Page 19 of Grim Justice

He was so good to me. “You’re the best.” I popped a kiss on his cheek.

“My master plan to keep you addicted and in need.”

“Oh? Is that so?” I asked, reaching around to cup his crotch as he stirred the spaghetti.

“Angel, I will fuck you on this counter right now. Don’t tempt me.”

“What if someone comes in?”

He flashed a devious grin. “That’s the point.”

I pouted, pulling my hand away. “I don’t want to traumatize my sister.”

“Please don’t,” she laughed from behind us.

Grim snorted. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Yeah, you would,” she contradicted. “I married a Marine. I know how you wild guys operate.”

Grim laughed hard, shaking his head. “I suppose you’re right about that.”

Over the next week, I spent most of my time with my sister and niece. Her visits were rare, so I hoped no one felt neglected around The Crossroads. They would have to forgive me.

A few days before her departure, I rolled over in bed, confused when I heard whispering. My eyes snapped open when I realized the voices were coming through the monitor.

Grim lightly snored beside me, and I slid from the mattress, wondering if Jessa had joined Creed in his room. I lingered outside my son’s door, listening as he giggled.

“Grrrr.”

Silence.

“Ghrowl. I like it.”

I shit you not; out of nowhere, I heard something respond to him. A rumbling roar followed, filling the room with a terrifying growl that sounded awfully close to a bear. It wasn’t a bear, though, because the deepness of it felt different. Almost ghost-like, which didn’t make sense.

My mouth opened as I rushed into the room, terrified for Creed. “Baby, come here.”

“Mama, it’s okay.” He giggled again. “I’m safe.”

Safe. What did a two-year-old child know about that? Had he heard adults talking and decided to mimic the words?

I dropped to my knees beside his bed and pulled him into my embrace. My frantic gaze bounced around the room. I couldn’t see anything, but that didn’t mean we were alone.

“Mama?”

“Yeah, honey?”

“It’s okay. Grrrr.”

He growled again. I had no clue what that meant.

“Let’s go to bed in Mommy and Daddy’s room,” I whispered, suddenly remembering every horror movie I had ever watched. No demon thing was coming after my child. I just had to get back to Grim so he could let his Reaper wake up.

“Mama.” Creed sounded annoyed. My little man tugged on my shirt. “No. Safe. Grrrr. Ghrowl.”

“Is everything okay?” I heard Grim’s voice, groggy from sleep. He stood in the doorway, naked from the waist up. He must have thrown on a pair of loose pants when he heard us through the monitor.

“Sure.” I rose to my feet and carried a wiggling Creed to the door.

---