Page 85 of Peacemaker

Shane, Clayton, and Angus were in the kitchen, eating, of course. Neither Rhys nor Leo had returned from wherever they’d gone, and Amias wasn’t one to hang around watching people eat.

“I’m going to the city to meet with Crawford,” I told them. “He’ll make sure the humans are as ready as they can be for tomorrow night.”

“And you need to tell him we kicked demon ass,” Shane said, shoving his bowl away and standing. “I’ll come with you.”

“I’m coming, too,” Clayton said.

I frowned. “Where’s Blacklight?”

He patted a small scabbard hanging at his hip, and I saw the familiar hilt peeking from the top of the sheath.

I widened my eyes. “You forced her to shrink? How’d you do that?”

Silverlight had gone into her sheath willingly, but Blacklight…that sword was going to be more difficult than Silverlight in every way.

Clayton smiled. “I didn’t give her a choice.”

Freedom looked good on him. His walk was confident, his eyes were clear, and he smiled a heck of a lot more than he had when Miriam had owned him.

I gave him a quick kiss. “You make me happy,” I murmured. And for the first time in a while, I felt optimistic about the future.

“I’ll drive,” Shane offered.

I tossed him the keys. “I’ll call Rhys. Make sure he’s okay.”

Clayton got into the back seat, and I climbed into the front with Shane, my phone to my ear.

I left a message when Rhys didn’t answer, and my chest began to tighten with worry. My men were going to be the death of me.

When we reached the edge of the town, two figures stepped out of the darkness to wave us down.

“Jade and Amanda,” I said.

Every supernat in Bay Town appeared to be aiding her in guarding the borders. I let my window down, watching the milling supernats as Jade walked toward us.

A large, shaggy wolf trotted beside her, his yellow eyes glowing. Neither one of them seemed particularly friendly.

“Copas,” she greeted Shane, then peered into the car at me.

“What are you all doing?” I asked.

“Himself told us to guard Bay Town, so we’re guarding Bay Town. Where’s Rhys?”

“I don’t know,” I said. “Doing whatever tasks he was set, I’d imagine.”

She narrowed her eyes. “He went alone?”

“I’m sure if he’d needed backup, he’d have let me know.”

She snorted. “Yeah. I’m sure.”

“I really hate when you do that,” I said.

“Do what?”

“Snort like a demented donkey. Maybe you could pick up a less grating habit to show your contempt.”

Shane grinned but didn’t say anything. Maybe because she was on his side of the car.