Page 25 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Necessary to help protect Nimbus,” Katsuro insisted. “You did say you’d do whatever it took to protect him.”

I glared, annoyed that he was using my words against me, but he also had a fair point. “And what do you get out of this? No one does this kind of thing for free.”

Katsuro shared a glance at Davin before turning his attention to Nimbus.

“The good favor of a nimbus is payment enough. They are powerful, and when he has come into his own abilities, perhaps he will find a way to return the favor.”

Nimbus rooed and sat next to Katsuro, putting his paw up. The vampire kneeled smoothly and took the little fluffball’s paw before giving him a scratch behind the ears.

“It certainly doesn’t hurt that we may also win your good favor, Hannah. You are intriguing, in more than one way.”

Katsuro’s direct regard was intense, and I made myself remember to breathe. “Do I get to know what Drake is?” I asked to deflect his attention.

“Drake is an unfriendly shade. Though I doubt he’s the one that attacked us. He doesn’t like to get his hands dirty,” Davin replied.

“Right.” I hugged myself. “Okay. I need to go home and freak out now. Thanks for the lovely evening.” I shuddered and headed for the door. The men let me go, probably the right decision, though for a moment I hoped one of them would follow me.

Nimbus stayed right by my side, dragging the leash I’d put on him. “I suppose I don’t really need this, do I?” I bent over to pick it up, but when I went to unclip it from the cloud puppy’s collar, he danced away.

“Leave it?”

Nimbus wagged his tail and sat next to me.

“Okay.” Whatever he wanted, I supposed.

I got to the door of the coffee shop before Jaz caught up to me.

“Are you my guard for the night?”

She smiled. “You’ll be safe once you get to your apartment. Oliver is more than sufficient to keep you safe while you’re within his domain.”

“Oh, fuck. What is Oliver?”

Jaz held the door for me, and I went outside. “Ask him.”

I wanted to ask her what her story was, but right now I’d had more than enough for one evening and hopefully I’d get time alone with her again, soon.

“Why me?” I blurted when we were halfway back.

Jaz studied me before shrugging. “Why me? Why anyone. Wrong time, right place. Snuggle that nimbus and hopefully this will blow over.”

“You work for Katsuro or Drake?”

She frowned. “Depends on who you ask.” Later, she mouthed, and I recognized my mistake. If I only had to worry about humans, we would have been safe to talk quietly, but who knew what was out there now, listening, able to hear from any sort of distance or lurking in nearby shadows.

We walked, in silence, through the darkened streets until we got to my place.

“Well, here you are. Stay inside for the rest of the night if you can.” Jaz’s voice was cool and professional, a bit aloof.

We’d reached the brick building that had once been a school but was now an apartment complex full of mostly supernaturals, I imagined. That I hadn’t seen any of my neighbors now made a lot more sense.

“Thank you, Jaz.”

She winked, but her tone was at odds with her expression. “Don’t thank me yet, Hannah. Katsuro and Davin might be all over you, but I’m certainly not your friend.” Later, she mouthed again.

“Well, for the company on the walk, then,” I replied tightly. I didn’t know what would be safe for me to say in reply. Her back was to the street, mine was to the building. Anyone could see if I mouthed something or winked or whatever. I’d have to trust that, for now, she understood. Of course, I didn’t know her story yet, either. I’d seen her in Mayday Hills working for Drake, and I’d seen her here working for Katsuro. Where were her actual loyalties?

Hell, could I trust anyone?

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