“I don’t understand,” Zotera said.
“My dad and I aren’t on speaking terms yet after what he pulled,” Fenris said. “And honestly, even if we were, I wouldn’t share that information with him.”
“The Council is too easily distracted by unnecessary details,” Eliana said. “We’d have no reason to share anything with them.”
“It’s not that,” I said. “I know you wouldn’t voluntarily share anything. But they already put spells on you and tried keeping you apart to get you to do what they wanted. It’s safer for both of you to know less about Zotera.”
Understanding filled both their gazes. Fenris flashed Zotera a smile. “You’ll be a woman of mystery, which will drive Adira insane. I like it. Keep your secrets, but please send Eliana pictures of your house so she can show her parents and the Quills.”
Zotera glanced at me for permission.
“Pictures are fine,” I said. They wouldn’t know how she accomplished what she had, only that she’d managed something extraordinary in a very small amount of time. Which would hopefully make them cautious around her.
Eliana picked up her phone and took a picture of Fenris wolfing down his third soufflé.
CHAPTERSIX
I watchedZotera’s enthusiastic wave as Eliana’s car pulled away from the curb in front of my house. Her smile when she turned matched my own. Breakfast with company two days in a row? I couldn’t remember the last time that had happened.
“Do you think Eliana’s dad will come over?” Zotera asked, jogging toward the house.
“It sounds like he’s looking for something to do while Eliana’s mom is at work, so I don’t see why not.”
Zotera’s excitement radiated from her. “I’ll go check our ingredients.”
My phone buzzed as I settled on our extremely comfortable new couch.
Megan: Oanen’s a little jealous he got zapped and Fenris got fed breakfast till he burst.
“What do you think of inviting Megan and Oanen over for a meal once Oanen’s better?” I called to Zotera.
“I like that idea,” she said. “We don’t have enough chocolate left to make a cake. Can we get some more?”
I debated how to answer. Eliana and Fenris had taken turns answering Zotera’s calls and texts last night, which is why Eliana hadn’t been dead on her feet. But I knew they were both tired. Fenris had mentioned going home for a nap. So, I didn’t want to ask them. And Megan was taking care of Oanen.
Typically, I would have sent a message to Adira when I needed something, but that was obviously out of the question too.
Leaving the couch, I moved to the kitchen to gauge Zotera’s level of disappointment when I said, “We’re not supposed to leave the house. Megan’s taking care of Oanen, and we already bothered Eliana and Fenris enough for one day to ask either of them.”
She paused her search. “I bothered them?”
“No, you didn’t annoy them at all. What I meant is that we took up enough of their time for today. They’re a new couple and want to spend time with each other.”
Zotera nodded slowly. “Like father always wants to spend time with you.” A sigh escaped her. “Sometimes I wish I had a mate.”
“Why don’t you?” I leaned against the counter and watched her give me a sad smile.
“Mother forbade it.”
“Ah. Well, Mother’s not here anymore, is she,” I said gently. “Maybe it’s time for you to do what you want.”
Zotera shrugged. “I like spending time with you.”
“I like it too. A lot. I would be going crazy without you here.” I patted the marble counter behind me. “And the house wouldn’t feel like the dream that it is without you.”
Her smile brightened. “That’s why we should get the chocolate ourselves. You’re safe with me. I promise. I won’t let anything distract me again.”
I considered her suggestion. The car was warded, and I knew the Threadbare Trader was too. All I needed to do was get from the car to the store. And if it didn’t look safe, we could always turn the car around and come back home.
