Page 98 of Medium

Rory snorted. “No way. My dad was raised by nannies.” He looked to his right. “Hush. You know it’s true.”

“It’s been one minute. That’s enough.” Ellis walked to the back door, and Rory and I followed him outside.

Pia was sitting on the edge of the hammock, still sobbing her heart out. Rory sat carefully on one side of her, and Ellis and I sat on the other side. Pia’s feet came off the ground, but somehow we managed not to flip the hammock over.

Rory put his arms around her, and she fell into his chest. “We’re here, honey.”

Ellis and I did our best to wrap our arms around the two of them, but the hammock wasn’t having it. Ellis cried out when we all fell into a pile in the middle, our legs hanging over one side while we swung back and forth.

Pia sniffled and then gave a slightly wet giggle.

“I’m so sorry about your mom, sweetie.” I rubbed my hand down her arm, which was all I could reach since Ellis was in between us.

She shut her eyes tightly and nodded. “Thanks. I’m glad I got to see her one more time though. She said—she said now that you were bonded and my connections with you were strong, she wasn’t worried about me being safe and happy.”

Aww. That got her another hug pile.

We swung in silence for a few more minutes, but then Ellis’ stomach growled, and we all chuckled.

I cleared my throat. “Manny said he was making brownies for dessert.”

Pia opened her eyes. “With ice cream?”

We all smiled. She’d be alright.

Rory’s grandfather was arguing with Arch when we went back inside. Manny appeared ready to whack both of them with the spatula he was holding.

Carlyle lit up when he saw us. “Rory! Tell this jackass he needs us ghosts for the takedown.”

Rory’s eyebrows flew up. “Pia, go wash your hands before you eat. Arch, why wouldn’t you want help from what amount to invisible spies?”

He set his fork down on his plate and carefully wiped his mouth. “Because we’d need you to be there so we could see them, and right now, because of your bonding, that means all three of you. It’s too risky.”

Grandfather rolled his eyes. “It’s not like we can’t report back to Rory here, and he could be on the phone with one of you.”

Arch tilted his head. “I’ll speak to Dominic about it.”

I went into the kitchen to wash my hands, squeezing Pia’s shoulder as I passed her. I would’ve preferred to go to help with the victims, like Manny and Ms. Jackson would be doing, but I could understand Arch’s concerns about having a bunch of civilians underfoot.

Ellis followed me into the kitchen, but he seemed focused on Pia rather than Arch.

I nudged him as I dried my hands. “She’ll be okay.”

He gave a half-hearted nod.I know. I just remember what itwas like losing my mom when I was only a little younger than she is.

Oh. Right. Fuck. I dropped the dish towel on the counter and wrapped my arms around him.I’m sorry. I didn’t think about the memories it would’ve brought up for you.

He hugged me back.I didn’t think it would hit me so hard. But this helps. Are you feeling okay now that we’re bonded?

Yeah. And you? Not so tired anymore?His magic, amplified with mine and Rory’s, certainly wasn’t depleted any longer.

He pulled back. “No, I’m good. Thanks for the hug.” He went up on his toes, so I met him halfway in a tender kiss. I made sure to send what I was feeling through our bond to Rory. In the breakfast room, someone’s glass thunked loudly against the table.

“Sorry,” Rory muttered.

Grinning, Ellis stepped back. “How do bonded partners keep from tormenting each other all day?”

I shrugged and led the way back to the table. “I’m not the best person to ask.”