Her eyebrows rose, but she didn't ask me to clarify.
"Where is he now?"
"Up at the yurt."
"What are you going to do with him?"
I shrugged. "He's staying with us for now. It's up to him, but he probably needs some time to get on his feet and figure out what he wants."
My phone signaled that I have a text.
Doc: We'll just have to get the cabin done before they get here. It'll be okay.
Sofia: At least we can tell them it was magic.
Ed: LOL.
"Last week of school. Did you get all your classes arranged for next semester?"
"Yeah, I did, and I'm glad we're roommates again." I grinned at Victoria. "Hopefully, with a little less drama."
"Girl, you've got that right."
"Hey, so, I have another problem." I kept my face neutral.
She focused on me. "Uhoh."
"Christmas shopping for so many guys."
Victoria's eyes lit up. "Oh, we've got this, no problem. I'll help."
I gave her a relieved smile. "Thanks. I knew I could count on you."
"Hey, small problems or big ones, I've got your back."
∞ ∞ ∞
The rest of the week sped by and I was almost sorry for it to end. Friday was the last day of classes before break, and this was just about the most normal week I'd had since the semester started. Trying not to think about the time lost over the semester, I left my last class, bag slung over my shoulder, and headed for the dorm. We had all weekend to clear out. I was already packed. I just needed to grab my things, give Victoria a quick hug, and meet the guys.
The snowstorm I had sensed building all week had the clouds heavy and low in the sky. We were in for it tonight. A few fat flakes drifted through the air and one landed on my nose.
"Sofia!"
I stopped and turned, heart racing for a second before I recognized Ash. A handful of students flowed around me as I waited for the demon to catch up. He wore a pair of jeans that hugged his hips, and a long-sleeved T-shirt, despite the chill in the air. I guess the temperature didn't bother him much, either. His long blond hair was pulled back in a tail and he smiled when I waited. I warmed just looking at him.
"Hi, Ash."
"I hope you don't mind," he said as he jogged over to me. "Doc asked me to give you a ride up to his place. He's getting a few things done to the truck before the storm hits and he got delayed."
Doc had mentioned something about an oil change.
"Why would I mind?" I bumped my shoulder against Ash's when he fell in next to me.
He shoved his hands in his pockets and hunched his shoulders as we headed to my dorm so I could grab my things.
"I don't know," he muttered.
I mentally sighed, but managed to keep myself quiet outwardly. I didn't want him to feel bad. At least Ash couldn't smell my emotions like Doc and the wolves could.
The door was propped open for move-out and Ash followed me up the stairs and to my dorm.
I knocked on our door before opening it. Victoria was sitting in her office chair, staring at her phone when I walked in.
"Hey," I said as Ash followed me.
Victoria's eyes widened. She cleared her throat and obviously forced a smile. "Hi, Ash."
"Hi," he muttered, shoulders hunching more as he leaned against the doorframe.
I touched his arm before heading over and giving Victoria a hug. "Keep in touch."
"Yeah, as soon as this snow breaks we need to go shopping." She winked and gave me a hug. "I'm sure you can talk one of your guys into driving you down to Denver for some girl time."
"One of us will get her there," Ash said, voice a bit softer.
Victoria raised an eyebrow and mouthed "Oh really?"
I shrugged, not having a good reply. The idea had certainly crossed my mind more than once. Allan had already voiced approval. None of the rest of us had talked about it and Ash had not pushed the issue in any way. I wasn't even sure if he wanted anything more than to not be someone's slave at the moment.
It didn't take me long to gather my things and say another quick goodbye to Victoria. We would see each other soon, so we didn't need an extended goodbye.
Ash took my suitcase and wheeled it out after a quick nod toward Victoria. He didn't say anything as we made our way to the parking lot and his black Camaro. A few more flakes of snow sprinkled out of the sky and he grumbled as he put my bag in the trunk. I put my backpack in next to it and he shut the truck before opening the passenger door for me.
I smiled at him. "Thank you."
He nodded sharply and got into the driver's side. The Camaro roared to life and we pulled out of the parking lot.
I let the silence linger until we reached the turn out of town up into the mountains.
"We haven't had much chance to talk," I started. "How are you doing?"
Ash shrugged. "I'm fine."
I twisted to look at him while he drove. "What's up?"
He frowned and glanced at me before darting his eyes back to the road.
"You don't have to tell me. I can pretend everything is okay, but if you want to actually talk about it, I'm here for you."
He took a breath and nodded. "I'm okay. It's an adjustment. I'm still not sure what to do with myself."
"You don't have to decide right away, but once you have an idea please let us know."
Ash nodded.
I put my hand on his arm and he flinched. I pulled away. "Sorry."
"It's not you. Touch me if you want. Just not used to it."
Hesitantly, I put my hand back on his forearm. His muscles quivered with tension, but he didn't flinch, and I left my hand there.
He made the turn off and I let my hand fall back into my
