children. Five boys and two girls.” She patted his shoulder. “Don’t look so horrified Robert, we won’t ask you to babysit.”
“I’d rather face every circle of the darkest realms than spend an evening taking care of children.” Disgust filled his voice. “What on earth made you do it?” He was curious why they would want children around. Weren’t two enough? He hoped Colin had bargained with the Fae to ward Ravensmore or they might as well hang out a flashing ‘OPEN’ neon sign for the hungry goblins and Day Walkers.
“For a big bad scary pirate, you sure are afraid of little humans.”
“Wait a minute; did I hear ‘starting with seven’? Is Ravensmore turning into some kind of foster home?”
“Don’t look so terrified.” She set her tea on the table, shoulders shaking from laughing so hard. Wiping her eyes, Emily looked at him, a light seeming to radiate from within, making her seem ethereal like some avenging angel swooping down to protect the little munchkins. “Your hearing is fine. This past year things have gone downhill so quickly. We have a huge home and wanted to help as many as we can so we’re going to fill Ravensmore to the rafters.”
Watching her, Robert was happy for Colin. He’d found someone to love who loved him back just as fiercely. Emily paused, leaning over to check on the babe before turning her attention back to him and her news.
“The Day Walkers have to be behind the missing persons abductions but why would they prey on children? There’s no punishment harsh enough for those to prey on helpless animals and children.”
“We agree, Emily. ‘Tis part of the reason I’m here. Monroe’s been looking into the disappearances and claims of Virus. With the influx of new Day Walkers we’ve all had our hands full keeping them from destroying the city. He’ll let us know what he finds.”
The door banged open, startling Colleen who cried out in her sleep before settling down and softly snoring again. “Hell, did I wake her?” Colin asked.
Crossing the room, he clapped Robert on the back as he passed and leaned down to kiss Emily. “Naill is going to be a fearsome warrior, he almost picked up his sword today.” Colin grinned at his child looking like the proud parent.
“Yes, dear.”
“Glad to see you’re in complete control of your household, Highlander.” Robert teased him. Colin grunted in reply as he put his son down to sleep beside his sister.
“What brings you here today?” Colin sat on the sofa close to Emily as he shoved two lemon bars into his mouth. “By the gods, these are amazing.”
“Hey, Meg can make them whenever you want, hands off my cookies, Colin.” Robert mock scowled as Emily playfully swatted Colin’s arm.
Sitting up straight, a serious look etching his face, Robert leaned forward to tell them the latest news. “Aberdeen and Dundee are empty.” Before either of them could interrupt, he held up a hand. “I popped over to take a look around. It’s as if everyone deserted the cities overnight. There are mass graves all over. Full of old folks. No one under eighty. The same as we’ve seen here. This is Dayne’s handiwork. His Day Walkers are out of control preying on humans this openly. He must be paying off the media to keep it quiet. There hasn’t been anything more than the missing persons reports.” Robert stopped speaking as the solar door opened and he jumped up to help Meg with the tray.
“Thought you might be getting hungry so I brought lunch.” The housekeeper fussed about, handing out food and drinks.
Bless the woman she had ale for him and Colin and, of course, a cold Pepsi for Emily. Colin’s wife was southern born and bred, from Charleston, and she adored cold Pepsi. No one else could abide the beverage, but Colin made sure the castle was fully stocked for his woman.
“When the babes wake, ring and I’ll feed them.” Meg told Emily as she left, softly closing the doors behind her.
A thoughtful look on