the New Jersey pack will be your ally as long as there is a Medina serving as alpha. Hopefully beyond that.”
“Thank you. And the same to you. As long as I’m governor, you can count on me. In fact, if you have no objections, I’d like to attend the funeral tomorrow.”
“I have no objections, but isn’t that a little impossible? It’s at 10 a.m.”
“I’ll make the necessary provisions. Like I did for the raid.” Donna wasn’t willing to say differently than that just yet.
“If you’re able, you are very welcome. I’ll see you there.”
“Good night, LV.”
“Good night, my friend.”
Donna hung up and went out to the kitchen. She was actually starving for real food. Pierce was sitting at the counter with the same idea, based on the sheaf of takeout menus in front of him.
He smiled when he saw her. “Hey, how are you feeling? It’s good to see you up.”
“It’s good to be up. I feel decent.” She took the seat next to him. He put his arm around her shoulders for a quick hug, accompanied by a kiss to her temple. She leaned into the embrace, taking comfort in it.
“I’m glad to hear that.” He let her go and spread the menus out a little more. “Hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Do you need more than food?”
“No, I’m good. I had a mug when I first woke up. Now I want real food. Something delicious and bad for me. And then I want to disappear into a good movie.” She picked out a menu and opened it up. “How about cheesesteaks? With fries. And onion rings. And pie for dessert.”
He grinned. “That sounds perfect. You want me to let everyone know? Or is that what the meeting is about?”
“No.” She looked at him. “It’s about me going public with my daywalking secret.”
His smile vanished. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Not at all, but then again, maybe it is. Maybe it would make me seem a little less vulnerable to my enemies. You know what I mean?”
“I do. But I worry that it could also make you more of a target.”
“You mean more than I am now?”
“Point taken. Still, I worry it would bring a new element out of the woodwork. Those interested in finding out exactly how you’re able to daywalk.”
“Do you think we’re not equipped to handle that?”
He seemed to weigh that. “I’m sure we could. I think. Temo would have to be the final word on that.”
“Well, that’s what I want to discuss. The pros and cons. What everyone thinks about it. Because this decision definitely affects all of us.”
“Have you talked to Cammie about it?”
“Yes. I’ve asked her to set up a meeting for me with the Venari so I can talk to them about it. I figure being proactive would be a step in the right direction.” She ran her finger down the crease in the menu. “Have you ever heard of a vampire who could daywalk?”
“Just the legend about the Viking shield maiden. My brother used to talk about how lucky she was.”
Donna nodded. “You miss him, don’t you?”
“I do. But it’s gotten easier since I’ve come to work for you.”
She smiled. “That’s kind of you to say.”
He turned in his seat to face her a little more. “Are you and Kace going to start dating?”
She laughed. “That came out of nowhere.”
He shrugged. “I know he likes you. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were attracted to him. He’s young and handsome and well built. I’m not blind.”
“There are no plans for any such relationship. Although I think he’d be okay with it.”
“He’d be an idiot if he wasn’t. You’re the hottest woman he’s ever seen, that’s for sure.”
She snorted as she shook her head. “I don’t know about that, but you are so good for my ego.” She put her hand on his arm. “Will you come with me to the funeral tomorrow morning? For the fallen wolf?”
“I’d be honored.” He narrowed his eyes. “Is that why you want to announce your ability? So you can attend without questions?”
“No. I want to do it because of what I told you. I’m tired of hiding it, and I’d like to make my enemies think twice. But I wouldn’t announce it before the funeral anyway. That would draw too much attention to myself, and it needs to be about the fallen hero. Besides, they’re all under the impression that I used a potion by Jerabeth to keep me safe during the raid. I’ve already hinted to LV I’d