Chapter 22
“I wish Lucius still had some of his memories,” Kieran said softly. “Of course, right now it really doesn’t matter since the spell is blocking me from his mind.”
“He has all of his memories,” Brady murmured.
“All? Even the ones before he was turned?” asked Logan. “I thought they disappeared once he was bitten.”
“Normally, they do…more or less…but it didn’t happen because the death spell was cast so quickly after he was turned. He remembers everything about his life as a human and a vampire. It’s a form of mental torment meant to keep him constantly in turmoil so eventually he either goes insane or he ends up without any independent thoughts, submitting totally to his master.”
“You mean like a robot?” asked Logan.
“That’s as good a description as any,” Brady replied, sadly.
“Now I understand his desire to be human again,” Kieran murmured, glancing up at Brady. “When we first found him, the only thing my spirit could tell me was about his desire to be changed back.”
“That’s impossible, right?” asked Logan.
“Yes, it is…unfortunately,” answered Brady.
“What happens when the spell is broken?” asked Kieran, keeping his eyes on the vampire, his heart breaking for him. “Will he still have his human memories?”
“I’m not sure,” Brady said. “As far as I know, no one has ever survived a death spell; of course, I’d have to do some research just to be absolutely sure.”
“Saving Lucius only to have him condemned to a lifetime of mental torment isn’t fair to him,” growled Logan.
“No, it’s not,” Brady agreed. “But saving Lucius, so he can decide for himself, is. Right now he has no say regarding what’s happening to him and that’s reason enough to save him. By ending the pain consuming his body and mind, Lucius will be able to think clearly…and for himself…for the first time since becoming a vampire.”
“In order to get rid of the pain, don’t you have to claim him?” asked Logan.
“Yes…but before we complete the mating ritual, he’ll be free to decide what he wants to do at that point.”
“What about you, Brady, if Lucius decides he doesn’t want to live with his memories?” asked Kieran, softly. “Will you die also?”
“I thought vampires are immortal,” Logan said.
“They are…sort of,” Brady said, “but a vampire also has the option to die…for lack of a better word. Regarding what my mate decides to do about it…well, it doesn’t matter what happens to me because I refuse to be the cause of Lucius living a tormented life.” Brady gazed down at his pale and motionless mate. What was done to him was one of the worse things a magic user could do to anyone, which is why the spell is forbidden by the Witches’ Council. And then to have it compounded by being turned into a vampire—well, all Brady could do was to pray the gods had reserved a special place in hell for the ones responsible.
He could tell by the frown on the Shaman’s face he didn’t approve of Brady’s willingness to die if need be. But it wasn’t up to Kieran…thank goodness…it was his choice and that was as it should be. Never one to turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, Brady knew it would be impossible to ignore his mate’s wishes. And if it meant he would die, then so be it. At least his mate would finally find peace.
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Pacing on the front porch, Jackson mulled over Mystia’s message while waiting for her to appear. It was short, but if he was correct about what it meant, the threat level against Carson and his family was now higher than ever. At the sound of a struggling engine, he stared down the driveway, hoping it was Jimmy. When the beat-up, old pickup came into view, part of Jackson’s worry dissipated.
Descending the steps, he headed over to the vehicle while watching Jimmy climb out of his beloved truck. Grinning, he hugged him and then, slapping him on the back several times, he stepped back. “Fucking glad you made it. Did Mystia tell you what’s going on?”
“Naw, just told me to close up and send Bobby home before I hightail it over to you,” Jimmy said. “Is my Mystia in trouble?”
“I think so,” Jackson said, “but that’s just a guess based on her text to me.”
“I bet it has to do with the assholes on the Witches’ Council,” Jimmy growled.
“It does, my love,” Mystia said, suddenly appearing in front of them.
“Darlin’!” Quickly pulling his mate to his chest, Jimmy kissed her soundly, before letting her come up for air. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but Carson and Remy are not,” replied Mystia. “Let’s go inside.”
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