On the drive back home, I don’t speed as I usually would. I want her to have a little time to rest before I have to wake her up. But I also need to get word to her people that she’s safe; they deserve to know. And no matter what she said, I don’t think anyone will abandon her for another band of assassins.
The house is lit up as we pull up the drive. I see several small shapes darting from the eaves when I cut Betty’s engine off. Aeson sucks in a deep breath and her eyes bolt open. It takes her several seconds of looking around before her little body relaxes.
“There are people here for you. Do you want me to send them away?” I question, my voice soft. Aeson smooths her dark hair back, looks down at her mangled shirt, and curses. It’s the first time she’s even acknowledged that it’s ripped.
“Want me to get you something else?” I offer, knowing I don’t have anything that will fit her, but hell, I’ll rip my shirt off and tie it around her if she wants me to.
“No, I’m good.” Aeson’s eyes harden a bit, and the line of her mouth thins to a slash. She rises up and brushes her hands down her curvy hips, straightening her back. “Out, Nemean, and stay out of my way,” she orders briskly.
Calix, who’s been quiet for most of the ride—I’m sure to let Aeson sleep—opens the door and slides out. He holds it open for her as she hops down into the seat then onto the ground. Her eyes scan the area as if she’s expecting someone to jump out and attack.
I’m instantly on guard. I slam my door and look for whatever has her on edge. A few shadows slowly dislodge from the shelter of the house. They’re small, so I know they’re Brownies, but Aeson is acting like she thinks they might try something, like make a move against her.
I will kill them all where they stand, Charmed or not.
“Boss?” I hear a masculine voice call out, but it’s tinged with worry.
“I’m here,” Aeson answers. I don’t know how, but those two words convey so much. Her little shoulders round down, and she’s not worried anymore. I don’t know if she expected someone else, or if she didn’t know how they would respond to her, but a lump forms in my throat.
I look away so as not to encroach on the moment. Calix rounds my side of the car after shutting his door.
“Aeson?” the same man asks, but this time his voice is rough with emotion.
“I’m okay, Enzi.” Numerous shadows shift until I can see several Brownies darting over from the house.
“We searched for you,” another voice chimes in.
“I know. It was the witches—they had the building spelled,” Aeson tells them. More rushed questions are asked, along with several ‘are-you-sure-you’re-okays,’ before Aeson shuts them down a little harshly. “I said I’m fine.”
“Got it, Boss.” The men all fall silent.
I step around the car and see six Brownie males watching her. The one closest has a scowl on his face as he assesses every inch of Aeson.
“Did you want to come in?” I offer.
Aeson takes a deep breath and focuses on me. “I need to get back to the den, make sure I don’t need to kill anyone who tried to take my place in my absence. I’ll come back tomorrow at nightfall, and we can discuss the next move.” I don’t her doubt words, and I know she needs time to show her people she’s okay, too.
“We’ll be here, Aeson.” I want to tell her if she needs anything to ask, but I don’t. She would probably see it as a sign of weakness, especially now. “Come on, Calix, I can see Gunnar’s big head peeking out the window. Hope he’s not trying to be stealthy.”
“Good thing he has brute force on his side, huh?” Calix adds, hopping up the stairs until he’s at the door and holding the screen open for me.
Grim unlatches the door and steps to the side. It’s a little unnerving having them here before me. The lights are all on, illuminating the large lion head stand at the entrance.
“Want me to park Betty?” Calix hooks his thumb over his shoulder. I peer out into the darkness. Aeson and her men are long gone.
I contemplate doing it myself, but the house is warm, and I’ve already started to kick my shoes off. Should I just leave her in the drive? “I guess,” I mumble. I’m too lazy to do it myself, and she doesn’t deserve to be left out.
Gunnar closes the door with Calix still standing on the porch. I blink over at him. “What?” He looks around. “It was letting the heat out.”
I snort and shake my head. “You just closed the door right in his face.” Gunnar just looks at me. “How did the Brownies know Aeson was here? I thought I would have to find a way to contact them.” I change the subject. Clearly, I’m the only one that thinks it was rude.
“I sent word to Samson to let them know.” Grim stays close on my heels as I head farther into the house. I hear Betty’s motor purr to life and the garage door open seconds later.
I curl up in the corner of my sofa. Grim takes the seat next to me, grabbing my feet and placing them in his lap. Gunnar sits across from us.
“I’m guessing you didn’t get much out of Vanessa before she did whatever she did that made her insides liquify?”
“Regretfully, I did not,” Gunnar grates out.
