Page 46 of Tempting Fire

Chapter Twelve

It was an hour and forty-five minutes past the time when they ordered dinner that Chloe’s phone rang. It was Zarek. There was so much noise in the background, it was hard to hear him. “It’s going to be a long night, Cupcake.”

“We’ll meet you at the station.”

“Nah, get some sleep. We won’t be done until morning.”

“So, we’ll wait until morning.”

“Sleep!”

“I hear you,” she said.

“Good.”

“Be careful. I have something to say to you when you get back home.”

There was a long pause, she thought the connection had been lost.

“I can’t wait.”

“So keep my man safe.”

“I will.”

She hung up the phone and looked at her brother and sister.

“So he’s your man, huh?” Evie asked.

“Damn right.”

She thought Evie’s grin might split her face.

“Good choice little sister.” Drake nodded his head, tipping his beer in her direction.

“Mine was better,” Evie said smugly.

“I know Aiden. Zarek I’ve just met. My vote’s with Zarek,” Drake said.

Even though her brother barely flinched, she was pretty sure that Evie kicked him underneath the dining room table.

“Come on, we’re going to the store, then to the Station.”

She liked the fact that neither of her siblings had to ask why they were going to the store first. They knew she would want to pick up food for the others who would arrive. She called over to Sheryl’s house and made sure the Slayer was taken care of, and they left.

***

When they arrived at the station, there were already about twenty people milling about. She couldn’t keep up with the names and the faces, but everyone knew who Zarek was and had a kind word to say about him.

A woman named Mrs. Leonard had them sit down next to her and her husband. Their son Ian had become a fire fighter last year. Apparently Zarek had taken him under his wing. They thought the world of him. They produced a picture of Ian and Zarek. Chloe wished she knew something about the young man, but Zarek had never mentioned him. Hell, it seemed like most of their time had been spent focusing on her stuff.

She looked at Evie who seemed to be able to read her mind.

“Let’s get some coffee for everyone,” she suggested.

“How come I don’t know them?” Chloe moaned as they stood near the coffee pot. “I should know their son.”

“How long have you been here? Has it even been a month yet?”