“We have another week. Let’s wait and see what happens. You need a break from life, Callie. Now more than ever.”
“Yeah,” I agree, though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bummed to not be able to go on any sort of thrill ride. “I want to actually be able to relax, though. Spend a day just lounging in the sun and then go out and enjoy the night with you. Without worrying. I’m not leaving Thorne Hill if there’s a threat.”
“I know, and that is something I love about you.” He puts his lips to mine again. “You are fiercely loyal to those you care about, Callie. And that’s how I know you are going to be a wonderful mother.”
My heart swells in my chest, and I fling my arms around him, kissing him with fury. Then his phone rings, and we break apart.
“It’s Eliza,” he says.
“Are you going to tell her?”
“Not over the phone.”
“That’s probably a good idea.” I move out of his embrace. “Better see what she wants. And tell her we’re using the house tonight. She might not be happy about that.”
“I’ll handle it,” he chuckles and then answers the phone. I go back into the kitchen, sitting at the table with Julian.
“Can you read Latin?” I ask him, nibbling on my toast.
“I can read all languages.”
“Whoa. That’s really cool. Is that something I could do?”
Julian looks at me, eyes narrowing. “No. The human part of your brain would get in the way.”
“Thanks,” I say dryly and finish eating. Then I get up, bring the dishes in from the porch, and straighten up the kitchen. I call Abby as I go upstairs to get dressed for the day.
“Hey, sis,” I say when she answers. “Sorry I didn’t call you back last night. I fell asleep.”
“That’s okay. I figured you and Lucas were busy, if you know what I mean.”
“Hah. That’s usually the case with us.”
“I may be a little envious of your sex life. Oh, to be a newlywed again,” she laughs. “So everything’s okay? I was a little worried that something happened to make you give us those protection charms.”
“A lot of things have happened, and it would be easier to talk about them in person. Are you busy tonight? Lucas and I are going to his place in Chicago.”
“I’m off, but Phil is on call. I’ll ask Mom if she can come over and watch Penny.”
Ugh. Nancy Martin. “Okay, good. Because I do have something important to discuss.”
“Are you in danger?”
“I’m always in danger.”
“Yeah, I’m starting to realize that. What time do you want me to come over? You’re still in Thorne Hill now, so you can’t leave until after sunset, right?”
“Yeah, we’re here, but we can leave during the day.”
“How?”
“I magically enchanted the windows to keep harmful rays from burning up vampires. And there are light-tight cars that offer pickup services. Most vampires can move fast enough from their house to the car they only burn a little bit and heal.”
“Right. I forgot about that, but I actually saw an Uber commercial last night for vampires.”
“It’s a booming business. So, uh, let’s say seven, does that work?”
“Assuming I can get Mom to come over, yeah. I’ll text her now and will let you know. And maybe we can have our spa day tomorrow,” she says hopefully. “I am dying for a facial. I haven’t had one in like three months.”
“I’ve never gotten a facial. Unless you count ones you do yourself.”
“Oh my god, you’re going to love it.”
“It sounds nice, but I also don’t like people touching my face,” I laugh. “Except Lucas. He can touch me anywhere.”
Abby giggles. “This isn’t going to be like that, but I do think you’ll enjoy a little pampering.”
“I think so, too. Thanks, Abby.”
“Of course. I’ll see you tonight, then.”
“Okay, bye.” I end the call, toss my phone on the bed, and then get dressed, putting on a long-sleeved black dress and tall socks to go under my boots. I use magic to do my hair, going with loose, cascading waves instead of curls today, and put on a bit of makeup.
Knowing I’m basically living on borrowed time before the next attack, I should get a jump on some housework and then get my decorations out. Julian helps, and I get two loads of laundry done, the entire first floor vacuumed and mopped, and the dishes all washed and put away.
Lucas has been in the office working the whole time and comes out, joining me on the couch when I take a break for lunch, and because I’m feeling so fucking nauseous again. I end up falling asleep, napping for an hour and a half.
Then it’s back to business, and Julian and I get most of the Halloween decorations out from the basement. It’s nice and weird at the same time, going about my normal life with him here. It’s painfully obvious he’s not accustomed to anything remotely human, having only observed but not interacted with people before.