“I’m an only child.”
“I figured. You mentioned you have a grandfather. Are you close?”
“Yes, although he wasn’t happy when I told him I was coming back to Detroit. He had ... issues ... with the decision, but since I was an adult, there wasn’t much he could do about it. We didn’t speak for a little bit but we’re back to having regular discussions. I’m trying to arrange a time for him to come up here and visit.”
“How will he feel about your new family?”
I glanced around the table, my eyes lingering on Braden, who was engaged in a flirt-off with Redmond to see who could capture young Sami’s heart. It was all good fun so I didn’t discourage it. For her part, Sami seemed thrilled to be the center of attention. For a girl her age, a muddled mess of hormones, extra attention was always a good thing ... especially when it didn’t come from your parents.
“I think he’ll be overwhelmed but eventually warm up to them. He’ll love Cormack and tolerate the boys. As for Aisling ... .” I tilted my head, considering. “She might give him a run for his money.”
Zoe’s laugh was infectious as she mixed her mashed potatoes and corn. “I think it’s nice that you found such a good place to land. I can see how this family is so ... intoxicating to you. They’re energetic and accepting. You never have to be anything other than what you are.”
“They welcomed me from the start,” I agreed.
“That’s because you belong with them. I’m a firm believer that the family you choose is just as important as the family you’re born into. The one you choose is the one of your heart. These people chose you and, more importantly, you chose them.”
It felt nice to be understood. “I feel exactly the same way. In fact ... .” I didn’t get a chance to finish what I was going to say because one of the kitchen workers entered through the swinging door and drew Cormack’s attention.
“What is it, Margo?” Cormack asked.
“Your work is on the phone, sir. I wouldn’t normally interrupt but they said it’s important.”
“Of course.” Cormack sent her an encouraging smile and accepted the cordless, shooting his guests an apologetic shrug before pressing the phone to his ear. “This is Cormack Grimlock.”
I watched his features for a hint of what he was feeling and I knew the moment bad news hit him. He was on his feet two seconds later.
“We’re on our way,” he said. “Don’t let anybody on that scene until we get there.”
My breath caught in my throat as he disconnected and regarded his family.
“There’s been a fire at the safe house,” he announced, his voice hitching. “The security was breached and the fire was started from inside. At the moment, none of the guards stationed there are responding. Fire crews are on the scene. We ... don’t know what’s happened to anyone inside.”
Aisling immediately stood. “I’ll go with you.”
“No, you need to stay here.” Cormack regained control of himself. “We’re not yet sure what’s happening. I don’t want to leave the house — especially Lily — vulnerable. That means only a handful of us are going.”
“I think we should go with you,” Aric said, standing. “It’s important that Zoe get a feel for whatever it is we’re dealing with. If there’s a magical being close, she’ll be able to figure it out.”
Cormack nodded in agreement. “Sami can stay here. She’ll be safe. My children will protect her with their lives.”
Zoe nodded in thanks, but her smile was rueful. “That’s sweet, but Sami can protect herself. She’ll protect your children if it comes to it. Your children can simply babysit her.”
“They’re not the best babysitters.”
“Speak for yourself,” Aisling shot back. “We’re awesome babysitters.”
“Yeah, Sami,” Redmond echoed. “Do you want to learn how to play sock hockey?”
Sami nodded. “Absolutely.”
Cormack sighed. “Just don’t break anything expensive.” He switched his gaze to Braden and me. “I think you should come, too. The more magic the merrier, in this case. I just don’t know what to expect.”
I nodded without hesitation. “Let’s get out there. The faster we know, the better it will be for all of us.”
Cormack didn’t look as if he agreed but he didn’t offer up a word of complaint. “Let’s go.”
THE FIRE WAS OUT BY THE TIME WE PARKED ON THE street. Police and fire crews were on the scene but milling about, not fully engaged with anything. A man in a black trench coat stood on the sidewalk in front of the house, his eyes trained on the road, and he nodded in greeting when he caught sight of Cormack exiting the vehicle.
Zoe and Aric trailed behind us, seemingly drinking in the scene, but they didn’t immediately say anything. They were professionals when it came to protecting their family, and right now, they wanted to gather information and fly under the radar. It was a good plan and I understood their reasoning.
“Richard,” Cormack said by way of greeting, extending his hand for the man to shake. “I take it you’ve secured the scene.”
“I have,” Richard confirmed, his eyes drifting from Braden, to Aric, to me, and then ultimately to Zoe. It was as if he was gauging every face in order of the danger he associated with them. Apparently he found nothing of interest when looking at Zoe, which seemed like a mistake given what I knew about her. However, she didn’t appear bothered by the fact. “Um ... maybe we should go somewhere private.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Cormack exuded confidence. “Everyone here is aware of what’s going on.”
“Even them?” He inclined his head toward Zoe and Aric. “I assumed he was one of yours until I realized he was older ... and missing those purple eyes all your kids have.”
Cormack chuckled, but the sound was hollow. “They’re family from Lily’s side,” he lied, not missing a beat. “We were having dinner when we got the call, so we all came
