Page 35 of Body and Soul

“Wednesday,” he replied.

Four days trapped in the dark while my other self wreaked havoc. I set the candy back on the shelf, fingers trembling. “And Keres? Has he…?”

“Behaved himself?” Gavin snorted. “Well enough for him. Want the update here or in the car? I was keeping Keres busy while Eli finished his shift.”

Glancing around, paranoia crept in. “Let’s wait until we're in the car.”

Gavin nodded, taking the basket from my hand. “I'll check out. Meet you at the car in five.”

I made my way out to the SUV, still feeling dazed, and slumped against the leather seat. I closed my eyes against the dull throb in my temples, and I rubbed my forehead. It was no use.

As Gavin slid into the driver’s seat, his expression neutral, I cracked one eye open. “Headache?” he asked.

I nodded, wincing as pain shot through my skull, the dull throb intensifying with each movement. “It's always like this after someone else has been in control.”

He made a sympathetic noise and started the car. The familiar streets of Columbus slid by, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows.

“So,” I said after a moment, “what's the damage?”

Gavin tightened his grip on the wheel. “Nothing catastrophic. Eli has moved in, settling into a routine. He’s taken on cleaning duties without being asked and responds well to clear instructions.”

“Good. How has he been with Keres?”

Gavin hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Keres has claimed him. Marked him as his own.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, a wave of dizziness crashing over me. My darker impulses had clawed their way into an innocent life, just as I had feared.

“I walked in on them the first day,” Gavin continued, voice tight. “Keres had Eli pinned against the wall, and Eli was… Well, it was compromising.”

My mouth went dry. “Did Eli seem…willing?”

Gavin met my gaze evenly. “From what I saw, it appeared consensual. Eli didn’t fight back and seemed to respond quite…enthusiastically.”

I leaned back, a tangle of emotions swirling through me. Relief that Keres hadn't forced himself on Eli clashed with simmering jealousy. I had no claim on Eli; he was free to choose, even if that choice embodied my darkest urges.

“Was it just the one time?” I asked.

Gavin shrugged. “As far as I know. Keres knows better than to try anything when I’m around, but I have to go home. I talked to Eli, though. He doesn’t seem hurt or traumatized. He’s quite…submissive with Keres. You should train him sooner rather than later; he craves guidance. Honestly, it’s better that it’s you rather than Keres.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, the headache intensifying. Gavin was right. Eli needed me to guide him, to keep him safe from Keres and myself. “I’ll talk to Eli tonight. Set some ground rules.”

Gavin nodded, relief flickering across his face. “That’s good. It will be better for everyone involved.”

As we pulled onto the street by the tattoo shop, Gavin said, “He’s a smart kid, eager to please. He’ll take to your training well.”

I hummed in agreement, thoughts racing ahead to our tasks. I needed to take things slowly, to build trust. The last thing I wanted was to push him away.

Gavin parked outside the shop, the neon sign casting a red glow. I spotted Eli working, brow furrowed in concentration.

Eli emerged moments later, the late afternoon sun highlighting his platinum hair. He wore a fitted black t-shirt and dark jeans.

“New clothes?” I noted.

Gavin nodded. “I took him shopping.”

Eli slid into the back seat, a shy smile on his lips. “Hey, Keres. Gavin,” he said softly.

I cleared my throat. “It's Shepherd, actually.”

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