The Cambion's Hoard
Chapter 5-Rose

The house had a stillness that I didn’t perceive as sound. Moving here had been a disruption I didn’t think anyone expected. I’m sure that the guys had already called Benny and complained. I really didn’t want to move back home. I loved my parents and brother, but they were all so overprotective.

Wallace sat on my bed and groomed himself. He needed a bath and haircut, but I didn’t want to traumatize him anymore. I was going to give him a little time to get used to me.

“Well, Wallace, I have to go to work. You have all these lovely new toys and hiding places. We’ll try to get all that gross stuff out of your fur when I get back. I won’t let those butts bother you.”

Wallace yawned and jumped down from the bed. He wound around my legs and then, in a blink, disappeared. Interdimensional travel, I was totally jealous.

I grabbed my purse and headed out.

“How much garbage did he hide?” I paused halfway down the stairs.

“Fuck if I know Thatch from the looks of it a ton.”

“Would you two stop arguing and help me throw this away? Not sure what crawled up your asses, but it certainly wasn’t me.” That sounded like Henson.

“If that woman comes down here, I’m giving her a piece of my fucking mind.”

“Biggs, leave her alone. She was reacting to how much of a dick I was being. She is right. We’re fucking gross.” Thatcher didn’t sound as irritated as before.

Taking a deep breath, I headed down. I looked into the dining room, and the three were knee-deep in cans and garbage. They all stopped and looked at me.

“I’m headed to work. My shift ends at 4, so it’ll be 5 by the time I get back in.” I stood tall. If Biggs wanted to come for me, let him.

Henson set his trash bag down. “Where exactly do you work having to dress like that?”

I ran my hand over my hip. The leather of my baby doll-teddy was soft under my fingers. “I work at Twilight. The standard uniform is a baby doll or teddy, thigh highs, and fishnets. I mean, it is a sex club, after all.”

Thatcher sat down on the floor and groaned. “You strip or fuck for a living?”

I laughed. “No, I’m clean up crew. I work behind the scenes helping the succubi and incubi. Repairing clothes, fixing hair and make-up, cleaning up rooms after encounters. I’m not allowed to work the main floor or rooms.”

Biggs tossed his bag aside and came to where I was standing. I squared my shoulders and didn’t back down from him. He was standing close enough to me that I could smell his sweat. He smelled like ash and hot coals. The only difference between him and Thatcher.

“So we couldn’t come and watch you, is what you’re saying?” He fingered my coat’s collar.

“Nope. As I said, I’m not allowed to work in those positions. I’m human.”

“That’s a shame. I bet you’d look pretty taking all this leather off.” Biggs pressed closer to me.

“That’s not the piece of mind I was expecting from you, Biggs? Don’t you want to rip me a new one?” Good Rose, goad the Dragon.

He lowered his head, bringing us to eye level. “Who could give you shit when you’re dressed like that? I’m too busy imagining you without it.”

I snorted. “They’re just clothes. But, look, I have got to get going. I don’t want to be late. I’ll see you in the morning if you’re up.” I backed up and headed for the door.

“So you’re not moving out?” Biggs crossed his arms over his chest.

“I called Benny and said he’d take care of the mess. He also wouldn’t let me out of the lease. Someone named Patricia said it was a bad idea?”

They all scoffed.

Henson grabbed his bag. “Well, if the psychic said she has to stay, guess we’ll have to get used to each other.”

I would plate that for later. But, for now, I needed to get to work.