After a few tense moments, she pulled away. “Everyone, this is Fernand. My father.” She held his hand. “Shall we sit down? I think Dad has a lot to tell us.”
Madeleine’s father? Reagan stood in shock. Madeleine had only mentioned him once and said he was dead. What Reagan thought she knew seemed to change by the minute.
Fernand struggled to a chair Jed pulled out.
“Thank you. Sorry to barge in without warning or invitation. I don’t have much time left, and I needed to see my daughter. It’s been too long.” His eyes never left Madeleine’s until an intense coughing jag took over his body.
“Dad, are you okay?” Madeleine asked, as she knelt in front of him.
“No. There’s so little time and so much I need to say,” he said, again sidelined by coughing. When he could, he started again. “I would’ve been here sooner. Years ago, in fact, but I couldn’t risk bringing another battle to you.”
“Should we go somewhere more comfortable? There’s so much I need to tell you, too,” Madeleine said.
Reagan felt like an intruder to the very private moment, and she knew Madeleine needed to tell her father about his daughter’s death. “Why don’t we give you some privacy?” Reagan asked, looking around the room for support.
“No,” Fernand said. “You must all stay. Your mission is too important.” Reaching his hand toward her, he continued. “And you must be Reagan. It’s an honor to meet you.” After they shook hands, he switched his gaze back to Madeleine and ran his hand down her face. “You look so much like your mother. Always did.”
A tear rolled down her cheek, and her father wiped it away. “I miss her. I’ve lost so much. I can’t lose you again, too. Dad, I don’t know how to say this, but—”
“I know about your sister. I’m so sorry. She was amazing. I wish there were something I could’ve done to save you both from all the pain. I tried to hide you away from your destiny once. Your mother paid the ultimate price.” A torrent of tears broke loose, and his body shook from the force of it. Madeleine put her arm around him, and he calmed down. “She was amazing. More than I ever deserved. I came from a family of vampire hunters. Many died at my hands, but I thought I’d hidden all of you from them. I was so cocky.”
Reagan didn’t move a muscle, afraid to distract him from his confessions. She could only imagine how Madeleine was handling the revelations.
“Sometimes, I worked with the local wolf packs to cull the vampire colonies. It was a tentative agreement; I thought I’d picked the lesser of two evils. Yet, the ultimate evil was my partner.”
“You were partners with Rafe?” Extreme wrinkles formed between Madeleine’s brows.
Fernand hung his head. “Yes. I will die with that regret. My only solace is that he saved you from those vampires. Now, he works with most of them. When the final battle comes, you’ll be facing more than Rafe’s pack. He’s been making deals for years. Whenever possible, a group of us have thwarted his plans.” Looking back up, he continued. “I wish none of this had ever come to be. I wish I would’ve taken your mom and you girls away.”
“Dad, we can’t go back.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here. We can’t let Rafe and evil take over. You play a bigger role than you even know. Your mother was special, a woman from a strong family line. To cut to the chase, you have angel blood flowing in your veins. I know you’re with the people who can help you understand the significance of this.” He tried to stand.
“Dad, why don’t you stay where you are,” Madeleine said, gently pushing him back into the chair.
“I don’t have much time left. I’m dying. Cancer, according to the doctors. I’ve led a long life, although much of it was in hiding.” He focused his attention on Papa. “Your burden in this battle will be great and time stops for no one. With my last few breaths, I want to help. I’m sure you have plans to speak to Lucent. I’ve planted the seed. You need to convince him that his kind won’t be annihilated when evil is destroyed. I’ve known many vampires. Lucent didn’t choose to be one, and he’s made the best of it. But his people will need convincing. He’s the man to do it.”
“It’s our plan. Is there something we can do for you?” Papa asked.
“Now, could I have a few minutes with my daughter? I’ve held on to see her this one last time.”
“Of course,” Papa said, ordering with a head movement for everyone else to leave the room.
Reagan looked at Madeleine, who nodded.
“If you need us, we’ll be close by,” Papa said.
Reagan followed him. When they were out of earshot, she asked, “Did you know he was still alive? I could’ve sworn Madeleine said her parents were dead.”
“Her mother was with Madeleine and her sister when the vampires attacked. Fernand was away on business, or so Madeleine believed. That same night, she and her sister were turned. She only told me that a few years ago. You know Madeleine; she’s guarded about her past.”
Was there ever a good story leading to accepting life as a wolf? Reagan wondered what kind of life she’d ever have. It was like the Matrix movies she saw as a kid. So much of the population was walking around blissfully unaware of reality. Now that she knew, she could never go back. What kind of future was she even fighting for? Would it ever be worth living in? All the thoughts depressed her. Shaking off the sinking feelings, she pushed forward. A technique she was honing.
“Did you know?” Rowan asked as he walked up.
So caught up in her own thoughts, his question confused her. “Know what?”
“Sorry, I was asking Jed.”
“No, I didn’t,” Papa answered.
“I wonder if Aunt Sarah can help him in any way. She’s so great with her herbs,” Reagan said, hoping her aunt might be able to save Madeleine from another devastation.
“If nothing else, she might be able to ease his pain,” Papa said.
“I’ll go get her,” Reagan said. She headed back to the library. Sure enough, everyone was still there.
“What’s going on?” Nana asked.
“Madeleine’s father showed up. It’s a long story, but I was hoping Aunt Sarah could come help. He’s dying and probably doesn’t have much time left.”
“Let me grab some things from my room,” Aunt Sarah said.
“I’ll go with you,” Reagan responded.
“Do you mind if I join you?” Nana asked.
Reagan grabbed her grandmother’s hand, and they followed Aunt Sarah. Before they left the room, Winona also asked to join. Nana and Aunt Sarah went to get supplies, and Reagan asked them to meet her and Winona in the command center instead. On the way there, she was caught up on what had happened.
“Poor Madeleine. She’s really had a tough time the last few days,” Winona said. “I’m not shocked that she has angel blood. There’s something so majestic and strong about her. I always thought she’d be there fighting with us at the end. Now, I know how much we need her there.”
“I agree. I just hope she doesn’t start to crack. I know how I felt when I thought I’d lost Sam.”
“We’ll help get her through,” Winona said.
“I don’t know if I’ve said this lately, or enough, but I’m glad you’re my sister.”
Before Winona could respond, Madeleine came out of the command center. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her cheeks still damp from tears.
A stab of pain pierced Reagan’s heart, and she knew what her friend was going to say before the words came out.
“He’s gone.”
Reagan stayed with Madeleine that night. They talked about the night her world came crumbling down; the night the vampires attacked her home and killed her mother. Everything resonated with Reagan. She knew how quickly things could change. Her own transformation had come the night she thought her brother was killed. But her fate was different. Sam ended up alive and was still with them. Madeleine had no family left.
After working through the sadness, they talked about the sillier parts of the
ir former life—teenage staples like boys, clothes, shoes, movies, books, and dreams. It was a side of Madeleine Reagan had never seen.
Early the next morning, they had a small service for her father not too far from the cave. She didn’t shed any tears there, but Reagan had shouldered many of Madeleine’s sobs through the night. With every shake of her shoulders, Reagan vowed to stop Rafe and end his reign of cruelty.
After the service, Papa pulled Reagan aside. “I wanted to call a meeting. Do you think Madeleine’s up for it?”
“I think she wants to move forward, to have this all mean something,” Reagan said. Or at least, that’s what she would’ve wanted.
“Okay, do you mind seeing if she wants to meet up in the command center after lunch?”
“Sure,” Reagan said.
She looked around to find Madeleine but noticed she was no longer in the area. Going off a hunch, Reagan ventured toward a spot she knew Madeleine loved, finding her sitting on a tree stump and staring off into the distance.
“How’re you holding up?” Reagan asked, knowing she’d asked the same thing a few days ago. It all seemed so unfair.
“I don’t know what to think right now. One thing I know, more than ever, is that Rafe must be stopped. The rest of this I’ll process later.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Papa wants a meeting after lunch. We have so much planning to do. I agree, we have to stop Rafe,” Reagan said.
“It’s not going to be easy, and I have a terrible feeling we’re going to lose even more loved ones along the way,” Madeleine said as she stood and kicked at some dirt.
Reagan’s heart seized. The odds weren’t in her favor. Madeleine had lost so many people already. Every single member of Reagan’s family, everyone she loved, was alive. They were forever changed and scarred, but not lost. So far, she’d been fortunate, a fact that terrified her. How long would her luck hold?
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen two young ladies so quiet.”
Madeleine and Reagan both jumped at the sound of Nana’s voice.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Just thought a little Nana love might come in handy,” Nana said as she walked over to give Madeleine a hug. “I hope you know I love you, and I’m always here if you need me.”
Madeleine nodded.
“I know Jed wants you girls for a meeting, but we all need to get together soon, too. Madeleine, you should be in our next conversation with Cecilia. I bet she’ll want to meet you, although I don’t doubt she’s always known your role. Oh, and I brought some sandwiches. Figured it might be easier to have a quick bite out here than mingle with everyone inside.”
“Thanks for understanding that I needed a few more minutes,” Madeleine said.
They ate in silence. Reagan thought about all the years she’d missed with her amazing Nana and hoped they’d have time again once the battle was over.
When they finished, Nana told the girls to hurry along to their meeting.
“She’s a pretty great lady,” Madeleine said on their way.
“She is,” Reagan said. She remembered with regret her initial jealousy of Madeleine’s relationship with Rowan. Reagan had since come to understand their bond. Pain fused them, and they needed each other. “I hope you know I’m here for you, too.”
Madeleine nodded.
They didn’t talk the rest of the way.
When they arrived at the command center, Papa was hunched over a map while Rowan, Ricardo, Sasha, Sam, and Cheveyo stood military straight around the table.
“What’d we miss?” Madeleine asked.
“We’ve sent word to Lucent to meet us here.” Papa pointed to an area about an hour’s run away. “We wanted to be on neutral ground but somewhere safe. Or, as safe as possible.”
“Remind me again how Lucent can help,” Reagan said.
“It’s imperative that Lucent and his followers stay out of the battle. He’ll never be on our side, but we must convince him not to be on Rafe’s, either. We need Lucent, and his legions, to stay out of it. Vampires and werewolves have been around since the early ages. They were born of evil, but their fates weren’t sealed. We all take our own path.”
“Can we trust anything a vampire promises us?” Reagan still doubted how much their efforts would matter.
Papa took in a deep breath. “Just as there are good humans and evil ones, there are those creatures who rise above their innate being. However, it’s easier for werewolves because they retain their human side and their souls.”
“I’m confused. Does Lucent know where the sword is?” Sam asked.
Reagan felt an equal sense of confusion, so she was glad her brother spoke up.
“No. If he did, he’d destroy it, not lead us to it. Vampires have demon blood, so the sword would be as much a threat to them as Rafe and his demon wolves. We’ll need Cecilia’s help finding the sword and Lucent’s agreement to stay out of it. Both are essential.”
“So, who’ll be going to meet with Lucent?” Reagan asked.
“We’ve been talking about that,” Papa said as he paced in a small area.
Reagan knew he did that to settle his nerves.
“We need to be prepared for anything without sacrificing everything. Reagan, Rowan, and I will speak with Lucent. Ricardo, Sasha, and Madeleine will be close by for support.”
“I have a suggestion,” Cheveyo said.
Reagan sighed as all eyes turned to him. He always brought such drama to everything he did.
“Jessica should go.”
He did it again. Some surprise out of left field and without a single word of explanation to back it up. Reagan opened her mouth to speak, but Papa beat her to it.
“Why Jessica? She’s new to our team, and—”
“With all due respect, she has many powers you need on your side. As much as it pains her, she has demon blood. It does not rule her, but it does make her more aware of the presence of evil. In case we are being set up for some kind of double-cross, or simply an uprising, she will sense it before anyone else. Plus, she understands Lucent’s kind. Demon blood runs through her, too, through no fault of her own.”
It was hard for Reagan to remember her brother’s girlfriend, and the girl Amélie considered a daughter, had Rafe’s blood. It gave Reagan hope for their meeting with Lucent. She had no doubt demon blood didn’t rule over Jessica. Maybe Lucent fell in the same camp.
“I have asked her to join us, so she should be here any—”
“I’m here,” Jessica said, and everyone turned toward the entrance. “I’m ready to help in any way I can.”
“Fine. Madeleine, are you okay if she stays with you?” Papa asked.
Madeleine nodded.
“Okay, we’ll set out late Friday evening. Until then, I want Reagan, Madeleine, and Jessica to work with Jackie while the rest of us map out details and gather weapons. Dismissed.”
Reagan, Madeleine, and Jessica didn’t hesitate to leave the room. With Papa in commander mode, it was best to simply follow directions. It was late afternoon on a Wednesday, so there wasn’t much time to work with Nana and make a plan to contact Cecilia.
“Cheveyo also wants us to study your great-grandmother’s diary,” Jessica said in the hallway.
“I’ve looked through it a little, and Winona mentioned she was going to go through it today while we were meeting with Papa,” Reagan said. “I’ll go find her. If I see anyone else along the way, I’ll send them to the library. Do you all mind doing the same?”
Madeleine and Jessica nodded before breaking off. Reagan found herself alone with her thoughts. Information and details swirled in her head, creating a tornado of confusion. Vampires, angel swords, angel blood, and a diary. Questions and concerns piled up, so she hoped answers were on the horizon.
Lost in contemplation, she almost walked right past Winona’s room.
“Are you looking for me?” Winona called from inside.
Reagan shook her head, hoping to find some focus. “Yes. Sorry, I have a
lot on my mind.” She noticed Winona was bent over the dairy.
“Totally understandable. I’ve been lost in Cecilia’s words for a bit. It’s all pretty cryptic, but she does mention something about wisdom leading the way. Oh, and she mentions that the angel sword has a leather-wrapped hilt and must be wielded by one with angel blood.”
Winona read a few passages out loud, leaving Reagan with more questions. She wished she’d had a few more poetry classes, or at least taken her AP English class more seriously, especially the parts about dissecting an author’s words to see the symbolism and meaning beneath. They’d have a long list of questions for her great-grandmother, but Reagan knew they could only hold the connection open for so long. It would be imperative to decide ahead of time what to ask. “Let’s hope Nana and Cheveyo know more than they’re letting on. Several of us are gathering in the library. We need to make some plans for contacting Cecilia.”
Winona closed the diary and tied the leather strings that held it together. She then placed it in a trunk at the end of her bed. “We should probably start heading that way.”
As they walked into the corridor, Reagan decided to update her sister on the latest plan. “Cheveyo suggested Jessica come with us to find Lucent. I guess she can sense evil approaching thanks to her demon blood.” Reagan paused. “I’m not sure what kind of power-cocktail Cheveyo cooked up for us, but I’m glad demon blood wasn’t part of it. Heck, maybe I shouldn’t completely trust that it isn’t.”
“Father would never do that,” Winona said, a sharp edge to her voice.
Reagan flinched, feeling guilty for not considering Winona’s feelings. Cheveyo was the only father she’d ever known. Reagan blamed her raw nerves and mounting tension for the insensitive slip of the tongue. “Sorry. You’re right. I just hope we have a successful meeting. The last thing we need is a vampire side war in addition to Rafe and his demon wolves.”
As they continued down the hallway, they ran into Jessica. “I was hoping I could talk to both of you for a minute.”
“Sure,” Winona and Reagan said in unison.
Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series Page 36