“Because demons exist,” Race said, reaching for Ash’s hand. “They wage war continuously on the innocent, always after human souls. No, you don’t know this because we keep it quiet—no need to cause panic.” He met her father’s hard stare. “I have lived a long time, Mr. James.”
Then it hit, and Mum gasped, face paling. “You’re immortal?”
“Aye.” Race inclined his head. “Our leader is the archangel Michael.”
Her father dropped back into his chair, as if his legs could no longer support him.
At her parents’ reaction to the news, Ash was bloody glad they’d agreed earlier to keep Race’s shifter side quiet for now. God, revealingthatwould’ve been utterly disastrous.
“Mum, when I spoke to you yesterday, we were in New York. Race can transfer us from one place to another in a heartbeat. It’s how we are here so quickly.”
Silence as her parents’ focus shifted between her and Race. Then they both lifted their teacups with slightly trembling hands—and sipped.
But her gaze remained fixed on her father. He slowly set his cup down and leaned back in his chair. Ash knew that while he was undoubtedly shocked, his scholarly side was also processing.
“Now what, darling?” Mum asked. “You’re going to live in New York?”
“Depending on where Race is stationed,” Ash said, still watching her father. “So, either New York or Romania. The Guardians work across the world.”
“Mr. and Mrs. James, you can visit the castle when you wish. Other females have families who call on them. When things calm down, Ash and I will come over, as well.”
Her mother watched them quietly, then said to Ash, “You’ll need more clothes.”
Go,Race said.I’ll try to pacify your father. Or, you might have to come save me.
She bit her lip as she rose to keep from smiling, but her chest ached at the ice that still hadn’t melted from her father’s demeanor.
After the Paul fiasco, Dad didn’t think anyone was good enough for her.
Upstairs in her little bedroom, she opened the cupboards and pulled out clothes she would need in Lemuria.
Her mother put a suitcase on the bed.
“Not that one, Mum. I’ll use this.” She got out her large, worn backpack and set it down.
Her mother sat and began folding the clothes Ash tossed onto the bed.
“So, you and Race…” Mum paused delicately. “I know it’s been three weeks, but the man is immortal, darling.”
“I know.” Ash faced her mother, clutching her undies to her chest, and smiled. “He’s wonderful. He makes me happy, Mum. He actually listens, and he cares?—”
You are my mate.
Ooof, stop listening to us!
Why? I like hearing how much I make your life better.
Stifling a laugh, Ash shut off their mind-link and packed her underwear.
“This isn’t a rebound, is it, dear?” her mother asked softly.
At her mother’s troubled expression, she straightened. “No, it isn’t. Honestly, Paul’s the last person on my mind. But being back here…” She gestured toward the window. “The busybodies will have a field day. Mrs. Porter saw us. You’ll have visitors for tea soon.”
Mum laughed. “I suppose I will.”
“We couldn’t avoid them. Race can only open a portal near soft spots, usually water.”
“Oh, the stream behind Co-op?”
