CHAPTER 23
When Rachel materialized in their bedroom, she barely had time to release the breath she had been holding and start to take in a new one before being enveloped in Ivy's arms and lifted off her feet, the air squeezed out of her lungs. Fortunately, she had been expecting this and was able to hang in there until Ivy released her and took a step back, smiling sheepishly.
"Sorry."
"Don't worry about it. Are you okay?"
Ivy nodded. "I landed in the bed. I guess we know what you were thinking about. What happened?"
"Newt. She wanted to talk to me."
"About what?"
"For one thing, she says she didn't killed Pierce. Al did."
Ivy arched an eyebrow. "You believe her?"
"She swore it on her daughter's soul, for what that's worth." Rachel shrugged. "I don't know. Newt or Al, I'm not sure it really makes much of a difference. I'm just glad, for the time being at least, I don't have to deal anymore with creatures that sell some people for money and kill others just because they're in a bad mood." She sat down on the bed. "I'm so tired."
"You rest, dear heart." Ivy started to turn away, pausing when a hand grabbed her wrist.
"Stay with me?" Rachel asked. "Please? Just 'til I fall asleep."
Ivy nodded. "Of course." She lay down on the bed and Rachel curled up against her. Once upon a time it would have been impossible for her to be this close to Rachel without her instincts getting the better of her, and one of them would have to run away or risk both of them getting hurt, but she was just so relieved they had finally found a balance. Even if the two of them had never become lovers, finding a way past her bloodlust would have been necessary just to continue their working relationship. "I love you."
Rachel was already half asleep, but mumbled a response. "Love you too."