Always the Vampire

“Look in the fridge.”


I did and saw four six-packs of Starbloods chilling in addition to the three bottles I already had. Saber had also restocked milk, bread, and lunchmeat for himself. I bet there was a new box of his favorite cereal in the cabinet, too.

“I went to the car wash. The Vue is cleaned and vacuumed.”

“You are a domestic god, my darling, and I am your slave.”

“Then I’ve got you where I want you.”

As I kissed him again, the dryer buzzed. I wore a huge smile of relief as I hung and folded my clothes, then put his in to dry. Saber showed no serious side effects from his nightmare or from sharing the truth behind his dream, and I was giddily grateful for those favors.

I heard his electric shaver going in the bathroom, so I slammed one of my caramel-macchiato flavored Starbloods then put away my clothes. I saved out the aqua capris, a white bra-top camisole, and an aqua shell embroidered with white dragonflies. White sandals would complete the outfit. Heck, I might go wild and carry the miniscule white purse Maggie had given me. Obviously, I paid zero attention to the no-white-after–Labor Day rule.

Just as obviously, I soon learned, Lia did.

As Saber and I peered out the regional airport waiting-area window, the French fashionista stepped off the chartered jet wearing a gold silk blouse, deep chocolate linen slacks, and black low-heeled pumps. Her auburn hair cut in a short, sassy style, Lia looked tanned, fit, and not a minute over forty as she rolled her monogrammed Louis Vuitton suitcase across the tarmac.

Wow. The sorceress business must pay better than Cosmil’s wizard gig, but geez. I had to get this woman into St. Augustine casual.

Lia breezed into the waiting area like she’d been here a thousand times.

“Ah, here you are,” she said, only a smidge of an accent lilting her speech. “Cesca and Saber, and aren’t you the perfect couple!”

I exchanged a grin with Saber then offered my hand in greeting. “We’re pleased to meet you, Lia. Did you have a good flight?”

“Not the mode of transportation I’m used to, but mortal innovations do have their uses.”

She waved her hand and pulled a cell phone from the air.

Saber laughed. “Let me take your bag. My car is right outside. We’ll have you settled in no time.”

“Merci, most kind, but before I forget, I want to give you my cell number.”

Saber and I whipped out our phones to add Lia to our contacts.

“And now, may I beg a favor?”

Saber held the terminal door open. “Yes?”

“On the way, might we stop for something called a MoonPie?”



We didn’t find moon pies at the nearest grocery store, not the original, trademarked brand or a knockoff, either. But en route, Lia informed us that she had phoned Cosmil from New York to get a status report and to arrange a tentative schedule.

“Since one of our group is unavailable tonight,” she said from the backseat where she’d insisted on sitting, “I suggested gathering only to dine tonight. I do not wish to drop from jet lag when there is so much to be accomplished. Cosmil and I, we will cast location spells to search for Starrack tomorrow and begin your training in the evening.”

“Do you have a restaurant in mind?” Saber asked.

“Cosmil suggested Saltwater Cowboy’s. Do you know it?”

We nodded.

“Good. One can never be sure of Cosmil’s recommendations. The man needs to get out more.”

Saber choked. I snickered. At least Lia wouldn’t be a boring teacher.

“I take it Cosmil will need a ride, Lia?”

“Yes, and we also need current area maps for the location spell.”

“Done. Cesca,” he said, taking my hand and squeezing it with a firm, deliberate pressure, “I’ll drop you both at the cottage so you can get your car.”

I startled and looked at our entwined fingers, because I’d clearly heard Saber in my mind’s ear ask, Will you be okay alone with the drill sergeant?

I squeezed back, projecting, She has a sense of humor. I’ll be fine.

Aloud I said, “I’ll take Lia to your house and get her settled. We’ll meet you at—”

I glanced at the dashboard clock then twisted around to check with Lia. “Is six thirty good for you?”

She nodded, grinning as if she knew something I didn’t.

I found out what that something was when I showed her my cottage.

Thank goodness Saber had cleaned. Lia pronounced the living room lovely and my funkier décor darling. She even charmed our resident feline.

“Do you and Saber live together?” she asked, cuddling Snowball against her chest and scratching the cat’s ears.

“Not all the time, but he’s been staying here more lately. Lia, you’re going to be covered in cat hair.”

“Not to worry. I must say you and Saber have a strong telepathy working. Untrained, but we will address that.”