Page 23 of Back in the Hunt

“What’s going on out here?” He sounded concerned as he let himself in through the gate, captivating Everly as he used the front of his shirt to wipe his face. Bryn’s stomach was covered in thick, dark fur, making Everly’s mouth water and his fingers itch.

A hoot from Merlin made Everly jump. “Shameless flaunting and teasing is what I’d call it. Look at the poor lad,” he said with another click of his teeth at Everly.

Bryn pulled a face, then gasped at Everly. “Look at his hands. What did you do?” He went to Everly, groaning as he inspected the cuts on his fingers.

“I barely noticed,” Everly said and was far more interested in the heady scent of Bryn’s body, his breath, and his wind-blownhair. He smelled like a wild run in the sun and Everly wanted to cover himself in Bryn. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“Want to go inside and clean this up?” Bryn suggested but Everly shook his head.

“I want to stay out here and help Merlin. Can you cut the witch hazel for me?”

Bryn nodded as he accepted the shears from Everly. “Sure.”

There was a chuckle from Merlin. “Witch hazel is useful for wound care and inflammation,” he noted.

“I’ll cut extra,” Bryn decided. “Are you sure it’s a good idea, having Everly out here without one of us?” he asked and cocked a brow at Merlin.

He hushed Bryn with a dismissive wave. “He is not some ungodly horror to be kept under the stairs and away from the light. Unless you turn him into one with your fretting. Do you know how Nox learned to identify a queen bee or how to heal a poison ivy rash in the woods? Not by sitting indoors with a book on his lap,” Merlin told them.

“I had iron scissors!” Everly interrupted. He didn’t want Bryn to worry or for them to argue over him again so he didn’t mention the scary shadow across the street.

“See?” Merlin’s nose tipped back haughtily.

Everly thought he resembled a mushroom, sitting on his heels with his large hat casting a shadow around him. A butterfly landed on the brim, making Everly gasp and point. “It’s a Little Yellow! That’s its actual name!” he whispered to Bryn.

“Do you like butterflies?”

“I love them! I don’t know the names of all of them yet, but I can usually tell what family they belong to by the shapes of their wings.”

“Huh.” Bryn smirked over Everly’s shoulder at Merlin. “That’sanotherthing he knows that I don’t. Did you know he used to answer customer service calls about air fryers?”

Everly nodded. “I know everything about air fryers.” It was the perfect job for Everly because he was scared to use his stove.

“A device for frying air?” Merlin confirmed, then shook his head. “How strange.”

“Bryn!” Everly gave Bryn’s arm a tug, urging him closer. “I’m going to blow Merlin’s mind this Christmas!”

Bryn laughed, the minty huff making Everly dizzy as their lips brushed. “I can’t wait,” Bryn said and cupped Everly’s cheek.

“Wait!” Everly complained when he received an affectionate kiss on the forehead before being released.

“You’re distracting me and I don’t want Merlin getting on my case.” Bryn gave Everly a firm nod, then got to clipping.

“Have a look at this vervain, Everly,” Merlin called and pointed at the flowers next to him.

Everly hurried over and lowered next to Merlin. “These are pretty!”

“They are. You know, it takes a very special soul to tame a hellhound,” the old man said quietly, his smile gentle as he studied Everly under his hat. “He has the ability to see us as we are and judges the qualities of our souls. You can’t fool a hellhound, Everly.”

“Hmm…” Everly fondled the clusters of purple petal ruffles. “Some of the things he’s said about you aren’t very nice.”

Merlin tittered as he snipped with a set of child-sized garden shears. “No doubt well-deserved. I have not survived this twisted world by being an angel. The trick to being a redeemable rascal is to only pick on those who are capable of knocking you into next week if you go too far, and using your wiles to protect those who are smaller and weaker than you.”

“I’m smaller and weaker than everyone!” Everly said, earning a pleased hum from Merlin.

“You have the potential to be quite the rascal. I'm looking forward to it, so don’t let me down,” he whispered to Everly.

“A rascal!” Everly whispered at the vervain, then smiled wickedly. “I’m going to touch Bryn’s butt!”

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