Page 91 of Whispers of the Water

He received a unanimous “yes” in response.

“I have a movie we can all watch,” Rune said. “Let me go grab it from our room.”

“Be careful,” Marlow said as he stared wide eyed at the TV.

Shaking his head, Rune sighed. He opened the door and said, “I’m just going next door, Marlow. I’ll be fine.”

The salamander skin on Marlow’s arms glistened gold. His blank eyes were transfixed on nothing as he mumbled, “You never know. Foxes are here. Foxes are scary. Foxes could get you.”

Bassel walked over from his place at the mini bar in the back of the room to kick Marlow’s foot. The frail boy jumped at the sudden touch, and his glassy eyes flicked toward Bassel.

“Dude,” Bassel started. “Calm down. Those are silly stories you were told when you were little. Not all Foxes are scary.”

Marlow swallowed hard and glanced at the twins. They flashed him toothy smiles, and he seemed to waver. Meeting Bassel’s eyes again, he said, “Myra is scary.”

Greshim slid off the couch and walked over to Marlow. Grabbing his hand, Greshim said, “Mother is scary. But you don’t have to worry. I’ll try to protect you.”

“What a lovely Prince Charming you are, Greshim,” Akira laughed. “Just like your older brother.” Akira’s brow furrowed in thought, and he pursed his lips. Tapping a finger against his mouth, the wheels seemed to turn in his head. “Actually, I take that back. You are much cooler.”

Greshim sat up taller and pushed out his chest proudly.

We laughed, and at the same time, the door clicked as Rune came back in. Quirking his brow, he asked, “What are we all laughing at?”

“Nandemonai.” Akira shrugged. “We were most definitely not talking about you.”

Greshim and Newt giggled, looking up at their brother. Rune smiled at the two of them, who passed a silent message between each other.

The smell of greasy, hot pepperoni pizza suddenly filled the room as Ardley appeared with the food. Everyone grabbed slices before returning to their places. Rune produced his movie—the horror movie I’d gotten him for his birthday. Greshim and Newt promised they were brave enough to watch it with us, so the nine of us lounged on the plush couches, enjoying the simplicity of pizza, friends, and good films.

In such a short amount of time, everyone in this room had come to be like family to me. These moments were precious, and the thought of losing any of them, even my newer friends like Ardley, caused a crack to form right down my chest.

It had been so long since I had truly felt at home with people other than Dallas. Spending my whole life not knowing my real family or where I came from had always left me feeling like something was missing. I was thankful for Greg and Wendy who took me in, but I never felt like I was truly home with my “family.” When Dallas and I became best friends, that sort of void tucked away in my chest started to fill. She was always there for me, and I knew she would be by my side through everything. She was my family.

But now, my family had grown.

And it had all started with Rune.

What happened at the club those few months ago—nearly getting robbed and murdered—was a horrible experience and memory. That fear and desperation I felt was something I would never wish on anyone. Even so, I wouldn’t be where I was now, feeling what I was at that moment, if it hadn’t been for that night. I had found a family. Akira, Bassel, Marlow, Avana, Ardley, the twins.

Rune.

Glancing sideways, I drank in the sight of Rune. He sat back on the couch on the other side of Greshim. He was in the middle of talking to Akira, so his gaze was far from my own. His broad chest rose and fell with every breath, every laugh. The corners of his eyes were creased at the sides as he chuckled about something, and the sound of his deep, honey-sweet laughter made my heart flutter on the wings of birds taking flight. This was the man I loved. Even the parts about him that weren’t human were now endearing to me. The subtle twitch of his white fox ear, the canines that glistened in the light, and the flick of his fluffy tail draped next to him. I had come to love it all because they were a part of him.

His laugh melted into the air as he met my gaze. I held my breath under his stare, and a tender warmth flooded his eyes as he smiled at me. If we were alone, I would’ve wrapped myself in his embrace and basked in all the bliss I felt. As it was, I returned the gesture with a smile.

We’d be alone soon enough.

Once the movie ended, Rune stood and reached for the empty pizza tray. “I’ll run this back to the kitchen. Anyone need anything?”

Everyone declined as Rune made his way to the door.

I quickly got up and trailed after him. “I’ll come with you.”

Rune looked back at me, and concern pricked at the lines on his forehead. “Are you sure? We may run into people.”

“I’m sure. If I keep hiding away, it will probably look suspicious. I need to at least act like I’m not scared.”

“Are you scared?”

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