Page 43 of Anger

“Several times. Tisi took Ranson and I under her wing, metaphorically speaking. And we were healthy, mischievous boys. Ranson’s father passed in an accident shortly after my dad died, so Tisi took it upon herself to bring us up. We didn’t make it easy on her,” Mac admitted, and Lanie chuckled.

“I can imagine. Although let me tell you. Tisiphone caused her own share of mischief.”

Mac laughed in response to her reply. He liked the fact Lanie was opening up and dropping her shield. He’d guessed she was in awe of his home, and that was understandable. Nobody expected to be dropped in the centre of an Ancient Greek city. Then again, he had not been ready to find himself in Dracula’s castle either.

They’d not known how the Legends from Dracula’s castle had been moving about. Now they understood it was Bloody Mary, or Mary Worth’s, whichever name she preferred, mirror network.

“I need to tell the others about this,” Lanie said.

“Yeah, you do. But know this. Refuge won’t be risked. The army is ready, and we’ll continue to train daily. If your people don’t approve of our plans, we couldn’t care less. We’re still going to go after the Hunters,” Mac stated.

“I can see that,” Lanie responded.

“Good. We need to get you back. Lanie, remember, time moves differently here.”

Mac flinched as Lanie screeched. “What!”

“Lanie, let’s get you fed, I’ll explain and then send you home,” Mac replied with a laugh.

“They’ll be frantic,” Lanie cried.

“Tisi would have sent them a message after we ate. Come. I’ll take you for dinner,” Mac said.

“Will I see you again?” Lanie demanded.

“I’m your personal guard,” Mac said, closing on her and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re stuck with me.” His whisper made her shiver, and she gazed up at him wide-eyed.

“Somehow, I’m perversely happy about that,” Lanie muttered, and Mac smiled. Lanie’s returning smile warmed him deep inside.

Lanie/Lamia

Mac led Lanie to the Food Hall, where they sat and ate.

Lanie’s mind was whirling. None of the Legends back at the castle had any idea about this. It was astounding and beyond belief. Somehow, Lanie didn’t think they were in the same dimension as the castle. The Erinyes had been rumoured to be able to plane jump, and Lanie guessed this was a pocket dimension within their world. But she couldn’t be sure.

There was a babble of conversation around them, and many were sending curious looks their way.

Lanie felt self-conscious, and even more so when people came and greeted Mac with deference. She had treated Mac and Ranson like common security guards, yet it was clear they held high rank here. Lanie was amused, and also a little peeved, when several beautiful women spoke to Mac. It was obvious they were interested in the handsome man by her side, but Mac treated them all with a detached friendliness.

“Would we be able to see Ranson before we leave?” Lanie asked.

Mac’s lips twitched.

“Speak of the devil and he’s sure to appear,” Mac replied and nodded in a direction.

Making their way slowly to them was Ranson. He sat in a wheelchair and was being pushed by a nurse. He was pale and tired-looking but was alive.

Mac grinned as Ranson kept getting swarmed by women, all offering to help him out.

“God, Almighty!” Ranson exclaimed as he finally made it to them. “Next time, it can be your ass that gets shot.”

“Not fond of the attention, cousin?” Mac teased.

Ranson scowled, and Lanie laughed. “Miss Cross.”

“I think you should call me Lanie, don’t you?” Lanie asked.

Ranson made a moue with his lips. “Probably. How are you, Ma’am?”

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