“Are there covens in this part of the world?” Dean asked.
“Most of the powerful covens are in Dallas now.” Lee turned down a bustling street. “But there are some around this part of Iceland. I would be careful with any witch you meet. You can’t know if they’re working with Myrddin unless they’re actually living in one of our safe spaces. You should talk to Lily. She knows a lot about the witches around here. She’s got a little coven going.”
“I would like that,” Dean admitted. “I’ve been a solitary practitioner most of my life. I would like to work with a group.”
It was only another couple of minutes before Neil and I were dropped off at a clothing store with strict instructions to not leave the block. We’d been told to put the things we wanted to buy on hold and Rhys would come by to pay and have it all hauled back to Frelsi.
It reminded me of the time I spent held by the old Council. I’d shopped, though I’d had no intention of actually wearing the clothes I’d bought since I’d been planning to break out.
I’d been pregnant then, too.
“Okay, does this sweater complement my eyes?” Neil asked me about thirty minutes into our shopping spree.
I nodded, though I’d barely glanced at what he was holding in his hand. “Sure.”
He growled, an impatient sound. “You are so frustrating.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not excited about buying clothes I won’t be able to wear in a couple of months.”
Neil frowned but seemed to consider the situation. “We can buy you some cute maternity clothes. Come on. Why don’t we go down the street? I saw a baby store. I know you don’t need it right now, but looking at adorable baby clothes will put you in a better mood. Or we can go into the juniors section. I was hoping you would help me find some clothes for Cassie.”
He knew how to get to me. And the truth was I often like to shop for other people far more than myself. Neil hadn’t been able to shop without worrying about money for years, so I was willing to indulge my old friend. I also was pretty interested in buying some clothes for Evan, and I did love to look at baby clothes.
Would I have this baby on the run? Would she be hunted like my other kids?
Or would I find a way back to the safety of my old timeline?
We started to walk out the door, and proof that my old timeline hadn’t been safe at all stood right outside the door.
Myrddin was here, and Neil and I were in trouble.
Chapter Fourteen
He wore all black, from the coat around his muscular body to the loafers on his feet. He was polished and yet menacing.
On the outside Myrddin appeared to be a man in his prime, and I supposed he was. He looked to be around forty in human years, with dark hair and eyes that could change with his intent. Normally they were dark, but from time to time the color would lighten and yet still stay cold. He was attractive, but there was no way to miss the ruthless will that always surrounded the male.
Neil immediately moved in front of me, ready to take whatever the wizard would throw at us. He’d seen what Myrddin had done to Zack and yet he didn’t hesitate.
Myrddin sighed, a long-suffering sound. “Now there, Mr. Roberts. There’s no need for such dramatics. I came for a friendly talk. Do I look like I’m about to rip Her Grace’s throat out?”
“That’s Your Highness to you,” Neil growled back. “She’s the Queen of All Vampire and you will treat her with respect.”
“Vampire is fractured,” Myrddin replied. “As are all of the supernatural tribes. It happened shortly after the queen and king disappeared and left their duties behind. It was up to me to bring them all back together. I’m afraid that while Zoey still holds her Fae titles, the rest of them are gone. Kingdoms are fragile things, Your Grace. They tend to fall apart if the king isn’t around.”
“And whose fault was that?” Neil shot back.
I was tired. And maybe I had some of that recklessness that charged Lee’s every move. If Myrddin was going to kidnap me in broad daylight on a busy street, then he could go for it. There was a café next door and it looked warm and inviting and filled with a bunch of humans. I had to bet Myrddin was still holding the supernatural laws sacred for now, and our number one rule was—don’t scare the humans.
“I need something warm.” And it didn’t hurt that I could smell cookies. I turned my back on Myrddin and walked to the small café.
“Zoey, we should get out of here.” Neil was right behind me.