Page 64 of Cold Curses

“And you’re hangry.”

“I’m not hangry.”

His expression was very flat, which made me want to punch him. So, I probably was hangry.

I rose. “I promise,” I quietly repeated for Lulu, and followed Connor out.

The crowd in the lobby was still there, but their exhaustion was beginning to show. Dealing with trauma was its own kind of horrible marathon.

“Alexei volunteered to stay with her during the day,” Aunt Mallory said. “We’re going to get some sleep. We have a lot of ward work ahead of us.”

“Is there a chance to repair the cornerstone?” I asked.

“We don’t know,” she said. “But we’re damn well going to try.”

“Good luck,” I said, and meant it.

“We might move her to Cadogan,” Mom said, and she got a nod from Aunt Mallory. “Alexei will need sleep, and it’s more secure. Just in case.”

As a planner myself, I had no qualms about preparations for “just in case.”

“We’ll let you know either way,” Mom said.

“And I’ve given everyone the update,” Theo said. “So we’re all on the same page.”

“Good job finding that fabric,” Roger said. “I’ve informed the mayor about the cornerstone.”

“How did she take it?”

“She fixed herself a very strong drink.”

“Could use one myself,” Uncle Catcher murmured.

“There’s a good chance the violence we saw tonight is only the precursor,” Roger said. “So, in addition to dealing with Dante and the ‘upstart’ and figuring out what’s ailing Lulu, we need to rebuild the defenses and respond to the demons who are already here.”

“We’re on the defenses,” Aunt Mallory said, taking Uncle Catcher’s hand. “First thing.”

“Your service is greatly appreciated,” Roger said. “Especially now.”

Aunt Mallory nodded.

“I’d offer to help with the demons,” Mom said, “but our deal with the city…”

Chicago was fed up with supernatural drama by the time Sorcha Reed brought the Egregore to life. When my parents had bested it, the mayor agreed not to blame them for the damage done in the fight (which wasn’t their fault anyway) if they agreed to stand down on battling supernatural problems. The Ombuds got more funding, and my mom, who was pregnant at the time,decided to take a break. She’d been on that break for more than twenty years.

“The Ombuds don’t presently have enough staff to deal with this,” Roger said. “And the mayor knows it. So, if you’re interested, we can ask for a reprieve.”

Dad lifted a single eyebrow. It was his signature move. “A reprieve?”

“A temporary lifting of the ban,” Roger said. “But only if you’re willing. It’s not mandatory, and the city has no expectations.”

“We’ll need to discuss it,” Mom said, sliding Dad a glance that pretty clearly said she’d already made up her mind to do it.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Glad to have her obviously skilled help. But I didn’t want to lose anyone else.

“I need to stay at the House,” Dad said. “It’s still unsettled.”

Because the vampires had been dragged by Rosantine into another dimension, he meant.