The Rebel Queen (Outlaw #1) - Lexi Blake Page 0,70
way. There are some decent stores up ahead. I don’t know if they’re good enough for Papa, though. Iceland isn’t like a fashion capital. But we can get you some warm clothes.”
It sounded like I would need them if we were going to spend all our time in winter. It made sense to chase the night since Sasha wouldn’t be effective during the daylight hours. Though he would be protected from UV rays while inside Frelsi, Sasha’s body required a rest period that followed the Earth’s sun. Winter would give him more time when he wasn’t in a daytime stupor.
I loved summers. I loved taking my kids to the pool at my dad’s house and having barbecues and going to see baseball games with my guys. I loved long vacations at the beach.
I loved spending mornings on my balcony with Dev and Danny, precious quiet time together before the kids were up and we needed to take them to school or soccer games.
“Hey, you’ve got your sad face on, and Lee’s going to stop talking long enough to realize it soon,” Neil whispered my way.
Lee was giving me and Dean the lowdown on the city, pointing out some of his favorite shops and cafés. I plastered a smile on my face because I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t enjoying my time with him. I definitely didn’t want him to think I was wishing he was a younger version of himself, that he didn’t have those scars and that eye patch covering his wound. That I wished he’d never had to come here at all.
“The bookstore is called Sun and Moon Books,” Lee informed me. “It’s kind of a meetup spot for the supernatural elements of this part of the world. It’s considered a place of peace, but that stops at the door to Frelsi.”
“Are there covens in this part of the world?” Dean asked.
“Most of the powerful covens are in Dallas now.” Lee turned down a bustling street. “But there are some around this part of Iceland. I would be careful with any witch you meet. You can’t know if they’re working with Myrddin unless they’re actually living in one of our safe spaces. You should talk to Lily. She knows a lot about the witches around here. She’s got a little coven going.”
“I would like that,” Dean admitted. “I’ve been a solitary practitioner most of my life. I would like to work with a group.”
It was only another couple of minutes before Neil and I were dropped off at a clothing store with strict instructions to not leave the block. We’d been told to put the things we wanted to buy on hold and Rhys would come by to pay and have it all hauled back to Frelsi.
It reminded me of the time I spent held by the old Council. I’d shopped, though I’d had no intention of actually wearing the clothes I’d bought since I’d been planning to break out.
I’d been pregnant then, too.
“Okay, does this sweater complement my eyes?” Neil asked me about thirty minutes into our shopping spree.
I nodded, though I’d barely glanced at what he was holding in his hand. “Sure.”
He growled, an impatient sound. “You are so frustrating.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not excited about buying clothes I won’t be able to wear in a couple of months.”
Neil frowned but seemed to consider the situation. “We can buy you some cute maternity clothes. Come on. Why don’t we go down the street? I saw a baby store. I know you don’t need it right now, but looking at adorable baby clothes will put you in a better mood. Or we can go into the juniors section. I was hoping you would help me find some clothes for Cassie.”
He knew how to get to me. And the truth was I often like to shop for other people far more than myself. Neil hadn’t been able to shop without worrying about money for years, so I was willing to indulge my old friend. I also was pretty interested in buying some clothes for Evan, and I did love to look at baby clothes.
Would I have this baby on the run? Would she be hunted like my other kids?
Or would I find a way back to the safety of my old timeline?
We started to walk out the door, and proof that my old timeline hadn’t been safe at all stood right outside the door.