by C. W. Gray
Lorry tapped his chin. “Okay. I guess I love you.”
Val put a few extra slices of bacon on Verion’s plate as well before going back to his coffee. Val had been saving credits for a while, and now he had enough saved up to pay the first year’s rent on a reasonably priced apartment for Lorry and Sai.
He well knew how hard it was to live on your own and Sai would be attending the science program at a university on Fallon. Most of her time would still be spent interning on Charybdis Station, but she wouldn’t have the time to work on top of school, not if she wanted her PhD anytime soon.
A familiar face pressed against the glass in the kitchen window, startling him. Fire waved and eyed their empty plates.
“Should I let him in?” Lorry asked, amused.
“He’ll just sneak in if we don’t,” Verion said, voice resigned. He looked down at his empty plate in surprise. “We don’t have any leftovers to feed him.”
“I’ll make him something as I pack my lunch.” Val stood up and poured himself another cup of coffee while Lorry let Fire inside.
Fire bent and looked under the table. “Hi guys. Are you ready for the pet battle?”
Midge woofed loudly, sounding confident.
Scythe whined.
“Don’t worry, Scy, you’ll be on Fluffle’s team, and you know he’ll protect you.” Fire looked up at them. “Oh, hey. Do I smell bacon?”
“Another pet battle?” Val asked, brow raised. He had been home for the last one Fire and Mo, one of Leti’s kids, had put together. All the pets in the neighborhood had joined in and taken over the street. The extremely fluffy calico cat named Fluffle had been surprisingly skilled. “Can’t it wait until I get home? I have a bet against Morgan that Fluffle will kick Princess Buttercup’s ass.”
Verion snorted. “Why would Morgan even make that bet? Princess only fights when he has to. Otherwise, he enjoys napping. Of course Fluffle will kick his ass.”
Val laughed and made a quick sandwich for Fire. “Here you go. One sandwich for the pet wrangler.”
Fire grinned and took a big bite. “You’re the best, Val,” he said, mouth full.
Val winced and started making his lunch. “No talking while you’re chewing.”
Lorry considered him. “You’ve been packing two lunches for a while, but I know you can’t eat all of that. I thought Death was the one that was supposed to eat more since he’s pregnant.”
They all turned and looked at Verion. He chewed on another strawberry and shrugged. “Don’t look at me. I eat plenty.”
Over the past two months, Verion’s body had changed drastically as he completed his second trimester of pregnancy. His slim frame now clearly showed he carried their child.
Anytime they left the neighborhood, they got looks, but Val had expected that. The citizens of Charybdis Station didn’t know what to make of the Crellic weapon that had fought for their lives. Val hated that he could see their fear when they looked at Veri’s baby bump.
“Dad,” Lorry said, calling his attention. “You didn’t answer me. Why are you taking bigger lunches?”
“You didn’t really ask a question,” Val mumbled and stuffed the extra sandwiches into his bag.
“Dad,” Lorry said, eyes narrowed. “Do I need to count to three?”
“That sass in you comes straight from your mother,” Val said, sniffing. “To answer your question, I may or may not be feeding a runaway refugee child.”
Lorry’s eyes widened. “What? Have you told someone? Did they run away from a foster home?”
“Do you want me to call Leti? He would know who to contact to take care of the child,” Verion said, stuffing another strawberry into his mouth.
“She didn’t run away from a foster family,” Val said. “She never had time to be placed with one. She ran as soon as the ship landed in Charybdis Station. Enforcement has been looking for her so they can place her with a family, but she’s a wily one. They come by and talk to the crews in the neighborhood weekly but haven’t been able to catch her.”
“Why haven’t you helped them?” Verion asked, head tilting to the side.
Val bit his lip. “She asked me not to. She’s afraid they’ll send her back to Vextonar, and she doesn’t want to go. I’m trying to convince her they won’t do that. It took a while to get her to talk to me. She visits the refugee camp sometimes. I think.”
“Her family?” Lorry asked, eyes sad.
“All dead.” Val cleared his throat. “Anyway, you all weren’t supposed to know about it. I’ve got this under control.”
Verion’s eyes seemed even darker than normal. Val couldn’t read the emotion that filled them. “Hmm, what’s her name?” he asked.
“Crea.” Val packed some extra fruit then added some of his secret stash of candy bars. “She’s nine years old and is a Human, Dedril, and Wello hybrid. She likes animals and flowers and will talk for hours if you’ll listen to her.”
Verion nodded. “Take some vegetables too. She likely needs them.”
Val did as instructed, then went to his mate’s side and kissed his cheek before stroking a hand over their child. “Love you, Veri. Thank you for understanding.”
“I’ll ride with you to work.” Verion stood up, wobbling a bit. His balance was a little off since the baby was growing so quickly.
Val wrapped an arm around him. “Sebastian’s house is just down the street. I’m still working on the other side of the station.”
“I don’t mind a long tram ride.” Verion grabbed another strawberry, then patted Fire on the back. “Have fun today, Fire. Lorry, I’ll see you at the office.”
Lorry gave him a suspicious look. “Okay.”
Verion looked under the table. “Come along, Scythe. I’ll have you back in time for the pet battle, but I need you.”
“Woof.” Scythe crawled out from under the table, tail wagging, and let Verion hook his leash to his collar.
Midge ran to Fire and danced around his feet until he shared a bit of his sandwich. She didn’t seem to mind having all the Element’s attention.
Val grabbed Verion’s bag for him. His mate took his work home with him every night, but Val could understand. Verion’s only hobby was working with Sebastian as their friend trained others in Crellic Shamanism. That was it.
Edgar flew to Val’s shoulder, his metal claws digging in slightly. The Fyreling nuzzled his ear, then settled in for the ride.
“What are you up to?” Val asked once they were out of the house.
“Three things.” Verion grabbed his hand and linked their fingers. “First, I enjoy spending time with you, so escorting you to work is enjoyable.”
Val smiled, feeling his cheeks flushed. They still hardly touched one another in public, and this was the first time Verion had reached first to hold his hand.
“Second, I wanted to talk to you about Lorry’s graduation gift.”
Val eyed him. “What about it? I told you my plans.”
“I want to contribute.”
“Okay. You can add some credits too. Sai and he are apartment shopping next week, so I’ll know how much we need once they choose.”
Verion was quiet for a moment. “I’ve told you about my family.”
“Yeah. Wealthy folks from Union Station. Moved to Rueal right before you were born.” Val felt a little guilty at his abrupt summary. Verion had lost most of his family years ago and didn’t talk about them much.
“I have plenty of money. I put Wyatt through school and want to do something for Lorry. He isn’t interested in university, but I’d like to buy his first apartment for him.”
Val’s mouth dropped open. “We can’t accept that, Veri. That’s a lot of money.”
Verion narrowed his eyes. “We’re mates, aren’t we?”
“Yes.”
“Lorry is my son just like Wyatt is your son. Correct?”
Val scowled. “I know where you’re going with this, but it’s –”
“Correct?”
Val si
ghed. “Correct.”
They got onto the tram, and Val helped Verion sit down. He ignored the stares from the other passengers. He wasn’t sure if it was Verion or Edgar that drew them this time.
Scythe jumped onto the seat next to Verion and scooted his butt back until he sat on the man’s lap.
“Scythe, you aren’t a lap dog,” Verion said, exasperated.
The dog turned his head and licked Verion’s face for a moment before turning back around to stare at the man closest to them, who happened to be eating a pastry.
“What’s the third reason?” Val asked, not bothering to hide his laughter. “You said there were three reasons.”
Verion turned as well as he could and gave Val a solemn look. “How is it that you don’t understand how much I care for you? How well I know you. You carry your every emotion on your face, and I adore reading them. It’s my favorite pastime, you know.”
Val pressed his hands to his cheeks, trying to hide the blush he knew covered them. “Why do you do that? I think we’re having a normal conversation, then out comes the sweet words.”
Verion ducked his head. “Words aren’t my forte, but one thing I’ve learned from all the lives I’ve led is that it’s important to say them while you can.” He looked up. “My third reason for coming is to meet Crea. It’s important.”
Val winced. “I don’t know about that. She’s skittish.”
“It’s important,” Verion said again. “This needs to happen and soon. She can’t live on the streets forever. Even as peaceful as Charybdis Station is, it can still be dangerous for a child on their own.”
An ugly knot of guilt settled in his stomach. “She’s been staying in one of the semi-finished apartments, but I don’t know what she does when I’m not there.”
“Don’t give me that look. The way you describe her tells me she wouldn’t have spoken to you at all if you had done more than you currently are.”
“She’s a good kid,” Val said, rubbing his thumb over the palm of Verion’s hand. “I don’t know how she’s managed to stay so sweet with everything that happened. I know Estella went through something similar, but she’s so mature that sometimes I forget she’s just a little older than Crea.”
Verion gave him a thoughtful look before leaning his head against Val’s shoulder. “People grieve and handle trauma differently. I’ll know more about how she’s truly feeling when I meet her.”
Val tried not to be nervous, but he couldn’t seem to help it. Crea had gotten used to Poppy and Clyde, so she would be waiting on him at the job site. Usually she sat nearby and talked to him while he worked.
Poppy and Clyde got on the tram at one of the next stops.
Poppy smiled at them and sat down. “What are you doing here, Dr. Dee?”
“I’m making my mate happy,” Verion said, face serene.
Clyde gave Val a questioning look, and he shrugged. “I have no idea. He did offer to buy Lorry an apartment for graduation.”
“Shit fractals.” Poppy slapped Verion’s knee. “How rich are you? Did Val find himself a sugar daddy?”
Verion grinned. “I would love to take care of Val, but I really hope he doesn’t start calling me daddy.”
“Sorry, but that’s my new term of endearment.” Val shrugged and tried to look helpless.
Clyde snickered. “Please tell me you aren’t joking. I want to see you call him that in front of Wyatt and Lorry.”
Verion shivered. “Please, my darling mate. Have mercy.”
Poppy laughed. “You two are great.”
We are, Val thought with a grin.
She wiggled her brows at Verion. “Can I do the thing?”
He sighed but nodded.
She bounced happily, then pressed her hands to his belly. “Hi, baby. Auntie Poppy can’t wait to meet you. I have so much to teach you. No one will admit it, but trash compactors are fascinating, and by the time you’re ten, you’ll be able to build your own. I promise.”
Clyde fidgeted in his seat and looked away. He never said anything, but he was clearly still nervous about the baby.
Val pushed away his hurt and told himself to remember that Clyde was trying. “Our stop’s next.”
8
Death’s eyes strayed to Val’s ass as he followed him into the newest apartment building. His mate’s soul was a beautiful thing, but so was his body. Everything about Val called to him on an almost visceral level. Was it really like this with Seshia?
His first mating had been over so quickly. They had barely had time to settle into accepting one another before the Queen retaliated against his desertion. The more time he spent with Val, the stronger their bond grew.
He looked up when he sensed the spirits that had been stalking him. They stayed out of sight, but they were watching. He mentally shrugged and did his best to ignore them since that seemed to be what they wanted.
“You all are further along than I thought you’d be,” he said, inordinately proud of his mate’s hard work.
Two completed apartment buildings were across the street, and most of the units were already in use. The new building was about halfway finished. Landscapers were already putting together the walkways and gardens for the neighborhood.
“This is the last apartment building,” Poppy said from behind him. “Then we’ll be back to our normal work.”
“Pops said the construction crews will continue building here. They’ll make a few businesses and some houses first.” Val looked over his shoulder and caught Death eying his ass again. He winked and put a little more swagger in his walk. “Follow me, and I’ll introduce you to Crea. She’s usually waiting toward the back of the building.”
Poppy and Clyde gave him curious looks but went for the stairs instead of following Val and Death. Edgar cawed softly, then launched himself from Val’s shoulder, flying toward the building before dipping and grabbing one of Poppy’s shiny hair clips.
“Damn it, Edgar.” She scowled up at the Fyreling as he flew to the top of the building to look over his prize.
A few moments later, Death watched the young hybrid girl crawl out from behind one of the many dumpsters holding material scraps from the jobsites.
Her dark, curly hair was a mess, and the pink scales running up her neck and the side of her face were lackluster and dry. Dirt covered her face and the loose clothing she wore. She didn’t look malnourished, but Val had been feeding her for a while, so that certainly helped things.
He looked deeper. Her soul was a mixture of sweetness and grief. She loved Val, that much was absolutely clear, but she hurt from the loss of her family.
Her big, brown eyes watched him with suspicion.
“You’re Veri, aren’t you?” she asked, sliding behind Val and peeking around him. Her eyes were stuck on Scythe. “The big guy here talks about you all the time.”
“Crea,” Val whined. “Don’t tell him stuff like that. He already knows I’m crazy about him.”
Death fought a smile and lost. “It’s nice to meet you, Crea.” He sat down on a nearby crate, Scythe moving to sit right in front of him. “This is Scythe. Do you want to pet him?”
“Can I?” She waited for Val to answer.
“Sure. He’s a good dog.” Val grinned and ruffled her hair. “I have your breakfast and lunch too.”
“Thanks.” She took Val’s lunch bag and held it close to her chest, then she inched toward Scythe.
Death shooed Val away. “Go on to work. Crea and I will join you in a few moments.”
Val gave him a curious look, then bent and kissed the top of his head. “Crea, will you help him stand up when you two finish petting Scythe? He’s a little off balance.”
“Sure thing.” She slowly held her hand out for Scythe to sniff. “Good doggy. He’s so big.”
Death waited until Val disappeared around a corner, then turned all his attention to Crea. “You know you can’t stay here, Crea.”
She ignored him and giggled when Scythe licked her hand, then her face.
“Crea.”
She set her lunch bag down and wrapped her arms around Scythe, hugging the dog tightly. Scythe settled his big head on top of hers and panted, waiting patiently.
“Another month and Val will be working in another sector.” Death rubbed Scythe’s head, inching his hand toward one of Crea’s arms. “He’s worried about you. Now that I know you, I worry too.”
“I don’t want Val to go,” she whispered, tears in her voice. “He’s nice and listens to me. I like his hugs too.”
“He gives very good hugs,” Death agreed. “The whole neighborhood likes his hugs.”
“I don’t want a new family. I want my mama and daddy back.” She looked up, face covered in tears. “They’re dead. Enforcers killed Daddy when he tried to stop them taking me and Mama. Then Mama got sick when we were stuck on the box ship so long.” She buried her face against Scythe’s chest, body shaking as she cried.
Death smoothed a hand over her arm and linked their fingers in Scythe’s fur. “I’ve seen many people die over the years, Crea. You will always miss them, that never stops, but you have to keep moving forward, no matter how much it hurts. I think Val makes it easier for you, doesn’t he?”
She looked up again, eyes red and swollen. “Yeah. I love him.”
“What if you came to live with us instead of a new family? We could be your friends and take care of you.” Death almost held his breath.
He’d seen more than just mild concern for Crea in his mate’s soul. Val loved this little girl too. How Death had missed it for so long, he’d never know. Val wasn’t good with secrets.
“Why would you let me?”
Death tilted his head and thought for a moment. “Have you heard of Leti?”
She nodded slowly. “He’s the Blue Angel.”
Death smiled wide. “People call him that?”
“Yeah. He always helps anyone who needs it. The other refugees on the ship talked a lot about him after he came onboard and met us all. I met him too. He gave me this jacket ‘cause I was cold. He also gave me a ham sandwich. He had a dragon on his shoulder.” Her eyes brightened. “Have you ever met a dragon before? I think it was a nice dragon, but I don’t know. I’d have to get to know him to tell for sure.”