Page 37 of Claiming a Demon

“Good. I was worried I’d have to call in the cavalry. Or maybe just sic your sisters on you. You never told me you were related to amazons.”

When I flashed him a confused look, he flapped his hand impatiently toward my sisters. “They’re all over six five! I feel like a dwarf!”

“That’s because you are a dwarf,” Myra drawled. She had draped herself across one of the couches, her lazy grin matching her posture. She and Camille were twins and always looked so much alike. Zach took her teasing in stride, sticking his tongue out at her.

“Shut up. At least I don’t have to duck when I walk into rooms.”

“No, but do you live under a bridge perchance?”

Zach gasped, mock offended, with his hand against his chest. I tugged him into my arms, shooting Myra a glare over my shoulder.

“Leave him alone. He’s the only one who can stop me from murdering you all.”

She scoffed, clearly not believing me. I’d never actually fought my sisters. That seemed like a recipe for disaster. They didn’t fight fair and would team up with each other if given the opportunity. I preferred staying out of it to keep myself from getting a beating.

As Zach and Myra continued to go back and forth, I let myself breathe for the first time since I came home. Dad was in the best place he could be. Zach was in my arms. My mom said out loud that she wanted what was best for dad. It was a start, and I was going to run with it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

ZACHARIAH

None of Mal’s family seemed interested in waiting at home. They all stayed in that little waiting room, every once in a while swapping out, so there was always someone sitting with Leona in Mal’s dad’s room. I kept myself busy, assisting with coffee runs and ducking into the cafeteria to grab food for everyone. Luckily, Mal’s oldest sister, Vienna, gave me a bracelet that was magically linked to their family accounts. I showed it to the staff whenever I went down there and they did a fancy little spell to charge the account. It was interesting to watch, that was for sure.

Getting Mal’s sister's names right was becoming a game, I guess. They moved around the room a lot and kept swapping sweaters and hats to mess with me. They all looked so much alike that I had to look for little details to tell them apart. Myra had a scar on her chin from a fall when she was little. Sierra’s eyes were always on her phone. Camille had a hole in her nose from a nose ring. She had the nose ring in at one point, but she took it out to thwart me.

They were a fun group, and I enjoyed getting to know them. But after two days, I understood why Mal sought refuge with his dad in the kitchen. Even I didn’t talk this much, it was hard to keep up with their energy. I was flagging, my footsteps more a trudge than my normal bounce. I wasn’t going to start complaining, though. Mal’s dad still hadn’t woken up and despite the teasing and playful mood, I could tell they were all worried. I lost track of the amount of times I had to ask the nearest healer for more tissues. They were all afraid for their dad. The least I could do was feed them and keep them hydrated.

Leona stepped into the room and they all perked up when they saw her. She shook her head.

“Nothing yet. But the healers are confident that no news is good news. He’s resting so his body can heal. You all should get some rest. This might take a while.”

Mal dropped his head into his hands, settling into that same posture that he’d had since we got here. I was worried at first, but I learned to check in on him once in a while and leave him be. He processed things quietly. He didn't need me bugging him every few minutes.

Instead, I grabbed a coffee from the last round I picked up downstairs, following Leona into the hall. I caught her before she rejoined her husband, offering her the cup with a smile.

“I thought you might need this. I’ve been grabbing food and drinks for everyone from downstairs, but I didn’t want to disturb you. How are you doing? Are you okay?”

“Thank you. I appreciate it. I’m… okay. Worried, but that’s been true since Andreas’s diagnosis. A little tired. This will help.” She lifted the cup with a grateful smile. “And thank you for watching over my family. All of my children have mentioned your care when they come to sit with me. You are a true treasure.”

I shrugged, a little embarrassed. “I just wanted to help. Besides, I like to keep busy. Let me know if you need anything else.”

Spinning around, I aimed for the waiting room so I could check on Mal, but Leona’s voice made me stop before I could make it even a few steps.

“Zach, dear, when was the last time you slept?”

Glancing over my shoulder, I shrugged. “I doze now and then. I’m a little temperamental about my sleep habits, so I mostly just drink more coffee when I get tired.”

Her brow furrowed. “I understand you want to help, and I’m thankful that you’re still standing by my son’s side, but your health is also important. You should ask Mal to take you home. You’re looking a little pale.”

Oh, no. Absolutely not. I was not moving Mal even an inch from this place. He needed to be here for his dad. I felt worn out, sure, and I could seriously use a massage for the aches and pains I’d earned during my cat naps against Mal’s shoulder on those uncomfortable couches. But it wasn’t that bad. Not bad enough to pull Mal away from here.

“I, uh…”

“I can take him home.”

Spinning around, I shot Callum a grateful look. He hadn’t been here the entire time. He came and went, but he was a steady presence for Mal and I could tell Mal appreciated it.

“That works for me. I could probably use a shower anyway. I won’t be gone long.”

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