"No, he's just a-"
"Guard dog," he said, extending his hand out to her. "You're Selena Laurens, right? Amanda's older sister?"
Selena nodded as she shook his hand. "You know Amanda?"
"I know Kyrian."
"Is it just me or does everyone know Kyrian?" Sunshine asked.
Selena laughed, then turned back to Vane who was opening up Sunshine's card table where she usually placed her cheaper pottery pieces. "It's daylight so I know you're not a DH. Are you a Squire?"
He stiffened. "Don't insult me. I fetch for no one."
"He's not real friendly," Sunshine explained as she set up her stand. "I think he has rabies or something."
Vane gave her a half amused, half perturbed smile. "You know, Sunshine, I like your spirit."
Sunshine started to respond, but she felt someone watching her.
Scared and anxious, she looked around the crowd until she saw a bright, smiling face that was as familiar to her as her own.
Sunshine beamed.
Even though she wasn't very tall, the elderly woman stood out in the crowd and it wasn't just the insanely bright red shirt she wore. The older woman had an essence and presence that was as powerful and strong as Talon's or Vane's.
Her steel-gray hair was worn up in braids that were wrapped around her head. Her face was lined by a lifetime of happiness and smiles, and her dark brown eyes were bright and kind. The kind of eyes that drew people to the extremely wise woman.
"Grammy!" Sunshine said, as the older woman drew near. "What are you doing here? I thought you swore to never step foot in New Orleans again during Mardi Gras."
Her grandmother squeezed her tight, then pulled back to look at her. It'd been almost a year since they had last seen each other.
Oh, it was great to see her grandmother again!
Her grandmother ran her hand up and down her arm as if reassuring herself that Sunshine was healthy. "Well, that was my intention, but your mother called and told me that you were having all kinds of questions about being a Celt. So I thought I'd just pop in and surprise you."
"You certainly did. But I'm glad you're here."
Her grandmother arched a censuring brow as she caught sight of Vane. "And you are?"
"Vane Kattalakis."
She looked back at Sunshine. "Where's this Talon your mother told me about?"
"He'll be here later, Grammy."
She nodded, then pulled a small medallion out from under her shirt and placed it around Sunshine's neck.
"What's this?"
Her grandmother adjusted it so that it would be obvious to anyone who glanced at her. "Keep that close to your heart, little one. If that man comes after you again, you let him know who protects you."
"What man?" she asked, hoping her grandmother didn't know about her kidnapping.
She did.
"I know what happened, Sunny. You know I do."
Drat. Her grandmother had some eerie psychic talents.