He wrapped an arm around my waist and turned his face into my hair. “Are you okay?”
“That sucked, but we all walked out alive.”
“You would have walked out anyway,” Rowan vowed.
All this faith everyone had in me was going to give me a complex. “We need a hotel,” I said instead.
“I dunno,” Rowan said thoughtfully, staring toward the wooded area. “We can get naked and I can chase you through the forest all night.”
A delighted laugh broke from me. “As fun as that sounds, this forest technically belongs to Caelan.”
Rowan grunted. “Doesn't have to.”
I eyed him. “You little budding despot!”
He laughed. “I know. Our forest is better anyway.”
Moira nudged me. “Your mom booked us a few rooms. She'll pick us up in a minute.”
“Sounds good. I hope there's a place to eat around there.”
Garrett nodded. “Several places.”
Mom and Dad appeared in a gust of cool wind. “Everyone good?” she asked.
I nodded. “He'll call tomorrow and let us know what he wants to do.”
Dad eyed Caelan's Keep. “Think he'll make the right decision?”
Rowan shrugged. “Considering who I'm standing with right now, I give it fifty-fifty odds.”
Dad snorted. “True.” He shook his head. “Gather hands so we can get out of here. There's something off about this place.”
In an instant we were gone.
My phone ranga few hours later. Curled in bed with Rowan bingeing mindless tv, I almost didn't answer it until I remembered who might be calling. I snatched my cell from the nightstand.
Caelan's number was on the screen. I waved my phone at Rowan, who sat up and watched me. He'd hear everything we said once I answered.
“Already made your mind up?” I said by way of greeting.
A long pause on the line made my stomach tumble. “Caelan? Everything alright?”
His heavy sigh told me everything. “Don't do this. Please.”
“I'm sorry, Evie. My answer is no.”
“Caelan. You'll die. The moment I release my hold, Danu will know. The virus already lives in your blood. She won't have to do anything but wait. Don't let it end like this.”
“You're already plotting my death, flower girl?” His low chuckle sent a pang of grief barreling through me. At one time, I'd lived for that sound. Even now, I was happy he could still laugh when he spoke to me.
But this was no laughing matter. “No. Never.” I swallowed hard.
Rowan reached over and took my free hand, his thumb brushing over the back of my palm.
“You cannot beat her,” I said softly. “Please let me heal you.”
“And let you claim my land.”
