Page 14 of There's No Place Like Oz

“And you eat?” Crowe’s brows were furrowed in a way that was comically perplexed for his innately demonic face.

“Oh my god.” I threw my head back and let out a heavy sigh. “You are literally the only immortal, organ-less zombie here. The rest of us have to actually maintain our bodies.”

“That’s unfortunate.” Crowe seemed genuinely perplexed and let down. “It’s not like you’re the first person I’ve ever had to be careful with, but I’m a bit disappointed, I’ll admit.”

“Why?” Tobias scrunched up his nose.

“Because being gentle and careful isn’t really my thing.” He spoke matter-of-factly and did not elaborate. “But I suppose I’ll manage.” Brief as it was, I couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze fell on my silver shoes. And in that moment, I wondered if he was only going to be loyal so long as I had them in my possession. Maybe they were enchanted, and he had to be loyal to whoever wore them. That would explain his extended service to someone who he seemed to despise.

But that wasn’t a question I was going to ask. So long as he helped us get home, there was no reason to question him. I’d just accept this temporary alliance for what I knew it was.

“Why don’t we stop here so we can build a shelter while we still have a little daylight.” Tobias nodded toward a clearing in the trees. It was a large circle of uncharacteristically sparse vegetation, where random stumps still protruded from the ground as if the forest had been cleared by a woodsman. “It’ll be easier to see attackers approaching if they have to run through open grass.”

“Fair enough.” Crowe nodded. “I wouldn’t mind a break anyway.”

Chapter 10

I broke some branches off a nearby tree, and I used the strong wood to build a tiny shelter of leaves and twigs and mud. It was rugged and simple, but I knew Dorothy didn’t mind things like that. She wasn’t one to need heavy pampering or big luxuries, even if she had fallen down a bit of a rabbit hole in Hollywood. No matter what happened, she’d always kept to her roots, and I loved that about her. She could wear a nice gown without losing her “roll your sleeves up and get it done” personality, for better or for worse.

Once the largest part of the structure was secure, I took off my tunic and laid it across the springy greenery. It wouldn’t cover the ground completely, but it would be more comfortable for her than lying directly in the grass. I spread the material smoothly then looked up at Dorothy who’d been watching my handiwork the whole time.

“Will this work?” I asked. “Or wait, I can use my pants, too.” I began unbuckling my belt, and immediately Dorothy threw up her hands and shook her head rapidly.

“No—no that’s fine. The shirt’s plenty. Keep your pants on.” She said through a bright red flush that filled her entire face. I stared at her for several seconds when the reason she was blushing finally hit me. A heat filled my own cheeks, and I turned my face away hoping she hadn’t noticed.

“Of course.” I nodded while not wanting to share the strained smile on my face.Did Dorothy see me like that?This body was rather similar to the kind of men she used to tumble with. I swallowed, not even wanting to think such a thing about my lady. “Get comfortable, and I’ll go get some water for the night.” I tipped my chin in the direction of a distant stream that she may not have been able to hear as well as I could. It was a good excuse to walk away.

“Thanks, Tobias.” Her voice was soft and gentle. And so was the hand she placed on my head. She pulled away without ruffling my hair, and I frowned at this strangeness between us. I didn’t want it to be awkward, and I hoped this new form wouldn’t ruin the relationship we had.

She climbed into the tent and curled up on my shirt, looking so cute and so content, and that was my cue to go for a walk.

Crowe stood against a tree not far from our little tent. He met my gaze as I neared his position.

“I’m going to go get some water… Which I assume you also don’t need.” I told him with a nod. Crowe was a strange anomaly, and tonight would be our first chance to see if he was sincere in protecting Dorothy. If he was, we could continue this journey together merrily. If he wasn’t, I’d find a way to pin him to a post that he wouldn’t be able to free himself from.

“You assume correctly.” His eyes scanned my expression as though he was trying to read something in it. A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “Though I must ask, while I’m trying so very hard to understand you mortals and your human bodies: is cuddling with the girl also something youneedin order to survive, Puppy Dog?” His tone was blatantly teasing and antagonistic, and I wasn’t going to let him rattle me that easily.

“It is.” I confirmed without missing a beat. “In fact, touch starvation can cause havoc on the human body, to the point an infant can die from not receiving affection.” This was all true, and a large portion of why Dorothy had been allowed to keep me as her emotional support. “In addition, shared body heat throughout the night not only promotes better quality sleep, but it prevents hypothermia when sleeping outside without adequate insulation.”

“Fascinating.” Still that smirk of his remained. “You had better touch her good and hard then, because I would hate to be up all night, fighting demons and wild cats, only to have her die without your heat.”

The implication wasn’t lost on me, and I knew he was just trying to get a rise out of me. The fact that it was working wasn’t something I could say I was proud of. I swallowed, and I broke eye contact, then I walked past Crowe, not wanting to speak another word to him lest he find some other way to twist my words. My relationship with Dorothy was still that of protector and friend, and nothing else. I’d never look at her like some kind of outlet for pleasure like so many men had done to her in the past. While she was beautiful and kind and loving and deserving of all the attention she got, I was not going to betray her in that way.

But this new body of mine seemed to react to her in a way I wasn’t used to, and she seemed to look at me in a way she never used to, and I didn’t know what to make of it at this point.

I strolled down to the stream, and I built a small vessel to transport the water using more sticks, mud, and leaves. It wasn’t perfect, but the leaves were tightly woven enough that they would keep the water reasonably clean, and I could build her a small fire to boil out any bacteria.

I stared down into the little bowl, and for the first time since taking this form, I saw my reflection clear as day. My strong jaw, my dark hair, the lean muscles of my bare chest… I hooked a finger through the red collar around my neck, and I slipped along the inside of the leather until I hooked the dog tag connected to the central metal ring. “Tobias – Answers to Toto. Service Dog” was written cutely on the tag.

My lips downturned for a reason that was difficult to explain. I was born to take care of her, and I would always and forever do exactly that. I wouldn’t ever let myself be one of the men she feared or resented. I was proud to be her partner and protector.

So why did I now feel so complicated?

Wanting to get out of my own head, I lifted the water over my shoulder, then I walked back to camp. Crowe still stood idly against a tree, and I chose not to speak to him. That smile on his face as I placed water beside the tent and crawled inside was enough communication.

Dorothy was already half asleep when I pulled down the cover of leaves on the doorway. She shivered, and I reached over to pull her into the warmth of my chest.

But then I stopped myself. She was defenseless and I had all the power here. It… it was inappropriate to hold her like that now. Last night, I’d simply wanted to calm her anxiety, but if I did that when she didn’t absolutely need my touch, would I be taking advantage of her? Would I be just as bad as the last man who hurt her?

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