Page 45 of For Dear Life

“Oz, and I haven’t inquired yet. We’re waiting for you, Rowan. I thought that decision would cause a better mood than this.”

Rowan peers at the bench and grabs something. “What the hell is this?” He holds the white plush toy—presumably a dog of some description—by the ear. “Something for my psychometry? Why would a shifter carry a toy?”

“Leif gave me that,” I say. “From a pointless exercise that involved a metal claw and a lot of money.”

“I succeeded on the third try,” Leif replies coolly. “Some people never win anything.”

Rowan’s burst of laughter drifts through the empty space. “You won a toy dog for Violet?”

“I was aiming for a different item,” he retorts. “But at least I won something.”

The joy on Leif’s face when he achieved his bizarre task seemed disproportionate to what he won, and I had no idea how to respond. At first, I thought he must be attracted to plush toys, as Holly is, but he denied this and seemed rather annoyed. I then suggested he could gift the toy to Holly, since she may wish to add to her plush animal collection. That seemed to annoy him more.

Then he stared at me for a very long time until another theory settled in my mind.

Leif retrieved the item for me.

Good grief. A toy dog? I hastily added my gratitude but requested he carry the monstrosity.

“Perhaps you could explain, further Rowan,” I say. “I’m also confused by his choice. Why would Leif not select an item he’d like?”

“Are you completely clueless?” Rowan asks me.

“Pardon?”

“Forget it,” mumbles Leif.

“No. Violet needs to hear these things,” says Rowan firmly. “Leif won that for you because he’s a guy who likes you. You were on a date.”

I stare at Rowan. Then I look at Leif. And back to Rowan. A lot of responses enter my head, and my new and improved ability to hold my tongue needs utilizing. Why on earth would a guy give a girl this fluffy dog as a token of affection?

I’m unsure what’s the most difficult in my life currently. Navigating the sea of murder charges or riding the choppy waters of relationships. All relationships, not only the romantic ones circling me.

The pair look at me expectantly.

“Leif’s gift is thoughtful, but I prefer body parts.”

Rowan’s smile drops a moment, and he exchanges a glance with Leif. One thing I’m learning to enjoy is the ability to say things that a) shut people up and b) keep them guessing because ‘it’s Violet speaking’. They want me to learn self-awareness and consider other’s feelings? That, I’m working on.

“Ha ha, Violet,” says Rowan. Cautiously.

Pursing my lips, I take the fluffy toy from Rowan and tuck the thing under my arm.

“You need to give the dog a name,” says Rowan with a sly smile.

“That is the most ridiculous thing anybody has ever said to me. Why would I name an inanimate object?”

“Just leave it, Rowan,” mutters Leif.

“I said, I appreciate the gesture. Now, can we move our focus away from toys?” I say. “I’m concerned whether Oz died a second time because if he has, that will be extremely inconvenient.”

16

VIOLET

The hospital doors open to a large reception area, where the white cleanliness bounces from wall to ceiling, and I wince at the glaring spotlights above. A vague, unpleasant smell of human sickness and disinfectant fills my nostrils.

A long desk complete with a tall Perspex screen greets us. The woman sitting behind does not. Honestly, she should be sleeping, not working, because the young woman’s brown eyes are circled black, and not from kohl. I approach, and I momentarily consider she might be hemia, due to her severely scraped back brown hair and pale face. But the possibility a human hospital would employ a blood-feeding vamp are below zero.

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