Page 8 of Avaritia

“Hello, baby,” I cooed, scooping him up and nuzzling his soft little head. “Are you excited to meet your new dad? He’s a bit grumpy, but you’ll win him over. Maybe we’ll make you a big brother one day.”

I wasn’t totally unhinged. I was pretty sure that I was just going to go have some mediocre sex with a listless Shade until he perked up, maybe hang around for a couple of weeks while he enjoyed having me on tap, then he’d get sick of me and send me on my way. I didn’t actually think we were going to get married and have adorable hybrid babies. Mostly, I just wanted to see how far I could push it before Astrid burst a blood vessel.

“Here, say your goodbyes,” I instructed Tallulah, depositing Fester in her arms before pulling my suitcases out from under the bed. I’d definitely brought more possessions from the human realm than my roommates, and I’d probably requested more from Astrid’s supply runs than anyone else as well.

I just liked stuff. If maximalism was wrong, I didn’t want to be right.

“Maybe you should just take the essentials?” Tallulah suggested. “Treat it as a trial run for a couple of days.”

“Everything is essential,” I told her solemnly.

“In that case, there are some boxes downstairs you can use,” Meera said, already heading out with Austin in tow.

While everyone was radiating disapproval, they didn’t hesitate to jump in and help. Meera and Austin taped together flattened boxes, and Tallulah, Astrid, and Ophelia helped me dismantle my room, packing everything up far more neatly than I would have, while periodically taking breaks to snuggle Fester.

He acted like he was aloof, but he was secretly loving all the attention.

I dumped armfuls of clothes into a suitcase, ignoring Tallulah’s wince at my lack of folding, before climbing up onto the dresser to untack the sheer pale pink fabric I’d draped around the walls.

“I hope Theon likes pink,” Astrid said dryly, picking up the puddle of material as it slithered to the floor and folding it into an unnaturally perfect square while looking at it like it was going to bite her.

“His eyes are pink, did you notice?” I asked excitedly. “It feels meant to be.”

“Nope,” Astrid announced. “I refuse to let you entertain the idea this is fated because I want you to feel one-hundred-percent confident in leaving if you change your mind. Do not hang all your hopes and dreams on this dude, okay? It could be a disaster and if it is, there’s no shame in leaving.”

Aw. We may not have anything in common, but I really loved this little crew of misfits I’d found myself in. As far as kind-of friends went, I could have definitely done worse.

I jumped down, standing in front of Astrid and giving her my most sincere smile. “Can I hug you?”

“Yes,” she grumbled, though her posture relaxed slightly. “But only because it’s a special occasion.”

Someone sniffled as Astrid pulled me into her embrace, squeezing me tightly despite her complaining.

“Will you come visit me?” I asked her, wrapping my arms around her waist. Holy muscles, Batman. I should work out sometime. Astrid was built.

“Try and keep me away,” Astrid replied. “And if Duke Theon doesn’t treat you well, I’ll kick his ass. Deal?”

“Deal.”

By the time we emerged with rolling suitcases and stacks of boxes and a quiet, watchful Fester contained in his carrier, another Shade had joined Damen and Theon outside Elverston House. He appeared to be quite old with deep wrinkles and silvery strands in his hair, though in better shape than Theon was.

“Wilder, at your service, miss,” he said, hurriedly stepping forward and attempting to take the carrier from me. “The Duke’s attendant.”

“I’ve got this,” I said, holding Fester a little closer to me. “Nice to meet you, Wilder. I’m Verity. This is Fester,” I added, holding the carrier up a little so they could see through the mesh.

Fester eyed them balefully, silent and watchful. He only got chatty when he was more comfortable. Theon was eyeing him right back, equally as wary. Clearly, it wasn’t love at first sight for either of them.

“I’ll arrange some extra help in transporting your stuff,” Astrid volunteered. Soren was hovering not far away, observing the situation from a distance, and Astrid made a beeline for her mate.

“Come,” Theon announced. “Say your goodbyes.”

“Your see-you-laters,” Ophelia corrected, giving him a withering look. Queen shit, right there. “As we fully intend to see Verity regularly.”

“Yes,” Damen agreed. “In fact, I think I’ll swing by tomorrow, Verity. See how you’re settling in.”

“You’re not invited,” Theon said rudely.

“Too bad,” Damen shot back cheerfully.

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