Covet (Clann)

“She’s such a good protector. And a great little friend to have around, too. I’ve gotta admit, I’m going to miss her company. But at least I can always come for a visit with both my girls, right?”
    “Right.” I tried to imagine that furry thing in my house. It would probably either claim the underside of the couch as its own, biting the ankles of all who passed by, or else it would wait under my bed like an assassin, waiting for me to enter my bedroom unsuspecting.
    Of course, there was always that face-eating option when I was asleep and at my most vulnerable, too.
    “So whose idea was it?” I asked.
    “Your father’s. He called me a couple of days ago and asked if I could pick out a toy-size dog for you. He let me choose the breed and everything!”
    Dad had suggested they get me a dog? That must mean vamps didn’t terrify all dogs. Just this one. Either that, or there was something else specifically about me that it hated.
    “You should hold out a hand, let her get used to your smell,” Mom said.
    Everything inside me said, Oh heck no!
    “Go on,” Mom said.
    Holding my breath, I slowly inched a hand out toward them, Mom all encouraging smiles, the dog all bared teeth and eyes full of don’t you dare. When my hand was inches away, the dog tried to lunge out of Mom’s arms and bite me. Only my vamp reflexes saved me from losing who knew how many fingers.
    Holy crap.
    Mom frowned and tapped the dog’s nose with her finger, which I guessed passed for punishment. “Lucy, no! You have to be nice to your new mommy so she’ll love you.”
    “Er, Mom, I was thinking…I’m so busy with homework and Charmers and tai chi training, I wouldn’t really have time for a pet right now. I mean, she’s cute and all…” The demon dog growled louder. “But she’d be alone most of the time. Maybe you could keep her for me, just for a while till my schedule settles down?”
    “Oh, sort of like Grandma babysitting her grandbaby?” Mom looked down at the furball and crooned, “Would you like to stay with your meemaw? Would you?” It licked the end of her nose several times, and I tried not to barf. “You would, wouldn’t you? Aww, Lucy loves her meemaw!” Mom raised her head, all smiles. “I think that’s a great idea! She can keep me company, and the minute you’re ready for her, you just give me a call and we’ll be here in a flash.”
    Right. Don’t hold your breath for that one. “Thanks, Mom.” I started to lean forward and hug her, nearly forgetting the demon dog. It snapped a reminder at me, and I darted back.
    She put the dog in her bedroom again so we could talk in relative peace, though it kept yapping from behind the closed door. We talked for an hour, getting caught up on Mom’s work gossip and what little news I could pass on about Anne and Ron’s breakup, which Mom had been following like a soap opera via updates from me every time she called.
    “That Ron Abernathy boy…he’s a good friend to you?” she asked oh-so-casually.
    Misunderstanding her tone, I laughed. “I have no interest in dating Anne’s ex. He and I are friends and study buddies for chem and English lit, but that’s all.”
    “Ah. So you’re pretty good friends then.”
    I shrugged. “Mostly we talk about homework and chem labs and Anne. He’s still in love with her, I think. And she’s definitely still hung up on him, though she’d rather die than admit it. I’m hoping they’ll get back together eventually.”
    “Well, he’s a pretty good friend for you to have around.” Her tone was all approval. “I’m glad you reached out to him.”
    Whatever. I still wasn’t going to date him, no matter how much Mom not-so-subtly nudged me in that direction.
    When it got late, I reluctantly hugged Mom goodbye, thanked her for “watching my gift,” then headed back into the house. Gowin had left. I found Dad alone in the kitchen taking down the decorations.
    I jumped in to help, and he tried to wave me off. “It is a school night. You should get some rest.”
    “It’s not that late. And the least I can do is help the host clean up after my surprise party. Thanks for throwing it, by the way.”
    He nodded and smiled. “I am glad I could finally be a part of your birthday party celebrations. So how did you like your surprise gift?”
    Knowing he expected the truth and wouldn’t get offended, I didn’t hesitate to answer. “Oh lord. Dad, that thing is a demon dog. It hates me!” Hastily I added,