That’s not too much to ask, I don’t think.
Before I collapse into bed, I call John and update him with the latest developments in our story. Including Zuzu, and that her father is alive, and what the stone ring is and does.
Which I’m sure he’d find difficult to believe if he didn’t know I was a vampire and…
Well, yadda-yadda.
But I need him to know what’s going on, in case I disappear for a few days. Or longer. So he doesn’t assume something horrible happened to me.
I thought I would sleep late, but I’m awake by nine a.m., which is completely unheard of for me. Jetlag must have really screwed up my body’s clock, which is now at war with the sun’s schedule, I suppose.
But since I am wide awake, I feed and start answering e-mails, returning phone calls, and dealing with business-related items.
None of which completely take my mind off Eilidh.
Please let her be okay.
I take a shower and rummage through her things, finding Cat and Dog.
I set them on her pillow on her side of the bed. That looks better. Like they’re simply awaiting her return.
Her imminent return.
When my room phone rings late that afternoon, I practically jump on it. “Yeah?”
“Dex? It’s Garrett. Thanks for the room.”
“Come on over. I’m awake.” I pull on a T-shirt and move the doorstop to let them in.
“You’re up early,” he says by way of greeting.
“Tell me about it.”
Once they’re inside, Amber smiles. “Told you her father’s alive.”
“Yay. How do I get her and him and Zuzu back here?”
She closes her eyes and is silent for a moment. “We’ve got plenty of time for Zuzu later.” She opens her eyes. “I know this is scary for you, but this has helped her heal so much past trauma, it’s unbelievable.”
“She’s getting a spanking when I get my hands on her.”
“She needs a leash and collar locked on her, is what she needs,” Garrett jokes.
I mean, I think he’s joking.
Sort of.
Although it’s not a half bad idea.
As soon as it’s dark enough, we head back to the ring, where I let Amber walk around first. She touches the stones and cocks her head, like she’s listening.
“It’s full moon,” she says, nodding. “This’ll happen.”
“What do I have to do?”
“You know what you have to do.” She waves Garrett into the center of the ring with her and holds his hand. Then she holds her other hand out to me. “With our help.”
“Are you sure?”
