See the previous issues at My Author Page

When I had finally gotten ahold of the girls, they lost it. They were happy and excited and angry all at the same time. Even though they were a little miffed with me, they knew none of this was planned, and I couldn’t help but feel loved that they were so worried about me.

There was quite the dog pile when they finally came running into the shop. There was lots of screaming. I could hear Steve rolling his eyes at us.

“It’s wonderful to meet you. Thank you for helping Riley,” Finley crowed to Vera.

“Yes, thank you so much,” Peyton said, grabbing Vera’s hand in both of hers and shaking vigorously.

Vera chuckled, and I could see the bond between them already. I hadn’t even had any time to talk to Vera and ask her why she came with instead of just running. I assume she’d have to go back at some point.

Everyone was finally seated around the worktable again, looking enthusiastically uncomfortable. Peyton was glaring at Donovan. Finley was just looking worriedly at me. Steve wouldn’t stop staring at Vera. Vera wouldn’t stop staring at her shoes. I felt terrible for her stuck in this weirdness. She hadn’t said much since we got here no matter how much Steve tried.

“So where have you been?” Peyton said crossly.

“Around,” Donovan countered.

“Why are you here now?” Peyton growled.

“The time has come apparently.” He shrugged, seeming utterly nonperplexed at the interrogation.

“What does that mean?” Peyton said, looking between us.

“You know how Mom had her ability to see the future? Apparently, she saw this and didn’t think to mention it before she kicked the bucket,” I said, finally standing up and pacing around the room.

“She set up the spell to call us together when the time was right,” Donovan said. “Thus the siren song in Venice. It just has called everything else to us as well.”

“You mean the monsters that attacked.” Finley reached out to hold one of my hands which caused me to stop pacing.

“Most likely,” I muttered.

“Well, I guess it’s time you start training now,” Steve said. I could see the gears in his mind racing along. Trying to think of different ways to bring out the powers and test them.

“I think Vera might be able to help with that. She’s from the society that used to protect these.” I waved my tattooed arms around.

“I’d love to ask you all about it,” Steve told her. She smiled slightly and nodded. Was she blushing? Was his absolute lack of charm getting to her? That was a question for another day.

“Yes, I think I can help.” Vera finally said quietly.

“I would welcome anyone who can.” I quirked my eyebrows at the girls. “Which means we’re going to be nice to anyone who might have anything to contribute.”

Peyton huffed and crossed her arms looking at the corner of the workshop and Finley smiled nodding.

“Okay, well this has been great, but I am in serious need of a shower and a nap. Can we reconvene tomorrow?” I asked everyone. They all started to nod, and I looked at the two newcomers.

“I guess you guys are with me, for now. We’ll figure out something else tomorrow.” Everyone started to get up and grab their things. I walked over to the girls and gave each a huge hug and kiss.

“I love you. I missed you all so much. I was so worried.”

“We were worried too,” Peyton said, squeezing my arm.

“Tomorrow?” I asked.

“Tomorrow.” They chorused.

Thank you, Sean Eike, for the image this week.