by Patti Larsen
“They did, the expected one.” Dad nodded in answer before kissing Gabriel’s strawberry blond hair and returning my son to my lap. I watched my father stand with absolutely no desire to rise myself, to go back to the harsh reality of what faced me sooner rather than later. All in favor of sitting there with a lap—and soul—full of love in the shape of my kids.
Ethie sat up enough to meet my eyes, her little hands stroking my cheeks as her own blue gaze, all serious, met mine. She reminded me a great deal of myself, of Gram and Mom, so much so I wasn’t surprised by her next question. Protecting her and her brother or not, Ethie was a Hayle, after all.
“Is the werewolf king going to die?” She didn’t seem all that upset by the prospect. That should have bothered me, maybe. Except if she was to lead the Hayle family someday it made sense she was strong enough even now to know the truth and ask for it.
I hesitated nonetheless, more so because of Gabriel. Funny how I thought him weaker than my daughter, more emotional and less capable of coping with bad news. But I knew better. He seemed as interested and detached as his sister.
I really had to stop associating my son with his father. Liam didn’t have the benefit of the Hayle bloodline. And was always far stronger than anyone gave him credit for. That combination meant my son wasn’t the softer of the two. Just different.
“King Danilo has broken the law,” I said. “More than that, he’s told people he shouldn’t have about paranormals. Which means he has to be arrested and put on trial.”
Ethie nodded sharply, as though that truth satisfied her young leader’s need for justice. Gabriel simply sighed.
“I hope his kids are okay,” he said. And for the first time I really thought of the Moreau brood. Yes, I’d thrown it in Danilo’s face, but the fact was hard to swallow in that moment unfed by fury and frustration. Yana’s baby girl would never know her mother and, now, likely wouldn’t have the chance to know her father either. The older kids were still tiny as well. Imagine growing up knowing your mother was murdered and your father put to death because he went mad trying to avenge her?
I hugged the pair of them tightly to me while Sassafras purred in soft counterpoint.
“You two know how much I love you, right?” Tears burned, my throat aching from the need to sob, to squeeze them so hard they absorbed back into me so I could keep them safe, forever safe. “I hate being away from you.”
“It’s okay, Mom,” Gabriel said. “We’re proud of you.”
Ethie nodded against my shoulder. “Everyone needs you,” she said. “Not just us.” My daughter sniffled softly as something hot and wet ran down my skin. I kissed her hair before she looked up, tears trickling down her cheeks. Ethie wiped at them, face turning stern. “Sorry,” she said in her piping, six-year-old voice and soul as old as the earth. “It’s hard, Mom. But I know I’ll have to do the same thing with my own daughter someday.”
That. Broke. My. Heart.
Into a million piece. I kissed her, my own tears finally spilling over. “I hope not,” I whispered to her.
The kids are fine, Galleytrot sent as my sorrow threatened to take over completely. They miss you, but they understand. You have amazing children.
Quaid and I are very lucky, I sent, thinking with a sudden sharpness I wasn’t the only absentee parent, then chastised myself for my anger. I shunted off my emotions about him and focused on the big dog watching me. How’s Gabriel been? Since his encounter with the Order and near loss of control of the Gateway he accidentally created to the Dark Universe, my son had been unable to use his special ability.
Sad, Galleytrot sent, more speculative than worried. But he’s resilient, Syd. Far stronger than Liam in many ways. More flexible in his feelings. Still, he’s troubled by his lack of ability to access his power to create gates.
Considering my son was the means I had to find the missing pieces of Creator, I was equally troubled. On the one hand, I wanted to protect him from everything, to keep him safe and hoped he’d never again use that power. But, on the other, I knew Gabriel was my only hope of finding what I needed to save the Universe and couldn’t help but feel the need to push my son when he wasn’t ready.
See? Terrible mother.
Mom’s mind reached for mine. She sounded as tired as I felt. I just heard from Femke, she sent. We won’t be in a position to move until morning. Some of the councils are digging in their heels over status. Mom’s irritation came through loud and clear. I’ll keep you posted, but until we have everyone lined up, we’re stuck.
Thanks, I sent, not minding so much. Until Sass prodded me gently. I was actually thinking about taking the kids home, curling up for a movie afternoon, going to bed early, maybe.
Sonja, my demon cat sent sadly, ruining everything.
Damn it.
What about her? Galleytrot’s rumbling mental voice shifted from soft summer rain to the boom of a thunder’s roar.
I informed the black dog quickly while the kids settled deeper into my lap. They seemed content just to sit there, poking at each other and giggling while I carried on a conversation I wished I didn’t have to. By the time I was done telling the black dog about Sonja’s appearance and request, his agitation had reached the kids enough they sat up and looked back and forth between him and me.
I don’t know if this is a good idea, Syd, Galleytrot sent at the same time Gabriel met my eyes.
“Mom?” Ethie reached out and took his hand in hers, though from the focused look on her face I think the gesture might have been subconscious. “What’s wrong?”
You must tell him, my vampire sent. She’d been quiet, all my egos had. She startled me, speaking up like that.
It’s his decision to make, Shaylee sent.
No decision if the woman goes missing, my demon grumbled. Offered me a few scenarios to ensure the body was never found.
Really, Shaylee sighed. Do you never tire of such thoughts?
My demon cackled. All the easier to piss you off, she sent.
Girls. They fell silent. That was a first. I shook my head and smiled softly at my son.
“Sweets,” I said. “There’s someone who wants to meet you.”
***
Chapter Twenty One
I drove the minivan up the winding hill toward the hotel, my heart hammering in my chest while I did my best to keep my composure. This was the last place I wanted to be and the last thing I wanted to be doing on no sleep and with a giant mess waiting to explode on the other side of the ocean. But when I told Gabriel who it was had asked to meet him, he was instantly insistent.
“My father’s mother?” His hazel eyes lit with green sparks.
“You’ve met her once before,” I said, not going into detail. Not admitting the one and only time Sonja saw her grandson he was a baby. That he freaked out and sobbed at the sight of her though he’d only ever been a sweet and loving infant to that point and after. “You were very little.” I hesitated before going on. “We don’t have to do this now. But she asked to see you and you deserve to meet her if that’s what you want.”
“Me, too!” Ethie’s typical jealousy at not being the center of attention prodded her brother who nodded and smiled.
“I want to, Mom,” he said. “Can we go today?”
That’s how I ended up telling Mom where we were going with a short burst of magic, asking her to turn the other cheek if Sonja and Spaft went missing. Mom’s gentle hug of power in return held a fierceness to it.
If you need help hiding the bodies, she sent, just holler.
See? My demon prodded Shaylee as we traveled through the veil toward Wilding Springs, Galleytrot beside us and Sass firmly held in Ethie’s little arms. I come by it honestly.
Shaylee’s heavy sigh of defeat made me laugh.
That was the last moment of good humor I had. The kids both dressed quickly, without being asked, as I talked quietly with Nicci in the kitchen.
“I have no idea how this is going to go,” I told her while she handed me
coffee and a sandwich. I slurped the hot liquid, grateful for the boost of caffeine, the snack going a long way to stopping my rolling stomach from rumbling.
“One word,” Nicci said, eyes snapping blue fire, “just one and those two will never see the light of day again.”
My demon laughed.
Five minutes later, we piled into the van, Ethie strapped firmly into her booster seat in the back, Gabriel on his in the front. Sassafras had insisted on joining us, curled in my daughter’s lap, and the giant black dog loomed beside her, making her seem so tiny and almost frail in comparison.
I caught Galleytrot’s glowing red eyes in the rear view as we turned the last corner and Hilltop Hotel came into view.
They are my priority, he sent, the car shaking briefly as I pulled to a stop in front of the doors. Have no fear.
I’m not afraid for their physical safety. I turned and smiled at Gabriel, making myself cheerful out of sheer will, as he unbuckled his belt and looked with innocent interest at the hotel.
Between the two of us, the big dog sent, hopping out into the sunshine, paws grinding over the gravel of the driveway, we’ll ensure nothing bad happens. Nothing. The clear, blue sky was cloudless, but the echoing thunder in the distance threatened rain under the right circumstances.
I held my children’s hands when we approached the front doors, Sassafras preceding us, as always. He continued on through the opening door as it swung wide, rubbing firmly against the young woman’s legs who came to greet us.
“Ms. Hayle.” Emmy Parsons embraced me with her arms while her power stroked mine, the family magic woken by our embrace.
“Emmy.” I smiled down at the petite brunette, released her after a quick hug. She gestured for me to enter ahead of her, silver bangles clanking around her wrist, fashionable jeans and crisp white button up making me feel over dressed in my suit. I should have changed after all. “How are you?”
“I’m well, ma’am,” she said with a smile. She was new to the coven, as was her husband, Daniel, and had eagerly taken over the hotel. Vacant since the Dumont family thralled the normal owners, it was nice to have it run by family, like most of the rest of Wilding Springs these days. Refugees from destroyed covens had fled to the protection of my family and I happily embraced them. Emmy and Daniel had fit into our lives perfectly, though I knew them less than I should have. Assimilating new coven members didn’t seem a priority considering all the other stuff I had to deal with. Shenka’s job, now in the laps of the girls.
I really had to find time to sit and chat with everyone.
Right after you solve world hunger, save the Universe and become the perfect mother. Sass’s sarcasm hit the mark over and over. Enough self-flagellation. We have a job to do.
Sometimes he irritated me so much.
I walked the familiar hall next to the dark wood stairs with the grand railing. They’d painted, at least, gotten rid of the almost black wood and wallpaper straight out of a seventies vampire flick and traded in for soft taupe with creamy trim. It set off the dark wood nicely and gave the formerly creepy interior a welcoming, modern feel mixed with history.
“I love what you’ve done with the place,” I said while touching Emmy’s mind. Any trouble from your Sidhe guests?
Not so far, she sent in return, her mental touch crisp and flavored with roses. A little cloying for my taste, but she didn’t overpower. Nicci told us who they are, but gave no instructions outside of observation. Should we be wary?
Not at all, I sent as Sassafras disappeared into the sitting room with purpose. I could feel the two women beyond the entry, their surprise at seeing the silver Persian. I only had moments before Sonja knew we were here. Just continue to keep an eye on them, will you?
Of course, coven leader, she sent, fully formal. We’ll await your instructions.
I really had to sit down with her—
Syd!
Coming.
The sitting room had once been as dark and depressing as the hall. Memories of being here, of rescuing my teen bestie, Alison, from the Dumont brothers, of meeting Odette and Andre for the first time, finding out Ameline and Quaid were betrothed… so much water long gurgled under a bridge now chopped down and burned for firewood.
Still, it was eerie to walk with my kids into that room, now painted in lavender and pale blue, half expecting the long dead Odette to smirk at me from the settee. Instead, Sonja rose from the cushions, face hopeful, her hair perfectly styled, tight dress a bit too snug for her excessive curves. She stepped toward us as Ethie, uncharacteristically shy, stopped before I did, tucking herself behind me to peek out at the woman who only had eyes for Gabriel.
Sparkling jewelry flashing in the sunlight coming through the windows, her red painted lips parted in a smile, Sonja bent forward toward Gabriel, showing far more cleavage than was good for anyone.
“Hello, darling,” she said, eyes sparkling with moisture.
“Hi,” he whispered, hand tightening on mine. Mom, he sent, a hint of panic in his voice. There’s something wrong with her.
Galleytrot shouldered his way past Gabriel and pushed Sonja back just with his presence. She stumbled, high heel catching on the carpet, a tiny squeal escaping her. I looked up to see Spaft watching from the sofa, spindly spider legs crossed, dark eyes narrow slits.
What was she up to? I felt no exchange of power, no attempt to thrall Sonja. Whatever was going on here it was emotional, not magical.
“Galleytrot.” Sonja clutched at her chest with one hand, long, fake nails scratching her sun damaged skin.
“Sonja.” He sat in front of Gabriel who half turned toward me. “Long time.” There was an accusation in his voice.
Sonja shrugged, a helpless gesture, face so sad I found it hard to believe she wasn’t being genuine. And yet, I felt the same thing my son did. Something wasn’t right here.
“I wanted to come.” She spoke around the big dog, leaning sideways to try to catch Gabriel’s eyes. “I just didn’t think I’d be welcome.”
“An excellent assumption,” Sassafras said with a flick of his tail. He leaped up beside Spaft, glaring at her until she looked down with a grimace of distaste. She flicked her fingers at him, as though he were some insect she wished to shoo. Sass ignored her, moving closer, rubbing his fur against her black skirt and leaving a wad of it behind.
On purpose. The bratski.
Spaft pinched the clump between her spindly fingers and deposited it on the floor before rising to her feet.
“Sonja deserves a moment alone with the boy,” she said in her cold voice. Her parchment thin skin was so pale I could see the threads of blue veins under the surface.
But Gabriel was already backing up, pulling free of my hand. Galleytrot growled when Sonja tried to dodge past him, to reach my son. I held myself still, teeth gritted, forcing my body not to react, to ignore the instinct I had to attack her and keep her from laying one hand on Gabriel.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, hoarse. “I can’t.” My son turned and fled the room.
“You’ve poisoned him against his own grandmother.” Spaft’s spiteful words held zero emotion, but lost none of the impact.
“I didn’t have to,” I said, feeling far sorrier for Sonja than perhaps I should have. She looked broken by Gabriel’s rejection. “Whatever it is you two are into, he can feel it. So can I.” I pushed against Spaft and Sonja both, letting my anger out at last. “And if I find out the pair of you are planning something that could cause my child even a moment of grief?” My power settled on their bodies, pushed hard until they both sagged under the weight. “We’ll be having a conversation that won’t end well. At all.”
I turned and strode away, my daughter marching at my side. Sassafras streaked past me into the hall, the footfalls of the big dog trailing behind. Neither Spaft nor Sonja attempted to stop us and we kept moving, past Emmy’s troubled pacing until we were all outside in the sunshine again.
Gabriel was already in the van, seatbelt done up. I
paused only long enough to hug Emmy and thank her before helping Ethie into her seat and climbing behind the wheel.
It was a silent ride partway down the hill, Gabriel staring out the window as though enthralled himself. When he finally spoke, his voice warbled with hurt.
“That was a mistake,” he said. “I’m sorry, Mom. We shouldn’t have gone.”
“You had to know,” I said, patting his hand. “I didn’t want to make the decision for you.”
“You should deal with those two,” Ethie said, sounding so much like Gram I glanced back at her just to check and make sure my grandmother wasn’t in the back seat, too. Her scowl was far older than her little body. “There’s trouble brewing between them.”
I almost shushed her, though I agreed with her. Gabriel didn’t need to feel worse than he did already. But my son just nodded.
“I think she wants to care about me,” he said. “I get that impression, past the darkness. But she wants something more. Craves it. It’s eating her alive and that’s all that she can think about.”
“Any idea what?” I reached for Nicci as Gabriel spoke again. Time to kick the two out of my town before they cause trouble.
“No.” He shrugged his thin shoulders. “I don’t care, either.”
Galleytrot rumbled protest. “I do,” he said. “Let me find out.”
I didn’t comment openly, but sent him a hug. The gloom hung over us all, our silence growing as I reached the bottom of the hill and paused at the stop sign. I couldn’t let this weight of darkness sit on my kids. There had to be a way to break the spell Sonja cast over them.
And then, I had a thought. A singularly brilliant—and possibly colossally stupid—thought. “Feel like a road trip?”
Both Ethie and Gabriel perked, while Sassafras hissed from the back seat.
