Page 80 of Her Ghostly Embrace
Gia’s face flamed, her chest aching. “I wouldn’t want it to be anyone other than you.”
Aurora tookher home along the scenic route, following the riverwalk and passing a bunch of shops, bars, and restaurants. Of all the places in the world for Gia to have landed, she was liking Shearwater Landing, and this neighborhood in particular. Franco and Marc would have called it run-down, but Gia found it charming.
She and Aurora reached home, the theater looming silently across the street. Gia imagined it open, lights glowing, and the marquee packed with show times.
A light flutter filled her chest.
“Well, look who it is,” a familiar voice said, and Gia suppressed a sigh.
“Viv. You always seem to be lurking nearby.”
The vampire smirked, showing the barest hint of fang. “Happens when you’re neighbors.”
“How’s your application to join the Lockwoods going?” Aurora asked her.
Viv shrugged. “Pending. Figured I’d give the coven a break after yesterday before following up. No rush.”
Gia wondered if vampires were ever in a rush, given theirunending lives. “Thanks for your help, in case I forgot to say it.” The ride into the city was a blur, to say the least.
“Anytime.” Viv swung what appeared to be a gym bag over her shoulder. “See you witches later.” She sauntered away, whistling merrily.
“She’s kind of…” Gia frowned. “Not creepy, but I don’t know…off somehow.”
“Vicious?” Aurora suggested.
“Definitely.” Gia entered the building code, and they headed up the stairs. “Is that a vampire thing?”
“I don’t know many vampires. No one outside the Lockwood Coven other than Viv. Usually, witches and vampires stick to separate covens. The Lockwoods are unique in that way.”
“Does she fit in with the coven?” For the first time, Gia wondered how they decided which new members to accept. Was it like applying for a job or to join an exclusive club?
“I can see Viv fitting in as long as her willingness to shed blood is restricted to helping people, rather than for the sake of it.”
Gia shuddered. “I guess we’ll see.”
Aurora broke into a blinding smile. “Wecertainly will.”
Gia had no idea why Aurora said it like that, or why it seemed to make her so happy, but Gia would take it. Aurora’s smile was the most gorgeous thing she’d ever seen.
They arrived at Gia’s landing and pulled up short. Lilly stood outside the door.
“Lil!” Aurora rushed forward and the two embraced. “How’d you get in here?”
“Viv let me in. I texted,” she added to Gia.
“I left my phone inside.” She hadn’t charged it yesterday, and it had died.
“I figured there was a reason you weren’t answering,but I couldn’t stand sitting around waiting to hear from you. I needed to see you both with my own eyes.”
“No problem.” Gia quickly let them inside.
“We’re having a coven meeting tomorrow,” Lilly said, collapsing on the couch with Aurora. “No pressure to come, but you’re both invited. Oh, and you’re officially in, Aurora.”
Aurora beckoned Gia closer, and she sat on the arm of the couch. Aurora immediately hugged her around the waist. “Glad they didn’t decide I was too much trouble.”
Lilly glared. “Don’t even joke. If the Lockwoods stopped helping people like you, I’d leave. Besides, the elders agree that your link to us brought you to the theater.”
Aurora sat straighter, her arm tightening around Gia. “Really?”
