Zar led him to the building next door to the Sanctuary bar. Built at the turn of the century, Peltier House was the home of the Katagaria family and their hodgepodge group of refugees. The house connected to the bar through a downstairs door that was guarded at all times by one of the eleven Peltier sons.

In the Hunter world, they were legendary because they greeted everyone as friends: Were-Hunters, Dream-Hunters, Dark-Hunters or others. It mattered not. So long as you minded your manners and kept your weapons concealed, they let you enter and leave in peace. Those who broke the one house rule of “No Spill Blood” quickly found themselves leaving in pieces.

The elegant Victorian mansion was quiet now except for the muffled sound of the Howlers playing on the stage next door in the bar. It was furnished in expensive turn-of-the-century antiques that had been in the house since they were new. The bear clan didn’t like change. Gallagher was glad for that. It felt strangely like coming home again.

“How long are you staying?” Zar asked as he led him up the hand-carved mahogany stairs.

“Until the New Year.”

Zar nodded. “Maman will be glad to hear that.” He showed Gallagher to a room at the end of the hallway.

Gallagher stepped inside and found a warm, cozy bedroom. The windows were well-shuttered and covered by heavy drapes that would keep the daylight from reaching him.

“Here’s a cable modem for your laptop if you brought one.”

The corner of Gallagher’s mouth lifted. “All the comforts of home.”

“We try. I remember well the days of running and hiding, and never having a single comfort. Take a few minutes to get settled in and join us when you’re ready.”

Gallagher watched Zar leave while feelings and memories went through him. He appreciated the bears’ courtesy, but he would trade all his money and immortality for one single night spent with his wife and son.

One single Christmas with them, watching Rosalie’s face light up as she opened a gift.

The pain of his loss racked him. He didn’t want to hurt and wish for things he could no longer have. He sat on the bed and stared at the wall. He saw his great-granddaughter’s face and wondered if she would go home at Christmas to be with her family.

For that matter, he wondered if he should go home himself. At least Chicago was familiar to him. Weary and heartsick, he lay down on the bed to just rest for a second. He only wanted to escape for an instant into memories of a time when he had been human.

*   *   *

Gallagher woke up to find that three days had passed while he slept. He didn’t remember anything about his dreams.