Page 110 of Lost

Anastasia looked from me to Stevie Rae, her eyes widening at the intricate red Mark that framed her face.

“Oh, sorry. Maybe you didn’t know me in this world? My name is Stevie Rae Johnson.”

“I do recall a young fledgling, but she rejected the Change early in her first year at the House of Night and was not in any of my classes.”

“Yeah,” Stevie Rae sighed. “That happened in my world too, but then I came back.”

“A female red vampyre. It is very odd,” said Dragon.

“Well, Dragon, if ya think I’m odd, just wait a few minutes till sunrise and check out what happens to Rephaim!” said Stevie Rae.

“Stevie Rae, I will hug you,” said Anastasia.

“Yeah!” Stevie Rae flew into her arms, and as she held Anastasia tight, she grinned over her shoulder at Dragon. “You’re next, Swordmaster.”

Dragon’s reply was a grunt.

Then Rephaim stepped before Anastasia and I held my breath. He knelt to one knee and gazed up at the priestess with eyes that were shining with unshed tears. “Anastasia Lankford, I pledge my protection to you.”

“Why, thank you, young man.” Anastasia smiled down at him, though I could see she was confused. “You and I must have also known one another in your world.”

“We did. But not for long. I should have protected you there. I will protect you here.”

“That’s great, boy. But you will have to stand in line behind me,” said Dragon.

“Oh, Bryan. A priestess can never have too many protectors, especially not in these very dangerous times.” Anastasia held out her hand, and Rephaim took it, kissing it formally. “I gladly accept your offer of protection, though I hope I never have to use it.”

“Thank you, priestess. Thank you,” said Rephaim, getting to his feet.

“I hate to break up this lovely reunion, but dawn is almost here and we really need to get Stevie Rae inside and Rephaim somewhere he feels safe to make his change,” I said.

“All right.” Dragon spoke with his familiar grumpy reluctance. “Johnny B, conceal the Polaris.”

My grandma pointed to the back of the ATV. “Tina sent supplies. They are in the container in the back. And, before you ask, yes—I brought more cookies.”

Dragon smiled then. “Sylvia, you are Goddess-sent.”

“I am, indeed,” Grandma said cheekily.

“Drew, help Johnny B unload and carry the supplies to the cave. The rest of you stay here and be sure the Red Army doesn’t get past the sprites.”

“We saw them leave,” I said, trying not to gawk at this world’s version of Johnny B and Drew.

“Yes, a convoy passed us just as we were pulling onto Lone Star,” said Grandma. “What happened here today?”

“It’s whatdidn’thappen that’s important,” Anastasia said. “Your grandson saved two groups of human refugees and blue fledglings.”

“Oh, thank the Great Earth Mother,” murmured Grandma prayerfully.

“Exactly,” agreed Anastasia. “Now, please follow me. As your grandma knows, it isn’t far to the cave from here, but it is a steep climb.

We trudged along after Anastasia and Dragon. I kept staring at the two of them, thinking how unbelievably awesome it was to see their linked hands and their heads tilted toward each other. For a moment I wanted nothing more than to summon the sprite and figure out a payment that would allow them and Other Kevin, Other Stark, Other Aphrodite, and the rest of the good guys here, to go back to my world with us and forget about all the death and Darkness over here.

But I knew that wouldn’t be right. This world needs good guys too.

“It’s tempting, isn’t it, Z?” Stevie Rae spoke softly from beside me.

“Are you reading my mind?”