Page 45 of From the Shadows
Not as hard as you might think. Everyone may be different, but they all have the same type of problems. They all need to be heard. Well, except for Diego. He was always butting heads with me, and that made me have to push back harder because I couldn’t—wouldn’t—let him slide through the cracks. But since you came, he’s been far more approachable and open to talking with me. Thank you for that. It means a lot.
I didn’t do anything.
Oh, Shay. You do far more than your job entails. The team is coming to you to listen to them for things that they think are too petty to talk to me about, but it helps them open up about the larger issues. So we owe you a lot. Ah, and here’s Hal with your tea.
It wasn’t but a moment later that Hal literally materialized in the room, holding a tray with a teapot and cup on it.
Shay jerked back, stunned. “What the—how?”
Hal smiled. “They told you there was a ghost who lived within the house, did they not?”
He narrowed his eyes, but nothing he saw would have led Shay to believe Hal wasn’t as alive as he was. “You’re… really? That is so awesome.” Then he realized what he’d said. “I don’t mean because you’re dead!” He winced. “I’m sorry.”
Hal chuckled and patted Shay on the shoulder. “It’s all right, Master Shay. I understand.” He leaned in close, and Shay could swear he felt Hal’s warm breath on his ear. “Thank you for taking care of everyone here. Your presence gives new life to this old house.”
“Thankyou, Hal. From the moment I stepped through the door, you’ve made me feel welcome.”
“That’s because you are, sir. You’re one of us, and we’re all the better for it. Now, drink your tea. I’ve also put some lemon cookies on the side, as I assume you’ll need sugar to keep you alert once Master Diego returns home.”
Whatever Shay had done to deserve this, he hoped never to lose it.
Are you ready, Patrice?
Always. Unburden yourself, Shay.
And he did. He let her into his mind, allowing her to see what had happened in his life. As he did, he felt marginally better.
At least until the door opened and the team practically fell into the house.
Chapter 14
The moment the door opened,Diego could smell Shay. It was warm, comfortable, and a reminder that he was home. He looked up and found Shay staring, his lower lip wobbling and his eyes shiny. He spread his arms wide, and Shay flew to him and crushed him in a hug.
“Well, this is new,” Borne said, his voice weak and thready.
“I’m sorry,” Shay whispered. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted anyone to know.”
Diego kissed Shay behind the ear. “I don’t give a fuck who knows,” he said gently.
Shay stepped back, and Diego immediately missed his warmth. “I have some food set up in the kitchen, and I drew a bath for each of you in your suites.”
“Food?” Martin whimpered. “Yes, I need food.” He led the charge toward the kitchen, while Diego stayed back with Shay.
“Where’s Jerm?” he asked.
“Sleeping beneath his heat lamp. He wore himself out worrying.”
Diego brushed a thumb over the dark bags under Shay’s eyes. “He wasn’t the only one, apparently.”
“I’m sorry.”
For what? Being one of the only people who’d cared for Diego since he was turned? Silly man. “Don’t be. I like it,” he promised.
Shay pulled the collar on his shirt. “Do you need to eat too?”
Diego’s stomach rumbled. He was starving, but he didn’t want Shay’s blood.
“I need you to stay here, okay? Give me five minutes to shower and grab some different clothes.” He glanced and saw remnants of the fight now clung to Shay. “Maybe we should both clean up.”
