“Let’s stay on topic. I get you’re afraid. We can talk about my foreign language skills another time. Which kid is this?”
I banged the consul with my open palm. Why was everything taking so long? “He’s my oldest. My firstborn.”
“And he can also see visions?”
I pinched my nose to stop the throb there. “No, that’s Dex. And the baby, Molly, can see ghosts. She’s not really a baby. She’s six. She’s my baby; she’ll always be. They’re all going to be my babies forever.” My voice broke, and the dam broke on my tears. “Grayson has never, ever shown a single ability. His therapist, who is sensitive, says he’s got power. I’ve never seen any of it. He hates me, hates our family, really wants everything to go back to the way it was when Levi and I were married. He had this horrible episode at lacrosse earlier this year. He attacked someone. This is my fault. It’s all my fault.”
If I had been home instead of making out with Malcolm and getting nowhere with the shadows, this couldn’t have happened. I was a neglectful, horrible mother. Levi should take the children and go far away from me.
“I can see what you’re thinking and not saying. Were you supposed to be with them tonight?”
I wiped at my face with my hands, feeling the tears as they soaked my shirt. “I … no … tonight was Levi’s night.”
“You would never have been with him then. You going out to work, to train, whatever—you did on a night when they’re with their father, who has not only shown himself to be weak of character but susceptible to all kinds of negative influences. The shadow guy didn’t screw with him only to piss off you. Levi is not made for our world. Your kids are. We’ll get him through this.”
I hoped he was right. I looked up at the sky, and the clouds were so low I felt like I could touch them if I only reached upwards.
Pulling up to my house after what felt like hours and was probably minutes later, I jumped out of the car before it even stopped. My mother was at the door talking to a man. She waved her hands wildly, and it took me a minute to realize it was Chase Miller. What was he doing here?
Behind me, Malcolm grumbled. “Shit.”
Hearing us, Chase whirled around, and my mother called out my name. I hurried to her. Whatever Chase wanted, I couldn’t deal with it then. He’d have to come back another day.
“Malcolm.”
“Chase.” Malcolm’s voice boomed out in the night. “These people are having some trouble tonight. Either help out or get out of the way.”
I passed them. They’d have to work it out. Chase didn’t have his memories. What the hell was he going to do?
My father and Levi sat next to Grayson, who rocked back and forth, sitting on our coffee table. Holding his head, he muttered, In ancient Greek.
I wished I didn’t know the language, only I did. I’d seen it hundreds of times growing up. Latin. Greek. Sumerian. Modern day French. Chinese. Portuguese. It didn’t matter what tongue the demon used, it was always one the speaker couldn’t possibly know. Grayson was a perfectly smart ten-year-old who made really good grades and passed the standardized exams.
He didn’t speak ancient Greek.
Levi tried to hold him still, and my father stared down at Grayson before Dad looked back at me. The look was back again, the one from earlier. It was like he stared at me through someone else’s gaze.
My powers turned on with a snap. I was energized. The demon was in my baby, and it was getting out.
Behind me Malcolm and, surprisingly, Chase came to a halt. Levi looked between them. “Who is that guy, and what is your broker doing here?”
Malcolm stormed forward toward Levi and handed him Malcolm’s phone. “Can I assume his grandmother has already tried to get the demon out?”
My mother sniffed in the doorway of the room. “He’s got a block like I’ve never seen. It burned my hand to even lift it near him. I can’t do anything.”
“Malcolm can help.” I answered Levi’s question, “I don’t know why Chase came in.”
“I’d like to help if I can.” Chase finally responded.
Malcolm knelt in front of Grayson. “And the other kids? They’re secured?”
Levi pointed upstairs, still holding Malcolm’s phone. “They’re upstairs.”
“Great.” There was no question of who was in charge. I’d frozen in place. My mother had been unable to reach Grayson? Why? How could that happen? I’d watched her take out tons of demons. “We’re going to try something. Kendall”—he held out his hand— “come here.”
I walked forward until I stood next to him. Grayson hadn’t looked up, not even once. Was he okay? Did he hurt? How had this happened? His language changed abruptly to Latin. I didn’t let myself listen to what he said; whatever it was, it wouldn’t be something I could bear to hear. This was a strong demon. Most of them hated Latin. Too many exorcisms were performed using it.
“Try to touch him.”
I reached out, and my hand hit a barrier, a hot one. I yelped, falling back and hardly catching myself before I fell over. “I can’t get near him.”
My hand sizzled. If we lived through the night, I’d have to get treatment for it. My own pain was the least of my concerns. Levi shook his head. “I don’t understand. I’m touching him.”
“You can’t help him.” Malcolm stood. “You’re not a threat. He’s probably also sucking energy off you. Take that phone; send a text out to Victoria and Block. They’re both listed from their first names. Tell them Grayson is in trouble, and I need them here doubletime. Use that word. Doubletime.” Why did he want Levi to use that term? I didn’t care. If it helped, I was glad to have them hurry up. Malcolm turned his attention on my father, who had still not spoken. “If you can’t help, get the hell out. I’m not really interested in being observed right now.”
I grabbed Malcom’s arm. “Why are you yelling at my dad?”
My dad answered instead of Malcolm. “Because he’s always had such an attitude problem.” My father blinked rapidly before his gaze returned to normal. “Sweetie, it’s going to be okay. Malcolm will fix him.”
Okay, that was weird. It was like … for a second … someone else had been talking instead of my dad. Then my father returned and knew Malcolm? How would he know whether or not anyone could help Grayson? “I …”
Victoria appeared at my side. I jumped. How had she gotten there? Next to her stood her husband, Henry. I’d only met Henry a half a dozen times. I liked him. Tall, dark-haired with blue eyes, Henry looked more like he should be on the cover of a magazine instead of making artwork. Tonight he was the most casual I’d ever seen him, in jeans and a white t-shirt.
Levi cried out. “Where did you come from? They weren’t there and then they were …” My ex’s voice trailed off as Block appeared exactly the same way.
Chase cleared his throat. “I’ve seen some things. Never anything like this.”
Victoria pulled me into a hug. “We’ll get him back. Unharmed.”
Henry surveyed the situation around us. “Time to kick some ass?”
Levi finally must have reached his limit. “What the hell is happening? And could this hurt Grayson?”
Malcolm rocked back on his feet. “Listen. You’re his father. That means something. I’m going to speak to you like you’re not the biggest imbecile I’ve ever met. We’re all able to do things you can’t do. Right now, because he’s a kid and we always help them and also because he’s Kendall’s kid we’re going to take incredible measures to save him from this. There’s a demon. In his body. Could this hurt him? Yes. But he’s already hurting. I’ve been where he is. There aren’t words to describe how bad he is right now. Yes, it could hurt him. Yes, it could even kill him. If we leave him like this, it’s a fate worse than death. The demon will suck on your son until he kills him over a long period of time. For the rest of what will be a horribly long but too short life. Want me to continue?”
My mother gasped. “You’re that boy. The one we tried to save.”
; I didn’t have time to catch everyone up. “What do you need, Malcolm?”
“Victoria, I need this room cleansed. As clean as you can make it energy-wise. Henry, no one and nothing comes in or out of here. Chase, it’s too bad you’re still stuck in la-la land. I could have used you.” He turned around to Block. I was once again struck by how pale the man was. This time, however, I could see he was covered in burn scars on his arms. If he could help Gray, I was thrilled he’d arrived. “Block, the kids upstairs.”
He nodded. “I’ve got them. Nothing will take them tonight.”
I made fast eye contact with Levi. I didn’t know what was worse—my knowing what would happen or his not understanding it at all. I walked to him and took his hand. As gently as I could, I squeezed his fingers. “What happened? Where was he when this took place?”
“He came out of the bathroom. I told him to brush his teeth. And then it just happened.” He rubbed his eyes. “He has an actual demon inside of him?”
“I’ve been here a long time, Da-Dee.” The demon inside my baby looked up and smiled. “Months and months. All these talents coming in and out of here and that other one who visits sometimes. Not one of you could find me.”
My mother gasped. “How is that possible? We’ve been living with him.”
Chase spoke low. “His eyes are red, beet red.”
“First class demon.” I dropped Levi’s hand. “When did you find him? When did you take his body?”
At what point had I been so out of it I hadn’t noticed? My powers hadn’t triggered. Fine, the first class lot could, rarely, manage such a feat. I knew the signs. What had I, and everyone else, missed?
“At Da-Dee’s house.” I hated how the thing had adopted Gray’s way of calling to Levi. He still sounded three when he called to his dad. I’d never put a stop to it. Why would I? He wasn’t going to go off to college still saying daddy that way.
My powers were charged, but I couldn’t turn around and shoot them at my son. If the demon had simply been touching Gray, I could have managed it. An exorcism was a much more complicated job. I took a step toward Grayson and dropped Levi’s hand.
“You took him at Levi’s? How long ago?” I wasn’t asking for my own health. How long the demon had been in my son would give Malcolm some insight about how to deal with it.
Grayson rolled over until he stared at me. “I’ve been in so long you’ll never get rid of me. I’m in his bones, in his cells, in the way his body works now. Even if you got me out, it would kill him. And you’re all right where we want you.”
Henry groaned. “I hate the banter. Can we all assume the demon is lying? That he has nothing interesting to tell us and move on, please?”
“Yep.” Malcolm stood up and stretched his arms over his head. He closed his eyes. The smart practitioner centered before undertaking something like this.
I turned to Levi to give Malcolm a minute. “This isn’t going to look like anything to you, not like it will for us. Grayson will roll around. You’ll be able to see that. He might say horrible things. We might. You aren’t going to see the demon, and you should consider that a good thing.”
“I could see the shadow man.” He sunk onto the coach. “Why did he get taken at my house?”
“Because I’m not there. My presence anywhere will stop the demon or the ghosts from attacking the kids. When this is over and he’s fine”—I had to believe that would be the case—“we’ll sage the area periodically. This isn’t on you. He could have taken him at anytime, anywhere.”
Malcolm’s lids opened. “Kendall, if he gets out and I haven’t stopped him, you’re going to have to.”
“I’d consider it an honor. How are you going to get past his barrier? How will you manage the heat?”
He pulled me up against him. The force of his yank startled me but not as much as the gentleness of his kiss. It only last two seconds, and then he stepped away. “I like the heat.”
Before I could ask him what that meant, he squatted in front of Grayson, who had returned to his rocking, this time coupled with maniacal laughter. I shivered at the sound.
“Okay, here’s the deal.” Malcolm patted his own knees as he talked to my son. “Grayson, we’re coming to get you.”
The demon snickered. “No you’re not. He’s not here anymore.”
“Oh sure he is.” Malcolm waved his hand in the air dismissing the demon. “Want to know how I know that? Two reasons, really. First, he’s her son.” He nodded toward me with his chin. “Kid, I have known your mother since she was younger than you. We died together. That’s a long story and not one I’m going to get into right now. Bet I caught your attention. Yes, you want to know how your mother died and came back to be here with you.”
My attention held on my son. Seeing Malcolm talk to him gave me hope. If anyone could get through to my son in the midst of the demon hell, then it was Malcolm. He didn’t even look fazed. I refused to turn a glance toward my parents or Chase, who were all speaking in low tones behind me. They’d have time later for me to explain the whole death thing.
“Your mom has always been the toughest person I know. You have her genes. That makes you pretty bad-ass.” He covered his mouth. “Whoops, bad language.”
Levi shook his head. “He’s heard it before.”
“Right, well then. The second reason I know that you are still in there, just needing a little help to get out of there, is that I have been where you are. When I was a little younger than you, I was a magnet for all things awful. I’ve had demons in me a dozen times.” That many? I shivered at the thought. I couldn’t possibly imagine …”Your mom has, too. So I know and she knows—or she will someday remember—that we are always present. You don’t have to be afraid. When this is over, I’m going to teach you how to get it out yourself. You can. You always have the power. Even though you’re ten and I’m sure very grown up, this is a lot to take. Today, I’m going to do it for you.”
Malcolm shoved his hand through the heat barrier, his face wincing for a split second before he pressed his palm against my son’s chest. Malcolm closed his eyes.
“What’s happening?” Levi called out, and Victoria crossed to him and placed a hand on Levi’s arm.
“It’s okay. This is the beginning. It’s going to take awhile.”
I took one step toward Malcolm. His arm was red but otherwise I saw no outward evidence of what had to be happening inside of him. The pain must be extraordinary. How did he make it look easy?
Lights danced around the room, and I whirled around. Henry closed his eyes. “Every manner of creature is trying to get in here right now. This is heavy.”
Victoria smiled at her husband. “You’ve got this, baby.”
He opened one lid to wink at her. “Obviously.”
Malcolm made a small sound in the back of his throat, catching my attention as Grayson screamed. The lowness of the voice wasn’t my son but the parasite using his body to make horrible noises.
I marched forward and the heat barrier stopped me in my tracks. How had Malcolm gotten through it, and why couldn’t I? Levi jumped, reaching our son with no trouble. I’d never been so grateful to have him be non-talented. He whispered in Gray’s ear. I didn’t know what he said, but I knew Levi. It would be comforting.
Levi wrapped his arms around Gray without moving Malcolm from what he did. Both men in my life held my son’s life in their hands while I stood on the outside, unable to do a thing for any of them. Goosebumps broke out on my arms, and I turned to look outside. Ghosts surrounded the house, banging on the windows. They wanted in.
“Shit.” Henry winced for a second. Whatever he was doing, he’d kept them at bay. Malcolm made another small noise and dropped his head for a second before he rose up a bit. This was hard. Where was the explosion? Where was the movement? Why did this take so long?
The lights above us flashed, and I knew that was a really bad sign. If the demon could still push that much power, then Malcolm wasn’t breaking through.
/> The room tilted, and I grabbed the couch to stay upright. Victoria rushed to my side. “Are you okay?”
“Why is the room moving?”
She looked left and right. “It’s not, honey.”
I hit the floor, my knees taking the brunt of the fall. Pain assaulted my body. What was happening?
“We have to talk to you. Kendall?” I looked around. Michael stood in front of me. Wait … who was Michael? I blinked rapidly, my brain trying to catch up with my memories. I wasn’t in the room with Gray. No, my head had sent me backward, to the other space.
Michael—he was in charge—stared at me, his arms crossed in his power position. He’d long since stopped intimidating me. He needed me as much as I did him. Chase leaned against the wall, waiting. Neither one of us knew why we’d been summoned. Today was the day we were going back to our nine-year-old bodies.
Only that hadn’t been what happened. I blinked, trying to make sense of two different timelines streaming in my head. They’d meant to send us back to the moment we’d left. No one would know we’d been gone—we simply wouldn’t be dead. And we’d have the scope and depth of knowledge from our time with the Others.
Only somehow that had gotten screwed up. Three years had passed. I’d been twelve when I’d reappeared. There had been questions I couldn’t answer.
The first sign that everything wasn’t as copasetic as they’d wanted us to believe.
But it had been this moment where everything changed.
“Do you know why I called you here?” Michael looked between Chase and me. Just because he and the others used names of archangels—Michael, Gabriel, Rafael—didn’t make them the beings of Judeo-Christianity. They were no doubt powerful; they’d picked up my soul from death, brought me to them, and raised me and eleven others to be powerful, cognizant beings who could take on the shadow creatures.
Why they had done this, how they had managed—well none of that had ever been particularly explained other than the occasional response that went something like, this is our way.