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Dante stepped forward. “I did. I am already sending people to check on the humans with altered memories. We had no idea it might cause harm. I can have a mage here in an hour to remove what they did to your friend.”

Kenny clung to him harder. “No! I don’t want someone messing with my head again.”

“And no one will,” Carver promised. He scowled at the other two.

“But—” Owen started.

“No,” Carver said sharply.

Owen climbed onto the couch with them. “I just thought it might help. You know, fix him.”

“He doesn’t need to be fixed,” Carver responded. “Kenny is perfect just the way he is.”

“I know that,” Owen said. “I just thought it would make him happy.”

“I am happy,” Kenny told them. “Especially if we can stop hunting monsters. That shit gives me nightmares.”

Carver and Owen laughed.

“We’re done,” Carver promised.

“As long as they leave us alone,” Owen added.

Carver shoved Owen. His friend was just being stubborn.

“Is everything okay now?” Dante asked. He was hovering close.

“Everything is good, Daddy,” Carver answered.

“Well…” Kenny said.

“What?” Carver asked. He was exhausted from all the fighting and it was getting early. The sun would be up in a few hours.

“I think you mentioned juice boxes and snacks,” Kenny said.

“That could certainly be arranged,” Dante said. “And a playroom to explore. How about a slumber party?”

Carver loved that idea! “Yes! Wampire gnommies!”

“What are wampire gnommies?” Owen asked. “And maybe I don’t want to be driven off to some big house on the other side of the city!”

“Daddy!” Carver whined.

“Yes, little one?” Dante replied with a smile.

“Give Owen the folder,” Carver demanded.

Dante picked up the folder that Carver had set on the coffee table and handed it to Owen.

“What’s this?” Owen questioned, already flipping through the pages.

“Party!” Carver clapped his hands. “Need help.”

“Hmm.” Owen hummed and sat down. “This is doable.”

Carver knew how to distract his friends. And it looked like they were even going to have a slumber party. He looked up at Dante and batted his eyelashes. “Take us home, Daddy.”

“Whatever you want, my precious boy.” Dante pulled out his cell phone.