Page 134 of The Hunger
“You don’t think I can handle myself? I’m the first of our kind to not kill her Great-Grandma.”
“And that’s exactly why we don’t want to risk you. Grace has lived a full life. Neither of us wants to see yours or your mother’s cut short.”
I could sense Megan’s anger and took her hand. She sighed when I stole her negative emotions.
“What they’re saying makes sense, Megan, and you know it,” I said. “Stop being a glory hog.”
She snorted a laugh.
“Fine. When is Grandma Grace leaving?”
“She’s already picking up the relic and will hell gate straight to Mount Olympus afterward. Since the gods and goddesses are rumored to have not shared well, she’ll probably have a lot of ground to cover.”
“Meaning we’ll hear from her when we hear from her. What am I supposed to do until then? I’m not good at sitting still.”
“Neither was I at your age,” Grandma Irene said with a consoling smile. “But I’m sure there’s something else you can do to be useful.”
“Or maybe you let yourself have a day off,” I said, releasing her hand. “You and Oanen are newly mated and haven’t had any time to soak up your domestic bliss.”
“True.” She tapped the table. “And I need to follow up with Mr. Quill about his progress on the issues I brought to his attention. Has Piepen been back to bug you?”
“No, thank the gods.”
“Who is Piepen?”
Grandma Irene had tears streaming down her cheeks by the time we were done relating all the horror Megan had inadvertently unleashed upon my life by sending the brownie to me. We ate lunch at the table as a family before Fenris and I took a walk around Megan’s property so I could feed in private.
Grandma Irene had five cups of cocoa on the table when we got back, and we joined them for more conversation. She was an incredible woman and had so much experience and wisdom. I could have listened to her forever. Unfortunately, Fenris noted the time, which dimmed some of the joy the day had brought.
“I better go,” he said.
I followed him to the door, and he pulled me in for a kiss that curled my toes. Fenris grinned when he released me, but that humor faded as he held my gaze.
“No matter what happens tomorrow, you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
“I won’t forget.”
“And you won’t run.”
“Not unless I’m wearing the red dress.”
He groaned and pulled me in for another hug.
“That’s my girl,” he whispered into my neck.
I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him in return before he left.
I both dreaded and anticipated the next day. It wouldn’t be easy or comfortable dealing with all the bigotry that would be thrown my way. But I’d see Fenris. He was everything.
Some of my conflict must have shown on my face because Megan wrapped an arm around me and leaned her head on my shoulder.
“Maybe you need a wing woman tomorrow,” she said.
I shook my head.
“Raiden respects strength. If I show up with muscle, it’ll only make me look weaker.”
Megan grumbled, and Grandma Irene easily distracted her with talk of pizza. I stayed long enough to help them make it but said my goodbyes once it was in the oven.
