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Zoe then explained, “That was Grandma. She’s worried about me. I told her I’m fine, but she wants to see me in person.”
“Of course. I can take you to her today.”
“I don’t want to bother you.”
I leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “It’s no bother. I’ve taken today off, so I’m more than happy to drive you. We could also grab you a new phone after, and some clothes.” I looked her over. “As cute as you are in my oversized t-shirts, I’m sure you’d like something that actually fits.”
Zoe smiled up at me, her eyes still shimmering with tears. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I appreciate it.”
“It’s my pleasure.” I gave her one last kiss on the top of her head before pulling away. “I’ll go get dressed, then we can head out.”
She nodded and watched me as I headed upstairs, a small smile on her lips. It warmed my heart to know that I had made her feel better, even if it was just for a moment.
I got dressed and ready, and once I was back downstairs, I found Zoe waiting for me by the front door, wearing my old hoodie with her hair tied back.
“Ready to go?” I asked.
She nodded and gave me a weak smile. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
We headed out into the brisk morning air, the sky clear and the sun shining down on us as we made our way to my truck. “Where does your grandmother live?”
“Serene Oaks Assisted Living.”
I nodded, knowing exactly where that was. I’d been there on calls a few times. It wasn’t exactly a luxurious nursing home—far from it—but I knew the staff tried their best.
“How’s she doing, health-wise?”
“She’s stable. Bad hips and arthritis, but she’s pretty tough for her age. Eighty. Would you believe that?”
“If she has half the spirit you do, then it’s easy to imagine.”
“Oh, she’s a trip.”
I smiled at Zoe’s enthusiasm. “Well, I’m glad you two are close.”
We arrived at Serene Oaks twenty minutes later, pulling up to the front entrance. I got out of the truck and walked around to open the door for Zoe, offering my hand to help her down. She smiled and took it, hopping out of the truck and landing lightly on the ground.
I admired her beauty in that moment, with the sun shining down on her and making her hair glow like fire. She was truly breathtaking, and I felt my heart skip a beat as she turned to me, a smile on her lips.
“Come on,” she said, taking my hand in hers. “I want you to meet Grandma Violet.”
“Oh,” I said, having expected to wait in the truck. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? She might not be too keen on me being a…”
Zoe laughed softly. “A monster? I’m sure she’ll be fine. Besides, she’s half-blind and probably has no idea what a hellhound is. Just tell her you’re a fireman if you aren’t ready.”
I nodded, and with my heart in my chest, let her lead me toward the building.
One major difference between hellhounds and humans: each generation, upon maturation, was expected to be fully independent and never rely on family. Hellhounds lived long enough that family bonds would eventually give way to territorial disputes, so it was better for us to stay apart.
It made sense in the underworld for life to be so cutthroat, but that was why I had left it in the first place. I was tired of being surrounded by violence and death, and I wanted a chance at a simpler, more peaceful life. Maybe one that could even include a family of my own one day.
And now, here I was, with a woman I was falling hard for, and already I was about to meet her grandmother.
I had no idea what to expect. Would the woman be friendly and welcoming? Or would she be suspicious of me being so close to her granddaughter?
Zoe nudged me as we reached the front entrance. “Relax. It’s going to be fine.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath as she opened the door and headed inside.
