“She’s really very short on charm!” Jacque hollered just as Sally and Jen yelled, “The Princess Bride!”

"Good one, Doc." Jen grinned at Cynthia.

"Okay, seriously," Sally said, collecting herself. "Peri said the council isn't going to lift a finger to help us out."

Rachel snorted. "That's no surprise."

"What do you mean?" Crina asked.

Rachel leaned forward and set her cup on the table. "The Fae are the most powerful of all the supernaturals and, at one time, they were the disciplinarians of our realm."

"Like the police of the sups?" Jacque asked.

Rachel stared at Jacque blankly.

"Rach, just go with it," Jen encouraged.

"Okay then, yes, like the police," Rachel agreed. "After the purge of the witches they retreated beyond their Veil and have had very little to do with this world. Especially since the absence of healers. So it doesn't surprise me that they don't want to get involved. They live in peace, safe in their world."

"Yeah, well, what happens when this world is brought to its knees and the death and destruction brought on by Mona comes knocking on their door?" Sally asked. "What is Peri going to do?"

"She hasn't really come out and said it in so many words, but I think Elle and Adam are going to be helping out again." Sally noticed Crina's shoulders stiffen when she mentioned the Fae. Maybe she didn't like them, Sally thought.

"Sally mine, we're getting ready to meet." Sally jumped at the sound of Costin's voice and let out a yelp.

Jen jumped up at that. "Bloody hell, Sally. Are you okay?"

Sally blushed. "I forgot to mention something," she muttered.

Jen's head snapped around to Jacque. "I told you she was holding out on us. Didn't I tell you she was holding out on us?"

"Yeah, yeah. You told me.  Now sit down and zip it so we can grill her for information."

"I'm just saying – I knew she was acting weird. But does anyone listen to Jen? Nooooo, of course not. It's not like I'm brilliant or anything."

"Jen."

"What!" Jen snapped.

"Sit it and shut it." Jacque pointed to Jen's seat. "Now," she growled, pinning Sally with her emerald eyes. "Spill it healer."

"Well, I was going to tell you guys last night but then the meeting and Peri and then…" Sally stammered.

"Blah, blah, blah. Sally, get to the point." Jen made an impatient motion with her hand.

"Costin and I can hear each other's thoughts," Sally blurted out.

"Shut up!" Jacque grinned.

"That's what I'm talking about. It all starts with the mind talk and next thing you knowyou're rolling around getting wrapped up in the sheets like a burrito." Jen was up, doing a little dance as she spoke. She stopped when she realized everyone was staring at her. "What?" Her forehead wrinkled.

Crina, Cynthia, and Rachel were shaking their heads with small smiles on their faces. Sally was covering her face in embarrassment and Jacque was rolling her eyes.

"Jen," Jacque started.

Jen held up her hands. "I know, I know. Always with the ‘don't talk about sex, Jen', ‘keep your clothes on, Jen', ‘be a boring square, Jen'."

"Did you hear me, baby?"

Sally jumped again. "Oh, crap, I forgot he spoke to me." She stood and walked away, turning her back on her friends. "Yes, I heard you. Sorry, I was distracted by the girls."

"Hmm, I must not be doing something right if your friends distract you better than I do. Guess I'll have to remedy that." She heard Costin chuckle in her mind and felt warm breath over her neck.

She shivered. "Was that you?"

"Yes, Sally mine, that was me. Now, are you coming to the meeting room or do I need to come and carry you over? Which would be completely fine with me."

Sally giggled. "We are on our way."

"Fine, have it your way. No worries, love. I will find another way to get you in my arms."

Sally was blushing when she walked back over the others.

"Um, Sally, you do realize that we can't hear you talk to him right? You don't have to walk away for privacy like you're on a cell phone."

Sally's blush deepened. "But if I try to talk to him while I'm in front you guys you will tell me that I look constipated."

The room erupted into chuckles.

"Oh, Sally girl, I wouldn't say you look constipated," Jen placated.

"Oh, okay." Sally smiled.

"For all I know you might look like you have gas, or maybe you look like you are in the throes of -"

"Jen!" Jacque cut her off, trying very hard not to laugh. When the others lost their composure Jacque gave in herself.

Sally tried to give them a stern glare, but she was to giddy to be upset. A wide grin spread across her face as she thought about Costin.

"Jennifer, Costin said you all were on your way." Jen hear her mate’s voice.

"We're heading that way. We had girl things to discuss. Tell Costin not to get his tail in a twist, his little healer will be there in a sec."

"Costin isn't the one asking, baby. I'm asking. And what girl things?"

"Oh, well, in that case I won't tell you not to get your tail in a twist because I think your tail stays in a perpetual state of twisted-ness. And none of your business."