Page 24 of My Saintly Demon

“Oh, yeah. That’s not a problem. Grab your stuff and I’ll show you around. The others should be home.”

I grab the small bag I know Charles packed from the back of the Escalade and with a hand on his back, we follow Mike into the house.

“I’ll need to borrow some of your clothes. I didn’t get to pack anything before I left.” I whisper next to his ear, and I’m thrilled to see him shiver.

“We’re not exactly the same size.”

“I’ll just stay naked then and borrow your toothbrush.”

Charles sucks in a breath. “You won’t hear me complain.”

Mike casts a glance back at us as he opens the door. “Did your dad tell you about my place at all?”

I slip back into serious mode and notice Charles adjust his crotch as Mike steps inside.

“No. Just that you owed him and it wouldn’t be a problem.”

The house is massive, reminiscent of sprawling farm houses when settlers came here and had a dozen children just to work the land. It’s old and has many additions. I easily noticed the additions with the change in building materials and style. It’s a unique home in the way it blends architectural styles across two hundred years. Like it kept trying to adapt to the changes in society without saying goodbye to its structural roots.

A young man with long dark hair moves around the kitchen, swinging his hips to music only he hears since he’s wearing headphones. Mike taps him on the shoulder and he spins towards us.

“This here is Xavier. We call him Cook sometimes though, because that’s what he does best.”

I extend a hand in greeting, but he ignores it, scanning Charles before turning to Mike.

“He’s human. I thought you said we couldn’t do that unless we knew they were... chosen.”

Before Mike can say anything, I step closer, growling loud enough to make the young man take a step back. “He’s with me. I chose him, and that’s all you need to know.”

Xavier holds up his hands. “Sorry. I should have waited. Not a problem. Down, boy. I get the message. Welcome. Like, Mike said, call me Cook or X. I’m really only good at cooking, I make a terrible witch. That’s why you find me here most of the time.”

This time he shakes my hand and I make sure he notices the flames in my eyes as he casts another appreciative glance at Charles. Witch or not, he can stay away.

Mike motions for us to follow him down a long hallway that ends in a massive oak door.

“This is a suite you’re welcome to as long as you like. There’s a key on top of the dresser, but you shouldn’t need to lock anything here. If you don’t mind, I’ve had a very long day and I need some sleep. We can catch up in the morning if that’s okay?”

“Of course. I think we’ll be okay now that we’re here. Nothing is urgent for us. Thank you, Mike.”

With a nod, Mike opens the door and… vanishes.

“Did he just disappear or I am still high from last night’s joint? Dave?” His voice rises with a squeak. “What the hell is this place?”

Charles shakily lowers himself to the king size bed, noticing the satin bedding as I do. But the satin doesn’t hold his attention very long as he clenches his fists on his thighs.

“Charles? Do you need something?”

A panic laden laugh leaves his lips.

“I need to feel like I’m in touch with reality again. I just left the only life I’ve ever known. I was almost car jacked and I’m sitting in a strange house with a witch, a disappearing man and a demon who is extra nice. This isn’t real. I need…. I need to…”

He pulls in deep breaths; the panic gripping him as he lowers his head to his knees. “I need you to help me understand how the hell I’m here talking to someone who was a figment of my over sexualized imagination twenty four hours ago and how any of this is happening. Help me stop freaking out.”

I was wondering if any of this would make him crack. As a priest, it’s not that big of a stretch for him to believe I’m real. But the rest of it, yeah, any human would likely panic. Or be on the cusp of a melt down as Charles seems to be.

I toss my suit jacket over the back of the chair before sitting next to him and pulling him onto my lap. He feels so tiny against me, but he also melts into my chest, clutching me like a lifeline and a peace I’ve never felt before settles. I dust my lips across his forehead.

“It’s a lot to absorb for you. I’m sorry I dragged you into it.”

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