I gave him a grateful smile that slowly died at Azio’s next words.
“Perhaps you only dislike human sex. Maybe you would like fey sex.”
One look at my wide eyes and Brooke’s laughter filled the room. Azio’s lips twitched, assuring me that my shock had amused him as well.
“It is something to consider,” he said with a slight shrug.
I hesitantly nodded, not that I actually thought sex with a fey would be better than with a human guy. If anything, it sounded worse. Sex until sore? No, thank you.
After we finished our breakfast, Solin produced two decks of cards, and we played War in pairs with a rotating observer. An hour slipped by without my notice and then another. When Brooke stood with a stretch and went off to use the bathroom, I noticed the way Solin stared after her, as if watching her leave was tearing him apart on some level.
It probably was. Brooke had started seeing him a little more than a week ago. Not nearly enough time for the mindless infatuation phase to wear off. Especially if they were going at it like bunnies.
When she returned, he stood and met her halfway.
“Are you still sore, my Brooke?”
A slow smile parted her lips.
“Only a little. Feel like going home and sketching something?”
His answer was to pick her up and start for the door.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” she called before it closed behind them.
I sighed without realizing how it would sound to Groth and Azio.
“Would you like to play more War?” Groth asked.
“I could make you popcorn,” Azio offered.
Another day of movies and popcorn would be a safe, if slightly uncomfortable, way to pass the time. But that wouldn’t help any of us. Thanks to Brooke’s very embarrassing clarifications this morning, I knew both my fey housemates were open to having a relationship with me. And if I ever wanted a baby, I needed to figure out how to be okay with being with a fey.
I glanced at Azio then Groth. They watched me closely, their eyes doing that thing they did. I wanted to shiver. Instead, I forced myself to take a mental step toward my goal.
“I don’t think popcorn or games are what I need.”
“Tell us what you need. We will get it for you,” Groth said, stepping closer.
Azio’s gaze reflected the same earnest desire to do whatever it took to keep me here, and it helped bolster my determination.
“My fainting has stopped me from leaving Tenacity for supplies. I don’t want to be useless. I’d like to try to do my part if you think I won’t be too much of a liability.”
“You are not useless,” Azio said firmly.
“Right now, I feel that way, though. Would I put you in danger if we went outside the wall together to look for food?”
“No, we would not be in danger,” Azio said. “There is no need for you to leave for supplies, though. We can find whatever you want.”
“I know. But I think I need to do this. Please.”
Azio and Groth shared a look.
“It’s not safe with only two of us,” Groth said. “We would need to ask for volunteers to help.”
“How many?” I asked.
“Five more,” Azio said.
They both watched me, waiting for my decision and likely thinking the same thing weighing on my mind. I’d passed out the last time I’d been surrounded by fey. How was this time going to be any better?
“Okay,” I said. “Five more. How soon can we leave?”