Lupi 06 - Blood Magic

what?" She shook her head. "Sam was fine. Cool and collected as always."
    "He doesn't allow his emotions to impinge on his mindspeech. That doesn't mean they don't exist. This treaty binds him even more tightly than it does you. How do you suppose the most sovereign race in existence feels about being constrained?"
    Her fingers tapped on her thigh. She frowned off into space.
    They were well back into town and traffic now. He gave her the silence to think through what he'd said for a few more blocks, then said, "This body you need to see. Why did the tip come from a deputy? Is it a county case?"
    "Hmm? Oh. No, but Cody heard about it. He used to be city, plus he's second generation on the job. He's got a lot of friends in the PD still." She grimaced. "More than I do, apparently, since it was him - "
    Her phone sounded. He recognized this ringtone, too - the theme from Alien versus Predator - and knew whom it belonged to.
    Lily frowned at her lap, where the phone still rested. Sighed. And picked it up. "Hello, Mother. Thanks for calling me back."
    "Of course I called you back. You said it was important. He hasn't backed out, has he? Changed his mind?"
    The blank look on Lily's face made Rule grin in spite of everything. "Who?"
    "Rule, of course! Who else would I mean? Is he getting cold feet? Did you have a fight? If so, well, you leave it to me. He and I are supposed to meet tomorrow to discuss the location for the ceremony. I'll make it clear your family expects him to - "
    "No. No, Mother, this isn't about Rule, who is firmly committed to getting married. No cold feet. I understand Grandmother gave you a charm."
    "You called about that? Eh! It's an odd little thing, a little black dangle on a chain. Very shimmery, like an opal, and pretty, but odd. Have you seen it? I never had, not until she gave it to me. Though she didn't precisely give it to me. She told me it was rare and valuable and I was to wear it at all times. Of course she couldn't just give it to me - she had to issue instructions. I'm not sure she considers it mine. You know how your grandmother is. She may think of it as a loan. You are sure Rule isn't going to back out?'
    "I'm sure. When did she give it to you? Or tell you to wear it," Lily added hastily. "When was that?"
    "The day before yesterday, I think. Yes, that's it, because I was about to go to see your Aunt Mequi, but of course your grandmother just dropped by without calling first, so I had to call Mequi and tell her I would be late."
    "Are you wearing the charm now?"
    "Now? I'm wearing my rose dress. You know the one I mean, with the white trim. That necklace would look very odd with this dress."
    "You aren't wearing it."
    "The charm is black, Lily. An odd sort of black, because it has other colors in it, but still, black would not go with my rose dress. Don't worry, though. I've put it up safely. I wouldn't allow anything to happen to one of Grandmother's treasures."
    Lily took a breath, let it out. "It's vital that you wear the charm all the time. There's some - some bad magic stuff going on. Grandmother gave you the charm to protect you. Father and me and the girls are protected because we're related by blood to Grandmother. You aren't."
    "That does not make sense. Your grandmother must be pulling your leg, telling you stories. She tried to tell me something of that sort, too - something about the charm having great magic. But if so, why have I never seen her wear it? If it were a powerful talisman, she would wear it. You are too credulous, Lily. You know how she is."
    "Mother, please, I need you to believe me. Just this once, and even though I can't prove it, I need you to believe that your life could depend on wearing that charm."
    There was a brief silence, then: "You're very serious about this."
    "Completely."
    "Oh, very well. You will have lunch with me on Monday so we can decide about your wedding dress, and I will wear the silly charm. I suppose it will go with something in my wardrobe. I'll have to change clothes, but I'm willing to do that."
    Lily exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Mother. I know this seems odd, but it's extremely important. But, uh, about Monday - "
    "We must make some decisions about your gown, Lily. You can't buy something off the rack. It will have to be ordered, and there will be alterations. All this takes time."
    "Maybe I could do it a week from Monday. I think I could do it then."
    "Then I will begin wearing the charm a week from now."
    "You can't! You