Page 50 of Kodiak

“It means that he and the club are handling it, but he said she’ll never bother me again.”

I don’t mention the fact that it’s because she’ll be dead because Demi can read between the lines and she’ll jump to her own conclusions, but that doesn’t mean I have to lead her down that path. That’ll keep Marcum from accusing me of sharing club secrets. Especially seeing as I was all but sworn to secrecy.

“Good. I hope they make it hurt,” she seethes.

“I have no doubts that they will,” I conclude. “These aren’t the type of men who sit around in knitting circles and talk out their issues.”

She snorts before she ends up balled over, laughing hysterically. “Oh, my gosh, Luna! Why did you have to put that image in my head? I’m picturing Xavier with a ball of yarn, glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, and a knitting needle in his hands.”

Snickering, I say, “Knit one, pearl two.”

Demi’s now slapping the mattress as she laughs so hard, tears are streaming down her face. “I-I-I can see it now, ‘motherfucker, stop falling off!’ every time one of them drops a stitch!”

“More like one of them would get pissed at another and jab the needle into their eye or something,” I tease.

There’s no real reason why I know any of the terminology. I mean, I enjoy crafting, of course, but I’ve always preferred crocheting to knitting. However, I had a character once who was a model maker for a knitting designer, and I had to delve deep to ensure I was using the correct terminology so she soundedbelievable on the page. I know there are some who will say it’s only fiction, but I find that the less fictitious and more believable my characters are, the more readers enjoy the aesthetics of the book.

That sets her off again and I’m soon joining in, the hilarity taking us both away from the recent troubles we’ve endured. As far as I’m concerned, Peaches is a bad memory, kind of like getting food poisoning after eating some awesome Chinese.

After all the laughter has ceased, she leans over and cuddles into me. “I could’ve lost you, Luna, and I didn’t even know there was a threat to you,” she cries.

“It’s scary that there are people out there who let jealousy rule their lives and emotions. But, Demi, I can’t let the fact that people like that exist stop me from living my life. I know there are things from your past that you haven’t shared with me, but I think it’s time you find someone you can talk with and get it off your chest. I love you, and only want you to live your best life and you can’t do that with this weight on your shoulders.”

“One day, Luna,” she whispers. “I’m not ready yet. I can’t.”

“When you are, know that I’ll always be here for you. I’ll hold your hand and we’ll face it together.”

“Thank you, Luna. You’re not only my best friend, but you're my sister. My person. The only family I’ve ever had.”

“I feel the same way about you, Demi. I may have had a family, but I never felt as if I fit in or was wanted. You gave that to me, and I’ll forever be grateful that you found me and claimed me as a sister.”

Demi and I both fell asleep wrapped around each other as we dealt with our overwrought emotions. I hear Marcum and Xavier come home, but my eyes are heavy and I don’t want to get up so I snuggle deeper into the blanket. I’m aware of my surroundings, but since my breathing is easy, nobody catches that I’m listening in on their conversation.

“Luna told me about that snake, Peaches,” Demi informs the men. “Please say she’s been taken care of.”

“She has been,” Marcum reassures her.

“Good. Because if y’all hadn’t, I would’ve,” she declares. “Did you at least make it hurt? And by hurt, I mean did you make her cry?”

“We did,” Xavier promises. “I swear to you, Demi, that she regretted everything she did to Luna before her eyes closed for the last time.” I internally laugh at the roundabout way Xavier just admitted that Peaches is no longer amongst the living.

“Demi, got something we need to talk to you about,” Marcum interrupts, most likely because what happened to Peaches falls under the classification of club business, and Demi isn’t club.

“What’s up?” Demi questions.

“Tomorrow, now that Peaches has been dealt with, we’re taking your problem to the club. I need to know if you can handle any questions the men may have. We can do it one of two ways… either you can be called in to answer them, or Xavier and I can be the go-between.”

“I don’t think I’m ready to face the men yet,” Demi states. “I’d rather you or Xavier ask me any questions they may have.”

“We can do that,” Xavier guarantees. “Whatever makes this easier on you, Demoness.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” Demi whispers. “I’m gonna give you and Luna your room back. Xavier, can I stay with you tonight? I don’t want to be alone.”

My heart breaks hearing the broken tone in her voice, but I have faith that my man will fix things for her. Still, I don’t say anything, content to listen to the trio as they continue to talk.

“Anytime, Demi. You know that,” Xavier tells her.

I listen as they quietly exit the room. Marcum wraps himself around me and I drift back to sleep feeling warm and protected.

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