I’ve always wanted to visit Rome. I thought of Brandon and I taking in the ancient sights together, maybe jetting over to Venice, spending the night in Paris.... Okay, different country, but much closer to Rome than Shenandoah, Iowa. Never would I have imagined I’d be visiting only to retrieve my boyfriend after a portal sucked him up in West Virginia and spit him out on another continent.
We rode to the Roman team’s headquarters in one of their SUVs, and it was a tight fit, even though Cale volunteered to stay at the airport with Dr. Stewart. It was basically silent, except for Ashley sniffling every once in a while. I tried to focus my attention out the window. I was still angry at her. And Tara was driving me crazy with all of her giggles. She was actually not riding next to me, which would’ve been strange if I hadn’t purposely waited until she picked a row and then got in another one.
The view out the window was amazing, even if I was completely distracted. Brandon’s surgery was over, and he’d tried to talk to me a few times, but he wasn’t making much sense, so I told him to rest, and I’d see him soon. It was difficult to concentrate on the beautiful architecture we were driving past when I was in such a rush to get to him.
We should’ve been getting another message from the guys still in the portal in an hour or so. It was really hard for me to keep track of what time it was back home, what time the portal should open, even with my timer. I kept checking my phone to make sure I was thinking about it the right way. Christian had mentioned he thought we might not get a signal the next couple of times the thing opened, which I hoped was wrong not just because I want Christian to be wrong, but because we needed to make sure those demon hunters they’d mentioned last time hadn’t harmed anyone. I was thankful Jamie was in there to keep them all safe, but he’s not invincible. The way Cadence was chewing on her lip told me she was thinking the same way.
Christian pulled into a parking spot near headquarters, which was located in downtown Rome. The building was pretty amazing—made of limestone with scrolls and carvings. I couldn’t imagine working in a place like this every day. I wondered where they all lived and figured it must be in an apartment building nearby because this building didn’t look big enough to house them all, too.
I followed the group inside, my nerves starting to gnaw at my stomach. Amanda came up behind me and put her arm around me, and I could tell she was anxious, too. I was excited to see Brandon again, but I didn’t know what state he would be in. I was sure his leg was probably all better since he’d had surgery and been healed, but he had been through so much, and there wasn’t any guarantee the experience hadn’t changed him.
We were greeted in the entryway by an older woman, a human, I believe, with a thick Italian accent. She looked like she belonged on the label of a pasta sauce jar. “Welcome!” she exclaimed, hugging and kissing each of us on the cheek whether we wanted it or not. It was a little annoying but also kind of sweet.
“I’m Nessa,” she explained once we were all thoroughly covered in her lipstick. “Lex and Gia might be the Leaders, but I run this show.” She laughed heartily and slapped her thigh. “They are expecting you.” She gestured widely with her arm and then led us down a hallway while we all helped each other wipe away the red residue from our cheeks.
Lex is pretty hot. He looked up from the papers he was studying, and I heard Aurora gasp behind me. I wanted to elbow her, as this was not the time, but I could see her point.
“Ah, Cadence. It’s nice to see you.” He came over and hugged my sister, who stood there like a tree and took it. At least he didn’t kiss her cheek.
“It’s nice to finally be here. This is my sister, Cassidy.”
“Yes, our little mind reader. Welcome.” He hugged me, too, and I thought for a moment Aurora might wet her pants.
“Thanks. It’s nice to be here. Thank you for everything you did to help Brandon and the others.”
“My pleasure, please. Glad to have been of service.” I caught his drift that they didn’t have a lot to do around here. “Christian, glad to see you again!” He shook the traitor’s hand. I wasn’t surprised he knew Christian. It seems like everyone does.
“This is Tara, Ashley, you probably know Hannah, and Aurora.” Lex did know Hannah. He shook everyone else’s hands before my sister said, “And Brandon’s mom, Amanda.”
“Very nice to meet you. Your son is a tough guy.”
We both snickered at that. Not that I disagreed, but he had thrown up all over himself not long ago. She thanked him, and Lex introduced us to the other Italian team members who were sitting in his office. The Hunter Leader, Gia, came over to shake our hands. She’s tall, with short hair, and when she touched my hand, I knew immediately she was a Healer.
“We were just going over the logistics from the encounter at the Colosseum. We can speak about that later, though. I’m sure you want to see your teammates.” Lex rested his hands on his hips.
“Very much so,” Cadence confirmed. We all moved aside to let Lex and Gia out into the hallway, and they led us toward the elevators.
“Brandon had surgery on his leg,” he explained for those who may not have known that already. “I called in an actual surgeon who has worked with us before. I do not have a Healer who is also a medical doctor, unfortunately.” He pressed the button to call the elevator.