Page 36 of Outlawed

“Oh yeah, and what’s that?”

“Information.”

I mull over what he’s saying. But at the end of the day, I’d be a hypocrite if I said anything else. He never lied about who he was, and he’s already made a conscious effort to change his life so it fits more seamlessly with mine, something I never asked of the other two.

“Okay. I’m going back to bed before the others realize I’m gone and come looking for me. I’ll be in touch.”

“You’d better, because I only have so much patience, Calliope.”

I salute him before stepping inside, grinning when the door slams in his face.

Rubbing my eyes, I make my way to the back door. I walk outside and breathe in the night air, enjoying the stillness. The moon is full and high in the sky, illuminating the whole area. Humming softly, I head down the steps barefoot. Nothing will hurt me. I need to clear my head and reconnect to this place, so I start walking.

I’m deliciously sore in places, but I don’t let that stop me as I take in the beauty that we’ve created here. Everything is in full bloom, and the smell is amazing. If I thought I could get away with it, I’d lie down here and sleep under the stars, but the guys might think I was having a breakdown of some sort.

I end up at the pasture that houses my deadly plants, taking a few cuttings I need for a recipe or two. Once I’m done, I move to another pasture. This one is newer. The soil has been freshly turned in places where the plants and young seedlings are growing. This is the pasture that contains the endangered plants I’ve managed to source. I’m hoping that if I can make them prosper here, I can transfer some out so they prosper in other places, but we shall see. It’s still early.

I don’t realize how much time I’ve spent out here until the sky starts to lighten. With a curse, I head back inside, taking the plants I gathered to my workshop, which, thanks to Riggs, now has a lock on it to keep Hannah out.

It takes me another hour to whip up the potions using the flowers before they need to sit and rest. I clean up after myself, and instead of heading back to bed, I make my way to the kitchen. Even if the guys aren’t up soon, the ranch hands will begin arriving within the next hour or so. I set about making breakfast for everyone, and by the time the house lets me know someone’s here, the first batch is ready.

I head out and see it’s Hank. He climbs out and eyes me with concern. “Is everything okay? Oh wow.” He takes in the remnants of the vigil and removes his hat, holding it to his chest as a mark of respect.

“Everything’s fine. I was just up early and thought I’d make breakfast. My way of saying thank you to you all.”

A second truck makes its way down the road before I’ve even finished.

“You didn’t have to do that, Calliope, but I never turn down food,” Hank admits, making me grin.

“Good. I’ll be in the kitchen. Come on in when you’re ready.”

I head back and start plating some up for Hank when Hannah pops her head around the corner.

“Hey, are you hungry?”

She nods and stumbles over to me, still half asleep. I lift her onto the counter and grab another plate, adding eggs, bacon, and hash browns to it.

“You want anything else?”

“Ketchup and a banana.”

I grimace. “A banana with ketchup on it?”

She giggles, shaking her head. “No, silly. The ketchup is for my bacon. The banana is just because they’re my favorite.”

“Ah, good choice. You want a drink with it?”

“Milk, please.”

“You got it. Why don’t you go sit at the table, and I’ll bring it over.” I lift her down and watch as she pulls out the chair closest to me.

Hank walks in with Christian behind him. “Hey, guys. Help yourselves. Hank, I started yours and then remembered I had no idea what you like,” I admit, making him laugh.

“That’s easy. I like everything.”

“Me too,” Hannah pipes up, catching his attention.

“Well, hey there, Miss Hannah. You mind if Christian and I join you?”