Page 100 of The Devil's Trials

Before I can speak, Noah laughs, glancing at Harper over his shoulder with a teasing, “Do you want me to flirt with you, Harper?”

“Please, oh please,” she deadpans, her gaze sliding to me as Noah turns back to make my and Harper’s drinks.

I shoot her a look that she ignores, reaching for the TV remote to turn up the volume. “Did you connect with your family?” I ask, watching him make Harper’s drink after mine.

Noah’s family doesn’t know about demons or that he hunts them and trains others to as well. They only know he works for the government, and he wants to keep it that way.

“Yeah,” he says casually, “I called my mom and sister this morning. They were getting ready to host my aunt and uncle along with their kids for dinner, and my dad was outside putting lights up.”

I choke on a laugh. “Christmas lights?” The holidays were never a huge thing in my house, decorations even less so. I appreciate why Noah’s mom likes having them up far ahead of the actual holiday. More time to enjoy them.

“Christmas lights,” he echoes with a nod and rolls his eyes, though his tone doesn’t allude to annoyance when he says, “Mom insisted. My dad’s lucky she didn’t want the tree up already too.” He finishes making my and Harper’s drinks before we join her on the couch, and I end up sandwiched between them as we drink and watch the parade.

Not long after, Dad calls us to the table in the dining space attached to the kitchen, and I slip out of the room when my phone rings with a call from my mom.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” she says in a warm voice. “How’s your visit with Harper going? I know she was looking forward to it.”

“We’re having a great time,” I tell her, walking the length of the hall.

“I have to say, I miss having you in the same city. Even though we didn’t spend much time together while you were here, knowing you were close made me feel better.”

“I’m safe here,” I insist. “You and Dad made sure of that when you put me up in the same building as Noah.” As much as I hated it at the time, it’s grown on me. Having him close is convenient for training, and while I’d never admit it aloud, it does make me feel safer knowing he’s there.

“Of course, I know that,” she says.

“Noah’s going to eat all the food if you don’t hurry up,” Harper hollers from the other room.

Mom laughs. “Go enjoy your dinner.”

“Are you doing anything special tonight?” I ask, slowly heading back toward the dining room.

“Pizza and Pinot curled up on the couch with a movie and early to bed. I have back-to-back meetings in the morning.”

I frown at the thought of her spending Thanksgiving by herself. Mom’s always been more introverted, but still. “Sounds nice.” I try to make it sound lighthearted, but she must hear something else.

“Don’t worry about me. This is my ideal evening. Holidays lose some of their magic as you get older. I’ve learned to make them days where I do things that make me happy, which is exactly what I’m doing tonight.”

That makes me feel slightly better. “I’m glad to hear that.” This conversation is one of the easiest I’ve had with my mom in…well, too long. I don’t want it to end, but my stomach is also grumbling like crazy. I lean against the doorway to the dining room with my back to the table.

“And I’m glad to hear you passed your test. You’re lucky you have a mentor willing to stick his neck out for you. Most trainees don’t get a redo, and Noah fought for you to get one.”

I cup the back of my neck with my free hand as my heart rate climbs.Noah fought for me. “Yeah, thanks. I know, he’s—”

“Cami, come on,” Harper yells.

“I better go.” I press my lips together, then add, “I love you.”

“I love you,” she echoes before we say goodbye and end the call.

Exhaling a slow breath, I swallow and blink away any trace of tears before walking into the dining room and taking my seat across from Noah.

Dad raises his wineglass. “A toast to an enjoyable holiday season. And a special congratulations to Camille for passing her first hunter test.”

Harper squeals, while Noah and Dad offer warm smiles.

“Thank you,” I murmur with a blush, and we all take a drink before diving into the meal.

As I predicted, we all eat too much. I sit back in my chair, groaning with discomfort as I rest my hand on my stomach. Everything tasted so good, we all went a little overboard.

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