Page 126 of Burn Falls

“Fine. I’ll move them to the woods, and you talk to your mother.”

Athan took off, picking up a vampire and leaving before I could respond. I moved to the front door and knocked. The sirens were getting closer, and I knew we only had a few more minutes before they would be at our door.

“Mom, it’s me.”

The door flew open. “What is happening, Calla?”

“Look me in the eyes.” I had no idea how to compel someone because I hadn’t had that part of my training, but I was going to try. Even if it didn’t work, I was hoping she’d listen and trust me. “You need to get in the car and come with us. Please!” I felt my eyes pulse, but again, had no clue if it was working.

Finally, she said, “Okay,” and then she stepped outside in her housecoat and slippers and closed the door behind her.

“Get in the passenger seat, okay?”

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

“Yes.” I opened the door for her and let her slid in while I got in the backseat, placed Draven’s head in my lap, and waited for Athan.

“Is that Dr. Young?”

“Yes.”

“Is he sleeping?”

God, I hoped so. “Yes.” Athan got into the car. “Mom, this is Dr. Young’s friend, Athan.” He nodded his hello and then started the engine.

“Where are we going?” Mother asked.

“Dr. Young’s home,” Athan replied.

We passed troopers just in time as they whizzed by. “Did you call the cops, Mom?”

“I did. My daughter was surrounded by strange men on my front lawn this late at night.”

“Right.” I looked out the window at the dark sky.

“Tell me what’s going on,” Mother pleaded.

I opened my mouth to respond, but then a thought hit me. “Athan, how are we going to get Renzo in Draven’s house?”

“Who’s Draven?” Mother asked.

“Dr. Young,” I clipped, needing Athan to tell me about the situation with Renzo because that was more important.

“I thought his first name was Parker?”

I groaned. “He goes by his middle name.”

“Oh,” she said.

Athan chuckled. “We aren’t letting Renzo in Draven’s house. I’d never let that happen.”

“Then what are we going to do?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

“Who’s Renzo?” Mother asked.

“I’ll explain everything when we get you to Draven’s,” I replied