I wasn’t expecting Dakota to make breakfast this morning.
I wasn’t going to complain either.
Este has gotten to the point where she insists on not eating in her high chair. My little girl is growing up.
Caleb is still gone. I got one text late last night – he’s in Del Sol Valley with Lilith, still looking for Inna.
Dakota and I talked about his family while we ate our breakfast. Slade is growing like a weed too from the pictures he showed me.
Sometimes, in moments like those, it hits me. If I had made different choices, my life might more simple now. But Este wouldn’t be who she is and I would have missed out on my life with Caleb. Even though I’m a bit upset with him right now, I love him and I know he loves me.
After breakfast, Dakota headed back to Brindelton Bay. I spent the rest of my day taking care of Este and the pets. Cleaning.
Cutting my hair.
Lucky approves anyway. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go into the clinic and see if Rashidah can watch Este. It’ll keep me busy.
After Dominic and Ellie left, I laid Este down for a nap. I was restless but not in the mindset to to try to go into the vet clinic. So I redecorated the foyer a bit.
And cleaned up a mess in the spare bathroom -after I got Lucky to stop rolling in it that is. It was a good distraction. The day went on as normal but not normal. Caleb texted me that he and Lilith are safe. It did little to ease my nerves.
I turned to yoga after Este went to bed – until there was a knock at my front door. The moment I saw him it all came out.
“Caleb’s gone. He’s off chasing Inna Cents across who knows where. I checked her social media and she’s been silent for days. I tried to find out where she lives but apparently she’s really secretive about it. What if something happens? What if he doesn’t come back?” I asked. I barely took a breath during my whole rambling.
Dakota hugged me tightly. Next to Caleb walking through the front door, it’s the thing I needed most.
“It’ll be okay. Caleb is crafty and infuriatingly hard to kill. Plus he has Lilith with him.” Dakota whispered to me.
It hit me. Caleb had asked Dakota to check on me and knowing Dakota, he wouldn’t hesitate in agreeing to. We had a small discussion about that fact before I invited Dakota to spend the night, given the fact that it was pretty late when he arrived and we do have a spare bedroom. I gave him some clothes of Caleb’s to wear – Dakota was so thrilled over that, ha.
We decided to watch movies together like we used to do years ago. It actually has made me feel a bit better having Dakota here.
“This movie doesn’t make sense. If Grandpa Joe has been in bed all this time, how the heck can he jump up and start dancing?” Dakota asked me, confused.
“Don’t use logic, just enjoy it.” I told him. We had found the old Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie on TV.
Dakota called me after I got both toddlers down for a nap, wanting to know if he could stop by. I immediately said yes. We haven't gotten to visit in months.
"Not that I'm not glad to see you but you're kind of far from Brindleton Bay." I commented, after we sat down in the living room.
"I had a work related thing here. Basically we listened to a retired officer talk about...I kind of can't remember, to be honest. But I had to attend." Dakota explained, shrugging his shoulders.
I nodded my head and gazed over at him with narrowed eyes briefly.
"What?" Dakota asked me, raising an eyebrow.
"Why didn't you tell Jillian her family lives in my old house?" I asked him. I wasn't offended by any means but it just seemed out of character for him not be honest about it.
"I mean...it is kind of awkward they do since we did certain adult things in that house." Dakota told me, awkwardly.
I laughed. "We did the deed, yes. In multiple rooms if I remember correctly."
Dakota looked around like he was looking for Caleb to jump out and start a fight with him. They did use to fight a lot. Almost every time they crossed each other's path years ago.
"Caleb isn't here." I cleared up for him. "I feel like there's more to it." I said, directing us back to the topic we were discussing.
"I guess I was worried. Worried that she'd do one of those ultimatums where I'd have to stop being friends with you in order to stay with her and I was also still kind of hurt she didn't tell me about James' visit." Dakota admitted.
I sighed and patted his shoulder briefly. "I don't think Jillian would do that, first of all. She doesn't seem like the type and second trying to hurt her for hurting you...Dakota that isn't the way to do things."
"I know, you're right. I can't change it now. I apologized and all I can do is try to do better." Dakota said before standing up from the couch. We both heard the name "Vewa!" come through on the baby monitor. Ellie was up again. She doesn't sleep well at times. To my surprise, Dakota went downstairs with me to check on her and helped get her back to sleep.
Since Tucker seemed to have a eye on things in the house, I grabbed a baby monitor and slipped outside with Dakota for some fresh air. The night was cool and crisp but beautiful.
We looked at the stars and talked about old times.
"Do you remember the time you said." I cleared my throat and lowered my pitch "You look pretty, I guess."
Dakota laughed loudly "Yeah! We were going out to eat with Joey and you insulted me with -" he batted his eyelashes and did his best girly voice, which sounded nothing like me "“You don’t look bad yourself, Aladdin. Nice vest.”
Sometimes catching up with a good friend is much needed.
Caleb is out of town today, taking care of some vampire business for his sister since she's dealing with a lot at the moment, personally. I stayed home with Este and we had some very handsome visitors.
It's been a while since I've seen Slade, he's grown a lot. Dakota said the same about Este. Holding Slade made me kind of miss having an infant. Maybe someday....
Este and Slade seemed to get along pretty well. Este kept babbling at him about "pupeez and kittwees" and Slade seemed to eat it up.
Once the little ones were laid down for a nap, Dakota and I hung out in the dining room, reminiscing about our past.
"There's the time you told me I actually look pretty when we were getting ready to go to the bar with Joey." I reminded him, laughing.
Dakota groaned "You did look pretty. Still do. I just...was trying not to like you."
I grinned at him "No biggie, I had a great comeback at your expense anyway. Calling you Aladdin because of that weird vest you had on."
"I'd like to think my fashion sense and my game has improved since then." Dakota commented, finally looking at me, amused. "In fact I know it has, I got to bed two gorgeous redheads since then."
"Pig." I declared with a laugh.
Soon the laughter died and I sat there, studying him. He looked worried.
I folded my hands and waited for him to speak. Dakota sighed heavily. "Jillian hasn't wanted to talk about the fact that Jackson was hunting her. He would have killed her if...whoever it was didn't stop him."
I nodded a bit. I had gotten bits and pieces out of what Caleb had told me and now this. "She's probably not ready to talk about it. As someone who has been targeted by a vampire before, it messes with your head a bit." I commented, recalling when Asa tried to take a bite out of my neck years ago.
"I'm just worried she might try to bottle it up and let it fester. That she may even feel a bit of guilt in some way because if she hadn't been there, Jackson couldn't have hunted her." Dakota confided in me.
"That is possible. All you can do is let her know you're there for her. She'll talk when she's ready." I tried to assure Dakota.
I took him for a walk around the property before placing a call to Rashidah to watch Este and Slade for a little bit.
I showed Dakota my little lake I found nearby. It's not the ocean but it's close. We swam and had a good time. Truth be told, I was trying to get him to relax a bit and I won't lie, it's nice to get to hang out with him. Even though we didn't end up together, I still consider Dakota a close friend. A small part of me will always love him. I also care about Jillian and hope she's able process what happened and move forward.
Dakota popped in today to put in place the protection spell for whenever the baby decides to arrive. I’ve decided on a home birth, figuring it would be a better idea than a hospital given all the circumstances. Plus, Mom gave birth to myself and Apollo at home. I’d like to follow in her footsteps.
He had to get the blood of those who would be on the property. His, mine, Caleb’s, Lilith’s, Annalise’s and Lilith’s – for the protection spell. As much as I would love to have Apollo and Aubree there, it may place them in danger. They both agreed to stay away and meet the baby after he or she is born.
I invited him to stay for lunch, I thought it was only right and it allowed us to catch up with each other. Naturally, even though he had done the spell himself – he was worried. We all are a bit worried.
“Even if James does manage to get through the spell, I’ll be stationed out back. Lilith will be at the front and the right sides of the property due to her speed and Lily will be at the left side of the property. I doubt he’ll except us to have a werewolf here.” Dakota paused, it really is a good thing Lily offered her help. “Annalise will be with you, along with Caleb of course.”
I gave Dakota hug. “I hope you know how much your help means to us, Dakota. Thank you so much.”
“Yes, Dakota. Thank you.” Caleb said sincerely, though he seemed to not want to watch me hug Dakota.
Dakota hugged me back before releasing me carefully. “I still would do just about anything for you, Vera.”
I nodded a bit at what he said, glancing at Caleb who actually didn’t look mad at the comment. I looked back at Dakota who was looking at me with a small smile before his phone rang. “It’s Jillian, I’ll see myself out.”
I was sitting quietly in the nursery, knitting another onsie, when a small flash of light engulfed the room briefly. A normal person might pee themselves or go into labor, but I’m used to people suddenly appearing thanks to my husband.
This time it was Dakota.
“I promise I texted you first.” Was the first thing out of his mouth.
“I left my phone in the bedroom.” I responded, which is kind of irresponsible of me in a way. Even though I’m not due until next month, babies can come early. I guess I rely on the fact that Caleb is a vampire with superhuman speed too much at times.
Dakota accompanies me on a walk, well he walked, I waddled. He did well not walking too fast for me. We catch up a bit, including him telling me he just learned the transportalate spell he used to poof into my house with, just a few days ago. Then he starts a serious conversation.
“You told me once that you’re able to summon the island spirits of Sulani.”
“I can, it’s part of being a mermaid…though not all of us can do it. I was born with the ability. My Dad said I’m a child of the islands.” I explained, I really do miss Sulani at times. One of the main reasons why once the baby is born and it’s safe to travel, I plan to spend some time with my family there.
“Do you think Apollo can do it?” Dakota asks me seriously.
“Maybe? I’m honestly not sure.” I told him softly, I had a feeling it had to do with Thad, which Dakota confirmed for me.
Dakota nodded a bit. “If Apollo can, I want to ask the island spirits if they know anything about my father. I know he isn’t a mermaid or anything but he is a warlock. They’re all part of the magic realm in a way.”
“I’ll let Apollo know you’re coming.”
Dakota hugged me carefully before stepping back and disappearing into the night with a wave of his wand. I just hope his trip is fruitful.
