Make Me by Parker Blue Read Free Book Online Page B

pretending to choke.
    Ignoring him, I sat down on the couch and wondered how to explain. “I’m sorry, Gwen, but most of this is Demon Underground business. I’m not sure how much I can tell you.”
    “Doesn’t matter,” she said and rose to give me a hug. “I’m just glad you’re safe.” Sighing, she added, “Time to get some shut-eye.” As she left the room, she tossed over her shoulder, “Oh, and don’t let Jack eat everything in the kitchen, okay?”
    Jack wandered into the living room, carrying a heaping platter of food, still looking like a lumberjack instead of the former keeper of the Encyclopedia Magicka. “I heard that,” he said, waving a drumstick in Gwen’s direction
    “You were supposed to,” Gwen called out, then shut her door firmly behind her.
    “You brought Jack with you?” I asked Shade, bemused.
    Shade, who sat next to me and snuggled close, shrugged. “He insisted.”
    HE LIKES THE FOOD, Princess, always bluntly honest, put in.
    The former keeper had been imprisoned in a sort of pocket universe for decades. Since he’d come back to this world, he didn’t seem to be able to get enough chow to make up for all his lost meals. He spent most of his time eating and watching television, which fascinated him.
    Jack placed a hand over his heart. “I’m hurt.”
    I chuckled. “We might have believed you if you’d taken the drumstick out of your hand first.”
    He shrugged and set the plate on the coffee table. “I heard you come in, so I brought extra to share. I reckon you’re hungry.”
    I was. And so were Fang and Princess, so we all chowed down on Gwen’s scrumptious fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob as I told the demons about my night and what was going on in the Underground. Jack admitted he was disturbed that Micah hadn’t kept some of the old ways, but Shade was unreservedly on Micah’s side and seemed upset that I could possibly doubt him.
    “I’m withholding judgment until the Naming Ritual,” I told Shade soothingly. “Micah said he’ll hold one after Christmas.”
    “And when were you going to tell me your plans for the holidays?” Shade asked.
    I’d never heard that particular tense tone in his voice before. His expression was tight, like he was trying to hide his feelings. Surprised, I said, “You know I’m going to Mom and Rick’s for their annual Yule and Christmas celebration. You’re invited, too.”
    “No, I mean before that. With Alejandro and Austin.”
    “I just learned that tonight,” I told him. “It’s not like I was keeping it a secret. A few things have happened since then…” I glanced at Jack, who was still stuffing his face. “Micah told Jack, I take it.”
    Shade didn’t relax much and I wondered what his problem was. He handed me my phone. “Yes, and Austin called you earlier. We thought it might be about you, so I answered.”
    “No biggie. What did he want?”
    “He wanted to tell you he’ll be picking you and Jack up here tomorrow evening, shortly after sunset.” Shade still sounded stiff and defensive.
    “Okay. Makes sense, what with luggage and stuff. Is there a problem?”
    Princess filled us in. WE TOLD THE VAMPIRE YOU WERE MISSING BUT HE SAID YOU COULD TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, AND MADE MY HUMAN SOUND LIKE A WHINY LITTLE PUP.
    Shade didn’t look happy that Princess shared that with us, but I laughed. “Well, to Austin, I guess we do seem like children. He must be at least a hundred years old, right? An old geezer.”
    Shade relaxed. “I told him I’m coming with you.”
    “Can you do that? I mean, will the vampires in Austin let Alejandro bring more people?”
    “Who cares?” Shade said. “I’m going to be with you, not him. You need someone other than vampires by your side. I’ll take the Ducati.”
    IN CASE YOU HADN’T NOTICED, HE’S JUST A WEE BIT JEALOUS OF AUSTIN, Fang said privately.
    Now that was dumb. And strange. He was cool with my ex, Dan, who was fully human, but he was jealous