Page 49 of Light As A Feather
“Hell, I’ll give you my entire stash if we do this.”
“I’m holding you to that.” We both laugh as he opens the door.
Stepping over the threshold, I hesitate, then turn back to him. “She has a hard time in new social situations. Adjusting to new people has always been hard for her.” Ozzie’s brows furrow, but he doesn’t interrupt. “I know you all have…feelings…about her. But if everyone can just cut her a bit of slack. I know we need information from her, but let’s try not to go full interrogation on her. She’s been through a lot—I don’t even know the half of it.”
“Of course.” He nods seriously. “We’re here to help her, help both of you. We’ll treat her just like we would a client.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he adds, “I can’t speak for Dash, though. That’s all you. You know I don’t get involved in that messy little past of yours.”
“You knew we were messy before you convinced us to turn this into a business,” I remind him, but don’t mention the way we left things the other day. If there’s one person I can count on, it’s Jayden. He won’t let anything get between us, not when he knows how important this is to me.
“I know.” He levels me with a look that reads between the silence of my inner monologue. “I’m just saying. We have a good thing going with this team. It would be a shame if things soured because he can’t handle that she’s back. Just promise me you two won’t let this come between you.”
“Yeah, yeah. Okay, Dad.” I smirk as I use the nickname he hates more than Jefe, but he’s ready for it.
“How many times do I have to tell you that I prefer Daddy?” He laughs, revealing a thousand-watt smile framed by dimples.
“I’m spoken for, but don’t worry, we’ll get you set up with someone soon.”
“You know I’m not dating right now,” he sighs.
“Who said anything about dating?” I clap a hand on his shoulder. “You just need to blow off some steam, loosen up a bit. After this is all said and done, we need to take you out.”
“Don’t even think about putting ideas in their head.”
With a non-committal shrug, I take my leave and head back down the drive.
I’ve only been on the road a few minutes when I get a call back from Hale. I pick up on the second ring.
“That was fast.”
She scoffs. “I’m a little insulted that you continue to underestimate me.”
“Won’t happen again. So?” Anticipation makes my foot heavier on the pedal.
“I think you might be onto something.” She laughs. “With your…condition, I think you might actually be able to repel other spirits from her.”
“How does that even work?” I ask, trying to keep my optimism leashed.
“Well, when a woman and a man?—”
“Shut the hell up,” I laugh, and hers joins mine. “You know what I mean.”
“You’re no fun.” She sighs. “But basically, if you…release inside her, it appears it acts like an internal possession that repels other supernatural entities. It won’t break the attachment, but it can temporarily overpower his claim on her.”
“So, as long as she has my cum inside her, he won’t be able to reach her?” I can’t fight the excitement in my voice.
“Kind of. But Hawthorne, don’t overestimate what this means. This is a temporary solution. You can buy yourself a few days, maybe, but we’re talking a few hours when digested. It’s not a foolproof solution that you can rely on long-term.”
“You just made my fucking day.” I don’t quite understand it, but I’m also not mad about it. Getting to have her,claim her,while also protecting her, what could be better?
“Yeah, I bet. Look, by all means, enjoy it. But remember, a repellent, not a safeguard.”
“Got it.”
“All right. Ozzie called; we’ll be over in the next few days. Just waiting on a text back from Jayden.”
“Maybe he sits this one out?”
“Dammit. Don’t tell me she’s already coming between you two.”
