Chapter 25
It wasclose to five when Shae left her mother and headed for her bedroom later that afternoon. The new living room door Dagan was behind remained closed the entire day, to keep the dust and paint fumes contained, he’dsaid.
She understood it would take time for him to assimilate after learning the truth of what had occurred on that fateful day eonsago.
Her cell rang on the nightstand rang. She snatched it. At the name on the display, she smiled. “UncleLem?”
“Yes, my dear. You didn’t call, so I was wondering if you’re still coming tonight? Don’t tell me you’ve got otherplans.”
Aw crap. She bit off a groan, recalling the promise she’d made him a while ago about attending the election debate speech he was giving to kick off his mayoral campaign. “No, Idon’t.”
“Good. Do you still want to look over my speech?” heteased.
She laughed. “I trust your judgment, you won’t embarrass us. I know you’ll knock them right into voting foryou.”
His chuckle floated through the line. “You sound…happier.”
She heard the question, and Dagan had already cautioned her against mentioning that they’d found her mother until they caught Samael. She didn’t want Lem caught in the crossfire with thisknowledge.
“Yes.National Geographicbought my Nightlife series.” At least it wasn’t alie.
“Well done. All right, then, I’ll see you tonight at Cooper’s Union. Ateight.”
Rubbing her temple, she ended the call as Dagan walked out of the workroom. Perspiration beaded his brow, and his faded gray tee, darkened with sweat was stuck to his chest. Darn, the man simply smoldered sexiness, even in his clammyclothes.
“Shae?” He stopped in surprise. “I thought you’d be with yourmother.”
“I was. I came up to check onyou.”
A dark eyebrow arched. “Me?”
“Yes. That room got done faster than I blinked,” she teased. “It says alot.”
A wry smile lifted the corners of his mouth. He stepped closer and pressed his lips on hers. “I’m okay, Shae-cat.” Then he nodded to the cell in her hand. “Who wasthat?”
“Uncle Lem. It’s his big speech today. Remember I told you about him running formayor?”
“And he wants youthere?”
“Yes.” When he frowned, she added, “I’d like to go, Dagan, he’s family. And this is really important tohim.”
He rubbed his jaw, his brow still furrowed then he tipped his head. “Okay. Let me get ready for work and we can leave. But after the speech, I’m bringing you straightback.”
“Okay.” Not like she wanted to linger there when Aza would be about. Besides, she had her abilities if anything happened. She couldteleport.
* * *
Ashort while later,dressed in boots, black jeans, and a cream sweater, Shae pulled on her leather jacket and ran downstairs to check on hermother.
In Hedori’s quarters, she hurried through the living room and paused in the guestroom doorway. The TV was on but muted while her mother stared at her clasped hands. The pile of magazines Shae had set on the nightstand earlier remained untouched. Once, years ago, they’d used to love looking at the latest fashions. Then her father died, and everythingchanged.
“Shae?” Her mother’s panicked voice pulled her back from her troubledthoughts.
“I’m here, Mom.” She hurried across the room and grasped the hands tearing at the covers. Dull gray eyes blinked as if waking up from a nightmare. Shae’s smile quivered, her chest hurting at the fear in them. “How do youfeel?”
“Happier when I seeyou.”
Her eyes burned as she stacked another pillow behind her mother. She forced a smile. “I missed you, too, Mom. Would you like me to get some tea? There’s cake—chocolate cake. Hedori made itearlier—”
