“I don’t know.” Cara slid one arm around Janie’s shoulders for a hug. “But I can’t imagine it was easy for him to leave the vampire encampment as a child and go live with Suri. Suri is such an ass.”
Janie leaned into her mother’s strength and shut her eyes. “I know, but I can’t afford to see Zane’s side in this. Not right now with everything so up in the air.”
Cara kissed her forehead. “Maybe you’ll have to see Zane’s side.”
“I just, I don’t know. Feel like I’ve lost something.” The reality failed to make sense, and she struggled to relax as she straightened on the stool.
“You have.” Cara tapped on the remaining tequila shot. “Zane has always been your soft place to land in this crazy world we forced you into. Turns out he’s not so soft.”
Janie blinked. “I love this world.”
“I know.” Cara’s voice softened. “Do you ever think about what you gave up? A normal childhood, schooling, vacationing with friends?”
Yes, but then she felt guilty. “No. I need this family we’ve built.” Hell. Sheowedthe family. Everything.
Cara chuckled. “It’s all right to regret what you missed and even be angry at this pressure cooker of a destiny you’ve been slammed over the head with. You didn’t get a normal childhood, and it looks like your adulthood isn’t going to be much different. That’s what you feel you lost.”
Janie bit her lip. True. She’d spun dreams about her and Zane ending the war and having a happily-ever-after that included kids, trips to Disneyworld, and even the PTA. “God. I’ve been so stupid.”
“No.” Cara patted her hand. “Not stupid. Your path isn’t an easy one, sweetheart. But it might just end up being spectacular.” She turned brilliant blue eyes on her daughter. “You have to fight for what you want, and I know you’ll win. Every damn time.”
Warmth flushed through Janie. Now she just had to figure out what she wanted and how to fight for it. Did she even know Zane enough to factor him into the equation? “I love you, Mom.”
“Love you more.”
Heavy boot steps echoed down the hallway, and they both turned as Talen stalked into the room.
He lifted one dark eyebrow over a golden eye. “You two drinking?”
“Yes.” Cara tilted her head toward the remaining glass. “Want one?”
“No.” He frowned and strode closer, his gaze on his wife’s face. The massive vampire loomed over them, in an awesome shelter of protectiveness. One Janie had always counted on. “Headache?” he asked.
Janie blinked and turned toward her mother. No wonder Cara was so pale. “I’m not sure alcohol is a good numbing agent for headaches,” she said slowly.
“No, but this is.” Talen wiped two knuckles across Cara’s forehead, smiling when she leaned into his touch.
Cara moved back, her eyes clearing. “Now you have the headache.”
Talen shrugged. “It’ll go away within seconds. Besides, you know I can’t stand to see you hurting.”
Janie’s heart warmed. Her dad could be half-dead, and he’d still try to take their pains away. She’d always thought it very cool that vampires could take most illnesses or aches from their mates. Unfortunately, Virus-27 seemed impervious to the vampires’ talents and refused to be unwound from mates. Her dad would definitely get rid of the virus if he could. She shook herself into the present. “Any news on the peace talks?”
Talen sighed and shoved a large hand through his dark hair. “Just the same. We go back tomorrow to fight some more.”
“Fighting for peace?” Cara shook her head. “Was anything accomplished today?”
Talen lifted a muscled shoulder. “We all gave our demands after the demons dropped the bomb about Zane.”
Janie rubbed her eyes as the alcohol started to slow the blood pumping in her veins. “Why wouldn’t he have told me?” She lifted her head.
Talen grimaced. “It’s irrelevant at this point. I’m sorry, but there can be no more contact with Zane, and you know it. Whatever they’re planning is now in motion.”
Cara slipped off the stool. “Do you think the demons are against peace?”
“Yes.” Talen tangled his fingers with hers. “Let’s grab something to eat. You hungry, Jane?”
“No.” She’d probably never be hungry again with this stone in her stomach. “You two go ahead. I need to think.”
