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Archer drops his hand and eases back. “What are you going to do with them?”

“I rented a house. I’ll take them there.” She looks at me. “I haven’t met Griffon, but he knows where you are. Hopefully, he’ll come for them first and find me. I can warn you.”

“Do you know why he wants Savy?” Archer asks.

“No, but I can guess. He’s hoping to take advantage of her power.” She hands Mateo her car keys. “Bring it around.” She walks to the couch as he leaves. “His magic is dark. I felt it on them. I think he’s advanced, and that’s what scares me.” She looks at Rome and Mara before settling her gaze on Archer. “I feel better meeting your friends. He can’t get close with all the power they have.”

“What about me?” I tease, putting my hands on my hips.

“You know I believe you can take on anyone.” She smiles softly. “But even the most powerful need someone to take their back.”

“I won’t let anyone hurt her,” Archer says firmly.

“I know you won’t, big man.” She winks at him.

“I’ll open the back door.” Lace leaves the room.

“Granny, we need to talk about Aria,” I mention.

“I know she’s coming. She called me, and I knew you wouldn’t listen to me.” She narrows her eyes. “Stubborn girl. We can talk about it after they're secured. You’re sisters. She'll benefit the situation, yet make it worse. I think Griffon doesn’t care which sister he gets.” She wrinkles her nose. “Asshole warlock. I’ve run across many of them in my life. We’ll deal with it.”

“Do you know anything that'll help me protect Savy?” Archer holds her gaze.

Granny smiles slightly. “I’ve never had a soul bond, but I know their powers complement each other.” She tilts her head. “Savy has power in the dream world. She can change dreams, make people sleep, and influence within that space. What do you have?”

Archer tenses. “Nightmares,” he grits out.

“Mmm…” She moves toward him, her expression soft. When she's close enough, she flutters her fingers across his jaw. “Your nightmares are over now,” she whispers and drops her hand, stepping back. “You and Savy will make the perfect team. Work together. Be ready for anything.” She looks at Mateo as he returns. “He’ll be over soon. An illusion needs to be applied to your house.”

“Goody,” Mateo says. “What would you like? Perhaps a beach scene? Should I make the house old and falling down with some abandoned vibes?”

“Will it appear that way to the neighbors?” Archer asks.

“No. I can tailor it to a warlock. I have some tricks up my sleeve.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

“Rome, be a dear, and help me carry the bodies,” Granny says.

“Funny, I never thought I would hear that line again,” Rome mumbles, but moves to help.

I watch them pick up Betty and Travis. Shouldn’t I feel something?

Anything?

“Savy?”

“Hmm…” I look up from the cup of tea I’ve been stirring sugar in since we got back to my place. “Sorry.”

“No need to be sorry.” Archer covers my hand that's holding the spoon. “I’m worried. You’ve zoned out.”

“I don’t care.” I frown.

“About what?”

“Betty and Travis. I thought I should. I’ve been thinking about it, and it’s not normal. Granny has been a constant in my life, so I didn’t miss their presence. Most of the time.” I lift the spoon out, and he drops his hand to the counter. “Maybe if I hadn’t had her, I would miss them, or be sad. Now, I’m just frustrated.”

“Did you ever miss them?”

“When I was younger, I didn’t understand.” I smile sadly. “We all want to be loved by our parents. They bring us into the world, and it’s expected, right? I still had hope that they'd pay attention to me. Christmas was coming up. I loved the holiday. The smell of winter, and the trees. The presents were a bonus. I begged to decorate the house. Betty finally gave in and allowed me to help pick out some ornaments and wreaths. I had to put them up myself, but I didn’t care. I didn’t have money, so I made cards for everyone. Aria helped, and we spent hours drawing and gluing glitter on construction paper. The day came, and we got up at five in the morning, excited to see what was under the tree.