“What about that demon deal you mentioned? Do you know what Zack’s bargain is?”
“Anton’s succubus is the one he made the deal with. Once the demon’s out of his cell, there’s a one-year limit on his ability to invade Zack’s dreams.”
“Zack let him into his head?”
“He was thinking he needed to buy the demon’s silence.” Takashi pushed away from the wall. “Anton has made a sireling in recent weeks. Zack’s cousin, Dennis. He’s also locked away in the same dungeon area as the succubus. Anton’s been doing some experiments into immortality. Apparently, he plans to use Dennis as a test subject.”
Roger sucked in a deep breath and then ran his hand down his jaw. “Ah.”
“What is it?”
“Nothing we can do anything about now. As Zack would say, I need to do some research. Look, when you get back to the mansion, see how many doors and windows you can leave open or unlocked. Try not to get caught.” Roger put a hand on each of Takashi’s shoulders. “When it starts, and you’ll know when, do your best to run. There is a park due west of the mansion. We will have two vans there for those who have to flee the battle. You don’t have to fight.”
“I shouldn’t leave it all to you and your people,” Takashi said. “Zack won’t want to.”
“I know, but there will be other battles. The last thing I could stand is if you two—three with Kathleen. Yes, I know she’s yours—were to wind up stuck with the bastard when the smoke clears from the battle.”
Takashi slid his hand on top of Roger’s left one. “What about Zack’s bond? Seamus will be able to sense him.”
“I have warlocks that believe they can cover him for a day. After that, we’ll figure it out.”
“Together?”
“Yes. Everything together from now on.”
Takashi wished that could be true.The only way to turn wishes into reality is to try. He gave a tight nod. “I need to get back to the party.”
“And I have to go.” Roger kissed Takashi. “I love you. Be careful.”
“You too.” Takashi smiled at him.
Roger kissed him once more. Then he slipped the medallion back over his head and murmured two words in Latin. The illusion making him look like a blond man in a suit sprung back to life.
Takashi grabbed one last kiss before they left the room. Just in case the worst were to happen.Here I thought it already had. Why is there always a worst, worst-case scenario?
CHAPTER 51
Zack forgot about the envelope still in his hand until he was at the top of the stairs. Reading it might wind up creating thoughts that Seamus overheard. Not reading it was going to drive Zack over a cliff of anxiety.
Thomas was an expert strategist. He wouldn’t give away secrets in a letter anyone could get their hands on. However, Seamus might question why Zack was suddenly thinking about his father so much. If he guessed where Zack had gotten a letter, then Roger could be in trouble. Then again, Roger was already an outcast.
“Screw it,” Zack muttered to himself and dipped into one of the rooms closer to the top of the stairs. He ripped open the envelope and unfolded the pages, nearly ripping them. His father’s handwriting was unmistakable. Zack leaned back against the wall, as even seeing his name in his father’s hand brought comfort.
Zack,
I’ve started this six times and can’t think of a smart way to begin so I’m just going to say what it is that I need to say.
I’m sorry.
A father should be a shield, a sword, and a light for his child. He should at the very leasttryto be those things. I should have been them for you. I thought I was, but my sword’s rusted, my light’s dim, and I forgot to lift a shield at all. You have always been brave and clever. I saw your courage and I committed the greatest crime, I stayed silent. When the family turned on you, I should have stood up rather than keeping my mouth shut and falling in line. You spared a girl who had been a victim. You let Roger into your life when you could have killed him.
He is a good man. Better than me. He never gave up on you or Takashi. He’s launching a war, and I’m going to help him. I know that a few good deeds can’t make up for the hurt I’ve caused you, but I’ve got to start somewhere.
In case I don’t get to say any of this in person, I love you. I know you’re a vampire now, and that doesn’t change the fact that I love you. I don’t want you to think that it ever could. I won’t lie and say I’m not worried. You are fucking smart, Zack. You see through people, you saw through the bullshit the family fed you, and you carved your own path. If you abandon your humanity, you could become the greatest of monsters and that fucking scares me because it doesn’t matter what you do, I will still love you. You are my son, and despite my and your mother’s failures, you’re growing up to be a good man. One I will continue to be proud of, no matter what.
I should have said those words to you long ago. Even in our line of work, we take our time for granted. I could have lost you altogether. But you get to keep on living and I get a second chance to make up for my fuck ups.
For the record, after your talk with Amber, she hasn’t stopped ranting about how awful the family treated you. Well, she’s stopped a little lately. We’ve been busy.
