5. Ava

The living room felt empty,even with the few of us left scattered on couches and armchairs. Wallie and Michelle moved around the room with Imogene and Selby, offering each little one up for a round of kisses. Olivia”s lips brushed Imogene”s forehead, and the baby”s eyes fluttered at the touch.

”Going to miss these munchkins,” Zoey said, her yellow cat eyes soft as she pecked Selby”s chubby cheek. ”I haven”t had long enough to smooch them since I got back.”

”Are you sure it”s okay to take him?” I asked, taking Selby from Michelle”s arms for a minute for another hug.

”Of course, my mother loves this little guy,” Michelle assured me.

We all took our turns, leaving trails of affection on the babies” skin. Then, after I had a third turn with Selby and a second with Imogene, with one final wave, Michelle and Wallie hefted the diaper bag higher and carried the kids upstairs to the portal room.

They were going to stay with Michelle’s parents for the rest of the summer and before they had to go back to school.

Drew stood and stretched then leaned down and planted a kiss on my forehead. ”Got to get ready for second shift,” he said.

I let out a sigh. ”When are you retiring again?”

A grin spread across Drew”s face as he glanced over at Ian. ”As soon as he”s ready to take over.”

Ian looked up from where he sat, his brown gaze meeting mine briefly before addressing Drew. ”Remember, a sheriff is an elected position. I”ve got to spend more time around town.”

”Being on the police force, people will get to know you a lot faster,” Drew countered, clapping Ian on the back with a chuckle. ”Plus you”ll have my endorsement. Then there”s the little fact that nobody else has run against me in years.”

Drew”s footsteps thumped up the stairs. I watched him go, my thoughts turning to Ian. In the last week, he”d traded his hunter”s crossbow for a badge. A quieter life appealed to him, settling down, and what better way than becoming a familiar face in town?

”Guess I better get out of here too,” Melody said, pushing herself off the sofa.

She glanced at Ian, a quick flicker of eyes that spoke volumes, and Ian”s face lost color. He popped up from his chair like it had grown spikes.

”Wait, please.” His tone held a hint of desperation as he caught up with her at the door. Then he motioned out on the front porch and closed the door.

Curiosity pulled us all to the window. Olivia and I tiptoed, peering over Phira”s shoulders. Luci stood tall behind us, a smirk playing on his lips. Even Lucy-Fur stretched her neck to see, ears perked.

Outside, Ian looked like he was fumbling with his words, hands gesturing wildly, then he buried them in his pockets.

“I can’t hear anything,” I whispered.

Luci snapped his fingers and suddenly we heard Ian’s voice.

“I…um. I was wondering if you would like to go out with me. Dinner. Maybe more.” Poor Ian looked like he was about to run for the hills. Or get sick all over my porch. Man Drew picked the wrong time to leave for work.

Melody tilted her head, a gentle smile touching her lips. When she nodded, Ian”s shoulders dropped, relief flooding his posture.

“Great,” Ian said, standing a little tall now. “I’ll pick you up tonight. Six okay?”

“That works,” Melody said cheerfully.

Ian held out his hand for a handshake, looking a little awkward. Aww, he was being so sweet. Melody laughed, took his hand, and pulled him toward her. Then she kissed him quickly on the lips. “See you at six.”

She turned and walked to her car, where Mai was already waiting for her.

Ian watched her get into the car and drive off. Then he turned, spotting us glued to the glass.

We scattered, diving for our seats. I grabbed a magazine, flipping it open to a random page, my heart racing with the silly thrill of being caught.

Ian walked back in, shaking his head. ”You”re all idiots,” he said, but the grin on his face told a different story.

He didn”t wait for a response, striding past us to the back door, heading out towards the guest house by the pool, no doubt to hide his blush or maybe punch the air where no one could see.

Footsteps descending the stairs snapped me back to reality. ”Ava?” Dad said as he descended the stairway.

”Here, Dad,” I called out, turning toward him as he came down the stairs. His sudden presence caught me off guard. He was supposed to be at the Academy all day. ”Is everything okay?”

”Yeah, it”s fine.” He stepped into the living room, a slight frown creasing his forehead. ”Just got a call from Garret Ferguson. He said the rest of the council is getting antsy about us starting talks with the Vampire Council.”

I sighed, the responsibilities piling up. ”I haven”t had a chance to speak with Jax yet. Everything Is moving so fast.” My mind raced through my to-do list, already cluttered with tasks.

”All right,” Dad said, shrugging. ”I”ll let them know it”s on your agenda and not forgotten.”

”Thanks, Dad. I promise I”ll handle it.”

Once he turned and headed back upstairs, I retrieved my phone from the pocket of my jeans and quickly typed out a message to Jax.

Let me know when you have time for a phone call, something important to discuss.

He probably wouldn”t reply until nightfall.