Ch 14

Soundtrack: Out Alive by Ke$ha; World Filled With Love by Craig David;

Canvas (Instrumental Version) by Imogen Heap; Bleed American by

Jimmy Eat World; He About To Lose Me by Britney Spears; Hear the

Bells by Vanessa Carlton; Anybody by Brandy

Warning: This chapter is huge. I thought about breaking it up, but I don’t want

chapters in multiple parts and I did want everything that happens in this chapter to

actually happen in this chapter because seriously, it’s time to move on. So,

readers, you all get to enjoy a massive update with lots of twists and intrigue and

DEATH. Sorry if you feel that too much is happening all at once, but honestly,

sometimes life is like that. Plus, that’s what the Specters are feeling! Also, sections

of this chapter have foul language—some of the characters get a bit testy. Sorry if

that offends, but here’s your warning. I think that’s it, so go on ahead and read to

see which Specter makes it Out Alive. Happy reading.

Taz woke up that morning with a feeling of dread. Things had been going good

lately. He liked his apartment, he was starting to break out of his funk and make

friends, hell he’d even managed to land a job he actually liked doing. Things were

looking up for him. There was just one problem. It was the same problem he had

before, actually, only now with extra added drama: Dagmar.

Taz rolled his shoulders, trying to ease the tension in his body. He liked Dagmar—

he really did. She was funny and nice and so positive and upbeat—she was just a

great person to be around. But the whole dating thing? Well, that wasn’t so good.

Because the fact of the matter was that she wasn’t Aerith. And he simply had no

interest in being with someone else or even pretending that he could be without

her.

He honestly couldn’t figure out how he could’ve forgotten that, but that didn’t

matter anymore. What did matter was that he was going to break up with Dagmar

that night. He had to. He couldn’t lead her on anymore, not when things were

becoming more and more serious. He couldn’t pretend he was okay with

everything. He would just have to sit her down and talk. Set her straight.

Too bad she didn’t really feel like talking much.

How the hell does she always get her way? He couldn’t help thinking. I mean,

seriously, when did she have time to take off my shirt?

“Um, Dagmar,” Taz spoke up. Finally. “We, uh—” Taz broke off, temporarily

distracted. “N-need to talk,” he managed to get out after another minute.

But Dagmar had her own agenda.

“O-Okay, stop.” Taz managed to pull Dagmar off of him a bit and even get back in

an upright position. “Dag—”

“Is this seriously necessary right now?” she complained. “I mean, I thought when

you invited me over that tonight would finally be the night.”

Crap, Taz thought. “Yeah, uh, that’s not what I had in mind.”

Taz gently pushed Dagmar off his lap and onto the couch. He needed a little

distance.

“Listen, Dagmar…” he trailed off. For all his thinking and rehearsing, he didn’t

know where to begin. “You’re a really—”

“Okay, let’s stop before we head down that road.” She sighed. “I think I know what

this is about.”

“You do?” Taz was surprised and a bit relieved at the same time.

“Yes. I mean, I get that you want to go slow, but come on, we’ve been going glacial

here. Every time there’s even a hint at us becoming more intimate, you freak out.”

“Well, it’s just…”

Dagmar waited for the rest of his response but there wasn’t one.

“You’re not over her, are you?”

“No,” Taz admitted sheepishly.

Dagmar began shaking her head. “I just don’t get it. The girl dumps you, breaks off

your engagement, and you’re still hung up on her.”

“Technically, she just put it on hold.”

“Ugh, so what?”

“Either way, it’s pathetic! She’s not coming back. They never come back. You have

to move on.”

“You don’t understand—”

“Oh please, that’s just an excuse.”

“No, it’s not. There were unusual circumstances.”

Dagmar rolled her eyes. “Whatever that means.” She sighed. “Look Taz, do you or

do you not want to give this a go?”

Taz swallowed. “Like I was saying before,” he said slowly, “You’re really great. And

I thank you for everything, but… But you’re just not the right girl for me.”

Dagmar stared at him. “You cannot be serious.”

“I’m sorry,” he said simply.

“Fine!” Dagmar exclaimed, jumping up.

“Dagmar, I really am sorry. You’ve been such a—”

“Save it!” She practically screamed as she snatched up her shirt.

She got ready to storm out, then stopped and turned to look at him. Taz couldn’t

meet her eyes.

“Ugh,” she made a sound of disgust. “You are so weak, Taz. You want to spend all

your time pining after some girl who doesn’t want you? Fine. Be pathetic. Make the

biggest mistake of your life. But you’re going to regret it, mark my words.”

And then she was finally gone.

Taz knew he should be upset, but all he could feel just then was relief.

*****

“Hey!” Asher pulled Liz into a hug as soon as she entered the kitchen. “I heard

everything! How are you?”

“Um, okay I guess, considering.”

“Really?” Asher pulled back to look at his old friend.

She gave a long exasperated sigh. “Okay, not really. Things are just… a mess.

Even without the whole not-speaking-to-my-husband thing.”

“What’s going on?” Asher cocked his head.

“Well…” Liz was a little reluctant to share her problems, but at this point she was

eager to talk to somebody. “It’s the house, actually. It’s way more than we can

afford.”

“When we got it, we thought we’d be okay because both of us were working, but…

But Zeph hasn’t been working. I did get a promotion and I thought it’d be kind of

okay, but then as I was cleaning out some stuff this morning I found a stack of bills

Zeph stashed in a drawer…” She sighed again, torn between being polite about

her husband and going on a rant. “Long story short, we owe a lot more than I

thought. I don’t think I can keep living there.”

“Maybe it’s for the best.” Asher said gently.

“It’s not that I’m not okay with moving…” Liz ran a hand through her hair. “It’s just

one more thing on top of everything else, you know? It’s like, why now when I feel

nauseous and tired all the time. Most days I feel so sick I just want to stay home

from work and sleep all day.

“Maybe you should.”

“I can’t,” Liz shook her head. “There’s just too much to do.”

“You need to rest, Liz. You don’t want to risk hurting the baby. Not to mention you

got to watch your own health too.

“I know,” she sighed. “I’m just a bit overwhelmed, I guess.”

“Hmm.” Asher stared at her thoughtfully. “You know, why don’t you move here for a

little while?”

“What? Why?”

“Think about it. You wouldn’t have to worry about bills while you’re here and Mel

and I can help look after you and the baby, once it’s born. You don’t have to stay

forever, but just until you figure out what your next move is. You can rest.”

“What about the house and—”

“Let Zeph figure it out, clean up his own mess. Pay off what you owe and leave it

at that. If Zeph wants to keep staying there, he’ll figure something out.”

Liz stared at Asher thinking. The longer she thought about it, the better it sounded.

Here was her chance to remove herself from all the mess and drama. Here was

her chance to rest and focus on the baby.

“I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you…”

“Nonsense, you’re family. Plus the kids are practically off to college already

anyway. The house will be empty in no time.”

“Well… Okay.”

“Great!” He patted her shoulder. “Look, don’t worry, okay? Everything will work out

and be fine—you’ll see.”

*****

“Okay, everyone, I have an announcement,” Asher said as he shared plates.

Breakfast was pretty much the only time the whole family was together.

“We’re not going on another vacation, are we?” Rose asked.

“Haha. But no. Actually we’re having someone come visit us. Your Aunt Liz.”

“Aunt who?” was pretty much all the kids’ reactions, except for Rose.

“Is she your sister?” Paige asked, interested. But Asher shook his head.

“No, she’s my brother’s wife. My twin’s—”

“You have a twin?” Paige, surprised, couldn’t help interrupting.

“Yeah.” Asher looked at his daughter. He hadn’t realized how little the kids knew

about his family. “We’re not identical or anything. We were all twins. My parents

had two sets of twins, Me and Zephyr and then Skye and Aerith. Skye died when

we were younger.”

Paige listened intently between bites of food. Asher regarded her, a bit worried by

her lack of knowledge.

“Didn’t I mention any of this before?” he asked her. “I mean, you have met them—”

“I did? When?”

“At our birthday parties, duh.”

Paige scrunched up her face. “I don’t remember seeing any family at parties…”

“How could you not recognize them? All of dad’s family has red hair; they’re pretty

easy to pick out of a crowd.”

“Well, I still don’t remember them,” Paige retorted, a little miffed.

“I guess you were pretty small,” Asher trailed off as he rubbed his chin. “And there

were a lot of people there… I guess we haven’t had any family over in a long

time.”

“How come?” Paige asked.

“Well…” Asher furrowed his brows, unsure of what to say.

“We stopped having family over after Dad had a fight with Grandpa and they

stopped speaking.”

At this pronouncement, everyone turned and stared at Rose.

“What? Just because none of them,” she pointed at her siblings, “remembers

anything, doesn’t mean I don’t.”

“I think we’re getting off track,” Melanie chimed in. “Your Aunt Elizabeth is

pregnant. She’s coming to stay so she can get some rest before she has the baby.

That means everyone on their best behavior and no being loud or causing a fuss.

Okay?” She looked at all her children and they all nodded and murmured

agreement.

“Don’t worry mom,” Spencer spoke up, “I’ve got so many dates lined up, I’ll hardly

even be here.”

“Oh, that’s comforting.”

Everyone laughed and the conversation moved on.

Rose just shrugged. She didn’t expect to be around much often either. She and

Heath spent all their spare time together, talking about the club they were going to

open.

In fact, they got together that very afternoon to do homework and come up with

business plans.

“Yeesh,” Rose said after an hour. “Who knew business plans would be this dull?

This nightclub sounded way more fun in my head.”

Heath smiled. “Come on, it’s not that bad, we’ve barely gotten started.”

“Why don’t we just ask my parents for a loan?”

“We could, but we should still have a plan. It’d show them we’re serious.”

Rose nodded. “Right,” she half sighed as she looked at all the books in front of

them. “I know you’re right.” She sighed again.

“We could take a break,” Heath suggested.

Rose perked up. “Wanna make out?”

It was how all their homework/business planning sessions ended.

*****

Spencer was on a date. No surprises there, really, except that he had decided to

give the whole conversation thing a try. Problem was, his date was as boring as

hell. Honestly, he didn’t quite know what he saw in her. He must have been

completely out of it when he asked her out because they had absolutely nothing in

common.

“So.” He took another sip of water.

“So,” she responded.

“How’s work? At the grocery store?”

She shrugged. “Okay.”

Wow, this girl, he thought. She’s some conversationalist.

“And school?” He tried again. “You go to the public school, right?”

“Yup.”

Spencer nodded. There was just so many places to go from that statement, really.

He tried again. “Do you—”

“What is this, an interview or something? I thought we were going to have fun.”

“We are. I just—I mean I thought we should get to know each other a bit.”

“Right. So we’re just going to sit and talk all night?” she raised a brow.

“Well no. I just figured we could talk while we eat, then find something to do.”

“I can’t believe everyone says you’re fun to hangout with…” she muttered.

Spencer sighed and pretended to browse his menu. This wasn’t going well at all.

He thought about that night in Three Lakes. Talking with Renee was so easy.

They’d laughed and had a good time even though they didn’t go anywhere or do

anything particularly exciting. He sighed again. Maybe it was just the person.

Maybe, with the right person, even doing nothing at all was fun.

*****

Paige woke up that night in a cold sweat. She gulped and rubbed her eyes as if

she could rub away all traces of the dream she was having.

Except she wasn’t so sure it was a dream.

She tossed and turned ever since her head hit the pillow and the voice kept talking

through it all, as images raced across her mind. Its words were like a chant,

demanding her attention and paralyzing her with fear. It repeated the same words

over and over, only this time there were pictures to go along with the words. There

were images of many places and faces. Some were strange.

Others more familiar.

She didn’t know what it meant or why the voice seemed to be starting up again. All

she knew was that each time she heard it she felt a sense of doom.

And so she stayed awake. She curled up in her bed and wished she could run

away from her head and get away from the words.

*****

“Hey!” Houston smiled as he spotted Sydney. “How was the trip? I’ve barely heard

from you since you got back.” His smile faltered when he realized Sydney didn’t

seem to be listening to him. “Syd?”

“Hmm?” She looked up. “Oh, hey Houston. Sorry. I guess… I guess I didn’t really

feel like talking much lately.”

“That’s okay. Anyway, what are you doing this weekend? Are we going to rehearse

or…” he trailed off as he saw Sydney shake her head. “What?”

“I dropped out of the Battle of the Bands.”

“What?! Why?”

Sydney shrugged. “Because there’s no band. Because it’s pointless now.”

“Sydney, what’s going on?”

“Nothing. Everything.” She sighed. “I don’t know.”

Houston gulped. “Well… Whatever is going on… I just… We should still hangout

and stuff… before we graduate, you know? Unless…”

Sydney sighed again. “Look, can we talk about this later? I don’t want to think

about graduation.”

“But.. But if we don’t talk about it… Then… Well, I mean what about us?”

“I don’t know! I don’t know anything, okay? I just… I need some space right now.”

“What? Sydney what is going on?”

“Like I said, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“So, what? You’re just going to ignore me?”

“There’s just no point, okay? For anything. It doesn’t mean anything anymore!”

“Sydney, I know I usually don’t have a clue what’s going on, but right now I really

have no idea what the hell you’re talking about.”

She just shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters.”

“Wha—”

“Just leave me alone for a while, okay?”

“I just need space. I—I need to think.”

“Wait! Sydney…”

Sydney grabbed her books and hurried to her next class.

*****

“Wow, you’re getting big already.”

“Hey!”

Asher laughed. “It’s a compliment, I assure you. How are you feeling?”

Liz shrugged. “Terrified, nauseous, angry, tired, stressed...” She shrugged again.

“The question is, what aren’t I feeling?”

Asher tried to reassure her. “That’s normal though.”

“Is it?” Liz raised her brows.

“Well, most of it.” He paused. “He still hasn’t called?”

Liz shook her head. “I just don’t understand it. This just… I never would have

thought that this was like him at all. I would have thought that he’d at least—”

“Try? Yeah, I know; it doesn’t seem like Zeph to me either.” He stared at the floor,

trying to remember the brother he grew up with. “Look,” he finally said, “why don’t I

try talking to him? In the meantime, you rest.”

“You really think that’ll work?”

He shrugged. “Maybe he’ll tell his brother something he won’t tell you. In any case,

you don’t want to upset the baby, dealing with all that stress. Just relax and rest as

much as possible. The guest room is set up for you; it has a connecting bathroom

and you’re right next to Paige’s room so it should be very quiet and peaceful.”

Liz smiled. “Thanks. I’d like to relax for a change, actually.”

She headed upstairs to check out the room. It was nice. Small, but nice.

It had everything she needed in case she decided to lounge about all day. Asher

said that they still had some stuff from when Paige was a baby and that they could

set up a nursery next door when she got closer to her due date.

She breathed slowly, taking it all in. She wasn’t quite sure what she was doing

here, but she didn’t know where else to go. She didn’t want to go home—if she

could even really call it that. And she didn’t want to be alone. Just the thought of

going apartment hunting made her tear up. It would be like giving up and admitting

that everything was over.

She sighed and eased herself into the chair next to the bed. She didn’t know if she

could really do this alone. She certainly didn’t want to. Everything was such a

mess and she was tired. So, so tired. She closed her eyes and took a deep

breath. She just wanted a break from it all. Was that really too much to ask for?

*****

Paige slid off the bed and onto the floor. She couldn’t sleep. No voices this time,

thank Plumbbob, but even so, she was wide awake.

She reached for her journal and shakily picked up a pen and began to write.

There has been another incident. Once again, I heard the voice. Only this time, it was during a nightmare, accompanied by scattered images.

It talked of a son and of a mother and a founder. It talked of a game and—and of death. I heard everything quite clearly, but I confess, it did not make much sense. I don’t remember the exact words, but I do remember the images.

There was a well. It was featured quite often. Also, there were many faces.

The one face that stood out the most, however, was my brother’s. I did not recognize the other faces, and, in any case, the faces flashed by in a blur.

Lately, every time I close my eyes to sleep I see these same things. I hear the voice speaking its words. The same exact ones, I’m sure. It fills my brain, the sounds and images thrum through my skull, pound against my head, consuming all my energies and attention, every spare thought. I wake up shaking, with an indescribable migraine.

I’ve read that some believe dreams to be prophetic, symbols of what is to come or what has been. Others say dreams are pieces of your subconscious, people and things you have been thinking about in the back of your mind, pulled together in a sort of randomness. If either is the case, I do not know what to make of mine, for they fit neither description.

I am unsure of what to do. Some nights, though they seem rare now, I am fine. I sleep fine. Whole days pass with no voices. And yet other times… Other times they haunt me. But what would I say? What would I tell someone? That I had a nightmare? Such things are not usually the cause of great worry. They go away in time. I must simply wait it out and hope the images and the voice go away.

*****

Aerith sighed as she sat down. She just needed a moment to herself—her head

felt like it would explode. She was now a leader of a clan of vampires. And yet, she

was far from getting anything she wanted.

She and the Tricous disagreed on everything—well, actually, that was not quite

accurate. She and Tina disagreed on everything. Andrzej and Lila were much

more ambivalent and usually tried to stay neutral. However, went put pressed to

vote, they usually sided with Tina—just like she thought they would. And so she’d

spent the past few weeks arguing, even over trivial matters. She was going

insane.

“Hey.” A voice pulled her out of her thoughts. It was Wes. “I’ve come to check up

on you.”

Aerith just shook her head. “Remind me why I agreed to this again?”

“Things going that badly, eh?”

“It’s hard. We have so many different views on how to approach things.”

“But you’re Regent.”

Aerith snorted.

Wes shrugged. “Well, you are.”

“Yes, but we need to agree—”

“Why?”

“Because.” Aerith just looked at him. “We need to learn to trust each other.”

“True. But that doesn’t mean you always have to agree.”

“Right but—”

“And right now you all are just getting started. You need to be making decisions.”

“Of course, but—”

“You not only need to establish the clan, but yourself as a leader.”

Aerith nodded. “I know—”

“They’ll never take you seriously if they think they can always steamroll over you

all the time.”

“Exactly, so—”

“You’ve got to learn how—”

“Will you stop interrupting me?!” Aerith said icily as she stood up, a little annoyed.

But Wes only smiled. “Now you sound more like a leader.” When Aerith looked

confused, he went on. “You have to learn how to take control. You don’t need to

vote on every little detail. You’re Regent—start acting like it.”

Aerith frowned. “I don’t really want to boss anyone around, though. I was hoping

we could agree on things. Decide things together. Become friends and—”

Aerith was interrupted by Wesley’s laughter. “Oh, sweetie,” he grinned. “You’ll

never survive if you don’t learn to toughen up and fight dirty.”

Aerith narrowed her eyes. “Wha—”

“You’re vampires. You’re going to be spending centuries together.”

“Friendship can come later. Right now, you need respect.” With that, Wes patted

her on the shoulder and left her to her thoughts.

*****

Aerith and the Tricous were having another meeting. As usual, things were not

going so well. Only five minutes in and the bickering had already begun.

“I don’t understand why we keep talking about this,” Tina declared.

Neither do I, Aerith couldn’t help but think. To her, the path was clear and simple.

“We need to make a name for ourselves—” she began.

“Which is why we should come up with a name for the clan as well as dress codes

and pick styles and décor themes,” Lila cut in.

Aerith ignored her, as did everyone else. “We need to establish ourselves. We

need place, wealth, and power—”

“And numbers is the way to do that. We need more vamps.” Tina stated bluntly.

“With more of us, we can get more money and get more influence in this area.

Aerith shook her head. “I still don’t think we should be turning other sims yet. We

need to be more established. Settled.”

Tina rolled her eyes. “What’s to settle? The more vamps in the coven, the more

power we have, and the more power we have, the easier it’ll be to get what we

want and to build up magic.”

Aerith disagreed. “That’s not the only way. And there are other things we could be

working on now.”

“Oh, yes,” Tina cut in. “Like finding a new lair,” she said sarcastically, mocking the

idea Aerith came up with last meeting.

“It could give us identity—”

“It’s a waste of time and resources we don’t have. Wes already said we could have

the House of Fallen Leaves when he and Dom leave—”

“And when will that be?” Aerith shot back. “They won’t be done training us for a

while. We don’t need to rely on them; they have their own agenda. Let’s establish

our own order now, make up our own rules, our own place.”

“This place is perfectly fine, you’re overreacting.”

Aerith sat back, tired of trying to prove her point. “You two are quiet.” She nodded

at Lila and Andrzej. “What are your thoughts?”

Andrzej spoke slowly. “I can see both sides. I understand why you want to move. A

new place for a new order, with no attachment or dependencies on anyone. We’d

be our own force. But Tina’s right too—we need power. And getting more numbers

on our side would definitely help.”

“But we don’t need to turn any new sims,” Aerith persisted. “Not yet.”

“Then where would we get more members?” Lila asked.

“There are already vampires in the area,” Aerith reminded. “Gran Vampires. Let’s

recruit them. They have the power and knowledge we seek.”

The trio shook their heads.

“You’re the one talking about making a name for ourselves,” Tina scoffed. “Can’t

you see that if we side with them, their power and knowledge would overshadow

ours?”

“They’d want to run the show,” Andrzej added. “There’s no compelling reason for

them to join with us now.”

“You have to admit that newbies—vamps we’d turn ourselves—would be easier to

manage. Sure, we’re hardly experts, but to the fledglings, we’d be powerful.”

“We should work on the gran vampires later, when we have the numbers to make

us a force in this town,” Tina finished.

Aerith sighed. “We can’t turn sims right now. Don’t you see? We barely know

anything—”

“No, you barely know anything,” Tina interrupted. “We know plenty.”

Aerith glared at her. “We’re still new at this. We’d barely know much more than

them and as leaders, we’d be poor idols.”

“Right now,” Aerith continued, “We can’t even function as a group. How would that

look? We bicker all the time, we’re indecisive. In time, they’d want more power of

their own; they’d think they were better than us or our equals. We need more time

to be more cohesive and secure in our power.”

There was silence for a few moments until Andrzej finally spoke.

“You are right. Partly. But we just can’t do any of the things you want to do yet.”

Lila shrugged. “Sorry.”

Aerith sat back as the others talked on and discussed other ideas. She knew she

was right. The problem was, she believed, was that she was coming from a very

different background. She considered Wes’ words once more. She had to take

charge. She was Regent. She was supposed to be running the day to day things.

Did she really need approval to do most of the things she wanted to do? She didn’t

think so. She needed the three to back off a bit and let her run things. She had to

show them she could lead, make them understand that they shouldn’t be involved

in more than only the most important issues.

Aerith thought about what Andrzej had. As she sat there half listening to the

conversation around her, she came to a realization. Tina had said she didn’t know

anything, but they did. The opposite was true about resources. They didn’t have

resources, but she did. She wasn’t like them, former townies. She had a degree.

She had family in the area. A pretty wealthy family, too, thanks to her dad’s

business. She had connections. Inheritance. Surely, she thought, all that could

come in handy? She narrowed her eyes and began to think of a plan.

*****

“Hey.” Roxie put her plate on the table and nodded a good morning to Zeph. He’d

been staying with her for the past few nights.

Zeph grunted in response. He hadn’t really been talking much.

The two sat and ate in silence for a while.

Zeph munched mechanically, staring into space.

Finally, Roxie put her bagel down and looked him in the eye.

“Can I ask you something?”

Zeph shrugged.

“It’s just…” She wasn’t quite sure how to say this. She wasn’t sure she wanted to

say this. “Are you sure? About… this,” she finished.

Zeph raised his eyebrows in an unspoken comment: Criticism? From you? What,

are you siding with Liz? You?

“I’m not judging,” Roxie blurted on. “It’s just… Well, you married her.”

Zeph looked at Roxie. “What does that have to do with anything?”

She shifted her weight. “You love her, Zeph. She’s the one… She’s the one that

you always go back to. Even though you two had a whole bunch of problems and

never saw eye to eye… You married her. You were going to ignore all that. You

were going to try—”

“I did try! You, of all people, should know that!”

“I do know that. And I know you.” Roxie paused trying to find the right words. “It’s

her… And it’s a baby… You’re really just going to let her walk away?”

“And how would it work?” Zeph asked softly. He shook his head, looking at the

kitchen tiles. “She would still be up in the middle of the night, alone. Wondering

where I am. She could never count on me; I’d still be unpredictable. And what

about the baby? Maybe she’d understand, but it wouldn’t. It look up at me and see

a monster. Because that’s what I am. And what if… What if I really loose control?

What if next time it’s more than my temper, it’s more than a black out? What if I

hurt someone?” He shrugged a shoulder. “This… This is the best way.”

Roxie sat in silence, torn. Her heart ached for him.

“But you didn’t even tell her,” she blurted. She had to say it. “I mean, you let her

think—”

“It’s better this way!”

“How?”

“Because this way, she gives up. This way she moves on. This way, she knows

that I’m not coming back and nothing’s going to change and that she can’t rely on

me. She had to learn! She had to see that you can’t fucking fix me! I’m not going

to change for the better, I’m going to get worse. And this way’s better than

dragging things out and giving her hope—because all that hope’s just a lie.”

Roxie took a deep breath and sat back.

“You really believe that?” She looked at him.

“Yes,” he replied forcefully.

“Okay,” she said slowly. “Okay. I just… I wanted to make sure that you were--”

“I’m sure.” Zeph cut her off. “Believe me, I’m fucking sure.”

*****

She was having another dream.

The images were the same from last time, except more.

And the voice never stopped. It repeated the same words, over and over.

First one’s the only son.

Paige jolted awake, pulled herself out of her dreams. She took deep breaths; tried

to clear her mind.

But it didn’t stop. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how many times she

shook her head or rubbed her eyes, the voice didn’t stop.

She clutched her pillow and curled up in the corner of her bed.

She’d wait. Wait until it stopped, until it finally went away. It was all she could do.

*****

“Alright, I’m up next! Prepare to get creamed!” Rose taunted as she picked up her

bowling ball.

A few days later, it was the weekend and Rose had dragged her siblings out for

some fun downtown.

“Aw sweet, a strike!” She did a cheer and a small dance. “Did you guys see that?”

“Um, no,” Sydney snorted. “Some smelly townie was in my way.”

“Oh yeah, okay. I get it—you just can’t stand to watch my awesomeness in action.”

“As if.” Sydney rolled her eyes. “Move out of the way so I can show you how it’s

really done.”

“Take that!” Sydney still had a competitive streak it seemed, and was also happy to

gloat about her success.

“Alright, Syd, I think ten minutes of dancing is enough. It was only a spare,”

Spencer said.

“Shh.”

“Alright, my turn. Let me show you ladies how it’s done,” Spencer strutted to up to

the lane and easily made a strike. “Booyeah!”

“Paige, you’re up!” Spence shouted.

“Okay, okay.” Paige sighed. She hated these sorts of things. She wasn’t really

inclined toward physical activity, but couldn’t escape all three of her siblings

begging her to go out that night. She dropped the ball down the center of the lane

then sat down. “There. Turn over.”

Rose just shook her head. “Well, three out of ten is better than last time.”

The quartet had a good time bowling and hanging out that night. They almost

never hung out all together like this. After a few more games, they went to a diner

to grab some dinner.

“Hey guys, I wanna say thanks for coming tonight,” Rose looked at her siblings.

“It’s just… We’re all growing up and I’m going to transition soon, so, you know. I

wanted to spend some time with all of you before I move out and you head off to

college.”

Sydney sniffed disdainfully. “Well, whose fault is that?”

Rose sighed. “Syd, not you too.”

“I’m just saying, you wouldn’t need to spend time with us now if you went to the

Académie with us. You’d see us every day.”

“Syd—”

“I mean, if you don’t actually want to abandon us, then, well don’t leave.”

“Sydney, come on. You’re being a little harsh.” Spencer spoke up.

“Thanks,” Rose smiled at her brother. “Sydney, I’m not abandoning you. I’m still

going to be around.”

“Then why the outing and the dinner?” Syd demanded.

Rose sighed again. “I just wanted to spend some time with you guys. A ‘we’re all

growing up dinner’ if you will. Look, Syd, this is my dream, okay? I’m sorry you’re

disappointed I’m not going with you but college just isn’t for me. But just because

you’re in school doesn’t mean we’re not going to see each other or anything. We’ll

still hang out. You’ll come down to my club, I’ll come up to your campus,” Rose

shrugged. “This isn’t the end.”

“Well, it doesn’t feel like it.” Sydney said. “Who’s to say what any of us are going to

be doing years from now? We could all be split up and never see or talk to each

other.”

“Syd, that’s not going to happen—”

“Sydney, that’s ridiculous—” Both Spencer and Rose objected.

“Oh, yeah, well what about dad and his siblings? It happened to them.”

“Yeah. About them—what happened? How come we never see them?” Paige

finally spoke up. She was a little tired and didn’t want to talk much, but she had to

admit she was curious about her family. “I mean, I definitely don’t remember

seeing Aunt Liz before.”

“Well, she and Uncle Zeph just got married recently,” Rose said slowly. “But I think

she and dad went to college together. At least, she was at my old birthdays parties

with all of dad’s college friends. I’m sure you’ve seen her before; you probably just

had your nose in a book or something and don’t remember.”

Paige frowned. “But what about dad’s siblings? We never see them either.”

“Yeah, at least not in a really long time.” Spencer added. “Not since we moved.”

“We moved?” Paige asked, incredulous.

“Uh huh—we used to live in this crazy big house,” Spencer turned to Paige.

“Yeah,” Sydney’s forehead crinkled. “I guess that was before you were born.” She

smiled. “I remember we used to have this huge nursery. Mom was pregnant with

you and she was huge, or so it seemed.”

“That was back when we used to live with Grandpa in Dad’s old house,” Rose

explained.

“Grandpa?” Paige raised her brows. “I always thought… That you know… Mom

and Dad’s parents had died or something.”

Rose shook her head. “Nope. At least, Grandpa didn’t. He and Dad and Uncle

Zeph and Aunt Aerith had a fight and after that everyone sorta stopped speaking.”

“Why?” Paige asked.

“Over what?” Spencer added.

“I don’t know,” Rose admitted. “All I know is that they fought. It was right after I

transitioned to a kid. We were celebrating and then next thing I know everyone

was fighting. Then, we moved and I hardly ever saw Aunt Aerith and Uncle Zeph

and we never saw Grandpa again.”

Everyone fell silent as they let that comment sink into their brains. The waitress

came and went, plopping food down on the table, and still the silence was uneasy.

“It doesn’t have to be that way for us, you know.” Finally Rose decided to break

the silence. “Just because Dad and his siblings drifted apart doesn’t mean we

have to.”

“True,” Spencer cocked his head.

“Let’s make a pact,” Rose suggested. “That we always stay together.”

“And how would that even work?” Sydney rolled her eyes. “You’re staying here,

remember? Unless you suddenly changed your mind.”

“We don’t need to be together all the time to stay together,” Spence commented.

“Right,” Rose agreed. “It just means we promise to stay close, to talk and check up

on each other and stuff.” She paused. “That we won’t forget each other.”

“That we’ll help each other,” Paige blurted. “If we need it.”

“Right.”

“So do we have a deal?” Rose raised her eyebrows and one by one, her siblings

raised their glasses. “To us,” she said.

“To us,” they all repeated and clinked glasses.

“Great. Now nobody tell Dad I let you drink, ‘kay?”

They all laughed.

They spent the rest of the night talking and having fun and just being with their

siblings.

******

“Hey, there you are!” Melanie exclaimed as she cornered Liz.

“Oh? Were you looking for me?” Liz responded.

“I just wanted to make sure you were settling in okay. See how you were doing.”

Liz smiled. “Ash checked up on me this morning, too. I swear you guys are always

in sync.” Melanie laughed in response.

“Seriously, though, I’m fine,” Liz told her. “You guys have done so much for me and

I’m so grateful. I really do feel more at ease.”

“Good. Our home is your home.” Melanie touched her shoulder. “We just want you

to be healthy. We know how stressful having a baby can be and we want to make

sure you’re doing okay.”

Liz gave Melanie a tiny smile. “I’m fine, honest. I mean, I’m tired all the time

and…” She shrugged, unsure of how to put it. “I feel sick most of the day. But I

guess it’s just morning sickness, huh?”

“Oh, then you should be resting!” Melanie exclaimed.

“There just so many things I should be doing,” Liz sighed.

“Just let it go and do it later.” Melanie declared.

“Really?”

“Yes. I remember when I was pregnant with the twins, I was so nauseous all the

time. The best thing to do is just rest. Go straight to bed and I’ll bring you some

tea.”

“I don’t know, I really think I’m fine—”

“Liz?”

“Yeah?”

“Stop. Go rest. Everything will still be there tomorrow. You have to take care of

yourself first.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Liz nodded. “Okay, you’re right. I’ll just go to bed.”

*****

The next night, Asher went visiting. He got out of his car and walked up to the

house. It was quiet and desolate. He didn’t think anyone would be home but it

didn’t hurt to check, right? If Zeph wasn’t there, he could always try Roxie’s. But

Asher spotted Zeph’s truck parked in front of the house so he went up to the

house and knocked.

There was no answer after several minutes. On a whim, Asher tried the door and it

was open.

“Hello?” He called out. “Zeph?”

His phone rang and he glanced at it. Melanie. He’d call her back later; right now he

was on a mission.

The place was an empty mess. There were huge empty places, like pieces of

furniture were missing and something smelled awful. Asher stuck his head in the

kitchen.

Ah, that explains the smell, then, Asher thought. And headed back out to the living

room. It was weird; he didn’t think of Zeph as a sloppy person but there had

definitely been a sink full of dishes and smelly leftovers on the table.

Let’s try upstairs, Asher thought. “Zeph?” He called again. “You here?” Maybe he’s

asleep?

His phone rang again and he silenced it.

“Zeph!” He called again as he climbed the stairs. This time he heard a growl in

response. Or else, he thought he did. His pocket was vibrating too. He continued

fumbling up the stairs, reaching for his phone. It was kinda dark up there.

“Stay back!” A rough voice growled at him and Asher froze, forgetting all about his

phone.

“Z-Zeph?”

“I said, stay back. I’m dangerous.”

“Wha—Who—Zeph?” Asher stammered, not sure to believe what he was seeing.

“Zeph, what happened?” Asher started forward but stopped because his brother

was growling at him. His brother was growling. At him. It was a deep growl, too.

Low and threating. “What the hell, Zeph?”

“I’m serious, man, stay back,” Zeph managed to growl out between pants. “I’m

dangerous,” he said, “to everyone.”

But Asher moved closer anyway. It was his brother. His phone vibrated again and,

exasperated, he pulled it out, ready to tell off whoever it was. It was a text.

“Look, don’t be an idiot,” he told his twin.

“Excuse me?” Zeph looked up sharply.

“I get it now,” Asher explained, ignoring the phone in his hand for a second. “But

Liz needs you. She loves you, Zeph. You can change things.”

Zeph laughed darkly. “Maybe you haven’t noticed,” he said slowly as he rose, “But

I already have changed.”

“You know what I mean.” Asher’s phone vibrated again and he looked down. The

texts were from Melanie. One of them said Urgent. Sighing, he dialed home. “You

don’t have to let this wreck everything,” he continued talking to Zeph. “You can

make it work. Get Liz back and make everything okay.”

But Zeph growled again.

“You don’t get it. There’s no way I can get Liz back now.”

“But—”

“Asher?”

“It doesn’t even matter anymore; I have to stay away for her own good.”

“Asher, you have to come home—”

“I have to stay away or I’ll hurt her. Hurt her more than I already have,” Zeph

snorted.

“Whoa, whoa, hold on. Listen, Mel, Can I call you back? I have—I mean there’s a

situation and---”

“Situation? Is that what you’re calling it?”

“Zeph—”

“No, you have to come home now—”

“You really have no idea, do you? This isn’t some little game, some puzzle to solve

or problem to fix. People are getting hurt.”

“There’s been an accident, Asher. Spencer—Spencer’s dead.”

“What?!”

“People can get hurt, Ash. There’s no turning back now. I’m a fucking werewolf—”

“JUST HOLD ON!” Asher shouted, his heart pounding. “WAIT!” He screamed

again, motioning at Zeph. “Just—Can’t the world just wait one fucking second?!”

He took a deep breath and clutched the phone to his head. “What did you say?” he

whispered to Melanie.

“There was an accident,” Asher heard his wife sob, “And Spencer… Spencer’s

dead.”

“I’m coming home. I’m on my way right now.”

“Leaving so soon, are we? And you didn’t even get to fix anything. Make a proper

‘get your shit together’ speech.” Zeph mock sighed. “Oh well, I guess there’s no

lecture today.”

Asher just looked at his brother. A wave of rage washed over him.

“No,” he choked out. “No lecture today. Someone sorely needs to yell your ear off

about what a whiny asshole you’re being, but it won’t be me. I can’t deal with you

and your stupid, insignificant shit right now. I can’t even think about your shit right

now.”

Zeph, taken aback, looked his brother up and down. Deep down, some part of him

somewhere knew his brother wasn’t normally so nasty, but, at that particular

moment, he didn’t care what was wrong. Zeph’s emotions always ran high—a part

of him was always looking for a fight now.

“Well,” Zeph said slowly. “Look who’s put on his big boy pants today. That’s okay, I

mean, you already forgot about one brother, why not make it two? Just go back to

your perfect little house and perfect family and—”

“Perfect family? My son is dead!”

“What?”

“Excuse me if I don’t have time to baby you—”

“Baby me?” Zeph asked incredulously.

“Yes, baby you.” Asher shook his head. “Grow up Zephyr. Your wife is pregnant.

She loves you—she needs you—but all you can do is think about yourself and

wallow in your own despair.” Zeph opened his mouth to speak but Asher cut him

off. “So you’re a werewolf. So what? Find a way to deal with it.”

He turned to go.

“Life goes on, Zeph, and if you keep doing the stupid shit you’re doing, you’re

going to miss it,” Asher warned over his shoulder as he left.

*****

There had been a terrible accident that night, just as Melanie said. Spencer had

been in the backyard, out by the wishing well as usual, perhaps tossing in a coin

for luck before a date.

But something had went wrong. Very wrong.

The details were still unclear.

Nobody had seen what happened.

All they knew was that Spencer’s body had been found lying next to the well.

And that he was dead.

And their world would never be the same.

*****

Melanie came over and put her arms around Sydney. “It’s okay,” she cooed softly.

“Okay?” Sydney practically screamed, pulling away. “How can you say that? How

can anything ever possibly be okay?” she yelled.

“I—” Melanie gulped. “T-That’s not what I meant… I just…” She trailed off, choking

down responses. She didn’t know what to do. What to say. No one close to her

had ever died before, yet here she was, trying to manage her children’s grief while

masking her own. I wish Asher were here, she thought, desperately hoping her

husband would come in from his grave watching outside.

“Hey,” Rose spoke up. “Don’t take it out on Mom; you know that’s not what she

meant.”

Melanie smiled at Rose. “What I did mean was—”

“Well, that’s what she said!” Sydney yelled over her mother. “But it doesn’t matter.

Nothing you say matters—will ever matter. It’s not right and it’s not okay and never

will be, ever. Spencer should be here,” She sobbed.

Melanie reached for Sydney again, but Sydney pulled away.

“Leave me alone. Just go away,” she shouted as she ran upstairs.

Melanie stared after her helplessly. Rose and Paige looked at Sydney then back at

her.

“I… She just needs some space. And time,” Melanie said weakly.

“Listen girls,” she said quietly. Cautiously. “You know that I would never suggest

that—”

“We know Mom,” Rose said again as Paige nodded. “You just meant it was okay to

cry, right? Sydney always jumps to conclusions.” She frowned, looking up the

stairs where Sydney had ran off. Her little sister’s antics weren’t making things

easier for anyone.

Melanie looked at both girls then pulled them in for a hug. After a moment she

pulled back and looked into their eyes, unsure of what to say. Should she tell them

how much she loved them? Should they talk about Spencer? Should she give

them space?

“H-How about some dinner?” she finally settled on a response. “Let me whip

something up. It’s almost time for it anyway.”

Rose and Paige shrugged.

“Actually, I think I’m just going to go to my room,” Paige said quietly. “Lie down,

you know?”

“And I invited Heath over.” Rose suddenly looked worried. “Is that okay?”

“Of course, of course,” Melanie assured them. “Just… Let me know if you need

anything.”

They nodded and both went upstairs to their respective rooms.

*****

Melanie put dinner in the oven, then decided to check up on everyone again. She

didn’t really expect anyone to be okay at this point; Spencer had only died

yesterday. Still, just seeing everyone’s faces and asking after them seemed to

make her feel better and gave her something to do.

She ran into Liz in the hallway.

“Liz!” she exclaimed. “I was just looking for you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I wanted to check in, see how you were feeling.”

“Are you kidding?” Liz raised her brows. “I should be checking on you.” She

paused. “How are you holding up? I… I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine

what you’re going through.”

She gave Melanie a hug. They weren’t particularly close, but it was nice all the

same.

“Thanks,” Melanie said and gave a weak smile. “I’m… okay. Not great, but just ok.

I… I think I need to keep busy.” She shrugged. “So I’m making dinner and checking

up on everyone.” She took a breath, trying to regain her composure. “Besides, you

are still pregnant. Babies wait for no one and take orders from nobody. How are

you? Still nauseous?”

“Well…” Liz still hesitated, unwilling to burden her host. “I don’t really think

nauseous is the right word.”

“Oh?”

“I have been feeling… unwell. Sick all the time. But… It’s more like… an ache.”

Melanie raised her brows. “I didn’t really want to say anything, but…”

“Oh, Liz.”

“We’re here for you too, you know. Even if… Even if things aren’t exactly normal

around here.”

Liz nodded. “I’m not sure how to describe it.”

“Are you in pain?”

“Not all the time but, sometimes, this… this feeling will wash over me and—”

She frowned and Melanie could see the pain on her face.

“Is it happening right now?”

“Yes,” Liz managed to say.

Melanie stared at her, unsure of what to say.

“I never really had any pains when I was pregnant… Maybe we should call a

doctor.”

The two looked at each other.

“You really think that’s necessary?”

“Well… We don’t want to risk anything happening to either of you, right?”

Liz nodded.

“Look, you go lie down. I’m sure it’s nothing serious, perhaps… Perhaps

something you ate or—or something. I’ll call the hospital and see if they can send

someone to look at you. That way you don’t have to move around too much.”

Liz nodded again.

“Just… Just go rest.”

As Liz walked off to go lie down, Melanie felt her heart drop. It felt like a lead

weight had sunk deep in her stomach.

Please, please don’t let anything else happen right now, she thought. Please just

let everyone be okay.

Little did she know that Liz was thinking the same thing.

*****

“Oh my gosh,” Sydney whined as Rose came into their room. “Go away.”

“This is my room, too you know.”

“How can I forget?” she rolled her eyes. I just want to be alone, she thought. Why

can’t I have my own room? But that last thought only made her want to cry.

Spencer was gone. Now she really could have her own room.

“Look, I wanna be on my own right now, so just leave, okay?” Sydney pushed her

thoughts aside and focused on her sister.

Rose shook her head. “You know, we’re all hurting, Syd. You don’t need to take

things out on everyone else.”

“You don’t get it!”

“I think I do! He was my brother too.”

“But not your twin! He was my twin. You have no idea what I’m going through, so

just butt out and leave me alone.”

“Oh my---Ugh—all you can think about is yourself! You’re so selfish. You don’t

even know how much you hurt Mom. She was just trying to—”

“Arrgh, fine! I’ll leave!”

Sydney got up and stomped across the room.

“Sydney—”

“Shut it—I don’t need you preaching at me. Just leave me alone.”

Rose stared after her, fuming. Maybe Mom’s right, she rationalized. Maybe she

just needs some space.

Sydney didn’t just go downstairs, however. She went outside.

I need to get out of here, she thought.

She had to get away, out of the house and out of her head.

So when she got outside she kept going. Her steps got faster and faster until she

was running. She didn’t know where she was going but she knew where she

wasn’t staying. She ran and ran and didn’t look back.

*****

Paige wished she could run away too. But she already knew from experience that

you couldn’t run away from your thoughts. They were there when you wished they

weren’t, reminding you of all the things you wished to forget.

Night fell as she shuffled up to her room and Paige had never felt more relieved. It

had been the longest day ever.

She went to her room and closed the door, nearly collapsing as she did so. Finally,

everything she thought and felt all day bubbled to the surface and erupted, tired of

being held in.

She sobbed and sank down to her knees. Every time she thought about what had

happened, about what she had seen, she broke down again and a new wave of

tears and sobs came out.

I killed him. It’s all my fault.

*****

“Rose, have you seen Sydney? I went to tell her dinner’s ready and she wasn’t there.”

Rose shook her head. “I was upstairs; she ran off when I came in. I thought she was

down here.”

“Uh, hello?” Heath stuck his head in the door and Rose’s heart soared.

Melanie saw the look on her daughter’s face. “Perhaps outside then; I’ll leave you two

alone.”

Rose ran over to Heath as Melanie went outside. Heath pulled her in for a tight

hug and the two stayed that way for a few moments.

Rose felt the tears she’d been holding back all day. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she

whispered.

*****

“Ash?” Melanie walked around to the backyard. Asher had been brooding all day

by the well. Staring at the spot where his son died.

“Ash?” Melanie tried again. This time Asher’s eyes flickered in her direction.

He shook his head in disbelief. “I just don’t get it, Mel.”

“Asher, have you seen Sydney?”

Ash looked at his wife confused.

“Sydney. Rose said she ran off. I was wondering if you saw her.”

Asher paused for a moment then shook his head. “No,” he said. And went back to

staring at the well.

“Asher!” Melanie said sharply. She stood in front of him. “She’s not in the house!”

He shrugged. “She’ll be back.”

Melanie furrowed her brows, upset. “How can you just stand there? One of kids is

missing!”

“More than one is missing,” Ash pointed out, causing Melanie to blanch.

“I’m sorry,” he said after a second, “But it’s true. Sydney will be back. Just give her

some space.”

“She’s a young girl, Ash! She could be anywhere. She could be hurt!”

“Maybe. But probably not. She probably went to Houston’s or a friend’s or

something.”

“So you’re not going to do anything?”

“She’ll come back on her own.”

Melanie stood there a moment, silent. “So… So you’re just going to stand here,

then?” In response, Asher went back to looking at the well.

Melanie felt a wave of anger wash over her. “I didn’t say anything. I didn’t say

anything all day, but…” She trailed off, shaking with anger. “You are really being an

inconsiderate ass.”

“What?”

“You’ve been out here all day. Staring. Saying nothing, ignoring everybody.

Meanwhile I’m inside. I’m trying to console our daughters and look after Liz and

make lunch and dinner and—and you’re just standing here! I need you Ash! You

kids need you! This isn’t only about you, you know—you’re not the only one who’s

lost someone.” Suddenly, she started crying. “Everything is falling apart, Ash.

Didn’t you ever think that I could use just a little help?”

Ash didn’t answer. He couldn’t.

Melanie sighed and left.

Asher watched her walk back to the house. Seeing her like that, hearing her say

those things, made him hurt—like someone had wrapped a hand around his heart

and squeezed. But he couldn’t go to her, not right then. He knew he’d only feel

dirty and guilty if he tried to comfort her, or any of his family, just then.

Because it was his fault. Of that he was sure.

*****

“And where are we off to, all dressed up?” Wes asked as he spotted Aerith coming

down the stairs. “Don’t tell me the Tricous have run you off already?”

Aerith smiled. “No. I’m just going to visit my brother.”

“Your brother? You have a brother?”

“Yes,” Aerith chuckled, sure that she’d mentioned this at some point. “I have two in

fact,” she said quietly.

“Oh. Um… Are you sure it’s such a good idea? To go visiting, I mean?”

Aerith looked at Wes. “Yeah, why?”

He took a breath. “Look, Aerith, I’ve seen it hundreds of times. Newbies still

clinging on to the past, reaching out to family… It’s best to just let things go.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Aerith demanded, taken aback.

“It’s hard for you to understand now, but you have to let go of those old ties. They’ll

only hold you back.”

“Excuse me? This is my family, we’re talking about here. And they’re going through

a particularly rough time, in fact. I need to—”

“Let them go. Let them deal with things on their own.”

Aerith opened her mouth to speak, but Wes held up a hand.

“It’s a hard concept to grasp, I know. But you are a vampire, Aerith. Your family is

only going to keep you grounded in the past, make you wish things were different.

Take advice from someone who knows—it’s hell watching someone you care

about grow old, wither and die. You need to distance yourself—”

“From my family?” Aerith scoffed.

“They’re not really your family anymore. This, here,” Wes pointed to house, “Me,

the Tricous, we’re your family now. Your vampire family—”

This time Aerith cut Wes off.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Aerith—”

“No. I know exactly who my family is and right now, I need to be with them and

support my brother.”

Shaking her head at Wes, Aerith turned and continued down the steps. Wesley,

meanwhile, only frowned and crossed his arms, knowing that eventually she’d

have to learn for herself where she really belonged.

*****

Aerith made her way to Asher’s, stewing over Wesley’s words. She couldn’t

believe what Wes had said to her, what he had been implying. And yet, as

frustrated as she was, all thoughts of that conversation flew out her head as

reached her brother’s house. She was at the mailbox when, suddenly, she froze.

Her heart pounded in her chest and emotions she’d thought she’d buried clawed

their way to the surface, leaving scars on her heart.

She gulped. “Taz,” she said calmly.

He smiled. “Aerith. It’s good to see you.” He paused. “Really good.”

The two stared awkwardly at each other.

Finally, Taz reached out and kissed her cheek in a greeting.

“How’ve you been?”

“O-Okay. You?”

“Same.”

They fell silent again.

“I wish we weren’t meeting under such tragic circumstances, but…” He trailed off

and cocked his head, taking all of her in. “I’m really glad to see you.”

Aerith gulped. “So…” She started, not sure how she was going to finish.

But Taz read her mind as he so often did. “Shall we?” He gestured toward the

house. She nodded and they walked up the front porch together.

Melanie answered the door. Her face light up when she saw them and you could

see relief wash over her, pushing down her shoulders.

“Thank you,” she gave them a tiny smile. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“Of course,” Aerith said.

“How is everyone?”

“Funny you should ask,” Melanie told Taz. “I know normally people say that they’re

fine and that the family’s holding up well and… Well, that’d be a lie. Everything’s…

Everything’s a complete mess,” she blurted, raking a hand through her hair.

“Asher… I don’t know what’s going on with him. He’s not saying anything; he

hasn’t moved since this morning. Liz is sick and something might be wrong with

the baby and—and—” She stopped, trying to take a breath. “And one of the girls is

missing. She ran off and I have no idea….”

“Alright, calm down—”

“And take deep breaths,” Taz added.

“I’ll handle my brother. I think I know what’s bothering him anyway. I’ll talk to him.

Where is he?”

“Out back,” Melanie gestured and Aerith turned for the door.

“And I’ll look for…” Taz raised his brows expectantly.

“Sydney. Sydney’s missing.”

“Sydney then. Since I know next to nothing about babies,” he smiled. “Any idea

where she might have gone?”

Melanie shook her head. “Maybe a friend’s?”

“Okay, I’ll start there, then.”

“Thank you so much. I—”

Taz held up a hand. “It’s what we’re here for. To help. To lend a hand or shoulder

or whatever you need.”

Melanie smiled. “Thanks,” she said again, then went to call a doctor for Liz.

*****

Aerith walked around the side of the house to where Asher was. He was standing

in the cold, staring at his son’s grave.

Coming up to him, she touched his shoulder then pulled him in for a hug.

“I started to think no one was coming,” he whispered, fighting back tears.

“I’m here, big bro,” she told him. “And it’s not your fault.”

Ash looked at her, then laughed awkwardly. “You know I won’t believe that, but

thanks all the same.” He paused. “I think we’ll always feel that way. Even if it’s just

a little, tiny part. We’ll always feel like their deaths were our fault.” He’d spent a lot

of time out there, thinking not only of Spencer but his mom and little brother.

Aerith nodded. “I know. A part of me still feels like mom’s death is my fault. I was

always the reason for her and dad’s fights. Maybe if I wasn’t… Maybe if I was

different, things would’ve turned out better.”

“You know that that’s not true, right?”

Aerith shrugged.

Asher cursed. “Today was so messed up. I just wished there was someone to talk

to, you know? Someone who got it, but no one showed up, not even dad.” He

paused. “I’d never felt more alone,” he whispered.

“Really?” Aerith asked, surprised. “That’s not like dad.”

“I know. It just figures. The one time I wished my dad was around, he doesn’t

show. We haven’t spoken since, what, Bonfire Night, all those years ago. Still, I

thought he’d be here. I wished he was here. That… That I didn’t have to be the

grownup.”

Aerith squeezed his arm.

“What if…” Asher whispered, “What if it wasn’t really an accident? What if it really

was my fault?”

“Oh, Ash, no. I mean, come on. Of course it was an accident.”

“A freak wishing well accident?”

“Yes. Sometimes, things just happen. Sometimes—”

But Aerith trailed off as she spotted Melanie coming out. The expression on her

face was grim.

“It is just an accident,” she finished softly as Melanie walked up to them.

Melanie looked at Asher questioningly but she didn’t have time to figure out

Aerith’s statement.

“We have a problem,” She told them. “It’s Liz. I went up to check on her after I

called the doctor but she’s gotten worse.”

Aerith and Asher looked at each other.

“Define worse,” Aerith said.

She rubbed the back of her neck. “She’s been having pains and now she’s curled

up in her bed, barely able to move. She says she feels sick and everything

hurts…” She sighed. “I don’t know. From what she told me, it sounds like she’s

having contractions.”

“Contractions?” Asher exclaimed. “But it’s way too early for that!”

“I know. The baby could be premature or…” Melanie trailed off.

“Or?” Aerith prompted, looking at each of them.

“Or it could be a miscarriage,” Melanie finish uncomfortable. “Either way, she and

the baby aren’t safe.”

Aerith gasped.

Asher pinched the bridge of his nose. “Alright, well, there’s nothing we can do

except make her comfortable. You said you called a doctor, right?”

Melanie nodded. “I did. Someone’s on the way over. The thing is though…”

Melanie looked down. “She’s a little out of it. She keeps asking for Zeph. I did try

calling him but… There’s no answer.”

Asher shook his head. “He wouldn’t answer. It’s too dark now; he’ll never come

over.”

“What does that mean?” Aerith asked.

Asher paused and took a breath. “Zeph’s been turned into a werewolf. He’ll never

let Liz see him that way.”

This time Melanie gasped. “What? When did this happen?”

Asher shrugged while Aerith said, “It doesn’t matter. If Liz is as sick as you say,

then he needs to be here. We have to get him here.” She looked at Asher.

“I’m in,” he responded. “Liz,” he turned to Melanie. “Is she stable? How long do we

have?”

Melanie shrugged. “I don’t know, but right now she’s sleeping. I’ll see what the

doctor says.”

“Good.” Asher gestured to his sister. “Come on, Aerith. Let’s go visit some family.”

*****

A little while later, Asher and Aerith stood in front of Zeph’s house.

Asher was pacing by the mailbox. “I can’t believe this,” he muttered.

“He’s just not here,” Aerith said quietly. “It’s not like he knew we were coming.”

“He should be here anyway!” He exclaimed, then stopped, rubbing the back of his

neck. “I just don’t understand.”

“We’re family. We’re supposed to come together in troubled times, but all we seem

to do is split up,” he continued.

“I… don’t really know how to explain that,” Aerith responded. “We certainly weren’t

raised that way. I guess we each just follow our gut, our instincts.”

Asher raised a brow. “So despite being raised in a loving family, everyone

basically feels the urge to shun others when things get difficult. Wonderful.”

“Ash, what’s really going on?” Aerith paused. “Are you really upset that Zeph’s not

here?”

“Yes,” Asher said forcefully. “I shouldn’t have to go hunt down my brother, not

today. He should have been there. Dad, too. They both should have been there for

me today but they’re not. And no matter what I tell myself, I can’t help but think

that this is all—” Asher stopped abruptly, then narrowed his eyes. “Did you see

that?”

Aerith whirled her head around. After a few seconds she could make out a figure

shuffling toward them, crashing through the trees next to the house.

“Is that…” She trailed off, unable to finish her question.

But soon it became irrelevant, because as the figure came closer and her senses

heightened, the answer became clear.

It was without a doubt, her brother.

“What are you doing here?” Zeph demanded gruffly.

There was silence for a beat. Then—

“Can I touch you?” Aerith blurted. She was absolutely fascinated.

Zeph glared at her. “Only if I can inspect your fangs.”

Aerith pouted. “Well, I mean… It’s just so unexpected.” Zeph didn’t reply and

Aerith continued to stand there and inspect her brother, making ‘hmm’ noises

every so often.

“What?” Zeph finally asked. He didn’t really have much patience anymore.

“It’s just—well, you know the stories about our kinds.” She shrugged. “I guess I just

expected to be a little more bothered by you. But I don’t have the slightest urge to

kill you at all.”

“Lucky me,” Zeph said dryly.

“You know, we did come here for a reason,” Asher reminded, though he’d been

curious as to how his siblings would interact now too.

Aerith nodded. “Right. Zeph, you have to come with us. To see Liz.”

“She’s… Not doing very well.” Asher added.

Zeph took a deep breath, then said calmly, “No.”

“But—”

“You can’t be—”

“Stop, both of you. I’ve already made this decision and I’m sticking to it.”

“Come on, Zeph,” Asher blurted, “You really think she would care that you’ve

turned?”

“I care.” Zeph said firmly.

“He thinks he’ll hurt her,” Aerith explained.

“I know I’ll hurt her. I already have.”

“Oh, BS, Zeph. I’m not buying it. You’re a coward, plain and simple.”

Aerith brows rose at Asher’s comment and when Zeph started to growl, she

suddenly realized she’d have to be the referee. “You guys—”

Zeph cut her off. “You don’t know a damn, thing, Mr. Perfect.”

“I know that my son just died. That it would have been nice to see my twin at the

funeral. And I know that Liz is having complications and that she’d like to see you.”

“Did you ever think for one second about why I didn’t show? I’m a werewolf, Ash—

I’m not exactly fit for company. Everything is heightened for me—every emotion,

every feeling. It wouldn’t take much to snap and hurt some, break something. I—”

“I’m just hearing more excuses,” Ash interrupted stubbornly. “After all, Aerith

showed up, didn’t she?”

But Zeph just glared. “Being a werewolf is a bit different than being a vampire, Ash.”

“We know that,” Aerith cut in. “And we’re not trying to trivialize anything you’re

feeling or experiencing,” she said with a pointed look at Asher. “But Liz really is

sick. Something might be wrong with the baby and… And well, she’d like to see

you. That’s not so much to ask, is it?”

Zeph was silent. “I-I don’t know if I can see her like this, okay? I just… I can’t.”

Asher rolled his eyes. “This is pointless. We should just forget it and go to Dad’s.”

“Dad’s? You’re going to see Dad?” Zeph suddenly looked interested.

“Yes,” Aerith. “No one’s heard from him and we were going to check on him.”

“Oh.” Zeph said.

“Did you… I mean, have you heard from him?” Aerith asked delicately.

“Of course not.” Zeph replied instantly. “I haven’t seen him in years. I don’t even

know where he lives now.”

“Did you… Did you have something you wanted to say to him?” Aerith asked.

Zeph snorted. “I have a lot of somethings I want to say to him.”

“You could come with us…” Aerith suggested.

“Uh huh. And what’s the catch?” Zeph asked.

“You have to see Liz.” Asher told him.

“No. No way. I just told you how I felt about that.”

“Zeph,” Aerith pleaded softly. “We’ll be right there. You need to do this. What if—

What if something happens to her? You’ll never forgive yourself.”

“And what if I hurt her? I’d never forgive myself then either.”

“We won’t let you,” Aerith promised.

Asher sighed. “You’re not giving yourself enough credit, Zeph. You’re stronger than

you think.”

Finally, Zeph nodded in agreement. “Fine. But only because I want to talk to Dad.”

Asher rolled his eyes. “Fine.”

“Whatever gets you there,” Aerith agreed.

The pair hoped the detour was the right thing to do, that Liz wasn’t as bad as

Melanie made it seem. It wasn’t like they could do anything anyway and Melanie

had called a doctor. So Liz should be fine, they reasoned.

*****

“Thank you so much for coming,” Melanie said as she answered the door. She’d

called Crystal Springs Medical Center and they’d promised to send someone over.

A half an hour later and she’d arrived.

“I know it’s short notice,” Melanie continued, “And it’s getting late—”

“Nonsense,” the woman cut her off. “I am happy to be of service. Where is the

patient?”

“Oh, she’s upstairs. The door right behind the staircase, Doctor…”

“Dr. Philippine. And don’t you worry, Mrs. Specter. Everything’s in good hands

now.”

*****

Dagmar followed Melanie’s instructions and walked up the steps. Her face was a

perfect mask, she was sure; she’d been preparing for this for quite some time.

Finally things were moving and she had something interesting to do.

With a short knock on the door, she entered. “Hello, Liz?” She called out. “It’s the

doctor. I’m here to check on you.”

*****

Liz sat up slowly. Everything ached. She barely had time to say ‘Come in’ before

the doctor burst through the door. A bit too loudly, too, if you asked her.

The woman strode forward into the room.

“Hello, Elizabeth,” she said. “How are you feeling?”

But Liz just blinked up at her. “Aren’t… Aren’t you the psychologist I asked to see

my husband?”

But the woman, instead of being upset or shocked or worried or something, just

smiled.

“I’m so glad you remember me,” is what she did say.

Liz grimaced and stood up. “What—What are you doing here? I thought Melanie

called a doctor. An obstetrician. Or someone—”

“That’d be me yes.”

Liz paused. “But you’re not—”

“No. I’m not.”

The woman—Dagmar—stepped to the side and closed the door.

“Here’s the thing, Elizabeth. You’re not doing so well.”

“I’m not?”

“No. In fact, the only thing we can do now, is to make you comfortable. And that’s

what I’m here for. To make you comfortable in your last few hours.”

Liz felt a chill creep up her spine. “Wh-What?” She took a few breaths, tried to

calm her worry. “Even—even if I wasn’t doing so well—and I have to admit, I’d felt

better—but even so. How could you possibly do anything? What are you here for?”

“Indeed. That is the question, isn’t it?”

“Huh?”

And that’s when Dagmar pulled out a wand.

Is this seriously happening? Liz thought. “What the hell? You’re crazy.”

“Oh, no. I’m not. And I assure you, all this is real, including the wand. What do you

think? Not very menacing but It matches my outfit, right?”

Liz stood there speechless and grasping for words.

Finally, she settled on, “Get away from me you freak!”

Dagmar temporarily lowered her wand. “So, we’ve resorted to name calling, have

we? Pity. I did hope we could be mature about this.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about but you need to—”

“Oh, enough. Listen sweetie, this is how things are going to go: You are going to

die.”

“Wha?”

“Of tragic pregnancy complications.”

“My baby—”

“Don’t worry. He’ll live.”

“How—How do you know it’s—”

But Liz never got to finish her sentence.

Dagmar began her spells, her voice continuing to explain the upcoming chain of

events. Not that Liz could understand or would even remember in a few moments,

but then, she did love a good monologue.

“You, my dear, are going to waste away and finally pass away sometime before

dawn. No one will really understand what happened…”

Which, Liz thought, could be said of her just right then.

“But don’t you worry. It’ll be peaceful—unfortunately, I was told to be gentle—and

tragic and heartbreaking. You won’t feel a thing, I promise. Or remember any of

this. We’ll just keep this little interlude between us girls.”

And that was the last thing Liz heard before she fainted.

Dagmar only smiled, continuing her work. She didn’t worry about the noise—she’d

done a few quiet spells—or the time; she was told she’d have most of the night. So

she took her time. She had a baby to deliver and a death to orchestrate and

everything needed to be perfect after all. By the time she was done, Liz would be

near death and everyone would be too late and no one would think to ask about

the sort of help the doctor had provided. It was an odd assignment to be sure, but,

just like her boss had told her, it was fun to mess with people.

*****

It wasn’t really all that far, Andy’s new house. Asher, Zephyr, and Aerith came up

the walkway and stood in front for a moment, staring. The house was very unlike

the one they’d grown up in, more modern and polished and—”

“It looks empty. Are we sure this is it?” Aerith asked.

But Asher nodded. “Yup. It’s probably quiet because it’s just Dad. No one else lives

here.”

“It’s strange,” Asher continued. “Has either of you talked to Dad since… well, you

know?” Aerith shook her head and Zeph snorted. “I did try calling him recently.

Before Spencer… died. But he didn’t answer. And he never called me back.”

Aerith glanced back at her brother. “Really? Do you think he’s okay? Perhaps

something—”

“Well, only way to find out is to go in,” Zeph cut her off and marched toward the

house.

After a moment Asher and Aerith followed. The trio knocked and found the door

open. Someone was inside. Waiting for them.

He was sitting on the couch, watching tv. At their noise, he looked over at them.

“Come in,” their father smiled and turned off the tv. “I’ve been expecting you.”

The trio looked at each other, shrugged, then moved closer to Andy.

“If you’ve been expecting us,” Asher said as he walked around the couch to meet

his father, “then surely you know why I’m here. Why I’m upset.”

Andy nodded.

“Then why weren’t you there? Why didn’t you come today? Surely you heard—”

“I heard. And I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s not easy, losing a child.” Andy patted

the seat next to him. “Sit down, all of you.”

One by one they each sat down on the couch. It must be said, however, that

Zephyr was perhaps the most reluctant to do so, but, after a moment’s debating,

he did elect to sit—on the other end of the couch, as far away from his father as

possible.

“Asher, please, don’t take it personally. I didn’t come because I am not well, not

because I didn’t wish to be there for you.”

“Are you sick?” Aerith asked.

Andy shook his head sadly. “Not sick, exactly. Just… old. These bones aren’t what

they used to be. I can’t get around as easily anymore. And ever since I got back

from my last trip, I’ve been having more aches and pains.”

“Trip?” Zeph asked as he sat.

Andy nodded. “I had to do something all these years. Anyway, I think my time has

come. Which is why I’m glad you’re here. I started to fear I wouldn’t get a chance

to say goodbye.”

“Wait, what?” Aerith frowned.

“Dad, we just got here. We came here to ask you things. Talk to you about the

legacy maybe and now you tell us that—that you’re dying?”

“Asher, I’m an old man. My grandchildren are teenagers, almost adults. It’s my

time.”

“But—” Asher began again, but Andy stopped him.

“Don’t worry so much about it. In fact, it’s probably best we get straight to the

point. I have thought about what I’d say to you all, if I had the chance.” Andy

looked at each of them. “And it’s that I love you. So much. And I’m sorry, for all the

pain I’ve caused, past and present. I know that it’s my fault. I know how much

you’ve been hurting. I just…” He trailed off, absently looking at the floor. “I had

wanted a family. A chance for love. And I was desperate, thinking I’d never get it.

KB gave me that chance. And even though my choice caused a lot of pain… I’m

not sorry that it gave me all of you. That I got to have a family, if only for a while.”

“Dad, it’s okay. We didn’t come here to make you feel guilty. We just wanted to see

how you were doing.”

Andy shook his head. “It’s not okay. And I know why all of you came: you have

questions—or at least your brothers do.”

Andy turned to his eldest. “I’m sorry, Asher. But it was the legacy. Spencer’s death

is and was a tragedy.” He paused. “But it was not an accident.”

“But… But… It can’t be. There was no challenge. No heir. No… I haven’t done

anything legacy related. The kids don’t even know about it.”

“That may be so,” Andy spoke slowly. “But that doesn’t mean the challenge didn’t

happen.”

“I think I would have noticed if there was a legacy challenge going on in my

backyard, Dad.”

Andy smiled sadly. “Would you? Did you ever read the book on the legacy that I

gave you? The one I wrote before you left? Did you ever learn what the next

challenge was?”

“Next challenge?” Zeph spoke up.

Andy nodded at Zeph. “The challenge is not the same each generation. Some

are… Much…. Easier than others,” he said reluctantly, not sure how to explain. He

turned back to Asher. “Do you know what their challenge was?” Asher shook his

head and a pained look crossed Andy’s face.

“I hate to tell you this,” Andy spoke. “But the challenge was… Well… Rock, paper,

scissors.”

For a moment there was nothing but silence.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Zeph blurted.

“Dad,” Asher said, annoyed. “This isn’t funny.”

“No,” Andy said sadly. “It’s not.”

“The fate of the legacy resting on a children’s game?” Aerith was skeptical too.

Asher sat back and stared at the wall, listening to his siblings talk to his dad,

listening to Andy explain how each challenge was meant to be random and fair.

Asher almost laughed at that. Fair? According to Andy, his son had died because

he lost a game of rock, paper, scissors.

“Dad, this is insane. You’re insane. There’s no way—”

“Are you sure?” Andy interrupted Asher.

“Are you positive that the kids never played the game, that Spencer never lost?

Look, I know how it sounds, and I know it hurts to believe it. But the way this

legacy was explained to me is that it will happen, whether you want it to or not.

The challenges will happen, an heir will be named, and a loser will be lost. The

legacy will go on. No matter what. How many of your children will have to die, how

many loved ones do you have to lose before you finally realize what’s happening?”

Asher did not respond, he could not. He sat there, staring at his father, trying to

make sense of his words.

But Andy didn’t give them time to ruminate. The clock was ticking and he still had

more things to say. He turned to Zephyr.

“The legacy is also why you cannot be cured. I know why you are here, Zephyr,

and the answer is no. It cannot be undone. You are to remain a werewolf.”

Zeph swallowed. “There has to be a way. You said you knew a witch and—”

Andy was shaking his head. “It cannot be undone, son. It’s the same as I told

Aerith all those years ago. You are meant to be this way. There is no cure.

Something, I’m sure, Aerith has learned for herself by now.”

Zeph shook his head. “There is one. There has to be. Aerith’s been looking and…”

he trailed off as he spotted the look on his sister’s face.

Aerith sighed. “I don’t… I don’t think there is one. Not for me, anyway,” she

admitted quietly. “From what I’ve learned, from what I’ve been told… There isn’t a

cure for me. If there is one… Well I certainly haven’t found it.”

Zeph looked crestfallen. “Why didn’t you tell us this?” he asked.

“I haven’t seen you. And I guess… I didn’t really want to admit it yet,” Aerith

confessed. She tried to smile, but her lips quivered instead. “I don’t see a way out,

Zeph.”

“Dad,” Asher finally spoke up but he had no idea what to say. “This isn’t… It can’t

be right. And it… You just can’t…”

Andy gently placed a hand on Asher’s arm. “I’m sorry. For so many things. But this

is the way things are. Read the book, Asher. Learn from my mistakes. Learn about

the legacy.”

“And remember that I love you. All of you, so much.” He stopped suddenly. “That’s

all I wanted to say.”

There was silence again.

After a while Asher opened his mouth to say something, but he never did figure out

what he’d meant to say. It was too late anyway.

Death had come.

And he took Andy with him.

*****

Back at the house, Melanie had went upstairs to check on Liz again. The doctor

had shooed her away each time she went to ask after Liz, but this time, it seemed

that the doctor was done doing whatever she had been doing. She had gathered

her things and was coming out of the guest room.

“Hi,” Melanie said a little hesitantly. “Just came to check in again.” She smiled.

“It’s been a while. How… How is she?”

“Not good,” the doctor admitted. “The baby was premature, just as I feared.”

“Oh, no—does that mean—”

“The baby is fine. Surprisingly well, actually. Elizabeth, however…”

Dagmar trailed off sadly. “The pregnancy was much too hard on her, I’m afraid.

She lost a lot of blood and... There is no easy way to say this I assure you, but I

believe she will not last the night.”

“What?” Melanie exclaimed. “There—There has to be some sort of mistake. Sims

don’t just die in childbirth. Not anymore.”

Dagmar was a little taken aback at the force of Melanie’s words. “I’m sorry.”

“But this is the sad current state of affairs,” she continued, steeling her voice.

“There were probably several complications since the beginning of the pregnancy.

Had someone been notified sooner, perhaps other measures could have been

taken. As it is, consider it lucky that at least the baby will survive.”

Melanie’s jaw dropped a little and she stood there, unable to think of anything to

say.

“What do we do now?” She finally managed.

“I have done my best to make Elizabeth comfortable. She is very weak and very

tired. I suggest you gather her family and have them say their goodbyes. As I said,

she is not likely to survive the night. Now, if that is all…” she gestured to the stairs.

“What? You’re leaving? Now? But—”

“Mrs. Specter, I have done all that I can. I have done my best to ensure that

Elizabeth will feel little pain and right now, there is nothing more to be done.”

“But—”

“And I have other patients to attend to. I am still on call for the hospital.”

Melanie sighed. “I see.”

“Thank you then. For everything.”

“You are welcome,” Dagmar nodded, then turned and exited, leaving Melanie to

stare after her.

Several moments past before Melanie finally pulled herself together and called

Asher, steeling herself to prepare for one more death.

******

“What the hell just happened?” Zeph growled.

He and his siblings had been standing there in shock for quite some time. Each

needed some time to process what had happened.

Asher rubbed his neck. “Our father just… died.”

“You gotta be fucking kidding me,” Zeph muttered. “Bloody convenient timing, isn’t

it?”

“I think he was holding on for us,” Aerith said softly. “Waiting to talk to us one last

time.”

“He holds on for all these years just to sprout some gibberish at us before he

croaks?” Zeph snorted. “Least he could do was say something profound.”

“Didn’t he, though?” Asher thought aloud.

“No. All I heard was a stubborn old man selling the same old lies, trying to get rid

of his guilt,” Zeph said harshly. But Asher wasn’t so sure. “Look, forget him,” Zeph

continued. “What are we supposed to do now?”

“See Liz.” Aerith spoke up.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“So? This,” she waved her arm around, as if to say ‘this whole thing with Dad,’ “it

doesn’t change any thing. You still have to see her, Zeph. A deal’s a deal.”

“She’s right,” Asher said, trying to pull himself together, trying to focus. “She’s sick,

Zeph. She wants to see you.”

“I’m sure you’re exaggerating. She’s probably fine.”

“Zeph…” Aerith moaned.

Asher’s phone vibrated. A text from Melanie. He scanned it, then raised his head

to look his brother in the eye. “She’s… It’s not good, Zeph. You need to see her.

Now.”

“I can’t,” Zeph swallowed, turning away from them.

Asher rolled his eyes, but Aerith stepped forward to touch her brother’s shoulder.

“Zeph,” she began softly. “I know things, too. Maybe I’m not a werewolf, but I know

what feels like to lose control, to feel like every sense of who you are is slipping

away slowly. I know what it’s like to fear yourself, to be terrified that you might hurt

the one you love the most.” At this Zeph met her eyes. “So believe me when I tell

you that I won’t let you. That we won’t let you hurt her. Trust us, Zeph.”

Zeph took a breath. Finally he nodded and they went to see Liz.

When they got there Melanie filled them in on the doctor’s visit, on her prognosis,

and abrupt exit. Thoroughly scared now that he was aware of the impending

danger, Zeph rushed up to see Liz, his stomach doing all kinds of flips. Maybe, he

thought, maybe things aren’t so bad. The doctor was wrong and she’ll be fine…

He could only hope.

After a few deep breaths, Zeph nervously entered the room, frowning as he spied

Liz sleeping. She looks paler than usual, he thought. His ears prickled and picked

up her breathing, a soft staccato. Her forehead crinkled as if in pain.

Looking at her, he couldn’t help but feel guilty. After a moment’s hesitation, he

kissed her forehead and she stirred.

“Shh, go back to sleep—I didn’t mean to wake you,” he said softly.

“Zeph?” In a daze, Liz tried to sit up. Zeph helped her and as he did so, she

couldn’t help staring at him. Blinking, she slowly realized what she was really

seeing. She licked her lips as she thought of something to say.

“Well, you’re a lot hairy than I remember, and loads warmer, but that’s okay.” Zeph

laughed. “Is this why… Why you took so long?” She said after a moment.

“Yeah.” he responded, his voice barely a whisper.

“I didn’t—I don’t—want to hurt you,” he tried to explain as he sat on the edge of

the bed.

Liz was silent for a moment. “I think I get it.” She sighed. “I wish it didn’t have to be

like this…”

“What do you mean?”

Liz gave him a tiny smile. “I don’t think I’m going to last much longer.”

“What?” Zeph started to panic. “But you seem fine! Maybe not great, but…” he

trailed off as she shook her head.

“I’m not fine. I’ve only held on just long enough to hold our son. And to see you

one last time. I had to tell you—” She stopped suddenly, and stared at the bed,

trying to remember what to say.

“Liz.” This was Zeph’s chance. “You’re going to be fine. You’re just—”

“No.” She gave her head another tiny shake.

“But—”

“I named him Seth.”

“Liz—”

“And I want you to know that I forgive you,” she said slowly.

“Even though,” she continued, “you’ve been a real idiot and you didn’t even

apologize.” Here she paused, looking up at him expectantly.

“I’m sorry,” Zeph blurted dutifully. “I really am. But—”

“And I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he said automatically. “Those things I said… I didn’t mean them,

not really. I was just trying to protect you. You don’t understand, I—”

“Stop,” Liz interrupted. “You don’t need to explain.”

“But—”

“Listen to me!” she said forcefully, the loudest she’d spoken thus far. “Zeph…

You’ve got to fight it, whatever it is. You’ve got to fight your inner demons and win,

if not for me than for your son. He needs you, Zeph. Don’t forget that. So many

people need you to stick around…”

Zeph waited for her to say more but she didn’t.

“No,” he pleaded, gathering her in his arms. “Please. Please don’t die on me, Liz.”

He shook her shoulders but he knew it was no use. She was already gone.

*****

It was a long time before Zeph came out and when he did, he felt like everyone

was staring at him. He’d never felt so uncomfortable in his own skin.

“The kid,” he blurted. “The baby.”

“He’s right in there,” Melanie pointed to the next room. “Would you like to hold

him? I don’t think he’s asleep yet.”

But Zeph shook his head and turned to the window. “I can’t.”

“That’s okay,” Melanie said. “Take your time. He’s very patient, I can tell. And Ash

and I will help you so don’t—”

“No,” Zeph tried again.

“I don’t think you get it… I can’t. I can’t do this. I– I can’t raise a baby.”

“I did not just hear you say that,” Ash said in a low voice that startled Melanie.

She’d never heard him use that tone before. “I mean, you’ve got to fucking kidding

me. This is your son, we’re talking about here, Zeph. Your son.” Zeph shook his

head again and Asher nearly launched himself at him when Aerith stepped

between them.

“Ash, give him some time. Liz just died.”

But Ash shook his head.

“He doesn’t have time. He has a baby to think about; he’s a father. Grow up, Zeph.

You’ve got a family to think about, you’ve—”

“Have you taken a look at me, Ash? One good, long look?”

“I’m a werewolf!”

“That’s just a fucking excuse!”

“Guys, keep it down, we don’t want to alarm the kids—” Melanie interjected.

“You’re full of excuses,” Ash continued, ignoring his wife. “When are you going to

stop harping on about the past and take some responsibility?”

“Here we go again, Mr. Perfect trying to tell me how to live my life.” Zeph sneered.

“Even though, he knows absolutely nothing about it.”

“Oh, but I do! We all do,” Asher gestured to himself and his sister. “You’re the only

one who can’t get a grip—It’s always ‘poor me,’ with you Zeph. ‘Oh, my life’s so

tragic,’ ” Ash began to speak in a mocking tone and Aer rubbed her temples. “‘I

can’t do anything—I can’t go to work, I can’t talk to anyone, I can’t even stay a-

fucking-wake all because my mother and brother died. Well guess what?”

“My mother died, too. So did my brother, hell, my son just died, but never, ever

would I do what you’re doing now. I would never turn my back on my family when

they needed me the most.” Asher clenched his fists. “You have guilt? So do I, so

does she,” he pointed to Aerith. “You have dreams—guess what? So did I. And

yet—”

“Dreams?” Zeph, interrupted, “Please.”

“Try soul-clenching nightmares. Every other night it’s like I’m back in that blasted

hell-hole again, fighting for my last breath, fighting to keep my fucking skin from

melting away. You had dreams, Ash? Well, I have a twisted, sick reality. If I’m not

smelling smoke, I’m hearing Skye’s screams. If I’m not seeing orange flickers, I’m

shaking, my skin on fire. You have no fucking idea what I go through.”

He started forwarded, but then changed his mind and ran a hand through his hair.

He gave a dark laugh as he felt its texture, expecting something different.

“You think you know everything, but even you aren’t a werewolf. I’m a fucking

beast, Ash, an animal. I’m up running through the woods at night, killing shit for

fun. Every moment I fight to keep my anger in check to keep from slashing

something, breaking someone. You know why I take drugs? So I don’t smell fifty

million different things, so I don’t jump at shit that’s not there. I’m ten times more

dangerous as wolf, but do you care? Hell no. You just stand up on your high and

mighty soapbox, preaching to the world about the things I’m doing wrong.”

“Zeph… Just how long have you been a wolf?” Aerith asked him.

“Does it matter?” he shrugged. “I’m in no condition to raise a son. Why the hell do

you think I stayed away from Liz? Because I was doing the best thing I could do

for her. And I’m protecting him,” he pointed at the door where the baby was, “the

best way I know how—I’m protecting him from the one thing that can hurt him the

most. Me. Just like dad shoulda done for us, and Skye, and Mom.”

“I feel sorry for you, if you actually believe that,” Asher shook his head.

The two stared at each other in silence for a long moment.

“Look,” Zeph tried again. “I’m being honest, okay? If there’s one thing I know, it’s

myself. And I’m telling you, I’m not ready to be a father. Can you look at me and

tell me different? Can you honestly tell me that I, right now, am the best thing for

this kid?”

Asher clenched his jaw, unwilling to admit that Zephyr might have a point. “You’re

just making excuses.”

“Ash, come on. You and Melanie, you’ve got this being a parent thing down pat. I

don’t know anything about raising a kid and what’s more, I don’t even have a

proper place to put him. I’m about to lose the house and—and I’m still out of it all

the time. Who’s supposed to watch him when I turn? Or when I’m caught up in a

nightmare? What’ll happen if I lose my temper?”

“Ash,” Melanie finally spoke up.

Asher gave his wife a look as if to say, ‘not you too.’

“I’m just saying that these are legitimate concerns,” Melanie shrugged.

“He is right about one thing,” Aerith sighed. She couldn’t stay silent either.

“Aw, come on, Aer!”

“You’re not a werewolf, Ash,” she said softly. “He’s right. You don’t know what it’s

like to be a—a creature. If he says it’s not safe, that he doesn’t have control…

Well, we have to trust that he’s being honest on that point.” She looked at Zephyr.

“Again, I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I do know what it’s like to feel

like your body’s out of your control. I can’t fault you for making the same choice I

did.”

Everyone looked at Asher.

He sighed. “Okay,” he conceded. “Fine. Seth can stay. But—” his voice turned to

steel as he regarded his twin, “It’s temporary. You are going to have to take some

responsibility eventually.”

Melanie nodded. “You have to promise to try and get yourself—your, uh,

supernatural powers, I mean—under control.”

Zeph let that sink in. “Alright,” he said slowly. “We have a deal.”

A part of him wished he could be the great dad that his twin was, but deep down

he knew he didn’t have it in him, at least not right then. He knew that this would be

the best option for his son, a warm stable environment. Asher and Mel had raised

four happy kids of their own. Despite Spencer’s accident, each had grown up safe

and sound, with no worries. His son would be fine here.

*****

Paige was having another bad night. She tossed and turned in her sleep. Her face

was flushed and her sheets were soaked in sweat. She was dreaming. She knew

she was dreaming. She had to be. It was the only way to explain it. What she was

hearing. It haunted her. Only this time, it was starting to make more sense.

The voice was relentless. Over and over it spoke the same words, putting the

pieces of the last few hours all together. She tried to tell herself it wasn’t real. That

it was just silly imaginings. Coincidence. But it didn’t stop. Why didn’t it stop? The

same words, over and over…

First one’s the only son.

Second, it’s the founder’s day.

Next one’s the unrelated one, mother of spare’s only son.

The game is here, it’s all around.

You kids are all on my playground now.

Tonight there’ll be a reckoning.

Just wait your turn to die.

The End.

And that’s the end. Finally. Sorry it took so long to come out, but some chapters

are like that I guess. Before I forget, I want to give credit where credit is due—

thanks to fling-89 over at Mod the Sims, the person who actually built house I used

for Andy’s new home. That’s all for now folks. I can’t wait to hear all your

comments on this chapter; as always you can find me at boolprop.prophpbb.com.

Until next time, happy reading.