Page 83 of Only Human in Strangeville

Now that we had that settled, we were going to have “the talk,” and we were all uncomfortable as hell about it.

“So, how exactly is this supposed to work with all of us?” I finally broke the uncomfortable silence. We’d gathered either on or around the couch.

“Communication,” Oliver said after a moment with an ironic twist to his lips. “Which, clearly, we are doing quite well with.”

“We’re here,” Bridger pointed out. “That’s a start.”

“Okay, so we just have to set boundaries. Like, if one of us is having a date night, the others don’t interrupt unless invited or there’s an emergency.” I hoped I was on the right track.

“I think that’s an excellent boundary.” Oliver shifted on his chair before setting a cup on the coffee table.

Katsuro nodded after a moment’s consideration. “Yes. Perhaps we should set up a group calendar so the others know if we have something planned.”

It seemed Katsuro, the ancient-ass vampire, was good with technology. I hadn’t even thought of that.

“Good idea,” Bridger said. “I think I can set up something that will be a little more secure than your average calendar sharing. We’ll still have enemies, even after we defeat Vito. Maybe even more because your territory will expand.”

“Good thought,” Katsuro replied. “With this mark that we will all share, we should know if the other is in trouble.”

Davin, who hadn’t said anything since we finalized our plan, shifted uncomfortably.

“Yes, we know you still need to talk with your pack elders, Davin. Do not feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to do. We can make this work even without.”

“I will talk with the pack,” Davin replied. “They have accepted Hannah on the assumption that she would take my mark. If she won’t, or if my taking hers is a problem for them, I’ll have to step away.” Davin kept his voice neutral, but somehow, I could sense the hurt that caused him.

Right now, there wasn’t anything I could say to make it better. I was accepting Katsuro’s mark because he was taking mine. I don’t know that I would have agreed otherwise. I had to be on somewhat equal footing with the two powerful men, otherwise I’d feel like a pawn. Of course, where did that put me with Oliver and Bridger? They had no mark to return to me, though Oliver had asked for this and Bridger had accepted before we’d really understood what we were doing.

This was all so damn confusing.

“We need to be open if something is bothering us,” I blurted out. “Davin has made a really good start with his concerns, and we need to support that.”

He gave me a guarded but grateful look.

“And, at least where our relationships are concerned, we need to treat everyone equally. Politics aside, this is a partnership.” I hoped we could figure out how to navigate that.

“Katsuro, Davin, this is your territory. You’ve been good for the area. I have no issues with following your lead when it comes to politics and securing our peace here,” Bridger said.

“And your input, whether you know we’re listening or not, has always been valuable,” Katsuro said with a smile.

Bridger ran his hand through his hair and tightened his lips before replying. “I guess I knew your people were everywhere. I’m glad you listened.”

Oliver tilted his head, indicating assent.

I glanced at Davin, again. He had leaned back and seemed to be distancing himself from us. It hurt, a little. I liked Davin, and I knew he liked me, but if he couldn’t handle the dynamic, it would be better to find out now than later. Still, the thought of losing him tore at me. Right now wasn’t the time to address it, though. Later, when we would have a chance to talk alone. That would be the best time to talk to the werewolf. My memories of our interrupted date and how kind he’d been and how much he and his pack had done for me. Not to mention how blazing hot he was. Davin would make a good partner if we could work out everything we needed to.

Oliver squeezed my arm and Nimbus laid his head on my knee. I scratched the cloud dog behind his incredibly soft ears and gave my shade a grateful look.

“Well, it seems like we need to leave you and Katsuro to it,” Bridger said, slapping his thighs and standing. “Katsuro, I will think about taking your mark.”

Katsuro stood as well. “You are physically the weakest amongst us now that Hannah has powers. I’m not discounting your experiences or skills, but it would be best if you could heal more quickly. I will make a blood promise that I will not require subservience from you and will consider anything else you might require of me. I offer this only to strengthen you.”

Bridger thought for a moment then took a breath. “Yeah, probably a good idea then. My hesitations are more based on my past, at this point.”

“Your past?” Katsuro invited him to continue.

“Yeah, werewolves killed my mother. Tore her apart in front of me.” He clenched his jaw before shrugging. “Obviously, it was a long time ago, and, clearly, I don’t hate supernatural beings. I just never expected I’d find myself in a position where I’d want to tie myself to one, or several, yet here I am, bound to a witch and connected to a shade and soon a vampire. It’s not terrible, just a mental shift.”

“Ahh, my sympathies.” Katsuro bowed slightly. “Though it was in ancient times, I also suffered many losses to vampires while I was a human. This, perhaps more than anything else, is what drove me to create my own power base and haven, so I could do my part to prevent others from experiencing the same fate.”

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