Page 212 of His White Moonlight
“That just makes me more sad for them.Your friend doesn’t have a phoenix mate?Wife?Whatever?”
“No.”
Bennett started the car and didn’t say anything else until we were back home and at the table.
“Which snack would you like me to open first?”he asked.
I pointed.He obliged and then opened my laptop.
Inarguably, he was a better assistant than I was.He did everything I said without question.He got me something to drink before I realized I was thirsty and suggested a walk after the hour I spent reading the assignment.
We strolled in the backyard, talking about the class and the text.Bennett was smart and insightful.He helped me understand what I’d read and how it applied to more than the context in which it’d been given.
When we returned to the dining room, he opened a new snack for me since I didn’t want to finish the previous one.At some point while I read, he disappeared to fix lunch.Nachos.Another first.It was as messy and as delicious as breakfast.I was getting better at eating with my left hand.
We took another walk after lunch, still around the back yard because I was very aware of how many pack members did not like me now.
Mom, Dad, and Grandma showed up around dinnertime.
“There’s my girl,” Grandma said, holding out her arms for a hug, which I quickly stood to give.
It felt good, but so different from the one I’d gotten from Bennett in the parking lot.
She pulled back, her gaze briefly flicking to Bennett, the table, then settling on me again.
“Everything seems okay now?”She said it like a question, and I knew she was referring to my panicked, middle-of-the-night call to her.
“It is.Sorry for waking you up.”
She waved away my apology as Mom asked, “Did something happen?”
“I lost control,” Bennett said.
Mom’s stare hardened.“What do you mean, you ‘lost control’?”The growl behind the words grew as her irises expanded.
Remembering the handprint on his face, the last time she’d gotten mad at him, I quickly side-stepped so I stood between her and him.
“It’s not what you think, Mom.He suddenly shifted, scaring me.I’m fine.I promise.”
She pulled her angry gaze from him to look down at me.I saw her surprise and joy.
“Are you defending Bennett?”
“He’s more needy when you slap him.I’m just making my life easier.”
Dad cleared his throat, and I knew he was trying not to laugh as Mom snorted.
“You’re too good for him,” she said.
“Mom, I’m your son,” Bennett said, only sounding a little offended.
“I know.Where did I go wrong to raise such a thickheaded man?”
Although she said it with playful affection, I felt a stirring of bittersweet regret.I’d spent so many years thinking they didn’t love me.The hurt and terror had blinded me to the truth.Every person in the room would give their lives for me.
“I love you, Mom.”
She looked surprised for a second before she hugged me.
