“Uh, the door’s that way.” I pointed with my free hand.
They rolled their eyes. “We don’t have any clothes or anything, so we’re checking your trunk for our emergency bags.”
“Ah. Makes sense.”
They released me to open the trunk, and I was happy to see the bags there. Months ago, Oakley and I had put bags in each of our cars with some emergency supplies, including some spare clothes. It was something I’d been doing forever because there were times when I’d had to leave at a moment’s notice to go on a mission.
“Good thinking, sweetheart.”
They paused and stared at me. “You’ve been calling me that, and like, a few other endearments, a lot lately. Guess I know why now.” Their voice was quiet, almost a whisper.
“Does it bother you?”
They shook their head and muttered something I didn’t catch.
“What?”
They sighed. “I like it.”
That made me grin widely. “Oh really, baby?”
They rolled their eyes, but I could tell they were holding back a smile.
“Come on, darling, let’s go inside.”
“You are ridiculous.”
“Hand me that bag, sweetness.”
“Oh Mother of Scales, I’ve created a monster.”
I laughed. “Don’t know what you’re talking about, sugar.”
They snorted at that one. “Most ridiculous dragon I’ve ever met.” They paused. “Actually, that title goes to my dad after today, but you’re a very close second.”
With a chuckle, I shut the trunk and nudged them in the direction of the porch. Before we made it up the steps, the door swung open, and Anton walked out, saying, “Are you two alright?”
Oak waved him off. “We’re fine.”
“Were you followed?”
“Not that I saw.”
“Oh shit,” I said, turning around to head back to the car. “I want to make sure there isn’t a tracker on my car. We couldn’t check before we left because we were in a hurry. I thought we were going to make a stop, but then we came straight here, and I forgot.” Normally, I’d chide myself for getting distracted, but considering my best friend magic-KO’d me, threw me in a dungeon, and then I told my viramore the truth, I was giving myself a pass.
Anton called out behind me, “I’ll help.” To Oakley, he said, “Go on inside. My children are in the family room. One of them can show you to your room.”
“Um…”
I glanced over my shoulder to see Oakley staring at me, looking unsure of what to do. I sent them a smile. “Go on. I’ll only be a minute.”
They nodded and turned to the door, then paused for a beat before looking at me again. “Will you meet me in the family room? I’ll, um, wait for you before going to, uh, my room.”
I nodded, offering a smile. “Of course. Be in in a minute, babydoll.”
They snorted, rolled their eyes, and walked inside.
Anton came over, looking super serious, although the ancient vampire usually looked that way unless his viramore was around. Anton stepped in front of me, and for a moment, I thought he was angry at me for coming here, but then he smiledand surprised the hell out of me by pulling me into a hug. “Congratulations, my friend. I’m so happy for you.”
