Page 110 of The Guardian's Curse

“I am now,” she said, gently cupping his cheek. Though her eyes were cloudy, he could see his own hideous reflection. For once, he didn’t turn away. He didn’t want to miss a second. “I knew you’d be here.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “A fight to the death and a five-minute monarchy have worn me out. What do you say? May I escort you home, Miss York?”

“I would like nothing more, Mister Thorne.”

* * *

Paris drove them back to the house in Midnight Springs. The entire way home, Shoshanna’s friend Ruby talked about the fight and quizzed Paris about how long it would take for her vampire blood to wear off. “Shit!” she exclaimed when they neared the exit to Midnight Springs.

“What’s wrong?” Paris asked, looking at her warily.

“That asshole bought us like ten grand worth of clothes,” she complained. “I should have gotten to keep it.”

“I am not getting paid enough for this,” Paris complained.

Shoshanna just chuckled, holding Alistair’s hand as she rested her head on his shoulder.

“Are you taking me home?” Ruby asked.

“You’ll stay at Alistair’s home for a few days,” Paris said. “Until Elliott’s blood has worn off, we want you two under supervision. By the way, your mother says you’re in big fucking trouble.”

Ruby sighed. At her request, Paris took them to an all-night drivethrough, since Elliott had “no fucking clue how to keep humans alive.” Once both witches were settled with their meals, they returned to the welcoming glow of Alistair’s home.

Paris escorted Ruby inside, leaving Alistair and Shoshanna at the door. The big house loomed over them, with its darkened window and the soft murmur of conversation inside. This quiet place, which had only been his for so many years, was theirs now. Something had changed forever when she arrived, and it had been set right with her return.

Before he took her inside, Alistair paused and grasped her hand. “I need to apologize to you. I am sorry that I ever doubted you.”

She sighed. “No, you were right. I thought it worked, and—”

“Bloody hell,” he muttered. He laughed and pressed his forehead to hers as she stared up him in confusion. “There was no way to tell you. It worked. Lucia is alive.”

Her brown eyes widened, her lips curving into a smile. “Are you serious?”

“I rarely joke, and this would not be the time to start,” he replied. “Come in. Just know that she doesn’t know about Kova yet. If she asks, he’s traveling.”

She nodded solemnly. “I understand.”

When they walked into the house, they were greeted by a flurry of conversation. He heard Dominic’s low voice say, “She’s back.” He rounded the corner to find Lucia at the counter, wringing her hands. Dominic sat at the kitchen island reading a book and sipping from a glass of blood. He glanced up. “Welcome back, your majesty,” he said drily.

“You missed your opportunity to show fealty,” Alistair replied. Dominic just raised an eyebrow and folded his arms, watching as Lucia dashed for Shoshanna.

Lucia spoke rapidly in Czech. “I saw you in my dreams!” She threw her arms around Shoshanna and lifted her off her feet as she hugged her. “Oh, bless you and your kindness!”

Shoshanna laughed. “I don’t understand you. I’m so sorry, but I think you’re happy.”

“She says thank you,” Dominic said. “And that she saw you in her dreams and knew that someone would save her.” He spared the faintest smile as he watched Lucia’s effervescent joy.

“You’re welcome,” Shoshanna said. She gently grasped Lucia’s shoulders and smiled. “I’m so happy that it worked.”

Dominic nodded to them. “I’ve made myself at home down the hall. Paris will stay tonight as well to ensure that your friend is safe. Both of you need to stay in for a few days until the blood is out of your system.”

Her brow furrowed. “How long does that take?”

“Without any further influence from Elliott, you should be fine in a few days,” he said.

With a quiet patter, a blur of black barreled down the hallway and leaped at Shoshanna. Shrill meows pierced her laughter as Magneto rubbed against her legs. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she picked him up. “Oh, buddy,” she said, pressing her face to him. “I’m so sorry. Were you good? Did they feed you?”

“He was thoroughly cared for,” Dominic said. “Lucia saw to it.”

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