Chapter 17 Gracie
Suggested Listening: Get In Loser by Leah Kate
There’s something special about Puck’s cooking. Not to say that Vyslan’s isn’t great. I’d never voice this thought out loud, but it’s like Puck’s food heals you from the inside out. There’s something truly magical about it.
Knowing him, he put something in the food to help me. Magic. Some herb I won’t taste. Who knows? It’s the kind of thoughtful, proactive thing that has been a core element of my relationship with Puck from the beginning. And it’s one of the reasons why his abandonment hurt so damn bad.
My pain levels really were better when he was around.
That’s something I’ve struggled with in his absence.
Not only did he make me feel safe and loved, but my overall health was better with him around. It’s just part of the larger issue we still need to discuss.
I push the plate back and slide down in my chair, muttering, “That was amazing.”
“Truly!” Vyslan licks his spoon, eyes rolling back in his head. “Your skill in the kitchen is to be admired. One of many admirable traits, I should say.”
Puck stares at Vyslan like he’s looking for an insult.
And maybe there is some underlying meaning I’m unaware of.
They have had hours to talk and get into fights behind my back, after all.
But knowing my demon? This is a one-sided affair.
Vyslan is so damn happy he isn’t about to let Puck fuck with his vibe.
And I love that about the horney bastard.
It’s time Puck, and I had it out. And I don’t want an audience or anyone else’s input. Especially because there are some uncomfortable things we need to discuss.
Puck reaches across the table for my plate, but I hold up my hand. Our eyes lock, and my heart does funny things. I still care about him. But I’m also angry, hurt, and confused.
“Vys, would you mind spearheading cleanup? I’d like to talk to Puck alone for a bit,” I announce to the table.
Vyslan pops up and begins grabbing plates. “Happy to. And if we are all up for it later, Ezra suggested we introduce everyone to Two Humans and a Demon.”
“Oh, that would be great. Especially since I’ll probably pass out.”
He bends and kisses my forehead. “It’s a snuggle date, then.”
With almost everyone’s attention on me, it’s easier to see the way Luciu glances across the table at Ezra. He’s interested in my vampire. And I am pleased to find that fact thrills me.
There’s something so very charming about Luciu. He’s weathered the crucible and come out a strong man, yet he hasn’t allowed that experience to harden him. He’s softer. Kind. Idealistic.
I can see how Ezra could benefit from someone like Luciu. I think there’s a lot to explore there. And I’m excited to watch it happen. I was so in the moment with Vyslan and Ezra that I didn’t enjoy all of it.
But first, Puck.
“Let’s go to the library,” I suggest and get to my feet. Before lunch I put on a soft, wide-legged, spaghetti-strapped jumpsuit with a strappy bralette. It’s the perfect outfit for napping all day.
“I can’t tell; do I come or stay?” Darius asks.
I pause beside him and press a quick peck to his lips.
It’s easy and natural with Darius. Our issues are really all tied up with Puck, so I don’t hold Darius at fault.
At some point, we’ll talk about boundaries, why what happened wasn’t okay, and some expectations for the future.
I need to be as clear and direct as possible with my fae to help ease us into a better place.
“This is a Puck and me talk,” I say.
Darius turns to his twin while I run my fingers through Isa’s coat. Puck rolls his eyes and sighs, like they’re having a conversation the rest of us aren’t privy to, which means they’re likely using telepathy. Or whatever they call it. Linking.
“Ezra, want to show Darius the divination room when you guys are done?” I suggest. It’s the closest thing to a seer’s chamber we’ve got. Depending on how Darius feels about using his gifts now, he might want to spend a lot of time there.
“Yeah.” Ezra turns toward Darius, and they start talking.
My gifts aren’t strong in that area. I can’t even use tarot cards like most witches.
I attribute that to my lack of religious observance.
There’s a fringe study gaining traction about how some gifts are genetic and some are blessed, or given by the gods.
I feel like I’m living a case study that proves exactly that.
Of the three of us, I’m the non-religious witch.
But Poppy and Briella? They are both fairly observant.
Poppy’s intuitive spiritualism seems to play a role in her divinations and working as a medium, while Briella’s more cerebral approach to her faith means she has a unique relationship with tarot cards.
Vyslan draws Luciu into cleanup duty. There’s no missing the way Luciu gulps and looks at Vyslan with wide eyes. Hopefully, he gets over that.
Satisfied with how those four are doing, I turn my attention to Puck.
He’s already watching me.
I incline my head, and he nods. Together, we begin moving.
Moments like these make it seem like no time has passed since he was part of my life. My chest aches, and I hate that there’s an issue. But I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t address this. Sweeping shit under the rug doesn’t make the stench go away.
We head toward the front of the house. Our paths converge, and I feel the brush of his fingers against my palm. It’s hesitant and not at all like him. A moment later, his hand decisively wraps around mine, our fingers threading together.
I want to be happy about this. But I need answers first.
He leads me into the large room off the other side of the house from my suite. It contains an assortment of random books, plus the entirety of both my and Poppy’s collections. Briella has some overflow down here, but the bulk of her library is in her room.
It’s a cozy space with a pair of plush sofas in front of two large windows looking out onto the small flower garden Poppy putters around in.
She’s been focused on cultivating bee and butterfly friendly plants, so it’s a riot of color and activity.
All of the other walls are covered in books.
Even the sofa facing this one has a short, long bookcase behind it.
I scoop up a throw blanket—there are a million in this house—and sit cross-legged in the corner of the window sofa.
Puck remains standing on the woven rug for a moment.
He’s wearing a light gray V-neck shirt that’s seen better days, worn jeans, and boots with a bit of a lift on them.
He really wants to be six foot and for some reason it makes me want to smile.
He isn’t perfect, but neither am I. We both have our quirks.
The things we can do better. Hopefully, this last chapter is something we can build off and do better.
But to get there, we need to talk.
He settles across from me, elbows on his knees, like he wants to get closer.
I sigh, and we stare at each other in silence for several moments.
“It’s strange seeing you without the locs,” I say.
He wrinkles his nose and runs his hand over the short curls. His ears do this little wiggle thing I’ve never noticed before, making the rings running up the sides jingle. “It’s strange not having them. My head gets cold.”
“We’ll have to get you a hat. You’d look cute with a slouchy, black beanie. Did they have to get cut off?”
“No. My father shaved my head while I was unable to stop him. He claimed, my hair was his to do with what he wanted.” He grimaces. “It was just to humiliate me even more.”
“I’m sorry,” I mutter.
“Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m not sorry it happened.”
He shrugs, and the corners of his mouth quirk up. “Now, Darius and I look alike. I gave us the same fade.”
Of course, he’d care for his brother in every regard.
“Are you going to start dressing in twin outfits?” I ask.
Does Darius even have clothing of his own? The crewneck T-shirts don’t look like they belong to Puck, but I could be very wrong. I’ll have to talk to Darius about that later.
Puck snorts at my question. “Whatever makes him happy.”
That answer makes my heart stutter.
He really loves his twin.
I knew that. Puck was bled for months just to free his brother.
That’s not something a person would do out of obligation or guilt.
Something that meaningful could only be the product of love.
I don’t think the depth of their bond hit me until now.
And while Puck would have made that sacrifice at the most opportune time, he did it so that Darius could be with me.
So that the both of them would be in my life.
It’s humbling.
“How was he when he got out? Had he really been in there for two hundred years?” I ask.
He nods. “His body, yeah. He was—is—a bit of a mess. He took care of himself the best he could, but…”
We’re quiet for a moment. I don’t think the reality of Darius’ condition needs to be spoken. With his failing sight and limited resources, he had to be in rough shape when Puck got him out.
“He did live in your head for a time.” I need to get this conversation rolling.
Puck inclines his head. “That he did. Are you upset with us?”
“No and yes. I understand you needed him to verify who I was to you. I get that you believe I’m some sort of fated mate to the both of you.
But at what point do you start trusting me?
When do I get to know the truth? I feel incredibly disrespected, Puck.
” At first, I had been a little freaked out about the idea I’d kissed Darius in Puck’s body.
But the more I think about it, the more I don’t mind that. It’s the lack of trust that hurts.
“That was never my intention.”
I cross my arms tight over my chest and shrug.