“That’s good, because you’ll be seeing more of me,” she said. “Don’t worry, I’m not one of those mothers that hover. I do like to visit, and I sold my company when I heard about you. I’m free for a while so we can get to know each other.”
“What was the company?” I asked, unbelievably curious about this powerful and commanding woman.
“Medical research,” she said. “They’re working on developing a malaria preventative. It’s years from being fully developed, but I made sure they had enough funding and a board of directors that understood the importance of the project.”
“That’s very different from racing planes,” I said.
“I’m surprised they told you about that,” she said with a laugh. “They didn’t approve at the time. But that was a long time ago, I've had a lot of companies since those days. This was my first medical company. I enjoyed it. I think I’ll do it again someday.”
“Tell me all about yourself,” I demanded. “I want to know everything!”
“That's a long story,” she said with a chuckle. “Where do you want me to start?”
“Wherever you want to,” I said.
Before she could say anything, the front door opened. I looked over to see Marduk walking in with Hugo trotting next tohim. When our gazes met, his eyes went wide, and he quickly unclipped Hugo’s leash, then rushed over to me. He grabbed me by the shoulders and turned me so my back was to his mom.
“Are you okay? Do you need to leave? I can take you anywhere you want.”
I blinked, confused for a moment. When I understood he was worried that Amara had upset or scared me, I put my hands over his.
“Everything is fine,” I murmured, going up on my toes and tipping my face up.
He lowered his head so I could press my lips to his. The door banged open again, and we both turned to see Danzig walking in, his arms full of items.
“I know I was only supposed to get eggs, but the fruit looked good. I’m not sure Bec has been getting enough fruit lately.”
When he saw me standing there, his expression was as worried as Marduk’s had been.
“Bec, you’re awake,” he said, eyes bouncing between me and Amara. “And you're talking to Mom!”
I giggled. “Don’t panic. I like your mom.”
“She has good taste,” Amara said from behind me. “Danzig, bring all those groceries over here. Marduk, set the table. Bec, get yourself some coffee.”
We all had our orders, and we jumped to obey.
It wasn’t long until we were all sitting, the small table covered in plates of the food Amara made.
“Tell me why all of you have a bit of casket druid magic on you,” Amara said after we’d all shoved food in our mouths as if we’d never see another meal again.
Marduk launched into an explanation about Gale, Hugo, the spell turning people into dust, and all the rest. Danzig and I interjected details here and there, but mostly let Marduk talk so we could keep eating.
Marduk finished the story with our plans for the morning. “After breakfast we’re going to try and find Gale.”
Amara sat back, holding her coffee mug in both hands. “While you investigate, I’m going to open up the Mission Bay house. When all of you have time, I’d like you to visit me there.”
“Uh, does that mean you’re staying in San Diego?” Danzig asked.
I covered my mouth with a napkin to cover my laugh. Amara cast me an amused glance before answering her son.
“For a while, yes,” she answered. “At least until the mating bite happens.”
Suddenly it was my turn to be uncomfortable. “It might be a while. I won’t be pressured or anything.”
I expected Amara’s smile to disappear, and maybe to see a hint of aggravation that I wasn’t accepting her sons right away. Instead, she gave me an approving nod.
“Good,” she declared. “Everything has come too easy for my boys. They could use a challenge.”
