Chapter 33
Thirty-Three
KIT/KAT
Igroan at Dank’s word, slapping my forehead with my palm. Mysterious proclamations are not my faves—I had enough of that with the stupid Bone Tree’s garbage. The doc has been pretty straight with me, as has the Keeper, and I don’t want any more nebulous ‘maybes’ in my life right now.
“Dank, I—”
My head tilts as I hear something, and part of me stands up to pay attention. “Do you guys hear that?”
The doctor looks at me with an oddly proud skeletal smile.
“Yes, Master Kit, I do. Despite the warding on these rooms by Master Anton and Master Xerxes, I can hear footsteps as people are entering your floor from the stairs. It is quite good that you can as well. Not only for your safety, of course, but also because it means your demon is emerging more rapidly.”
Rogue narrows her eyes at me, and I dip my chin so I don’t have to look her in the eyes. That doesn’t help, though, because she says, “She didn’t hear you coming, nor the elevator just a few minutes ago. What would kick start that process, doc?”
Dank is quiet for a moment, and I wing a prayer to the universe that he’s deciding not to answer. Unfortunately, the old guy hasn’t picked up on her tone, so he replies, “We do not know what demon Master Kit possesses, so it could be several factors in the environment or what she’s done recently.”
“There isn’t a scotch demon I don’t know about, is there?” Morgana asks with a chuckle. “Because we’ve been drinking it, and Fae wine, and eating some sort of magic berry cupcakes. Plus, the food on the tray.”
I breathe slowly, hoping that my friends are going to figure this out.
I’m not ashamed of what Oriel and I did, but I haven’t really processed it myself yet.
My brain shouts that I need these women to talk about it with, but it’s warring with the part of me that wants to hold it close until I feel ready.
Mental health issues aren’t for the weak, no matter what any ill-formed douchebag tells you.
“Demons can emerge in times of great emotional overwhelm as well. Things like battle, sexual activity, fear, and other feelings that force the ‘protector’ inside to take control are very common,” the doc says as he reaches down to close his bag.
“Though I would never presume to speculate on which of those might have affected Master Kit at this very moment. That, I fear, is not my job.”
Both women are staring at me suspiciously, and I have to scramble to my feet, holding my arm out to Dank as a distraction.
“We really appreciate your help, Dank. Now that everyone is covered, we don’t need to take up more of your holiday respite.
I promise to stay unharmed for the rest of the break, okay? ”
“Uh-huh,” Rogue mutters. “That’s not suspicious at all. Nice cover, kiddo.”
Dank rises, walking over to the door with the intuition of an ancient being. “You are most welcome, Master Kit. Do not hesitate to contact me if you should need me—no matter the place or time. I am always at your disposal.”
Damn. Between their knowing looks and Dank’s kindness, I might just cry, and I don’t want to do that.
“Thank you,” I whisper as I open the door to let him out.
As I do, I note a flash that I believe is a portal closing by Jasper’s room.
That’s not the doc; it’s Zavvie. Maybe they’re back, and I can use a little face time to get the ladies off my case before I sink into the floor and straight beyond Hell to the center of the damn planet?
I have to try, so I head back in with a big, fake smile.
“I think some of the guys are back. Maybe we should see them for just a bit to figure out where everyone is going to sleep?”
Morgana rolls her eyes, but she says, “And maybe get more food? I’m definitely not going to subsist on the delicious finger food for long. My shifter parts are big eaters, and I’m not nearly full.”
“But you’re not getting out of this convo, girl.
We know something is going on, and after this, you’re definitely gonna spill.
” The pink-haired Fae stands, picking up her cranky turkey as she stretches.
“However, I’m also hungry, and I’m not opposed to maybe turning in for the night. It’s been a really long day.”
Holy fuck, am I lucky sometimes. This will give me time to figure out what the hell I’m gonna say.
“Okay, let’s go down the hall to the pissy prince’s room and see what they found,” I reply. Dottie immediately scampers over, climbing me like a tree until she’s perched in her favorite spot. I look at her seriously, wagging a finger. “And maybe keep yourself one size, huh?”
The expression she gives me is angelic, and the others laugh.
I’m not sure my request is going to be honored, and that could be a problem.
“I agree,” I reply. “I don’t know nearly enough about… anything to make rash decisions about stuff. Not… sex. I mean, like stuff that has forever consequences or whatever.”
Especially since I just fucking learned about it today.
“Solid point.” Morgana looks at the last room on the right, arching a brow. “That has to be for the big one. I imagine he’s got the biggest bed in the joint—which isn’t a necessity now, but you’ll want to consider things later on, perhaps.”
My eyes widen, and I elbow her as Rogue cracks up. “You guys have to get it together before we go in here! It’s hard enough to keep things focused with all the neurodivergence within my caliphate. When you add in my recent reveal and tipsy visitors, it’s going to be a nightmare.”
Rogue grins and knocks on the door before I’m ready, which makes me crack my knuckles nervously. When the door opens, it’s not Jasper or Zav; instead, it’s Slash. He looks at me curiously, and I smile at him, hoping it will curb the irritable look on his face.
“Little demon, what are you doing here? You are supposed to be relaxing with your friends.”
I gesture to the other girls, shrugging helplessly.
“We decided that dinner was in order, plus Rogue wants to figure out how we’re arranging the sleeping thing cause she’s tired.
It makes sense, though, because you guys aren’t done searching, and it might need to extend to tomorrow.
At least, that’s what I assume ‘cuz no one came running in with a big ‘ah-ha!’ moment.”
His eyes narrow as he studies me. “You are a little tipsy, and your friends have certainly imbibed much alcohol. It is probably best if you come in.”
“We’re fine,” Morgana says as she dramatically rolls her eyes at the second baddest mofo at Discordia.
“No need to ride to the rescue, Jaws. Kat is okay, and we’ve been making a lot of progress chatting.
Rogue and I are mated to people, though, and there’s a time limit on how long we go without seeing them or making contact before it’s bothersome. ”
I blink. “There is? Does it… I mean, Rogue, your other guy…”
She sighs heavily. “It hurts, but not for that reason because we hadn’t finished yet, remember? But I guess being worried is part of why I’m not ready to rock ‘n roll all night and party every day. This exhaustion isn’t normal for me.”
The quieter twin walks over, taking her hands gently, and the lion guy follows suit. “Sparkles, you’re probably right. Being upset about Reb and healing from that battle is straining you, I’m sure.”
“Yeah, let me have baby Javi for a bit, Wheels.” The tall blond takes the bundle, and I watch Rogue sag with gratitude. “There we go. Come in, ladies. We were discussing food before you came tapping at our chamber door.”
I grin widely at him. “You like Poe?”
“I like all sorts of shit, kiddo. I’m a real Renaissance shifter. My mom and dads never wanted me to be a stereotypical sports bro, so they really pushed things like taking care of my sibs and enjoying artsy stuff.”
This guy is pretty freaking awesome, and maybe a little like Salem.
“Lady M.” A soft voice comes from the couch, and I frown as Morgana rushes over in a very not independent bad ass way to get to the guy sprawled there. She puts her hands on hips and glares at him, redeeming her image as she taps her foot.
“Lucas, why is it always you getting nearly killed by some random shit? Do we have to put a bell on you or something?”
That makes everyone stop to look at one another, and before he can protest, the laughter begins.
I walk over to X, tilting my head as I look up at them. They tug me into a side hug, squeezing a bit before they say, “This is a very pleasant surprise, KK. You’ve brought some powerful and fun allies into the fold. You should be proud of yourself.”
Blushing, I shrug off the praise despite the fact that I’m practically bathing in it internally. “I used to believe that I had really good instincts before the thing. Maybe I still do, but I was just… wrong once… and that doesn’t mean I’m not good at judging things.”
“Ooh, that’s one of those ‘holiday lessons’ humans learn, right?” Oriel comes over, his eyes dancing with mischief as he looks at me. “Like you realized the world would be a worse place without or something?”
Rolling my eyes to the ceiling, I groan. “We are not watching ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’. I hate that movie.”
Morgana frowns as she looks at me over her shoulder. “Weird. Everyone loves that, even most supes. What Christmas movie do you like?”
Pressing my lips together, I give her an unimpressed look. “Die Hard.”
“Hell yeah, demon chick!” Lucas calls out from the couch, and it makes people snicker again. “But don’t forget the Muppets. I love that damn movie—it makes Dickens almost bearable.”
As the conversation turns to holiday movies, I notice that we’re missing a sizable chunk of guys. Turning to Oriel, I ask, “Where’s everyone else? The princes are missing, and a bunch of others, too. What’s going on?”
He grins. “They’re hoping to pull off a Krampusnacht miracle in the knowledge building. Don’t worry; there’s enough of them to alert us if something goes wrong.”
“I’d be lying if I said I’m not intrigued,” I whisper back. “But maybe we should get people together and order food while they’re gone? I don’t wanna see what this group looks like when everyone is hangry.”
“You mean everyone but me.”
This motherfucker… He’s going to spill our secret before the damn sun rises; I just know it.