Braden balked. “I didn’t beg. It’s horrible that you would even insinuate anything of the sort. I’m a Grimlock. I don’t beg.”
“You do when Izzy is around.” Cormack shot me a fond smile. He was a warm man, inviting. Sure, he had a short fuse. Given the way his children acted, however, it was warranted. A few times I wanted to point out that he was the reason they acted the way they did, but it seemed unnecessary. It wasn’t as if he didn’t know that he spoiled them rotten. Aisling especially, as the only girl, was something of a terror. She was the mother of his only grandchild, so he spoiled her more than the rest. I had a feeling it had been that way since her birth thanks to her position as the only girl in an army of rambunctious boys. Cormack didn’t believe that boys were stronger than girls. He did believe that his daughter was to be treasured and protected. His form of protection was gratuitous enough that Aisling was even more of a terror than her brothers, which was something to behold when a family dinner got out of control.
“He begs all the time,” I offered, ignoring the dark look Braden shot me. “I think it’s kind of cute.”
“It’s not cute on the job.” Cormack was firm as he inclined his head toward Renley. “You might not think it’s necessary to be professional, Braden, but this is important to Izzy ... so stop being an idiot.”
Braden scowled, but climbed off my desk. He knew it was unprofessional to carry on in front of Renley, a man he considered more of an uncle than a boss. He didn’t want to bring shame to me, and I appreciated his effort ... even if it was a little pouty.
“Fine.” He let loose a prolonged sigh. “I guess I can behave. As soon as Renley is gone, though, I’m going nuts. You’ve been warned.”
“Thank you for the heads-up,” Cormack said dryly, shaking his head. “I’ll be fleeing as soon as Renley completes his tour.”
Because I was legitimately interested, I craned my neck to see around Cormack. The spot where Renley had been standing only moments before was empty. “Where did he go?”
“He’s in the library,” Cormack replied. “They’re going to use that space as a classroom for future reapers at some point. They’ve already brought over a bunch of books, which I assume you’ve noticed. I hope you’re prepared for the influx of bodies down here.”
“It’s fine.”
“You might not say that when you have students traipsing in and out of here. It won’t be for newbies. That’s all I can promise. It will be for those who have advanced through the ranks and are getting ready to hit the streets.”
That reminded me of a question I’d been longing to ask. “I thought reapers were born. Reaping families are dynasties of sorts, right? If that’s the case, why are they starting these new classes? I didn’t think the reaper council was the recruiting sort.”
“It’s a difficult time,” he explained. “It used to be that reaper families could keep up with the demands of the dying. Before the families took over, we recruited quite regularly. We trained reapers in classrooms ... and for multiple jobs. When cadets entered the academy, they had no idea where they would end up.
“It could be on the streets collecting souls, depending on their aptitude,” he continued. “Other positions were clerical. Up until about thirty years ago, the gatekeepers were selected from the cadet classes, which were much smaller then.”
“Did my parents attend classes?” The question was out of my mouth before I thought better of it. Talk of my dead parents was often depressing. Cormack never shied from the topic, though. He was always open with me. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that his children had lost their mother in a terrible accident — and then watched a monster return wearing her face ten years later — but he showed infinite patience whenever I asked questions, even if they were invasive.
“Not really. I mean ... all reapers, even those born into the business, attend classes. Your parents both had specific knowledge that helped prepare them for their jobs at the gate. I believe Oliver attended classes, though.”
I looked to my co-worker. He seemed engrossed in whatever he was doing, his gaze fixed on his computer screen. He was a vampire. I knew that. He’d been present when my parents died. Well, he wasn’t there when the monster came for them, but he did dig me out of the rubble and save my life. I didn’t exactly remember him from my childhood, but he gave me a warm feeling. The same went for his boyfriend, Brett Soloman. They both lived on the island and they’d quickly become members of my extended family.
“He’s not even listening to us,” Braden snarked. “He’s tuning us out. That’s what he does whenever I visit Izzy.”
“I don’t tune you out,” Oliver countered, his eyes never moving from the monitor as his fingers flew over the keyboard. “I simply pretend I can’t see the filthy thoughts written all over your face when you look at her. It’s better if I pretend not to see you. Otherwise, I might have to kill you.”
Cormack chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. “See, Braden. I told you that trying to romance Izzy in front of her pseudo-godfather was a bad idea. He could rip you limb from limb if he loses his temper.”
“I could,” Oliver agreed without hesitation. He seemed intent on what he was doing. “There’s nothing pseudo about my godfather status, though. I’ve always been a part of Izzy’s life. She might’ve been separated from me for most of her childhood, but that doesn’t mean I don’t take my position as her caretaker seriously.”
I had to laugh at the statement. “I’m an adult,” I reminded him. “I can take care of myself.”
“You’re still a child to me. Besides, it doesn’t matter how old you get, I’ll always be your godfather.” His gaze was pointed when he finally looked in my direction, although I didn’t miss the way his lips quirked. “As for your friend, if his hands continue to wander I will have to break them. He really should be more professional when you’re at work.”
Instead of being apologetic — which would’ve been smart under the circumstances — Braden opted to be offended. “I’m a total professional. Just ask my father. He gives me the important assignments because I’m never distracted on the job.”
“I give you the important jobs because Redmond has his head in the clouds these days, Aidan is planning a wedding, Cillian is angling for a spot in the research department and your sister just created human life,” Cormack countered. “It’s not a commentary on your abilities.”
Braden’s expression darkened, which I wasn’t sure was even possible. “Well, thanks for that.”
Cormack grinned. “Don’t give me that look. You know your sister is my favorite right now.” Most fathers deny having favorites, especially if they had five children close in age vying for attention. Cormack was not most fathers. He openly pitted his children against one another and picked a favorite to spoil daily. Aisling had garnered the top spot more often than most the past few months. The reason was obvious.
“And how long is Aisling going to keep being number one?” Braden queried.
“Until one of you gives me another grandchild.” Cormack’s expression was light when he glanced at me. “I’m thinking another little girl with Izzy’s looks and grace would be a welcome addition.”