Page 83 of Hollyhocks

“Hey, Eli. It’s good to hear your voice. Are you feeling okay?” I open the lid to the ottoman, snagging my gun, and tucking it in my waistband.

“I feel a lot better. Tired. Mom said we are coming to live with you because of Grandpa?”

“Yeah, you guys are coming to live with me. I know that messes up your classes, but we will figure it out.”

“Actually, the rest of the year I’m doing classes online. The school has been really great about the surgery and they are working with me. I can’t wait to come live with you.”

I’m excited too. I’ve missed out on his life since moving away. I’m a little nervous to introduce him to my friends and Holly. Hopefully, it rains so that the spell Caden and his witch friend cast works on them.

What if they have mates too?

“I’m excited too, Eli. You’re going to have to catch me up on your life when you get here. When will you two be on your way?” I march to the kitchen window again, peeking out to see them walking around her house now.

“A few days. They said it could take up to a week for me to be discharged. I spiked a fever last night, so they are keeping an eye on me.”

“Do you still have a fever?” I’m worried. He has never been sick like this before.

“No. I’m fine. I got up and walked around. I feel fine, but they won’t let me leave yet. I’m bored. I just want to come see you.”

“Focus on getting better and you’ll be here before you know it. Maybe I can get you a part-time job at the shop? I know it isn’t much but—”

“—That would be awesome! I’d love to work with you, Uncle Fitz. I’ve missed you, you know. It isn’t the same without you.”

I smile, my heart twisting with how much I miss him. “I couldn’t agree more. We’re all better when we are together. Stronger too.”

“Grandpa is serious this time?” His voice becomes hard with anger. “I won’t let him touch Mom.”

“I won’t either. I won’t let him get to you either.”

“The doctor just walked in. I have to go. I’ll call you later, okay? I love you.”

I’m the luckiest fucking guy on this planet. Not many men his age are so in tune with their emotions. I always told him growing up that it’s okay for men to show how they feel. It’s healthier to express our feelings so we don’t bottle them up and become bitter, angry, and resentful.

“I love you too, Kiddo. Text me what the doc says.”

“Will do.”

He hangs up the phone, and I blow out a stressful breath, tucking my phone into my pocket. I’m happy Heather and Elijah aren’t here right now. I don’t want them to see what’s going on or why I have a gun tucked in the back of my waistband.

Snagging my baseball cap from the hook, I put it on backward, unlock the door, and step outside.

It’s a warmer day than usual. It’s why Rhett, Mickey, and Creed were swimming yesterday. I think it’s the last warm weather front we will have until the snow comes because the nights are turning frigid.

I step out from the porch, leaning against the beam and crossing my arms. The two men are pacing next to her car, talking to each other but I can’t tell what they are saying.

Stepping onto my front lawn, I make myself known. “Hey, there. How are you doing?”

They turn to look at me and both have bright yellow eyes. Their cheeks have feathers, and they try to hide themselves by keeping their heads down.

I can see them.

“We need to know where the girl is who lives here.”

I can’t tell which one speaks but it doesn’t matter. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen her.”

“You haven’t seen her? She lives next door,” he sneers, taking a step forward.

His friend stops him from getting closer by grabbing his shoulder.

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