~ Chapter Fifteen ~ #2
“What were the Trolls looking for?” Regan asked. “What did they want?”
Lutin chewed and swallowed his bite of sandwich. “They were pissed at Blaise and me—we busted some of their family in D.C.”
Regan sipped his tea, not altogether hungry but he knew he should eat something. “They wanted revenge.”
How petty.
Lutin nodded and finished off his sandwich before reaching for the other half and taking a bite. He finished off the second half in a couple of bites and pulled over the fruit salad and scooped a heaping pile on his plate.
“How long did they have you?” Regan asked before taking a bite of his own sandwich.
“About a day, maybe two.” He huffed, putting the spoon back in the bowl. “It might have been three days. I’m such an idiot—I thought you came up early to surprise me.” He grumbled out a laugh. “I was surprised, alright.”
“I’m sorry, I… I mean, I wanted to come up early, but?—”
“Don’t feel bad. It’s not your fault. I knew you were coming on Friday night, but still…” He shrugged.
“Maybe we should get you a phone,” Regan offered.
Lutin’s lips pinched and his brows narrowed. “No. I don’t like the energy waves—they give me a headache and can interfere with my magic. I’ll show you how to contact me when I’m better.”
“Okay.” That would explain why he didn’t see any electronics here at Lutin’s home. Regan noted that he should probably keep his cell and other Bluetooth and Wi-Fi electronics at home. “I’m guessing they didn’t feed you?” He pointed to the almost empty plate of fruit.
A smile creeped at the edges of Lutin’s lips. “They did, but since I need to heal, I’m being a bit of a…” He shrugged and took another bite of the fruit.
“Do you want another sandwich?” Regan stood.
“Do you mind? That’d be great.” Lutin ate the last of the fruit on his plate, before filling his plate again.
Regan pulled the bread and fixings out and quickly made Lutin another sandwich, this time leaving everything out.
Watching Lutin eat was odd. The man was clearly hungry and in need of sustenance, but didn’t make a mess and wasn’t gross about how he ate.
The movements were hectic which was both impressive and alarming, but they still had a grace about them.
Like a fast-paced dance.
Instead of asking any more questions, Regan allowed Lutin to eat. Regan finished off his sandwich, leaving what was left of the fruit salad for Lutin should he want it, which he managed to finish. Finally, Lutin sat back and wiped his mouth. “Sorry.” He covered his mouth as a small burp escaped.
“Don’t be.” Regan wiped the edges of his mouth with his napkin before placing the cloth next to his plate. “If I would’ve known, I could’ve offered to get you something more… more fulfilling.” He raised his brows.
“No, this was good. Given my state, I don’t think I could handle the richness of some big meal tonight. A basic simple meal is perfect. Why don’t I help you clean up and we can go sit, unless you want to leave?” Lutin offered, standing up.
“I don’t want to put you out.” Regan picked up the plates from the table and moved to the sink. “You probably need to rest up.”
“I do need to rest, but I’d like you to stay.” Lutin beamed. “I enjoy your company.”
Regan’s cheeks burned as a flutter of butterflies made their home in his stomach.
By the time they finished in the kitchen, the house had begun to cool, so Regan made a fire for them to sit in front of and enjoy.
Lutin sat on his sofa, and once the fire started, Regan took a seat next to Lutin, resting his head on the back of the sofa.
My head is still killing me. He shifted his head back and forth slightly to see if he could lessen the headache.
“I bet you could’ve started the fire with your magic,” Lutin teased.
Regan stopped for a moment and thought. He didn’t remember Volrent teaching him anything about fire-making. He supposed he could, but he enjoyed putting a fire together the old-fashioned way. “I prefer this way.”
“How did you reach the Twins?” Lutin asked, fluffing a pillow and placing it behind his back to get comfortable.
“I begged. I yelled. I apologized.” Regan chuckled, the aches and pains starting to find him now that his body was resting and the endorphins were wearing off.
He’d be sore in the morning. “It was this whole big thing, but they finally came around. In the end, we worked through our differences. You know, they’re adults now. ”
“Oh, I’m sure. Given all you’ve been through.” Lutin rested his head on Regan’s shoulder, ensuring his antlers didn’t poke Regan in the face.
“I don’t know how you do it.”
“Do what?”
“Work around your antlers. I keep expecting you to prick me or hit something with them. It’s impressive.”
Lutin shifted. “I guess I don’t really think about them. They’re part of me and who I am.”
A poking and scraping on Regan’s scalp caught his attention. “Like that.”
Lutin laughed. “I’ll be a bit lopsided while they grow back. Trolls love breaking our antlers. I’m lucky they didn’t try to cut them off.”
“Did it hurt?”
Lutin’s face paled a bit and he grew silent.
“Sorry,” Regan rushed the word out. “I’m sure it hurt. I can’t imagine.”
“No, it’s fine.” Lutin sighed. “Yes, having our antlers broken is painful, so please never joke about such things to a Fae. It’s cruel and one of the most painful things you can do to one of us.
” He tapped his chin. “I think the best comparison I could come up with is if someone were to rip off your finger or toenails.”
“Ouchy.” Regan gasped and instinctively curled his toes and made a fist to protect his nails. “I’m sorry.”
Lutin closed his eyes. “It’s fine. And I’ll be fine. Sensitive for sure and I probably won’t be at 100% magic for a while.” He beamed at Regan, but his gaze didn’t sparkle like normal.
“You must have been frightened.”
“More so when you appeared.” Lutin inhaled.
“They could have killed me, though that wasn’t their plan, but when they had you, well, I wasn’t sure what they were going to do.
Some Trolls like to…” His lips pulled into a thin line.
“Let’s just say that’s why a lot of people go missing in the mountains.
Most humans think it’s because of the old abandoned mines. It’s not.”
“I’m glad you’re safe.” A nervous chuckle escaped his lips. “I’m glad we’re both alright.” Regan reached out his hand, taking Lutin’s as he watched the fire. The crackle of the fire and a slight breeze from outside provided ambient noise for them to enjoy.