Page 29 of Sweet Dreams

“Go to her,” She murmured, stepping even further back, “We’re fine.”

But, the tone of voice, it told me that nothing was okay. Nothing was even close. But, I didn't have time. I could hear my brother reciting Arafel’s transportation spell. I could feel my skin growing too hot, too tight against my skeleton, and for a moment, I wanted to scream. I wanted to lift my head to the sky and howl at the pain of it.

And then, like a pop under pressure, I was suddenly standing in Traum’s office. My brother was across the room in two strides, his body vibrating with barely controlled power. “Zaldi, where have you been?”

I shoved him off, “Lulu is hurt, I have to go.”

“Zaldi!”

I didn’t turn back; I didn’t even think about it. I simply ran down the hall and out into the Salus Glen sunshine. My long legs never wavered, even in my glamour, carrying me down the main street sidewalks, which were busy this time of mid-morning. And when I got too frustrated with the people in my way, I hopped the fence and continued to gallop through the back lots and yards off towards Lulu’s house.

I knew she’d fallen. I knew she was hurt. And my every instinct was telling me to get to her as fast as possible. But nothing prepared me for the moment that I actually saw Lulu laying across the drive, her arms splayed wide, bare feet still against the grey cement.

“LULU!” I screamed, ignoring the catch of my flesh on cement as I crashed to my knees at her side. I was as gentle as I could be, pressing her hair back from her face, then carefully feeling around the back of her head, where I found the knot rising there. Cursing in every language I knew, I yanked my hand back when the spot felt damp. My fingertips were bloody.

“Fuck, Lulu.” I carefully moved her body into a safe position and then slid my arms under her still body, cradling her to my chest as I rose from the ground.

I could take her to the hospital. But I couldn’t drive. I would have to run there and while it wouldn’t be a problem for someone like me, it would certainly raise a lot of eyebrows to see me running through the city with my bleeding mate in my arms.

But I didn't care.

Not anymore.

I turned, my muscles tensing with preparation for our sprint towards the hospital when a sharp gasp froze me on the spot. And then, incredibly, my body felt the flare of magic behind me. Every hair rose on the back of my neck. Another creature, here. Now. Fuck.

Carefully, I tightened my grip on Lulu. No matter what, I would make sure she was safe, then I would deal with whomever was behind us.

Pumped full of power from her dream, I would have no problem dispensing with anyone who threatened her. Letting my fangs drop lower, I slowly turned.

Only to see the petite, silver-haired grandmother, Lulu loved and adored.

And she was pointing a wand directly at my chest.

“Tell me incubus,” she said softly, “What exactly are you doing with my granddaughter?”

Chapter Eight

Gigi

Those two were at it again. Bless his soul, my Lennon could never keep his emotions straight when it came to our safety.

Real threat or no, he was always an overthinker.

I hummed, making my way to the door where I slid my feet into my favorite part of clogs. Smiling, I tapped the toes of them together. Lulu told me once these were the ugliest shoes she’d ever seen.

And they probably were. But, that didn't make me love them any less. If anything, I loved them all more now. My granddaughter may be the light of my life, but she’s had far too many opinions for someone who recently called to ask how to steam her jeans.

Chuckling to myself, I made my way out the front of the house, a basket draped over my arm. The Salus Glen farmers market was the best I’d seen, not that I’d seen many, and I wanted to pick up some fresh produce for dinner tonight. No doubt we would need some carbohydrate intervention to stop Lennon and Lulu from tearing apart the dining room with their differing opinions.

And I had just the recipe.

Fresh basil, thyme, the last of the summer tomatoes and a bundle of Karen’s homemade spaghetti noodles weighed down the basket when I finally got on my way home. I took the long way, enjoying the spring sun on my head as I breathed in the sights and sounds of the little town. The wind shifted, the sharp scent of magic in the air as I cruised past everyone’s favorite coffee shop. Joe waved from behind the counter, but as usual, Kenneth was absent, likely upstairs knee-deep in creation mode. And I couldn’t stop the smile from gracing my lips.

That boy was always up to something. Someday, I would ask him what his latest creation was, but I wasn’t much into potions these days. Half my magic was used to keep Lennon and myself spry and young. Not that it wasn’t worth it, but I didn’t have magic to burn. At least not like some of the others did.

When I was close to the house, I slowed, switching my basket from one arm to the other. Something was wrong. I could feel it, the magicked house practically screamed at me as I came in through the back yard and made my way through the house before coming to a stop on the front stoop.

Carefully, I put down my purchases and reached into the inside of my sleeve, to the carefully sewn pocket there.