sidewalk a little way from the others.
I chewed the corner of my lower lip as I nodded. “I know.” I just didn’t think it would be this hard to say goodbye.
His face was stony as he took a breath. “It’s not forever. Just until all of this is over.”
I nodded again. “It’s better this way.”
“Safer,” he agreed begrudgingly.
“Then you guys better get going,” Isaac said from the other side of the car.
Maria looked at us over the hood of the SUV. “I hate this plan.”
“We know,” the twins said at once.
Maria’s eyes filled as she pulled her sons into her arms and held them tight. “You two stay safe. Promise me?”
“We will,” they answered in unison as they hugged her back.
Asher hugged Jess to him fiercely, still whispering to her.
Rory turned to me. “I can stay a few days.”
I shook my head immediately. “No, you’re the best protection they have beside Lucy, Tank and Kita.” The massive dogs were already inside the SUV, panting away between the seats. I still couldn’t believe that Zeke was letting them out of his sight, let alone sending them with Rory and Maria.
“You handled your mom well,” Rory said softly, pride in his voice.
I huffed. “I’m just barely avoiding becoming a blubbering mess at this point.”
He grinned. “You hide it well.”
I snorted.
“I’ll see you later, kid.”
My throat tightened.
Rory pulled me into a warm hug and held me tight. “No tears. You get this done and we’ll come home.”
I nodded and took a deep breath for strength before letting him go.
Rory gave me one last concerned fatherly look before moving towards the car that Miles had supplied. Maria wiped her face and came to me.
“Take care of them?” I said as I turned to Maria.
Maria wrapped me in a warm hug. “You know I will.”
I hugged her back tightly. “I’m going to miss you guys.”
“Stay safe, mija, okay?”
“That’s the plan.” My throat grew tighter as I fought not to cling to her. “Keep an eye behind you at all times.”
Maria squeezed me one more time before stepping back. “We will. Just get this finished.”
I nodded. “As fast as I can.”
Maria’s eyes shone for a split second before she turned and went to the passenger side of the car.
I moved to the end of the walkway and waited with the twins.
Jessica began to get into the car and paused. She looked over her shoulder and met my gaze. “Keep them alive, okay?”
I nodded. With every breath in my body, they were going to come out of this safe.
Jess nodded once before climbing into the back seat.
Tara climbed into the seat beside Lucy and reached out to close the door only to stop. Her eyes locked with mine. “Be careful.”
Stunned, I could barely nod before she was slamming the door shut.
We watched the vehicle until it turned the corner. And then some. They’re going to be okay. Safer. And out of Jadis’ reach. I hoped. It still didn’t ease the ache in my chest.
Asher wrapped his arm around my waist and guided me past the bodyguards and back into the house where Uma and Brody waited.
The room was silent and heavy as we took in the empty house. At least until someone’s phone rang.
Miles pulled out his cell phone and answered it. “Yes?”
Everyone watched him as his brow drew down.
“Are you sure?” he asked whoever was on the phone. “Thanks.” Miles hung up and turned to Uma and Brody. “I might have a location on Jadis.”
Brody straightened to his full height. “How?”
“My people found some strange shipments of salt going to an address outside of town,” Miles said.
Uma raised an eyebrow. “Salt? How is that unusual?”
“Large shipments. Over a thousand pounds of it,” Miles stated.
Uma perked up at the news. “That’s certainly strange enough to warrant some scouting, wouldn’t you say, Brody?”
“I agree. It’s strange.” Brody nodded. “Text us the address and I’ll get my shifters out there to scout out the property.”
“And I’ll send some witches with you.” Uma turned with Brody and started for the door. “We’ll leave your bodyguards outside,” Uma called over her shoulder.
Heart heavy, I turned to Miles. “That tip was from your father’s contacts, wasn’t it?”
Miles looked down at the floor and nodded. “I’m going to give them up, after everything is dealt with.”
I wanted to believe him, I truly did. But was he telling us the truth? Please, let that be the truth.
I was sitting in the living room of Miles’ house, staring at the fire in the fireplace when