Sighing, he watched as Acheron took his great-grandson up to Julian to receive a present. Of course, Simi went, too, to make sure the baby got a bottle of barbecue sauce.
His heart happy and aching, Caleb decided they didn’t really need him here.
But as he started to leave, someone grabbed his arm.
On instinct, he almost punched the culprit. Until he saw Xev there, along with Aeron, Vawn, Kaziel and Ambrose.
“You leaving?” Ambrose asked.
“I said I’d come, and I came. Didn’t say I’d stay.”
“Boyo’s leaving.” Vawn sighed heavily.
“Enjoy the night, dearies. I promise you, this will be your last Christmas.”
Caleb scowled at the dark headed woman who barely reached his shoulder. It wasn’t until she continued to doomsay to others that he recognized Lachesis— the spinner of fate. She was a nasty Greek goddess he was surprised came to parties at all. “What’s up with her?”
Ambrose shrugged. “She’s been drinking. Who knows what she’ll say.”
Aeron arched a brow. “Makes me wonder if she’s not telling the truth, then.”
“Or,” Vawn said, “she’s drunk and has no idea what foolishness she’s spewing.”
Aeron nodded in agreement. “Either way, we should keep her from Acheron lest he tear her apart.”
Yeah, they had some serious bitterness in their pasts.
Caleb watched as Lachesis saw Acheron and then dodged through a door, out of his sight. “I guess not everyone is forgiving.”
Ambrose let out an evil laugh. “Are you kidding? Acheron isn’t the one she should be afraid of. It’s Styxx who’ll gut her first. I’m surprised she came.”
Aeron smiled. “Nowthatwould be a happy ending.”
Caleb scoffed at the expression he hated almost as much as he hated his parents. “I don’t believe in happy endings.”
Although, standing in this room, he basically had to eat those words as happy endings were all around him.
How could he deny it?
I’m cursed.
How else could he explain being the odd one out.
It didn’t matter. Handing his cup to Aeron, he clapped him on the back. “Merry Christmas. I’m heading home.”
Caleb started to teleport out, but decided to walk home. After all, New Orleans was beautiful this time of year. Even if crime was ridiculously high and demons often trolled victims. If he was lucky, one of them might target him.
Now,thatwould be an awesome Christmas present. Beat the crap out of some rando demon who thought he was a tourist …
The very thought almost brought a smile to his face.
As he wandered, he found himself in front of Bubba Burdette’s old store. He smiled at all the memories he had of their misadventures when Ambrose had been in high school and Caleb had first met him.
If only he could go back…
Then again, if he could go back, he wouldn’t waste it on Bubba and Mark.
Suddenly, a bright flash behind him brightened the darkness. It reflected off the glass before him where he saw the anguish on his own face.
