“Oh, yes, you do. And I get it. You have a lot. So much love. And in your eyes, they have less because they share you. But that's not the truth. They chose you because you fulfill them. Sharing you is nothing compared to that. You've given them love, children, and, in Viper's case, life itself. Get over the guilt.”
I snorted a laugh. “I guess I do feel a little guilty. They're just so wonderful. Sometimes, I wake up and I can't believe this is my life.” I smirked at her. “Then the kids come screaming into the room, and Ireallycan't believe this is my life.”
She giggled. “They are a lot of work, but they offer a lot of love in return, and you have a lot of help with them.”
“I do. And I'm glad you're here to help this time.”
“I'm glad you don't mind me being here. He's my son.” Holly looked back at Az. “I need to be with him.”
I glanced at the doorway and across the corridor to the twins' door. “I understand.”
Then Jesus appeared.
“Mom,” the J-Man came rushing into Azrael's bedroom in a cloud of patchouli and pot. He was in bell-bottom jeans, a band shirt, a leather fringe vest, and sandals, but he was missing his sunglasses.
Holly stood up and went into his arms. “Jesus.”
“Mom,” he said again, staring at me over her shoulder. That piercing blue stare shifted to his brother, and he set hismother to the side. “Luke told me. Maybe I can help.”
“I'm so sorry,” I said. “I didn't think to call you.”
“It's all good, sis,” Jesus said as he sat down on the bed near Azrael's hip. “I'm here now.” He drew back the covers, then scowled at the manacles.
“We had to suppress the Wild Magic,” I explained before he asked.
“Bummer,” Jesus said. “That might mellow my magic.”
I was still getting used to his buff body. Maybe because he was still getting used to it too. I could see it in the way he moved—with the loose movements of a lanky man. His father's magic had given him that body and rulership over heaven. It was that rulership that made me forget about Jesus's original magic. Healing and Resurrection. Resurrection!
“Take the manacles off!” I said urgently.
“But what about the Wild Magic?” Holly asked.
Jesus looked at me and grinned. “I can hold it back. Maybe not for long, but should be enough to send some flower power into my bro.”
“He's in a type of stasis, Jesus,” I said. “I can't pull him out of it.”
“That's some heavy shit. I'll do what I can, Vervain.”
I nodded and helped him remove the manacles. Before the first flower could sprout, the King of Heaven laid his hand over Azrael's heart and Light encased my husband. Jesus closed his eyes while Holly and I stared back and forth between him and Az.
After a few minutes, Jesus opened his eyes and put the manacles back on. His Light went out.
Holly and I sighed in disappointment.
“I'm sorry,” Jesus said. “Resurrection can't latch onto him. Death repels it.”
“It's the opposite,” I said. “Like the Wild Magic.”
“Yeah, I think so. They don't vibe. I would be able to reach Az if he wasn't pushing me away.”
“You tried, honey,” Holly said and stroked Jesus's long hair.
Jesus's face crumpled. “I have so much power now, Mom. And I still can't help my brother. He always helps me. I wanted to be there for him this time.”
“I know.” She hugged him.
“None of us could reach him,” I said. “Don't feel bad about it.” Then I remembered what I had concluded about the trickster. “Oh! I need to tell the others about the trickster.”
