Page 111 of Sacrifice
She's got graph paper out, sketching layouts like a general planning a campaign.
"The dogs can have this whole corner," she explains excitedly. "And we can put a doggy door here for backyard access."
"Slow down," I tell her. "Let's get the humans settled before we start construction projects."
Saga and I direct traffic, her things mixing with mine in the master suite.
It's strange seeing her clothes next to mine, her jewelry on my dresser, her books filling empty shelves.
"Weird seeing my stuff here," she admits, hanging clothes beside mine.
"Good weird?"
"The best kind of weird." She turns in my arms. "Thank you. For including Elfe. For the dogs. For everything."
"Family takes care of family."
"We're really doing this. Living together. Building a life."
"Having second thoughts?"
"No. Just... processing. A couple of weeks ago I was working at the boutique and actively avoiding you. Now I'm your old lady moving into your fortress."
"Life comes at you fast."
"In the MC it comes at light speed." She kisses me soft and sweet. "No complaints though."
A crash from the living room interrupts.
We find Aren tangled in a lamp cord, Bodul trying not to laugh.
"Sorry!" Aren scrambles up. "I'll replace it?—"
"It's fine," I tell him. "Ugly lamp anyway."
"Gift from your mother," Saga reminds me.
"Like I said. Ugly."
"I'll tell Charm you said that."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me."
The prospects finish up, refusing payment but accepting the beer Saga insists on providing.
They drink quickly, aware they're in my space, then head out with promises to be available if we need anything.
"Good kids," Elfe observes after they leave. "Bodul's sweet on Tindra."
"Everyone knows that except Tindra," Saga says.
"She knows. She's just scared." Elfe stretches carefully. "Speaking of scared, when do I get the security briefing? This place feels like Fort Knox."
"Right now," I decide. "Both of you, pay attention."
I walk them through the loft's systems.
