Page 44 of Dancing with My Elf
Lucas
I flapped my wings faster as I flew along the ocean’s edge. Finding this woman was key. Although we’d managed to capture the demon, I wanted to prove myself useful to Zoe, especially after tripping like an awkward human earlier.
I soared low, seeking for a lone figure on the run. Minutes passed without any sight. The woman likely rushed to safety inside one of the buildings, or she could have grabbed a passing taxi and booked it out of there fast.
After a few more minutes, I had to accept that I wouldn’t find her tonight. I turned directions and soared back toward the club.
When I landed, I shifted back to human form and covered myself with Zoe’s blanket. She’d kept her gaze averted when she’d handed it to me, but I’d seen her sneak a peek. As long as she liked what she saw, that made me happy.
Zoe walked out of the club and headed toward Pandora. I met up with them.
“I checked to see if she was inside the club, or if anyone saw her there earlier,” Zoe said. “No luck.”
“I didn’t see her there tonight myself,” I said.
Pandora glanced at me. “No luck searching from overhead?”
“Afraid not,” I admitted.
“The demon doesn’t match Gianna’s description of those at the beach house,” Zoe said. “But it’s still a good idea to have her take a look, if she’s willing.”
“Good call,” Pandora said.
“Although Gianna was eager to help us during the stakeout, actually seeing one might be more difficult.” Zoe tapped her lips. “Maybe Nova should be the one to ask her. I’ll talk to her first.”
“No need, I can take care of that. You’ve done enough already. Great job tonight.” Pandora flicked her wrist. “Now, you need to go home and get some rest. Decompress. What you faced tonight wasn’t easy. Take a couple of well-deserved days off.”
“But—” Zoe said.
“If I have any questions, I know how to reach you.” Pandora turned to me. “Thank you for your help.”
“I absolutely couldn’t have done this without Lucas,” Zoe added.
Her praise warmed me. It felt better than the most raucous of applause when I performed inside.
“My pleasure,” I admitted.
“Can you do me one more favor?” Pandora asked.
“What’s that?”
She arched her brows. “Make sure Zoe doesnotcome to work tomorrow.”
I chuckled. “Zoe is strong and determined, but I’ll gladly volunteer.”
Zoe sighed. “Are you two conspiring against me?”
“No, we’re conspiring for your own good,” Pandora clarified. “If we don’t insist you take care of yourself, who will?”
I wanted to. Zoe worked so hard and rarely treated herself. Pandora had revealed this to me when I’d first volunteered, since she worried about Zoe burning out.
As we walked back to Zoe’s car, the one that we’d made out in not long before, I thought about what I could do. Once I climbed in the passenger seat, I said, “I have orders and I intend to keep them.”
Zoe turned on the ignition and furrowed her brows. “Excuse me?”
“I have to keep you busy so you don’t run off back to work.” I grinned. “So don’t make any plans tomorrow, Zoe. You’re spending the day with me.”
She arched a brow. “Oh, really?” She snorted. “You’re not sick of spending all this time with me by now?”
