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“Equally tall,” I offered. “You can say we’reequallytall.”
Leo made a puff sound that resonated fascination. “Equally. I remember that word from Merriam-Webster.”
“Would you like an encyclopedia for your word collection? There are many words in those types of books.”
“I adore encyclopedias.”
His careful pronunciation of the word inspired me to grin—and it was then that I noticed Xavier giving us a similar smile. Elation blazed his features, enhancing the hues of aquamarine that decorated his hazel irises. Such devotion lived there, and it seemed to be devotion for both creatures that were in his vision.
Heat flamed my cheeks, but I ignored it in favor of Leo. “I adore your quest for knowledge.”
“I’m glad you two get along,” Xavier pitched in a low voice. “It makes me happy.”
I stared at the road ahead. “You deserve to be happy.”
My system buzzed with affection when I felt his palm press to mine. Nothing made sense today. Nothing about my gaping affliction presented any sort of logic when I wasn’t near him.
To everyone else, it was clear that I needed to be by his side. Even Claire had mentioned at one point that she thought we would balance each other out.
Far more improbable things had been overcome. Battles had raged on that should have ended given how few soldiers were present. Yet in the end, we had won, and we had hollered to the universe of our victory. Thinking of Xavier as similar to a battlefield made the situation easier to digest.
Strategy was needed. Defense and strategy, and plenty of patience. My most precious skills were being wasted when desire took hold of me, just as it was doing now as I held his hand. Cherished gestures like these didn’t hold weight with anyone else—none other than these two.
While Leo directed us to the park, I thought about nothing else. The rest of the day seemed to be too far off, and the rest of the week an impossibility to imagine. I set Leo on the ground and watched him dart to the swings. All the while, Xavier remained quiet, and I remained diligent about holding his hand.
Was it enough to hold his hand? Would the day last without bickering?
Or would we fall right back into old habits regardless of the love that dwelled between us?
Chapter 18 - Xavier
Kindness like what Galanthia was showing was unrealistic. After all that time slicing each other verbally, was she seriously going to start showing concern now? Did she think I was some kind of idiot who could be swayed at the drop of a hat?
Because it worked. I was swayed. I saw her as the woman I knew her to be from Raven.
She was a kind, radiant soul with an esteemed reputation. Not a damn person in this entire pack—in the city of Wolfcreek itself—had a bad review of the woman. She had helped so many people, especially outside the realm of the supernatural world. Research produced plenty of instances where she had been traveling and had helped wayward humans.
They loved her. Leo loved her. Could I do the same?
I didn’t take my hand back. No matter the position, we stayed attached—either my hand rested on her knee, or her fingers curled around my forearm. People noticed us. People even talked to us. But nobody pointed out our PDA. Was it PDA? The times were changing, and I was going along with it.
Last time I had encountered any manner of public affection was with Jazmin. I’d hardly hooked up with anyone after she left, and that had been mostly to just get my needs out of my system. Usually, some gym bunny came along with an invitation to the sauna. Things would get hot. We’d go our separate ways after that and not bother sparing a glance.
But with Galanthia, I felt like I was discovering a new territory. She watched Leo closely, cheered his accomplishments, and encouraged him to explore. Much like me, my kid was charmed by her. She was charming, after all, and it almost stood as competition with how engaging I was most of the time.
“He’s getting tuckered out,” I remarked. “Maybe we should head back.”
“Would you like to come over for dinner?”
Dust must have gotten in my eyes or something because I couldn’t stop blinking. “What?”
“I’m sure I don’t need to repeat myself.”
“It’s not that. It’s just—”
She squeezed my hand before letting it go. “I understand.”
“No.” I took her hand back and cradled it. “I mean, I’m just surprised. I’d love to have dinner with you. I just need to drop off Leo at his uncle’s house.”
