Page 87 of Your Fangtasy

Gray tugs on my hand, signaling me to keep going. I’m starting to feel more tired than dizzy now.

“Millie saved my life.”

Tannis quirks a questioning brow. “Is that so, darling?”

I nod. “Yup.”

“And how did you manage to accomplish such an impressive feat?” They stop at the top of the stairs and swivel around to face us down. I’m moving so slowly that even Gray picks up on the sluggish steps I’m taking. He picks me up before my knees give out.

“Easy.” I manage a small laugh. “I socked her in the jaw.”

In truth, I’m not sure where my fist landed, only that I hit her hard enough to knock her back and break her focus. Tannis claps, seemingly impressed. I feel a little pride at knowing I’ve earned a round of applause from Gray’s cousin. I don’t imagine that’s an easy thing to do.

“Well done.” Tannis nods approvingly. “Now, do you know where the witches fled to?”

Gray shakes his head. “Once the fire was out, she and her sister left. We have no idea where they went.”

“I can always sneak a peek at the security footage for a license plate number.” Tannis crosses their arms, tapping at their chin. My stomach drops, fear implanting itself firmly in my gut.

“Nate said you wouldn’t do anything.” I hear the panic in my voice as I speak.

There’s a long pause before Tannis responds.

“Your friend attacked my cousin,” they deadpan. “I might not make any moves as of yet, but there will be consequences to their actions in the nearing future.”

“What about the guy who tried to bite her?” I argue, suddenly angry.

“It’s been dealt with.” Tannis says coldly. I flinch at the implication.

“Will you let Millie handle this?” Gray interrupts. “I don’t think Jill would have done it if she knew what was going on in the first place. She made assumptions and reacted according to her instincts. You would do the same.”

“Of course I would,” Tannis agrees. “But then I would also expect there to be consequences, cousin. Witches are unforgiving creatures, and so are vampires. It’s in our nature to be ruthless.”

I push away from Gray’s chest and he sets me down, though close enough to still lend me support.

“Fuck your bullshit.” I stab a finger at Tannis and hold their gaze with an unyielding will. “I’m going to handle this myself, got it? Jill ismyfriend, which means she’s my responsibility.”

“And you want to do it alone?” Tannis asks.

“Alone, yes.”

I know it isn’t what Gray wants to hear, but my answer satisfies Tannis. They throw up their hands in mock defense and back away.

“Fine, fine. Talk to your witch friend, and see if you can’t smooth things over.” Their cross again, though the earlier reluctance to hear me out is now gone.

“Thanks,” I add, a little sheepish. My confidence is waning, overpowered by exhaustion. I need a few solid hours of sleep before I try to meet up with Dax. It’s eating me up inside not knowing yet if heknowseverything now, too. I worry he may be hiding something the way Jill was hiding herself. We’ve all got too many secrets at this point to go on much longer without knowing the truth.

Gray steers me away as Tannis leaves, bound for another destination.

“I’m thinking of a hot bath, dry clothes, and then bed,” he muses aloud.

“Can we have a snack, too?” My stomach grumbles, aching with a hunger I didn’t notice until now. Admittedly, I’ll probably need more than a snack. After his feeding earlier, I’ll need a three course meal and a milkshake.

“Does that mean I should call for a cheeseburger and fries?”

“Actually, yes, you should.” I elbow his side playfully. I’m delighted by his offer. “Do that, and my thigh is all yours.”

Gray’s laugh is so deep, so full, that when he scoops me up and throws me over his shoulder, I can’t help but join him. For all that happened tonight, and earlier this evening, I’m just glad he’s in a good mood. My hope is that when I sneak out while he’s still sleeping, he won’t be too mad at me for leaving.