Page 79 of Red Fire

“Thank you for keeping the house clean, Mom,” I say when I feel like I can talk without blubbering. “It means so much to me.” I look at each of them in turn.

My mother frowns. “You mean you haven’t seen her yet?”

“Seen who?”

“You might have just missed her.” She looks at the clock on the wall.

“Missed who? What are you talking about, Mom? Did you hire a cleaning service?” I grasp at straws because I know where this is going. I know in my gut.

“No.” She shakes her head. “I mean, I would have if it had been necessary. But Aspen insisted on doing it herself. She felt guilty about what happened. She blames herself. She cleans your house every Tuesday morning. I’m sure she’s there right now. She wanted it to be ready for you when you came home. She—”

“Don’t her mates have a problem with that? I’m not understanding this, Mom.” My voice sounds gruff. “Why would she do that?” I say, softer this time.

“No, Creed, dear.” My mom shakes her head. “Aspen never mated. She was devastated when you were sentenced. She blames herself for everything.”

“Poor girl,” my father says. “Cleans your house every week and visits us, too. She’s been wonderful. It’s been like having a little piece of you in our lives.”

“Sheisn’tmated?” I’m frowning.

“No, of course not. She loves you; did from the first time she met you. She still does,” my mom says.

“Why? Why did she want a mating circle, then? I don’t get it.” I run a hand through my hair. “Why screw everything up?” My chest tightens with old hurt.

“I suspect that she got a lot of pressure from her parents,” my mother says. “You will have to ask her yourself. I know that she regrets it. She regrets all of it.”

“Aspen has been waiting for your return, son,” my dad says. “She’s a wonderful female. I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive her. I pray that the two of you will work it out.”

“I want grandbabies.” My mom clasps her hands together. “Levi is still single; I can’t see that changing anytime soon. It’s up to you, Creed.” She smiles.

“Sheesh, Mom. No pressure.” I smile back. My mind goes to Octavia. Crap! Octavia. She’s at the house right now. According to my mom, Aspen is too.

Aspen and Octavia.

Holy shit!

I stand, almost knocking my half-finished glass of lemonade over.

“What is it, son?” My dad stands, too.

“I just remembered that there’s something important I have to do. I’m sorry.” I start walking to the door.

“Come for dinner,” my mom shouts.

“Okay,” I say over my shoulder.

“Bring Aspen,” my dad says.

“I’ll invite Levi.” My mom is chasing after me. “It’ll be like old times,” she says as we reach the front door.

“Okay, Mom. Perfect.” I turn and kiss her on the cheek. Then I drive home like my ass is on fire. My heart is pounding.

28

Octavia

I finally muster the energy to get myself up. It’s hunger that does it in the end.

I cook a huge breakfast for myself. Food has always made me feel better, and today will be no different. Besides, after eating almost nothing for days, I feel like I deserve some extra sustenance. I fry up some eggs and bacon and make toast. I would make pancakes, but I can’t find any flour. Then I pile my plate high, grab my freshly brewed cup of coffee, and scoff it all down on the back porch.