“Levi said we’d reassess things once she was released. I’m supposed to take an extended vacation from work, though. At this point, I think I might just hang up my badge and retire. O’Donald hates me, Nick is back, and Levi’s determined to take it away from me.”
“Let him get past his fit. Something has probably spooked him, and this is how he’s reacting. There could be an unseen threat to you and him. Let him have the illusion of keeping you safe for now.”
I snorted. “And until he lets me go?”
“Work on the case with Liz. You’re home, Abigail. Go use your chamber for some magic and see what you can learn. Research. Pretend like you’re stuck in the office again.”
I pressed my lips together. “I want a piece of Gabby’s hair.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to track her movements. She shouldn’t have known that location. Not off the top of her head like that. When Liz asked her, she hung up.”
“Good, I’ll see what I can find for you.” He disconnected, and I put my phone in my pocket.
I wanted a snack before I climbed into bed. It was getting late, and I was tired from my day and night I’d had.
When I turned the corner of the kitchen, I found Mario and Levi standing there talking.
I had two choices. I could lose my shit on them both, or I could get my snack and deal with them tomorrow night.
“Princess.” Mario bowed his head. “I’m glad to see you’re home.”
I refused to rise to the title. “Will you please move so I can get to the fridge? I’d like a snack before I turn in for the night.”
Both Mario and Levi looked shocked that I was being civil. “I was making you some frozen waffles.” Levi motioned to the toaster. “I just put them in.”
The attempt was cute and almost sweet, but it didn’t make up for the fact that he forced me home. “Thank you.”
The waffles popped up, and he put them on a plate for me. “You ate these all the time when you were at the PIB academy.”
I nodded. “I’d eat them while I studied for tests. They were easy and cheap, and there’s just something comforting about waffles.” I smiled. “I’m glad you remembered.”
“I watched you and studied every detail about you from when you born to now, Abigail. Never doubt that I was always vigilant.” He handed me the plate. “Enjoy your snack and get some rest.”
I took the plate from him and started walking out of the kitchen. I expected some sort of smart-ass remark from Mario, but he remained silent as I left the kitchen and went back to my bedroom.
The fact that Levi had thought to get food told me he’d planned this before tonight. I rarely stayed here enough for him to think about stocking more than a frozen pizza or two.
The only thing he kept at all times was coffee. I got back to my bedroom and set the plate on the bed. I hoped I had left some pajamas here at some point…I opened the draw to find all new pajama pants and shirts folded neatly.
He was serious about me staying here. I rubbed my eyes. This was going to be a pain.
CHAPTER TEN
The next morning, I woke to the smell of breakfast cooking. I sat up, wondering which vampire had decided to take the day shift. When the smell of coffee hit my nose, I didn’t care which one it was since there was coffee involved. Even Mario could be tolerable if there was coffee.
I didn’t bother getting dressed before going to the kitchen. I couldn’t help the smile that automatically crossed my face at the sight of Simon standing at the stove cooking. “When did you get here?”
“About four this morning. I didn’t want to wake you and scare the shit out of you.”
I snorted. “Yeah, I probably would have shot you if you’d crawled into bed with me. What are you doing here?”
He glanced at me, almost apologetic. “Levi wanted me to watch you for the day to make sure you stayed put.”
“You were in on this?” I narrowed my eyes and tried not to get distracted as he stepped away from the stove to make me a cup of coffee.
He shook his head. “I didn’t find out until an hour before you arrived. He told me not to answer your call or text if you wanted me to bring you the Hummer. He didn’t say why, but told me that you’d be staying here for a while.”
“Ugh.” I shook my head. “I don’t want to be stuck here.”
He nodded. “I know you don’t. Play along for now, though, just to see what happens. He typically bows to your need to work. Even when you had the hex on you.”
“And then he sent you to follow me the whole time.”
He shrugged. “I can’t really complain.” He handed me a mug of coffee. “I did bring your bag.”
“Perfect.” I kissed him on the cheek. “I’m afraid today’s going to be pretty boring unless Merick got what I needed.”
“He said that he wasn’t able to get a hold of Gabby or find her.” Simon shrugged. “I’m not sure why you sent him after her, but I’m assuming it wasn’t a good reason.”
I shook my head. “I think she knows more than she let on. That smell of fear was real, and the location wasn’t a lie, but maybe we weren’t asking the right questions.”
“I can see if Travis could help track her down?”
“Not yet, I don’t want to spook her. I’m not sure what’s going on with her.” What I wanted were answers and to follow her tracks. “Does Mason have
