Page 81 of Pints & Potions

“So it’s done now? No more attacks?” He didn’t immediately respond, and she could tell he was troubled by an, as yet, unnamed problem. “Just spit it out, Alastair. Please.”

“Cian was dosed with a poison. He hasn’t woken up since he passed out. Spring, GiGi, and Rebecca are all trying to determine what he might’ve ingested to put him into such a deep stasis.”

“Stasis?”Piper’s hand flew to her mouth as Alastair’s words sunk in.

“Yes.”

She fought back the threatening tears. Although she didn’t want Cian to die, his welfare was no longer her concern. He’d made his choice.

“I hope they can help him,” she said in a deadened voice. “He…” She shrugged. What was left to say?

Alastair clasped her hands between his larger ones. “He cares for you, child. When you feel up to it, you should visit him. If only to say goodbye. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”

Alarmed and feeling the urge to hurl, she stared into Alastair’s kind, understanding face. “You think he’s going to die,” she whispered in horror.

“No one knows the Goddess’s plan, Piper. But I’ve lived with many regrets in my life. I wouldn’t wish that for you.”

She nodded absently as she let his warmth seep through their connected hands to chase her coldness away.

With a last comforting pat, he climbed to his feet.

“Thank you, Cuz,” she said again. “Next to my dad, you’re the best man I know.”

“If you believe me to be one of the best, you have a low bar.” Alastair’s laugh rumbled from deep within his chest and the rusty sound made Piper grin. “Be happy, child. Whatever you decide.”

“That’smyplan.”

He grinned. “I’m sure Isis can’t fault that. Free will and all.”

In a blink, he was gone. As the atmosphere around her returned to normal, she thought about what he’d said. She probably should check on Cian before she left for home. She supposed she owed him for the gift he’d unknowingly given her.

With one palm cradling her abdomen, she rose to her feet. A simple snap had her dressed and ready to slay dragons. Or in this case, say goodbye to her stupid hopes and dreams.

“Dad.” She gently shook her father’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go to bed? It’s late.”

“Pip?” He bound out of the chair and hauled her close for a bear hug. “You really need to stop scaring your old man like that. No more fighting or near-death experiences, all right?”

“Promise.”

With a final squeeze, he released her and took in her appearance. “You look determined.”

She snorted a laugh. “I suppose I am. I’m going to see Cian one last time. To check and make sure he’s okay, and to see if Bridget needs anything, before I head home.”

Understanding came to Hoyt and he nodded slowly. “Need company?”

“No. This is something I should do on my own. Besides, Alastair said our crew is with Cian. I’m fine.” She swallowed hard and forced a smile. “I’m just going to say goodbye. I want the comfort of my own place, Dad.”

The seriousness of his expression hurt her heart, and she had no doubt he understood her pain. Maybe not to the degree she was hurting, but still, he would give her the space she needed to heal.

“I suppose this is the perfect time for me to say that you do your mom and me proud, Pip.” His gruffness spoke of his strong emotions, and once again, their deep and abiding love for her could be felt.

“Thanks, Dad.”

As Piper gazeddown at Cian’s deathly pale visage, she realized this was the first time she’d ever seen him this still. He was always in motion. Always charming his way out of trouble—or charming his way into it.

“We won’t give up,” her mom told her from the opposite side of the bed. “Cian’s strong.”

Piper didn’t bother to look up as she nodded. “I know. He’s in good hands with you three.”

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