Chapter 5

“Here we are!” Louis brought his car to a stop. I picked my head off of Mikhail's shoulder and yawned. It seemed we had been driving for hours.
Aunt V, Mikhail, and I got out of the car. I looked around. “Where's the portal?”
Louis pointed to a wooden sign, advertising toothpaste. “Its right here.” he smiled.
I blinked for a second, than my face brightened. “Oh I get it! It's like in that book! It's hidden in a normal object so not to attract attention!”
Nannette's half-brother nodded. “That's right. You just run into it head on! You want to go first?” he asked me.
I nodded and was about to run at the sign when Mikhail grabbed me. “Don't Téa.” The Bloodraven glared at Louis. “I may not have been to the Hole before, but I know others who have. If you were to run into the sign the most you would accomplish is bloodying your nose. Louis has to signal for the portal to open.”
My jaw dropped open and I stared at the other Bloodraven with open dislike. He merely laughed and shrugged. “Mikhail you never were much fun...” Louis scratched the wooden border of the sign; within seconds a blinding light erupted in the middle of the grinning ad woman's face. “Well, ladies first.” Louis bowed to me. I looked at Mikhail who nodded, so I walked into the light.
The Hole looked like a normal city. There were businesses and hotels lining a brick laden street. I spotted people coming out shops, laughing and toting large shopping bags. Two little girls passed a bag of candy between themselves after taking a piece of chocolate. “It's so nice here!” I commented breathlessly. Louis tossed Mikhail a knowing glance, which my lover ignored completely.
Aunt V waved at someone in front of us. “Brace yourself.” she whispered to me.
“Huh?”
“Téa Mackenzie!” I heard a voice shrill with outrage. Oh dear Lord and Lady. I turned to see Gypsy McFarland running towards me at Mach five, her normally pixie-like face livid with rage. She skidded to a stop in front of me and started to belt me with questions. “What's going on? Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant? Why did Liam have to bring me here? Whose your baby's dad? What is this place?”
I sighed and answered each of her questions in order. “Everyone who I'm close to is in danger. Aunt V told me not to. You're a target. Mikhail Romonov. This place is called the Hole.”
“You had sex with that Russian hottie?” Gypsy squealed.
“You don't have to advertise it!” I blushed noticing that the two little girls were watching us with an intent expression. “Lower your voice!”
Gypsy giggled for a moment before cutting it short. “I'm still mad at you!” she huffed and turned. I spotted Liam cutting through a small crowd of elderly women, a haggard look on his face. I waved to him and gestured toward Gypsy who still had her back turned.
He shrugged as if to say: nothing I can do about that. “Hello, Mikhail, Vera, and Téa.” he smiled. “I'm glad you made it safely.”
“I'm not speaking to you either!” Gypsy glared at her boyfriend. “You both know I hate secrets!”
I threw up my hands in exasperation. “Okay, Gypsy! Okay! What do you want to know?”
My best friend pursed her lips. “Everything.” she said after a moment. “Tell me everything. I want to know everything that you've kept from me.”
Mikhail cleared his throat. “Maybe your aunt and I should go find some lodging. It seems you may be here for a while.”
Louis chuckled. “I need to go inform my uncle that you're here as well. I'm sure Nanette will be thrilled!”
I had to bite back a retort as the blonde Bloodraven sauntered off. Gypsy stood before me tapping her foot impatiently. “Well?” she demanded.
“Okay, Gypsy,” I sighed and beckoned to a bench. “I always knew this day would come. Aunt V and I are Wiccans. In fact, as far as I know my entire family has practiced Wicca. Mikhail Romonov is a Bloodraven. Um,” I lowered my voice. “That's like a vampire, but don't call him that because he and the other Bloodravens think that's an ugly word. Liam is a Feral, a werewolf. The same rule goes for him too. I'm pregnant and the reason why I had to leave school is because Mikhail is the father; which means—ˮ I paused for effect. “I'm carrying a hybrid child. The reason why we're here is because there are these people called Dark Purifiers who are basically religious nut jobs, who hunt down Wiccans, Bloodravens, and Ferals to kill them. They also kill anyone who has associated with them. The man who was home schooling me turned out to be one so we had to pack up and leave.
“I didn't even know what a Dark Purifier was until Mikhail came back injured after meeting with Liam and they were both attacked. Turns out my parents weren't killed in a mugging but they were killed by Dark Purifiers. Oh and I forgot to mention that I'm bonded to Mikhail. Yeah, the term Bloodravens use for people like me are 'Blood Brides' and guys are called 'Blood Grooms'. I didn't tell you any of this because I wanted to protect you. I'm sorry, Gypsy.” There. I had given her the condensed version, but I made sure not to leave anything out. Now I just had to sit back and wait for her tirade to be over.
Gypsy had been silent the whole time. When I finished, a shadow passed over her face and I feared the worse. She looked into my eyes intently. “Oh.” she said with a relieved sigh.
Oh? Oh? Is that all she had to say? I was strangely disappointed. Gypsy laughed. “Well, that explains a lot. Hey, you want to go see where me and Liam are staying?” she got up and walked away.
What the hell? The least thing she could do was call me crazy! “Gypsy, wait up!” I ran behind her. “You're not weirded put by the fact that I'm a Witch who’s bonded to the Undead and your boyfriend is a lycanthrope?”
“Should I be?” she looked genuinely puzzled.
I opened my mouth, closed it, opened it again, and then closed it back. “So, where are you two staying?” I finally said.
“It's so beautiful!” she smiled. “Liam got us the Lovers' Suite.” her ears turned bright pink. “My mom would freak out if she knew I was going to be in a room with Liam unchaperoned.” she laughed wickedly and I could tell what sort of things were running through her hormonal brain. “Where are you and Mikhail staying?”
I hadn't really given that much thought. “I hope we stay anywhere that Nanette is not.” I could keep the venom out of my voice. Gypsy looked at me confused. “She's Mikhail's ex-lover and a total bitch.” I explained. “She hates me and doesn't think I'm worthy of him.”
Gypsy sniffed. “Just say the word and I'll hate her.”
I laughed at that. “You don't have to hate her because I told you to. I guarantee you'll want to after spending five seconds in her presence.” it felt great having my best friend back and I told her so.
Gypsy just rolled her eyes. “Stop being such a girl.”
We met up with Mikhail and Liam beside an ivy covered brick hotel. Mikhail looked from me to Gypsy and I gave him a reassuring smile. He sighed with relief. “Jacques has our rooms reserved here.” the Bloodraven pointed. “We need to go sign in.” I smiled. This wouldn't be so bad after all.
“What do you mean; I'm not in a room with Téa?” Mikhail roared. The hotel clerk a petite brunette Cat Feral cowered behind her desk.
“I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Sans-Pierre has you in a single and the young lady is to be roomed with her aunt.”
Aunt V appeared by my side. “Well, why would he do that? I'm sure he knows that Téa is your Blood Bride. I don't see why he would separate—ˮ
It dawned on us what happened. “<>Nanette!” Mikhail hissed. “She told him to keep us separated!”
“That bitch!” I screamed. “Where is she?”
“Mikhail, Téa please calm down.” my aunt chastised. “You're scaring this poor woman. You two will just have to manage.”
“But Aunt V!” I whined.
“Enough! Liam, will you and Gypsy help Téa take her bags to our room? Wipe that ugly frown from your face, young lady!” she glared me. “This is not the end of the world!”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Mikhail decided to help Liam with my luggage because Gypsy was too preoccupied with digging through my bags and trying on my shirts. “I still can't believe she would do this.” Mikhail griped. “She can't possibly be that deluded!”
“Mikhail!” I felt my insides twist into about several types of knots. Nanette Delacroix came bounding toward us, waving a perfectly manicured hand. “I am so glad you made it!” she beamed at my mate. “I hope you find your room to your liking.”
Mikhail growled at her. “I would like it more if my Blood Bride were staying with me.”
Nanette stared at me as if she just noticed my presence. “Oh, Tiffany. It's so nice to see you again. You look bloated.” she smiled at me and I had to fight the urge to spit in her face.
“My name is Téa.” I corrected. “But don't worry about it. You look like you're at the age where you have to write things down to remember daily events. I won't hold against you.”
Liam started coughing violently and turned his back, but I still caught the huge grin on his face. Nanette scowled at me, but turned her attention back to Mikhail. “Uncle Jacques wants to speak with you.” she reached to stroke a finger down Mikhail's shoulder only to have him back away. She continued nonplussed. “I told him to give you a few minutes to get settled. I'll be seeing you.” she winked at my lover before walking off.
“Oh. My. God.” Gypsy hissed. “What a skank!”
“Tell me about it.” I rolled my eyes.
“Well,” Liam turned back around his face still blotched from stifling his laughter. “If you have such a problem with your room assignment why don't you switch with us?” We mulled that over for a second.
“But Liam,” Gypsy protested. “I wanted to be alone in a room with you!”
“Let me finish, Gyps.” Liam rolled his eyes. “The beds are really big even in the singles. Gypsy could still sleep in the same room as me—ˮ my friend let out an excited squeak. “And your aunt can have a room by herself. Everyone wins.”
“Except Nanette.” I grinned wickedly.
The Feral chuckled. “Well, we just won't count her, now will we?”
Aunt V wasn't happy that we had made other arrangements behind her back, but she cooled down when Mikhail mentioned that he'd get her a masseuse. “I don't know, Mikhail. That seems awfully expensive.” she mused, but I could tell by the tone of her voice she was considering the offer.
Mikhail noticed it too. “Don't worry, Vera. We can put it on, Jacques bill. He won't mind.” Aunt V finally relented and went to go take a shower.
I flounced down on the huge bed. “I still can't believe this!” I grabbed an apple from a small bowl and took a bite.
Mikhail glanced at me. “We're not on vacation, Téa.” he reminded me. “We're hiding. Trying to survive, remember?”
“You are such a downer!” I groaned. I yanked him down beside me. “Why can't you just find a positive in the negative?” I purred as I bit his earlobe.
“Well,” the Russian Bloodraven sighed. “I suppose the positive in all of this is that if you start getting on my nerves, I can always switch room with Vera.”
Son. Of. A. Bitch! “Get away from me.” I pushed him off and he started laughing.
“I'm sorry. It was just a joke.” he chuckled.
“It wasn't funny!” Mikhail pulled me back towards him and I relented and pressed my face against his shirt.
I felt him rub his fingers through my hair, gently massaging my scalp. “Do you feel better now?” he whispered.
“Mm-hm.” I sighed and wrapped an arm around his waist.
There was a knock on the door and the Bloodraven said a few choice words under his breath before he pulled away from me. “Who is it?” he asked as he walked towards the door.
“Jacques Sans-Pierre.” was the reply.
Nanette's uncle? Shit!
Jacques Sans-Pierre was a tall man. He wasn't as tall as Babu Dia, but he was still pretty intimidating. His face was pale and looked as if I could have been chiseled from stone. There seemed to be a permanent expression of disdain in Sans-Pierre's deep set green eyes and his full lipped mouth looked as if it hadn't smiled a day in his life. He had his long black hair styled in a braid over his left shoulder. He was really good looking and I could tell he knew it.
Nanette's uncle walked in his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze fell on me sitting on the bed, my half eaten apple lying beside my knee forgotten. Jacques' nostrils flared for a second. He turned back to Mikhail. “Nanette is upset because you changed your room placements.”
Mikhail smirked. “I would imagine she would be. Should I care?”
“I would if I were you.” the Parisian Bloodraven replied coldly. “If not for her, you'd still be out there in the path of the Dark Purifiers.”
“Well, I'll be sure to extend my gratitude to your niece.”
“She also told me how you threatened to kill her if she harmed your human girl.”
“If she harmed my Blood Bride.” Mikhail corrected. “And I will still carry that threat out if she considers it. Is that all you want to discuss, Jacques?”
Nanette's uncle's lips formed into a tight grimace which I assumed was his attempt at a smile. “Enjoy your stay, Mikhail. Try not to make too many enemies in my family due to poor decisions.” he looked directly at me when he said that. Jacques walked back out and Mikhail slammed the door behind him causing the windows to tremble.
“He has some nerve!” the Bloodraven fumed. Mikhail started pacing. “She sicced her uncle on me? Like I'm supposed to be afraid of that pompous, arrogant blow-heart? Ha!”
I tucked a pillow beneath my chin. “Well, I got his message loud and clear.”
“Message? What message?”
“He basically told us that if we keep pissing off Nanette or anyone else in his family; we'll be back out there with the Dark Purifiers.”
“He dares threaten me?” Mikhail looked like he was going to explode. “That bastard! Does he actually expect me to kiss Nanette's ass?”
“You know,” I smiled. “When you get angry your accent gets really thick?” he stared at me in disbelief. “I just think that's cute.”
“You're trying to distract me aren't you?”
“Yeah, kinda sort of.” I grinned. “Is it working?”
“No.” he grinned and pulled me up into his arms. “But it's the thought that counts.”

Gypsy stared at the large banquet table in the dining hall. “This food looks so good!” she picked up a plate and started piling on chicken, potatoes, and beef tips. I've never seen someone scarf down a potato chunk as quickly as Gypsy without needing the Heimlich maneuver afterwards.
“Gypsy, slow down!” Aunt Vera cried. “Chew the food! Chew the food!”
“Sorry,” Gypsy blushed after she came up for air. “I've never seen food so fancy before. My mom's idea of fine dining is ordering take out and giving the delivery boy a tip. Why do you think I always stopped by your house when it was so close to dinner?”
I pouted. “You told me it was to help me with algebra. You only came to my house for a free meal?” Moocher!
“And 'cause I love you, T.” Gypsy smiled.
“Shut up and stop hogging the rolls.”
Liam swallowed a forkful of beef tips in gravy. “Mikhail, I spoke with Tabitha. She's staying on the floor below us.”
Mikhail had been drinking a large glass of blood which my aunt and I tried desperately to ignore. He put the glass down and let out a satisfied belch. “How is Tabitha? It's been thirty years since I've seen her!”
I clanked the fork down on my plate. “Let me guess? Tabitha's an old lover who you broke up with, but decided to remain friends with?”
Liam and Mikhail exchanged amused looks. “No, Téa. Tabitha and I were never lovers. I'm not her type.”
“Oh,” I asked, relieved. “What is her type?”
Liam smiled into his water glass. “I'd say either you or Gypsy.”
“What's that supposed to mean—ooh!” Gypsy mouth formed an O. Mikhail and Liam buried their head in their arms as they started laughing.
“You guys are such assholes!” I hissed.
“Téa, watch your mouth.” my aunt reprimanded.
“Aunt V! Mikhail just belched and you didn't say anything to him!” I huffed. “Try being fair!”
“Mikhail please say 'excuse me' next time and Téa, you're too old to tattle.” Aunt V took a bite of rotisserie chicken.
Mikhail smirked at me. You really are too old to be tattling on me.
<>Bite me! I retorted.
Mmm, I'll seriously consider that later. He licked his lips at me suggestively making my face reddened. I suddenly became very interested in my peas.
“As I was saying, Mikhail,” Liam continued. “Tabitha is here and she brings news from her Seattle Pack. She told me that her youngest brother, Hans was found beheaded.”
My face blanched and even Gypsy stopped eating to listen. Mikhail saw our expressions and gave a quick look to his friend. The Feral blushed. “Sorry,” he apologized. “We can discuss it later, Mikhail.” the rest of dinner was eaten in silence.
Mikhail shook my shoulder. Gypsy and I had been watching The Crow and I must have dozed off. “Wha?” I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes.
“You should be going to bed.” Mikhail whispered. “Gypsy already went an hour ago.”
“...not a baby...” I was starting to nod off again. The Bloodraven sighed. I let out a squeal as I felt myself being hoisted up.
“Be quiet.” Mikhail growled. “You obviously can't be reasoned with, so I'm just going to take you upstairs myself.”
I curled up into a ball as the Bloodraven pulled a down comforter over me. “Goodnight, my beloved.” he kissed my forehead.
“Mmm, 'night. Mikhail?”
“Yes?”
I shifted beneath the covers. “Stay with me.”
The Bloodraven sighed. I felt the mattress shift as he lay down beside me. “Thanks, Mikhail.” I whispered.
The Bloodraven put his arms around me and nestled his face in my hair. “You're welcome, Téa.”

Sunlight filtered in the curtain and shined directly into my face of all places. I groaned and rolled over. “Bloody sun.”
“Welcome to my world.” Mikhail smirked. I looked up to see him still lying beside me with his head propped up on his arm. “You slept well, I take it.”
“It's nice to have someone beside me.” I smiled. “Were you awake the whole night?”
“You sound surprised.” he chuckled. “I am a creature of the night. It was nice to watch you sleep. You looked so peaceful.”
“You want to go get some breakfast?”  I asked hopefully.
“Nyet. No,” he corrected. “It's time for me to sleep. You go on. You need to eat and so does the baby.”
“Could you say that again?” I grinned.
“What?”
“That word. That Russian word.”
Mikhail looked puzzled. “Nyet?”
I squealed girlishly. “That's so cute!”
“It only means 'no' in Russian.” Mikhail rolled his eyes.
“It still sounds nice. Very dignified.”
Mikhail gave a small crooked smile. “Well, I'm glad you think so. Go get your breakfast, silly girl.”
“Téa!” My friend called as I walked into the dining room.
“Gypsy!” I replied as I sat down. “Pass the bacon.”
Aunt Vera gave me a disapproving glance. I rolled my eyes. “Good morning, Gypsy, Liam, and Aunt V.” I emphasized my aunt's greeting with displeasure.
My aunt poked me with a finger. “None of that.” she warned and handed me the platter of crispy fried bacon strips.
“So what are you and Mikhail going to do today?” Gypsy asked while she spooned out some grits.
I shrugged. “Mikhail sleeps during the mornings.”
Gypsy gave a sympathetic nod. “You want to come with me and Liam? He's taking me to meet his Pack.” she sniffed and glared at her boyfriend. “This will be the first time I'll meet your family.”
Liam winced as he bit into a biscuit. “Sorry, Gypsy.” he muttered. “My family can be secretive sometimes. I had to practically beg the Pack leader to let you see them. Not that I can blame them for being so suspicious. Most humans never know we exist. Except those who plan on killing us.”
“I'm not a Dark Purifier, Liam!” Gypsy screamed. A few heads from the surrounding tables turned to our direction. “I let you meet my mom and Steven. Not to mention my dad and Bambi!”
“I kinda wish you hadn't.” Liam muttered.
“What?!”
“So, Aunt V” I turned to my aunt as Gypsy started brandishing a butter knife in her boyfriend's face. “What are you doing today?”
Aunt V wiped her mouth. “I'm going to go check out the Crown of Isis. It’s a store that one of the other Wiccans staying here told me about. The owner just got a new shipment of red feather quills and vials of dragon's blood ink that I can use in my B.O.S. Do you want anything?”
“I could use an obsidian stone pendent to put in my pendulum. Oh and see if they have some of that Cherry blossom incense. I can't find it anywhere else.”
My aunt nodded. She looked over at my friends. “Gypsy, stop pulling Liam's hair, please.” My aunt excused herself.
Gypsy was silent for the rest of the meal. Anytime Gypsy McFarland was quiet for more than seven minutes it’s nothing short of a miracle, but I felt awkward. Liam poked at his sausage link and stared directly ahead of him.
I sighed. Time to play peacemaker. <iAgain. “Okay you two. Given the fact that we may be here for a while, you have to get along! So kiss and make up.” Or make out. That's how all of Gypsy and Liam's fights always ended.
“You act like my family is crazy!” Gypsy fumed.
“Well,” Liam shot back. “Your mom married Steven while she was still married to your dad who was having an affair with his nineteen year old intern! Aren't you the one who says that every time they meet, your mom practically starts ripping Steven's clothes off to make your dad jealous?”
“Yeah, but—ˮ
“Which could be understandable,” Liam continued. “If they hadn't done that when I was having Thanksgiving dinner with you!” Liam shuddered. “Gods, your mom put her butt in the yams!” he dry heaved.
“Oh yeah....I had forgotten about that.” Gypsy blushed. “Sorry, Liam.”
“Its okay, Gyps.” Liam tousled her hair. “If you go and get ready, I'll take you and Téa to meet my Pack before lunch.”
“'K” Gypsy smiled. “Téa could I borrow your—ˮ
“No!”
“You don't even know what I was going to ask for!”
“Where are my pants?” I shot back.
Gypsy sighed. “There upstairs in my black and purple spider web duffle bag.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Gypsy. I'll see you and Liam in a few minutes.”
I opened the door quietly, fully aware that Mikhail was still asleep. I turned on the shower and picked out a cute black mini with a top with black and red striped sleeves. I started stripping off my pajama top when I heard the bathroom door creak open. I whirled around after picking up the nearest item to use as a weapon. “Stop right there!” I screamed.
“Or what? You'll stab me with your toothbrush?” Mikhail asked with amusement.
My face went beet red as I put the toothbrush back on the sink. “What do you want? I thought you were asleep.”
The Bloodraven leaned against the bathroom door after he closed it. “I was asleep.” he admitted. “But when I heard you turning on the shower, I couldn't resist.” he smiled baring his fangs at me. “Nothing hotter than a girl's wet soapy body.”
“You are such a perv!” I growled. “Get out!” I attempted to open the door and shove the Bloodraven out, but Mikhail put his full weight on the door.
“What's the matter?” he cooed. “Are you suddenly bashful?” he rubbed his fingers down my waist. “Or perhaps you're embarrassed for some odd reason?”
I blushed and turned away. My belly had been getting larger it seemed and my constant cravings for extra salty pretzels didn't seem to help. “Téa,” Mikhail whispered in my ear. “The fact that you are my Blood Bride is tantalizing enough, but you're pregnant with my baby as well. So what if you're growing? Bah! Such things come with carrying a child. You are more beautiful now than ever were.”
“So, you're basically telling me that you find pregnant women hot.” I smiled.
“Well, it’s not a fetish or anything if that's what you're getting at. I just happen to find you hot. May I join you in the shower?”
“I don't know...”
“I just want to bathe with you and glorify in the nakedness of my Blood Bride.” he grinned. “That's all.”
“You're really weird.” I grinned.
I bounded down the stairs to the lobby after getting dressed. Gypsy and Liam were on the couch watching TV, but looked up when I skidded to a stop near them. “You said a few minutes.” Gypsy commented. “We've been waiting for forty-five!”
I blushed. My shower had taken a bit longer than I had anticipated. Mikhail kept...distracting me. “I took a really long shower.” It wasn't a total lie. Gypsy shrugged. She and Liam got up and grabbed their jackets. I thanked the Goddess they didn't delve into the details of my showers.
Liam led us down a crowded street where people hawked their goods to anyone passing by.
“Roasted Almond Pecan Brittle! Two 3-lb bags for $4!”
“I have genuine ash and oak wood wands! Perfect for rituals and ceremonies! $40!”
“Hey, Miss!” a short elderly lady tottled up to Gypsy. “Would you like to buy a statue of Morrigan Goddess of Springtime blessed by a Scottish druid?”
“First off,” I put myself between the woman and my friend. “Morrigan is an Irish Goddess! Why would her statue be blessed by a Scottish druid? Secondly, Goddess of Springtime? Morrigan is the Goddess of War and Death! Move away. Now!”
I ushered my best friend away. Gypsy pouted. “You could have at least let me look at it!”
“Are you kidding?” I asked in disbelief. “That woman is obvious on something if she thinks she could sell statues of deities without even knowing who they are, what they represent, or who they were blessed by!”
I heard Liam whisper to Gypsy. “Hardcore Wiccan.” he explained.
“Damn straight!” I retorted making Gypsy and Liam chuckle.
Liam stopped short of a tall archaic looking wooden house. “Here we are.” he banged the door with a heavy iron knocker that was placed inside a wolf's mouth. “Malcolm, open up!”
A man who looked like the thirty year old version of Liam peeked through the door crack before fully opening it. “Liam?” he opened the door wider and grinned at him. “What brings you here? Oh, don't tell me it’s my birthday!”
“No, Malcolm.” Liam chuckled.
“Oh. Well, then it's your birthday.” he grabbed Liam in a hug. “How are you, little brother?”
“I'm fine, Malcolm. This is my girlfriend, Gypsy McFarland and our friend Téa Mackenzie. I brought them here to meet the family.”
Malcolm grinned wolfishly. “Aw, Téa Mackenzie. You're the Blood Bride of Mikhail Romonov. Pleased to meet you. Come in.” The Feral stepped to the side and gestured. “Pop's waiting for you.”
As we walked towards the room where Liam's dad waited for us, we were the objects of many stares. I spotted about six little girls and boys with the same strawberry blonde hair as Liam and Malcolm peeking at us between the stair rails. Liam growled at them then shot them a disapproving look and sent them scattering in a giggling stampede.
A little girl who looked like she was about five years old came skipping down the stairs, but stopped only half way. “Liam's got a girrrl friend!” she sang. There were a few giggles from some darkened corners. “Liam's having S-E-X!” the girl teased.
“Hannah, shut up!” Liam's face got impossibly red. “I swear you're such a brat!”
Hannah stomped down the stairs and stopped beside Gypsy. She had a Cheshire grin plastered on her little face. “Are you his girlfriend?” she grinned.
“You don't have to answer that.” Liam tried to grab her, but she darted away. “You don't even have to acknowledge her!”
Gypsy ignored him. “I sure am.” she smiled.
Hannah hopped madly from foot to foot. She gave Liam an evil look. “Do you know he wet the bed until he was thirteen?”
“Go away!” Liam lunged at her. “You weren't even born than!”
Hannah squealed and hid behind me. She stuck her tongue out at her brother. “I didn't have to
be! Malcolm told me all about it”
Liam whipped around to stare at his brother who became very interest in counting the floor tiles. “How the hell could you tell her that?! Mom told you never to mention that again!”
Malcolm shrugged. “Sorry.” he mumbled.
“Sorry? Sorry! You tell my business to Little Miss Loudmouth? What, did you expect Hannah to keep it to herself?”
“I was just trying to make her feel better when she had an accident. I didn't know she would go spouting it to your little girlfriend. Geez, get off my back!”
“Stop making excuses and you—ˮ he turned to his sister. “If you ever tell anything about me again, I'll tie you up and put you on the doorstep of a Dark Purifier!”
Hannah's bottom lip trembled and that's when Liam realized his mistake. “Maaa-maaa!” she wailed and ran past us.
“Oh Gods! Hannah! Don't tell Mom!” Liam went chasing after his sister.
“Well,” I smiled. “That was entertaining.”
Malcolm clucked his tongue. “Mom won't like that he threatened to give Hannah to a Dark Purifier. A few years ago, that would just get a disapproving look.” he shook his head. “Since we're in a time of emergency though, she's most likely to break his arm.”
“Youch.” I winced.
“Yeah well, it's to be expected. C'mon, Mom happens to be sitting with Pop.”
We walked into the kitchen; Liam's dad was sitting at the head of a very large table watching his wife scream obscenities at her son while cradling a weeping daughter in her arms. “You do not! I repeat do not say that to Hannah or any of your brothers and sisters! That was horrible, Liam!” his mother's eyes were practically glowing.
“But, Mom!”
“No buts young man! Apologize to Hannah!”
“Sorry, Hannah.” Liam mumbled and stared at the floor. Hannah snuffled and buried her face in her mother's neck.
Liam's mother spotted us. “Oh! Malcolm why didn't you tell me you were standing there?” she pried Hannah's arms from around her neck and placed her on the counter top. “Hello,” she smiled warmly. “I'm Moira and that's my husband, Talbot. We are so pleased to meet you both.”
“I'm Téa Mackenzie and this is Gypsy McFarland.” I pointed at my friend.
Moira's face lit up upon hearing Gypsy's name. “Ach, you're Liam's girlfriend! I'm so pleased to meet you, finally.” she glared at her son. “You've been dating this young lady for seven years and not once you brought her to meet us.”
“Liam told me you were suspicious of me.” Gypsy pointed out.
“Suspicious? Feh!” his mother waved her hand in dismissal. “You don't dress like the type that would be in the Dark Purifier ranks. Why would you tell her something like that?”
Liam stared at the floor. “I didn't want Gypsy to know we were Ferals. I was trying to protect her.”
“Protect her from what? Us? Ooh, we're so scary! A middle-aged couple with ten pups, we practically scream blood-thirsty killers!”
“Mom, don't do this.” Liam shuffled his feet.
“You're ashamed of us, that's what it is!” Moira stamped her foot. “Talbot can you believe this? Our son is ashamed of us.”
“Moira, I think you're blowing it out of proportion.” Liam's father sighed. He scratched the ring of strawberry blonde hair that remained on his head. “I think that Liam has had enough experience to know not to tell outsiders the family's secrets. We all have.”
Moira went very quiet and there was look of deep sadness in her eyes. “Always got to bring her
up, don't you?” she turned away and started fussing with Hannah's hair. “I had your hair so pretty, Hannah. You always take the ribbons out!”
“I don't like ribbons, Mama.” Hannah protested. “They get all scratchy on my face!”
Malcolm coughed a bit and gestured for us to follow him. We quietly left the kitchen, followed closely by Liam.
“I can't believe you!” Gypsy began.
“Oh don't start!” Liam barked. “I had my reason not to bring you; let's leave it at that.”
“Perhaps instead of leaving it at that you should try explaining.” Malcolm offered. Liam tossed him a look. The older Feral shrugged. “Just trying to help.”
“You're asking me to raise demons that this family has tried to bury for over seventy years.” Liam spat.
“Not talking about her won't change the fact that she died, little brother.”
Gypsy and I looked at the two siblings intently. “Who are you talking about?” I asked Liam.
The Feral looked at us and turned away. “My older sister, Briana. She was killed—murdered seventy years ago. She befriended a young man, Simon Belhaven. He was human and all Briana used to talk about.” Liam smiled wistfully. “She was so infatuated with him. Morning, noon, and night it was 'do you think Simon will like what I'm wearing?' or 'Simon says that I look pretty in this color.' She was a mess.” he chuckled, but his eyes hardened. “Briana wanted to tell Simon what she was—what we are. Briana knew he wanted to propose and she didn't want such a secret to be between her and her future husband. Even though we all thought it was a bad idea, Mom and Pop gave her permission.” he trailed off refusing to say anymore.
Malcolm finished the story for us. “Simon turned out to be a Dark Purifier apprentice, his family had been Purifiers for centuries and he needed to be initiated into their order properly. When Briana confessed what she was, Simon attacked her. He sliced open her throat and presented her heart to his Elders. He was welcomed into the Order with open arms. They burned Briana's body. We had nothing to bury.”
“That's horrible...” I whispered. Their sister had trusted this guy—loved him and he betrayed her just like that.
“Pop thinks that Simon had no choice.” Malcolm mused. “And that he suffers knowing that he had to do it...”
“Pop is a fool!” Liam snarled. “That bastard slit Briana's throat! Watched her bleed to death and than cut out her heart! You and Pop can believe that Simon Belhaven is some sort of tragic lover but I know that he's nothing more than a murderer! He could die a thousand times and it would still be just a token gesture!” Liam stormed away.
Malcolm watched his brother go. “You mustn't mind him. Liam looked up to Briana. She was his idol. Briana was a powerful feral, cunning, smart, and liked by everyone. He took her death the hardest.”
Gypsy ran after Liam and I was left with Malcolm. “Do you guys know where this Simon guy is?”
“No, after Briana's murder we moved. Mom was afraid that Simon would reveal our location so we moved quickly. I'm assuming he's dead. It was a long time ago. We should go find them.”
I nodded. We found Liam and Gypsy sitting behind the house at a fountain. Liam's head was resting on Gypsy's lap and he stared into the sky.
Liam looked at me as we approached. “Sorry about my outburst back there.”
“It's okay. I understand how you must feel.” I sat down next to my friend. I looked into the sky. It was a wondrous night. I had never seen so many stars nestled in the ebony blanket of darkness. “It's a beautiful night.” I muttered.
“This sky is artificial.” Liam muttered.
“Huh?”
“Imagine a giant coliseum.” the Feral explained. “Big enough to hold two cities but a coliseum none the less. That basically what the Hole is and this sky is nothing more than a ceiling that has been altered with magick to appear as the sky.”
“I think they could have gone without knowing that, Liam” Malcolm chuckled. “Even if it is the truth.”
“Sorry.” Liam muttered and smiled.
“You feel better now?” Gypsy asked her boyfriend. He nodded and smiled up at her lovingly. “Good, now get off.” she shoved him off her lap and stood. Liam gaped at her open-mouthed, but she just shrugged. “I haven't forgiven you for not bringing me to meet your family and even though you had a good reason it changes nothing.” Gypsy stalked away.
Malcolm roared with laughter. “I should have known you'd pick a girl like that, brother!” he wiped his eyes and grinned. “The males of our family always fall for moody, domineering women. Its a fatal flaw I suppose.”
“I bet Mom wouldn't appreciate you calling her moody and Layla would skin you if she knew you thought she was domineering!” Liam shot back.
“Who is Layla?” I asked as Malcolm shoved his brother's face into the fountain.
Malcolm held a struggling Liam in still in the water as he smiled. “Layla's my fiancée. She's a beautiful girl from Lebanon and a Wiccan.” he released his sibling who gasped for air. “And for your information Brother, Layla knows I think she's domineering.”
Liam wiped the murky fountain water from his face and glowered at the older Feral. “She also obviously crazy for wanting to marry a psycho like you.” he coughed.
“My, Liam you should know not to breathe when you're under water. You're a Feral; not a fish.”
“Shove it, Malcolm!”
I could only grin at their sibling antics. “When can I meet Layla?” I asked as Malcolm put his brother in a headlock.
“I'll ask her to stop by your hotel tomorrow. Speaking of which,” Malcolm looked at his wristwatch. “I'm sure Mikhail is looking for you. You shouldn't keep him waiting.”
“Thanks. It was nice meeting you, Malcolm.” I turned to leave but stopped. “Oh and Liam's starting to turn blue...” Malcolm dropped the younger Feral to the ground with a Thud.
I grinned again. Makes me glad I'm an only child...
When I got to my room, I could hear voices behind the door in midst of a heated conversation. I pressed my ear to the door to hear what was being said.
“You would do such a thing? Have you no honor left?” That sounded like Mikhail.
“I'm doing what's best for everyone!” the second voice retorted. “What's happened to you, Mikhail? When did you become such an idealistic fool?”
My lover hissed angrily. “I'm no fool! I happen to know that what you're suggesting could put everyone in the Hole in great danger! Be sensible, Nikolai! Are you willing to risk the lives of so many for such a fruitless act? Think of Sandra! Would she have wanted you to do something so risky?”
The one called Nikolai snarled. “Don't you dare speak her name! If it wasn't for you she'd still be alive! You're nothing but a coward Mikhail Romonov!” I heard the doorknob twist and I sprinted down the hall and hid behind a corner. I saw a Bloodraven with pink hair, large ice blue eyes and multiple ear and eyebrow piercing come storming out of our bedroom. Mikhail came out and leaned against the door frame to watch Nikolai leave. “I beg you to reconsider, my old friend.” he whispered to Nikolai.
“Go to hell!” Nikolai growled and stalked away.
My lover sighed and rubbed the area above his eyes. How long have you been there, Téa?
I blushed deeply. Not long. I lied. <>How did you know I was here?
You give off a scent, My Love. He chuckled. Mikhail walked toward me. Smiling, he placed a cool hand on my cheek. “How was your visit with Liam's Pack?”
I grinned. “Very entertaining. Who was that guy?” I nodded towards the direction of where Nikolai had headed.
Mikhail frowned deeply. “It's nothing that concerns you.”
“Mikhail...” I warned.
He let out an exasperated sigh. “Fine, come into the room and I'll try to explain.”
I sat down on the bed as he paced like a caged tiger. He let out a frustrated grunt and ran his fingers through his hair. “His name is Nikolai Sergei. I met him in Moscow when during the first few years following my 'rebirth'. Nikolai was my elder by almost two hundred years; I looked up to him. Nikolai was my first mentor, my comrade, almost a brother.” Mikhail sighed again. “The problem was that as the years went by, I noticed qualities of Nikolai's personality that I began to dislike. Nikolai believes that humans are beasts; beasts that are placed on this world for Bloodravens to slaughter. Before I left Russia, the toll of Nikolai's bloodlust had risen well over five hundred.”
“But what were you two arguing about?”
“He has this insane idea of how to flush out the Dark Purifiers and eradicate them before they can kill us.” Mikhail snorted. “Nikolai thinks that the Wiccans residing in the Hole should make a potion that will poison all non-magick people.”
“Is he off his fucking rocker?” I yelled and bolted up. “Wiccans can't kill! And even if we could think of all the innocent people who would die along with the Dark Purifiers! What about Gypsy? She doesn't have a drop of magickal blood; wouldn't she die too?!” I could feel tears of anger and disbelief well up.
Mikhail pulled me close and rubbed his hand soothingly on the back of my neck. “I'm sorry, Téa. I didn't mean to upset you. I haven't seen Nikolai for such a long time. I assumed he was still in Moscow. Shush,” he kissed my forehead. “Forget Nikolai.”
“How can I forget someone who wants to kill almost everyone including my best friend?” I wailed.
“Nikolai was only making a suggestion. He came here because he thought I would support him, but since I'm not, he'll most likely just go off to some dark cavern and sulk for the next twenty years. So please, calm down.” he begged me. “The stress isn't good for our son.”
“We are not having this discussion again, Mikhail!” I hissed. “We're having a girl!”
The Bloodraven sniffed. “I can feel it in my gut that I will have a son.” he smiled warmly and rubbed a hand on my enlarging belly.
“Well, how about a bet?” I suggested. “The loser has to breastfeed for the first six months.”
“Ooh—ah...um... now that you mention it; it's starting to feel a lot like a girl. My sweet little daughter.” he cooed.
I smirked obviously satisfied that I had won the argument. “She's most likely to be a big girl.” I mused. “Look at me! I'm getting so freaking huge!”
“I think you're just becoming even more beautiful.” The Bloodraven chuckled.
“Boys always say the sweetest things.” I smiled.
“We should go get you something to eat.” Mikhail gestured to the door.