Page 21 of From the Shadows
“I’ve heard stories of some vampires who can, but they don’t possess the strength required to fly.”
The thought of vampires who could shift into bats flopping around on the table made Shay snort. When he glanced toward Diego, he found him there with a smile.
“You’re thinking about them wiggling around on the ground, aren’t you?”
“Actually, I was thinking the table, but yeah.”
Diego opened his mouth to say something, but the door swung open and Jeremy walked in. When he saw who was there, his eyes widened.
“D!”
“Hey, buddy.” He held his arms out. “Gimme a hug.”
If Jeremy was startled, he didn’t show it. He threw himself at Diego, who scooped him up and held him close, seemingly content as he buried his face in Jeremy’s neck.
“Jerm,” Diego said, his voice muffled. “I am so very sorry for the way I’ve been acting.”
Jeremy drew back and stared into Diego’s eyes, his hand on Diego’s cheek. “It’s okay.”
“No, it’s really not. My issues were mine, and I took them out on Shay. For that, I apologize to you both.”
He sounded so sincere, Shay had to smile. “I’m not upset, I promise. I understand.”
Jeremy’s brows scrunched. “What does he understand?”
Diego’s gaze flicked to mine. “I….” He sighed. “A long time ago, I did something really bad, and because of it, I was angry at Shay.”
“What did you do?” Jeremy asked, his eyes wide.
“It doesn’t matter,” Shay said quickly. “It was another time and place, and he’s a better man now.”
Jeremy grinned. “You like him.”
“Of course I do. I like you all.”
Jeremy had a knowing smirk, like he was aware of something noone else was. Then he gave those patented puppy dog eyes of his. “I’m hungry—is lunch done?”
Diego’s cheeks ached,he’d grinned so much. Lunch was… remarkable was the only word he could come up with. No one questioned why he was there, only scooted over to make room for him at the table. He did have to say a few more apologies for his behavior, especially how he treated Shay, but once he’d done it, all was apparently forgiven. He promised to explain the circumstances later, then flicked his gaze to Jerm, who sat chatting animatedly with Shay, who was standing at table side. It was weird for Diego too. He was there, sated for the first time in centuries, as he listened to the banter. He even tried to take part, but, as Jeremy said with a laugh, his game was weak.
The lunch that Shay prepared was delicious, even if it wasn’t something Diego would normally eat. The grilled cheese bread was crispy on the edges, with a generous layer of cheddar, Swiss, and American cheeses coating the burger. Then Shay’d added some breaded onions, mushrooms, ketchup, and dill pickle relish. Diego couldn’t believe he’d eaten two of them, but they were so damn good.
Shay, meanwhile, stood at the table, taking away the dishes as people finished with them. Diego was shocked by the attentiveness Shay paid to everyone who sat in his dining room.
“Shay, aren’t you eating?”
He smiled. “I will after you’re all done and I get the dishes washed.”
This wasn’t a job to Shay, Diego realized. His cheeriness wasn’t faked at all. He seemed genuinely happy to be taking care of everyone, just like he’d told Diego.
“Doesn’t he make awesome food, D?” Jerm called out right before he stuffed another spoonful of macaroni and cheese into his mouth. A yellow ring around his lips let Diego know how much Jerm was enjoying the meal.
“He does. I’ve never had a better burger in my life.”
He probably didn’t realize it, but Shay’s chest puffed up a bit. It was interesting how a small sliver of praise could work magic like that.
“I hear he’s been helping you with your snakes,” Diego tossed out.
Jeremy’s eye widened. “Yeah! He’s a good teacher. He’s patient,” he said, his gaze flicking to Gabe, who was talking with Borne. “Unlike some people.”
