Page 53 of Demon Huntress
Not as happy as I am for myself.
Cass smiled as she circled the buffet table, still checking out her guests and making sure they were all having a great time. She had never been so happy, and she knew it was shining through her, an aura of love that could be felt as well as seen.
Now, when I fight, I have something to fight for.
She rounded the table where drinks were being handed out and noticed Slade talking to Jenny. She hurried to get closer and eavesdrop a little, ready to step in if Slade got overprotective.
What she heard shocked her to the bone.
“I’m proud of you, sis,” Slade said, giving her a tap on the shoulder. “I didn’t realize that I was hurting you by trying to keep you safe. I’m going to give you all the space you need, but please, check in with me every now and then, okay?”
“You got it,” Jenny said, grinning. “I’m liking the new attitude, bro.”
“Thanks. It’s got a lot to do with Cass. She showed me I can love someone and fear for them … while letting them live their own lives and decide what risks they want to take for themselves.”
“I’m relieved,” Jenny said, laughing. “I can finally go on that lava rafting trip I’ve been planning.”
Slade laughed. “I really hope that you’re joking. I’m not sure, though. I have this really weird feeling that if you wanted to do it, you’d nail it. Those were some swift moves that night out against Phar-Scape, by the way.”
“I know, right? Did you see me take the head off that demon spawn dude?”
“I did,” Slade muttered. “And I was very uncomfortable with the level of violence.”
Jenny laughed, leaning in to hug her brother.
“At least you know I can take care of myself,” she said.
“That rooftop exit was fucking amazing, too,” Slade called after her.
“Of course!” Jenny shot back. “You should see what I can do with a bow and arrow.”
“Please, no,” Slade muttered. Cass came forward, putting her arms around him.
“Do you need saving, my love?” she asked.
“I do. I’m traumatized. My sister is a bloodthirsty, violent demon killer, and here I was thinking she needed a pony for Christmas.”
“She’s nineteen, Slade,” Cass said with a wry smile. “I’m pretty sure it’s not ponies she wants to be riding.”
“Please, no,” Slade moaned. “I do not need to think about my sister dating.”
“Who said anything about dating?” Cass asked, laughing. “I’m sure she just wants to get out and have fun at her age.”
“If you do not stop, I am going to pass out from stress,” Slade muttered, taking Cass’s hands. She started to sway, leading him toward the dancers flitting around the open glade.
“Not the best time to tell you that I saw her flirting with my cousin Nathan then?” Cass said with an evil grin.
“No,” Slade said, his voice pained. “Is he a good guy?”
Cass shrugged. “He’s twenty, devastatingly gorgeous, arrogant to a fault, and completely full of himself.”
“Thank you very much,” Slade muttered. Cass laughed.
“What? Obviously, Jenny likes a challenge. I’m sure she’ll rein him in before breakfast tomorrow.”
“Stop with the pony analogy,” Slade whispered. “And do not even hint that they’ll be sharing breakfast tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Cass said gently. She took Slade in her arms, feeling incredible tenderness for him. He was struggling, but he was still determined to give Jenny her space, and that meant a lot to her.
