She knew her mouth was hanging open. Dacian’s sure was. Ganymede merely looked entertained.

“Yo. You took long enough.” Ganymede stared at Cinn. “You got yourself some cool plants. Don’t think those two like each other. My money’s on the cactus. The vine just keeps taking evasive action. Eventually the cactus will nail him.”

“Oh, shit.” Dacian dropped Ganymede’s treats on the counter and strode to where Vince now hid behind another plant.

Cinn couldn’t believe her own eyes. Teddy was attacking Vince. There was clear intent to harm. This wasn’t just a plant feeling an emotion. This was a reasoned response to said emotion. How had Teddy taken that step? And Vince was evolving so fast he frightened her. Not only was he thinking and talking; now he’d figured out a way to become mobile.

“Hey, sweetie, would you put my ice cream in the fridge for me?” Ganymede was using his I’m-just-a-helpless-kitty voice.

“If you’re such a powerful guy, why don’t you use your mind to do it?” But her mind wasn’t on Ganymede. War in her greenhouse. This had never been in her plans. What had happened?

“Sure I can do it myself, but it gives me a rush to get you to do it for me.”

Cinn couldn’t be bothered to argue, so she did what he asked.

“Oh, did my honey-bunny mention me?” He clawed open the cookie box.

“I think the words ‘loathsome creature’ were uttered.”

Ganymede’s expression brightened. “That’s a step up from ‘rotting roadkill.’ My babe still loves me.”

“If you say so.” Her mind was still on her plants. “We have to do something about Teddy and Vince.”

Dacian had picked up Vince’s pot and now stood with it in his hands. “What do you want to do with him? If we leave him here, the cactus will eventually get him.” He kept an eye on Teddy as he spoke.

“Or Teddy will destroy himself trying.” She had to find a way to counteract Eva’s damage. Cinn had thought she was being so damn smart with her experimenting, but now she had a bunch of out-of-control plants.

“We have to make sure no one else touches Eva. And we’ll have to take Vince with us.” She raked her fingers through her hair. “I can’t believe that Teddy’s really jealous of Vince.”

“Believe it.” Dacian nodded toward the door. “Let’s get out of here. You need some downtime in your own room away from the plants and everything else.”

“Enjoy yourself.” The TV was on and Ganymede was already into the cookies. “No puny old plant goddess will get past me.” He curled up in his comfy bed.