“Well ... .” Cormack tilted his head and scratched his chin. “I’m not sure what to tell you. Perhaps they had a good reason for doing that.”
“They were bored.”
“Well, that’s a good reason.”
“They should’ve brought books ... or board games.”
Cormack laughed again. His delight in Sami was something to behold. I was certain he showed the same loving attitude with his children at the same age, although how he grasped what being a good parent meant — given how his parents had undoubtedly raised him — was beyond me.
“I’m going to tell you something.” Cormack rested his elbows on the bar and stared directly into Sami’s eyes. “You’re going look back on these moments with your parents and be happy. You won’t be embarrassed. You’ll be thrilled, because you’ll realize that they loved each other so much that you became a person through that love, and you’ll be glad they have each other when you start your life as an adult.”
“That doesn’t mean they have to be gross.”
His shoulders shook with delight. “You really are amazing. You’re also an only child. You’re used to getting things your way. Life won’t always be as easy as your parents have made it for you.”
“My life isn’t easy,” Sami countered. “You’ve met my dad. He says I can’t date until I’m forty.”
“I said the same thing about Aisling. She’s nowhere near forty and she’s married and has a baby.”
“I don’t want a baby. Lily is cute and all, but that diarrhea story scared me off babies for life.”
“You’ll likely change your mind one day. Even if you don’t, you’re always going to remember this.” He inclined his head toward Aric and Zoe, who had turned the darts into some sort of competition because Aric was mock-beating his chest as Zoe rolled her eyes. That probably meant the mage had lost.
“They’re really embarrassing,” Sami muttered, shaking her head. “I just ... .” She didn’t finish what she was going to say, instead snapping her head to the left and completely abandoning the conversation as her body went rigid.
“What is it?” I asked, instantly alert.
Before she could answer, an alarm started blaring throughout the entire house.
Aric and Zoe jerked away from one another and instantly descended on Sami as Aisling and Griffin raced for the door.
“What is that?” Zoe asked, confused.
“It’s the house alarm,” Cormack replied, all trace of mirth gone from his features. “Someone is trying to breach our security.”
“Lily,” Griffin barked, racing through the door.
It was no surprise that Aisling was right behind him. What did catch me off guard was that Zoe kicked in and chased them. Aric grabbed Sami around the waist and hauled her to his side as he moved to follow.
“You stick close,” Aric ordered his daughter. “If anything comes at you, kill it.”
There was no fear in Sami’s eyes. “Can I blow stuff up?”
Aric hesitated and then nodded. “Yeah. If those things come at you, blow them up. I’ll pay to have cleaners come in here if I have to.”
Getting to Lily was the first order of business. The baby was screaming when Griffin landed in her room. He immediately pulled her from the crib and reached for one of her carriers ... and then he looked between Aisling and himself, as if debating.
“I want her with me,” Aisling said. “I know you probably want her with you but ... I just ... .”
He nodded as Cillian pulled the harness over her head. “It’s okay. I kind of want her with you, too. I need to get my gun from your room.”
“Will a gun even work on them?” Aisling asked, her eyes wide. “I mean, I know stabbing them works, but will a gun even help?”
“I’m not certain,” Cormack replied, gesturing toward the hallway. “I think swords are better than guns. If it is revenants — or wraiths for that matter — they’ll attack any police who show up, and gunfire will definitely have the neighbors calling the cops.”
Griffin hesitated and then nodded. “Swords it is.”
“You have swords?” Aric looked intrigued. “Are they close?”
“Yes.” Cormack took the lead. “Stay close. We’ll arm up and then head downstairs.” He briefly stilled and looked back at Aisling. “Maybe we should lock Aisling, Jerry, and Sami in one of the upstairs rooms.”
Aric immediately started shaking his head. “That’s a bad idea. I get why you think it’s acceptable, but you don’t want them separated from us. You’ll spend all your time worrying.”
“I think I’m going to worry regardless,” Cormack argued. “That’s my granddaughter.”
“And me,” Aisling reminded him.
“And me,” Jerry muttered huffily.
“Sami is staying with us.” Aric was calm but firm. “She can help. She’s also my child and I won’t be separated from her. If you stick Aisling, Jerry, and a crying baby in a room, it’s going to draw enemies ... and leave them vulnerable.”
Cormack considered the statement and then nodded. “You’re right. We’re stronger together.”
“We are. We also have my wife. Whoever this is — whatever it is — she’ll make them wish they were never born.”
“She sounds terrifying.”
“She is ... and yet I still have to protect her from bees. She’s a weird woman.”
“She’s a weird woman losing her patience,” Zoe snapped. “Let’s get the swords and get moving.”
“Yes, dear.” Aric winked at her but kept a firm grip on Sami. It was clear he had no intention of losing sight of the girl.
For her part, Sami looked poised and ready for action, her eyes keen as she scanned for signs of movement.
Cormack led everyone to the weapons room. His children selected what they wanted within seconds, leaving Griffin and Aric to pick through the leftovers. Aric opted for a light sword, something that looked as if he could jab quickly, while Griffin picked something wider. Then we headed for the stairs.
“Keep Aisling and
