AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Thankfully, I do have one treatment option still on the table.
As if summoned by my thoughts, the doorbell dongs its dreary, but oddly cartoonish melody. “That’s for me,” I say, heading for the door. “Sally is bringing over another balm for me to try.” I squeeze Sophie’s arm on my way by her and add in a softer voice, “Keep an eye on the onions for Kitty, will you? She burned them a little when she was practicing. The pork chops still tasted great, but she’s hard on herself if everything isn’t perfect.”
“I can relate,” Sophie says, patting my shoulder. “And of course. No problem. I’ll supervise until you get back.”
“Thanks,” I say, warmed by the brief exchange.
If someone had asked me before I learned the truth about Sophie, I would have insisted another sister was the last thing I needed. But just like every other member of my crazy family, I wouldn’t trade Sophie for anything in the world. She’s one of us now, a Wonderfully to the core no matter what other blood runs through her veins.
Blood is only part of being family, after all.
Caring for each other, being there for each other, and accepting each other for who you truly are… Well, those are the most important bits. Shared DNA is just a bonus in case someone needs a kidney or something.
And yes, I’m literally thinking about kidneys as I open the door to reveal a broody vampire with what looks like a freshly harvested organ pressed to his neck and a pained expression on his face.
But even cranky and clearly in a foul mood, Darcy’s face is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen since the moment I walked away from him on the beach in October. I want to hurl myself at him and hug him tight.
Instead, I cross my arms and lean my hip against the doorframe. “To what do I owe this honor?” I ask, arching a cool brow.
“Don’t be mean to him, Blaire,” a familiar voice mumbles from behind Darcy, making me realize he isn’t alone. “He basically saved our lives.”
Cool vanishing in a rush of fear, I stand up straight, clutching the top of my sweater. “Casey? Is that you?”
Darcy shifts to one side, revealing my younger sister in an oversized sweatshirt with stains all over the front and little Amy asleep on her shoulder wrapped in a grubby fleece blanket.
My sister lifts her tear-streaked face and forces a shaky smile, “Surprise. You were right about Manny, Sissy. If Darcy hadn’t shown up when he did…” She trails off, swallowing hard as her smile stutters away. “We wouldn’t be standing here or maybe…anywhere.”
I circle my arm, jolted into motion as the initial shock fades away. “Get in here, baby. You’re home now and no one is going to hurt you. Not Manny or anyone else.”
Casey climbs the steps and sags against me. I wrap her and my niece up as best I can with my short arms, meeting Darcy’s gaze over Casey’s shoulder. “Thank you,” I mouth, to which he mouths back, “You’re welcome.”
His gaze locks on mine, so much raw emotion on his face I’m not sure what to do with it, especially not now, when Casey is clearly in need of some TLC. Pulling in a bracing breath, I give her another squeeze and say, “Come on. You can meet Sophie and hug Annie and then I’ll draw you a bath and get you some clean clothes before dinner.”
Casey pulls back with a sniff and another shaky smile that isn’t anything like my usually bold, brassy sister. “Thanks. That sounds incredible.” She glances over her shoulder at Darcy, her expression softening. “Thank you again. If you’re sick of us, I’m sure I can find someone else willing to help feed Amy tomorrow. She should be good for tonight.” She laughs softly as she smooths her sleeping daughter’s hair from her forehead. “She’s so tired she’ll probably sleep straight through until morning.”
I frown as I glance between the two of them. “What’s going on?”
“Turns out Manny’s a demon,” Casey says.
“Well, we all knew that. Or at least Annie and I did. No offense.”
“No. He’s literally a demon.” Casey sighs and gently tugs Amy’s pink sock cap off her head revealing wispy black hair that falls to the toddler’s shoulders and two tiny horns emerging from her hairline.
My jaw drops and a soft squeak of surprise escapes my throat, but I cover with a strong nod. “Oh. Okay. Well…I’m sure we can figure this out.” I glance back at Darcy, my eyes no-doubt saucer wide.
He nods and rumbles softly, “We can. Get your sister and the baby settled and I’ll explain everything. Assuming it’s all right if I come in and…stay for a while.”
Stay forever, I want to say, but instead I motion toward the open door and say, “Sure. Come in. And thank you for saving Casey and Amy. Seriously, I owe you more than I’ll ever be able to repay.”
His fingers hook gently into mine for a beat as he passes by. “You owe me nothing, love.”
I hold my breath until he’s in the house, fighting the urge to throw my arms around his neck and demand he stop being stupid and love me back. This isn’t about Darcy and me. This is about Casey and Amy. I have to keep my focus on the people who need me, not my own bruised heart.
Thankfully, Kitty will help make that easier.
I hear Casey’s cry of surprise and hurry in to explain all about house krakens and the other details of her weird, but hopefully wonderful new life.
Chapter Twenty-Five
