Page 40 of The Nephilim's Touch
“You don’t understand.”
“Then explain it to me.”
I pace at the end of the bed. “A couple years ago, a necromancer found me.”
Van goes stiff on the bed. “In the human world?”
“Yes.He wanted as many feathers as he could steal to animate his zombies or revenants, whatever, without a price. He tore my feathers from me while I screamed until my throat went raw.”
Van gathers me in his arms and pulls me to his chest. “Who was it? I’ll kill them!”
“No. You won’t. I got free chanting Ring-A-Round-The-Rosie and forcing my wings away.”
Van cocks a brow. “What?”
“Ring-A-Round-The-Rosie trapped the zombie. The necromancer got so frustrated he quit paying attention to me and I got away while he kept trying to free his zombie.”
“You’re clever, aren’t you?”
“Desperate.” I sink into his hold. “My feathers only bring out the bad in people. I can’t just reveal them.”
“So you’re trying to be a nephilim withoutbeinga nephilim.” Van kisses the top of my head. “I don’t think it works that way. You can’t get answers if you’re not willing to face the truth.”
“Never thought about it like that.”
“I can help. I won’t let anyone near you.”
I nod. “Maybe. Someday.” But now I don’t think I’m ready.
“Come on, nap time. I’m worn out.” Van stretches and I could kiss him for changing the subject. In fact. I do.
15
GABE
Van tookto his plant lessons much better than the knitting ones. He’ll usually just sit and watch me knit my latest project rather than attempt one again. This morning he took care of my babies and I slept in just a tiny bit. Tiny tiny bit. I watched him through squinted eyes in the bedroom as he talked to Joseph, Lila, and Paris while watering them. I don’t know if he realizes how soothing he can be, but he lulled me back to sleep with his sweet words.
Work was busy with a pole dancing night. Sparkle and Kirsty pulled in so many patrons, me and Goldie rushed all night long. My feet hurt and I just want to shuffle into bed. When the humid air outside steals my breath, I groan. Soup air at night is worse than during the day.
“Gabe.” I snap my head towards Van and grin. “Angel, I have a tiny problem.” He grits his teeth and I realize he’s hiding something.
“What’s wrong?”
“I know you said no pets, but…” He holds up his hand to show me a tiny white kitten. “I found him crying in a ditch and couldn’t just leave him.” Van pets the kitten on the top of hishead with one finger and coos. “You’re a little sweetheart, aren’t you?”
“You want to keep him?”
Van nods. “But I’ll find a home for him if you’re opposed to it.”
“I’ll just have to pay a pet deposit and pet rent, but it’s not too awful much.” Plus, if the kitten makes Van this happy, there’s no way I’m denying him. “But are you sure it’s not a shifter? He looks an awful lot like?—”
Sparkle bursts from the door. “Have you two seen—” His hands fly to his chest. “Ferris.” He holds out his hands. “My mom texted during my set and said he ran off. I’m so glad you found him.”
Van’s shoulders drop, and he passes the kitten to Sparkle. “He was so scared. I kept him company.”
“You tell Van thank you, you little shit. You had mom terrified.”
The kitten shakes in Sparkle’s hand when he squats to the ground. “Shift and say thank you.”
