Nick looked at him. “We’ve been friends a long time, and I know there have been secrets. I’m fine with that fact. If you need my assistance with whatever is going on, then let me know. With that kind of firepower, you’ll need backup.”

Yes, but his old friend had a mate and two young, rather wild children. “I appreciate the offer and will call if I need help.” Adare leaned in for a hug. “Until then, have fun with your family.” To see Nick Veis, one of the most dangerous demons in history, settled down with Simone and the girls warmed Adare through and through. “Stay safe, my friend.”

“And you.” Nick winked at Grace. “Take care of him.” With that, he jogged around the cabin, no doubt running up the hill to meet up with his family. Hopefully they’d enjoy warm food at the lodge and not venture out into the oncoming storm.

Grace looked down at the innocuous metal box resting by her thick black boots. “I think this is a bad idea.”

“I’m sure it is.” He lifted her chin with one knuckle. “Before we leave, I want your promise that you’ll learn how to use healing cells and that you’ll stay out of danger. I have a car coming for you that will take you to the airport, where Realm transportation is waiting.”

She stepped back. “The queen won’t return until next week. I’ll head to Idaho at that time so we can figure out why I was unable to heal my wrist.”

Adare shook his head. “No. Sorry. With this campaign, I need you safe and protected in case the Kurjans take revenge.”

“They don’t know about me,” she protested, her cheeks a healthier hue today and her eyes a sparkling greenish brown. “Nobody does. You made sure I had perfect new ID four years ago. And the Realm doesn’t even know about the Seven—well, not much about you, remember?”

“Aye.” He’d allowed her plenty of freedom as she’d regained her strength, knowing that Ronan and Faith were always nearby at the Seven headquarters. “You’re staying at Realm headquarters until Ronan and Faith return from the symposium.” If Adare had realized they were out of the country and Grace was arranging meetings with morons from the internet, he would’ve interceded sooner. “This is non-negotiable.”

“Fine.” She looked adorable all bundled up in a thick blue jacket with a matching hat.

A pang hit him, square in the heart. What might’ve been. “A stream may fork, bend back, and rush along, but will always flow down in the end,” he murmured.

She finished slipping on her gloves. “What was that?”