Ryan’s gaze swept over the gathered humans and briefly paused on me. I ignored it and side-whispered to Bram.
“Make sure you stuff your jacket today with supplies. As much as you can carry.”
He grunted in acknowledgement in a very fey-like way that made me grin. He caught on and chuckled while shaking his head.
“I’m spending too much time with them,” he said.
“Better to hang around the people who help you find more food than the people who take it away from you.”
“Words of wisdom.”
We waited while Ryan and Matt did their usual information exchange then moved out to load into the trucks.
“Who knows how to drive?” Ryan called.
I was the only one who raised my hand.
“We could use you if you’re willing.”
“Sure.”
I went to the truck he indicated and wasn’t surprised to see Richard in the passenger seat.
“How’d it go last night?” he asked.
I flushed scarlet and pretended to check the mirrors as I answered.
“Fine. No attempts to break in. I’m guessing they’ll try today while I’m gone. No witnesses. Less risk to them.”
“Makes sense.”
“Which is why I emptied all the bagged food into a box for Tor to drop off at the storage shed and left the wrappers in a pile in the kitchen along with a note.”
Ryan gestured to start up the truck. It rumbled to life under my feet.
“What’s the note say?”
I glanced at Richard and grinned.
“Fuck you. It’s my food. Go get your own.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” he asked as I shifted into gear and eased the truck forward without choking it.
“Yes and no. Provoking them is dangerous. But it’s also the best way to flush all of them out. My guess is that they’ll find the note today, get mad, and make a plan to grab everything I have tonight before I can eat it.”
Richard looked out the window.
“How does he feel about that?” he asked.
I followed his gaze and spotted Tor running along Richard’s side of the truck. My mouth dropped open, and I almost swore before I realized this was a good thing. I’d been nervous about leaving him in the house alone, knowing that he’d likely have unwanted visitors. This way, he was out of danger. But there was also a better chance that the people would ransack the place in a fit of rage and discover the cameras.
“Based on your silence, I’m guessing he’s not a fan of the plan, either.”
“He’s supposed to be watching the house while I’m gone. Honestly, I’m glad he’s not there. The idea of leaving him behind while knowing someone was going to break in wasn’t easy. I know he’s big and stronger. But I was still worried something might happen.”
Richard made a humming noise.
“You sound a little like my daughter with Drav. Protectiveness isn’t a bad thing for someone you love.”
The flush that had faded reignited slightly.
“I’m struggling with it, you know? How can I possibly love someone this soon? I’ve only known Tor a few weeks, and part of that time I had a boyfriend, a person I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with.”
“The world is a crazy place. Don’t worry about what could have been or should have been. Focus on what is. If you love him, you love him. Let it be that simple.”
I gave him a grateful smile.