Page 95 of Fangs and Fudge

“Stay away from them,” Shepard said.

“Since I have saved them from death twice now, we both know that abandoning them is not in their best interest.”

“Isn’t it? You’re the reason they’re in danger. I’ll take charge of their safety. You’re no longer needed.”

“Move past this already, Shepard,” I said impatiently. “Whether he avoids us now or not, the damage is already done, isn’t it? And, apparently, I would still be a target because of my association with both of you. Rather than telling Cross to go away, accept his help. He’s already proven himself multiple times.”

Shepard looked like he wanted to swear but didn’t. Instead he considered Cross for several seconds.

“Fine. Let’s work together. You can go places and gather information my people and I can’t. And, since there’s only one of you, doing that is the best use of your time.

“I’ll have someone at Everly and Vena’s house with them around the clock. But, to ensure I’m not wasting resources chasing after you, I’d like you to avoid going there.”

“Can’t you just tell everyone–”

“No, he can’t,” Cross said, gently interrupting me. “If his pack knew he was working with me, they would lose faith in him, and he would be immediately challenged.”

I glanced at Shepard.

“Will everything I said to you in front of your house cause problems?”

Shepard’s gaze softened. “No. We understand the power vampires can have over humans and don’t fault the humans for it. We fault the vampires.”

I looked at Cross. His gaze swept over my face. I saw a hint of frustration in his eyes and something else. Sadness?

“I will concede to temporarily not visiting their home,” he said.

“Deal.” Shepard looked more relaxed again.

Did they both think this would prevent Cross from seeing me in person altogether? If so, they were delusional. I had the man’s money in my account. He had suits to pay for and still needed a home.

Thinking of everything I needed to do made me wish for the days when I spent the majority of my time either at home, creating recipes, or at Blur, working toward financing my dream. Yet, I couldn’t regret waking Cross.

Seeing an opportunity to free up my time again, I leaned in.

“Hang on. If this is a negotiation, I have a stipulation, too. Cross will stay away from the house, but you have to help him get a birth certificate.”

“Not possible,” Shepard said.

“You have connections all over D.C.,” I said. “You should have no problem getting paperwork for him.”

“It’s illegal.”

“Fine. Then Cross can continue to use my bank account, and I’ll help buy him a house under my name. One with a really nice kitchen so I can spend my Mondays and Tuesdays off there, working on my recipes.”

“I approve your suggestion,” Cross said, a smile tugging at his mouth.

Shepard’s hurt gaze locked on me, and I struggled not to feel guilty. But if he was going to be stubborn, so was I.

Vena jumped in to help. “Giving Cross an identity wouldn’t just help untangle Everly from Cross, Shepard. As a bonus, you’d be able to keep track of him. Where he’s living. What he’s investing in. If he travels.”

Shepard glanced at all of us before saying, “I’ll see what I can do.”

“No. I want your promise,” I said. “You want me free from Cross’ influence? This is the way.”

Shepard exhaled audibly. “Alright. I give you my word.”

Vena browsed properties on her phone while I savored the appetizer under Cross’ amused gaze. Shepard watched me, too. But his expression didn’t hint at humor. He was worried.

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