Page 19 of Gray Dawn

With that settled, everyone packed into the SUV, most of us sorting ourselves into our usual slots.

Asa drove. I rode shotgun. Arden sat on the bench.

But this time, Arden shared with Marita and Derry instead of Clay and Colby. Fergal had taken the Mayhews’ usual spot in the cargo area, where he waited in the heavy body bag he traveled in, tucked under a blanket.

“Fergal.” I heard the zipper drag as soon as the doors shut. “Who reported the deaths?”

“Sergeant Londis of the CPD.” Fergal crinkled as he shifted. “He’s a boojum, a relation of the sasquatch.”

I recalled Captain Peters’ advice about how I needed to address our allies and let them know the Bureau had their backs, that our agents were under control. She had been championing Boston, her hometown, but this was as good a time as any to put her theory to the test in other cities.

“I want to meet Londis, reassure him I have everything under control, and convince him to let the Bureau handle this.” I peered out my window, but Dad wouldn’t be here for a while yet. “Then Dad and I will hole up somewhere and see if we can think of a way to remove the Hunk. Without killing me.”

The longer we waited, the more tempted I became to risk powering up once more.

All I need is five minutes to know where to find them.

“All the Hunk needs is five minutes,” Asa said, “to finish what it started with that scar on your chest.”

“I didn’t mean to say that part out loud.”

Just as I hadn’t meant to rest a hand over the tender ridges of skin between my breasts.

“You didn’t.” He frowned at the ruby pendant. “I could tell it was what you were thinking.”

“Mate mind powers.” Derry ruffled my hair. “The longer you’re together, the less you can hide from one another.”

“Thanks for the warning.” I didn’t miss Asa’s sigh. “Not that I would hide anything, mind you.”

“Of course not.” Marita backed me up with a grin. “That would be wrong.”

“Like you never hide anything from me.” Derry huffed. “Don’t lie to our friends.”

“I wouldnever.”

Their bickering faded to a background noise that oddly comforted until a call drew my attention. “Hollis.”

“…me…”

“You’re breaking up.” I prepared to end the call. “Try back later.”

“…it’sme…”

Adrenaline flooded my veins, and magic or no magic, I could have fought a giant and won right then.

“Colby?” I could taste my heartbeat in my throat. “Where are you?”

“…Clay…” A crackling fuzz boiled down the connection. “…Charlotte…”

“You’re in Charlotte?” I reached for my magic, eager to check our bond, but of course nothing answered me. Only the emptiness in my chest. But I had known. Maybe not that she was here, but that I had to be. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but it had to mean something. “Where are you?”

“…flight…arriving…six.”

“Six tonight or six tomorrow?”

“I…night…at six.”

“I’ll meet you at the airport.” I couldn’t see. “At six.” Stupid tears blinded me. “Okay?”