Page 20 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Melissa was still processing this sudden revelation. Rookwasn’t just an acquaintance from the enclave where Christopher Armstrong grewup. “You’re my father’s parent?”
“And you are your father’s daughter. See? We’re alreadyconnected.” He offered his palms and asked, “Are you comfortable with tending?”
“Of course,” she assured. “I’ve been through the training,and I know what to expect.”
Rook led her to a sofa and perched close by, withouttouching. “That sounds like more theory than practice.”
She hesitated, cheeks coloring. “I’ve tended many Kith, butI’ve never had much personal interaction with the High Amaranthine. Notone-on-one.”
“You’re not discomfited.” A statement of fact, entirelybased on scent, no doubt.
Rook slipped a simple bracelet from his wrist, then loosenedhis bowtie. Melissa wasn’t sure how the two items worked together to create anillusion of humanity, but with both gone, she found herself seated beside awolf clansman.
Short, black hair was subtly shaggier, and his ears came to elegantpoints. Light brown eyes changed to the deep yellow of amber glass, with characteristicslit pupils. And the hands he offered were graced by claws that gleamed likeivory against the deep brown of his skin. His tail was visible now, too—longand lavish, pure black with a subtle sheen that suggested reddish tips. Rookwould be dramatic in his truest form.
“I’ve worked with young reavers many times. You will find mea patient partner.”
Melissa quickly met his palms. “Yes, please. May I ask aboutyour name? Ornames, since you’ve given two already.”
Rook’s grin now showed a flash of fang. “I am Kinloo-felNightspangle. In the language of wolves, my name means ‘blue moon child.’ Canthere be peace between us?”
“Yes.”
“And trust enough for tending?” he gently pressed.
“Yes, please.”
His hands moved into a supportive position, then simplycradled hers. Thumbs brushing her skin, he soothed, “No reason to be nervous. You’resharp and bright, but I’m tougher than I look. You cannot overwhelm me.”
“You can tell?”
“Your wards are impressive, but we’re touching.” Rookexplained, “It’s similar to my leading you by the hand through our barriers. You’velet me through. I’m on the inside now, and your dazzling crystals are keeping usboth safe.”
Melissa hadn’t known her stones had any sort of defensive capability.“I can hide you, shield you, amplify your strength?”
“I think it’s possible. With practice.” Rook eased a littlecloser. “I wish Doon-wen could be here. He’s a cranky so-and-so, but he has hisreasons. Once he’s back from his trip, don’t let his grumping get you down.He’s as soft as he is ornery.”
His low tones worked against her fleeting uneasiness, andthe more she relaxed, the more he made the little approving noises sherecognized from working with Kith. Without much warning, tears sprang to hereyes. She lowered her gaze, but there was no hiding from superior senses.
“Homesick?” he asked. “Lots of students are drawn toFounders because they need the comfort of other people, a warm drink, afriendly smile, a listening ear. They’re lonesome, but we can’t nestle themall. With reavers, we’re allowed to do what comes naturally. No need to holdback, you know?”
Melissa leaned into Rook, who continued speaking in mellowtones, unhurried and uninhibited. Little stories about when her father was aboy. More warnings about his cantankerous older brother. Unstinting praise forthe bakery next door, with a brief caveat to remind her that squirrels numberedamong the trickster clans.
Rook stroked her hair, and she smiled at the idea that herfather had been similarly cuddled and comforted. She asked, “Did my fatherconsider you his dad?”
The wolf stilled.
She glanced up, worried she’d blundered.
But Rook patted her head and offered a lopsided smile.“You’ll find out eventually. Might as well be from me. I’m teased for it oftenenough.”
“If you don’t want to ….”
“Peace, Melissa. It’s fine.” He pulled her in so her headrested against his shoulder. Her cheek pressed against the starched white ofhis shirt, and his cheek rested atop her head. “When Christopher was verysmall, he called Doon-wenDaddy, which was really very brave. And I wasMomma,which was really very cute.”
Melissa giggled.
Rook’s amusement was a rumble deep in his chest. With anudge to her hair that Melissa suspected was a kiss, he asked, “Shall we?”
