Page 51 of Destined for Eternity
Tormod pulled the handbasket close. “No way am I giving any of this up.”
They went to the checkout and were lucky enough no other customers were in line. The attendant frowned at Bartol’s burn scars for a moment, but then he ducked his head and focused on ringing up their food purchases. Tormod stayed silent. He was a little reluctant to hand over the basket, but his violet eyes never glowed and his expression stayed neutral. The young man must have wanted his snacks badly to behave that well.
Bartol paid for each of their loads, and they headed out of the store. “You did good.”
“So did you.”
Tormod was right. Other than some discomfort when the humans stared at his scars, Bartol had been fine the whole time. He didn’t know if he was improving, or if he’d been too distracted by his student to worry about himself. Either way, it was the most successful shopping trip he’d had in Fairbanks—despite the initial troubles.
“Are you up for another stop or two before we return to the compound?” Bartol asked as they loaded the groceries into the SUV.
Tormod cocked his head. “Where to?”
“I need to get some ideas for a gift for my child, and find something for Cori.”
The nerou grinned widely. “This should be fun.”
Bartol hoped he wouldn’t come to regret taking the nerou with him.
