by M. J. Haag
The inside of Shax’s house was trashed. The entry table was knocked to its side, the contents of its little drawer strewn about. Beyond that, I could see bits of fluff on the floor.
“What the hell?” I said softly.
I moved to enter, but Garrett grabbed my arm.
“I think I should go first,” he said.
I nodded and let him step past me. He led the way into the kitchen where I saw cupboards hanging open, all of them empty.
“No,” I said, moving forward. I checked the fridge, the pantry, everything. There wasn't a speck of food left. Not even the leftovers.
“Who would do this?” It was obviously people, but who would have balls big enough to take from one of the fey.
“I don't know,” Garrett said, continuing to the living room.
The couch was overturned, the cushions and back cut open. More bits of fluff were everywhere from the stuffing being pulled out. Even the TV was knocked over.
“I can understand the supplies, but what's up with wrecking everything?”
Garrett remained silent, looking at everything with an angry expression. We continued moving through the first floor, finding damage here and there.
“I think they were looking for hidden supplies,” he said finally after seeing the towels thrown out of the linen closet.
We went upstairs, and my heart plummeted at the note taped to my door.
“No useless mouths,” it read.
Garrett tore it off and balled it up.
“You’re not useless,” he said.
“But someone thinks I am. They left this on my door.” I looked in my room. The mattress was on its side and cut to hell. The bed frame was moved, the dresser drawers tossed around, and the dresser tipped over.
I went to the baby room that Shax had set up. The supplies useful to adults, like the baby formula and wipes, were gone. The diapers and baby toys were still there.
Shax’s room was untouched.
“If they went through here, they were very careful about it,” Garrett said.
“It’s not going to save them,” I said. “He’ll still want to tear off some heads for this. He put that baby room together before he knew about me. And, he’ll be pissed about what they did in my room.”
“And that’s why we need to clean this up before Shax gets back,” Garrett said quietly. “We can’t allow two people to start a war between the fey and the humans.”
He’d said two people.
“What if this wasn’t just Carol and Harry being dicks? What if this is more widespread than that? You saw it out there. No one was walking around. This place is going to shit.”
“And we have to do everything we can to stop it from getting any worse.”
I sighed heavily, pissed beyond measure but knowing he was right.
“Fine. Let’s start downstairs.”
We worked together to try to fix what had happened. I re-stuffed the couch and draped the blankets over the cushions, so the worst of the damage was hidden. Then I got out the vacuum to clean up the fuzz I missed. While I did that, Garrett swept some spilled sugar from the kitchen floor.
“Shax isn’t an idiot,” I said. “He’s going to notice the missing food even if he doesn’t catch on to the cut-up couch.”
“We can take the couch from my place and switch.”
“I hate that couch,” I said under my breath.
It took us a long while to clean up downstairs before we could move upstairs. My stomach gave a quiet rumble of protest over missing a meal. But, I knew we needed to keep cleaning. I did not want Shax to see the full extent of the damage done to his home.
“This really annoys the hell out of me. I mean I understand Carol is all bitter and everything because she lost her daughter, but like you said, we've all lost someone. You're not acting like that. Neither am I. I think people just use past struggles for an excuse to be assholes in the present. They’re making a conscious choice about who they want to be.”
I lifted a bit of my mattress from my bedroom floor, a cut-out square with part of a spring attached.
“I mean, look at this. What's the point? This is just pure bitterness. What they don’t get is that the bitterness they’re directing at me can’t hurt me. But it will hurt them. It’s already eating away at their insides. Tonight, though, I'll still be sleeping on a nice mattress because Shax probably won’t have it any other way. What he’s going to want is names.”
Garrett looked at me with concern.
“Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to tell Shax, no matter how much it tempts me.”
We righted the mattress and the dresser, which helped the room look less ransacked. There wasn't much I could do about the mattress. Garrett fetched the vacuum and went to work in the baby’s room while I continued to erase the evidence of what had happened in my room.
The daylight was starting to fade by the time I turned off the vacuum. As I was surveying the room, the baby kicked hard, and I put my hand over my stomach.
“Are you okay?” Garrett asked, having walked in behind me. He looked around the room and went to close the closet door.
“Yeah, that one was just a little hard and deep.”
“Should we stop?”
“No, I really want to keep doing this. I know this is going to sound weird, but it feels good to do something even if that something is bad.”
A roar filled the hallway, making my ears ring. I pivoted to face the door just as Shax charged into the room. His angry gaze swept over me then Garrett.
“Angel is mine,” Shax said. “You will not ever go hard and deep with her.”
Garrett’s face paled, and I busted out laughing.
“I was talking about the baby kicking, Shax.”
Shax glanced at me, some of the anger clearing from his expression. I saw the moment his gaze swept over the rest of the room. We hadn't yet covered the mattress with the quilt.
Shax growled. His arm whipped out, and before I knew what was happening, he held Garrett off the ground with one strong hand wrapped around my friend’s throat.
“Shax, stop,” I said, reaching for his arm. “I swear if you hurt Garrett, you’re never going to touch the baby again.”
Shax immediately dropped Garrett.
“He stole your food, and now he destroyed your bed. Why do you continue to defend him? Do you love Garrett?” he demanded angrily.
I chose to ignore the last part of his question, knowing his jealousy wasn’t from the heart but for the potential threat of losing his access to the baby.
“Garrett didn't do this. The house was trashed when we got here.”
Shax tilted his head and looked at me.
“You left the house? With Garrett?”
Knowing he wouldn’t let this go, I gave in and answered.
“Yes. And if I hadn't, I would have been here when whoever broke in destroyed the place. What do you think would have happened then?”
Shax's jaw muscle twitched, and he clenched his fists. The low growl that filled the room had Garrett backing away.
Whether for me or just the baby, his fierce protection was endearing. In a world filled with monsters, there was a sexy, grey devil ready to fight for this Angel; and I could do nothing but thank him for that.
I stepped up to Shax and gently cupped his face. The muscles under my fingers twitched and jumped as he stared down at me, but he stopped growling.
“I'm safe, Shax. Because you’re letting me stay here. Because you’re taking such good care of me.” His expression softened, and he reached for me, his hands splaying over my belly where the stowaway still kicked lightly. A soft rumble of satisfaction rolled through Shax, and I watched his pupils dilate slightly.
I decided why he wanted me didn’t matter anymore. He wanted me, and I’d hold onto that for as long as I could. But I wouldn’t do it blindly. I couldn’t solely belong to Shax when he might someday win over Hannah. I couldn’t isolate myself like he wanted.
Gently stroking my f
ingers over his skin, I told him what he needed to hear and understand.
“But I need to be safe when you’re not here, too. Garrett was kind and kept me company and helped me clean up. Some of the humans here are assholes. But Garrett isn't one of them. He's a friend, and I need friends.”
Shax’s expression changed. His pupils narrowed, and the muscles under my fingertips hardened.
“A friend with benefits?” Shax growled.
I grinned.
“I really don't think that’s funny,” Garrett said quietly.
Shax would have turned to look at Garrett, but I kept my hands on the sexy, grey devil’s face.
“Are you jealous?” I asked.
Shax stopped growling and looked away from me.
“Yes.”
“You have no reason to be.” I moved my hands from his face to his shoulders. Some of the tension left him as he studied me. I didn’t know what he was thinking, but whatever it was, it had his mind racing until he looked at Garrett.
“Did Angel teach you kissing?”
Garrett opened his mouth, but I beat him to the answer.
“No, Shax. You're the only one I've taught,” I said without a hint of embarrassment.
My stomach took that moment to let out a loud gurgle, drawing Shax’s attention. His brow creased with worry and his hands roamed over my belly.
“It’s fine,” I said. “We just skipped lunch.”
Shax’s gaze narrowed on Garrett, and Garrett held up his hands.
“Not my fault,” Garrett said quickly. “All the food is gone here. But I have some at my house. We can get her what she needs from there.”
Shax’s focus settled on me again.
“Who took your food?”
“I don't know,” I said. “It could have been anyone. All the humans are hungry, and they don't know that I'm pregnant. They just think I am some girl mooching off one of the fey.”
“Mooching?”
“It's slang for using someone.”
“You are not using me. We have a deal. And that deal now includes no eating Garrett food. I will find what you need.”
I struggled to smother my grin as Shax released me to glare at Garrett. I waited for him to say something suitably claim-staking to let Garrett know who Shax thought I belonged to.
“Will you keep Angel safe while I look for food outside the wall?” Shax asked.
“Of course,” Garrett said openly relieved.
Shax folded his arms.
“No kissing. No asking to see her boobs. And no touching or tasting her pussy.”
“I swear I will keep my hands and lips to myself,” Garrett said.
“Your penis, too,” Shax said, taking a menacing step toward the man.
Garrett lifted both hands.
“I swear!”
Shax grunted and looked down at me.
“Don’t take too long,” I said. “It’s close to dark, and those hounds will be back.”
He lifted one of my hands from his chest and kissed the palm. A shiver stole through me, and his lips curved into a knowing smile.
“Stay in the house,” he said softly.
Before I could answer, he was out the door.
“I think I need a clean pair of underwear,” Garrett said.
“Nah, you were fine the whole time. Still want to hit on one of them?”
“No way. Not for all the protection in the world.”
“Baby.”
My stomach rumbled again, and a wave of queasiness washed through me.
“Ungrateful, Sea Monkey,” I said, rubbing my stomach. “I think I better go sit in the kitchen. There’s mutiny afoot.”
However, sitting in the kitchen didn't resolve the queasiness. It just made it worse, and I knew I was getting too hungry.
Garrett fidgeted.
“I would say I could run to the house, but I'm not exactly sure what I'd find there. And I don't want to leave you alone and have Shax come back while I’m gone.”
“And you don’t want Shax to find out I ate Garrett food,” I added.
“Yeah, there is that. But, I’d risk it to get you something to eat before you get sick,” he said. “Is there anywhere else we can go?”
“Yeah,” I said, standing and grabbing my jacket. “Are you sure you’re willing to risk Shax’s wrath by leaving the house?”
Garrett put on his jacket and sighed heavily.
“For you and the baby, yes.” He opened the door and looked down at me. “I’ll keep you safe from the humans, and you can keep me safe from the giant fey who’s in love with you. Deal?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“HE’S NOT in love with me,” I said, yet again, as I knocked on Cassie’s door.
“Sure. All the touching and long looks are due to hand and eye seizures.”
“I liked you better when you were on team Carol and Harry.”
Garrett’s chuckle immediately cut off when Kerr yanked open the door.
The big fey didn’t look like his normal self. His clothes were rumpled, the skin under his eyes was almost black, and his expression was more stoic than usual.
“Hi, Kerr. Is Cassie around?”
“She’s sleeping.”
“Oh.” I looked away for a moment, debating what to do when my stomach gurgled again. The cramping pain that went with it was not okay. I was used to being fed regularly, and the baby was making it loud and clear that starvation wasn’t an option.
I met the fey’s gaze.
“People broke into Shax’s house and stole all our food. Shax left to get some more, but I don’t think I can wait. I’m so hungry I feel sick.”
Kerr grunted and opened the door wider. His gaze flicked to Garrett.
“Shax made Garrett promise to keep me safe. Is it okay if Garrett comes in, too?”
Kerr grunted again and stepped out of our way. When he closed the door, I could tell by his slow and measured movements that something was wrong.
“Are you sick, Kerr?”
“Tired. The hounds are keeping the children awake at night.”
“I’m so sorry. If you’re comfortable with me grabbing a quick snack on my own, you can go back to bed. I promise not to eat too much.”
“You’ll eat as much as you need,” Cassie said, appearing at the end of the hall. “Come on.”
“I’m so sorry I woke you.”
She gave me a rueful smile then went to Kerr and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“You didn’t wake me. I felt Kerr missing even in my sleep. I got up to take over sitting with whichever one of the kids he’d heard. I don’t think he’s slept since the hounds arrived.”
“You need sleep,” he said softly, kissing the top of her head.
“So do you, you stubborn man.” She met my gaze and smiled tiredly. “What are you hungry for?”
“Anything. I’m not picky.”
She led the way into the kitchen and went to the cupboard for a box of cereal while Kerr took out a bowl and spoon for me. I watched them work together and struggled not to feel jealous.
“I’m glad your appetite is increasing,” Cassie said. “It’s impressive you cleared the house of supplies. We should weigh you again.”
“I didn’t clear the house.” I sat at the table and poured some cereal. “Someone else did.”
“Thoroughly,” Garrett added, leaning in the doorway to the kitchen.
“And viciously, based on the state of my mattress.”
I had to pluck the milk from Cassie's fingers while she stared at me in shock. Cereal for dinner sounded terrific, and I was ready to eat the whole box.
“Someone broke in and took everything?” she asked, sitting beside me.
“Since we don’t lock doors, I’m not sure we can call it a break in. But, they took anything they could eat or drink.” I took a big bite of cereal and chewed slowly.
“Seriously, I think you just saved my life,” I said. “It felt like the baby was trying to eat its way out.”
“Ah crap,” I said at the same time Cassie said, “The baby wasn’t really eating her.”
Kerr’s gaze shifted from Cassie to my belly and back to Cassie. I should have regretted letting the cat out of the bag, but I’d known I wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret forever. Plus, it was his hard work that was feeding me at the moment, so I couldn’t complain.
“It’s why I was worried about her getting enough to eat,” Cassie said.
“Are there more pregnant females?” he asked.
“Not that I know of,” she said. “Just Mya and Angel.”
“And I’d prefer that no one else knows about my baby,” I said around a mouthful of cereal. I finished chewing and swallowed quickly. “I don’t think it’s safe. Someone left a sign on my door. ‘No useless mouths.’ Can you imagine what people would say if they knew I was pregnant instead of thinking I have blood sugar issues?”
Cassie frowned and glanced at Kerr.
“We need to speak to Mya and Drav about this,” she said. “Physical violence will be next.”
“Yes,” Kerr said. “It is right to hurt the humans responsible.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Cassie said. “We need to address the food shortage before the situation escalates to violence.”
Kerr grunted and reached for a jacket by the door.
“I want to come too,” I said, eating faster.
“Slow down. We’ll all go. Kerr’s just going to find someone to watch the kids.”
I nodded and chewed like a normal person. Well, a hungry, pregnant normal person.
By the time I finished my cereal, my stomach was happy and the queasiness had subdued. Julie arrived with two fey and Kerr not long afterward.
“That was quick,” Cassie said.
“I was on my way over here. Mya sent me. People are back outside her house. Seems word’s spread about the baby, and some folks aren’t too happy. And, you can imagine Drav’s reaction.”
Cassie shook her head.
“They aren’t seeing the long-term picture.”
“Maybe they are, but it’s just not the same version as yours,” Julie said. “Fear and grief can cloud how people think. And given what we’ve all been through, what we’re all still going through, I think we’re going to see a lot of irrational behavior. It doesn’t mean we should give up on them, though.”
