After Deacon and Declan finished washing up, they stood in silence for a moment before a set of headlights signaled the arrival of the cleanup team. Declan gave a short nod to the driver. Deacon met his brother’s gaze. They didn’t need to speak. The cleaner would do what they were paid for.
Deacon stepped back into the house, Luna pressing close to his leg as he walked upstairs. The cats—Star and Swoop—darted down the hall and into the bedroom where Angel waited.
When he entered, he found Angel sitting upright on the bed, her arms protectively around the two kittens, who hissed softly at the door before quieting at the sight of Deacon. Luna hesitated at the doorway, then lay just inside, her eyes still wary.
Deacon stepped further into the room, eyes on Angel. Her face was pale, but her
