Then he took her to her friend and found her father and Jabber and took them to Moose too.

It ended up being after training when they officially numbered the living rooms.

There were twelve.

* * * * *

Yuri

Yuri was annoyed, and thus, he didn’t speak.

“Yuri?” his father on the other end of the phone called. “Did you hear me? I want you to report in the minute you secure the implements.”

But Gregor didn’t want Yuri to report in the minute the implements were secured. He simply wanted him to report in.

“I’m not one hundred anymore, Father,” he replied drily.

“I’m aware of that,” his father returned even more drily.

“I’ve got a coven of thirteen witches who Aurora has shared are quite powerful at my back,” Yuri reminded him of something he’d told him but moments before. “However, as per their plan, which they’re quite adamant I follow, they are the ones who are in the most danger.”

And this was true, as Barb had told him, and he believed her.

Which meant Yuri was concerned.

He might not be Barb’s favorite being, but he had to admit, he held some regard for her if only for the fact she adored her daughter.

Though, it was more.

She might not like him, but he couldn’t help but have some affinity for her, considering she was not only Aurora’s mother, she was also taking her life in her hands to assist with this mission. Not to mention the fact she could be quite amusing when she wasn’t being irritating.

But the truth of the matter was, Yuri was mostly concerned about Aurora.

He’d learned she was only twenty-seven years old. She was brave. She had what she referred to as “juice,” something he’d witnessed repeatedly, and she was far from stupid. However, if something happened, this would affect Yuri’s future plans of fucking her, which he was very much looking forward to.

But it wasn’t only that.

If something happened, it would mean a world without the witch Aurora living in it, and Yuri didn’t like the thought of that at all.

It was Gregor’s turn to be silent.

“It’ll all be fine,” Yuri told him.

“After this is over, I’d like to meet this Aurora,” Gregor stated, and Yuri sighed.

It was rare when he envied humans. However, this was a time when he did.

His father had had centuries to get to know him and could likely correctly predict any move Yuri made before he made it. More, Gregor could read into subtleties no human parent had enough time or experience to read.

This meant that Yuri had not shared Aurora’s pull on him, but his father had read it.

“There’s a great deal to do before such a meeting can occur, not only securing the implements, but also in locating Abel’s brother,” Yuri reminded him.

“Of course,” Gregor muttered just as a knock came at the door.