“Get out. Really? That’s pretty interesting. Why are they selling it?”
“The firm’s owner has retired and moved to Belgium, so he’s divesting all his US properties.”
“Belgium, huh? I hear they make great chocolate.” Donna smiled and went back to looking through the three bedrooms.
Charlie followed, peeking in cabinets and closets, trying faucets. They did a sweep through the conference room and office space as well. There was an armory in the office and a large wall safe. It reminded Donna of the one Joe had installed in their walk-in.
Between the two of them, they kicked the tires pretty good. Finally, Donna opened the living-room sliders and stepped outside. Charlie joined her. She glanced at her admin. “I know what I think. What do you think?”
“It’s a great space. Bright. Gorgeous views. Almost identical to what Temo and I share now, just a little smaller.”
“It would be nice to add this square footage to our domain.”
“Even with Rixaline leaving? Not trying to talk you out of it, just playing devil’s advocate.”
“She could still come back. And do you really want to live with Temo and Neo as a hot and heavy couple?”
“Good points.”
Donna leaned on the railing, enjoying the night air even as cold as it was. “And let’s say that things don’t work out between them. Not that I want that, but just say at some point, things change. One of them leaves. This would allow you to continue to have your own space. I can’t speak for you, but I like having my privacy.”
Charlie laughed. “You have no privacy. You live in a penthouse that is constantly full of people.”
“True, but it doesn’t feel that way.” Amused, she stared at the city across the river. “Maybe I’ll move down here.”
“You could move Pierce in with me after Temo moves into this place.”
“Maybe.” But Donna knew that wasn’t going to happen. She liked having Pierce around, and he was one of the least intrusive people there was. “How long has this place been on the market?”
“Two months. This kind of price tag tends to make a property harder to sell.”
“And the owner’s already moved to Belgium?”
“That’s the word.”
Then he probably really wanted this apartment off his books. “Offer three million, but go as high as three point two if he counters. Contingent on a building inspection, of course.”
“Inspection’s been done already. I can show you the paperwork. There were a few minor things, but they’ve all been fixed.”
“Even better. Make the offer, then.”
Charlie pulled out her phone. “I’ll do it right now.”
She walked back inside, but Donna stayed on the balcony. It was impossible to look at the city and not think about Fitzhugh, but now when she looked at it, she’d be thinking about Rixaline too. Praying the girl was safe.
She was doing the right thing, wasn’t she? Even if she wasn’t Rixaline’s guardian, she could probably persuade her to stay. But would that lead to resentment? Always wondering what if? That was no way to live.
Donna knew about growing up with resentment. She’d had to do without a father most her life, and although she didn’t dwell on it, the wound was there. She thought Cammie probably felt the same. What girl didn’t want a strong father figure in her life? A sense of someone to protect her?
Could Ishalan be that someone for Rixaline? If his story was true, he’d already done that for her mother. As best he could, anyway.
Donna hoped he’d continue in that role. Because if he hurt Rixaline, Donna might have to kill him.
When they got back upstairs, Temo and Pierce were busy in the kitchen. Pierce was seasoning a big tray of steaks. A pot of potatoes bubbled on the stove, a colander full of green beans sat near the sink, and Temo was chopping veggies for a big salad. The savory aroma of garlic bread was just floating out of the oven.
Lucky perched on one of the counter stools, watching intently.
“Wow,” Donna said. “What’s all this?”
Temo smiled. “We figured it might be nice to do one last family meal before Rixaline leaves us.”
She nodded. “I like that a lot.” It would be a great send-off for Rixaline to remember when she thought about them. And an even better way for her to measure her new life. Donna hoped that was true about Rixaline’s whole experience at the penthouse and that it would be the standard by which she judged how she was cared for.
She’d lacked for nothing while she was here. She’d been treated with love and respect too. And while they hadn’t spent every waking moment together, they’d certainly had a few fun evenings of pizza and movies or just hanging out.
Would Rixaline have those kinds of evenings at the stronghold? Donna had no idea. And not knowing made her a little sad. Suddenly, she was missing her own kids and Rixaline, who hadn’t even left yet, and feeling misty.
“Hey,” Charlie said. “Are you okay, Governor?”
Donna nodded and managed a smile. “Just feeling very much like a mom right now.”
Charlie put her arm around Donna’s shoulders. “You know, I think that’s a big part of what makes you such a great governor. You genuinely care.” Then she leaned in slightly. “Rixaline’s a tough girl. That’s easy to forget, because she doesn’t come on strong, but she’s already survived more in her life than a lot of people three times her age.”
“You’re right. She has. And that is easy to forget.”
Just then, Rixaline walked out with her bag, which looked barely big enough to hold a toothbrush and her pajamas.
Donna glanced at it. “Did you change your mind?”
“No. Why?”
“Where’s all your stuff? Your clothes? Your leather jacket?”
She chewed on her bottom lip for a second, her shoulders hunching up a little. “You paid for all those things.”
“Oh, honey. Those are yours to take. Yours. I bought them for you. After all the help you gave me tracking down Joe and giving us a map to the stronghold, you have more than earned those things. Besides, Lucky probably spent some good time getting cat hair all over that stuff so you wouldn’t forget him.”
She sniffed, her eyes suddenly luminous with tears. “I won’t forget him. I won’t forget any of you.”
Unable to hold in her emotions any longer, Donna felt a tear roll down her cheek. “You know you can come back here anytime you want.”
Rixaline nodded. Temo sniffed. Pierce cleared his throat. Charlie sucked in a breath that sounded more like a sob. They all stood still, as though they might break down at any second.
Lucky put his front paws on the counter, stood up, and meowed loudly.
They all burst into laughter. Pierce picked up the tray of steaks and headed for the grill top. “The boss has spoken.”
Rixaline dropped her bag and picked Lucky up. “Hungry, boy?”
He butted his head into her chin.
She laughed. “Come on. Let’s get you some dinner.”
Charlie got dishes out to set the table, but Donna just stood there, soaking in the moment. For all that was going wrong, there were a lot of things going right, and she had amazing people in her life.
It restored her spirit and renewed her energy to fight. She couldn’t let these people down.
No matter how big that fight or how many injuries she incurred.
Fitzhugh had better be prepared.
Chapter Thirty
After dinner, they said their goodbyes to Rixaline, then Temo and Donna took her into the city and walked her through the Ramble to meet Ishalan.
He stood waiting in front of the gate, two guards in royal armor visible on the other side.
He walked toward them as they approached. Donna watched Rixaline carefully for any sign that she might be changing her mind.
Ishalan smiled, bowing his head slightly. “Princess Rixaline. Welcome home.”
She stared at him intently. “You’re really my
uncle.”
Her sentence was more of a declaration than a question, but he answered it anyway. “I am.”
“And you really helped my mother escape?”
“I did.”
“Then I have a question.”
“Ask me anything.”
Rixaline narrowed her eyes. “What one thing did my mother leave with me at the orphanage to remember her by?”
Ishalan’s gaze went thoughtful, and for a moment he seemed perplexed. He shook his head. “The only thing I can think of is a small wooden heart. I gave it to her right before she left. A little amulet for luck and safety. But I can’t imagine that mattered enough to her to pass it on.”
Rixaline dug into the pocket of her jeans, then opened her palm. “This heart?”
Ishalan stared at it for a moment. “She kept it.”
“You really are my uncle.” Rixaline exhaled and tucked the heart away. She reached for her bag that Temo was holding. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “Anytime, kid.”
She hoisted the straps over her shoulder, but Ishalan came forward. “Here, let me.”
He took the bag from her.
“But you’re the king,” Rixaline protested.
“More importantly, you’re my niece.” He smiled. “We’re the only family we have. We have to look out for each other.”
This was a new side of Ishalan. A kinder, gentler side. Donna hoped it continued. “Does this mean the treaty is secure?”
Ishalan nodded. “We still have details to work out.”
“I know. The blood donations. I need a little time.”
“I understand that. Just let me know. Regardless, you brought my niece home to me, and for that I am eternally grateful. I’ll send out a notice about the impending treaty tonight.”
“Thank you.” Donna smiled at Rixaline. “You know I’m always here for you.”
Rixaline nodded, looking very much like she was going to tear up again. “Thank you for everything.” She hugged Donna hard.
“You too.” Donna squeezed her right back. “Take care.”
“I’ll talk to you soon.” With a little wave, Rixaline walked through the gate with Ishalan.
The moment they passed through, mist obscured the sight of them.
Donna sighed.
Temo nodded. “I feel the same way.”
They’d almost arrived back at the penthouse when Donna’s phone chimed with a text from Rixaline. With a note saying everything was fine, she included a picture of her room, which was beautifully appointed. That eased Donna’s mind a bit.
She went to bed as soon as they got back. She read awhile, hoping sleep might find her that way, but she got to the last chapter without much effort.
She turned the light off anyway and lay down. Sleep was a long time coming. Her mind was too busy. By the time she finally drifted off, the watery light of dawn was already seeping around the edges of her drapes.
Thankfully, she slept without dreams or nightmares. None that she remembered, anyway. She got up, wondering if she should sleep longer. But there was still a lot on her desk.
A hot shower got her moving, although coffee would help. She went out to the kitchen in leggings and an oversized hooded velour tunic.
Charlie was there, fixing a cup of tea and waiting for a bagel to toast. “Morning, Governor.” She smiled. “I have some plain news and some good news.”
“You do?”
The bagel popped up. “I do. The plain news is that it seems like the best way to get us all to Kansas is to rent some RVs and drive. There’s a company that specializes in supernatural-friendly models. I’ve sent them an email to see what they have available.”
“Road trip to Kansas. That should be interesting.”
“I’m sure it will be. The first of the good news is Ishalan sent the treaty agreement out last night.”
“Excellent. And fast. Which I find encouraging. I was sure he was going to drag his feet.”
“Same here. He also issued a formal note of apology for the way vampires were treated under Dredward’s rule.”
“How about that? That seems like a big thing.”
“It is.” Charlie looked a little impressed herself.
“What’s the second thing? You said the treaty was the first.”
Charlie grinned. “The offer on the apartment was accepted at three point two.”
“Yes! No one else knows, right?”
Charlie put the bagel on a plate and popped the top off the tub of cream cheese. “Just us.”
“All right, excellent. I need to talk to Neo. And Temo. Maybe I should talk to Temo first.” She rubbed her hands over her face. “Actually, first I need coffee.”
Charlie picked up one half of her bagel, freshly schmeared with cream cheese. “Just tell me one thing.”
“Sure, what?” Donna got a mug and a K-Cup out of the cabinet.
“Can we call them Nemo? Can that please be their couple name?”
Donna laughed so hard she almost dropped the mug. “I’m down with that.”
Charlie smiled as she chewed. “Good, because I’ve been looking online at a big stuffed clown fish pillow for a housewarming gift.”
Donna shook her head as she put the K-Cup in and got her coffee started. “I did not know you had such a devious side. I like it.”
“Never get on my bad side.” Charlie smirked as she took another bite of her breakfast.
“I don’t plan on it, but thanks for the reminder.” Donna eyed the bagels. “Would you put one of those in the toaster for me?”
“Absolutely. Any more thoughts about filing the complaint against Fitzhugh or the declaration of your ability to daywalk?”
“File the complaint. But I’m still not sure about the declaration.”
“Totally up to you.” She picked up her teacup and the plate with the rest of the bagel on it. “I’ll be in the office if you need me. Going to file that complaint immediately. Temo’s up if you want to see him.”
“Thanks.”
As Charlie left, Cammie walked slowly into the kitchen. Her right cheekbone bore a long red scratch, and a dark bruise was beginning to show on her jaw. Her bottom lip was split too. “Morning. Or afternoon. Or whatever it is.”
“Almost evening, I think,” Donna said. “Are you okay?”
“I look worse than I feel.”
“Are you sure? I can get Dr. Fox over here.”
“No, I’m good. Thank you though.”
“You want coffee?”
“So much.” She carefully eased down onto one of the stools at the counter.
“Based on how you look, I’m not sure if I should ask this, but how’d the demon removal go?”
“A little tricky, but I got it done.”
Donna took her cup out from under the brewer and got another cup going. “I guess I should see the other guy, huh?”
She smiled, then winced. “Something like that.”
Donna fixed her coffee and gave it to Cammie. She needed it more than Donna did. While waiting on the second cup, the bagel Charlie had put in the toaster popped up. Donna looked at her sister. “You want half of this?”
Cammie nodded. “Yeah, that would be good.”
Donna passed over the coffee, then started spreading cream cheese on both halves. “Rixaline moved back to the stronghold.”
“Really?” Cammie looked amazed. “How did all that happen?”
Donna explained the whole thing, including the treaty, as she put Cammie’s half of the bagel on a plate and set it in front of her.
“That’s quite an accomplishment,” Cammie said, picking up her bagel half. “But I’m glad you thought about doing the blood test to prove Ishalan was telling the truth.”
“So am I. Gave me some peace of mind, you know? Although he seemed genuinely happy that she decided to come.”
“Why wouldn’t he?” Cammie took a careful bite of her bagel, using the side of her mouth without the split in her lip.
“R
ight, but I mean in a way that meant more to him than just securing his throne.”
“Even better.”
Donna nodded. “It is good. It means the treaty is really happening.”
Cammie wrapped her fingers around the handle of her coffee cup but didn’t drink. “I don’t know that there’s ever been a fae-vampire treaty before.”
Donna sat beside her. “Well, it’s not worldwide or anything.”
“Doesn’t matter. Still quite a feat.”
“I guess it kind of is. You have a better perspective on things like that since you know more of the history, but I’ll take whatever peace I can get.”
Cammie sipped her coffee. “Speaking of, how are things with Fitzhugh?”
“By now, Charlie has probably already filed the countercomplaint.”
“That’ll be interesting.”
“Yes, it will.”
Cammie gently prodded the bruise on her jaw. “What’s on your schedule for the evening?”
Cammie might not want Dr. Fox’s attention, but she was going to get some from Donna. She got a frozen bag of peas out and wrapped it in a kitchen towel. “I have to talk to Temo, then I’m offering someone a job, then I have my support group meeting.”
“The First Fangs Club?”
“Yep.” She slid the makeshift ice pack over. “Here, put that on your jaw. What are you doing tonight?”
“Long soak in a hot Epsom salt bath followed by a look through available apartments in the area.”
“Cammie.” Donna frowned at her. “Don’t be so stubborn. Stay here. Please.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather leave before I wear out my welcome.”
“You’re a long way from doing that. A long way. And I’m already working on getting us some more space.”
“What does that mean?”
“You’ll see. Just don’t do anything for a month, okay? If nothing else, that will give you a chance to save up some money. Plus, I could use the support with everything going on.”
“You’re surrounded by support. But I’ll think about it.”
“You’ll promise me right now.”
Cammie’s eyes widened in amusement. “Well, look at you with the demands. Okay, Governor. One month.”
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