A laugh came from Ambrose’s mouth. He couldn’t help it. Donavon had so much passion for things that meant something to him. Especially Marcella. He’d been such a handful when he’d first come to them. There were multiple times he and Dom had physically gotten into a fight. After he realized that the former demon had power over his position, it calmed him down. Donavon had to find his place, and he had, as his brother’s right-hand man.
As if by thought, Ambrose’s phone rang. He looked down and felt a stir of fear. “It’s Dom.” Donavon sat up. He hit the button and put it to his ear. “What’s going on?”
Static filled the line, and his voice broke through. “Hey, Ambrose. Things didn’t go as planned. Marcella had an accident.” More static took over.
“What kind of accident?”
“What!” Donavon flew off the bed and grabbed the phone. “Dom. Bro, what the fuck is going on?” He pulled the phone away from his ear and looked at it. Ambrose raised one of his eyebrows at the shifter. He could have told him the connection was bad.
Dominic’s voice came back through, louder and Donavon pulled it back to his ear. “Okay, now what happened?” He paused. “She fainted? Uh huh.” The shifter began to pace. “Did the woman say how long it would take? Right. Yeah.” Donavon handed over the phone and Ambrose took it.
“Dom.”
“Hey, Ambrose. I was just telling my brother after he no doubt took the phone away from you that Marcella fainted and hit her head pretty hard. We met with the High Priestess because Marcella started bleeding, too. She says it’s nothing to worry about, but Marcella is confined to bed rest until after her third month. Samael is trying to figure out what to do. She still hasn’t woken up from her fall.”
It was hard to swallow as Ambrose took in the news. “Is the High Priestess going to help us?”
“No.” Dom took a ragged breath. “She said she’ll tell our story to her people, but she’s not willing to help. Samael doesn’t know whether to abandon the cause or try to convince her more. Marcella will probably want to talk to her, too.”
It made sense. “If you leave without Marcella talking to her, herself, she’s not going to like it. You know how she is, Dom. You have to tell Samael to give her a chance.”
“I’ll relay your message. Anyway, I just wanted to keep you updated. I figured if anyone knew something was wrong, it would be you.”
Ambrose smiled. “Well, Donavon felt it, too. But I’m glad you thought of us. Keep in touch.”
“Will do.”
He ended the call and Ambrose turned to Donavon. “I don’t think they’ll be there for much longer. Marcella will be on bed rest for the next few months, and Samael’s going to want it to be here. That kind of ruins her plans, but Marcella’s and the baby’s health come first.”
“Absolutely.” Donavon looked up as Jason and Zepar came in the room. A small cut was across Jason’s cheek and Zepar’s shirt was torn at the top of his arm. They were laughing until they caught the look on both of Ambrose’s and Donavon’s faces.
The door quietly closed behind them and Jason’s eyes became worried. “Did Dom call?”
Negative energy burst through the room from Donavon. Ambrose could tell the shifter was angry at how Jason only seemed to worry about Marcella once he caught their upset expressions. He didn’t know how he knew these things, but Ambrose had come to accept the impressions.
“He called,” Donavon snapped.
“And?” Jason’s eyes widened at his annoyance.
Ambrose walked between them. They’d all done so well about not fighting. He wasn’t going to let them go downhill from here. “Marcella had an accident. She’s still unconscious from fainting, but the High Priestess says she’ll be fine. They should be coming home soon. Her advice was bed rest until after the dangers of the first trimester pass.”
“I knew something was off.” Jason tossed his sword into the air and it disappeared. “They didn’t say when she was coming home?”
He shook his head. “No. Marcella is surely going to want to talk with the woman before she leaves. If they brought her back now, she’d be pissed. They’re both aware of that. Plus, I don’t think they’re ready to move her yet.”
Zepar eased into the chair by the dresser. “The baby is okay, though? My brother would be…” He rubbed his hand over his mouth. “It will kill him if anything happened to either one of them. I’ve never met anyone who has as much love for a person as my brother has for our queen.”
“The baby is good.” Ambrose took in the worry on Zepar’s face. The guy wasn’t so bad. At least not anymore. That was probably a good thing. The ritual had cleansed a hell of a lot of evil from him. It was like he was a brand new person. And he was going to have to stay that way if he was going to continue to stay here. Collector or not, the moment Zepar crossed the line, he was a dead man.
Chapter 15
White light danced around Marcella’s view and she tried to shield her eyes against the brightness. The pure feeling associated with the glow had her relaxing. She knew she was lying down, but her body felt stiff and on edge.
Figures began to take shape and the first thing she noticed about them was how pale they appeared. Their long hair matched perfectly with their skin and dresses. A smile came to her face while she watched them twirl around. It was a beautiful sight as their graceful arms extended into the sky and they once again leaned their figures to the side and spun.
“It’s wonderful to watch, isn’t it?”
Marcella tore her eyes from the gorgeous beings and felt the air leave her lungs as her gaze connected with golden eyes. “Leena,” she whispered. “Is it really you?” Black leather clung to the woman’s body, and there was no denying how similar they looked.
“Mother.” She smiled sadly and Marcella didn’t hesitate to pull her daughter down into her arms. Although they appeared the same age, the feeling inside of Marcella knew her age was so much older than her daughter’s.
“Thank you for coming to me.” Tears nearly blinded her. “I’ve wanted to see you from the moment I remembered. I’m so sorry for not protecting you better.”
Leena pulled back and wiped Marcella’s tears. “Don’t apologize. My life has been amazing. I longed for you for ages, but when Samael opened the door to bring you back, I listened to his plea and knew I had to help.”
“I don’t understand.” Marcella shook her head, confused. “What do you mean, opened the door?”
A grin came to her lips. “I’d been watching him for a while. He was all I had left of you. And then he did it. He prayed. He opened a door in his heart that hadn’t been there before. Once he’d unlocked it, I was able to see what he knew of that day. I saw everything. Even where part of you was kept, locked away. Together, we set you free. He wouldn’t have known I was there. But I was. You see, I needed you as much as he did.”
Marcella wasn’t sure what to say. “Thank you.” She kissed Leena’s hands. “You don’t know how much all of this means to me. Come stay with me, Daughter. Let me take care of you. You can meet your father. I know he wants to see you.”
She shook her head. “I wish I could, but I have my duties here. The light is part of me now, Mother. The mortal world is not for me. I’ve taken vows, and I must fulfill my duty until I am no longer of use. Just know I’m watching, and I love you and my father very much.”
“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” A sob broke past her throat as Marcella picked up a lock of her daughter’s hair.
“Our time is limited, but we will see each other again. Tell my father we will meet soon.” Leena looked toward Marcella’s stomach and rubbed her hand against the flat surface. “You be good, my sweet Micah, we’ll see each other again soon.”
“Micah? That’s what you call him?”
“It’s who he is. The name is as much a part of him as anything.”
Marcella smiled. “I like it. It’s…perfect.”
The light began to recede and at the darkness, a sense of sadness to
ok over. Leena was gone. She could feel the presence of her disappear. Throbbing began to pulse in her head, and Marcella groaned and forced her eyes open. She squinted at the brightness that broke through.
“You’re awake.” Samael rubbed a wet washcloth across her face. “I was beginning to worry. You’d been out for hours.”
“What happened?” The aching in her head was excruciating. She immediately tried to block out the light. Suddenly, she remembered the blood. Her eyes flew open and she tried to sit up. “Oh God! Micah!” Her hand came to her stomach.
“The baby’s fine,” Samael said soothingly. He lowered her back to the bed. Shaking covered her body at the panic that surged through her. It only made her head hurt worse. “Micah, is that what you called him?”
“Yes,” she whispered against the pounding. “Leena came to me. She told me it’s his name.”
“Micah,” Samael repeated. “I like it.”
“Me, too.” Bile rose to her throat and Marcella was sure she was going to be sick. “Samael.” She tried to lift again and his arms helped her. “I don’t feel so good. I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Oh no.” His voice was soft. A trash can was suddenly before her, and Marcella thought she was going to die while she became ill. It was bad enough throwing up in front of him, but the headache only made things worse. All she wanted was the security of being back at home. She could be sick there. The small space just added to her discomfort.
“I need to find the High Priestess. This needs to be over with already. It’s going to take weeks and I don’t have that kind of time. Micah needs to flourish and he won’t do that while I’m living out of hotel rooms.”
Samael shifted nervously. She fell back to the pillow and stared up at him. “She was already here. That’s where I went when I left.”
“You mean she saw me like this?” Marcella groaned and turned into the pillow.
“She helped you, Marcy.” Samael slid his hand into hers. “When I pulled up she was on the porch waiting for me. I liked her. She’s a very nice woman.”
Marcella slowly rose. “I have to thank her. I’m indebted to her kindness.” One of her formal meeting gowns covered her body. The white silk swept the floor, and as she walked toward the mirror she noticed her crown was perfectly in place. But she didn’t miss the huge gash underneath it. She turned to face Samael. “Take me to her.”
Dominic walked inside and froze. “You’re awake…and dressed.”
“I must see the woman who helped me.” Samael stood and she turned back to him. “What all did you tell her?”
“Everything. She knows absolutely everything about all of us. I know I shouldn’t have overstepped my bounds, but I asked her for help. I tried to explain how their souls needed you.” Sadness filled his face and he looked down. “She said she’d pass on the word, but that she couldn’t help us.”
“Oh.” Marcella felt her knees grow weak. “I didn’t think she would. I hoped. But never let myself believe. We must see her so I can at least thank her.”
“That woman is going to be mad that you’re even up,” Dominic said, lowly. “She wants you to stay in bed until after your first trimester is over.”
All Marcella could do was nod. It was probably best to rest as much as she could. “Well, I’ll get back in bed when it’s my own. Take me to her and then we’ll materialize back to the fortress.”
“You promise?” Samael looked at her skeptically.
“You have my word. I’m over recruiting. Micah needs me healthy. I will not jeopardize his life to get more followers. Our son is my number one priority. If something happens before I can stand my ground against your father then it’s fated to be that way.”
Samael walked to the door and opened it. Dominic held her steady and they made their way to the SUV. The bumps in the road had her tense. When they went up the steep hill her stomach rolled.
“It’s right up here.” Samael pulled into the driveway of the little house and Marcella got out. Her men took her arms, and they slowly made their way to the porch. Pine hung heavily in the air, and the smell made her hold her breath as much as possible. The scent was way too strong.
The wooden door beneath her hand as she knocked tingled her skin. “It’s laced with magick,” she whispered. “I can feel its power.” The sound of wings had her turning around. She could feel her eyes grow big at all the birds in the trees. “Are those ravens?”
Before she could be answered, the door creaked open. A tiny woman answered and Marcella instantly felt a pull to her. She bowed before the woman. “High Priestess.”
“Come in, my child. I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.”
Marcella let the men lead her, and she looked around the small living room, curiously. It reminded her of her grandma’s house. She dropped her hands and walked over to an old table. Her finger traced the doily. “Beautiful. Did you make this?”
“I did.” She smiled. “Come sit by me. I’ve made you some tea. It’ll be good for the baby. Micah, is it?”
“Yes,” Marcella tried to keep the shock from her face as she went to join the woman. “I wanted to stop by and thank you for your kindness before I left. Samael told me what you did for me, and I’m forever grateful.”
“It’s the least I could do.” She began to rock in the wooden chair. “I’m sorry I can’t help you. We have our beliefs.” Her eyes narrowed. “But I think you know that. Your understanding is appreciated.”
Marcella nodded. “I know your devotion to your Goddess. I can’t deny feeling some sort of connection to something myself, when I turn Wiccan. I’m not sure where I lie when it comes to faith. I’ll be truthful. I know there’s evil, and there’s good. We call the superior power God and the Devil. Although I’ve met the Devil, I’ve never met God. Maybe I should be a believer. I mean, I’ve seen hell firsthand, but I just…I can’t help but think there’s so much more I’m missing. I don’t know, maybe it was being human before I made my change. My parents weren’t very religious.”
“Possibly.” The woman studied her. “It could be a number of things. But I have to agree with you on thinking there’s something more. It’s the main reason I can’t just hand over the souls of my people. What if we didn’t need a medium, like yourself? What if we go where we believe? Maybe there’s a separate place from heaven and hell altogether? A place for people of different religions? You just never know. I feel my Goddess and I trust in her.”
Marcella nodded. “You might be right. There are great mysteries of this world that are unexplainable. And I respect your views.”
She took a sip of the tea and closed her eyes in bliss. “This is really good. What is it?”
The woman laughed. “I made a special concoction just for you, my dear. I have a bag all ready to go for you on the table. It’ll help with the sickness. You should be able to keep down a little more than crackers with it.”
“That would be wonderful. My condition isn’t so good.”
“All supernatural pregnancies are like this, my dear. But it makes us stronger. And in the end, your son will make your strength blossom. You watch and see.” The woman paused and took a drink. “But don’t show off your powers too much. Showboating will only bring unwanted attention, if you know what I mean. Keep it under wraps until it is needed. You practice somewhere where no one can see you. And only around your most trusted people. Friends can also be foes. Remember that.”
Samael stepped forward. “Leena told me something along those same lines.” He looked at the woman. “Thank you for reminding me. I know now to take it as a very serious threat.”
“Be sure you do. I would like this story to have a happy ending this time.”
A smile came to his face. “It will. I promise you, High Priestess.”
“Good. Now you kids get going. I know a certain young woman who needs to be resting.”
Marcella stood and quickly finished off her small cup of tea. The warmth coated her insides and left her starving to eat som
ething. It was the first time she could remember wanting to actually eat real food since the sickness began. “I leave you with warm regards. You are a dear friend, and thank you again for your kindness.”
The woman stood up and grabbed the bag. “Don’t forget this. You’ll need it to hold you over the next few weeks. You know where to find me if you ever need any more.”
Marcella clutched it to her chest. “Thank you for everything. And if you need anything”—she closed her eyes and made a card appear with her number on it—”call me, anytime. And I mean that. Anything. All you have to do is ask.”
“I will. Thank you.” She took the card in her delicate hands.
Samael walked forward and handed her the keys to the SUV. “We’re leaving and we’re not going to need the car. You can keep it, sell it, or give it away. Think of it as a gift.”
A smile beamed across her face. “You are very generous.”
Marcella wrapped her arms around her men, clutching to the bag like her life depended on it. It was time to go home. Damn, she was happy about that. It would feel so good to be back in her bed. In her own space, with all of her men. Her own taste of heaven. The only one she would ever see. And truthfully, she felt okay with that.
Chapter 16
The three months of bed rest were the longest in Marcella’s life. As she stared up at the flat-screen television hanging on her wall, she felt like a zombie. All of her men were out training but Donavon. Jason had turned him into a collector last week, and he’d been glued to the mirror staring at his tattoos ever since.
“You know, Marcella, I miss my old tattoos.” His mouth twisted while he turned to her. “They had sentimental meaning.”
Her eyes rolled. “Donavon, almost every symbol on your body now was tattooed on you already. They were just in different locations.”
“Yeah, but your symbol isn’t on here. I’ve tried to rearrange them with my mind to make it look like before, but it won’t let me. I don’t like it.” He turned back to the mirror and she popped another grape into her mouth.
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