Chapter 80 Danica
Danica
I'm standing on the balcony, the stunning view of Lake Washington stretched out before me, but I can't even appreciate it. My nerves are wound tighter than a spring as I dial Damon's number, my heart doing a drum solo in my chest.
The phone rings, and then my baby bro's voice comes through, "Hello?"
I'm hit with a wave of emotion so strong that I'm afraid I might start ugly crying right here on this fancy-ass balcony. "Hey, little Demon," my voice wavering slightly as I use the nickname I've called him since we were kids. The familiarity of it feels like a balm on my frayed nerves.
"Holy shit. If it isn't my long-lost sister," Damon exclaims, his tone a perfect mix of surprise and sarcasm. "How did your little save-the-world trip to Ethiopia go?"
Wait, is that really where Emily said I was? Ugh, I will have to chat with that girl about her cover stories.
"It was good," I lie through my teeth, hoping he can't hear the guilt in my voice. "How are things going for you?"
"Can't complain. Just working at McKinley so much has changed here since you left. All these werewolves, witches, and now a new vampire leader or whatever." He pauses, "You know I hate all these freaks."
I wince at his words. Just like my parents, Damon despises anything supernatural.
"Yeah, tell me about it," I force a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, if you're up for it, maybe you can spare some time and come for a visit? There's plenty of room here..." I trail off, hoping he'll say yes.
I'd just need to keep my fanged friends under wraps for a while, and Emily and Sable would have to dial back on their magical mischief. Piece of cake, right?
There's a pause, and for a moment, I'm afraid he will decline. But then, "Yeah, I would like that, actually. I have some things to tie up here for this week, but maybe I could come out next week or something?" His voice softens, a hint of vulnerability shining through. "I miss you, Dani-bear."
My heart swells at the nickname, a smile spreading across my face. "I miss you, too, Little Demon."
Damon laughs, the sound warm and familiar. "Alright, I will call you next week, and then you can send me the address."
"Got it. I will talk to you then. Stay safe, okay?" I say, trying to pour all my love and concern into those few words.
"I will. Talk to you soon. Love ya, sis."
"Love you, too," I whisper, my heart feeling lighter than it has in weeks.
As I hang up, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. It'll be so good to see Damon again, but I know I'll have to be careful about what I say and do around him. The last thing I want is to put him in danger.
But for now, I'm just going to bask in knowing that my little bro is safe and I'll see him soon.
And if I have to spin a few more tales to keep him in the dark?
Well, that's just what big sisters do.
After hanging up, I run back into our room to get dressed—I'm so freaking ecstatic that I can barely contain myself. We girls are about to hit the road for our much-anticipated spa day. I booked our appointments earlier this week; today is finally the day.
Seraphina and I can walk amongst the population with our secret potion.
Sable helped Rhyland and I concoct it so we could use it without fear of being attacked by our scent alone.
We can finally strut our stuff without worrying about some hungry vampire or supernatural freak trying to take a bit out of us.
A whole new world of possibilities has opened up, and I am here for it.
The shit tastes like ass, but It's a small price to pay for safety.
I've hidden my crown with just a thought—no need to flash the bling—and Lucian has the shard of the Soul Stone locked up tight in his massive vault beneath the mansion.
I can't help but chuckle at the thought of anyone trying to steal that shit. I immediately jump to that epic scene from Fast and the Furious, where Dom and Bryan jack the vault using those souped-up Dodge Chargers.
I can picture it now: a couple of dumbass supernatural thieves trying to recreate that stunt, only to find out the hard way that Lucian's mansion is a hell of a lot more secure than my measly apartment and cheap safe.
I shake my head, banishing the ridiculous thought—as if anyone would be stupid enough to try and pull a stunt like that.
Then again, in this crazy world of ours, anything's possible.
The guys have something planned for us tonight—not together, of course.
Rhyland has our date night planned, and Lucian has something up his sleeve for Seraphina.
I can only imagine what those two have cooked up.
Knowing Rhyland, it's probably something equal parts romantic and badass.
And Lucian? Let's say Seraphina better be prepared for a wild ride.
Bless her witchy heart. Emily has been progressing with a few covens.
They plan to set up a meeting within a week to discuss joining hands.
I've got to hand it to her; she's taking this witch role more seriously than I imagined.
Then again, when you're basically a walking, talking clan of witches yourself, I guess you don't have much choice.
Sable, our resident supernatural Nancy Drew, has been a godsend.
She's been keeping tabs on all the paranormal beings like she's got a crystal ball glued to her forehead.
Azrael is still, indeed, trying to create his stupid fucking ritual to pull Moretemis over prematurely, but so far, no dice.
I don't think he knows we've returned, which is good for us.
Let him think we're still off gallivanting in some other realm while we get our ducks in a row.
Lucian's place is, in fact, off the radar, as he promised.
We're talking state-of-the-art security, more cameras than a reality TV show, and enough magical protection to make Hogwarts look like a cardboard fort.
Sable and Emily's unbreakable spells locked his place tighter than a military base.
Seriously, I think even a cockroach would have trouble getting in here without the proper clearance.
Before he left, Erik helped Lucian put all the security measures in place, and we have guards everywhere on top of cameras.
Erik, of course, made sure to do background checks on all security, and Lucian, being the general hustler, compelled them to do as they were told.
At any other time, I would be against this mind control, but right now, with the stakes so high, we can't take any chances.
We need everyone on the same page, even if that means using supernatural persuasion to get there.
I finally feel safe and can breathe for a second. I haven't been able to relax in what feels like years. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I can finally take a moment to just…be.
Lucian surprised me with the tombs he and Seraphina pulled from the Ruins.
I was not expecting them to pull that out of their asses, but they did, and I couldn't be happier.
We finally have the last book of the Seven Realms, and when it's time to delve into it, we have it.
Not to mention the book of Norse Gods—I can't wait to sit down with Seraphina and dig into that knowledge.
Christmas came early, and Santa brought us the gift of ancient wisdom.
Aunt Flow reared her ugly head, and I have to be honest, I was sad.
I cried and cried while Rhyland held me close, kissing me and reassuring me while my hormones were all over the place.
He, too, was on the verge of tears—us both knowing what we knew in the back of our minds was impossible.
I know Rhyland wants a family—a baby—as do I.
But vampires can't procreate.
It's unheard of.
Oh, and let's not forget the little IUD situation I've got going on down there!
Yup, still rockin' that contraceptive bling.
Funny thing is, I don't think Rhyland even knows about it.
I mean, I probably should've mentioned it during our little "heat of the moment" chat, but somehow it just didn't come up.
Maybe I'm a teensy bit worried he'll be pissed at me for not sharing that tidbit sooner.
I can just picture his reaction: "You've got a what in your where now?" Might be a tad miffed that I kept it on the DL, but hey, a girl's gotta have her secrets, right?
Ah well, one bombshell at a time, I always say!
Whatever that Reflection Pool meant doesn't change anything.
I still love Rhyland with everything in my heart, body, and soul; nothing will ever change that, not even being able to have a family.
I will gladly take him and him alone for the rest of my life.
He is my everything, and I wouldn't trade him for all the babies in the world.