Pinks closes his eyes, and he starts to cry too, but he gives me a nod. A nod that means everything. It means absolution. It means forgiveness. It means Pink still wants me and therefore my life is still worth living.
I pull us up into a sitting position and he falls into my arms. I hold on to him tighter than I’ve ever held onto anything in my life. The warm weight of him is everything, and it is terrifying how close I came to losing him.
“I swear on Laurie’s life I’m not a Revivalist,” I affirm, to make it absolutely crystal clear. I don’t want there to be any doubt in Pink’s mind, not even the tiniest of slivers. “I’m not a Revivalist. I will never hurt you. And I will find my brother.”
Pink tightens his grip on me and his sobs grow louder, just as the heavens open even more and pour a deluge of cold rain onto us. It is coming down so thick and heavy, I can barely see.
If it was just me, I wouldn’t care. But Pink needs to be warm and dry. I lunge to my feet, carrying Pink with me. Then I shift him into a bridal carry and stride towards the house.
Pink is mine. Mine to cherish. Mine to take care of.
And that’s exactly what I am going to do.
Chapter twenty-seven
Pink
It’s been a week and I still dart down the halls like a nervous rabbit, hoping not to run into Monty’s mother. Even though I know damn well that she has taken to her rooms and is not deigning to come out.
I saw her at the funeral. A small, private, no-fuss event, held to the traditions of the Old Blood. But that was the one and only time since that awful breakfast. I should be walking around Monty’s home with confidence. But sadly, I cannot muster any.
I scurry into Monty’s study and breathe a silent sigh of relief. I made it. Safe and sound.
Monty looks up from his computer screen. The dark circles under his eyes make me wince. He is going through hell and he doesn’t at all deserve to.
“Sandwich!” I say brightly as I hold my offering aloft.
A tray of cheese sandwiches and a glass of orange juice. He has not eaten since breakfast and it’s past lunchtime, but a fair few hours until dinner.
Monty smiles at me, and I place the tray on his desk. There is no need to ask if there has been any news, because it is clear from his expression that there has not been any new leads. He has phoned and emailed everyone he knows, called in every favor, but nothing. Laurie has vanished.
Monty drinks the orange juice and takes a bite out of one of the sandwiches. “Thank you,” he says with a warm smile.
My heart gives a little flutter and I smile back at him. How could I have ever doubted this man? I’m ashamed that I panicked. But Monty is adamant that my reaction was entirely reasonable.
“It is Christmas Eve tomorrow,” he says.
And I blink as my thoughts are derailed.
“Lello must be nearly bursting with excitement,” Monty adds.
A dry chuckle bubbles out of me. Poor Carter. He must have moments of deeply regretting that the excitable kelpie ever learned about Christmas. I had been looking forward to it, but now, with everything going on, it might not be the best idea.
“We don’t have to go,” I say, biting my bottom lip.
Heavens know, it is understandable if Monty is not in the mood for a celebration. Or as Lello has been calling it, ‘The Most Perfect Christmas Ever’.
Monty shakes his head. “I want to go. I’ve been looking forward to it.”
I stare at him dubiously until he sighs and puts his sandwich down.
“A distraction, and a break, would both be very welcome,” he says with great feeling.
Oh I am so glad, because that is exactly how I have been feeling. Christmas with my found family will be a bright light amongst all that is dark.
I grin at him. “If you are sure.”
“Very,” he says with a smile that warms my heart.
