I walked over to stand in front of Zahur. “What are you doing here?”
He grinned. “Well, Atticus has forbidden the twins from getting a dog, so naturally I’m giving them Kita.”
I snorted. “You’re trolling him?”
“He needs it.” He eyed me. “How are you doing?”
I smoothed my palms down the front of my black dress. “It’s weird, going back to normal after everything.”
He tilted his head to the side. “But good?”
I thought about it. I wasn’t special anymore, and I was okay with that. The ghosts were able to move on without me, which was actually a relief. It had been quiet since all the dust had settled. Amazingly so. “Good. Except for the nightmares.”
He nodded. “Good.”
I grinned. “Thank you for all your help. I couldn’t even have gotten started without you.”
He smiled. “I gave you a few pointers, that’s it.”
“No, really.” I shifted on my feet. “You saved everyone by helping me.”
His eyes narrowed on mine. “I didn’t save anyone. You did. You did the work, you had the drive. I simply gave you the tools.”
My cheeks were burning by the time Zeke came out with Kita on a leash. His face was solemn as he handed over the leash to Zahur. “Don’t forget, she’s still a bit skittish. Introduce her slowly to the kids.”
Zahur took the leash. “I will. She’ll be staying with Jade, Quinn and I until she gets used to everyone.”
Zeke nodded. “Good idea.”
Zahur met my gaze with a smile. “Don’t you have a life to get back to?”
“Actually, she has to study.” Zeke turned to me with a smug look. “The SATs are coming up, and she has to score high if she wants to have her choice of art school.”
I glared at him. “I was told it was group date night.”
“Yeah.” Zeke smirked. “A ‘get Lexie to study’ date night.”
I shot him a look full of the promise of retaliation.
Zeke’s smirk morphed into a grin, the shit.
“Art school?” Zahur began to scratch behind Kita’s ears.
“Yeah, I’m still pursuing tattooing, but I think art school first will help me become a better artist.” I shrugged as if it weren’t a big deal. As if I wasn’t nervous about my chances.
“Good.” Zahur grinned as he straightened from the Jeep. “You better get to it, then.” He raised his hand and snapped his fingers, blinking out of existence right in front of us with a pop.
Zeke shook his head. “If only he could teach me that trick.”
“Oh yeah?”
He looked down at me. “No more flying.”
I snorted.
“How was the funeral?” Miles asked as we walked into the house.
I shrugged. “It was a funeral. Dylan broke down and his friends were there to help.”
“Everyone but Jake,” Ethan said as he passed me my journal.
I sighed as I tucked it under my arm, going to the kitchen table. He was right. Jake was officially a missing person.
“How was Asher?” Miles raised an eyebrow.
Asher had broken down and cried too. “It got a little rough, but I think it was good for him to get some closure.”
“Just him?” Isaac asked softly.
I gave him a small smile. No, not just Asher. Seeing Dylan gave me my own sense of closure. And a bit of guilt. I had been so sure that it was him.
“Give Asher some time and we’ll go check on him,” Isaac said as he joined us. He leaned down and kissed my temple. “How about you?”
I shrugged. “It was weird. I know he’s dead because of me, but I also had no other choice.”
Ethan came back into the kitchen, this time with an SAT study guide in his hand. “He’s dead because of cancer, Beautiful.”
“Yeah.” I shrugged. My eyes went to the book in Ethan’s hand. “So, we’re studying? You guys know this is a bait and switch, right?”
They chuckled.
Isaac wrapped his arm around me as everyone settled in. “Don’t worry, Red. It’s not the end of the world—this time.”
Life had gotten messy, and there were still going to be times that were hard, but this was our life. Together.
This journey began as mine, but it had turned into ours. The past few months the guys have been reading over my journal. Writing in parts of their own from their own perspective. So, it only seems right that you hear from them one last time.
It was a crazy trip, but I’d still do it again without question. Face your fears, your trauma and be happy. It’s the best revenge you can ever have. - Z.
You don’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations except yours. Don’t be afraid to be your own person. Make your own path. - Asher.
Ask for help when you need it. There’s no shame in it. - Miles
In the darkest times, you learn who your true friends are. - Isaac
Remember, you are always enough- Ethan.
Acknowledgments
So many people have made this series what it is.
Thank you to the everyone at Adytum! You guys have saved my butt more times then I would like to admit.
Susan, the queen of proof reading, I don’t know where the hell I’d be without you!
And to my husband, Robert. Who is great enough to inspire five guys. Thank you for being patient and so supportive through it all. You’re the best.
And most importantly, thank you to my readers. It’s been a long journey but we finally made it to the end. You guys kept me going when I wanted to quit. Thank you for being the wonderful readers that you are.
When The Grave Calls (The Veil Diaries Book 9) Page 22