Page 86 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“More than one, actually. I wouldn’t pass for human otherwise.”
Tami reached for his face, and he held still while shepushed his hair behind his ear. “No points?”
Some of the tension left his posture, and he cracked asmile. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“You’re a crosser.”
“That’s the truth.” Ash edged closer and whispered, “Closeyour eyes.”
As soon as she did, something rustled around her, brushingagainst her shoulders, her hair. An enveloping warmth carried a familiar scent,bringing to mind nesting boxes and roosting hens. “You have feathers?”
“I do.” Ash caught her wrist and guided her hand upward.
What she found amazed her. “You havewings.”
She trailed her hand across fanning feathers, then followedthe upper edge to the place where they joined Ash’s back. Her fingers found anest of down there. And bare skin, where Ash’s shirt had been altered toaccommodate his wings. He shivered and flexed.
Her explorations left her pressed close, and he slid hisarms around her waist. “You’re not … disturbed?”
Far from it. She kissed his cheek and murmured, “What colorare your feathers?”
“Black.” Ash’s nose trailed along her jaw. “Crow clan.”
“Oh. Like your name.”
He chuckled. “Snooping in files?”
“A little. I was curious.” Tami paused. “Wait … youmentioned Kip. Him, too?”
“We grew up together. He’s good with illusions.” Ash touchedher hair. “I think he outed himself to Joe.”
Recalling the red hair and passing resemblance to one of thefounders she’d met earlier, she asked, “Is he related to Linden Woodacre, byany chance?”
Ash kissed her, and all thoughts of squirrels fled.
She was breathless when he drew back and cleared his throat.“I heard from … from someone connected to the enclave that you’re tree-kin. Isthat true?”
“Yes.” Explanations tumbled out, mostly coherent, thoughAsh’s constant nuzzling and petting were a distraction.
“I was fully prepared to pledge everything, even knowing itwould only be for a short time.” Ash’s voice was low with emotion. “I’m glad itwill be longer.”
Tami was embarrassed it had taken this long for her torealize. “Your lifespan.”
“Ourlifespans.” He kissed her softly. “My years areyours if you’ll have them.”
THIRTY-TWO
Freezing Rain
Kip woke to the sound of rain rattling against glass.Stretching and scratching, he sat up and studied his surroundings. Long sleepsalways left him sluggish. Where …? Not home, but safe. He could feel thereassuring strength of his own wards. Then he spotted Jiro, curled up under aquilt on the floor. And the stockpiled snacks crammed against the wall.
What a trooper.
A quick scamper to the bathroom. A few extra sigils for thedoor and floor. Then Kip scooped up Jiro and tucked him into his own bed,crawling right in after him. The man squinted groggily, but he couldn’t havebeen seeing much in the dark. Rubbing at cold arms, Kip muttered, “I’m the worsthouseguest ever. Total bed hog. And you’refreezing.”
“Kip?”
“How long was I out?”
