Not for the first time, Hecate had to wonder how much Kaden understood. While she waited for Qebhet to arrive, she sat near him in the little garden, talking to him, and occasionally Hecuba. Hecuba's ears promised she was listening, but Kaden was more focused on the hoodie he'd dragged out of the car. He lay on it at the foot of an olive tree in a wide stone pot, chewing on one sleeve and growling if she shifted too close.
Hecuba's ears perked up suddenly, and she raised her head, nose pointed through the door of the garden, through the main living room, to the door that led to the rest of the hotel. Qebhet's quiet knock came a few moments later, and the sudden sigh of relief that shook itself out of Hecate's lungs took her entirely by surprise. She scrambled to her feet quickly (the dogs watched her, but neither followed) and crossed the room quickly (tapping on a touch lamp as she passed it, so Qebhet wouldn't be stepping into a dark room) and pulled open the door quickly, feeling the relief swell up in her chest.
She was not prone to huge displays of emotion, but tonight... Tonight was like no other. "Merry meet," she breathed out in a rush, and threw her arms around her friend.