Liam Takes Manhattan Read Online Free PDF Page B

my son. I will pay for your college, and living expenses, and anything else you need while you’re in school.”
    This time, his father’s autocratic way of speaking didn’t bother him in the slightest. The heavy dull feeling eased, to be replaced by a rush of emotion so intense, tears sprangto his eyes again.
    He muttered around a lump in his throat, “Thanks.”
    “Of course”—Dragos met his gaze—“I have stipulations.”
    Stipulations were fine. They were good—they weren’t an outright refusal. “Oh yeah?” he replied. “Like what?”
    “I want an undercover presence in Glenhaven, and another one in Edinburgh to protect the entrance to the crossover passageway. And you don’t linger or go on aUK walkabout between terms. There’s no sense in taking unnecessary chances. You go in, and when you come out, you leave Scotland entirely.”
    That all sounded reasonable. He nodded. “I can do that.”
    Pia said, “If you’re sure that this is what’s best for you, we’ll help you any way we can. And we’ll be here waiting when you’re ready to come home.”
    Relief had him leaning sideways so that his headand shoulders fell into her lap. He muttered telepathically in her head, I hate arguing with you.
    Well, technically, you argued with your dad , she told him, while she ran her fingers through his hair. But I get your point. And I hated it too. Are we all better now?
    Comfort stole through him at her gentle touch, and he nodded again.
    I’m proud of you , she told him.
    Twisting onto his back, helooked up into her face. You are?
    You thought things through, you used your best judgment and took independent action as the situation needed, and you didn’t take no for an answer. She smiled down at him. And who knows what the future will bring. After going to school, you might decide that you don’t want to try for the sentinel position after all. But if you still want to—you know, all of thosethings that you just did are good qualities for a sentinel to have.
    They are?
    Yes, they are.
    For the first time in a week, he didn’t feel the compulsion to fly away. Things had started to feel right again, and that allowed tiredness to take over. A huge yawn cracked his face.
    Nearby, chair springs creaked as Dragos stood. He said, “I have to get back to work. Don’t hold dinner for me. I thinkit’s going to be a late night.”
    Pia nodded and said, “Okay. I’ll have something waiting for you in the fridge.”
    Dragos stepped forward to bend over Liam and kiss his forehead. Liam looked up into his father’s fierce gold gaze.
    Dragos said, “You are unexpectedly stubborn and resourceful. You’re also a good boy, and I’m sorry I lost my temper. And I’m sorry you had to push to get us to recognizewhat you needed and wanted from us.”
    “It’s all good,” Liam said. “I mean, it’s not like you guys were experts on what to do with a magically growing kid.”
    “Well, we’re the only experts there are,” Dragos told him wryly.
    Liam grinned up at him, so happy not to be arguing with his dad anymore. Just plain stinking happy. “And I’m going to college!”
    “Yes,” his father said, returning his smile.“It appears that you are.”

Chapter Four

    W hen exhaustion set in, it was sudden and fierce. Liam went to bed early and slept in late. The only reason he woke up at all was because Pia knocked on his door and then walked into his room.
    “Get up, sleepyhead!” she said.
    “ Mmph ,” he grunted, and pulled his pillow over his head.
    She dragged the bedcovers off his body. “I mean it—get up!”
    “Mooooom, it’s too early,” hecomplained. “You sound disgustingly cheerful, and I don’t need those covers anyway.”
    “It’s not early—it’s almost ten o’clock, Liam. Here, I brought you a cup of coffee.”
    He could smell the coffee from underneath his pillow, dark, rich and alluring. “Get thee behind me, Satan,” he said experimentally.
    She burst out laughing.