11. Gabe

11

GABE

I already miss Van the second he leaves my apartment with my clothes. He’s a bright light and takes up so much space in my place. Not physical space. Okay, yes, physical space, but he has lots of energy to feel through. There’s a lot of trauma in his life and a lot of disappointment, self-loathing. I can’t exactly read his thoughts, but I can read him . The stories everyone tells are just surface Van, what they can see. But even in the time I’ve spent with him, I know there’s more to him than his anger. More than his temper and his so-called selfishness. He’s thoughtful with his decisions. He comes across as brash, but that just adds to his charm. He wants to be loved so badly, but pushes everyone away with his attitude. I can’t imagine what that kind of life is like. I had my dad and my grandma. Most of my relationships haven’t worked out, but if I think about them, I can admit I checked out of almost all of them out of boredom. Will I get bored with Van? I don’t know, but I never plan on getting bored.

He’s been gone for ten minutes before I actually try to focus on reading.

The book’s empty every time I try. My shoulders drop and I sigh, letting the book fall into my lap. Perhaps the only way I can read it is if I have a feather. How inconvenient.

My wings are a hassle and I can’t possibly have them out in the apartment because they take up too much room. But if I need a feather to unlock the information?—

The entire building shakes when something slams into it from behind. I scramble to my feet and stare at the back wall, only for the building to shake again. What the heck?

I slide on a pair of shoes. Someone could be hurt. The humidity steals my breath the moment I step outside my door. What good did showering do since I’m already sweating? Grunts and curses reach my ears before I find myself in front of Van and Domhnall fighting. Van laughs as he pushes away from the brick of my apartment building.

“What’s going on?” I call out just as Domhnall takes another swing at Van.

“Friendly disagreement,” Van says as he punches Domhnall in the stomach. He grimaces and shakes out his hand, but Domhnall sends him flying back again.

“You can’t fight here,” I say. “I’d rather not get kicked out of my apartment because my guest destroyed the building.”

Van stops and looks at me. His mouth falls open, but Domhnall takes the opportunity to throw another punch.

“That was low,” I say to the gargoyle.

“He had it coming. This fucker?—”

I hold a hand. “Like I said, you can’t fight here.”

“I’ll fight wherever the fuck I want to fight.” Domhnall grabs Van by the tail, causing Van to yelp.

“You’re always getting into fights with Van and Wick. What’s your problem with them?” I drop my fists to my hips and wait for Domhnall’s response.

Van makes kissy faces at him. “Awe, I think he’s in love with us both and he doesn’t know how to show his affection.”

I swear Domhnall turns to living stone right there as he charges Van.

I gather my magic into my core. It’s not wise to do this with such short notice, but I need something showy to stop the two from destroying the building or themselves. “Oh, come on!” I stomp a foot, sending all my magic into the action to make the ground rumble and shake around us. I get the desired effect and they both stop in their tracks and blink back at me. “Will you please either make up or go someplace else? I’m trying to read.” My head feels floaty, and it takes everything in me to keep my balance.

“You—you…” Domhnall stares open-mouthed. “I didn’t know nephilims could…”

“I’m sure you know nothing about nephilims and what we can do, so I’d stay on my good side if I were you.” I turn on my heel and leave the pair to finish whatever their problem is. It’s none of my business and I’ve done what I can. All I can hope is there’s no real damage to the building. Or to Van.

My hands tremble when I try to open the door of my apartment. Why does the thought of Van getting hurt terrify me so much? We haven’t known each other very long. Why am I so attached already?

“Hey!” Van jogs up behind me while I’m staring at my front door. “Thanks for that. But…” He scratches the back of his head. “It’s my fault. We were in the laundry room and he started talking about Wick and I lost it.”

“I get it, but just don’t destroy buildings.” The door finally opens and I push inside into the blessed cool air. “So hot out there.” I wheeze and my knees buckle. Shit. Shit. Shit.

Van catches me in his big strong arms. The fear in his eyes is the last thing I see before I pass out.