Quin found Layla's eyes then returned his gaze to Caitrin. “That's fine. The sooner they know, the sooner we can relax when we're home.”
“Will they be able to stay a while?” Layla asked. “I haven't seen all of them since Friday.”
Everyone smiled as Caitrin answered. “They'll stay for dinner.”
“Good. I miss them.”
“They miss you, too, sweetie,” Morrigan assured.
Quin's coffee was half gone, and he itched for his naked angel. “Have you made any other plans?” he asked, watching her lips part around the brim of her mug.
Kemble laughed again, tearing his gaze from Quin’s aura so he could pull Cordelia onto his lap; and the other mates reached for each other as Caitrin answered the question. “We've found a few possible locations to test your magic. We hope to settle on one by tomorrow afternoon.”
“We've also brainstormed ways to stall Agro,” Serafin added. “We want him to wait as long as possible before making his move, but there isn’t much we can do. The fact that we've moved some of our members out of the community is the best leverage we have, so we've told the locals to be honest about our family staying elsewhere should someone approach them for information. If we can keep Agro believing we're expecting him, maybe he'll give it more time before moving in. There’s no guarantee, though, so be prepared to flee if he comes.”
Layla straightened and scowled at her grandpa. “No.”
Then Quin scowled at her. “What do you mean no?”
“He'll kill them, Quin. I'm not leaving while everyone else stays and dies. I already told you that.”
“You haven't learned to protect yourself, Layla. If he shows up tomorrow and we walk onto that lawn, we’ll die. We need a plan and some help before facing him.”
“If we don't walk onto that lawn, everyone else will die. Then where would we be? Stuck with no help, that's where.” She gulped the rest of her coffee and sent the mug to the table. “I understand we need a plan before facing him, but we need a contingency plan in case he shows up before we’re ready, because I'm not leaving this community and hiding unless everyone goes with me.”
Quin grimaced at her then turned to Caitrin. “Do you know where he's camped?”
“We have a general idea,” Caitrin answered.
“We need someone watching him,” Quin insisted. “I know it sounds dangerous, sending one of our own to spy, but if Layla or I cast our concealment spells on them, they could fly right over the Unforgivables' camp without being noticed.”
“Yes, I suppose you're right.”
Layla twisted and looked at Quin. “If it's that easy, why don't I just conceal myself and go cut his throat in his sleep?”
Everyone gasped as Quin's face drained of color. “I don't like hearing you talk that way, Layla.”
“Well I'm not going to apologize. I know it sounds cruel and a little shady, but he's wreaked havoc on my life, and I'm tired of it.” Her jaw flexed as her eyes narrowed. “You feel the same way.”
“Of course I do. I wouldn't hesitate to cut Agro's throat, but I don't like hearing my angel talk that way. I’d do anything to keep his blood from staining your hands.” He took a calming breath. Then he swept his fingertips across her heart. “Besides, it would be impossible. Our concealment spells would keep the Unforgivables from seeing us fly over their camp, but if we moved closer the spells would break. They set magic around their settlement to keep people from entering undetected.”
“Oh.” Her shoulders sagged as her chest deflated. “Why didn't you just say that in the first place?”
Quin sighed as he softly tugged on her pucker. Then he looked at Caitrin. “If we have someone watching him, we can empty the community before he gets here. That way no one will have to face him until we're ready.”
Layla perked up. “I like that idea… as long as the spy stays safe.”
“It's better than walking out to an execution,” Caitrin agreed. “We'll speak with the coven and ask for volunteers. In the meantime, you are leaving if he shows up.”
“No,” Layla refused.
“Layla...”
“No,” she interrupted. “I'm being forced to face him with you beside me, so it's only fair you’re forced to face him with me beside you.”
Quin closed his eyes and tilted his head back. “Do we still have guards watching the community?”
“Yes,” Caitrin answered.
“How long is the warning time?”
“A little over a minute.”
Quin raised his head and opened his eyes. “A minute isn't long enough to get everyone out of the community, but we might be able to move away from the lawn. Then Layla and I can conceal everyone before going any further.” He reached up, taking Layla's chin and forcing her to meet his stare. “If Agro manages to locate us before we finish setting the spells, it's every man for himself and we flee. All of us. No one stays to face him. We'll conceal the slowest fliers first to give them a better chance, but that means no waiting for them.”