Page 62 of The Jorogumo

My eyes met Liam's, and I raised a brow at him, which just made his blush darken. Apparently, my mate was kinkier than I'd thought.

Khush and Silas teased us for a bit more, but their hunger soon pulled their focus back to their meals, and we shared a nice dinner as things went back to normal. Dustin told us about feeling the baby move, and I smiled at the way Khush watched him as he spoke, his face alight with pride and love. Iwas so happy for my friends, and I couldn't wait to welcome a new member to our little family.

It was the Forest's turn to do the dishes, so our conversations continued as we moved into the kitchen, washing everything up as I told them about the dragon bartender—with my excitement over asking Liam to move in, I'd forgotten all about it. Zamir was especially curious about the place, wanting to know if there were other supes around since "It's been a long damned time since I hooked up with someone, and y'all have been making me feel a tad envious," and I hoped he'd find someone there, if not forever then at least for a while.

As a shtriga, Zamir didn't do well with humans. The ones who lived here were 'safe' because they were mated to supes, but humans were supposed to be Zamir's primary food source—he ate life force, and according to him, humans had the most potent ones because of how short their lifespan was—and while he abstained, that didn't mean he was never tempted. Taking a human to bed was just asking for trouble.

Once all the dishes were done and the kitchen was sparkling, we returned to the Forest, everyone quickly escaping to their homes as Liam and I did the same.

Our home. I loved how that sounded.

Changing into sleep clothes—I insisted Liam wear his usual old t-shirt and shorts outfit when he tried to wear sweatpants instead—we climbed under Liam's soft blanket, his fluffy pillows cradling our heads as we moved closer to each other. I liked using his things, loved how they smelled like him. I wondered if they'd start smelling like both of us soon. I couldn't wait to check.

Liam

Moving in with Haruto was the best decision I made. Sure, I woke up every morning just a little late since he was so comfy to cuddle, and I had to rush to get to work on time, but there were a whole lot of perks too.

I only had to cook once or twice a week when it was the Forest's turn to make breakfast or dinner—I was usually at the shop for lunch, so I got to skip that—and same with the dishes. We split laundry, and the headmaster's magic kept our home clean all the time.

I spent most of my free time with Haruto, but I'd also been getting to know the other Sanctuary residents. I'd grown especially close to Shade, who was surprisingly cheerful and friendly.

I'd gotten to know the nixie twins better too, and Jacinta seemed less scary with every passing day. There were a lot of people I still hadn't met, some because they were wary of—or dangerous to—humans, others because I just hadn't found the time.

I planned to get to know as many of them as I could, though, because they were Haruto's family, and I wanted them to be mine as well.

Checking my phone, I sighed. It was thirty minutes to lunch, and I was growing impatient. How was it that I spent every free moment I could with Haruto and I still wanted more? I felt restless when he wasn't around.

I scanned the comic I'd been reading to pass the time, flicking to the next page as my phone started buzzing.

Momflashed on the screen, and I took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, bracing myself as I accepted the call.

"Hey, Mom. How are you?"

"I'm fine, dear. How are you? Still running the shop?" I gritted my teeth, telling myself I'd just imagined the condescending edge to her voice.

"Well, actually, I'm planning to buy it," I said, knowing how she would react. Maybe that was why I'd said it, to throw her off balance.

My relationship with my parents was strained at best, and sometimes, I wished I could just break it off, cut them out of my life completely. But I was their only child, and the responsibility I felt wouldn't let me.

"What? Why would you do that, Liam? I thought you were looking for a better job. You can't possibly afford it."

I couldn't, not on my own, but I had a wonderful mate who was just as obsessed with comics—and me—and he had no problem paying for half of it. Not that I was going to tell her that.

"I like my job, Mom. I've never wanted to change it. You did. And don't worry about the money."

"You're my son. Of course I'll worry. You're all the way on the other side of the country"—it was as far as I could get from them without needing a visa—"and all alone. How can I not worry?"

"I'm not alone, Mom," I said with a sigh, rubbing my face with a palm. "I'm seeing someone. We moved in together."

"Oh! What's her name?"

And there was the other reason why we'd never be close. I'd explained to my parents multiple times that while I liked women, I also liked men, and people in between. I was pansexual, and as long as our personalities gelled, I didn't think much about what was in their pants until we were in bed and taking them off.

"His name is Haruto. He's a wonderful man, and I love him."

My mom was silent for a long moment, and I glanced up to check the clock above the front door, only to smile as I saw Haruto walk in through the door.

He grinned at me, then hung the lunch sign at the door, locking it securely. He eyed my phone curiously, and I remembered I was still on a call.

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