Page 53 of Savage Thirst

Jace turns too. His expression is still tight, lips pressed into a line, but he doesn't say a word.

"Got some homework, I see," Kayden says, nodding toward the books in my arms.

"Yeah. Mr. Cole was kind enough to let me take a couple back," I reply.

"Oh, please, call me Winston," he says with an easy smile.

"All right. Winston." I smile back.

Then he turns to Asher. "You planning to call the Assembly about this?"

"Assembly?" I echo, head tilting.

"When a new supernatural settles in, we gather the others who live here," Asher explains. "It's a way to make introductions, talk needs, boundaries, offer support."

He turns back to Winston. "We will if she decides to stay."

Winston gives me a pointed look. "We'd be glad to have you. These are good people, Sage."

I nod slowly. I understand what he's offering. A place. A second chance, even after what I did.

But that's the problem. Good people. And I'm a walking storm front. Bringing danger is the one thing I do best.

Kayden hops off his stool with a stretch. "Come on, let's head out before this turns into a jerk circle of 'Oh Asher, thou art great and wise," he says, his palm landing lightly between my shoulder blades to nudge me forward.

"Classy as ever," Asher mutters dryly behind us.

Jace says something too, low and bitter. I pause and turn to him. "I'm really sorry, Jace."

He gives a short, tight-lipped nod. I can tell he wants to let it go, but pride doesn't heal that fast. I can't blame him.

A thought sparks. "If I stayed," I say slowly, turning to Winston, "could I take a shift or two here? To repay you. For the coffee… and the other thing."

Winston's eyebrows rise in pleasant surprise. "We could use an extra set of hands on weekends. Evenings get busy."

"Thank you," I say, meaning it. "For everything."

"Don't mention it. You stay safe now."

As we step out into the light, Kayden leans closer. "You've got a knack for making impressions wherever you land, huh?"

"My one true supernatural ability," I say with a huff.

Asher opens the car door for me. "While I appreciate the thought of you staying here," he says calmly, "bartending in a public spot doesn't pair well with laying low."

"I know," I mutter. "I just… wanted to do something. To repay Winston. Jace too. And if"—I emphasize the word—"ifI stay, I can't be locked up in your house."

"I wouldn't mind that," Kayden murmurs behind me.

I ignore him, eyes on Asher.

He watches me for a moment, then gives a slow nod. "We'll discuss it. When you decide."

He closes the door gently once I'm inside.

I sit, clutching the books to my chest like some kind of fragile armor. There's still so much I don't know. About them. About myself. About what comes next.

For now, I focus on the pages in my lap. One step. One answer. One day at a time.