“What?” Weylin blurted.
Catigern looked at him. “If we get enough volunteers here with personal vendettas against Agro, there's no need to pull innocents into the battle.”
“Hear, hear,” Layla and Quin agreed.
“But like Caitrin said,” Catigern went on, “we'll need to keep a constant eye on our company while providing them with daily comforts. We could also use help sniffing out any rats, and it wouldn’t hurt to add more brainpower to our battle plans.”
“And if they want to fight?” Weylin countered.
“It's not their fight,” Quin returned.
Weylin scooted to the edge of his chair and intently met Quin’s stare. “If this family dies, it becomes their fight, so either the circle of revenge continues, or we band together to take the bastard down.”
“Then you’ll have the choice to do so,” Catigern cut in. “As will your family.”
Quin sadly shook his head as his stomach churned, and Catigern quietly cleared his throat before going on. “They're a smart group of magicians, Quinlan. They'll do what's right for their family, just as we're doing what's right for ours.”
“Then it's settled,” Weylin approved, getting to his feet and finding Layla. “When do you want to meet them, gorgeous? We can't just tell them about you. They'll never believe us. You and Quin are going to have to shove it in their faces.”
“Whenever,” Layla mumbled, laying her head on Quin’s shoulder.
He kissed her forehead then looked at Weylin. “Find out when you can get everyone together then let us know. We'll come to you.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Weylin agreed, rubbing his hands together as he winked at Layla. “I know you're uncomfortable with it, but I can't wait to see my family’s expressions when their eyes behold a true angel. Trust me, it's going to be fun, and aside from their stares, which, let's face it, would be hard to contain, they'll be sure to treat you right, so try not to worry.”
Layla smirked and raised an eyebrow. “I have to tell you, Wey, your coven's reaction to me isn't too high on my list of concerns.”
“Good. It shouldn't be.” He looked at his timepiece. Then found Kegan. “I need to go. You coming?”
Kegan nodded then looked at Brietta, who was staring at him with big, multicolored, doe-eyes and a sad pucker. Kegan laughed as he kissed her pout. Then he turned back to Weylin. “Go ahead. I'll be home in the morning.”
Brietta grinned and laid her cheek on Kegan's bicep, and Weylin offered everyone a wave. “Thanks for dinner. See you guys tomorrow.”
Everyone else leisurely got to their feet. Then most of them began saying goodbye. The five guests were given the choice of remaining in the community or going to Karena's inn, and they all chose to stay, so they were filled in on the contingency plan should the Unforgivables show up.
Drystan would soon be relieving Lann of his position over the Unforgivables' settlement, so he was saying goodbye to his wife and kids, and another six wizards were taking up border patrol for the night.
Layla and Quin hung around, concealing Drystan and saying their farewells; and when the lawn finally settled down, Layla glanced between her grandparents and Quin, struggling with an internal battle. It was fairly early, and while her first impulse was to grab Quin and retreat to their bubble, she wished she could spend more time with her grandparents. They were constantly stealing glimpses of her, and despite their endless understanding, it had to upset them to sacrifice this time with her so she could be alone with Quin.
She found his attentive eyes and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Hey.”
“Are you finally going to tell me what you’re scheming on?” he asked, taking her cheeks.
She smiled as her heart swelled. “You could tell, huh?”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn't you ask?”
“I assumed you’d tell me when you were ready. So what's on your mind?”
“My grandparents.”
“Ahh... What else?”
“You.”
He leaned in for a sweet kiss. “I love that.”
“I know you do.”
“So what do you want to do?”
“Lots of things, all of them with you by my side.” She grinned and raised her eyebrows. “Or in front of me, or behind me, or beneath me... I'm sure you get my point.”
“I do,” he laughed, “and I think it's the most arousing point I've ever heard. But I get the feeling I need to rein myself in for a while.”
She bit her lip as she nodded. “I was thinking it would be nice to invite my grandparents over to look at those pictures and home movies. It feels like time is running out, and I hate the thought of them not getting to see them. They got so excited when I mentioned it.”