Scorched Ice (Fire and Ice #3)(77)

“Put me down,” she whispered to him. “I can’t appear weak in front of them.”

“They just watched you crawl out of an inferno, on fire. I don’t think weak is a term they will ever associate with you.”

“I’d still prefer to be on my feet while you speak with them.”

“As you wish.” He set her down but kept his arm around her waist as they waited for everyone to arrive.

The vampires milled about the clearing, going through some of the vehicles as they prepared to leave here as soon as possible. When the last of the vampires joined them, Julian stepped forward, drawing everyone’s attention to him.

“We’re done here,” Julian said. “The biggest enemy all of us ever had is no longer a threat to us. With your help, Hunters, Guardians, and vampires all can look forward to a future of relative peace while we all work together.

“If you want to meet again, we will do so in Oregon in three months. If you’d prefer not to meet there, you don’t have to. No matter what you choose, if you help to spread the word about what we’re doing and what is going on, it will benefit us all. Remember, we know who you are now, follow the new laws and you’ll remain protected and alive; kill an innocent and you’ll be hunted to the ends of the earth.”

Their gazes went to Quinn before they all nodded. Quinn watched as most of them turned away, eager to get to their vehicles and away from here before the sun rose, or humans arrived to put out the fires. Vern, Prue, Carla, and Hadie remained behind to speak with them.

“Do you need a ride?” Julian asked them.

“We lost over a dozen vamps back there when those mines went off,” Hadie said and turned to point at a yellow Camaro parked by three other vehicles. “That’s the only one I can find the keys for so we can use that.”

“For now,” Vern muttered as he stared at the vehicle in disgust.

Quinn had no idea how he was going to fit into the sports car. She had a feeling he might have to rip out the front seat in order to do so.

“After tonight, I don’t think any vampires who were here are going to risk crossing the line by killing someone. They’ll also spread the word about what they witnessed. They truly believe you are our savior,” Vern said to her.

Quinn repressed a shudder at those words, but if it worked to finally give her and Julian a life of peace, she wouldn’t try to change their minds.

“Things will be different now, with all of us working together,” Prue said.

She stepped forward and took hold of Quinn’s hand. Quinn managed to stop herself from jumping at the contact with a woman who had mostly retained her distance. Julian stepped closer, but he made no move to push Prue away from her.

“Even if you don’t see yourself as the savior, even if you don’t want it for yourself, you are helping to make things better for all of us,” Prue continued. “It is a good thing.”

“Thank you,” Quinn said and squeezed her hand.

“We’ll see you soon,” Hadie said. She gave a brisk wave before turning and heading toward the Camaro.

“See you soon, Boss,” Vern said to Julian. “Little one,” he said with a nod to her.

“Thank you,” Carla said to Julian before turning and hurrying after them.

“I don’t think you’re going to fit,” Prue told Vern while they walked toward the car.

“Neither do I,” he agreed.

Vern opened the driver’s door and poked his head in. He muttered something before leaning in and tearing out the front seat. Quinn chuckled when he tossed it carelessly aside and climbed in to sit in the back. He leaned forward to close the door. Prue climbed into the back with him while Carla and Hadie managed to cram themselves into the front.

“That’s what I thought he’d have to do,” she said as Vern started the Camaro and pulled onto the road.

“Apparently he’s seen Police Academy,” Julian said.

“You watch way too many old movies,” Chris told him.

“Police Academy is not old.”

“I suppose not, to someone of your vast years,” Chris replied. “But the rest of us weren’t even alive when it came out.”

“Speak for yourself,” Luther said.

“Okay, Luther was alive,” Chris said.

“I think that instead of standing around debating old movies, we’d be better off getting out of here before the fire department arrives,” Melissa said.

“It’s not old,” Julian insisted.

“No, it’s not old, but she’s right,” Luther said and turned to walked toward the RV. “Let’s get out of here.”

“I’ve had more than enough of this place and these people,” Lou said.

“And now we never have to worry about them again,” Dani said as she walked beside Lou to the RV.

“Where to now?” Chris asked Julian.

“Quinn would like to visit Cassie and Devon for a bit,” Julian replied. “Meet the kids.”

“I like that plan,” Chris said. “I miss those kids.”

“Me too,” Melissa said.

Melissa turned to walk back to the RV before suddenly spinning back around. Chris took a startled step back when Melissa clasped his cheeks and rose on her toes to kiss him soundly on the lips. Chris froze, his palms facing out at his sides while his eyes bugged from his head. He looked as awkward as if he were naked in front of a roomful of people.