Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

359. Olivia - 'Surprise' II

I

Ansel and Mose enter the house carrying three large pizza boxes and put them on the dining table, next to the potato salad Jasper and I made. Tyson made crispy onion rings. "I thought you were making burgers?" I ask, confused, while I finish setting the table. Mose puts on an apologetic face while Ansel shrugs. "Change of plans."

Rueben puts a six-pack of root beer on the table. "I bet..." From the couch, Tyson and Jasper watch him intensely. Rueben's eyes narrow to slits. "I'm sure Mose burned them."

give Mose a peck on the lips. "He's doing the best he can. After all, cooking is not that easy, especially since he has little to no experience."

Rueben rolls his eyes at me. "He's Mose's demon, for fuck's sake. He should know how to make simple dishes but he can't even fry some eggs without burning the kitchen."

I press my lips together, not wanting to laugh with Mose present. Rueben is not wrong, but he shouldn't be so direct. "You should be more considerate of your elders," I say, and everyone gives me strange looks. Well, Mose's demon is older than dirt. He must have seen the Big Bang and the formation of our universe."

Jasper can't help himself and says, "His fart was the Big Bang."

"Shit. Don't give him beans! Who knows what will happen if he farts again," Tyson continues the joke.

"Boom!" he says before wrapping his arms around my waist and spinning me

me dizzy!" I

to tell me, "Love." He still hates talking more than a few words at a time, but I don't need long conversations to understand him. Or to care deeply

wanting to die or when I started living again. My heart is not fully healed; it will never be, but each day is better than the other. I never once dreamed of a life where I'm not only

would quickly snach it away, especially if it was money. This is why Grandpa Jon set a

are still out there, those who I love are in danger. These days, I keep the dangers and a firearm nearby. Tyson and Rueben are positive that no one will find our new house, but Ansel and Mose's constant vigilance has me on edge. Jasper is now the leader of the group, and he

I whisper. It's all I can say for now. One day, when all the threats have been eliminated, I will let them

had been moments when I wanted to be with him in ways I was yet not ready. It's better this way, as back then, I was still living in my own world, thinking that once I finish high school, Tyson would take me away on a white horse or some shit like that. He was the

that are now blossoming inside my heart are much stronger than the ones from six years ago. I am not the same either. While I'm still discovering myself, I have now

come close to Mose and me. Ansel steps behind me and kisses my neck. "How about

over my shoulder, I ask, "What

appears on Ansel's face. "I

to make Ansel speak are stopped with a slice of pizza and a bottle of root

***