VEE

The middle-aged estate agent in her short blue skirt and silk blouse looks every inch the professional. But she struggles to hide her curiosity as she leads us around the property. Mary is adept at sizing up her clients, deciding their needs and what persuasive tactics will work, but in our case, she’s lost.

“This property has four bedrooms plus a smaller one that could be used as a study or uh—” She pushes open the door to a small room painted yellow with a cot beneath a wall decorated with wallpaper covered in cats. “Currently this is used as a nursery room.”

“Yeah. Nope.” Xander can’t turn away quick enough. “How many cars can the garage hold?”

Mary looks after him as he thuds downstairs before she can answer. She turns back to us. Joss nudges me with his elbow. “Vee likes cats. She could have this room.”

“I thought she liked sharing with you best?” asks Heath.

“I’d sleep with you more, but you snore badly. Especially after a few beers.” I tell Heath, then catch Mary’s attempt not to appear shocked. All five of us walked into the home in Berkshire, our latest property viewing, and she’s spent the last ten minutes trying to figure out our unusual situation.

I smile. “Too small for me. I’m sure we’ll find a use for the room.”

There was full agreement that we return to the UK. I’m more comfortable here and prefer the familiar although I don’t think we’d all fit into my flat. The bed isn’t big enough for a start. This led to a search for a new home an activity the guys grumble takes up too much time.

The wards located around the farmhouse can’t be easily replicated, but if we find a house close to a leyline, the fae promised to help us. Well, the Collector has. Xander no longer trusts we can be warded considering demons were living below us.

We’ve spent up and down the country searching through narrow terraced houses in Leeds to suburban homes in Oxfordshire.

Finally, we could be onto something. The converted barn has a similar aspect—hidden in the countryside away from traffic and a decent drive from nearby villages. I expected a small place, the words ‘converted barn’ didn’t sound appealing, but the place is bigger than the farmhouse was. The beautiful modern bathrooms and kitchen interior contrast with rustic colours and touches. Thank the stars for central heating after the cool of their old house. Besides, nobody is keen on using the fireplace.

“Where are you living currently?” Mary asks as she pushes open the door to.

“Hotels,” replies Heath. “We need to find somewhere quickly.”

Mary’s face brightens. “So, no place to sell first?”

“Nah, our last house fell through the gates of Hell,” Joss smirks, and Mary’s expression suggests she doubts his sanity.

“He means there was a fire,” I say and shoot him a look.

“That too.”

“I am sorry to hear that.” She points at the brochure in Heath’s hand. “Let me explain the situation here.” My eyes glaze over as Mary fills Heath in and I wander around the house. Ewan stands in the kitchen, arms crossed as he surveys the empty room.

“What do you think, Vee?”

“I told you, I’m easy with what you guys decide. I like the surrounding space, although the house isn’t as big as the last we viewed.” I walk to the window. Outside, a neatly tended garden is fenced, and tall trees border the property.

Ewan wraps his arms around my waist and rests his head on my shoulder. “Me too. This bores the crap out of me. I want somewhere to park my bike and relax after a hard day chasing monsters.”

He could be tongue in cheek, but sometimes I can’t tell. I turn to face him and wrap my arms around his neck. “We’re taking time out, remember?”

“Try telling Xander that.” He kisses my nose. “Honestly, he’s nagging me every day to watch what Ripley is up to. I seriously want time out after last month.”

Last month. I trace my fingers along his jaw and watch the movement. The situation with gods, angels and the apocalypse seem a distant nightmare and adjusting to the new us will take time. Xander’s answer, as always, is to throw himself into ‘work’. Not think. Do. But nothing is the same for the Four Horsemen.

The day I arrived, their lives changed. Now our power is firmly split, and we know who and what we are, however much we try to keep ourselves separate to the world, we can’t.

“Xander’s worried. We don't know what, or who walked through open portals. He blames himself.” I meet Ewan’s tired eyes. “How many did Seth open and what was behind them? Most who walked through must be hidden, but I bet we’ll find suspicious activity soon.”

"And then?"

"We eradicate them."

I pull a face. “Stop talking about this. Tell Xander to wait until after Christmas at least.”

“I don’t think the bad guys take time off for Christmas.” Xander walks into the kitchen, hands buried in his pockets. There’s amusement in his voice, and the brighter faced Xander helps wipe away the shadows from before. “I like this place. We should buy it.”

Ewan’s shoulders sink in relief. “Thank fuck for that. I hope Heath and Joss agree.”

“Vee, tell them you want to live here, and they’ll agree,” Xander instructs me.

“And if I don’t want to?”

Xander’s eyes widen in alarm. “Why? What’s wrong with the place?”

“Not enough demons.”

Shaking his head, Xander walks over and flicks my nose, so I flick his back.

“What’s happening here?” asks Joss and waves a hand at the three of us. “I told you, Tuesday is my day with Vee. Be fair.”

My mouth parts ready to retort and he winks at me before inclining his head to the estate agent. Xander huffs and steps back. “Very funny.”

“You have to wait until Friday,” continues Joss. “I’m happy to share my day but only if–”

“We’re interested,” puts in Ewan gruffly. “Joss, shut up.”

The woman’s face lights up, and at this property price, her shock at our sexual deviance drops away. “Let’s talk offers. I’m sure the owners will be flexible as they already moved out.”

“Why?” asks Xander sharply. “What’s wrong with the place?”

The woman frowns. “Nothing. The owners have moved to London.”

“Joss? Vee?” continues Xander. “Anything?”

Xander really can’t leave behind his day job. Ever. I’m about to respond when Joss speaks. “No demons here.” He looks to Mary. “Are there? Otherwise, we’ll need to charge them rent.”