Becoming Magical [2]

C H A P T E R - 3 2

"So, this is where the great Sophie Foster lives," Keefe said as he plopped down on her bed and grabbed Ella from among the pillows. "Wow—you really sleep with this thing? I thought Mer was kidding when she gave it to you when you were recovering."

Sophie snatched Ella away and placed her on the desk chair, wondering why she'd thought it was a good idea to bring Keefe up to her room. The first time she'd had Dex up there had been embarrassing enough.

At least Iggy was happy. He curled up in Keefe's lap, squeak-purring like crazy as Keefe tickled his belly.

"Only you would have a pet imp—and dye it hot pink."

"Actually, the pink is Dex's fault."

Meredith's pet nuage popped up from inside her pocket and made herself comfortable on her shoulder, nuzzling into her neck.

"Ah yes, I forgot about Dex. He comes over a lot, doesn't he?"

"We are best friends. And I've been thinking—"

"Oh good, at least one of us should."

"I'm serious, Keefe. Before I tell you anything, I need you guys to agree to three conditions."

"And those conditions would be?"

"Okay, number one: Anything I tell you can never be repeated, to anyone—ever. Not even Fitz."

"Ooh, I get to solve all the Foster mysteries—awesome!" "That's cool."

She sighed. "Two, I'm the one who makes the decisions—and you guys don't get to argue with them."

"I don't see how that's fair." "Well, I am gonna maybe work around that one."

"I didn't say it was fair. You either agree or you're out."

He grinned. "Fine, Foster's the queen of the universe—agreed. What's the last one?" 

She stared at her hands, trying not to think about the fury she'd seen in Fitz's eyes the day before. "That no matter what you learn . . . you won't hate me."

"Why would I hate you?" 

"Never Sophie. I promise."

"Just promise, okay?"

"Uh, that one's a no-brainer. Still not so sure on the whole letting-you-boss-me-around thing. But the last one's easy."

She nodded, still not looking at him.

"So . . . that's it, right? We have a deal?"

"Actually there's one more thing," Sandor announced, marching into the room. "Whatever you guys are planning, I'm in too."

"That might not always—"

"I go where you go," Sandor insisted, cutting Sophie off. "Or I head downstairs and tell Edaline everything I just heard—and more."

Sophie glared at him, but she had no doubt he would make good on his threat.

"Okay, so Gigantor's on the team," Keefe decided.

"And let's get one thing straight, Mr. Sencen," Sandor said, leaning down in Keefe's face. "I am here to keep Miss Foster safe, so you will do what I say or I will leave you behind. Is that clear?"

"Why aren't you threatening Mer."

"I trust her but you Mr. Sencen, still wondering why."

"Is he always this cuddly?"

Sophie couldn't help smiling.

"All right, so I think everything's settled," Keefe announced. "Team Foster-Keefe-Mer—and our goblin mascot—is official. Where do we get started?"