Page 27 of From the Shadows
It was nice that Diego was saying these things, but for fuck sake, Shay had lost it over a few pictures.
“Do you know why we didn’t want you to look at the photos?” Diego asked, sneaking a peek at Jeremy, who still appeared to be sleeping. “Not because we thought you were weak or that you needed to prove yourself. You do that every damn day here, Shay. I can’t think of anyone I know—human or paranormal—who could bind different types of beings into a cohesive group. It’s your attitude, your charm, and your grace. We’re all humbled by you and love having you working with us.”
Was that the truth? Did Diego and the rest like having Shay here?
“Then I should stay in my lane and?—”
Diego’s hand went up quickly, stopping Shay from finishing his thought. “No. We were wrong. It’s not up to us to decide what you are or aren’t ready for. That’s something only you can figure out. I’ll tell you the truth, your input is invaluable, because it comes from a place that none of us really know—or remember, in my case. Being human gives you a unique perspective on life, and we welcome your input. Remember Empatia said you’d be workingwithus, not for us. Well, if that’s the case, we have to trust each other, right?”
It was true enough, but Shay wasn’t sure how much he trusted himself anymore.
“I thought I could handle it. I honestly thought nothing could shock me after what happened to me.” He peered up at Diego. “I was wrong. How do you guys do this?”
Diego reached out and patted Shay’s shoulder. “By being therefor each other. By listening to our hurts and pains. By going to therapy with Empatia. You’re not alone here, Shay. Never again. This is your family, and we need you. I hope you get that.”
Family. Shay hadn’t had one since his parents died. Maybe that’s why he was so desperate. He loved working with these people. Loved being part of something. The thought of losing it made his stomach churn.
Movement above him had Shay twisting his head. Jeremy slithered down toward Shay’s hand and rested his head there.
“Hey, Jeremy,” he whispered, stroking fingers of the shiny scales. He peered at Diego. “Can he hear me?”
Jeremy nudged his hand, encouraging Shay to continue his ministrations.
“Snakes hear, but not like the rest of us. The good thing about being a snake shifter is Jeremy’s ears are like a snakes, but he has the capacity to differentiate between sounds.” He reached over and tapped Jeremy on the nose. “He does like to pretend he can’t hear you when you ask why his room isn’t clean, but that isn’t because he’s a snake. He develops the same problem when he’s a pain in the ass kid too.”
Jeremy hissed, but it didn’t sound aggressive. “He’s laughing, isn’t he?”
Diego reached over, lifted Jeremy up, and slung him over the broad shoulders. “He is.” He glanced down at Shay. “Listen, we ordered pizza for dinner.”
Shit! Shay hadn’t made food. He lurched up. “I’m so sorry,” he murmured. Thankfully he was dressed, so that saved a few moments.
“No, don’t worry about it. We wanted pizza, so that’s what we got. Do you feel up to eating? What about you, Jerm?” In a flash, Jeremy was back to his human form, sitting astride Diego’s shoulders. That caused Diego to scowl as he lowered the nude Jeremy to the floor. “Dude, why you rubbing your junk on my neck?”
Shay bit back a laugh as Jeremy snickered, then rushed for the door, shouting, “Don’t touch my pizza!”
Diego laughed, and it wasn’t like anything Shay had heard from him. It was pure and sweet and…. “Wow.”
A quick blink. “What?”
“Jeremy. He has a good effect on you. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen you so… relaxed.”
Even though he knew it was impossible, Shay thought he saw a blush creep up Diego’s cheeks. “Well, a wise human talked with me a while back and told me I needed to work on letting my past go and look to the future. I’ve been having daily counseling sessions with Empatia, and she’s helping me a lot.” He swallowed hard. “This smile? This caring? It’s thanks to you, Shay. I hope you realize the impact you have on all of us, but especially me. This job? It’s like a role you were born into.”
That was always how Shay had felt. Like it was a calling for him to care for others. “I love working here. The library is amazing, and I get to sit there, cup of coffee or tea in hand, and read until it’s time to do work. Even when I know I need to get things done, I still look forward to it. It does my heart good to see your faces light up when you find out what’s for dinner, or that I patched a hole in your favorite shirt, or that I went grocery shopping and picked up those cookies that everyone seems to snarf down.”
Diego’s face went flat, a solemn look as he narrowed his eyes. “I like Oreos. Sue me.” He winked. Actuallywinked. “And don’t think I can’t smell the stash you have in here.”
“Those are for Jeremy,” Shay insisted, then chuckled. “Okay, I might partake of one… or five on occasion.”
Diego smiled and opened his mouth to say something when a voice rang out in their heads.
We have a sighting of a cadre entering a hotel ballroom where a birthday celebration is taking place.
Where?
Empatia rattled off the address, and Diego prepared to mist away.
“We have to go,” he told Shay. “I’m not sure when we’ll be back, but hopefully it’ll be okay and we’ll be home quickly.”
