Probably enough to fill my own grimoire of family secrets, spells, and speculations.
“We should go.” Clay kept deflecting, like a pro. “Check it out for ourselves.”
The link to Mom was one he knew I wouldn’t—under the circumstances couldn’t—ignore.
“I’ve been looking at flights,” Colby slid into the conversation. “Hotels too.”
If Asa found it odd how quick their plans came together, or the urgency behind them, he gave no sign.
“Told you so.” Clay bumped shoulders with me. “She’s our own little Kelly.”
Except I trusted her far more than I had ever trusted either of the Kellies on Black Hat’s payroll.
“What about the shop?” I slumped into a chair at the table. “I can’t dump it on the girls and run.”
They shouldered so much of the responsibility of running it as it was, and the holiday rush was brutal.
“Aedan could fill in while you’re gone.”
“No.” I whipped my head toward Colby. “Absolutely not.”
“You need a part-time hire, and Aedan needs a job.” She crossed her arms. “Why not?”
“He likes Arden.” I exhaled. “That worries me.”
If they got serious, and he told her the truth, he would drop a nuke on my life in Samford. She was too smart not to make connections between me, my “ex”, the daemon I hired and let live in my yard, and what happened to her and Camber.
“One day won’t be enough for him to make her fall in love, agree to run away, and marry him.” Clay rubbed his jaw. “It’s enough for him to get her—”
“Nope.” I slapped my hand over his mouth. “We’re not going there, and neither are they.”
Colby scrunched up her face, but she didn’t connect the dots. For that, I was grateful.
“I’m going to shower,” I announced loudly to clear the room. “Then I’ll start on dinner.”
Eager to snag her bestie, Colby lit on Clay’s head and guided him to her rig where he would watch her play until he caved and brought out his laptop to log in to his own account. Then goddess help all who crossed them in the Mystic Realms. Those two were mercenary.
The path to the kitchen was clear when I emerged, scrubbed, brushed, and sporting pajamas.
“Want some help?” Asa hovered in the doorway. “Or would you prefer the quiet?”
The stress of the day, the upcoming trip, the mention of my mom, left me sagging on my bones.
“I would like a hug.” I leaned my hip against the counter. “If you have one to spare.”
In the past, I would have trudged to my room, burrowed under the covers, and read until my eyes hurt.
That was how life taught me to cope: Alone.
“I have an infinite supply.” He came to me, wrapped me up tight, and held me. “All yours for the asking.”
“Do you think it’s safe to leave Aedan with the girls for the day?” I muffled the question against his shirt. “The distraction of a sparkly new coworker might work in my favor, but is it too risky?”
“You’re worried his sister will circle back?”
“Yes.”
“Aedan is a good fighter. He’s strong, tough, and resourceful. He’s built his sister up in his mind as this unstoppable force, but she hasn’t been that since he was a small child.” His hands stroked up my back. “He allowed her to rule him through fear for his siblings. His siblings are safe now. There are no chains holding him except the ones on his mind.”