David made a sound of approval laced with understanding. I flicked my attention from him back to the sign. VAMPIRE CHARMS; LLC. TAMWOOD, JENKS, AND MORGAN. I loved it, and I hadn’t minded paying extra to make it a rush order. Ivy’s eyes had gotten very wide when I pulled her out on the stoop that afternoon to see it. I thought she was going to cry. I’d given her a hug right there on the landing as it was obvious she wanted to give me one but was afraid I’d take it the wrong way. She was my friend, damn it. I could hug her if I wanted.

“I’m hoping it helps stop the rumors about me being dead,” I said, ushering him in. “The paper was really quick to print my obituary, but because I’m not a vamp, they won’t put anything in the risen-again announcements unless I pay for it.”

“Imagine that,” David said. I could hear the laughter in his voice, and I gave him a dry look as he stomped his boots a final time and came in. “You look good for a dead witch.”

“Thanks.”

“Your hair is almost back to normal. How about the rest of you?”

I shut the door, flattered at the sound of concern in his voice. Howard stood in the middle of the sanctuary, his eyes ranging over Ivy’s piano and my desk. “I’m doing okay,” I said. “My stamina is shot, but it’s coming back. My hair, though?” I tucked a curl of reddish-brown hair behind an ear and the soft knit hat my mother had given me that afternoon. “The box said it washes out in five shampoos,” I said sourly. “I’m still waiting.”

Somewhat peeved at the reminder of my hair, I led the way into the kitchen, the two men trailing behind. Actually, my hair was the least of my worries. Yesterday I had found a scar with a familiar circle-and-slash pattern on the arch of my left foot; Newt’s claim of a favor. I owed two demons, but I was alive. I was alive and was no one’s familiar. And finding the mark there had been better than waking up with a big N tattooed on my forehead.

David’s steps faltered as he saw the plates of goodies laid out on the table. Ivy’s workspace had been pushed into a three-by-three-foot section, the rest was full of cookies, fudge, cold cuts, and crackers. “Help yourself,” I said, refusing to get worked up about things currently out of my control. “Do you want to nuke your wine before we go out?” I asked, eating a slice of salami. “I’ve got a pitcher to warm it up in.” I could use my new charm, but it wasn’t reliable, and I was tired of burning my tongue.

The clunk of the wine as it hit the table was loud. “You drink it warm?” David said, sounding appalled as he looked at the microwave.

“Ivy and Kisten do.” Seeing the Were hesitate, I gave the pot of spiced cider on the stove a quick stir. “We can warm up half and put the rest in a snow bank if you want,” I added.