Deadly Desires (29 page)

“And I love you.” His hand gently eased over her stomach. “I wondered how big our son had grown.”

Marcella looked at her stomach and laughed. “Oh, he grew all right.” A sadness came over her. “I was gone so long. I never thought I’d live to see you again. Your father said once Micah was born—”

“Shh. Don’t think of that right now. You lived, and here we are. We finally get to see our son. Let’s not let my father ruin this moment. Just know that he will get what he deserves, and let’s leave it at that for right now.”

“You’re right.” Marcella felt herself lean forward. She looked at the woman, confused. “High Priestess?”

The woman smiled. “Your body is telling you you’re ready. It’s time to meet your son, Queen Marcella.”

Samael wrapped his arm around her back and supported her while she began to push. The sensation of fire had her jerking to the side. “Calm, child, and focus. You need to bear down and push.”

“Okay.” Marcella held onto Samael’s hand and leaned forward, screaming as she tried to push again. The women were counting to ten quietly and she let them lead her.

“Again.”

The pressure at which she gripped her husband’s hand had to have been painful, but she tried to stay focused again and again. The High Priestess began smiling and Marcella could barely make out her face against the blurriness in her eyes. “My king, you must see this. You must watch your son come into this world.”

Samael leaned forward and turned back to her. “He has dark hair. A lot of it.” He laughed. As he continued to look, Marcella felt the urge to push again. She clutched to his hand and gave it everything she had. The pain was unbearable, but she didn’t stop. Her body was shaking by the time they got to ten.

“His head is out,” the High Priestess said quietly. “The next one will be the last. Don’t stop.”

Marcella nodded and instantly pulled herself forward. A small cry came to her mouth at the agony that took over. The old woman’s words stayed in her head and she didn’t stop. Her body jerked and suddenly crying overtook her.

“Open your eyes, my dear, and see your son.”

The High Priestess wiped Micah down, and Marcella could barely see as Samael cut the umbilical cord. As she blinked repeatedly she noticed the woman wrap him in a small white blanket. A sob came from her mouth as her son was placed on her chest. Deep blue eyes looked up at her and Micah suddenly got quiet and just stared. She glanced up at Samael and smiled.

“He’s perfect.” Samael wiped the tears from his eyes. He kissed her head and leaned down. “My son.” Marcella watched as he picked up their Micah’s small hand. Instantly, their son wrapped his tiny fingers around Samael’s. “Strong little guy. You take after your mother.” His lips brushed against the tiny grip and his attention went back to her. “You were so brave. You did amazing.”

All Marcella could do was grin at him. “I had to do what I needed to.”

“What you need to do is heal yourself. Close your eyes and focus.”

“You’re right.” Marcella went into a calming state and felt as tingling raced around inside of her. The women were cleaning her up but she hardly even noticed. After a few minutes she forced her eyes back open. “Done.”

“Good.” Samael looked to the door. “The men are outside. I should go check on them. I’m sure they’re going to want to take turns and come see the baby. Plus…” He paused and looked around. “I have a weird feeling.” His hands gripped her face. “Whatever happens, you are not to leave this bed, or our son. Is that clear?”

She swallowed hard.

“I mean it, Marcella. He needs your protection. You are not to move from this bed. You gave me and the men your gift. Now let us use it, and do what we’re meant to do. Protect you.”

A nod took over, and she hated that she knew he was right. “I promise not to interfere.”

“Thank you.”

He gave her and her son one last kiss and headed for the door. As she watched him look back one last time, her heart sank. His father was out there. Marcella could feel his evil, even through the walls of the house. Small sounds came from Micah, and she looked down into his face. He had their deep blue eyes. She’d heard all babies did, but she knew his would never change. “Your father will keep us safe, Micah. He has to.” She looked back to the door and prayed she was right.

Jamestown, California, was in for a hell of a night. Literally. As Samael watched his father pace the road in front of the house, he looked over at all of his brothers. Zepar, Jason, Ambrose, Dominic, and Donavon stood their ground, all projecting their powers to create a shield so powerful that even the Devil himself couldn’t breach it. Samael couldn’t help but smile knowing that.

He walked up past Dominic. As he faced the men, Samael turned his back to his father. “Our queen is safe and resting comfortably.” A big smile covered his face. “And my son has arrived. He is healthy and beautiful. I would like you all to take turns seeing Marcella and your prince. Then, we deal with Daddy dearest.”

“I’m first,” Jason said, raising his hand. “Sam, I’ll leave the shield up, but take over for me just in case it doesn’t hold or weakens.”

“It better hold,” he snapped. “We put these up around the fortress, too.”

“It should,” Jason said. “The Devil isn’t there though, is he? No.” Jason pointed. “He’s right here, and he’s pissed beyond belief. I’m just trying to be safe here.”

Samael didn’t get his chance to argue. Jason dashed toward the house and he turned to the men. “Any words from the wise on how I should deal with my father?”

Dominic laughed. “You seriously want our advice? You’re the strongest one here. I think you’ll be able to take him. At least today. There is no killing him…but you can banish him, you know? Like cut the portal to here, like he did to us there.”

Samael’s eyes grew big. “Why didn’t I think of that before?” He swallowed hard. “Does anyone happen to know how to do that?” Silence came from them as they all looked at each other. Movement had him turning around.

“I do.” The High Priestess glanced at his father and turned back to him. “I think that’s why the queen and I have a connection. Why I dreamed of her months before she ever appeared to me. I can banish your father. But you’ll have to kill him first. Once his soul returns to hell, we’ll have to jump at the opportunity. It’ll only be a small window. He’ll want to come right back, but his body will have to heal. It might take a minute or two for the process to complete. We have to do the ritual before he has the opportunity to place his feet back on our soil.”

Samael kneeled before her and lowered his head. This would mean no war. Not against his father, anyway. He might send his demons, but that wouldn’t pose a problem if they secured their borders out for hundreds of miles from where they lived. It could be done. They could live a normal life. At least as normal as it could be for a fortress full of collectors and followers.

A hand appeared on his head and he lifted to face her. “You once talked of stories from your childhood. I will tell this one to my son as he grows up. He will know how the generosity and love of a Wiccan High Priestess saved the beautiful queen and her knights in shining armor. You will never be forgotten, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you shall never want for anything.”

“You may rise, sweet king. My Goddess has taught me many things. Remember that kindness is one of the greatest gifts you can give, and only love can heal even the most tragic of pasts. With that comes the light of goodness. Your love for the queen has brought us here today. Marcella was able to cleanse you of evil, and together the purity of your fate has brought you both to me. The circle is almost complete. Your story this time shall have a happy ending. I know it.”

Samael stood, unable to express how he felt in words. She smiled and he returned the gesture. “I will prepare,” she announced. “Have one of your men come to get me when you’re ready to face your father.”

He nodded and took a shuddering breath. All the men’s eyes were on him. “I’m not stupid enough to think I can do this on my own. If for some reason you feel the need to step in, do it. I know my father. He won’t fight fair. We all trained for this now for months. Together as one we will prevail. The consequences of this not happening right now are beyond dangerous. We cannot fail tonight.”

“We won’t,” Zepar said. “We’re more than ready.”

The men agreed and they went back to staring at Lucifer. Jason walked out and threw his arms around Samael. Dominic didn’t hesitate to rush inside to take his turn.

“Congratulations, Papa.” Jason leaned back and slapped his shoulder. “Your son is destined for great things. He’s already so alert.”

“I noticed that, too. He seems to take in everything. And I agree. Micah is special. I feel it.” Samael looked toward the house. “How is Marcella?”

“You know Marcy. Strong as ever.” He shrugged. “She looks tired, but overall she’s doing well. She’s already asking about you. Told me to tell you that she loves you. Stuff like that.” Jason laughed. His face sobered. “She’s scared. Said she saw his power firsthand. And that he saw hers, too. Did you know she blew the castle to smithereens and then made it appear back to normal because she knew she couldn’t escape yet?”

Samael felt his jaw drop. “She did that?”

“Yeah. Our Marcy is one powerful woman. I think she could take him on our grounds if it ever came to it. And I think he knows it.” Jason glanced toward his father. “Look at him, Samael. He’s nervous as hell. Where are his troops? Why isn’t he here with an army?”

Samael took a step forward as clarity dawned. “He knows he’s going to lose. If they were here they’d witness it. He’d appear weak. But he can’t
not
do something about it because it’ll appear as a failure in leadership on his part.” It was enough for Samael to almost feel sorry for him. His father wasn’t always a bad man. He had once been an angel, after all. But enough was enough. If they were ever going to have a peaceful life this was the way it had to be. His father’s greed for power outweighed everything inside of him. And he’d eventually want Micah for himself. The ties to this plane had to be cut, tonight.

Dominic was suddenly back and he looked at the remaining three men. “You all go in together. Tell the High Priestess it’s time.” Samael walked to the shield and his father met him on the other side. As they stood face-to-face with nothing but the invisible barrier separating them, he could see the sadness on his father’s face.

It was only there for a split second. But it was long enough for him to allow Samael to get a glimpse into his soul. The fact was, they might not have agreed on everything that was happening, but Samael was still his son. And his father had a kingdom to run. It was a binding curse Lucifer could never get out of. It was his punishment for eternity for sins he sometimes wished he’d never have committed. As quick as the emotions and images entered, they disappeared. Then, the sword appeared in his hand. What they’d all prepared for was upon them. It was time for their destiny to reveal itself.

* * * *

A whimper came from Micah’s mouth. Donavon laughed and ran his finger along the length of Marcella’s son’s face. She looked at Zepar and smiled. “He has yours and Samael’s eyes.” Micah yawned and nuzzled his face against her chest. She knew he was hungry.

“He does. If you ask me, he’s going to be an exact replica of his father.” Zepar leaned forward and kissed his head. “He looks so much like Samael.”

Ambrose lifted his little hand and Micah moved his mouth toward their connection.

“I should feed him.” Marcella looked toward the windows and watched the wind blow the trees furiously. “Before you all go back outside, I wish for you to move me over there. I have to see what’s happening.”

They looked at her uneasily. Marcella tilted her head. “If you don’t help me I will just get up and go myself. Please.”

Donavon’s hands gently scooped her and Micah into his arms. Ambrose pulled a lounger next to the windows and grabbed her blankets and pillow. As Donavon lowered her down, she had a perfect view of Samael and the rest of her men. “Thank you.” She took all of them in knowing that anything could happen out there. She may have been their master, and she knew they couldn’t die unless she did. But what if Lucifer dragged them back to hell and she was never able to get them back? A shiver raced down her spine.

“I want all of you to be safe. Please. I can’t lose any of you.”

Ambrose lowered himself until he was eye level. “We’ve been training hard since you’ve been gone. We’ll be okay. I know Samael’s already told you to stay inside, and I urge you to listen to him. Do not come out there Marcella, no matter what happens.”

“I promised him, and I will make the same oath to you. My place lies with Micah. I have to protect him. I know that.”

“Good.” Ambrose kissed her lips. She basked in their connection. “Now sit back and relax, and enjoy the show.” He smiled down at her and laughed.

Marcella positioned Micah and began nursing her son. She watched as the High Priestess entered the room wearing a white flowing gown. In her hands she held a small black pouch. A pendant hung around her neck and Marcella could feel the power pouring from it.

“We must go.” The old woman came to stand by the door. As Marcella hugged and kissed her men, she watched them leave. Zepar was the last one to come to her.