Ray got up and took the empty into the kitchen. "What else, angels? Are we living in a graphic novel?"
"No such luck." Rafe looked like he was grinding his teeth. "Remember, you used to think vampires were fiction. How's that working out for you?"
"Point taken." Ray sat in one of the chairs. "So demons are real. Angels too?"
"A couple are guarding my shop right now." I looked at Rafe. "Emmie Lou and Harvey Nutt are back and protecting it and us as long as we're in there. Seems a higher power doesn't like the pressure we're under."
"No kidding." Rafe grinned. "That's cool." He glared at Ray. "You going to mock that?"
"Naw. I'm open to whatever you guys are selling. This is a whole new world to me. How can I help?" He actually sat back and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Stay sober. Let us handle this and don't add to my load." Oops that had popped out.
"Well, shit, Glory. Didn't know I was a load." Ray was on his feet in an instant. He never had managed to get any more clothes and he still just had the black jeans and his boots, which were by the door. No shirt. "If you call Nate and tell him I'm sober, he'll pick me up." He looked around. "No, to hell with it. I feel good enough. I'm shifting out of here. From the roof."
"Ray, wait. I didn't mean - " I jumped up. "Don't shift. You haven't had enough time to fully recover."
"You got another idea?" He'd started pulling on those boots.
"Stop. You can't leave." I put my hand on his chest, knocking him back onto the couch. It was too easy; obviously he wasn't ready to go anywhere yet.
"I'm sober. What else do you need?" Ray glared at me as he pulled on his other boot.
"Proof you can stay that way. Damn, I wish we had vampire rehab." I stood in front of him, ready to knock him down again if he tried to get past me. Yes, I could call Nate to keep an eye on him, but a mortal didn't stand a chance in that situation.
"Maybe we do. Have rehab. Call Ian. He can set something up. He's a doctor and he's coming here anyway. Would that satisfy your urge to watch over me?" Ray stomped into his boots, then leaned back. "Hand me your phone and I'll put in his number, let you talk to him."
Ian was a medical doctor. And could be relentless. Maybe this would work. I dug in my purse and handed Ray my phone. "Do it. Dial his number."
"Shit. You really don't trust me." Ray obviously hadn't expected me to call his bluff.
"History tells me I'd be an idiot if I did." I smiled as he frowned and punched in numbers.
"Ian? Glory St. Clair here. I've got Ray Caine with me and he's in need of your help." I listened to the Scottish accent and ignored Ray's muttered curses as I described Ray's recent behavior and meltdown. "When will you be here?"
"That soon? Excellent. Oh, I'll tell him. Thanks so much." I ended the call, then smiled at Ray.
"He's flying out tomorrow at sunset. Seems he wants to help you. And needs you clean and sober if you're to be his lab rat for the daylight drug." I punched in another number. "Nate, can you have two shifters in the alley in five minutes? Ray's going home. He's sober now, and if you can keep him like that for twenty-four hours, Ian MacDonald will take over after that." I listened for a minute, smiled, then dropped my phone in my bag and pulled out a set of keys. "All set, Ray. Guess it's safe to give you these."
"What the hell?" Ray shook his head, then glanced at Rafe. "You hear a train whistle? I think I've just been railroaded."
"When Glory gets a notion, don't stand in her way. It's a done deal." Rafe grinned, obviously glad to see Ray headed out the door.
"Your car is in back. Your wallet is locked in the console." I tossed him the keys. "I'm also calling Damian. No more booze deliveries."
"Gee, Mom. What about my diaper change?" Ray got up and strolled over to face me.
"You're welcome." I knew Ray was mad, didn't blame him. And treating him like a child right now didn't sit well with me either. I reached out to touch his cheek. "I'm sorry if this seems unnecessarily rough, Ray. If I