Page 87 of Half Dead

West released a sigh. “I’m trying to help, Clay. Stop resisting that, too.”

Time for a redirect. “How’s Sage?”

His cheeks colored. “Still working on that.”

“Sneaking around together isn’t going to solve the problem. You need to decide what the relationship is worth to you and then commit to your answer.”

“You make it sound simple.”

I aimed the pointy end of my fork at him. “Do you love her?”

“I’d rather be with her than anyone else.”

“That isn’t an answer.”

“Isn’t that love?”

My mind returned to Kumbhakara, to our discussion on the nature of love. “Not to me.”

West swilled his beer. “I can love Sage and not want to sacrifice the future of the pack for her. That kind of love is for romance novels.”

I scraped the remnants of the casserole from my plate. “Have you ever read a romance novel, West?”

“Can’t say that I have.”

“Does Sage read them?”

“No, but Gran keeps a bookshelf full of them in her bedroom. Has the shelf warded so Sage can’t touch them.” He chuckled. “Gran’s possessive when it comes to her bodice rippers.”

“That tracks.” I smiled, thinking of the elderly fae. “Anyway, my point is that you’re torn between love and duty, West.”

“What am I supposed to do about it?”

“Love is a verb. An action, so I guess the question is—are you a man of action, Weston Davies?”

He offered a wan smile. “What ever happened to patience is a virtue?”

“You’re not exercising patience. You’re waffling. They’re not the same, and it isn’t fair to Sage.”

West polished off his beer. “You’re right.” He tapped his plate. “I’ll wash and you dry?”

“Leave them for now, thanks. I need to decide on weapons for the next trial. I’ll wash the casserole dish and bring it back to you later.”

“No rush. We’ve got plenty of them. That’s one of the upsides of so many pack gatherings. You end up with a collection of useful containers.”

I walked him to the front door. “Thanks for thinking of me.”

He gave my arm a gentle squeeze. “Take care of yourself, Clay. This town needs you in one piece.”

“One piece is my preference, too.” I hugged myself as I watched him leave.

“Chilly?” Ray asked, appearing beside me.

“Scared.”

He gave me solemn nod. “Will it help if I tell you the library will be finished by the time you complete the third trial?”

My head jerked toward him. “Are you serious?”

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