When we finally land, Whiskey releases my hand to gather his things. My fingers feel strange without the pressure of his, like something's missing.
"Made it," he announces cheerfully. "And you didn't even have to organize an evacuation."
"Disappointing, really. I had a whole system planned."
"I know you did." He stands, having to duck to avoid hitting his head on the overhead compartment. "Come on, let's go find our mysterious arctic vampire."
"You sound like a thirsty fan yourself."
He flashes one of his characteristic million-watt grins at me. "You jealous?"
"No," I mutter.
We shuffle off the plane with the other passengers, Whiskey continuing to charm everyone in his path while I focus on not committing murder in the jet bridge.
The airport is small but busy. Whiskey immediately returns to his phone as he head toward the baggage claim section, checking for updates now that we have signal. I text the group chat in the meantime.
PLAGUE
How is everything?
IVY
We're good.
THANE
Yeah, all good. We're watching cheesy movies at the motel.
WHISKEY
No rabid cannibals yet?
THANE
Hey, that was a one-time thing.
IVY
Wait, what do you mean? Rabid cannibals??
WRAITH
don’t
WHISKEY
Some guy in Cedarbrook got rabies and the rest is history. Soooo, not to change the subject or anything, but we've narrowed down Valek's location to Northwyke.
PLAGUE
Finally, a use for paparazzi and stalker fans.
WHISKEY
Yeah, and now the fans are saying his family's in Northwyke. So maybe it really is a family emergency.
IVY
