Unhallowed (Rath and Rune #1) - Jordan L. Hawk Page 0,62

baby birds and the dying sighs of prey. It comforted me, made me feel less alone because I was a part of this web of creation. I…I miss it, sometimes.”

God. Poor Ves. “And are the other Young like you?”

Ves’s lips tightened. “Yes. No. Again: chaotic creation. Some are nearly human; some are absolutely not human at all. Once again, so I’m told. I’ve only actually met one other of my kind.”

They stopped on the sidewalk outside the house. “Now I have a question for you,” Ves said. “I understand you’re grateful I saved you. But why would you want me around your family, now that you know what I am?”

He was looking for an excuse to run, Sebastian sensed. To bolt into the night and never look back. All Sebastian needed to do was confirm his worst fears.

“What you are is a good person,” he said carefully. “You stood up for me even after I’d been an utter prick to you. You believed me when no one else did. You helped me, even when there was nothing for you to gain by doing so. I’d rather have you around my family than, say, Dr. Norris from the American History Department.”

An unexpected bark of laughter came from Ves. Encouraged, Sebastian added, “Count yourself lucky if you never have to work with the man. I don’t know how he became the head of a department. Knew the right people at the time, I expect, and has never done anything so egregious as to be kicked out. Trust me, I’d never have him over for dinner, not that he’d waste his precious time on a lowly archivist.”

Ves shook his head. “I don’t understand you,” he confessed softly.

“There’s not much to understand. I’m a simple fellow.” Sebastian tugged gently on his hand. “Come inside. Bonnie will be glad to see you.”

Keeping in mind what Pete had said, Sebastian made sure to knock before trying the door. “It’s me,” he called. “I have Vesper with me.”

The door flew open. Bonnie was still up, Clara in one arm, while Pete sat in the entry room with a stout cudgel in his lap. “There you are,” she said. “Are you quite all right, Mr. Rune? Those ruffians didn’t hurt you?”

Ves looked utterly adrift. “I…yes? That is, I’m fine.”

“Thank heavens.” She bustled toward the stairs. “The children are staying in my room for the rest of the night, so Sebastian can sleep in Willie’s bed, and you can take Sebastian’s room. We have an attic room as well, but it hasn’t been used in years, so I’m afraid it’s not ready for company.” She paused on the first step. “Unless you’d prefer to stand watch?”

“I told you, I have it,” Pete groused. “They caught me unprepared before, that’s all.”

Ves held himself very still, something bordering on panic in his eyes. Sebastian put a hand to his elbow and steered him toward the stairs. “Yes, thank you, but I think Ves has had enough excitement for one evening. I’ll get him settled.”

“But—” Bonnie started.

Sebastian caught her eye. “Mr. Rune doesn’t need people talking at him right now.”

Bonnie took the hint and hurried up the stairs ahead of them, before vanishing in the direction of her room without another word.

They stopped outside of Sebastian’s room. He wished he’d taken the time to tidy it more. “I’ll be there,” he said, pointing to the door of the boys’ room. “I can leave you alone for the rest of the night, or I’ll come back in a few minutes, once you’ve had the chance to settle yourself, and check on you.”

For a moment, Ves looked as though he truly didn’t know which he wanted himself. Then he glanced at Sebastian and, in a voice that made him shiver, said, “Come back, if you will.”

Chapter 21

Ves sat on the edge of the bed, staring into nothing.

He didn’t understand how any of this had happened. The Raths, Captain Degas…no one behaved as though he was a monster. He kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but so far, it simply hadn’t.

He remembered again the man from the train, who had warned him not to come to Widdershins. At the time, he’d thought it nonsense. But maybe the man had been right, in a way. Maybe it wasn’t a town for normal folk.

But it might be a town for monsters.

He closed his eyes. He still didn’t know what to do about Fagerlie, or Noct, or any of it. But at least things weren’t as