Katie had been waiting patiently since this morning for a break in the weather. She was determined to get out for their walk, just as Alexis had promised her, and finally the rain had stopped for the moment.

She was waiting by the front door for Alexis while she finished up a phone call with one of the vampires that Byron had left in the village hotel. Katie sat in the chair on the porch and watched the water drops that the rain had left dripping off the roof.

There was something calming about the forest scene after the rain, something soothing, fresh. Katie was feeling more connected to life with each passing day. It was a great idea of Byron’s to invite her here, and of course being close to Alexis was helping. Alexis, who she knew was her anchor, despite Alexis’s assertion last night that she wasn’t interested in love.

That had hurt her feelings. Every time they seemed to get closer, Alexis either ran or said the wrong thing. Maybe she had overreacted last night, but it was hard to hear all about the woman that Alexis had loved.

Just thinking that made Katie feel guilty. After all, the poor woman was killed, but it was hard knowing that the person you loved wouldn’t or didn’t want to move on from the past. Because she did love Alexis, every annoying, bad-tempered part of her. She always had.

The cabin door opened and Alexis walked out. “Sorry to take so long. I just had to check in with the troops.”

“Troops?” Katie questioned.

“Vampires. I’m an old army officer. It’s hard to shake off sometimes. Are we ready?”

“Yes, is everything all right?” Katie asked.

Alexis looked confused. “Sorry, what?”

“With Byron and Amelia?” Katie said.

“Oh, sorry. I see what you mean. Yes, they set off earlier, and Bhal checked in a short time ago to say they were nearly there.”

“I hope Amelia will be okay and find the answers she’s looking for.”

Alexis helped Katie up and offered her arm. “I’m sure she will. Shall we take our walk?”

Katie was glad to take Alexis’s arm. She was getting better but wasn’t at her full strength. They walked down the steps and down one of the forest paths beside the cabin. Katie looked at all the colours of the leaves and inhaled the fresh scent of the woods after the rain. She sighed.

“Is there something wrong?” Alexis asked.

“No, it’s beautiful. I’m so glad to be out in the fresh air.”

Alexis smiled. “Good, I’m glad. Listen, I’m sorry if I upset you in some way last night.”

“Why would you upset me?”

“I thought—” Alexis would have to admit listening at Katie’s bedroom door. “It doesn’t matter.”