by Audra Hart
“Sure why not? Not that it’s gonna do me a damned bit of good,” he grouses. He looks up angrily at a few chuckles that comment elicits. He steals a look at Morna that is packed with emotion. For fleeting second Morna sees a glimpse of the man she married.
Just then Bronwyn comes from outside the hall and goes straight to Tarvish, she leans down and whispers something into his ear. He nods and looks back to Athena with a slight smile on his face. Athena looks quizzically at him, “May I ask what that was about?”
“Nothing of any import to this panel. Bronwyn just told me that my extended family was settled in comfortably at Odin’s palace in Asgard. He invited us for a visit to discuss a problem we have been experiencing with the fertility of our woman. Asgardian healers are very skilled and innovative, as we all heard from Mordir,” Tarvish says with a sly smile. His smile gets even broader when Nyx growls her displeasure and storms out of the Guild hall.
Athena wonders what exactly just transpired, but she shrugs and says, “I wish you luck solving that problem. Now back to the matter that brought us here today, Tarvish, how do you vote?”
“I vote to honor the wishes of the children and sever Montfort’s paternal rights.” Tarvish says solemnly.
Athena nods and turns to the next member on the panel, “Taranis, how do you vote?”
“I too vote to sever paternal rights,” Taranis says solemnly.
Athena nods and looks to Hector, “How do you vote Hector?”
“I too vote to sever paternal rights,” Hector says solemnly.
Athena nods and looks at Silvanus, “Your vote is not needed Silvanus, the motion to sever paternal rights will carry with three votes, but I am curious… how do you vote?”
Silvanus has been looking at Montfort with a mystified look on his face. He looks to Athena and says, “May I address the petitioner?” When Athena nods Silvanus continues, “Montfort, I think you should be imprisoned, not just kept away from your children. You married this fine woman under false pretenses, you raped her, you ignored and neglected your children… why did you even bother to claim your Parental Bond rights?”
Rolan shrugs and says, “It’s my right.” Rolan shrugs again.
The hall fills with laughter and Rolan’s face turns red with rage and he gets up and starts to stalk out of the hall.
Ingrid stops him before he has gone ten feet, she looks at Morna waiting for instructions. Morna carelessly flicks her wrist at Rolan and says, “Let him go Ingrid, he’s no threat to my children as long as he obeys the findings of this panel and stays away from them. If he chooses to ignore the ruling of this panel he will have me and my mate to deal with. I won’t be forgiving when it comes to protecting my children.”
Morna watches Rolan shrug carelessly and then reconsiders, “Just a minute.” Morna rises and casually walks over to Rolan. “Rolan, you are the biological father of three of my babies, and as such I truly hate to see you cut off from them. If you should decide to try to do something with yourself, to make a decision once in a while for the good of someone other than yourself, I would consider letting you visit the children, if they don’t object.” Rolan looks at her with his shock plain on his face. “Rolan, I knew you at a time when you were a good teacher who genuinely seemed to care about the children that you taught. That’s why I married you in the first place. Now, I have no idea if that was an act or that was a peek into the man that is buried deep inside of you, but if you ever find that man again, I would love for him to meet his children.”
Rolan looks at Morna incredulously and begins to form a sharp retort when he reconsiders. He continues to look Morna in the eyes for several long moments and finally says very quietly, “Morna, if I ever come across that man again, I will give him the message. Sorry.” He reaches out and strokes her face, “I didn’t start out meaning to be such a bastard to you. You were simply a means to end in the beginning. But something inside of me changed. I just knew you really didn’t want me, you really didn’t want anyone besides your damned vampire. I guess I let pride twist me up into something really ugly.”
“Then I am sorry for that,” Morna says softly. “I wouldn’t intentionally hurt you or any other man. You know that, right?”
“I do Morna. I think that’s part of why I was so twisted up inside. Maybe someday I can find my way back. Thanks for not slamming that door in my face. It’s much more than I deserve,” Rolan says and walks away without another word. As he walks away he whispers so quietly that none but the vampires and the Shape Shifter in the back can hear, “Protect them… Nyx is after them. Keep my children safe!”
Morna sighs and looks over to her mate and he smiles approvingly at her words and actions. Rolan’s parting warning proved Morna was right that a good man truly dwells inside Rolan Montfort.
She looks back at the panel and the moderators. She bows and thanks them all by name and titles. “Now if you don’t mind, I would like to get back to Asgard. My children are at home waiting for their parents to come home.” By now Luca has taken her hand and they turn as one to walk out of the Guild hall.
“Morna,” Athena calls out. Morna turns to see what the goddess has to say, “Thank you for showing all of us what true kindness and true forgiveness look like. Your trials and tribulations have been hell on you, but they have added to your already impressive depth of character.”
Morna blushes and turns to walk away. But Luca whispers in her ear, urging her to acknowledge the compliment. Finally Morna says, “Thank you, Lady Athena.” And then she turns to stride quickly out of her Guild’s hall. She knows that Heimdall must have been watching closely because the Bi-frost appears instantly and they are quickly transported to Asgard.
When they arrive in Asgard Heimdall picks her up into his arms and says, “Baby Girl, I have been very proud of you many, many times over the centuries, but I have never been prouder than I am right now.”
Luca smiles and says, “I agree.”
Morna blushes and then she turns to the Shape Shifter Laird when he gets off of the Bi-frost, “Did you have any difficulty sneaking Tarvish’s family to Odin’s Palace?” She grins and hugs him hard when he just shakes his head no.
“Thank you, Ewan. We won’t forget your help. You will always have an ally in Airendell as long as I am First Spell Weaver.”
“Same here, Mo,” Ewan grins. “Clan MacGregor will always stand with Airendell in the defense of the helpless.”
“Sorry Heimdall, I just really need to get home to my children. I have a dangerous challenge in a few hours and I just really want to go enjoy my family before I have to go.” Heimdall nods his understanding and Morna stands up on tiptoes to kiss his chin. “I love you godfather.” And with that she takes off at an incredibly fast run for their home.
Luca easily catches up with her and says, “Love, please calm down before we see the children.” He says gently as he takes her into his arms. He starts kissing her eyes and her brow, and her cheeks…
“Darling please stop. I am desperate to love you right here in the open, but I am equally desperate to see our children.” Morna whispers softly as she strokes his face and begs for his understanding with her eyes.
“I know Baby, I was just trying to help you calm down.” Luca says with a sad smile.
“Thank you. It seems to have worked. I am no longer in panic to see them, but I still really need to see them.” Luca nods and takes her hand as they both take off at a run again.
They are nearly home when the two headed beast and several warriors materialize and surround them. “Nyx is here in Asgard!” Morna broadcasts to Heimdall. She reaches behind her head and retrieves her sword. “Come on, Bitch, let’s play.” Luca is on Morna’s right and Ewan materializes on her left and shifts into his wolf form. Ingrid and Annie are behind the three.
A wicked sounding screeching laughter fills the air. “I am not here to attack you, Spell Weaver. I am here to warn you. You may have been smart enough to figure out that I am your true enemy and you were lu
cky enough to evade my plans for you thus far, but I am here to warn you…. Do not attempt to enter my domain! None can defeat me there.”
Morna snorts and seems to relax her stance, but Lucas can tells she’s still ready to spring into action in a heartbeat. “Why would I want to enter your realm?” Morna asks nonchalantly.
The beast’s screeches of foul laughter fill the air. “Don’t play coy with me, little girl. I have seers too. I know that you are desperate to save your whore of a sister. But it’s too late. She betrayed me one time too many. She’ll probably be dead before I make it back to my own palace. But I am here to tell you that if you enter my domain today, I will consider it an act of war.”
Everyone with Morna tenses at that threat. A war between Airendell and Nyx’s domains of darkness has the potential to wreak havoc on many… thousands, millions of innocent beings.
Morna chuckles. “We have been at war sent you since the Traveler to Airendell to steal the Talismans of my Guild’s magic.”
Nyx chuffs a noise that could be construed as a chuckle. “I have underestimated you, little girl. I won’t do it again. STAY OUT OF MY DOMAIN!”
And with that she disappears just as Asgardian reinforcements join Morna and her group.
Ewan shifts back into his human form, chuckling as he pulls his jeans on to cover his nudity. Morna watches him appreciating his powerful physique aesthetically, much like one would a work of fine art. She finds the powerful Alpha appealing but he doesn’t engender any feelings of sexual attraction. Ewan grins at Morna in a cocky manner before he says; “You have that bitch shaking in her skin.”
“Yep, she’s scared. Her seers must see us rescue Val successfully.” Morna falls quiet and says, “However, I suspect her seers may be confused. She was talking to me as the First Spell Weaver but she was actually looking at Luca. And I don’t think it was because she has a thing for him.”
Ewan chuckles. “Nope. I’d say she might know something that you that you don’t, Madam Spell Weaver.”
“Possibly….”
“Go with your gut, Mo. You haven’t come this far and triumphed over all of the crap tossed at you since you were a child by ignoring that gut.”
CHAPTER TEN – FACING THE WICKED RAGE OF THE MOON
When they arrive at their home a few minutes later, their children and other relatives are waiting for them in the yard. Kyle walks up to his Mom and hugs her hard. “You set the bar pretty high, Mom. Thanks for that. Rebecca told us what you said to Rolan at the end. That couldn‘t have been easy, but you were still fair minded and generous in the end.”
Morna takes her son’s face into her hands and kisses his forehead, “Take heart kiddo, Rolan really does have a good man hiding inside. I am hopeful that he will find his way out soon.”
“Thanks for saying that Mom.” Kyle says and hugs her hard. He laughs when Madigan kicks hard inside her belly. “S’cuse me kid, she’s my mom too.” Kyle laughs and rubs her belly.
Cirona rushes up and says, “He’s kicking? May I feel?”
Morna laughs and says, “You never have to ask beautiful girl and kisses her on the forehead. Soon all of her children are taking turns rubbing her belly as Madigan stretches and kicks. He finally settles down, presumably for a long nap. Morna looks around and says, “I need the necessary and sustenance.”
Auggie comes out onto the front steps and says, “Dinner in ten minutes. Wash up everyone.”
Morna chuckles and says, “Auggie your timing is perfect as usual.”
Auggie smiles and hands Morna the tall glass of blood as she walks by to go into the house. “That ten minute warning is for you and your mate as well, my lady.” Auggie says with a smile. Morna laughs and continues walking towards her suite. After she uses the restroom she is surprised when Luca goes into the bathroom after she vacates it. Morna chuckles and says, “It will take me a while to get used to you acting so human.”
“It will take me a while to get used to feeling so human.” He calls from the bathroom. When he comes out a few minutes later his breath smells like toothpaste and Morna chuckles. “What is so funny? I am just acting like you do?” He says with a smile.
Morna kisses him deeply and runs her hands eagerly down his back and over his buttocks, “Darling, we must sneak back to our room before I leave to go pick up my sister.”
Luca growls and pulls away. He looks hard at Morna, “Woman, don’t you dare talk about what you plan to do tonight as though it is as simple and harmless as picking up a relative up from the airport.”
“I wasn’t meaning to do that Luca. You know I am not flippant about dangerous missions. I was just thinking about how much I want to love you.” Morna says crossly.
“I am sorry Baby. I shouldn’t have gotten so angry about that. I know you aren’t flippant. I just hate this. Surely there is someone else who can do this.” Luca says.
“No, I won’t ask anyone else. The only other person I am confident can do this besides me is you. It will be very hard getting a finding spell through Nyx’s defenses, but you could do it and I can do it. But you can’t do it because your vampire body will likely combust when those damned sun breathers hit you. I cannot lose you. We know I will heal, it will take a few long and very painful days, but I will heal.” When Luca opens his mouth to argue Morna kisses him to silence him. She finally breaks the kiss off and says, “Don’t bother Lucian Michaels. I will not risk losing you!”
“But I am supposed to be okay with risking losing you?” The frustration, fear and anger Morna hears in his voice cuts deep, but she stands firm in her resolution. “I know the seers say you survive…but something could go wrong and you could die. Is that fair to all of your children? To me?” Luca says harshly.
Morna remains silent but tears fall down her cheeks. Luca takes her into his arms and holds her tight. After several minutes her tears cease. Her face is still buried into his chest when she mumbles, “This is the only way to do this. It has to be done. Luca, I am begging you, please don’t make it any harder than it already is.”
Luca knows he‘s on the right track and presses his advantage; “Morna, you have a responsibility to your Guild, to our children. You have duty that is greater than saving your sister. You better start thinking like the goddamned First Spell Weaver and do it now before our Guild founders and dies after you do!” Luca says harshly.
“That’s cold blooded Lucian Michaels.” Morna turns and walks away from him.
She has almost made it to the door when he says, “Morna I am like you now. I won’t go up in flames. Turn around!” he orders in that voice that Morna can never ignore. She stops and turns, just in time to see him weave a fire spell over his left arm. Frustration and rage fill her when she realizes her own beloved is holding her in a binding spell to prove his point.
Luka holds the spell on there for a good three minutes. Morna is frantically trying to make him stop. She is screaming at him to stop as she resists the binding spell he is holding her in.
“Fine! Luca you have proved your point, you won’t combust. You are no longer a stone cold vampire… Now let me out of this damned spell so we can try to heal your arm and talk strategy!” Morna screams at the top of her lungs.
By now all the protective males in their family have lost their struggle to stay out of their business and have burst into their suite to see what all of the commotion is about. Morna doesn’t even look up when she senses her Father’s presence at her side. “Father, go to our study and get four bags of blood out of the small refrigerator by the bar. Kylor get over here and help me heal this damned burn.” Morna briefly looks up at Luca’s face. He’s trying to hide the intense pain he’s experiencing but Morna can feel it through their strengthening bond. “Oh God Luca, did you have to hold it there so long? I can see your bones in your forearm.” Morna says as she chokes on her tears.
“Yes I did Beloved. You are a very hard woman to convince.” Luca looks up at his father in law and smiles his gratitude as he hands him a bag of
blood. Luca bites into the bag and quickly drains it. He tosses it aside and Valliant hands him another bag.
Morna is working frantically and says, “Dammit, why could I not be venomous. You need a big dose of venom.”
Damian clears his throat and says, “Morna, I am venomous.”
“Yes, but Luca has blood now… Could you resist drinking it?” Morna asks uncertainly.
“I will Morna. He’s my best friend, like a father or a brother to me. And he’s your mate… I will resist.” Damian says firmly.
Morna looks doubtful but looks at Luca, “What do you think Luca?”
“Do it!” Luca grinds out between clenched teeth, his nerve endings are rapidly recovering from the initial shock of what he has done to himself and the pain is becoming excruciating.
Damian kneels beside Luca and picks up his uninjured arm and takes a deep breath. Morna reaches out lightning fast and takes Damian’s face into her hands. “Damian I love you like a son, but if you drink too much of his blood and endanger him, I will tear your head off before I can even give it a thought. You must be sure that you can stop. You understand me?”
Damian smiles and kisses Morna’s cheek. “I am counting on that Morna!” He quickly sinks his razor sharp, venomous teeth into Luca’s arm. Luca screams and Damian pulls back as soon as a good amount of his venom has been injected into his friend‘s arm.
“Again!” Luca demands. Damian nods and bites another spot. Luca screams through clenched teeth.
Damian pulls back and looks at Luca, who looks like he is going to pass out. Damian looks at Morna and asks, “Again?”
Morna shakes her head no. “It’s starting to heal. The flesh is rebuilding right before my eyes.”
Breena had come into the room a few seconds before Damian bit Luca the first time. She bends down to help Morna weave the healing spells. She pauses for a moment and looks at Morna, “Sister, you and I are going to have a long talk.”
