Flesh and Blood

by Patti Larsen

  The moment Mom saw him, she cried out softly, as if she understood why he was here. I guess the looks on all of our faces probably told her what she needed to know. Meira started to weep, burying her face in Mom's blouse while Theridialis, still holding my hand, bent over Dad.

  My father's eyes flickered open and met his friend's. A slow, sad smile spread over his face. I reached down, freeing myself from Sassy long enough to feed Dad a large dose of demon power. It perked him up, but did little to reverse the deterioration this time.

  “Haralthazar, my very dear friend.” Theridialis's face was wreathed in a gentle smile. “I had feared for you. Now I see you've made it this far. I only wish I had the means to reverse what has happened to you.”

  “Riddie.” Dad's whisper was a dry-throated croak. “Thank you.”

  The older demon reached out, his hand sliding over Dad's, his residual energy just strong enough to allow contact. “Songs are sung of you, Demon Lord,” he whispered. “I will add one more to your opera.”

  Dad's eyes drifted closed. Theridialis straightened, met Mom's eyes. Tears tracked down his demon face, crystal moisture disappearing back to his plane as the fat drops fell. “My darling Miriam,” he said. “You must not blame yourself. He has loved you more than anything or anyone in his very long life. And he would never give up the life he's lived with you, not for all the power on Demonicon.”

  Mom choked down her own tears, bowing her head with a grace only she could muster under the circumstance. “Thank you, old friend,” she said.

  Theridialis turned to me, reached out and stroked my cheek. “You are the perfect offspring of their union,” he said. “Be well, Sydlynn Hayle.” His eyes drifted then to Sassafras who refused to look up. “Farewell, my son. You are missed.”

  His hand pulled free of mine as Sassy looked up, shock in his expression, but too late to speak up.

  Theridialis was gone.

  ***

  Chapter Eighteen

  It was a sad procession, returning Dad back to Mom's room, settling him in the bed. Was it pure Hayle stubbornness on my part I refused to give up? We'd been through so much, survived unbeatable odds before. Why should this be any different?

  And yet, it felt different. If only because it seemed all of our avenues had been explored. But this couldn't be it, the end. It couldn't.

  My dad couldn't just die.

  I hovered at the doorway, not sure what to do, torn between rushing off to look for another answer—where I had no idea, only that my feet wanted me to run—and sitting next to my mother in vigil.

  I couldn't bring myself to mourn just yet.

  The house wards quivered and Erica's power entered. I stayed where I was, feeling her as she passed through the kitchen, down the hall and up the stairs to come to stand beside me.

  “I need to talk to your mother.” Erica looked like she had been crying, her perfect makeup missing, long, blonde hair in a messy ponytail.

  “Good luck with that.” I guided her away, closing the door behind me, hiding Mom, Dad and Meira from her watching eyes. Why did her staring feel so offensive? “Mom isn't available.”

  Erica's hands fluttered in front of her, a flash of desperation passing over her face. “This coven is practically leaderless, Syd. She has to reassure the others.”

  I actually laughed. It wasn't funny, far from it, but the idea my mother needed to do anything of the sort was so absurd I couldn't help myself. “How sad for them.” Harsher than intended, but I wasn't in the mood for family crap, thanks.

  “Celeste is pressuring the others,” Erica said. “We need your mother.”

  For the first time I saw just how weak Erica was. I'd always thought of her as my second Mom, my mother's right hand, the family magic strong in her. But now I understood. She was second for a reason. With a powerful leader at her side, Erica was a tigress. But without my mother's guidance she was just pathetic. Why Mom chose her as her second at all... and then it hit me.

  Because she would never, ever challenge Mom's authority. Ever.

  Ah. My brilliant mother at work yet again. I had so much to learn.

  I think Erica must have seen the growing contempt in my face because she shored up her weaknesses behind her own anger.

  “Get out of my way,” she said.

  “Not a freaking chance in hell.” I used magic to bully her back, not much, just enough to show her I meant business. She gasped, but relented. Partly because I was stronger but mostly, I think, because the second she tried to push back the family magic rose up and showed its face.

  Mom had linked me to the power of our coven when she'd gone in search of Gram. And while she'd taken that power back, the link remained. And with my mother indisposed, it instantly recognized the next in line and came immediately to my call.

  “Downstairs,” I said. “Now.”

  She went sullenly, with reluctance, but without resistance. In the fading sunlight of our kitchen, I reached out to the family without hesitation this time. Gone was my nervousness, the influence of Erica's anxiety. I didn't have time for weakness.

  Listen up. I sent my mind down the line to every single witch in our family. Mom's not available. You'll have to deal with me.

  I felt Celeste's instant protest and crushed it. The resulting shock running through the network almost made me feel better as did their instant acceptance of my leadership. They embraced me like I was their salvation, a huge change from last time.

  Maybe because I finally accepted who I was and why. Funny how taking firm hold on your power and position can instill confidence in others.

  Dad is dying. I kept the same tone as much as I wanted to sob it out. His mortal form won't survive without demon magic. We've tried to return him to Demonicon, but without success. It's only a matter of time. Your leader needs your support, not your fear. Now, act like family and pull yourselves together.

  Harsh. Hell yeah. Necessary? Obviously. They all complied immediately, apologies flying, instant regret reaching for me. I felt the family start to move, to mobilize. Mom had always been there for them no matter her circumstances. Now it was their turn.

  Erica wouldn't meet my eyes when I pulled free of the family, Celeste's anger barely hiding the feeling of grim speculation wrapping up her thoughts. Screw her. If she wanted to face me down she could bring it.

  I was so ready.

  In the meantime, I prodded Erica with some magic, making her face me. “I mean it,” I snapped. “Get it together, Erica. Mom needs you, not the other way around.”

  She nodded quickly and turned to run upstairs even as the sound of arriving cars signaled the gathering of the family. I stood there, accepted their nods and brushes of power on the way by, how they bowed to me and my control on their way to sit vigil with my mother.

  My feeling of satisfaction was long gone. I wished they would just leave us alone. But I knew how important this was, the gathering of the coven. For them. And for Mom. So I accepted it and did my best to wall up my thoughts.

  I’d learned a lot more from my mother than I thought. Faking the leader persona was getting easier by the second.

  The sun was just setting as the last of the family arrived. I didn't expect Celeste or James and, surprise, surprise neither showed up. Good thing, too. I wouldn't have let them in the house.

  Our last two family members joined us with the failing of the sun. It was hard not to fall into Sunny's arms, to keep the thick veneer of control against the worry of the others, to stay strong when Uncle Frank's hardened attitude softened as he reached out to hug me. But I did, if only for my mother. I owed her so much and keeping the coven in line was the least I could do.

  Besides, no way was I letting Celeste feel even a heartbeat of weakening and I was absolutely sure she was waiting and watching for just such a moment.

  As I pulled free of my uncle, I had a sudden flashback so powerful my knees actually buckled.

  “I have an idea,” I said, keeping my voice low and controlled so I woul
dn't scream in excitement.

  Sunny and Frank exchanged a glance and nodded.

  They followed me upstairs, past the quiet family, weaving our way through them where they stood in the hall, piled into the living room, sat on the stairs speaking in nearly silent murmurs. They parted for us, let us pass, all the way to the crowded doorway and Mom's room.

  I didn't pause to see if the coven would make way, but moved with purpose until I was standing beside my mother. She looked up at me, her hand reaching for mine, Meira in her lap and Dad's sunken body stretched out under the barely moving covers.

  “Mom,” I said, “there is one more thing we can try.”

  She looked over my shoulder at Uncle Frank who nodded, hand falling on my shoulder while Sunny bent to kiss her cheek.

  “Syd's right,” Uncle Frank whispered. “We could bring him over, Miriam.”

  Mom's eyes lit with sudden hope. “A vampire?”

  Sunny nodded, stroking Mom's hair as if she were a child. “He would live, if it worked. With new power. And you could remain together, at least under darkness. It's something to consider, Miriam.”

  Mom turned away, eyes locking on Dad. “It's a brilliant idea,” she said, power returning to her voice. “But we have to ask him.”

  I bent and sent power into Dad, waking him. His deep blue eyes blinked open, lit briefly with amber fire. “Syd?”

  “Dad.” I crouched at his side, ignoring the coven crowding around, eager for an end to the terrible sadness, “we have a plan.” I gestured at the vampires behind me. “It's the only way.”

  He met Uncle Frank's eyes. “Thank you, Frank,” he said.

  “Anything for you and Mir, Harry.” Frank sighed. “We can't promise it will work, but we can try.”

  “What of his punishment?” Erica was wringing her hands again, her fear reaching the others. I cut her off and sent her a jab to jerk her out of it.

  “Harry would no longer be under coven law,” Sunny said with such conviction I knew Celeste wouldn't have a leg to stand on. “We are, by nature, creatures of blood magic. He would be undead, as well, and thus outside the threat of punishment.”

  The coven sighed as one, accepting. All we needed now was to give it a go.

  Hope, real hope, surged through me, into them, into Mom. Her shoulders went back, eyes clearing of the terrible pain in them. Even Meira perked from her weariness, blinking at me slowly, like a just woken owlet.

  My dad's fingers reached for Mom's, squeezed them ever so gently.

  “Thank you,” he whispered. “Miriam, is this what you want?”

  Mom's free hand lifted to cover her mouth. “Harry, please.” She nodded slowly. “I can’t bear to lose you.”

  Dad smiled. “Then we try,” he said.

  ***

  Chapter Nineteen

  And all of a sudden, just like that, Mom was rushing the witches out of the room while Uncle Frank and Sunny sat on the bed on either side of Dad. I could barely breathe, didn’t want to watch, not sure how I would feel about the vampires if I actually saw what they really were.

  I felt the hushed worry of the coven, the push of their judgment and locked that part out. How dare they take a side? They weren’t the ones facing certain death. Anger surged through me and I welcomed it. Anything to push aside the aching need I felt, a need for this to work.

  Mom slammed the door and turned back, hand reaching for mine where I’d backed off, my whole body shaking. She trembled as much as I did, but there was hope in her face so I forced myself to calm down and be there for her.

  Meira joined us, hugging Mom, then me before pressing against me and turning to face the bed, her chin lifted. Fearless.

  At least on the outside.

  I caught motion from the corner of my eye, watched as Sassafras crouched near the ensuite bathroom door, his face in his hands. I left Mom and Meira and went to my friend. He looked up, accepted my hand when I held it out to him. I drew him to his feet and wrapped my arms around him, welcoming his as he hugged me back.

  Thanks. His voice was clear in my head.

  Oh Sass, I sent. You don’t have to ever thank me for anything.

  His arms tightened, power wrapping around me. I let my demon out and felt her embrace him too.

  It was only then I understood he was still the Sassafras I had known my whole life. With our power touching so intimately, I finally let go of the cat and let myself love Sass for who he really was.

  The lights dimmed as though in answer to some draw of energy. I couldn’t really feel it, not until the air chilled, all moisture and warmth pulled free. I shuddered, wishing I had a sweater, eyes locked on Uncle Frank and Sunny.

  I’d heard stories about vampires, how they made more of their kind. Read the classics like Dracula. All that blood sucking stuff. But the truth of turning a human couldn’t have been farther from the fables I’d grown up on.

  White magic pooled between the two undead, forming a light mist at first, thin and wavering until it thickened into a tangible, swirling mass. I watched, amazed, as both vampires seemed to become transparent, their unbeating hearts not empty, black masses as I’d imagined but pulsing stars glowing with white fire. It suffused their bodies, filling them, turning them into radiant beings who broke my heart. Sassy’s arms clenched reflexively around me.

  They were beautiful. I’d seen something similar, in their blood clan leader, Sebastian, taken over by the essence of the vampiric virus. It had turned him into perfection, an angel of death and I’d been as attracted to him as I’d been terrified of what he’d become.

  Uncle Frank and Sunny didn’t have his power, but together they shared enough light I found myself blinking away tears at the sight. Gone were the horror movie memories of blood dripping from vampire fangs. Instead, I watched as the pool of energy and power, the very heart of what made vampires magical, rose spinning in the air over my father. Sunny raised her hands, light reflecting from her as Uncle Frank did the same. There was a small patch of blackness on his face, where the sun damage created a permanent hole in his power, but it didn’t stop him or seem to hinder him.

  Dad looked up, the light reflected in his eyes, face calm, serene, fearless. I wished I shared his feelings, but we had no other choice. And I’d lived with a demon dad for seventeen years. An undead dad wouldn’t be all that different.

  I heard Mom cry out as the vampire magic descended swiftly and dove deep inside my father. Dad’s back arched, mouth opening wide. White light beamed out of his eyes, from between his parted lips, seemed to shine from every pore. The whole room glowed with pure white radiance, the two vampires pouring their power into my father’s husk of a body.

  There was no fading, no soft retreat for the light. It snapped off as if someone hit a switch. I blinked, fighting for my sight through the flashes ruining my night vision. By the time I could see clearly, it was over.

  I hurried to Sunny who slumped at Dad’s bedside, blonde hair hanging over her face. She looked up as I reached for her, shining tears trickling down her pale cheeks.

  Mom moved us aside with a gesture, Sunny retreating with me. One look at Uncle Frank and I knew.

  But I had to know for sure.

  Dad panted, chest rising and falling in quick gasps of air. Sunny’s lips drifted over my cheek, her voice soft in my ear. “I’m so sorry, Syd,” she whispered. “It didn’t work.”

  “Why?” Mom’s question was a cry as she looked up at Uncle Frank. He shook his head, grim, cold, no humanity in his one good eye.

  “His body refused us,” he said. “Harry’s spirit was willing, but his mortal form wouldn’t let us in.”

  Sunny stepped forward, one hand on Mom’s shoulders. “We could assemble the clan,” she said. “Try again.”

  Mom shook her head, shrugged Sunny off. “Leave us,” she choked. “Just leave us be.”

  The vampires left, Sassy following them out. Sunny met my eyes as she closed the door behind her, entire being full of regret. I wished I had some com
fort to offer her, but I was all out at the moment.

  I knelt next to Mom as the door sighed closed, Meira resuming her place on Dad’s right.

  Mom’s hand ran through my hair before she gripped Dad’s again. “Harry,” she said. “Oh my love.”

  Dad’s breathing settled as I reached out and fed him demon magic. “Was worth a shot,” he whispered. “Though nothing in this family has ever been easy.” His blue eyes met mine. “It’s time for a talk, I think. Miriam, I need you to go so I can speak to my daughters.”

  Mom left without a word, though she was crying and I wanted to follow her. But it was pretty obvious she and Dad had planned this moment and even though this was the last place I wanted to be at the moment, listening to him say goodbye, I knew I had to stay, if only for my sister.

  “When I met your mother, I loved her instantly. Did she tell you?” He smiled, one weak hand rising to touch my cheek before it fell to thud against the covers. “Did I ever tell you? Syd, it seems we’ve always talked without saying anything at all.”

  I lifted his hand and held it to my face, not even trying to stop the tears from flowing. “That was my fault,” I breathed around the lump in my throat. “I just wanted to spend time with you when you were here.”

  He nodded slowly, though it seemed to cause him pain. “I left a great deal of your raising to your mother.” Dad turned his head, met Meira’s amber eyes. “I know now it was my arrogance. I could have been here for you more often. But I was a demon lord, told myself I had responsibilities to my family. That you had your mother.”

  Meira sobbed once and collapsed next to him, hugging him gently. “We didn’t mind.”

  Did we? Did I? As I sat there on the floor, my dying father next to me, I asked myself in all honesty if I resented him for not being there for me.