Emotion glistened in Asima’s eyes. “I’m not crying. Messengers of Bast are cold, analytical, and never ever cry.“

“I understand how strong you are, but are you strong enough to tell us the truth?” She held her breath. Everything depended on Asima now.

“Well, there might be a trash can across the street from the park. On the seawall. Next to a bench. And that trash can might have a plant in it.“ She blinked rapidly.

Cinn was already up and running. As she glanced at Dacian, she could tell from his expression that he was passing the info on to the other searchers. Asima kept ahead of them, covering the ground in long leaps. Lucky for Asima, there wasn’t much late-night traffic on Seawall Boulevard or else she’d have used up at least eight of her nine lives.

Everyone converged on the trash can together. No one moved as Cinn reached into the can … and closed her fingers around Vince’s pot. When she pulled the pot from the can, everyone cheered. Vince looked limp, definitely not in good shape, but at least no one had yanked him out of the pot. He could be saved. She gently rolled up his vine and tucked his pot under her coat.

She didn’t stop to question Asima as she ran back to the greenhouse. Dacian stayed with her. Asima and the others didn’t follow.

Panting, she stopped at the greenhouse door, and when Wade swung it open she hurried inside.

“Well, hello, beautiful lady. Did anyone ever tell you that you’re as lovely as a rainbow trout?”

“Not now, Wade. I have to save Vince.” Somewhere in the back of her mind she made note of Wade’s strange compliment, but then pushed it aside.

Dacian remained silent as she worked over Vince. Finally, she straightened. “He’ll survive. I’m leaving him here because of the controlled temperature and humidity. I’ll guard the greenhouse tonight.” And God help the person who tried to stop her.

“At least come back into the castle long enough to grab something to eat. Besides, everyone’s meeting so Asima can tell her story. You’ll want to be there.” Dacian looked anxious to be gone.

Cinn stared at Wade. He stared back at her with adoration shining in his demon’s eyes. She sucked in her breath. That was right, Wade was a demon. And he’d seemed so normal. If he could be nonhuman, then anyone could. But at least he’d have the power to defend her greenhouse.

“Fine.” She looked at Wade. “I appreciate you giving up so much of your time today. I owe you.”

“No problem, ma’am. You know, I’d trade my favorite Shimano CTE 200 DC reel with the computer chip in it for a night out with you.”

Oh, boy. Cinn glanced at Dacian. Dacian didn’t look amused. Well, she thought Wade was sweet. Strange, but sweet.