Page 55 of Taming the Beasts (Crooked Point #3)

And when Huxley and Ace walked into the waiting room together I knew for sure nothing would change. I jumped into Ace’s arms and Huxley kissed the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

They were all healed. And we were all still an us.

Although the joy of them finally finding a cure wasn’t really in the room tonight as we all waited. And waited.

Callum eventually walked into the waiting room and practically collapsed in the seat next to Emma.

“You’re looking much less invisible today, invisible buddy,” Grudge said.

Callum laughed, but it sounded forced.

“Are you okay?” Emma asked.

“Yeah, I’m just not used to feeling tired.”

He hadn’t slept for centuries. That was definitely going to take some getting used to .

“Kebe is just about done cleaning up the town square,” he said.

“And I don’t think anyone is going to remember what happened.

All the guests seemed so out of it. Hopefully they all go home, wash up, and never think about tonight ever again.

But just in case, there won’t be a trace of the carnage in the town square or along Main Street come morning. ”

“No wonder you’re exhausted,” Emma said.

“Why do you think you can remember what happened?” I asked. “And the guys? When everyone else can’t?”

“I think because we weren’t just turned. We weren’t in a state of confusion like the other guests. At least, that’s what Kebe’s theory is.”

I was still upset with Kebe about using that coin. But she had come around. And it seemed like she was really helping out now too.

“Thanks, Callum,” Bennett said. “For staying back and cleaning up.”

“Well, it was my wedding,” Callum said with a chuckle.

Emma groaned. “It was supposed to be the best night of our lives.”

Callum smiled sadly down at her.

“You two should go,” I said. I wasn’t sure their wedding night was salvageable. But they had to at least try.

“I am exhausted,” Callum said.

I didn’t want them to just go home and sleep. That hardly seemed celebratory. “You must be hungry too, right? You haven’t had a real meal in forever. What did you used to like to eat before you changed? ”

Callum thought about it for a minute. “Meat and potatoes.”

Well, that was basic. I guess food in the 1700s wasn’t exactly as exciting as it was now though.

A whole culinary world had just opened up to him.

But if he wanted some good meat and potatoes.

.. “If you want a current classic version of that, there’s a diner a few miles from town that has the best burgers and fries.

They’re probably still open. And they’re far enough away from Crooked Point that they probably weren’t disturbed at all. ”

Emma smiled. “That sounds so good. What do you think?” She looked up at Callum.

“I’ve always been curious about what a burger would truly taste like. I’ve eaten a few over the years at public events. And they tasted like cardboard. It was hard to imagine the appeal.”

Emma laughed. “I promise they’re way better than cardboard. They’re so so good. Oh, and with extra cheese!”

Callum smiled. “I’ve missed cheese. Do they still have Yankee cheese? Or a good brick cheese?”

Ew, what?

Emma stood up. “I have no idea what those cheeses are, you old man. But you’re about to experience American cheese for the first time.” She put out her hand. “Let’s go have our wedding meal.”

Callum laughed as he stood up. “Sounds like a plan.” He slid his hand into hers. “I’m quite curious about this American cheese you’re speaking of. Is it like milled curds?”

I laughed.

“Call us with any updates, okay?” Emma said to me .

I nodded, even though I had no intention of interrupting their night.

They made the rounds saying goodbye to everyone before heading out the doors.

I leaned my head back in my chair and stared at the ceiling. I just wanted Titan to be okay. We should all being going out and getting burgers together. Laughing and having fun. Or scowling, if that’s what Titan wanted to do. I’d kill to see even one more of his menacing scowls.

“He’s going to be okay,” Otto said. “I’m sure of it.”

I lifted my head. “There’s no way you could possibly know that.”

Otto put his arm around my shoulders. “I do know it. It’s Titan.”

I got that. He was strong and fierce and terrifying. But it didn’t make him invincible.

“Yeah,” Bennett agreed as his hand fell to my thigh. “It’s Titan.”

I looked across the tiny aisle at where Huxley and Ace were sitting.

Ace knocked his foot against mine. “It’s Titan.”

“It’s Titan,” Huxley said with a nod.

I couldn’t help but smile at all of them. “You’re right.” They had to be. “It’s Titan. You won’t hear any more pessimism from me.”

“Damn right,” Otto said and tickled my side.

I laughed and slapped his hand away.

“Are we going to talk about him?” Bennett asked and gestured toward Grudge who had fallen asleep in one of the chairs.

“What about him?” I asked .

Bennett stared at me. “What should we do with him? Should one of us drive him back to your old place? Or...put him on a train out of town?”

I laughed. “He’s fine in that chair.”

“If you say so.”

“Don’t be jealous,” I said. “Grudge and I are just friends.”

Bennett folded his arms across his chest.

“Besides, rumor has it that you like to share,” I whispered.

“I like to share you with my friends. Not a blue-haired stranger.”

“Hm.” I nuzzled into his side. He had no idea how comforting his words were to hear.

Especially now that he didn’t have to share anymore.

He was cured. They all were. But I was hopeful that nothing had to change.

I stared at the doors, willing a doctor to come through.

Please let nothing have to change. Let Titan be okay.