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I arrived carrying guilt, loneliness and the fear that I’d ruined everything; and I’m leaving with new friends, a stronger marriage, and the comforting knowledge that there are people out there who understand. Maybe life isn’t getting smaller as I get older. Maybe it’s just beginning to open up again.

“You know woman, I think you might be right,” he says, pulling me into an embrace.

My arms instinctively circle him as I smile into his shoulder, and for a moment we just stand there, comfortable in the quiet. Until a familiar voice calls my name, and I glance up to find Ella weaving through the stalls toward us, looking uncharacteristically flustered.

“Everything alright?” Lennie asks before I can.

“Yes.” She smiles. “Sort of. I need you to do something for me.”

Lennie and I exchange a look.

“I need you to get Bri to The Strigoi panel at the end of the day.”

“Ok, but why?”

“I can’t tell you why.” She laughs. “But she absolutely has to be there.”

I frown. “What about her stall?”

“I’ve arranged cover. And security is reserving the front row for Bri and whoever comes with her.”

Lennie raises an eyebrow. “That’s odd and suspicious. What is Jax up to?”

Ella smirks and pats his arm. “You’ll see, but until then I need you to let her friends know. And arrange cover with the other traders for everyone’s stalls.”

I laugh. “You are being deeply mysterious.”

“I know,” she says, turning to leave. “Call me if you’ve any problems but I trust you guys have got this.”

She disappears into the crowd as quickly as she arrived.

Lennie sips his coffee. “Well.”

“Do you know what that’s about?”

A familiar head appears around the side of the stall, like he’s been eavesdropping. Which I suspect he has. Saint smiles widely. “I think I know.”

“Are you going to tell us?” I ask, prodding him in the shoulder.

“No.” He grins. “But I will say this…” He lowers his voice dramatically. “I definitely need cover for my stall. And I think both of you and Ember should be there. None of us are going to want to miss this.”

Chapter 46

Luna

An hour later, I’ve negotiated cover for all three stalls. The neighbouring traders have all agreed to help. Honestly, convention people are wonderful. Ella and Ben have built a real community here, and I’m so lucky to be a part of it.

“Right.” Saint claps his hands. “Operation Mystery Panel, here we come! Let’s go get our girl.”

I laugh. “I like the name."

We make our way to Bri's stall. She's busy signing books, but the queue has finally disappeared as people make their way to The Strigoi panel. She looks up at our arrival, eyes widening, as a small smile grows on her face. "Oh! What are you lot doing here?"

“We’ve come to kidnap you,” Saint teases.

“What?”

Lennie steps forward. “You need to come with us.”