“Yes,” John said, “but there’s a limit, and that limit is multiple gallons of your blood.”
“But I can heal, and if it’s in a good cause—”
“Holiday,” John said this time, and the edge of command made Holly go silent, eyes wide and cheeks pink.
The pinkness reassured Ryan’s heart. Holly had been too pale, earlier. To Holly, he said, “We’re not mad at you. Mom and Dad, though, maybe. For stealing you.”
“It’s only been…” His mother winced. “Four hours.”
“Exactly!”
“So,” John said, “we’re stealing him back. And feeding him. And packing for the weekend. And if you want him again, ma’am, ask us first.”
“I really don’t mind,” Holly said again, but meekly, less a protest than a registration of position. “I’d love to know what you learn.”
“We should,” his father suggested, “arrange a time, n
