Page 28 of Only Human in Strangeville

Oliver joined me as we went into the hallway and headed back outside.

“I suspect to him it is a symbol of being under your protection.”

“That does make sense.”

It had cooled considerably since I was last outside, and I shivered after the warmth from the lounge. Fortunately, Nimbus was quick. No one bothered us, and we were back inside in minutes. Oliver walked just behind me up the stairs and Nimbus led the way. When we reached my door, I turned.

“Will you hug me?” That probably sounded weird, but I didn’t know how else to ask, and I wanted some sort of human-style contact.

“Of course, Hannah. Anything you want.”

As Oliver wrapped his arms around me, enclosing me in a tight, comforting hug, I got the idea that he really did mean anything. Katsuro had mentioned I’d probably caught Oliver’s attention, too. Something else complicated I had to navigate, but that problem was for another day. Right now I just wanted to be held for a minute. I held him tightly in return, leaning my head against his chest and breathing in his cinnamon scent.

After a moment, I remembered he was my landlord and was mortified especially when I recalled a flash of my shower-time fantasy from the other day. Heat colored my cheeks. Still, I’d needed this.

“Thank you,” I said, loosening my grip.

“Any time, Hannah.” Oliver released me.

His voice was extra soothing at that moment, and I instantly regretted the inches that were now between us as he stepped back. I looked up and met his light blue-gray eyes. The tenderness they held nearly undid me.

He brushed his finger along my cheek, wiping away a bit of moisture. “Is there anything else you want to talk about? Just because it’s late, doesn’t mean we need to part ways if you need me. I’m nocturnal. You aren’t keeping me up.” He smiled kindly.

“Uh.” Fuck, I wanted to tell him everything, but it so wasn’t safe. I’d been warned about this, too, and told if the need to talk ever arose, to call my contact in D.C. and talk to him. It wasn’t the same though, and Oliver was a good hugger.

“No.” I finally said. “It’s just been a long day. A long week. A long year. I’m just tired. Sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for, Hannah. I’m here for you.”

“Thanks.” I turned away, opened my door, and reluctantly went inside. I almost didn’t shut the door, and I kicked myself mentally while I took off my shoes and hung my jacket on the hook. Then I kicked myself some more and went back to check. Oliver had left, the hallway empty now.

“Damn it,” I muttered. Sure, he was my landlord, but also, damn it. I ran my hand through my hair and tried to decide if I needed a hot shower or a cold one.

Nimbus pressed against my leg and grumbled softly.

“Thanks, buddy. I suppose I really should be concentrating on keeping you safe, anyway. And I probably shouldn’t be completely exhausted for my first day at work. Or is that second? I don’t know. Today was kind of weird, anyway.” I gave the cloud puppy another scratch and hoped my day at work would be relatively uneventful.

Making it to work without anything strange happening, other than one of the werewolves waving at me from a parked truck—did they all drive trucks?—and following me into Mayday Hills, was a huge relief. I wasn’t sure what she was going to do while I was working, but I supposed that wasn’t my problem. I recognized her from the store but didn’t know her name.

I parked behind the shop, let Nimbus out, and took the leash he held in his mouth.

Before long, we were inside. Clare popped up from behind the counter, much as she had been the other day when we’d come in. Her owlishly-wide eyes and slight goblin appearance was still a little startling, especially now that I knew such things were real, but I took Katsuro at his word that she was human.

“Ahh, Nimbus, your post is there.” Her smile, however, was genuine and very comforting.

The cloud puppy wagged his fluffy curled tail and trotted over to the soft bed Clare had placed next to the counter for him. He had his own bowl of water and a bowl of treats sat on the counter. I laughed, shaking my head before unclipping his leash and placing it on the ground next to him.

“And Hannah, can you help me with this box?”

I went around the counter and helped Clare lift the box of books, placing it next to the register. She proceeded to tell me how to check in books and other details of my job.

The morning passed in delightful peace. The slightly musty scent of old books mingled with the sharper aroma of new ones and combined with the light incense smell the shop had in a soothing manner. Customers came in at a reasonable pace, and I didn’t have to worry about anything but working the cash register correctly and learning a few names of the regulars that stopped in that day. When Clare sent me out to stock shelves, I kept my eyes open for anything on the occult or supernatural that might help me learn more about my current circumstances. Even a history book about the towns might help. I might have to hit the library, too. I needed information.

When lunch came, Clare got me started on paperwork and we settled on my hours. I didn’t want a lot to start, and she was content with morning help four days a week with an occasional Saturday thrown in. She kept the bookstore closed on Mondays and Tuesdays since her other part-time help had quit a while back.

After I finished the technicalities, I browsed and found the books I wanted to buy and took them to the counter. Clare gave me a knowing look but didn’t outwardly comment on my selections. When I turned toward the door and got ready to head back out into the real-world, Nimbus put on the brakes and backed away from the door, lips wrinkled and a low growl rumbling from his throat.

Clare turned her attention to the door, trusting Nimbus’s instincts as I did.

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