Chapter 71

“Yeah, it’s good to be home.”

They didn’t talk for a long time, just stayed in bed like that, soaking in the closeness once more. Eventually, they took turns using the bathroom and wandered back in, and Padraig could tell Kaos wasn’t ready to face the world yet.

“Get back to bed. I’ll take Hestia out and be right back, okay?” He leaned in to kiss Kaos and tucked him back under the covers.

“Promise?”

The vulnerability in Kaos’s tone made Padraig’s heart ache, and for a moment, he entertained the thought of letting Hestia wait. But then reason kicked in, and he looked at the dog, who was giving him the stink-eye already. He looked back at Kaos and smiled.

“I promise.”

“Okay.”

He took Hestia downstairs, pulled some shoes and a jacket on top of his pajamas, and then stepped out the back door. She darted into the backyard, and Padraig… well, he stood there on the porch, stunned at what he was seeing.

“What on earth?”