Page 21 of Love Summoned

Rowan nods as Celeste resumes dressing Sloane’s wound. His attention returns to my sister, who already looks remarkably better. Her skin is no longer ashen, the shaking has subdued, and her breathing appears normal.

“My sister is too. She was there tonight,” he says, without looking away from Sloane.

“We appreciate the help.” Celeste smiles.

He shakes his head. “We should be thanking you. We don’t have a lot of demon attacks, but in the last few weeks, we’ve had more than the rest of the year combined.”

That gets my attention. Increased demon attacks that started right around the time my visions did.

“Any theories on why that is?” I ask, lowering to the edge of the bed.

“Not a clue. Nikita’s been reaching out to the elders and any other wolf packs in the area to see if they’re experiencing the same, but we’ve found nothing.”

“I started having visions a few weeks ago of a dagger—gold hilt, black stone inlaid in the handle. That was it. Then last week, I saw the sign for Hemlock Vinyl. First night here, it was the library, and tonight, it was the tombstone of Theodora Solomon.”

“The record store?” His jaw ticks.

“You know it?” My heart flutters as nerves ripple through my veins.

Rowan scoffs. “The demons you fought tonight have set up camp there. During every attack, they fight against the other demons, and during the day they’re running that store like fucking humans.”

“You don’t think they might be… reformed?”

“Reformed demons? No.” He shakes his head. “I haven’t revealed my human form to them, though they keep following me after every fight. We’re keeping an eye on them.”

“I’m certain the increased demon attacks and my visions are all connected. I think something big is going to happen here. I just can’t figure out how they connect yet.”

“All done,” Celeste says, collecting all her supplies, and taking them to the attached bathroom. “Let’s hope she sleeps through the night and by morning, she can tell us how much better she’s feeling.”

“I’m so glad you were here,” I say, reaching for Celeste’s hand when she comes back into the room.

“Me too.” She smiles and squeezes my hand. “You should get some rest. In the morning, we’ll go over everything we know and make our next plan.” She shifts her gaze to Rowan. “Are you planning to stay here all night?”

He nods. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Celeste chuckles. “I can’t wait to see how well that’s received.”

I agree. Sloane is not a cuddler, and I’m not sure she’ll see Rowan’s concern as chivalrous as much as she’ll consider it stifling and overzealous.

“Night, sweetie.” Celeste pats my shoulder on her way out.

“Night.”

I stand awkwardly beside the bed as Rowan makes himself comfortable. His energy is still frantic but not as fragile as when he first walked in. Now, it’s more determined and desirous, like the first night we were here.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Knock yourself out.” He straightens the sheet over Sloane’s lap.

“Is my sister your mate?” His hands still. “The first night we were here, I almost passed out from the heat coming off you, mixed with a thirst I couldn’t quite understand. But it’s a mate bond. Isn’t it?”

He nods.

“Why haven’t you said anything?”

“She doesn’t feel it back. I don’t want to scare her, so I’ve been trying to take it slow. Physical touch from your mate can aid healing.”

Magic by touch. Like the gold magic whenever Nix and I touch.