Heir of Night (The Thorne Hill)

“There is some work to be done. If famine is sweeping across Asia, I could buy land or property for a decent price.”

I twist in his embrace so I can stare at him incredulously. “You’re going to take advantage of the Horsemen’s destruction so you can buy land?”

He shrugs. “Why not? Any struggling farmer would be happy to get a fair price on their farm right now. They’re not making money from crops.”

“Donate a couple thousand to charity first.”

Now he gives me a look. “I’m making sure we secure a good financial future for our daughter and any others that may follow. Does that make you feel better?”

“Maybe a little, but I honestly have a bad feeling about sweeping in and buying anything Famine touched. And I still think we should donate to charity. I follow a few animals rescues on Instagram, and they’re always in need of donations. I’ve donated to a girl who rescues horses from the kill pen before.”

“Speaking of horses,” he starts as we get out of bed. “I found a pair of well-trained Hanoverians for sale that would be good for you.”

“A pair of Han-o-whats?”

“Horses.” Lucas laughs. “They’re currently in Germany, which gives us time to get a barn and pasture put in.”

“That sounds way too fancy for me.” I pull my tank top off over my head and drop it on the floor. “I’ve never ridden a horse, remember?”

“Exactly why you need something well-trained. It’s been half a century since I’ve last ridden, though I was naturally athletic before being turned.”

“Show off.” I pull a bra from my dresser drawer and put it on, snapping the hook into place on my way to the closet. I’m forced to wear more bright-colored maternity clothes and put on a blush pink maxi-dress. It’s comfortable and would be perfect if it came in black.

Julian is outside throwing the ball for Scarlet when we get into the kitchen. I plug in my coffee pot and join him on the back porch. The hole for the pool was dug while Lucas and I were in Chicago, and the actual fiberglass pool is supposed to arrive either today or tomorrow.

“Hey.” I lean against the railing. “How did things go last night?”

“All was quiet. Here and up there.”

“Good,” I say. “Want to see a movie and get lunch with me today?”

Julian eyes me for a moment and then smiles. “Yes. I would like that. I don’t have to eat.”

“I know. You don’t have to. I’m used to being the only one eating when I go out to dinner with Lucas. I don’t know what movies are playing, either. The closest theater is in Paradise Valley. It’s about half an hour away from the house.”

“Can we get popcorn?” Julian asks hesitantly. “I don’t have to eat, but I can eat.”

“We’re definitely getting popcorn, along with tons of candy and blue slushies. I’m going to take you on a full movie experience. It’ll be fun. And after, we’ll find a restaurant in Paradise Valley and can fill up on even more junk, if you want.”

Julian’s eyes light up at the thought of doing something so human. “When are we going?”

I smile. “As soon as we’re ready.”

“I was a little worried taking you to a 3D movie for your first theater experience might be too much,” I say with a laugh, dropping the black glasses in a bin. Julian follows suit, looking curiously around the theater. We saw an early showing of a romantic comedy—a movie Lucas definitely would have hated—and ate a full bucket of extra-buttery popcorn.

Paradise Valley is bigger than Thorne Hill but still has small-town vibes. There’s hardly anyone else at the theater for the matinee shows, and it’s mostly older people and moms with young children. The sun is out today, warming the early-spring day. I take off my cardigan when we get into the parking lot. Lucas, insisting I fully treat myself today, had me drive his fancy Mercedes. I take a selfie once I’m seated in the driver’s seat to send to him so he knows we got out of the movie safely.

My familiars are busying themselves by wandering around Paradise Valley, staying nearby just in case I need them, while canvasing the area for demons as well. I mentally call them and start the car, turning on the air and waiting a few minutes for them to shadow into the backseat. Not sure what’s open this early in the day, I drive to downtown Paradise Valley and park in the first open spot I can find to avoid parallel parking.

“We can walk around the block and find a place to eat,” I tell Julian and turn off the engine. “I wore comfy shoes so I’m more than capable of walking a few blocks.”

“As long as you’re sure you’ll be fine.”