He shored up his resolve as he watched her sleep. He wasn’t sorry. He’d make the same decision again, over and over again, if it meant her survival.
A scratching at the door got his attention. This was a request to enter. He recognized it as the Goyle's habit instead of knocking.
“Come,” he called softly.
The door opened, and Murder entered. “How is she?” Murder asked, keeping his voice low so as not to wake her or Shane.
“She’s resting easy.” Enthrall stood, and turned, sitting Shane in the seat he’d just vacated. Then he faced Murder, walking over to him. He reached out, clasping his shoulder. “Thank you,” he said, shaking his head as he searched for the appropriate words to convey his gratitude. “I just don’t have the words, Murder. But thank you. So much. And know that I am forever in your debt.”
“No, you are not in my debt. You owe me nothing.”
Enthrall smiled wearily. “I do. I am always here for you. No matter what you need. Look no further than me, my friend.”
“But wasn’t it always like that?” Murder asked.
Enthrall nodded. “It was.”
“As I said. You’d have done the same for me. Your thanks is enough. Now, tell me about that boy sleeping on your lap,” Murder said, by way of changing the subject.
“He’s my son. His name is Shane. I’ve adopted him.”
“He’s a fine boy, Enthrall. I’m happy for you. Just weeks ago, you were on your own. Now look at you. A mate, a son and possibly a baby on the way. You’ve got a family, Enthrall. You are truly one of the luckiest of us all.”
Enthrall’s smile had dropped. His face frozen, his entire demeanor seemed to have become stone-like.
Murder patted Enthrall’s shoulder before he realized that his friend was no longer smiling at him. He glanced over at the sleeping female and then at the sleeping boy. Nothing had changed. He glanced around the room, then back at Enthrall. “What’s the problem? What’s wrong?”
“What did you say?” Enthrall whispered, squinting his eyes, staring directly into Murder’s.
“I said, you have a family, you are one of the luckiest of us.”
“No. No, you said possibly a baby on the way.”
“Well, yes. Mamaie wanted to know if the baby would survive the transition. I didn’t have the answer. But Lore has assured us that with you as the father, the baby would already be like you, and remain unaffected by the transition of its mother.”
Lore’s voice spoke from behind Enthrall. “Fear not, my brother. I am sure of it. The little one will not be harmed.”
Enthrall spun around, his mouth hanging open to find Lore leaning over Felicity, his hand on her stomach.
“Your son is strong, Enthrall. There is definitely a little one on the way. I feel him here. He is safe.”
Enthrall started to hyperventilate. He hurried over to the bed and climbed onto it, gently laying his head on Felicity’s stomach as though he could hear the babe nestled there. He lifted his head and looked at her stomach, gently caressing a hand across it. He laid a kiss there and then moved up toward her sweet face, sleeping peacefully. He kissed her lips and lovingly whispered her name.
“Did you not know?” Murder said.
Enthrall turned to look at him, shaking his head. “No. I had no idea.”
“He thought he couldn’t have children,” Lore added, a smile on his face. “That’s why I asked if it was Enthrall’s child.”
Enthrall growled softly and glared at Lore.
“It is your child! I can feel him! Stop snarling at me. Everyone here is always growling about something!”
“I’m sorry, Enthrall. I thought you knew,” Murder explained.
Enthrall placed his hand over Felicity’s belly and smiled back at Murder. “It’s okay. I know now.”
Shane woke and found that he was lying across the bed next to Enthrall. The big black Gargoyle was reclining in the chair next to the bed, and the purple spectre was hovering here and there, while they all spoke softly waiting for Felicity to wake. He sat up and stretched, yawning, while looking curiously at the Gargoyle and the spectre. No, that wasn’t right. He wasn’t a spectre.
“Did you have a nice sleep, Shane?” Enthrall asked.
“Yes. I did. Did she wake up yet?” he asked.
“Not yet. But she will. She’s been stirring a little more. It shouldn’t be long now.”
Shane looked over at the Gargoyle and the purple mist that looked like he was more solid than he had been when he’d first awakened. “You’re a Gargoyle,” he said simply.
Murder inclined his head. “I am. Is that a problem?”
“No! I think it’s great! Can you take me flying with you? Can you go really high in the sky? Does it hurt if you fly in the sunshine and get too close to it?”
Murder burst out laughing. He liked this kid — it seemed he, like his father, wasn't afraid of much. “I can definitely take you flying,” he cut his eyes to Enthrall’s, “as long as your Dad says it’s okay. And I can go very, very high. We just don’t go so high that we get sunburned.”
“Okay,” Shane answered excitedly. Then he looked at the spectre. “What are you? I know you’re not a spectre, and I know you’re really alive, but I can still see through you most of the time.”
Lore, who’d been leaning lazily against the chair Murder sat in since the boy woke, trying to look more human and not frighten him, allowed his face to show surprise. He straightened and stood. “You do not think I’m a spectre?”
“Nope. I don’t. Anybody could tell you’re not a spectre if they just looked at you.”
“Yes! Do you see?” he said to Murder and Enthrall. “I knew I didn’t look like a spectre. What is wrong with everyone calling me a spectre? Thank you, boy!”
“They’re not paying attention. Either that or they’re not very smart,” Shane offered.
“Indeed! Enthrall, you have yourself a very smart boy!” Lore bowed with a flourish to Shane. “I am an Ancient, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“An Ancient? Doesn’t that mean you’re really, really old?” Shane asked.
Murder snickered.
Lore flicked him on the ear before explaining to Shane. “It does. But it also means that I have magic and wisdom the likes of which no other has. Except for the other Ancients. Would you like to hear my story, boy?”
“Yes! I would. Can you teach me magic?” Shane asked excitedly.
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. Not all are born for it. But, we shall see.”
Shane slid off the bed and followed Lore to the window seat where he now sat and beckoned to the boy.
“Lore…” Enthrall said.
“Nothing without your blessing, Enthrall. I am more than aware of your position as his father.”
Lore was well into his tales of adventure and magic before Felicity finally opened her eyes. She heard unfamiliar voices, and the panic she’d last experienced before falling unconscious came flooding back. She gasped for breath, and her hands came up to protect her face.
Enthrall was there immediately, leaning over her, soothing her. “I’m here, Lici. I’m here. You’re safe, love. Calm. It’s alright.”
It took a moment to realize that she was no longer in danger and the unfamiliar voices she heard did not mean her harm.
Her eyes flickered over to where she’d heard the men speaking and Enthrall saw it. He understood immediately. “It’s okay. They’re my friends — from Whispers, remember? They’ve come to support me. To stay with me while we waited for you to wake up. They mean you no harm.”
“And me!” Shane said, wanting to be included.
“And Shane. He’s here, too.”
Felicity held her hand out for the boy that had appeared at her side. She squeezed his hand when he placed it in hers.
Then her eyes sought out Enthrall again. “Anna?” she rasped.
“She’s safe as well. I found you both. Brought you back here. Anna is upstairs sleeping. Mam
aie made her a brew to drink to help her sleep. She’s awoken once, eaten and now she’s resting again. She’s bruised, but no permanent damage.”
Felicity’s eyes filled with tears and she pulled her hand free from Shane, and lifted it as though she was going to feel for the wound at her throat.
Enthrall intercepted her hand, taking it in his. “No, love. Don’t touch yet. It still has healing to do. It’s so much better, but still needs to heal. Let’s not touch it until it’s a little better.”
Felicity looked at him, confusion in her eyes. She knew she’d been dying, yet here she was.
“Does it hurt? Shall I get you something for the pain?” Enthrall asked, still holding her hand in his and stroking her hairline with the other.
“Little,” she said, her voice very raspy. She seemed a little put off by her own voice.
“I’m sure it’ll heal just fine. But let’s not use your voice unless you have to right now. Allow it to rest.”
Felicity mouthed the word yes, but didn’t use her voice to speak it.
“We’ll go for Mamaie and have her prepare something for the pain and to help her sleep a little longer,” Murder said, standing.
“No!” Felicity rasped. “I want to be awake.”
“Okay. We’ll see what we can do for the pain that won’t make you sleepy. Alright?”
Felicity started to nod, but winced at the pain that accompanied movement of her neck.
“Please ask if she can make something that won’t cause sleep,” Enthrall asked Murder.
Then he looked to Shane. “Shane, can you go with Uncle Murder? And be good for him, okay? I’ll need some time like I told you about earlier.”
“Okay,” he answered.
Murder started for the door but Shane stood where he was, watching Enthrall with Felicity. “Mr. Lore said that you’re my father, now.”
“I am,” Enthrall answered.
“Then, could I call you Dad? So everyone will know that you’re my father and not just someone that takes care of me?”
“I would like that very, very much, Shane,” Enthrall said, reaching out a hand for Shane to come to him. Shane went to Enthrall’s side of the bed and climbed up on it so that Enthrall could reach him.
“I’m proud to be your Dad.”
Shane grinned and hugged him. “Me, too. That you’re my Dad, I mean.”
“We’ll get Mamaie to bring something, but we’re going to spend time elsewhere, so you can have some privacy here,” Murder said. “Don’t worry, I have Shane and will not take my eyes off him. You just concentrate on your female.”
“I shall accompany you,” Lore announced, following Murder and Shane out of the door.
Enthrall shook his head when he heard Lore’s voice just before the door closed. “I must say though, I am deeply offended. Why is Murder, Uncle Murder, and I am Mr. Lore. Am I not important enough to be an Uncle also?”
“Sure, you can be Uncle Lore, too. I’ll have to check with my Dad, but I’m sure it’ll be okay,” Shane replied.
Enthrall, a sad smile on his face, turned his attention to Felicity. “We need to talk, my love.”
Chapter 24
“I’m sorry,” Felicity whispered, and tears started to pour from her eyes.
“That’s not why I wanted to talk with you. I know you only rushed in that apartment because you knew Anna was in danger. Yes, I’m angry, and I’m so wrapped up in knots. I wanted to rip the male limb from limb. But just having you here, alive, speaking with me. Looking at me — I’ve got so many different emotions rolling through me right now, the anger is not one that I wish to focus on. We’ll talk about you going there later. Much later, after you’ve healed, and all is right in our world. There are other things we must discuss first.”
Felicity looked at Enthrall, expectantly. Waiting for him to say more.
Enthrall looked down at her, where she reclined in his bed. “I don’t know how to say it, Lici. I know it wasn’t what you wanted, but I had no choice. The option was to allow you to die, and I couldn’t do it. Perhaps I’m more selfish than I ever thought. Perhaps I’m just weak and couldn’t conceive of a life without you in it. Either way, I couldn’t let you go, Lici. I know I promised to take a step back and allow you to live your life — allow you to come to me when you were ready. But I made that choice for you, Lici. My hand was forced. And now, I sit here beside you, more terrified than I’ve ever been in my life. Because if you don’t forgive me, I’ll be alone again.”
Enthrall looked into her eyes, pleading for her understanding. “But I still can’t find it in me to say I’m sorry. Because I’m not. I’d make the same decision over, and over again, day after day. I would rather endure an eternity of your resentment, than a moment of your death.” Enthrall lifted her hand to his lips to kiss her fingertips and vaguely realized that they were still slightly blood stained. “I made you like me, Lici. You were dying, and I couldn’t let that happen. I had to take your life to allow you to live. Please understand. Please forgive me, Lici.”
Felicity was stunned. She’d wondered how she was still here. She knew she’d been near death, but just assumed that Enthrall had found her in time. It had not occurred to her that anything else had happened.
He watched her face closely, for an indication of her response. Her bottom lip trembled. Her hand where he held it tightened. Her brows drew down over her eyes as she tried to work out all that had happened to her. She wasn't human anymore. She pulled her hand from Enthrall’s, and he reluctantly let it go. She held it up in front of her face, inspecting it. She noticed the blood beneath her nails. She opened and closed her hand and watched her fingers work. She allowed her eyes to wander around the room. She thought of the warmth of Shane’s hand when he’d stood beside her only a few short minutes before. The warmth of Enthrall’s when he touched her. The warmth of her own. She still felt human, in fact they all did. They felt just like Shane. Alive.
Enthrall reached a hand out, subconsciously caressing her belly, where their child slumbered.
Felicity felt his hand on her belly and thought of the baby that she may have been carrying. Her heart hurt when she realized that if she had been carrying Enthrall’s child, she surely was no more. Her tears started in earnest, and she lifted her hands to cover her face, soft sobs leaving her body.
“Oh, Lici, don’t cry. Please. I’ll always be here with you. I’ll always be beside you. And you’re alive. You are! It’s different, yes. But still, it’s life.”
“You don’t understand,” she whispered.
“Then tell me. Make me understand.”
“You’ll leave me.”
“Never! I’ll never leave you.”
“Don’t make promises you won’t keep,” Felicity rasped through her tears.
“Nothing could ever make me walk away, Felicity. Nothing! Not in this world or any other.”
Felicity watched Enthrall’s face as he spoke his promises. He was so sincere. And she knew he meant it. At least now he did. As soon as she confessed that she may have been pregnant and now his child was lost, he’d rethink those promises and she couldn’t even blame him. She should have told him. And that’s exactly what she said.
“I should have told you.”
Now Enthrall was confused. “Told me what?”
Felicity lowered her hand to her belly. “There was a chance that I could have been pregnant. I believe I was. But with all this,” she waved her hand up and down her body, “I know that I’m not anymore. And if I’d told you, maybe there’d have been another way. A way for me, for us, to keep the pregnancy. But because I didn’t tell you, you didn’t know to consider it.”
Her heart melted when Enthrall smiled at her, his own heart in his eyes. “There was no other way. You were too close to the end. Had I known, I’d have made the same choice. I’d have chosen you. And as it turns out, you were right. You are pregnant. And he’s doing well. He’s right here, strong, tucked safely away.” Enthrall watched as her face turned
from tears to shock.
“How?” was all she said, her eyes wide, her hands now on her stomach, covering it protectively.
“Because he’s mine. He’s like me, and the transition your body went through had no effect on him at all.”
Felicity reached for Enthrall, and he eagerly went into her arms, careful not to apply any pressure to her throat. He kissed the side of her face. “I love you. And I promise, you’ll have all the things in your life that you wanted before. We’ll find a way. Alright?”
He pulled back, so he could see her face.
There were still tears falling, but he decided to believe they were happy tears. She laid her hand along his jaw. “Yes.”
Mamaie didn’t knock when she entered Enthrall’s bedroom. She just turned the door knob and used her foot to nudge it open. “Mamie’s here. I’ve brought you salve for the wound, or a brew to sip if the pain is too bad.”
“She doesn’t want to sleep right now, Mamaie,” Enthrall said.
“Sleep is what she needs! She needs to heal.”
Mamaie set the tray down on Enthrall’s desk and went to Felicity. “Hmm, let me see.” She left the bedside and came back with a lamp. She held it over Felicity and leaned down closely to better see her throat. “Seems to be healing very, very well.”
“I don’t want to sleep,” Felicity rasped.
“Is it hurting?” Mamaie asked.
“Just a little soreness,” Felicity answered.
“It’s part of your new body. It processes injury and healing differently. If you’re injured, there will be pain yes, but nothing like a human will experience,” Enthrall explained.
“So, you’ve told her then?” Mamaie asked.
“Yes.”
“And?”
Enthrall looked down at Felicity, waiting for her to answer.
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