Moon Shadows by Neena Jayden

of the work he was doing with NGOs in Cambodia, which wasn't a particularly personal way to talk about him. Theo was grateful to be left to listen, eat, and wonder. Once dinner was over, Anastasia went outside to feed and water animals. Theo rose to help Max clear the table and was cut off by a sharp gesture. "No, I can take care of it." "I c-can help." "I think I can manage to load the dishwasher by myself, Theo. Believe it or not, I can usually take care of my family and my own place." Theo sank back down into his seat. "Max ..." "I know. I know how shitty that was to say." Max leaned one hand on the counter and threw the dishcloth over his shoulder. "My only excuse is that I'm not used to it -- this. Somebody else running to the rescue when my little sisters need it. You can do things I can't." "Well --" Theo scratched at his neck. "Everybody can do things other people can't, y'know?" Max is seriously jealous of me? That made him feel rather guiltily pleased, and he was emboldened to continue. "You can do stuff I can't." "Like what?" "Like cook, deal with dogs ... Talk to people." He got up and went to stand next to Max, who still had a wary expression on his face. Theo smiled and kissed his temple. "I'll protect you from the shadow spirits, and you protect me from everything else. Okay?" "Maybe not everything. " Max's lips twitched. "Maybe not." Theo didn't feel sure Max's irritability had really faded. "I'd better go get some work done. Thanks for dinner." "Hey." Max cau