Page 86 of The Howl
“Yes. It’s as dirty as it sounds. That’s what you smell. He just keeps going. He thinks we made a baby and is saying the most ridiculous things now. I just can’t anymore. He needs to go. So does my mom. Either the goblin needs to talk, or Megan needs to find the killer because I’m two seconds from losing my sanity.”
“It can’t be that bad.”
“My mom made me breakfast in bed.”
“See? That’s motherly.”
“Breakfast was two naked boys tucked in with me when I woke up.”
He exhaled heavily and looked out at the trees. We listened to the distant howls, and I wondered if he could understand what they were saying.
“I’ll make you a deal,” Fenris said finally. “If I can find a happy home for your pocket pool playing pixie—"
“Brownie.”
“—you repay me by showering me with your undying gratitude.”
I stared at him for a moment. His brown gaze, while still filled with humor, held mine with complete sincerity.
“What exactly are you asking for?”
“I want a hug a day until Megan gets back,” he said.
“Hugs?” Hugs were dangerous. They were full-body contact, usually front to front. I could feel my hunger stir just at the thought of all that touching.
He shrugged slightly.
“What can I say? It’s in my nature to like affection.”
“Are you making a canine joke?”
“Are you thinking of petting me?”
My vision sharpened, and he grinned.
“No. No petting,” I said, blinking in an effort to return my vision to normal. “While I appreciate the offer to help, hugging is too dangerous. For you, not me.”
“I disagree. I think you hugging me could help us both. I’d get my daily dose of affection, and you’d be doing something that would appease your mom enough to get her back on your side instead of Adira’s.”
“Hugs aren’t going to appease any of them. It’s gone way beyond that. Give me a real reason why you want a hug, and I might think about it.”
He studied me for a minute.
“Because you hate your life and think no one cares. You need to remember your mom, Adira, and the Quills aren’t the only people in your life. You have friends. And I’m willing to remind you of that for as long as it takes until Megan’s here to remind you herself.”
He nudged me then stood.
“Come on. Let’s get you back inside before you freeze.”
We walked the path back toward the house. Before we reached the door, I groaned.
“I forgot to feed the goblin.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of him before I start looking for the brownie’s new home.”
“You’re going to start tonight?”
“Sure. Just be ready to pay up tomorrow.”
