Page 151 of Where the Wicked Reign

Bianca shook her head in despair. “There’s no true peace for me without you safe, my sweetheart.”

I stepped forward and told her, “We have her covered. She’s not alone.” I smiled at Cat. “And she never will be again.”

“I appreciate that my daughter finally has a support system around her, but it’s still no guarantee with what you’re all up against.” She eyed Cat. “I know Joey trained you well, but you’re still not invincible.”

“Joey?” I queried.

Cat grimaced. “Long story.”

“One of your secrets you’re working on revealing to us?”

“It’s not really my secret to tell, because it implicates somebody else and risks their safety.” She gave her mom a look. “Or it wasn’t supposed to be my secret to tell.”

“I’m sorry,” Bianca said. “It’s hard to keep track of who knows what.”

“It’s all right, Mom. I get it. There’s a lot happening. And I hit you with a lot of major revelations tonight.” She laid her hand on her shoulder. “Get cleaned up, then get some sleep. You’re safe here. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

“I’ll show you to one of the spare rooms,” I said.

She nodded and rose from the stool with a heavy sigh. “That would be nice, thank you.”

“Make a list of whatever you need and I’ll have it brought in for you.”

She smiled out at me. “Much appreciated.”

“I’ll help you get settled,” Cat insisted, coming along with us.

At least that would give her some peace of mind.

She still hadn’t had time to wrap her head around all the rest yet.

The fact that her mom would be in the wind soon, cut off from her completely for the foreseeable future.

The fact she was now married to Nico.

The fact that this place was now suddenly to become her home.

So many heavy changes, it was a lot for anyone to wrap their head around.

Even Caterina Leone, as strong and as resilient as she was.

I watchedas Cat closed the door and finally stepped out of the guestroom that her mom was now staying in.

She jolted when she saw me standing there, leaning against the wall.

“You’ve been waiting out here the whole time for me to help her get settled?”

“And texting with Milo and Nico. They’re on their way back here now.”

“Good. Thank goodness.”

I held out my hand to her. “Come. I’ll give you a proper tour.”

She smiled and took it, and we started down the corridor together.

“So, Nico mentioned that you’ve actually been here before, but just briefly, right?”

“Yeah, during our war. I broke in while he and Milo were out and I fucked up a couple of his Viking statues.”

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