“Thank you for everything, sir.” He pivoted, a fucking rash burning in his lungs. He’d managed five strides when Noah spoke. “I spoke to her last night, Max.” Max stopped and turned, heart in his throat. Noah still had the same look, but he was talking about her, so that was fine. “She indicated that you had no control over their participation—hers, Dana’s and Marcie’s. Knowing all three of the women in question as we do, we were well aware of that. But she asked, as a personal favor—the second one she’s requested from me in all our years together—that there be no repercussions against you, that you keep your job. She also called and spoke to Peter and Ben, making clear what Dana and Marcie, respectively, also made clear to them. That you are not to be blamed for the situation.” “Wit

In fact, in this room, Janet saw many examples of how peace had been found, demons had been laid to rest. Ben probably fought the most in that regard, and yet she’d never seen him look so happy. Lucas and Cass could see it as well, such that the worry Marcie’s older sister had held about Ben was decreasing. Ben was going to be okay. Love could do that.Her gaze shifted to Peter and Dana. The big man who bore a distinct resemblance to Max was sprawled in a large easy chair and Dana was balanced on the wide arm. She’d pulled her bare feet up onto it and crossed them at the ankles, Peter’s arm snug around her hips, keeping her steady. It was hard to believe not too long ago Dana had come back from Iraq broken in body and mind, wishing she’d died in the explosion that had taken her sight. Now she was a fully ordained minister, already beloved by her congregation, and of course she did the impossible—reconciled that identity with her need to be

“I overheard you.” He jumps to his feet. “I went to ask Laylen a question—why he thinks this stupid thing,” he kicks the tire of the car, “keeps cutting out.” I stare at his car. “How much did you hear?” “Everything.” He places a hand on each of side of my face. “Going around asking strangers to help save your dad, isn’t a good idea. Nalina may have a grudge against Dyvinius, but it doesn’t mean you can trust her. You can’t trust most people—you should know that.” “I don't trust her.” My fingers graze his shoulder blades as I enfold my arms around his neck. “But it doesn’t hurt to see what she knows. She might not help me, but there’s a chance she might. And to me, that’s worth the risk.” With my fingers, I trace a soft line down his spine, watching his jaw tighten. “Beside

  “You’re awake.” I turn to my side. His eyes are open, glossed with fatigue. “I thought you were asleep.” “I was, but I heard you come in.” He switches to his side and faces me. “How’d your little visit with Nalina go?” “Did you know she was my Aunt?” I ask. His emerald eyes pop wide. “She isn’t Dyvinius’ sister?”   “Nope, she’s his step-sister,” I explain. “Which means my dad is Dyvinius step-brother.” “Which means Dyvinius is your step-uncle.” His forehead creases. “He’s had to know all this time. Why has he never said anything?” “Maybe because he doesn’t care.” I shrug, pretending not to care. “Every time I’ve met him, he

“Isn’t that the key to everything?” He takes a jab at me. “Are you sure there isn’t just a magic spell or something?” Aislin interjects. “It would be so much easier if there was.” “If everything was easy, then problems wouldn’t exist.” Nicholas’ fingers brush my collarbone. I wasn’t aware he was so close. My muscles spasm with surprise. “And life would be boring.” I open my mouth, but a pale spotlight gleams above our he and circles us in a halo of white. We jump to our feet, shielding our eyes and blinking up. “Do you see anyone up there?” Aislin whispers, ducking out of the light. “I don’t know.” I spin to Nicholas “Alright Mr. Know-it-all, who is it…” I pause, my fingers hunting for him. “Damn it. I think he’s gone.”<