Page 60 of Little Mate
Isa and I left the men to their own devices shortly after Theodore’s threat, leaving them to handle whatever they need to discuss as the early afternoon sky tuns to twilight. The chants of our people have been filling the day with songs of hope and peace—for the rest of their eternal souls.
They’ve gone all out as has been instructed, every coven member dressed in their finest white while the children wear black, a symbol of our mourning. Of how deeply their departure has cut, but more than that, I’m grateful for the man now standing beside me in a crisp suit, always so handsome, as my uncle and his wife walk through the door to our home fifteen minutes before we are due to begin.
I still haven’t forgotten our last conversation. How he refused to help us.
“Gabriella,” Uncle Roberto greets, but doesn’t come close as Theo shoots him a dirty look. “I’m happy to see you, my child. Happy to know you and your sister are on the right path.”
His response makes me bristle. “Evening, Uncle. Zia.”
“We need to talk after, my niece. Please, I have so much to explain.”
“Why now?” Theo wraps an arm around my side and tugs me close, an action my father’s brother doesn’t miss. “You abandoned us.”
“I promised your father not to interfere.”
Before I can demand more, a lanky figure comes flying at me, almost knocking me back. Theo rights us. “Gabby!”
“Leo!” I respond with just as much enthusiasm. I’m so happy to see him. Pulling back, I inspect him for bruises or cuts…loss of weight, and I’m satisfied to see he’s well. That the lost and haunted look from before is nearly gone and he’s found rest. “How have you been, your majesty?”
“Ughh, I forgot how annoying you guys are. Get out of my kingdom.”
“No can do, squirt. By blood and pact,” Isa begins, bumping his shoulder with one of hers, brow raised.
“We are one,” both Leo and I finish, and the others in the group smile.
“Good.” Isabella looks over at her mate, the man so tall and muscular, easily taking most of the space in the small entrance we are in. Most of our guests are each in their own group, standing off to the side and warily watching the others. That won’t do. “Now, love.”
A sharp whistle rends the air and at once, all turn to look in our direction. His men, though, bear their necks and wait for further instruction.
“We are about to begin.” Those of Wiccan descent walk out. They’re heading to the newly made living tribute on the territory to wait for us. “Vampire and werewolves, I ask that you remain silent throughout and respect our traditions.”
Their leaders glare.
They fall into two separate lines and walk out through opposite exits.
With them out, I turn to our mates still here. “If you two decide not to come with us, we understand and won’t be upset.”
“We’re going.”
“Pretty girl, try and get rid of me.”
18
GABRIELLA
Candles light the path to the family mausoleum.
The light shines bright with a swaying flame, and the closer we get, the higher they burn. Then there’s the sudden growth of Parma violets all along the outside, the flower giving off a hint of a lavender fragrance that reminds me of Mom’s favorite oils, something she’d burn every night to calm the house and spirits always surrounding the home because of me.
They endured so much because of me. Because of Isa.
We didn’t ask to be born with gifts.
We didn’t ask to be desired by many.
“I miss them, too.” My face turns to Isa’s, and the tears in her eyes make my own water. We’ve always been in sync with each other’s emotions, that twin thing, but when it mirrors the other’s like today, it magnifies and squeezes heart muscles. “But one day, we will be reunited once again. They’ll be there at the end of our journey to welcome us home.”
“One day.” With my hand in each of my siblings’, I walk us forward and inside the resting place where our parents will remain for all time. While we believe in eco-friendly burials, my family does hold a bit of non-traditional customs, the large mausoleum on the property being one of them. This space is private and only those of the Moore last name may enter, but more importantly, it keeps a piece of their essence for the family to privately conjure or simply spend time with.