Sage knew Garridan could feel it, though. Their bond was too strong.
Garridan frowned as he stripped, looking over at Sage every few seconds to make sure he was okay.
I’m fine. I’ll be fine. Lucas has us watching some sort of movie marathon thing and I know Mother Estelle bought my favorite ice cream at the store earlier today.
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Rocky Road. I love the marshmallows. What’s yours?
Butter Pecan.
Sage watched as Garridan, Bennett, and Owen shifted in the backyard. Garridan made a chuffing sound at Bennett. His big head turned toward Sage. His green eyes held him captive for several seconds.I’ll be back before dawn.
Sage ran to Garridan and hugged him around the neck when he came within reach. “I’ll be waiting.”
He waited until he couldn’t see Garridan anymore before he finally broke down. By then Garridan was far enough away that he probably didn’t feel the distress.
He wanted to be alone, but Lucas wouldn’t let him. “Come on. Let’s go put our fat pants on and have that marathon.”
He saw Ladon and Jules in the doorway, waiting for them. Jules said, “I’m going to hug you, Sage. Is that okay?”
Sage nodded and didn’t even stiffen up when Jules put his arms around him. “It’s okay. He’ll come back to you. And you’ll have us every time he’s gone.”
“Yeah, we’re the best consolation prize in the universe.” Ladon grinned.
Sage laughed through his tears and that was all it took. “So…um…what are we watching?”
****
Garridan flew over the treetops, looking down. The good thing about winter in the Midwest was that there were no leaves on the trees, making visibility slightly easier. It wasn’t his sight he was relying on. It was Owen’s. He sniffed the air and couldn’t scent anything that even resembled a vampire.
Clearly, the vampires had moved around the area, which didn’t come as a surprise. Garridan had been held captive by Stavros long enough to know he wasn’t stupid. If Stavros planned on bring war to Saint Lakes, then he would need to know the terrain.
Also, Garridan was positive the vampires had wanted to get caught.
Stavros wanted them to know he was there. Either that or he was creating a diversion. Regardless, they’d get them all tonight. They had the element of surprise on their side.
Garridan made a gesture with his head, letting Bennett and Owen know he was going in the opposite direction. He would bet the vampires had stationed themselves closer to the house, which meant they were after a little bit more than information. They were probably waiting for the perfect moment to snatch Lucas again.
He just thanked the gods that all the siblings had moved in. There was safety in numbers. Plus, Garridan saw Mother Estelle had put some sort of spell on the place twice in the last couple of days.
Tell Ramsey to keep Lucas close.He told Sage through their bond.
He is. Every time Lucas leaves the room Ramsey follows him. When are you coming home?
It’ll be a while yet. Are you going to wait up for me?
Like I could sleep knowing you’re out there with those asshole vampires.
I’m flying over the house, baby.
Sage ran out of the back door, Lucas right behind him and Ramsey standing in the doorway. Garridan felt like shit the minute he saw Sage standing there, looking as though he’d lost his best friend. Garridanunderstood completely. He didn’t want to be away from Sage either. Sage’s eyes were red as if he had been crying.
Sage held up a hand. Whether it was in greeting or in a bid to be just an arms’ width closer, he didn’t know. Either way it prompted Garridan to focus his energy so he could get back to Sage sooner.
Garridan growled out a greeting and turned back to the task.
Garridan flew lower as soon as they were out of sight of the house, just above the trees, scenting the air as it rushed past him.
