Page 52 of Hellfire

“Why not?” I shrugged, setting the glasses on the counter next to the sink for washing.

We had a fun night making different dishes and eating them.Babciataught me the importance of family and spoiled my childhood friends from Spook Club at every meeting. I considered Gable and his sister as an extension of our Guild family.

Gable filled the sink with hot water and squirted detergent in it. “Look at us, working together again.” He just loved to bring it up.

“Yeah, we’re a team.” I gave it right back.

“A good team.” My bonded wrapped her arm around my stomach, snuggling me from behind for a few moments before spreading the love to Gable.

“A team that likes each other?” Gable dipped the first plates in the soapy water and cleaned it.

“Don’t go that far,” I teased, and he chuckled and flicked me with water.

“May I be excused, brother?” Mary asked. “I’d like to watch the news.”

“You don’t have to ask,” Gable called over his shoulder.

“Thank you, brother.” Mary came up to Luna and me. “And thank you for dinner. Please visit again soon. I enjoyed tonight. ”

She made herself scarce, switching on the TV, flicking to the news channel, and reporters droned in the background about a wetter-than-usual winter.

Gable caught me watching her and said, “Watching the news soothes her when she doesn’t hear any reports about the Brotherhood.”

“We all need our coping mechanisms.” I got busy with drying the first dish with a tea towel.

“I’m glad you two made amends.” Luna patted Gable’s belly, and he put his left hand on hers, using his right to wash the dishes.

“I’m making lots of friends recently,” Gable shared.

“Yeah? Who?” Luna closed her eyes and rested the side of her face in the curve of his spine. They looked good together. Natural. Complimentary. They cared for each other, supported each other, and trusted each other.

I slowly came to trust him too. Without him, my brothers and bonded might never have found me in the maze of Camus’ castle.

“The gargoyle thinks I’m okay too.” His shoulders flexed as his arms worked, her face rolling with the motion.

“Yeah, I think he’s okay too.” Luna nuzzled his back.

“Just okay?” I wound the towel up and cracked it on her ass, and she squeaked, breaking away from Gable to try and apprehend the weapon.

I laughed, my anxiety retreating to the back of my mind. Though, it would come roaring back when we had to leave.

“He’s pretty good.” She kept up her teasing routine.

“If he’s pretty good, then what am I?” I whipped her on the side this time, and she caught the end of the towel, playing tug of war with me. I let her have it. Before she snapped my ass, I lifted both palms, and declared, “The one who has the towel has to dry the dishes.”

The towel whizzed out and got me on the leg. “You made that up!”

“It’s a rule,” Gable backed me up.

“Ah, I get it. You two are friends now and ganging up on me.” She cracked Gable’s behind, and he grunted.

“What are friends for?” he teased, flicking her with bubbles.

“I’m glad you’re friends.” My bonded slung the wet towel over my arm, returning to cuddling Gable.

I snapped her ass for favoring him. “Where’s my cuddles?”

“You’ll get some when you finish drying.” I laughed at her response, enjoying the way we connected and interacted as a group.

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