A year later, I was watching customers come and go from the Monimal Clinic. Anything from fish to a Steelfang was welcome. FleshEaters were still out there but they refused to become a pet. So far only one person has been killed by one. It took two weeks before the Dark Savers and I caught it, did some tests, and set it free. Eve moved to an apartment a week ago. It is within walking distance of the Clinic. She brings Fear with her everywhere like I bring Slash everywhere.
The Slade Orphanage finally got shut down after I told people what it was like there. Some of the girls and boys that were there started working at the Clinic. The Lockwood's bought the orphanage and turned it into an apartment building which is where Eve's apartment was. She didn't even have to pay rent even though she's tried. Dad built a warehouse on our property and that's where the Dark Savers HQ is.
People actually hire us to catch these monsters and release them somewhere else since we no longer kill them. Vincent's family moved to one of the new apartments so I got to see him a lot. It wasn't long before every member of Dark Savers had moved close by. Mostly because they kept bugging their parents until they agreed that it would be better to move out of the city. In a way, I agree with them. There aren't many monsters up in the city and if there are, they belong to a person so there's no reason to investigate.
Mom came and sat beside me. "The Clinic's running good today," she said.
"Mm-hmm." I took a sip of my lemonade. "I think it's because Dad hired Mrs. Oak to be honest."
Mom chuckled. "That's what your dad and brothers say."
"Ah, so that means it's true."
She nodded. "She's really good, don't you think? Every monster or animal she takes care of is fixed."
"Indeed."
"I found something out today."
I looked at her. "What?"
"I'm pregnant."
I stared. "You are?"
"Yup."
"Does dad know?"
"Yes, and so do your brothers."
"So I'm the last to know? Unfair." I thought for a minute. "Well, I hope it's a girl."
She smiled. "So do I. The boys hope it'll be a boy."
"I think we have enough boys," I grumbled. We were silent for a while. "Mom?" I ventured.
"Hmm?"
"Vin proposed and I said yes." He had done it on our date last night. He had said his mom took a bit of convincing but she was okay with it. I knew if I had mom on my side dad wouldn't stand a chance.
"I see."
"I'm technically an adult," I continued. Not really. I was only seventeen. "But I love him more than anything so please say it's okay."
"Fire, relax," she said soothingly. Yes, even my mom and dad started calling me by that nickname. "Your father and I have been hoping he'd propose."
I blinked. "You were?"
"Yes. Your father was threatening to go and talk some sense into Vincent if he didn't propose soon. Slash had even growled in agreement."
I looked down at the Slasher sleeping at my feet. "That actually agreed on something?"
"Yes, isn't it amazing?"
"I don't know. I feel like we should be expecting a bomb to explode on us." Slash growled at me to indicate even though he was asleep, he wasn't deaf.
"I thought that too," Mom admitted and grinned when Slash growled at her. "But nothing happened so I think we're good." She stood. "I'll go let your father know about your engagement." She walked away.
Eve came over ten minutes later. "I hear congratulations are in order?"
"Not really," I muttered.
"I hope I'm going to be your bridesmaid?"
"You and Lizzy," I agreed.
"Who is Vincent choosing?" She asked.
"Scott and Martin. I'm going to have Lizzy walk down the aisle with Martin and you with Scott. Then Fear and Slash."
"How did you know?"
"Know what?" I asked innocently.
"That Lizzy likes Martin and I like Scott."
I snorted. "Please. You two can't keep your eyes off them."
"Do you think they feel the same way we do?" She asked hopefully.
My mouth twitched. "Every member of Dark Savers confides in me about everything," I said wryly.
"Then you know how they feel?"
"Yes."
"Tell me," she said eagerly.
Scott was coming over. I stood. "Scott will be telling you in thirty seconds." I walked away with Slash following me. Scott and Martin had told me they would be telling Eve and Lizzy how they feel today. That's why I said what I did. I found Lizzy and Martin kissing passionately by a tree. I walked into our HQ. "Hey, Jodon," I said.
He looked up from the liquid he was testing. "Hey. Can I talk to you?"
"Sure." I sat beside him. "What's up?"
"Mary's pregnant."
Ah, that's why he's here instead of with her. "So is my mom," I replied.
He blinked. "Really?"
I nodded. "Tell Mary that my mom will help her." Mary was only fifteen but Mom won't judge. "I've got news too."
"What?"
"Vin and I are engaged."
"Congratulations."
I smiled. "Thanks."
He stood. "I'll go let Mary know."
"Okay." He left. I went to my office, finished some paperwork, and went back outside. It was a nice day so being outside seemed ideal.
"Fire, I want to say congrats," Morgan said as he walked up to me.
"Thanks, little brother." I waited because I knew he had more to say.
He sighed. "I'm gay."
That was not what I was expecting. Then I remembered what Theo told me. "You like Theo."
He nodded. "Do you think our parents will disown me?"
"No, we will not," Dad said as he and Mom came over. Mom nodded her agreement.
"You're okay with me being gay?" Morgan asked.
"Yes, Morgon," Mom said.
"Yes! I'm going to go tell Theo." He ran off.
Dad turned to me. "It's like you became their secret keeper."
"Yeah," I said. "I heard you and Slash actually agreed on something."
He sighed. "We did. Everyone is slowly beginning to trust me."
"Oh, we all trust you. Slash just doesn't trust you yet."
Mom nodded. "Your dad and I will be back." They started walking away."
"Where are you going," I called after them.
"Shopping," Dad called back unhappily.
I laughed. "Good luck." I watched them leave then looked around. Everything is finally as it should be.