“I need to work. I’ll be home in time to change for Christmas Eve over at Myra’shouse.”
“Or you could stay in, if you want,” Myra offered because she was a pretty awesome sister most of the time. Okay, all of thetime.
“No.” I stepped out of the comforter, every inch of distance between Ryder and me making me wish I’d let Myra take my shift so I could stay wrapped up in him allday.
“Delaney,” Myrasaid.
I took one look at her bloodshot eyes, the tired lines across her forehead, and her wrinkled clothes. She’d stayed all night here on the couch, keeping an eye onus.
“You’re officially off duty, Officer,” Isaid.
She scowled. “Do not pull the bosscard.”
“Shuffled, cut, and dealt. Go home. Take a nap. Get the feast cooking. Ryder’s gonna be fine here, and we’ll be by around eight for drinks anddinner.”
“Are you bringing the demon?” sheasked.
I couldn’t tell from the carefully blank look on her face if she wanted a yes or noanswer.
“He doesn’t really listen to me,” I said. “Frankly, I’m surprised he didn’t stay here bothering us allnight.”
“I told him to leave usalone.”
“And he listened toyou.”
She shrugged. “There was also the dragonissue.”
“The dragon was sleeping with us. Mymy, Bathin doesn’t listen toanyone…”
“Not this again,” shemuttered.
“...exceptyou.”
“Yeah, well, he knows I have all of Dad’s old journals and can banish him from Ordinary if Iwant.”
“Can you?” Last I heard she hadn’t found a way to be permanently rid of thepest.
“Not yet.” Then she gave me a dazzling smile. “Getting therethough.”
She waved and headed toward the door. “See you tonight. Don’t worry if you’re late. Ryder, call if you needanything.”
I heard the door open, then shut behindher.
There was a commotion of four-footed things running out of the bedroom behind us, the dragon in the lead, carrying a pillow in its mouth with Spud quick on hisheels.
They disappeared into the living room and we were silent amoment.
“So we have a pig?” Ryderasked.
“Dragon.”
Spud barked, the dragon oinked then growled, a very dragony-sound. Spud barked again as if excited he’d made the piggy do a dragonthing.
“Dragon. Okay. What does it eat?” Ryderasked.
“Whatever it wants.” I smiled sweetly at his raised eyebrows. And yes, he looked excited to have a dragon in thehouse.
“Is there some way it communicates? Telepathy? Song?Riddle?”
