Page 36 of Code Mages & Empty Pages
“Are you sure he needs that?” Mason asked. “Being from the Otherworld and all. I can’t get sick.”
He leaned into Hec’s legs, careful not to disturb the dozing Cat-Sìth. Ruffles seemed utterly worn out from his time in the shelter.
“Yeah, that’s the recommendation,” I said. “Shadowpox is going around. I don’t want him getting sick. And I don’t feel right leaving him alone after his shots.” I didn’t mention I’d arranged to work from home that week, just so Ruffles wouldn’t go from constant company to sudden loneliness.
Mace nodded. “Makes sense. Maybe next time. We liked hanging out at Kalon Gardens. We should make that a regular thing.” He shared a glance with Hector that spoke volumes. We all craved a pack.
It would be good, I thought, to have Roe there, too. Like a real-life guild, not just our online team. No one scolded me for not being online as much. Except for Dante, until I’d finally put my foot down.
Having a pet, a roommate I loved being with, and a new gym routine filled my days in a way games never had. I still enjoyed R&G, but it wasn’t a focal point in my life. I was sure the time would come again when I’d play more, but I wanted to squeeze everything out of the limited time I had with Dawn and Ruffles.
We cooked together, went for evening walks in the little woods behind my cottage, and just chilled on the couch. Sometimes we had sex so good it left me seeing stars, and I still found time for Riddles & Guilt. But reality was starting to taste better than the escape.
Even mundane things like taking your pet to the vet on a Saturday morning felt fucking fantastic when I did it with her.
Chapter 13
Dawn
On Saturday morning, we tucked Ruffles into his wicker basket and climbed into Luc’s car. He drove with care, which only made my nerves prickle more. I murmured quietly to Ruffles, who I held on my lap. I scratched his chin through thebars and promised him that we weren’t going to leave him there. “It’s just a check-up, sweetheart. We’ll be home again soon.”
Ruffles purred as if he understood every word, which made me smile despite myself. “He’s so clever, isn’t he?”
Luc squeezed my knee. “He is. It’ll be fine, Roe.”
I wanted to believe him, but my stomach was tied in knots. “Can we do something nice for lunch after? Maybe one of my safe foods?”
Luc’s face softened. “How about that pasta salad you liked from our picnic?”
The thought of it brightened something inside me. “Yes, please.”
He chuckled. “I’ll pick up what we need on the way back.”
A lump caught in my throat. “How do I deserve this, Luc?” My voice was quieter than I meant.
He glanced over, trying to read my face. “What do you mean? You’ve had a rough few weeks. You’re exhausted and your comfort…” Luc hesitated for a moment. “It matters to me.”
His ears twitched, and I could tell he meant it, even if it embarrassed him to admit. I blinked fast and tried to fight back the tears. “I always feel like I’m too much.”
Luc’s hand tightened around my knee again. “You’re not! I want to help, if you’ll let me.”
We lapsed into silence as the car wound through the outskirts of Kirkmuir. When we pulled into the shelter’s parking lot, the air outside was thick with barking and howling. My heart squeezed for all the animals inside.
“I feel so sorry for all of them,” I said softly. “No wonder Carson helps out here.”
As if my words had summoned him, Perky Carson strode across the courtyard, his hair perfect as ever. The man looked far too glamorous for a Saturday at an animal shelter.
“Oh, hello, Mr Carson.”
He flashed a bright, toothy grin. “Morning! Please, call me Perky. We’re all on a first-name basis here.”
I nearly winced but managed a polite smile. I’d rather bite my tongue off than call anyone ‘Perky,’ but I played along.
“It’s always so wonderful to have new volunteers here.”
“Oh,” I said but Carson talked over me. “This is so wonderful of you.” He dabbed at his eyes with a blue handkerchief embroidered with Christmas baubles. “I’ll have to tell Samuel. We’ve been desperately searching for more people to help here at the shelter.” Luc nudged me with his elbow.
“Oh, yes, uh, Luc and I found your website, and we said it would be such a worthwhile thing to do.”
