Page 137

Juniper liked that Lazarus and Lilias had taken them under their wing. Unlike the Amish, they weren’t afraid of violence and understood that sometimes life got messy.

Lilias told her that Lazarus was once a great warrior. It seemed his greatest weapons, however, were patience and knowledge. Lazarus never got worked up, and that helped Juniper stay calm.

But her mood shifted the moment they reached the motel. She wasn’t sure separating was wise. On edge and anxious, she pulled Dane aside. “Maybe I should go.”

“June, we’ll be fine,” he assured her.

She paced nervously. “They exiled you. What if they don’t let you in?”

“The Bishop is one of Adriel’s closest friends. He’ll hear me out.”

She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling foggy and unfocused like an addict going through some sort of withdrawal. “My heart’s racing.”

“Lazarus,” Lilias snapped. “What did you do?”

Juniper looked up at the immortals, startled. “What do you mean?”

Lilias shook her head. “He has a habit of calming others when they’re nervous. It can have a few side effects if you’re not used to it.”

“Such as?”

“Jitters and hyper-awareness when it wears off. Lazarus, you shouldn’t do such things without permission.”

“Apologies. I was merely trying to help. She was upset in the car.”

Juniper paced. “I thought you couldn’t get into my head?”

“It’s not compulsion.”

She frowned and Lilias explained, “It works like a pheromone. Very subtle and undetectable. The effects should wear off in a few minutes.”

Thank God.

“Feeding might help.”

The scent of manure and country air spoiled her appetite. “You’re probably right, but I can’t right now.” She hated this place. “The guys should get going. The sooner they leave, the sooner we can get out of this hell hole.” Every moment that passed was another chance for Cerberus to hurt Adriel.

Dane returned from the front desk with a room key. “We’re in room six.”

Perfect. Juniper hoisted her bag onto her shoulder and headed that way. Her nerves were starting to regulate, but a little blood might speed things along so she could feel normal again.

“Speaking of blood, I think there’s something else we should do.”

Lilias glanced at her in question. “Such as?”

“Your blood shares DNA with Adriel. We can use yours to find your daughter’s exact location.”

Once inside the motel room, she pulled out the grimoire and shut the curtains.

“Take whatever you need,” Lilias said, already rolling up her sleeve.

Dane carried in the last of their bags, and another whiff of farmland wafted through the air. Lilias placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “You have nothing to fear of this place, child. Lazarus and I will protect you.”

As much as she appreciated her words, they did not stave off the memories flooding her mind. She could smell the musty floor of her cell, hear the howls of Cybil, and the grunts and growls of Isaiah. The heavy footsteps of company approaching. The clink of keys and the creak of the bars opening.

“Juniper, look at me.” Lilias held her by the shoulders, her green eyes creased with worry. She looked so much like Adriel. “You will get through this.Shewill get through this.”

Light swept across the room as the door opened again and Lazarus stepped in. “We need to get moving. Is she?—”