Chapter 9 #2
Dane nods, measured and calm. “This is simply a continuation of what happened to Anna. Two of the criminals were caught, but the third is still at large and trying to shut you down before you can give law enforcement the final bits of evidence needed to actually imprison this human. We want you to have the ability to get your information to the proper officials. We are not leaving you alone in this. So instead, the question is how we help you and also prepare for when there is an inevitable attack.”
Now I start twirling my hair. “I know all about what happened to Anna Kim, the entire story in detail. This is why I started investigating Aldridge, because I was enraged that he got away when he should obviously be behind bars. I appreciate that all of you feel that you want me to stay, but don’t you have a commune in Maine?
I can’t help but wonder if it would help if we left and went there instead? ”
“No. We stay here. We tried that before, sending Anna to the commune in Maine to keep her safe. The mercenaries found her anyway,” Jonus says. His jaw is tight. “They attacked the cabin with a scent bomb and tried to kill them both.”
“Ugh, that’s right,” I say, running my hands through my hair. “I forgot where she was when that happened. They were at the commune with all that security and they still weren’t safe?”
“The commune is big,” Garlen explains. “Isolated cabins spread over a lot of territory. The mercenaries found a way in through the wall.”
“We learned our lesson after that,” Dane says. “After the attack, Garlen and I both had safe rooms built in these houses.”
“Safe rooms?”
Aldar nods. “This house has one off the upstairs master bedroom. Reinforced walls, steel door, independent ventilation, supplies for seventy-two hours. Communication equipment and an emergency beacon that alerts both local law enforcement and the commune in Maine.”
“My house has one in the basement,” Dane adds. “Same specs.”
I process this new information. “All of you are okay with me staying here, even if that means that we very well might end up running into one of those safe rooms?” I look over at Ellie. “Even you and Zoe?”
She grabs my hand and squeezes. “Yes. We’re all in this together.
You are investigating to keep my best friend, Anna, safe.
And in return you were almost killed. You have no idea how brave I think you are.
Like we said before, you are always welcome here, Sloane, and we will do what it takes to keep you safe. ”
“Do you agree to this?” Jonus questions. “Do you want to stay here, or would you rather relocate?”
I grin, trying to keep things light despite the warmth behind my eyes. “Oh, I’d rather stay here.”
My new orc boyfriend exhales in relief.
“Good…Good,” Garlen says. “You staying here is the best choice. Jonus will show you where the safe room is and make sure you know the access code.”
Jonus meets my eyes. “I’ll make sure you can get there. Even if you can’t walk. We’ll have security protocols, communication plans. Everyone knows where the safe room is and how to get there.”
Garlen nods. “If they come—”
“When they come,” I correct quietly. “It’s when, not if. I know how these people operate.”
The room falls silent. Grim acceptance settles over everyone.
“Then we’ll be ready,” Laurie says. She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Together.”
I look around at these people—orcs and humans, family by blood and family by choice—and a watery smile spreads across my face.
I’ve been on my own for so long, with only Lucy as my ride or die.
My coworkers and work friends have been there for me and we’ve of course worked as a team, but in reality that friendship is situational.
I have a feeling that this group might take me on as something deeper, if I want.
Ellie checks her watch and sighs. “Sorry to cut this short, but Garlen and I have to go or we’ll be late for work.”
They teach social studies together at the private school, which I find adorable. This huge orc and his human wife. I wish I could be in their classes.
Garlen stands, stretching. He looks at Jonus. “You’ve got this?”
“I’ve got her.”
Ellie hugs me carefully, mindful of my bruises. “Rest,” she says. “Let him take care of you.”
“I will.”
Loki starts barking again, rushing around ankles. Garlen and Ellie head out—quick goodbyes, promises to check in during lunch.
Dane clasps Jonus’s shoulder. “Laurie and I are going to go check in with neighborhood watch and let them know we’ve got a new danger and to be on the lookout.”
Laurie kisses my cheek as they leave. “You’re in good hands, honey.”
Aldar is already heading for the door too. “I’m on my way to the police department to start checking in with law enforcement. The laptop and phone for Sloane should arrive by this afternoon.”
“Thank god. I need to access my files and contact my editor.”
“And I need to call my contacts in law enforcement and update on what’s happening with you.”
The door closes.
Silence.
It’s just Jonus, me, and Loki now.
The corgi trots over and puts his head on my knee, looking up at me with those ridiculous puppy eyes. I scratch behind his ears automatically.
Their house feels different with everyone gone. Quieter. More intimate.
I look up at Jonus. He’s watching me with an expression I can’t quite read. Something soft and warm.
“So,” I say. “What now?”
He doesn’t hesitate. “Now I take care of you.”
And the way he says it—low and certain, like it’s the only thing that matters—makes me believe him.