not to be imposing, and that would work if he wasn’t a tall, shirtless guy who kinda resembles Dark.

Oh. No. No. Hell no. I’m not going there.

Sola’s cheery voice breaks through my thoughts. “I’m glad you’re here. We need more women around. This house is yours and Dee’s for as long as you like. I’m not sure how much Cell told you…”

“Nothing. She told me nothing.”

Her kindhearted chuckle is music to my ears. “Right. That tracks. Well, as I’m sure you could see, this town doesn’t have much. But you have Wi-Fi. There’s a TV in every bedroom. All I ask is that you take care of your house. If you need anything, there are numbers on the fridge to text or call.” She points to the open-concept kitchen. “None of the men wear shirts, so don’t be surprised when they’re always bare-chested. Hmmm.” Sola taps her lips as if she’s trying to think of what else she might need to add.

“Stay on this road or the main road only,” Rot fills in for her.

“Are the others not safe?” I ask him.

“If your sister hates men, that’s where most of the brothers live, besides the church,” Rot explains, with an even tone. “Unless you want a run-in with them, don’t go there. They won’t come here unless they’ve been given permission to. That’s why Doug and Creature are here. They’re friendly enough. As is our VP, Mama, who I’m sure you’ll see a lot.”

Doug. Creature. Mama. Got it.

“Picture a big, bald teddy bear, and that’s Mama,” Sola says with fondness and a little smile. “The basket on the porch is from him.”