Page 13 of The Human’s Heart

“Love you too. Bye.”

“See ya.”

I hung up the phone just as I walked onto campus, then I headed for my building, grumbling in my head about the upcoming test.

By the time Friday came around, I was exhausted from school and having construction going on all day long, so I was happy when the crew left for the weekend. Hugo was happy about it too—I could feel it through our bond.

We both needed a break from all the noise and from having strangers in our space.

The two of us walked outside with Granddad and Grandpa, and I watched Grandpa pull Hugo into a huge hug. Granddad smiled at them, even though neither of them were looking at us as they whispered, and then Granddad pulled me into a tight hug.

“We’ll see you on Monday, kiddo.”

“Okay. Thanks for your help with all of this.”

“No need to thank me.” He kissed my temple and switched places with Grandpa.

Granddad pulled Hugo into a hug, and Grandpa did the same to me, saying, “Your viramore is so sweet.”

I smiled. “He really is.”

“I love you, Zay. We’ll see you in a couple of days.” He released me and held my shoulders, meeting my gaze. “It’s been really nice seeing you so much lately. We’ve missed you at home.”

My heart twinged a little at that. Coven land would always be my home, even if I had a second one right here. “I’ve missed being home too, but…”

“But you love it here, I know.” He smiled. “I’m happy for you, and I’m glad you’re making this place into a real home for you and Hugo.”

I gave him a nod, and he pulled me back into a hug. “Call if you need us… even if it’s just to get Kian and Idophia out of your hair.” That was… not a Grandpa kind of thing to say…

When he released me, my brow furrowed. “You don’t like her?”

He lifted a shoulder. “I don’t dislike her. She’s just… I don’t know, I have a feeling she’s more into Kian’s last name than she is into Kian himself.”

I cringed. We’d all come across our fair share of Ellwood fans that only wanted to be our friends or partners because of our last name. It was why I used a different name at school. Some people knew who I truly was, but most didn’t, and I was totally okay with that.

Plus, there were some people who hated my family and might come after one of us, so that was another good reason for the fake name. The school knew my real name, so my diploma would say Ellwood, but they’d sworn oaths not to share the information with anyone else without my family’s permission.

I blew out a breath. “That’s not good. Every time I talk to him, he sounds more and more in love with her.”

Grandpa grimaced. “I know. I think… I think he’s going to end up hurt. But he wouldn’t listen to anyone about her when he first brought her around, so there’s really nothing we can do.”

“You guys tried to talk to him?”

He nodded and ran a hand over his face. “Your sister and dads did, and I’m pretty sure a handful of your cousins even said something. Unfortunately, the more people said things, the more he doubled down on being with her. So… here we are. I… I’m a little worried.”

Well, fuck. I’d been really looking forward to getting to know Kian’s girlfriend this weekend, and now, I was worried I was going to hate her.

Grandpa sighed. “I’m sorry, Zay. I shouldn’t have said anything. You’re worried now.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I am, but I’m glad you told me.”

He grimaced. “Sorry. Try to have a good time. Maybe you’ll see something different.”

“I sure hope so.”

He grabbed my upper arms. “Seriously, please don’t let this ruin your fun. I’m sorry. I should’ve waited to say something.”

“No, I’m glad you didn’t.”