Page 17 of Devoted in the Midlife

I nodded, figuring that was all I was going to get on that front. Parenting meant learning to trust other people to discipline the brats occasionally attempting to cannibalize your own.

"While we're here," I said as we stood to wrap up, "is there any chance we could check in on Emily? I'd like to see how she's doing after all this."

"Of course." Beth smiled, the expression turning wry. "And I suspect Emily will want the chance to either thank Goldie or smack her herself for being an idiot, so it's probably good timing."

Beth led us out of the office and down a few more portrait-lined halls. She knocked on one heavy door, sticking her head in to murmur something. A moment later the door creaked open, and a familiar dark ponytail came bobbing out.

"Hey, kiddo." I raised my hand in a wave as Emily scuffed to a stop in front of us, all skinny jeans and purple high tops and a graphic tee blazoned with the periodic table of elements. "Heard you had some excitement today."

Emily rolled her eyes with the full force of a double-digits tween, but I glimpsed the uncertainty behind the mandatory bravado. "Just another Tuesday. I'm fine."

"You know you belong here as much as anyone else, right?" I crouched to meet her gaze, hating the flicker of doubt and defiance warring there. "Just because your mojo isn't from some crusty old magical lineage doesn't mean you're not every bit as much a part of this world."

She shrugged, but something in her narrow shoulders eased. "Yeah, I know. It's dumb." She scuffed a toe on the runner carpet, glancing up through her lashes. "I mean, it was kind of cool of Goldie to go all Alley Cat for me, I guess. But I could've handled that basic witch."

Ransom bit back a smile. "I don't doubt that for a second. But that's what friends do, have each other's backs, even against snooty magical Mean Girls."

"I just don't want Goldie getting in trouble because of me," Emily mumbled, crossing her arms. I put a hand on her shoulder, marveling as always at the fragile feel of children.

"Goldie makes her own choices. Spectacularly bird-brained ones, sometimes, but they're hers. You're not responsible for what she did, but I know she'd do it again in a hot second to defend you. Because that's the kind of friend she is."

Emily peeked up at me, something like a real smile tugging at her mouth. "Yeah. She's ride or die like that. It's pretty cool." She straightened, giving a disaffected sigh. "Anyway, I better get back to study group."

I blinked. Yep, this one was going to be running magic circles around all of us before she could legally vote. "You need anything before we head out? A portal home, or…?"

Emily waved me off. "Nah, I'm good. Tell Mom I'll see her tonight? And that I'm fine, seriously."

"Scout's honor." I held up three fingers in what I vaguely remembered as the Scout salute. Emily snorted, tossing a wave over her shoulder as she vanished back into the study room.

Beth walked us back to collect Goldie, who was trying very hard to look like she hadn't been eavesdropping on every word from the outer office. I didn't bother to hide my grin as I took her hand, Ivy falling into step on her other side as we headed back toward the portal.

I squinted into the warm autumn light bathing the courtyard. "Sounds like you're in trouble and a hero. Welcome to magic school, kiddo."

Ransom shook his head, the corner of his mouth ticking up. "Just try not to bite anyone before we get home, little hero. At least not where the faculty can see."

Goldie beamed, practically skipping between us as the portal shimmered to life ahead. I caught Ransom's eye over her curly head and had to laugh.

Immortal politics, tween drama, and disciplinary pep talks. Just another Tuesday indeed.

9

HAILEY

I adjustedmy blouse and settled into the office chair, giving Flint a gentle nudge as he curled up on my shoulder. His tiny claws pricked my skin through the thin fabric as he trilled happily, clearly pleased with his perch. I sighed, equal parts exasperated and charmed by my little dragon sidekick. At least someone was excited about this council video call. I glanced over at Jax, who seemed engrossed in shuffling through his notes, brow furrowed in concentration. No rest for the wicked, or the leaders of the vampire world.

"You ready for this?" I asked, reaching over to straighten Jax's collar. He looked up, eyes softening as they met mine.

"As I'll ever be," he replied wryly. "Though I'd much rather be doing this in person."

"You and me both," I muttered, clicking the link to join the call. "But duty calls, and Milan will have to wait. We just don’t have the time."

The screen flickered to life, revealing Dominic and Amaya already seated at the conference table. I bit back a smirk at thesight of them, practically cuddling in their chairs. For a couple of ancient master vampires, they could be downright adorable in their budding relationship.

"Hailey, Jax, thanks for joining us," Dominic greeted, his Scottish brogue warm even through the digital connection. His eyes landed on Flint, and he chuckled. "I see you've brought a little friend."

"Flint insisted on attending," I replied lightly, reaching up to scratch the dragon's head. "Apparently he didn't want to miss any important vampire business."

"Well, he's certainly livening up the meeting already," Amaya said, her features softening into a smile. She leaned into Dominic's side, their ease with physical affection still new. Seeing them like that made me want to giggle.