Page 63 of Body and Soul

“I'll be there,” I told Mom, my mind already working through the logistics. “Give me a couple of hours to wrap things up here.”

“Thank you, Shepherd,” she said, the relief evident in her voice.

We exchanged a few more details before ending the call. I set the phone down, considering this new development. The coup was concerning, no doubt, but it also presented an opportunity. With the Junkyard Dogs in play, we'd have access to resources and manpower that could prove invaluable in my current situation.

I exhaled slowly, my mind racing as I processed the implications of this latest development. Kidnapping Xion onAlgerone’s behalf was the last thing I wanted to do. But Algerone had made it clear I had no choice. If I didn’t, he might hurt Eli. The fact that he had promised to help me free Daniella from the cult helped ease the sting, but it still didn’t feel like an even trade. Still, I had no choice, not if I wanted to keep Eli safe.

At soft footsteps, I looked up. Eli emerged, platinum hair mussed, eyes bleary. His oversized t-shirt hung loose, slipping off one pale shoulder.

“Morning,” he mumbled, shuffling into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Eli,” I replied, keeping my voice low and soothing so as not to startle him in his half-awake state.

He hesitated and blinked owlishly at me. “Shepherd?”

“Yes, it's me,” I confirmed. “Were you expecting Bryce?”

“I guess I was,” Eli admitted, color rising in his cheeks. He tugged self-consciously at the hem of his shirt. “Sorry, I didn't mean to... I mean, it's good to see you too.”

“No need to apologize,” I assured him. “I hope you slept well?”

Eli nodded.

I gestured to the table. “Have a seat. I'll get some breakfast started for us.”

“Thank you, Sir.,” Eli replied, sinking into one of the kitchen chairs. He propped his elbows on the table, resting his chin in his hands as he watched me move about the kitchen.

I retrieved a carton of eggs and a package of bacon from the fridge, setting them on the counter before grabbing a frying pan from the rack. As I cracked eggs into a bowl and began whisking them, I glanced over at Eli. “So, did you have a good time with Bryce last night?” I asked casually, keeping my tone light and conversational.

Eli's eyes widened slightly, and he sat up straighter. Eli licked his lips nervously, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “Um, yeah, it was nice. We, uh, we watched a movie and had some pizza.”

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral as I added the whisked eggs to the hot pan. They sizzled and popped as I pushed them around with a spatula. “I'm glad you two had a chance to spend some quality time together.”

Eli swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. He glanced up at me through his lashes. “There's something else, Sir. Bryce and I... we kissed.” The words came out in a rush, like a breath he'd been holding.

I nodded slowly, plating the eggs before turning to face Eli fully. “I know,” I said, keeping my voice gentle. “Bryce wrote about it in our diary.”

Eli's eyes widened, and he ducked his head, his blush deepening to a dark crimson. “You're not mad?” he asked, his voice small and uncertain.

I crossed the kitchen to put the plate on the table before him, but neither of us was worried about the breakfast. I tilted his chin up with two fingers so he was forced to meet my gaze. “No, Eli, I'm not mad. On the contrary, I'm proud of you for your honesty and restraint.”

Eli's brows furrowed in confusion. “Restraint? But I... we...” He glanced away. “We were grinding on each other like a couple of horny teenagers, Sir.”

“You stopped,” I reminded him. “Despite how much you wanted and needed more, you kept to the terms of our contract. That took immense self-control and discipline. I'm very pleased with you.”

Eli's eyes shone at the praise, his lips curving into a shy smile. “Thank you, Sir. I... I didn't want to disappoint you or cross any lines without talking to you first.”

“Your obedience and dedication to our arrangement is exemplary. However...” I paused, considering my next words carefully. “I do think it's time we discuss the changing nature of our relationship.”

Eli's eyes widened, a flicker of hope and anticipation dancing across his delicate features before he schooled his expression into one of calm neutrality. “Discuss the nature of our relationship, Sir?”

I nodded, smoothing my thumb over his chin before releasing him and stepping back. “Yes, but I'm afraid it will have to wait until this evening. Something's come up with my family and I need to head out to Liar's Corner for the day.”

Eli's brows knit together and he sat up straighter in his chair. “Is everything okay? Do you need me to come with you and help with anything?”

The raw concern in his voice tugged at something deep in my chest. This boy, so eager and willing to be of service, to be needed. It was endearing and heartbreaking all at once.

I shook my head. “No, that won't be necessary. It's some family business I need to attend to. Nothing for you to worry about.”

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