She squeezed my fingers. "No wonder you freaked out." She paused. "You do realize that she controlled him the way she controlled you, right? He's not evil."
I huffed out a laugh. "He definitely seemed evil to me," I argued.
Savannah nodded. "I'm sure he did and I know he feels horrible about it."
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"Because I've known him since he came here with Rhiannon and he's told me about the things she made him do."
"You're friends with him?" I asked.
She nodded. "Yes, because he's like my fiancé, Rhys. He was created with magic and used for someone else's benefit, just like Caleb. They're calledanimavoreand there are only two in the world. Rhys and Caleb."
I leaned away from her, wanting to put some space between us. She released my hands.
"What areanimavore?" I asked.
"They feed on the life force of others. Humans, vampires, shifters, just about any living thing," she answered. "But like vampires, they don't need to kill to feed. And as they gain control and get older, they don't need to feed as often."
There was a knock at the door and Ava stuck her head in. "Are you feeling any better?" she asked me.
"If you mean 'are you done panicking?', then yes," I replied. "If you're asking if I'm still angry about being lied to, then yes also."
She came inside and shut the door behind her. "I'm so sorry about that." She sat on the table next to Savannah. "I encouraged Marcus to tell you about Caleb when he returned from Dallas, but I didn't realize that he hadn't taken my advice."
"You knew all this time, too?"
Ava nodded. "If I'd realized..." she trailed off. "I should have told you."
"Savannah was just trying to convince me that Caleb isn't evil," I said, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Having trouble believing it?" she asked.
My only answer was to arch an eyebrow at her.
There was another knock on the door and it opened to reveal Rhys and Caleb.
I inhaled sharply when Caleb's gaze met mine. I was frozen again, unable to move.
"I know that I hurt you," he said, ignoring everyone else in the room. "And I'm very, very sorry. I was not in control of my actions, but that's no excuse. I hope that someday you'll be able to forgive me."
I had no idea what to say. My mouth opened, but no words came out.
"If I was able, I would give back what I took from you," he continued. "I know I can't, therefore I'm in your debt. If you ever need anything, anything at all, you have only to ask."
Caleb turned and walked away, leaving me with Ava, Savannah, and Rhys.
Savannah's fiancé looked at me. "You have every right to be upset and angry with him. I hope that when you have time to calm down and think about it, you'll eventually be able to forgive him. I realize you've only dealt with him when he was under Rhiannon's influence, but he's a good man and he deeply regrets hurting people, even though he didn't have a choice."
As I sat there, blinking at him, Rhys shut the door.
Ava patted my hand. "I'll go get you some cake and a cappuccino. You can sit back here and relax for a little while. I'll keep the others out."
"Thank you," I said faintly, lost in thought.
Ava left the office and Savannah leaned forward, snagging my attention.
"Do you want a little time alone?" she asked.
"I'd appreciate it."
She smiled and patted my arm. "I'll go help Harrison out front and tell the rest of them to give you some time."
"Thanks."
"I'm glad you're here, Merry," she said. "I hope that you stay."
Savannah left the office as well, leaving me completely alone.
I had a lot to think about.
