Page 87 of Quiet Burn

I sigh in frustration, then groan as it irritates my aching body. “That is very logical and also kind, but it’s hard for me to accept.”

“But you have accepted my ability to get you to safety, and you are uncomfortable with most contact. It follows that you can also accept my words.”

My nose wrinkles and I shut up because he’s right. I don’t feel like arguing that point when I feel so exhausted I can’t stay upright. I sense the toothy grin on his face without seeing it, and nearby, I hear Anton chuckle. I know he’s worried about X, so it’s good that he’s finding humor in something, even if it’s my hypocrisy. I can deal with the fallout later as long as everyone stops acting like we’re in a funeral procession.

We’re not, right? They’d tell me, wouldn’t they?

Suddenly, anxiety grips me and I tense from head to toe. I don’tthinkthe guys would hide a potentially serious condition, but what if they’re trying to appease my trauma? My mind races with the possibilities, and I bite my lip as my heart speeds up with worry. I like Xerxesa lot. I likeallof them a lot. Losing anyone I’ve allowed into my fragile psyche even a tiny bit will destroy me—that’s why I built the shell around me and have kept it solid for years. I’m not ready to be tested; I’m still healing from the last betrayal.

“Stop.”

I blink, then look up to see the shark shifter giving me a stern expression. “Huh?”

He rolls his eyes briefly then stares at me again. “Stop what you are doing. You’re quiet, but you are upsetting yourself. I can feel it in your pulse and the tension in your body. Whatever you are thinking, desist.”

“That’snothow anxiety works,” I mutter. “I can’t just…notthink about things and be better.”

Slash huffs at me as if I’ve insulted his ancestors. “I’m not stupid, little demon. I realize you cannot simply stop thinking about things to control it. I meant for you to stop allowing it to controlyou. Use whatever techniques you normally do, as we’re arriving at the Doctor’s office, but he will need to tend to Xerxes first.”

Oh. Damn, I made him feel bad for not being verbose.

“Sorry, big guy,” I murmur. “I’m usually better at understanding you but right now…”

The train of demons stops, including us, and I feel his muscles adjust as he finds a chair that will accommodate us as we wait. The huge shifter demon lowers us into it carefully, then looks at me seriously as I get comfortable. “It’s okay. I know you did not mean anything by it. However, you are usually quite good at understanding what I say. More so than most.”

“I’m kind of useless at EQ when I’m close to an episode.” I shrug a little, my skin heating up as he looks at me. “It’s one of the things I can’t seem to regulate if I’m focused on trying not to flash back or panic.”

He pauses, tilting his head for a moment, then nods. “I can adjust to that. Thank you for sharing it with me.”

That’s all? No one ever just… accepts my shit without questioning it.

“You don’t want to ask why I can’t… be normal?”

His large hand runs over my hair, mussing it a little. “No one is normal. That is an illusion people cling to in order to feel accepted by their… preferred group. And it is also howthey reject those they do not wish to accept while still feeling superior.”

I lift my head, looking up at Slash in surprise. “That’s… pretty fucking spot on.”

He gives me the trademark toothy grin and I fight the urge to duck my head. “I am quiet and I watch things. It’s easier to see the full picture when you’re not yammering like a chimpanzee.”

Laughing softly, I give him a crooked smile in response. “You know, you also distracted me from my panic attack. I think it might have been your plan all along.”

Slash shakes his head. “I would like to take credit for that, but I am not so devious. Of all of the demons in our caliphate, you will learn that I am the most straightforward. I am like…” He thinks about it for a moment, his brows furrowing. “Like the elephant in the cartoon Zavida enjoys. He made us watch it once because he likes the tiny people on the plant.”

My eyes widen and I cover my hand with my mouth when the realization hits. Giggles escape and I can’t stop it as I ask, “Did you just compare yourself toHorton the elephant?”

“Yes. He is a much larger hero who saves the little ones, yes?”

This is priceless and it might be the best thing to happen all day.

“I mean… yes…”

“Then why do you seem so amused?”

I have to pause to get myself under control so I can figure out what to say without being offensive. “Because while accurate, it’s a cute kids’ movie and Horton is a little goofy. So I’m surprised a very masculine demon like you would willingly compare yourselfto him. I doubt it would win you points with the ladies… you know, if there were any here.”

His brow furrows and he looks at me in confusion. “Why would I care about that?”

Before I can answer, Jasper comes storming into the hallway, looking like a dark storm cloud on the horizon. His eyes narrow when he sees me sitting with Slash, but he turns to look at half-dressed Oriel sitting with PandaSalem, then stalks over to where Zav is curled up in a big chair. Despite his ragged appearance, the dragon hybrid drops to a squat to pull the kitsune’s tails away from his face so he can see him.

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