by Patti Larsen
Or could she? The guy I’d thought I knew wasn’t who he said he was. Would he really protect her? Because she needed protecting, my fragile friend. When his eyes met mine my doubts left me. He at least couldn’t dissemble in front of me. The naked pain and joy in his gaze was enough.
Okay then. They had each other. And where did that leave me exactly? Telling myself it wasn’t about me.
Liar.
Mia led Quaid to the front of the table. Odette gestured at Andre who stared as if he couldn’t believe what she was asking. He finally rose, stiff and angry, letting Quaid have his seat while Mia took her place. She held Odette’s fingers on her right and Quaid’s on her left while the old woman sighed and patted her hand.
“I am so grateful to have you both returned to me,” she said. Gag. Choke. Puke. “Your mother stole you, you see, your father too, when you,” she pointed at Quaid, “were only one and you,” she did the same at Mia, “were an infant.” It was so weird to see him sitting there, surrounded by those icy blue eyes where his warm and delicious brown ones stood out. I found myself comparing Quaid’s features to Andre’s and while there was a little resemblance my memory flashed to the faded picture Quaid showed me, of his parents and how he looked just like his father.
Maybe there was hope for him yet? I shoved the possibility of that from my mind as Mia spoke.
“Why, Grandmother?” She gazed into Odette’s face, rapt while I wanted to shake her and drag her out of there. Mom grasped my hand, squeezing it. Even Gram sat semi-still. This was important? Okay then. It better be.
“Your mother,” Odette said, anger and outrage tingeing her tone, “quite lost her mind. She had a disorder, a paranoia. She convinced your father the only way to protect the both of you was to take you. Why she gave you up, Mia, with your power blocked and useless, is beyond me.”
I could feel the thread of lies running through her voice, feel the pressure of her magic as she used it like a battering ram on Mia. I think it would have had the desired effect even without the power behind it. Mia’s tears brimmed again, but didn’t spill.
How could I sit there and watch this happen? “Maybe she wasn’t paranoid.”
Oh no. I did not just open my mouth and say that, did I? Mom’s foot found mine and pressed down hard. But the damage was done.
Odette just smiled at me, condescending and colored with old disappointment. “Our family problems are our own,” she said, “though they matter little now that our two darlings have returned to us.” Odette squeezed Mia’s hand. “And now that your power is returned to you, you are free to take your place at my side.” Odette smiled at Quaid. “Both of you.”
“Not quite.” Mom’s voice was soft, but her words carried. Finally! I was beginning to think she hadn’t brought anything to the table and was going to let this farce continue.
Odette’s smile didn’t falter. “Whatever do you mean, Miriam?” Her voice was honey coated, but I could feel the threat underneath.
“Quaid belongs to me.” Mom smiled gently back, so poised I wondered how she managed it. But while Ameline was heartless, Mom radiated calm, love and peace.
Odette’s lips twitched. “He is a Dumont.”
“But he is a member of my coven,” Mom said in that same reasonable tone. “He was initiated after the Moromonds abandoned him. Quaid’s magic is mine. Nor do I intend to release him from the Hayle coven.”
So, the tension in the air could get thicker. I was going to have trouble breathing in a minute. Odette’s smile vanished, her clear blue eyes staring into Mom’s like she could kill her with a look.
“He was a member of my coven first,” Odette said. “Born to it. That takes precedence.”
“On the contrary,” Mom corrected her gently. “I was very careful when I initiated him. He was not tied to your coven in any way. And when the Moromonds, his guardians at the time, took their oath, he took it with them. It would appear Quaid was never anointed as a Dumont witch. Which means he is a Hayle until I say otherwise.”
“Then there is only one solution to this question,” Celeste spoke up. I was sure then and there she’d been waiting for some opportunity to interfere.
“Which is?” Odette and Mom didn’t move, didn’t break their gaze. They spoke as one.
“A summoning of the family magic,” Celeste said. “The power will tell.”
Mom’s smile grew.
So that was a good thing? I hoped she knew what she was doing.
***
Chapter Twenty Five
I was sure this was going to end badly for someone and just hoped it wasn't us. That's why I found myself dragging my feet on my way out of the dining room and down the hall. A small parlor furnished with heavy, antique chairs and a massive black stone fireplace was barely large enough to hold us all. Mom and Odette dominated the center with Quaid between them, with the rest of us plastered out of the way against the walls.
Dad stood to my right, his hand reaching for mine, what I'm sure he thought was a comforting look on his face. But I wasn't some kid to be placated and head patted and told there, there, dear. I knew the stakes.
By challenging Odette's control over Quaid, Mom not only exposed herself, but the entire family and the core of magic that made us who we were. My only comfort was the fact Odette did the same, and I was certain Mom was stronger.
At least, I kept telling myself she was. Mind you, despite her incredible power, Mom drew from a coven of a hundred or so. The Dumonts numbered over four hundred. So stronger or not, we were at a disadvantage from the get go. Still, I had to believe Mom knew what she was doing and have faith in her.
Like always.
At least Quaid had the decency to look embarrassed and more than a little unhappy to be the center of their attention. His eyes met mine, momentarily reaching through the chaos around him to connect with me, just like old times. My demon snarled at him while Shaylee sighed. I did the only thing I could and stayed impartial.
I shut him down and looked away. Right into Ameline's plastic face. Was that a flicker of amusement I saw? Like I cared. But I was grateful to her for the warning. Now I knew she wasn't as cold as she pretended and was probably way more dangerous than anyone else in the room.
“The magics will decided it then,” Mom said calmly, drawing her wrap around her like a cloak. “One way or the other, we will honor the decision of his power.”
Odette merely grunted, already planted in place, face furrowed in a frown.
I felt their power rise together, the squeeze of Dad's hand as he recognized it too. The pressure in the room grew to smothering, pushing me back against the wall. I caught a blur of motion and looked past Dad, seeing Gram, no longer acting crazy, staring at the combatants as if she wanted to leap in and take Mom's place.
Two columns of magic rose, twisting, writhing, living things. One was flawless blue, shining like a sea of sapphire beauty, threaded through with white, amber and green. The other was tinted softly purple. Together they climbed and hovered near the ceiling, firmly attached to the witches who claimed them.
“Quaid,” Odette said. “Come home, c'est bien.”
Her magic oozed forward, spreading wide, almost threatening as it blanketed him, sliding over him as if to possess his soul. Quaid flinched as it touched him, his magic rising to the call.
“Quaid,” Mom said. “You are family.” When her magic reached for him, it came toward him at eye level, a spinning branch, stroking over his arms, his legs, prodding his chest like an eager puppy. Everywhere it touched, the Dumont magic retreated as though burned. Quaid's magic, that lovely, warm weighty feel I remembered, went right to Mom, dropping free of Odette.
The old woman thickened her cloud, trying to slide between Mom and Quaid, but it found no purchase. As I stood there, watching the silent battle, for a battle it was, I had no doubt, I was disheartened to realize both women were equally as powerful, and that it was only the fact Quaid's magic was pledged to our family that Mom was able to win.
Some victory. Odette's power finally retreated with a snap as Quaid's magic locked in place with Mom.
“Confirmed,” Mom said softly as if she'd done nothing worth mentioning. “He is indeed a Hayle witch.”
Odette attempted to hide her scowl, but I could see it, the tightness around her eyes, the way her hands clenched even as she fought to smile.
“So it's been decided,” she said, turning to Quaid with all kinds of fake sadness coloring her expression. “To find you now, only to lose you again so quickly.” She withdrew an embroidered handkerchief from the pocket of her dark wool suit and dabbed at her dry eyes. “But we must obey coven law, mustn't we, mon cher?”
At least Quaid was now safe. All I had to worry about was Mia. She was crying, being comforted by the brothers. Kristophe actually had his arm around my friend, Jean Marc grinning at me like it was funny.
Oh, I was rescuing her all right. No way could I let those two win.
Ameline didn't seem all that concerned she'd just lost her future husband. In fact, she looked bored. Seriously.
I was about to reach for Quaid, to apologize, when he turned to Mom and broke my heart all over again.
“I want to be released from the Hayle coven,” he said.
Why didn't Mom look surprised? Only very sad, real sadness. She didn't say anything for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts. When she did speak, it was directly to him, as if they were alone in the room, with an intimacy that made me want to cry.
“You came to us under such difficult circumstance,” Mom said, “but I knew your heart was pure, Quaid. I've always trusted you to make the right decisions. You are valued, more than you know, a part of this family who love and accept you as you are.” I expected her to break out the guilt she'd always used on me, but it never showed. “You will always have a place with us, no matter where your path leads you.” She reached for him only to drop her hand. “You're certain of your choice?”
Quaid hesitated. Even he looked like had choked up. But he nodded then. “Thank you,” he said, voice thick. “For everything, Miriam. You've given me far more than I ever deserved.” He glanced over at Odette who was doing her best to look innocent while triumph shone in her eyes. “But they are my family,” he said. “And you of all people should know how important family is to me. That I will do everything I can to protect them and to avenge them if they come to harm.”
Mom's shoulders stiffened, only for a moment, before she nodded. “Very well.” Her power retreated, bits still clinging. “We'll miss you and treasure the memory of your magic.” With a wrenching, tearing sound that hit me in my gut, she pulled free.
I felt it instantly, his departure, the lack of connection and missed it like he'd died. He stood there, lost and forlorn, orphaned magic clinging to him. But not for long. Even as his eyes met mine again and a silent apology touched me from his gaze, Odette's power lashed out in a rush and engulfed him.
Quaid rocked from the contact, but held his ground as his power was absorbed and assimilated into the Dumont family magic. I couldn't help but feel like he'd sold his soul right along with it.
Quaid turned to face Odette, going down on one knee, dark head bowing. “I swear allegiance to the Dumont family coven,” he said, “and will do everything in my power to ensure its safety and that of its members for as long as I have breath.”
***
Chapter Twenty Six
I felt like I was dying inside, slowly, painfully. But still I had to watch, didn't I, as Quaid gained his feet, went to Odette, was embraced in her arms? Had to endure the sight of Ameline approaching him, taking his hand, kissing his lips in welcome.
“I think it's time we took our leave.” Mom bowed her head to Odette. I wouldn't have been so gracious. Sometimes I forgot my mom was such a class act.
“We haven't finished dinner.” Odette pouted, but I knew she had what she wanted because she didn't argue further.
“Thank you,” Mom said, “but I've lost my appetite.”
Not like my mother to show weakness. Not at all. Dad held out his hand to her, guiding her to the door. I pulled mine free, let Gram and the vampires go ahead of me, knowing being the last out was the worst position to be in. Erica didn't give me a choice. My mom's best friend and second hooked her arm through mine, blonde hair shining in the low light as she tugged me along. Only Celeste was left to follow.
I refused to look back. I would not let Quaid know how much he'd hurt me, hurt my mother, our family. Not going to happen. He wasn't worth it anymore.
Ameline could have him.
The Dumonts waved at us from the doorway, not even coming out into the parking lot to say goodbye, slamming the door behind them when we were almost to the cars. I could swear I heard the brothers laughing.
“Harry, take Erica and Celeste home, please. I'll go with Syd.”
Dad looked like he wanted to argue with her, but finally just shrugged and headed for the minivan. Erica seemed even more upset, making me wonder why Mom was cutting her out. Celeste just scowled at the lot of us and marched after Dad.
Mom ignored them all, turning to Sunny and Uncle Frank, both of whom seemed shaken and still angry. At least the werewolves stayed inside as well.
“I'm sorry for this,” Mom said, kissing Uncle Frank's cheek and squeezing Sunny's hand. “You shouldn't be involved.”
“We're here for you, Mir,” Uncle Frank said while Sunny nodded and sighed.
“I'm not sure how long I can control the clan,” she said. “Most still see me as a temporary leader. Without Sebastian to give orders, mine simply don't carry enough weight. His blood keeps them in line.”
“I know.” Mom frowned just a little. “Can we find him?”
Sunny looked so sad I wished I risked hugging her. “He is still hiding from me.”
“From all of us.” Uncle Frank shook his head, boyishly handsome face lined with worry. “And even if we did find him... he's not the vampire we knew, Mir.”
I wished none of this had ever happened. Immediately a surge of, “It's your fault,” raced through me. The rise of the monster Cesard hadn't been me, but the whole mess surrounding his capture could probably have been handled better. And now Sebastian was some kind of super vampire, an angel of death, full of the original plague spirit that had created his kind. The few times I'd seen him since it took him over, he'd scared the living crap out of me. Not because he was a monster, oh no.
He was so beautiful, his call was almost impossible to ignore.
Mom released Sunny's hand. “Just do your best,” she said. “This will be over soon.”
She kept saying that. What did she know that I didn't?
Uncle Frank ruffled my hair before he and Sunny flickered into shadow and disappeared.
Mom climbed into Minnie's front seat. Gram jumped in the back of my car without a word. She was so quiet I'd almost forgotten she was there.
Both women were totally silent as I climbed in the front seat and did up my seatbelt. The engine of the little car hummed softly as I backed out and drove off down the switchback trail. Now on the railing side of the road, I felt my nerves return.
Gram leaned forward suddenly, scaring a squeak out of me. Her white hair tickled my cheek as she leaned sideways to glare at Mom.
“This is very, very bad,” she said, back to her normal self. Well, at least not fully crazy.
“Why?” I gripped the steering wheel so hard my hands ached, both from my anxiety about driving the narrow road and the memory of Quaid leaving me.
Damn him. How could he leave me?
Gram's faded blue eyes stared into me for a moment, only heightening my stress.
“It was a ploy, silly girl,” she growled. “A means for Odette to test your mother. To find out how strong the Hayle magic has become. She knew Quaid was a part of our coven. It was clear to every witch in the room.” Gram glanced at Mom. “And you showed her your hand.”
Mom smiled, an angelic look. I wasn't sure if she was losing
it or if I should feel better. Her pleased expression said she thought we'd won or something.
“I knew exactly what Odette Dumont was looking for,” Mom said. “And made sure she got it.”
Gram grunted and tried to argue, but Mom shook her head.
“I have nothing to hide,” she said. “None of us do.”
“You push boundaries you shouldn't, Miriam.” Gram gripped the back of Mom's chair with her claw-like fingers, eyebrows pulled together. “Odette is far more clever than her sister ever was, and Naudia was very clever indeed.”
“You just have to trust me, Mother,” Mom said. “I do know what I'm doing.”
Hmmm. This conversation sounded familiar. Could it be I'd inherited my need to argue with the woman who gave birth to me?
Mom leaned over to me, hand on mine where it was glued to the wheel. “Honey,” she said softly. “I'm so sorry about Quaid.”
I shoved that aside. It was hard enough to maneuver down the steep road without having my vision wavering with tears. “Why didn't you tell me about Pain? I mean Mia?”
Mom sighed, leaning back in her seat while Gram retreated to the back, glaring out the window like it offended her.
“Your mother loves her secrets,” Gram snapped.
“It's not like that.” Mom hugged her wrap around her. “I was hoping they would never find her,” Mom said. “I wasn't permitted to hide her, especially when she didn't accept the family magic. I don't have power over her, Syd. When Quaid went looking for his family, I considered sending her away...” Mom stared out into the darkness, voice thickening. “She has the right to know who they are, to make her own choices.”
“You know how fragile she is,” I said. “She's lost now.” More tears threatened.
“Mia is far stronger than you give her credit for,” Gram said from the back. “Give her time.”