Page 51 of From the Shadows
“Are you okay?” he asked, fear in his voice.
“Yeah, I will be,” she promised. “Just need some rest and food.”
Shay realized he was still standing, so he turned and rushed for the kitchen. He was grateful when Ms. Connelly—Patrice, he reminded himself once again—had given him all that reading material when he started. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out the taco salad he’d made while Jeremy was sleeping. He took off the top and inhaled. It smelled so good, what with all the spices in it. He knew Ranna would love it. He grabbed some rolls and plant-based butter, then some silverware, put everything on a tray, and hurried back to Ranna, who sat snuggling Jeremy.
It was then Shay noticed the man who stood beside her. Tall and broad, with an extremely pale face that reminded Shay of chiseled stone. Everything about him screamed “don’t fuck with me.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I hadn’t noticed you before. My name is Shay, and I’m the majordomo here. Can I offer you something to eat or drink?”
He shook his head, his gaze locked on Ranna. “No, but thank you for offering. It’s more than Hal did!” he shouted. Shay was surprised it didn’t wake Jeremy, who still dozed on Ranna’s arm, his hands wrapped around it like he was fearful she’d vanish if he let go.
Hal reappeared, giving the man a disdainful look. “I’m sorry, sir. I tolerate your presence in our home as you are part of Ms. Ranna’sgroup, but your last visit here, you were very rude to me, and I simply won’t have it. An apology would go a long way, however.”
“An apology?” he sputtered.
“You were a dick,” Ranna whispered, still stroking Jeremy’s hair. “An apology is the least you could do. And if you don’t tone it down a lot of notches, hurt or not, I will gut you. Jeremy hasn’t been sleeping well, and I don’t want you waking him.”
The man’s cheeks reddened, but then he blew out a breath. “Yes, Ranna.” He turned to Hal. “I’m very sorry for my behavior, Hal. It was uncalled for, and you didn’t deserve my attitude.”
“Forgiven, sir. Did you want some tea?”
He nodded. “Please. And make it double whatever you put in Ranna’s mug.”
A smile. “Of course, sir. Give me a moment.”
“Shay, this is Jakar, our shaman. Jakar, this is Shay, one of the best people here.”
He dipped his chin. “A pleasure to meet you, Shay.”
“And you, sir.”
He smiled, and it looked weird and scary at the same time. “Jakar will be sufficient.”
“Thank you, Jakar. Now, can I get you something to eat? You seem exhausted. If you prefer, I can make up a room for you to get some rest in.”
He stepped closer to Shay and put a hand on his arm. “Thank you for your kindness. I think I could do with some sleep, at least if you’re sure. I don’t want to put anyone out.”
“No problem. It’ll take a few minutes. Have a seat.”
He didn’t sit, he dropped like a stone. With him being so pale and seeming to have no strength, Shay worried he wouldn’t make it to the bedroom.
He turned and made his way to Ranna. He hefted Jeremy from her. “He’ll sleep better under the heat lamps, I think.”
“Can I come with you?”
“Are you sure you’re up to it?”
She stood, wobbled a bit, then righted herself. “I can do this.”
“Then let’s go.”
Shay led the way to Jeremy’s room. He whimpered when Shay put him on the bed, but as soon as he was under the heat lamps, he curled into a ball and sighed contentedly. He headed out the door, Ranna pausing a moment to place a soft kiss on Jeremy’s forehead, then moving to catch up.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked once the door to Jeremy’s room was closed.
She put a hand on the wall. “I should have died,” she said softly. “I’ve never been afraid before, but all those vampires crawling on me, using their claws to slice me open? Yeah, I was terrified. And it wasn’t due to the fight. Going out in battle is how all of us want to die. We’re like Klingons in that respect. No, it was because through it all, they smiled and laughed, even as I slashed through them. I’ve never seen any creature not show fear when they were so close to death.”
Diego had said something similar. Shay wanted to change the subject, because it gave him the creeps. “Why did Jakar come with you?”
