Page 24 of Gray Dawn

At.

Me.

“Rue.”

A tiny moth smacked into my throat, choking me, and my tears transformed the terminal into watercolors.

“Colby.” I cupped her with my hand to protect her like I wish I had done sooner. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” She trembled against me until Asa bundled her in her blanket. “I am now.”

“How did you get here?” I scanned the milling crowd of travelers but saw nothing amiss. “Is Clay…?”

“It’s a long story.” She burrowed deep into her blanket, until only her antennae were visible. “Can we get out of here first?”

“Did you come alone?” I hated to push her, but we had to know. “Or should we expect company?”

“I came all by myself.”

“Well, that’s terrifying.” I held her as tight as I dared, tucking the blanket across my chest. “Asa?”

“I’ll tell the agents to stand down,” he said, stepping away to place the call.

After he returned, we exited the airport and waited for Fergal to loop around and pick us up at the curb. Arden was as anxious as we had been after the long wait, but she dialed back her enthusiasm.

Because, like most everyone else, Fergal didn’t know about Colby beyond the fact she was my familiar.

For better or worse, that was about to change. To prevent this from happening again, ithadto change.

“I was so scared,” Colby whispered between my fingers. “It was dark and the director was there and…”

“Shh.” I kissed the top of her fuzzy head, despite her funky smell. “I’ve got you.” I held her close. “You’re safe.”

“Your familiar can talk.” Fergal held my gaze in the rearview mirror. “That’s…unique.”

“This is Colby.” I lifted her so he could see her better. “She’s my daughter.”

“Your…” he twisted in his seat with a curious stare aimed right at Asa, “…daughter?”

“Yes.” Asa stroked her fuzzy back, pride and love marbling his features.

Colby bumped up to cat size, flung herself at Asa, and cuddled into his chest.

“And she’s your familiar?” Fergal dropped his gaze when he noticed Asa watching him. “That’s…”

“Unique?” Arden supplied with a grin as she turned to see Colby for herself. “Going forward, you should know that if you tell anyone about her, you’ll cease to exist.” A hardness entered her expression that both warmed and chilled me at once. “I like you, but Colby is family. Hurt her, and you’re going down.”

With that, Colby flitted to give Arden a quick hug. She waved shyly at Fergal then zoomed back into my arms where she drooped against me, exhausted. I wished we had time for her to recover, but there was none to spare. As soon as the Mayhews tumbled into the cargo area, Fergal pulled out into traffic.

“Look who’s back.” Marita ruffled Colby’s fluff, and Derry tweaked her proboscis. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks.” The fuzz on her cheeks lifted in a blush. “I’m glad to be back.”

“I hate to do it, sweetie,” I cut into their greetings, “but I need to ask you some more questions.”

“I know.” She fisted her hands in my shirt. “It’s fine.” She held on tight. “I’ll tell you what I know.”

“Begin whenever you’re ready.” Asa picked a green speck off her antennae. “Take your time.”