Page 11 of Darkness Defined

I laughed and gave her another big hug. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“I mean it,” she said with a sniff. “Mind all them boys.”

“Robbie…”

“What? You’re a good lookin’-”

I grabbed her hands and quickly cut her off before she gave me the birds and the bees lecture… again. “I’m going to learn, not for romance.”

“Well, never say never, dear.” She patted my cheek, then put her hands on her hips. “Suppose I better stop dilly dallying and get back to work.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

“Oh, no, sweetheart, I’ve got this. Jerry should be along shortly. You go on about gettin’ your things.” She gestured toward the back of the room where a hall led to the storage closets and the kitchen. “Be a dear and make an old lady some fresh tea?”

“I’d love to, but how many times do I have to tell you? You’re only as old as you feel.”

Robbie snorted. “Says the eighteen-year-old. If that’s the case, then I feel a hundred and twenty.” I was about to offer to help again when the promised Jerry came in. “There you are, you lazy bag of bones. Come, give me a hand.”

In the kitchen, I pulled out enough cups for everyone, then rummaged through the cabinets until I found Robbie’s favorite tea. While the kettle warmed, I took out my to-do list, crossed off a few items, added a few more.

“Thought I heard you in here.”

I swallowed and glanced up to find Nemo Santori leaning against the wall, large arms darkened from spending hours in the sun crossed over his chest. “Hey, what brings you here?”

“Work.” Nemo’s voice had the unfortunate effect of always sounding like a growl, making it difficult to tell whether or not he was angry. Considering he was a werewolf, it was best not to chance it.

“Yeah? Finally, get roped into helping Marge with the renovations?” I asked with a forced smile and as much positivity as a person could muster. Beside me, the kettle whistled.

He uncrossed his arms and walked over to the counter littered with cups. Then promptly poured himself some tea. “So, the rumors are true. You’re headed off to that… school.” He took a sip of the scalding liquid, his stern eyes staring at me over the rim. “Is it true that evil bitch is going to be leading it?”

I flinched. By “evil bitch”, of course, he meant the notorious Vera Scry, who’d done her part in decimating werewolf packs across Europe. It didn’t help that she was also a level two Shadow Demon. Hardly anyone had known about us until she showed up.

“Well? Wolf got your tongue?” Nemo gave me a toothy smile. Most of the town believed his wolf puns to be endearing and quirky. Some of us, however, were in on the truth.

“I… I uh…” I coughed to clear my throat. Vera had done a lot of horrible things while she’d been under the influence of the Regency, but most of them paled compared to the wrongs she’d done the shifter community. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m not sure. The forum mentioned her being involved, but not to what degree.”

Nemo’s lip curled.

“I, uh, should probably finish getting my things.” I took a tentative step toward the door, my tea forgotten. Nemo had once been a great mentor, practically a father figure to me, but the second Vera had rudely introduced Shadow Demons to the world, I became persona non grata. It hurt like hell to lose that, but even then, it might not have been so bad if his feelings on the matter hadn’t spilled over into the rest of our small community of supernaturals. You’d think I was the one who’d done the Regency’s bidding, then switched sides to join the Rebellion.

He grunted. “When do you leave?”

I swallowed and worked diligently to put on a brave front, ironically, something he’d taught me to do. “Our flight leaves in a couple of days. Then I’ll be out of your hair for good. Except, of course, for holiday visits and break and… the like…” I trailed off.

Nemo nodded and set down his empty cup. “I best be getting back to work. Thanks for the tea, kid.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied by rote, though I hadn’t really made it for him.

He was almost out the door when he paused and glanced over his shoulder. “Alexi?”

“Yeah?” I hated how my voice betrayed my anxiety.

A smile I hadn’t seen directed my way in years crinkled his eyes. “Stay true to yourself. You’re gonna do great things.” With that, he walked out the door, leaving me standing there with my mouth hanging open.

I took a minute to let Nemo’s unexpected encouragement sink in. Maybe these last five years of stubbornly attending the secret supernatural community gatherings had paid off. Was it possible I’d really won Nemo back over despite sharing the genetic heritage of the most hated woman to ever wrong wolfkind? Figures it would be the second I was leaving town.

I rolled my eyes and finished organizing the teas. Once I’d delivered steaming cups to the ever-bickering couple, I disappeared into the back with my cup to finish what I’d come to do. The late morning turned to early afternoon as I rummaged through everything to make sure I didn’t accidentally leave anything behind. A decision I was grateful for when I found my copy of Demon History sandwiched between dusty board games.