Chapter 17
Maxim had retreated upstairs to give Raven some space—or as much space as was possible, given Jason looked almost as comfy as the dog using Raven as a pillow. Maxim didn’t have to wait long for his phone to vibrate, and he pulled it out, sitting down in the reading nook to answer Heath’s text.
What did you do?
Darling, I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.
It took Heath a long time to type out the answer. If Maxim hadn’t been reasonably certain that Raven was well able to overhear a phone conversation by now, he’d have given Heath a call. He gets ever so anxious, poor thing. All that typing and thinking and worrying.
The bat jammies. The dog. And it’s so fucking early. WHAT DID YOU DO
***
We simply went out for a nighttime walk and happened upon a dog.
Are you giving the dog back to his real owner?
He’s from the shelter. Kindly inform the shelter that he lives with us now.
This induced yet another period of prolonged typing.
What shelter? What’s the dog’s name? Who’s his original owner? WHAT DID YOU DO?
Darling, I leave it in your capable hands to find all that out.
I hate you right now. My head hurts and I have the taste of sweet coffee in my mouth. Where did you go wearing only your pajamas?
Maxim narrowed his eyes at the screen. My baby boy isn’t easily distracted, not even after overindulging. Ah, he’s such a smart crumpet!
It was a balmy night, the moon so bright, and there was no cause for daytime clothes.
Full of batshit.
I have my eyeballs on you.
Do you think he likes a super fancy phone?
Most people like super fancy phones right
And what color?
Should I add the contacts for the psychiatrists too
They’re still waiting
You just ran off
Why do you always just run off???
I’m sure you’ll make a good choice, darling
??
Oh, suck a lemon
The shrinks, dad
What about the shrinks?
We’ll get to that when Raven is ready, darling. But perhaps a groomer?
Groomer? Wtf??
Oh
Pet groomer ?? ??
“Hey, you’re heavy,” Raven said from downstairs. Maxim wasn’t sure whether he was talking to the dog or to Jason. Maybe to both of them.
You did indeed offer Jason a job?
Yeah. Figured maybe if people are watching
Cuz we grabbed Highgate and his buddy
And who knows, maybe they have friends
Might be better to keep him close you know
Just in case anyone’d go after him
Plus he’s real worried about Raven
There was some shuffling around downstairs, likely Raven trying to adjust either Jason or the dog or the both of them.
It didn’t sound like they were helping. Maxim smiled, though the expression faltered fast. Those who took him and stole his innocence shouldn’t be alive. I fail him every day they are.
Very circumspect. I shall get you a lollipop. Or maybe a bloodsicle if you’re still sticking to that blood diet?
Heath typed, stopped, then continued typing for a while.
Yeah
You’re such a good friend, darling. I think you should take a nap to reward yourself, hmm?
I’m picking out a phone for Raven, and you’re not helping, and you went out in your jammies, and that’s very weird, even for you.
And he was wearing your sweater. Don’t think I didn’t see that.
I loaned him the clothes because he had a need of them and I didn’t. I had those lovely pajamas you gifted me.
Sure. Still watching you. You gave me that sugar coffee intentionally, didn’t you?
You took it, darling. But I think I hear something.
Huh?
I hear you calling for my attention. Shall I come visit you, sing you to sleep with dulcet tones?
HEADACHE
Don’t text me again
I’m busy now
“Really? Come on, I thought you weren’t drunk anymore,” Raven said downstairs.
Maxim put his phone away. He was tempted to sneak over to the stairs so as to catch a glimpse of Raven, but it wouldn’t be right. I’m meant to watch over him, not watch him. I’m meant to help him and guide him. I am his maker, even though he didn’t choose me or the gift of blood I gave him.
So Maxim just listened to the grumbling from downstairs, glad that Jason and the strange Shiba were doing what he himself could not.