He let me go and turned away. “But why would you believe that? Every member of your coven taught you not to trust. Including your own mother.”
“Don’t you dare psychoanalyze me.”
He shook his head. “You expect betrayal. It’s your default. So congratulations, bounty hunter. You found what you were looking for.”
He let me go, taking a careful step back. His face turned blank as he gazed at me. For the first time in weeks, he reminded me of the high demon I’d met while sneaking into his club. The demon who’d casually considered my death.
My phone vibrated and I slid it out of my pocket. My throat was so tight I had to clear it a few times before I could talk.
Samael watched me out of dark, fathomless eyes while I talked to the nurse.
“Gary is awake,” he said when I hung up.
“Yes. I need to take the kids to the hospital.”
“Fine. But we’re not done here.”
I shook my head. “We were done before we got started.”
“If you believe that, Danica, then you don’t know me at all.”
“Everything I learned today proves I never had a chance of knowing you, Samael.”
I turned and walked away. He was smart enough that he didn’t try to stop me.
Cil and Zip were too excited to catch onto my mood, chattering eagerly about all the things they were going to tell their dad.
I put on a happy face for them as I drove to the hospital. The fae healer gave me a nod as I arrived, her expression softening as she took in the kids.
“He’s waiting for you,” she smiled at them.
“Is he still sleeping?” Zip stage-whispered as we walked into Gary’s room.
Gary opened his eyes and gave us a weak smile. “Just resting. Get over here.”
They climbed up on his bed. I took a seat in the chair next to him and gave him a long look. “You scared the crap out of me.”
“Yeah, well, you did the same to me.”
It took me a moment to understand what he was referring to, and then I snorted. One of Gary’s last memories would be the way I’d lost control of my power and threatened him in his own store. So much had happened since then that I’d almost forgotten.
“I’m sorry about that.”
Gary cleared his throat. “Your demon friends told me what happened. Told me you’ve been hunting for the people who did this to me ever since. You kept my boys safe.” His eyes glistened as he clutched them close. Zip burrowed into his side. “I was so scared for them, but I knew you’d make sure they were okay.”
“Don’t mention it. Well, maybe mention it when I come in asking for a discount.” I winked at him and he rolled his eyes, but a chuckle escaped his throat. He winced at the movement and I narrowed my eyes at him.
“You look tired,” he said. “And sad.”
I shrugged. “Just personal stuff. We arrested everyone involved and we’ve spread the word that you don’t have the amulet anymore, so you guys should be okay now. But call me if you need anything.” I jerked my head toward the kids. “My sister would be more than happy to look after them at the coven while you recover.”
He shook his head and gestured toward two small beds that had been set up in the corner of the room. “Your demon friends thought of that too.”
The lump in my throat was so big I could barely speak. “Okay, great. I uh, need to get going. I’m glad you’re okay.”
His eyes were already sliding closed again. “Get some sleep. You look like shit.”
“Dad! That’s a bad word.”
