Blood and Blade (Goddess with a Blade #6) - Lauren Dane Page 0,18
sure. In truth, we probably won’t be here in Las Vegas more than another year, maybe two anyway.”
As Scion of North America, Clive would live in a different major city in a different area of his territory for several years at a time before shifting to the next. And Rowan would be starting a Motherhouse in the United States so she needed to create a solid home base but also create new, smaller chapterhouses as she went as well.
Her vote was for a place with pine trees and misty mornings. Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, BC, had plenty of paranormal stuff to be handled so she and Clive would both have a lot of work to do.
“It helps that we keep a more nocturnal schedule now that we’ll be with you both full time. It’s something new, which is always fun. A new city. A new home. It’s been years since Clive has lived in London full time so it’ll be grand for us to get to know you and Las Vegas too.”
Rowan wasn’t sure how long Elisabeth would hold to it being wonderful to work for them after the first few battles to the death when she or Clive came home with bloody clothing, but she wasn’t complaining about it.
“This house is new to us too.” Rowan poured herself a cup of coffee and then poked around at the food under different cloches, making herself a meal. “This looks great. Thank you.”
“It’s rather nice to be cooking for more than just the two of us again. I was planning on doing some research on how to make dog food.” Elisabeth tossed a piece of bacon to Star, who caught it midair.
“You don’t have to do all that. I don’t want to make more work for you.”
Satisfied for the moment, Star licked her chops and flopped on the floor at Rowan’s feet once she’d settled at the table.
“It really isn’t a lot of trouble. I’m one of those people who likes keeping busy. I like to read up and do research on things. I had a dog growing up. Her name was Buttercup. She was such a joy to be around. Always went on adventures with me. I do hope you won’t mind if I spoil Star just a little.”
Rowan leaned down to look at the dog, who pricked up her ears just in case bacon was incoming. “I’m pretty sure Star is already spoiled a whole lot. But I don’t mind if you spoil her more. It’s not going to be easy being my dog, or my partner or whatever we decide to call our relationship. So I figure she’ll need extra snuggles from time to time. I read up a little on kelpies. They like to be busy too. Like to herd their people. Need a lot of exercise. So between us, we can probably keep her happy.”
Happy, as it turned out, included throwing the ball in the side yard for several minutes. They were in the shade which made it more bearable, not that Star seemed to mind either way. She was relentlessly energetic until she finally dropped the gross, spit covered ball and then herself to the cool stones next to the marble bench Rowan had been using. A big bowl of fresh water rested under the bench. She had placed bowls around the house so if Star was hanging out there, she’d have water. Fresh water because who wanted to drink outside water with bugs and dirt that was warm? Rowan wondered if she needed to be careful about how hot the ground was and if it would hurt those adorable pink toe pads.
“I’m mortified that I’m this person, Star,” she muttered of herself and all this care and attention to the needs of a dog. Still, Rowan accepted that with the arrival of Star her life had changed in a major way. Again.
Star got up and drank half the bowl, getting water everywhere but in such a happy way Rowan ended up finding it cute. Gusto. Star had it for everything and it charmed Rowan to no end.
Star went back to her place in the shade and looked up at Rowan, as if to urge her to continue. Why not? They were alone. There was a breeze that made this little shady nook pleasant instead of too hot.
“I used to be all solitary and scary. Broody and rude.” Rowan snorted. “Okay I’m still rude. But anyway. First I go and fall for a Vampire. A