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Now was probably not the time to tell her about Kyra. "Yes. There was a rogue set of vampires circulating in Alaska not too long ago. We captured them all and exiled them to the northern territories. They are being held prisoner by a group of witches. There's a spell on them so that they cannot leave the area."
"Were they going to drain you all?"
"No. The plan was to change some of us to hybrids.”
“Damn,” she said. “I’ve seen them at work before. I know how brutal they are.”
“Exactly. So how does the artifact work?”
“The caster has to be holding it, and he or she has to look at the recipient and say a spell with Latin words. The artifact was a defense for our entire pack, in case we were targeted by vampires."
He understood having it. He didn’t understand why she’d used it on him. “And you chose to use it on me?"
"I was desperate! I felt like you left me no choice. You kept following me." Her voice rose and then fell again. She propped her head up on her hand. "I felt like I had to get away. But the rest of my pack wasn't ready to run again. They like the nomadic lifestyle, just like I do. But they don't want to be forced into it. I’d already dictated so many of the terms of our arrangement." She looked at him. “I’m sorry. I should never have done it.”
“I know. Thank you for saying it again,” he said.
She ran her hands over the photograph of the cabin. "They'll be happy to have a home. Even if it's temporary."
"What about you? Would you be happy to have a home?"
"I don't think I'll ever have a home."
He could feel the sadness emanating from her, through their fledgling bond. He wanted to hold her in his arms and try to make her feel better, but he knew that wasn't the right move.
"The cabin is yours as long as you want it."
“Thank you. I know that I don't deserve your kindness. But I do appreciate it."
"You do deserve it. Don't say that. I know you had to make a lot of hard choices." He put his hand on hers for just a second. "Now, one more thing and then we can go play some games. Arabella said she wanted camp. I want to get her signed up for some summer camps. Are you okay with that? Will you tell me what she wants?"
"Yes. I've fought it from time to time, but it seems futile; it only spurs her interest more. She wants to hang out with a lot of different kids right now. Even if those children are human. She doesn't mind having to watch what she does or says. She just likes to play, draw, and make up stories."
"Would the other children in your pack like to go as well?"
"I'm not sure. They're a little more shy around humans."
“If they want to, let me know. These are camps that the children from our pack have attended.” He pulled out another list and laid it in front of her.
She took her time reading through each one, letting her finger slide down the page. "This one. It's an arts and crafts camp. And this one – kayaking.” She met his eyes. “But these are so expensive. Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. I have six years of things to pay for her."
He put his hand back on top of Violet’s, needing physical contact. She did not pull away. “I want to do this for her." He steeled himself for what he was about to ask. “One more question. When are you going to tell her who I am?"
