Unnaturals
Page 45
`They're fine. They are all are. The children have been silent since the jump, but that is because the threat is no more. They have grown quickly because of it.'
`I need to see them.'
Again, she held him down. `Mmm, we need to talk first.'
Mason stopped struggling. `Okay, but make it quick.'
`You defeated Bemeon.'
Mason felt a naked body stretch against him and held his imagination in check. `There's a really big but coming isn't there?'
`Bemeon is only part of the picture. There is much more to consider. You are perfect for the battle — strong, fast and good at strategy. But that is not what I am concerned about.' She sighed. `I was a butcher. Like you, once. Thousands died at my hands, human and Bloodells alike.'
Mason felt her regret, her voice full of pain.
`It cost me the ones I loved most. It cost me my sanity. Almost.' She moved against him. `Forewarned is forearmed. You cannot make the same mistake. Forsake the darkness, the call to Hunt unfettered. Let your family be the strongest desire in your life. I have had centuries to reflect on my mistakes. You may not have that luxury.'
Mason's heart almost stilled at the images Tashia had created in him. He struggled to breathe.
‘Good. You are listening for a change.’ She sighed, caressing his chest. ‘The world has changed forever, and not just for you, Mason. The women who love you wait with your children downstairs, mmm, but many more who wait to see you are not sure of you. You have changed worlds, ours and theirs, in one night. It will not be easy to live among the humans for a time. Perhaps for a long time.’
`Our lives haven't been normal since my parents' funeral. And Gaia,' he croaked. `What has changed more than that?'
`Mmm. I am the oldest of my kind. I can tell you it has been centuries since the gifted came together with Wolves. We have always been hidden. Now we are — out there. Change has swept the world and you're in the hot seat. Humans will learn to live with us, of that I'm sure.' She touched her lips to his ear. `But if you ever lose control of the Hunt, it shall be I who comes for you.'
`Not going to happen.' He felt her lips move against his ear. Smiling, he hoped.
`Good. Mmm. I like you. But this little chat is to remain between you and me,' she growled. `I do not wish all three wives to come a-hunting me.'
`Three?'
She chuckled. `Poor Mason. You must accept that what humans consider a family is limited. Nikki and Renee must be wed to you, and to Ruth, before any children are born. Children of our kind need a solid family structure.'
`But, um, three wives? How?'
She laughed. `I am pleased you anticipate the complexities of such a wedding. So, when you come downstairs, it will be Mason Douglas, father, husband and lover who greets those below?'
`Of course.'
`Excellent.' She slid away from him, reminding him of her nakedness.
`How long before I can see again?' He touched the irritated corners of his eyes.
`About ten seconds after I'm dressed.'
`You're doing this?'
`Old habits die hard. I don't like men seeing me, mmm, naked.'
`Okay,' he muttered, listening to the soft rustle of clothes.
She laughed. `My healing gift works best with the most skin on skin contact I can manage.'
Her hand touched his face and the burning in his eyes disappeared to reveal Tashia's face millimetres from his. `You are not to speak of this conversation to anyone, understood?'
Mason blinked away the last of the sand in his eyes and looked at the face that he could now see held a hint of something alien.
`You're not a Darkells, are you?'
`Impressive. You are dangerous. Mmm. I need your word you will not to speak of this to anyone. Ever.'
`Done. On the condition you tell me who, what you really are.'
`Conditions! You expect a great deal.' Red flashed across her eyes for a second and Mason felt the presence of something far more dangerous than Bemeon. She stood over him.
He frowned. `If you aren't ready to tell all, then why tell me anything in the first place?'
She scowled, crossing her arms at him. `I had forgotten how single-minded men are.'
`What?'
`Shut up!' she snapped.
Mason felt his own anger begin to move in response but he saw the pain on Tashia's face. She sat on the end of the bed. `It's hard for me, Mason. It has been a very long time since I have thought on this.'
Mason did not move as her face softened.
`Agnes was my only child.'
Breath caught in his throat. Everything was connected.
`Time travels differently for me but her death pains me every day. I have never tried for another since her death. This world took my child from me. The hand of your ancestor stole my child's life. But I have adopted the Darkells and they are my family. And so, you are my family. My family needs new direction, but I cannot do that for them. You must lead them, Mason.'
She stood up.
`You could be wrong about me.'
`I can't be,' she said, walking towards the door. `Get dressed.' The door closed behind her and the house began to come alive. Tashia had taken the silence with her.
`Welcome to the family, Mason.' He threw off the sheets. `No pressure here, Mason, just get married again. Twice. And have some more kids. And, by the way, change the world if you don't mind.'
`I can hear you!' Tashia's rebuke floated up from down the stairs.
`Big ears,' he muttered, pulling a pair of pants. He glanced at the mirror on the wall. He looked the same, unmarked from his fight with Bemeon.
But, for a brief moment, grey eyes overshadowed his own in the mirror's reflection.
`Father.' He reached for the mirror and the eyes creased with a smile.
Mason smiled back. The eyes disappeared.
He finished dressing, realising as he did that the house was full. Not just with people but with energy, emotions and uncertainty. And love.
Conversation hushed when they saw him standing at the top of the stairs.
Calm came to him then. He looked down at the sea of faces, waiting; fearful of who he'd become: Hunter or Mason.
Ruth stood with Renee and Nikki at the bottom of the steps, watching. Wilson stepped forward, waiting.
Mason took control. He agreed with Tashia with all his heart. Hunter could not be allowed to run free.
He looked at his son, trembling.
`Say something, dummy,' Renee 'pathed.
Mason smiled and winked at Wilson. `Surf's up!' he yelled, and leapt out over the sea of arms reaching up for him. Wilson caught him mid-leap and they fell into the laughing crowd.
`It's Dad! He's still my dad!'
`Always!' Mason let the sea of hands and tears wash over him.
This was his family, all of them.
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First published in eBook form by Clan Destine Press in 2013
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Copyright © Dean J Anderson 2013
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National Library of Australia Cataloguing-In-Publication data:
Anderson, Dean J
Unnaturals
ISBN 978-0-9923295-9-4
; Cover Design © Ran Valheron