I turned to my mom and Lynn. “Two weeks.”
Lynn stood and nodded. “I can be ready in two weeks.”
“So can I.” But I shook my head. “I need you here, mom.”
“No. We all discussed it. Wendy is going to stay with Carly. Toya, me and Lynn will be coming with you.” I could tell her mind was already made up, but I felt it. It was wrong.
“I can’t allow that, mom.” I watched as she grew mad, but I held up my hand before she could scream. “Something is coming here. I can’t tell what it is, but you will be needed here to protect everyone.”
She deflated. “But what about you?”
“I’ll be fine.” I kissed her. “Now I have to take my kid to go see her dad. Porch wine, and we will discuss everything,”
Lynn nodded. “I’m going to train…Ainsley do you mind coming to help?”
She stared at me for a minute before she nodded and turned to Lynn. “Of course, sweetheart.” We all trailed down the stairs and out the back door where Carly was vibrating, too excited to contain it.
“Let’s go, Amy.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the grave. There was already a small blanket set up and Carly ran to it. She dropped on to the soft fabric. “Hi daddy. I miss you. But Amy finally came back.” She looked back at me and smiled.
I opened myself up as I sat down and sent out a call. “Sorry it took so long.” I sighed as I sat down next to her.
“You were busy.” Carl’s voice was sad, and as I looked over, both he and my grandmother looked worried. “But you are here now.”
“I didn’t expect both of you.” I sighed.
“Daddy.” Carly called as she jumped up, but I grabbed her.
“He’s not really here, baby, remember? You can’t touch him.” She trembled and then she sat back down. They settled across from us with the grave between us.
“I forgot.” She looked at him. “I miss you, daddy.”
“And I miss you too, baby.” He leaned over, the need to touch his daughter too much. “I heard every time you prayed to me.” His eyes softened. “And I want you to know, baby. That if you want to call Amy mom, or if at any time Amy gets a mate and you want to call him dad, your mother and I won’t mind. We will always be your mommy and daddy.” The tears in his eyes were full of love.
Carly looked at me and I smiled down at her. “You don’t have to call me or my mate anything you don’t want to. I won’t mind. I’ll still love you either way.” I kissed her head.
“Carl?” My grandmother turned to him and he nodded. “Darling. You and I have to talk.” She nodded behind us. “Carl will sit with Carly for a bit.”
I kissed Carly again. “I’ll be close if anything happens.” I stood and walked away from the two, speaking low at the grave. I turned to find my grandmother beside me. “What’s wrong?”
“I know you are thinking of finding the Lycans, but that isn’t for you to do.” She looked back at the grave. “That is destined for someone else.”
“But.” I looked at Carly. “She is so young.”
“And it will wait until she is ready. You have other things to worry about.”
I nodded. “I have a plan for Vince, but I don’t know who this Garith is.” My grandmother paled. “You know something.”
She nodded, but she held up her hand. “Talk to your father, talk to your computer friend. Make a plan. They are worried about you and you will need them.” There was something else she wanted to say. She leaned over and kissed me. “Your father…he needs to confess some things to you. Some secrets will shift your entire world, and the view of people you have had. Be open to it.” She kissed me. “And be ready to be your true self. Full, unhindered, and wild.” She pulled back and cupped my face. I closed my eyes, trying to feel her hands, but there was nothing but the wind. “You are going to make an amazing leader one day.”
I laughed. “I am no leader.”
She glanced back at the grave. “Leave the Lycans for the Shaman. She has her own fate to figure out. Focus on the men who are trying to take over the world.” Then she was gone. I turned and walked back to the grave.
“Your nan gone already?” I nodded to Carl. “You had all of us worried for a few days there, girlie.” His eyes danced to Carly. “We could only watch and hope you got out.”
I smiled. “I wouldn’t leave our girl.” I winked at him and hugged Carly to my side.
He sighed and smiled. “Thank you. For everything so far, and everything to come.” He stood and looked at his daughter. “I love you, baby.”
