The Child

Chapter 13

Joey

I watch Tally shift in her seat, almost like she is about to tell a ghost story around the campfire. Marie gives me a nervous look, I smile back trying to calm her down. I can see it makes her a little less tense. I can only imagine how she feels right now. Watching her only child be hunted by his father like some sick, sadistic game for power. I look at Ollie and give him a smile as well. He shimmy’s off of Richard’s lap and crawls under the table till he reaches Marie’s legs. I watch him crawl up her legs, into her lap with incredible skill and ease for a toddler. She cuddles him close then nods to Tally, signaling her to continue.

“It is said that thousands of years ago, a very powerful seer had a vision that sent her into madness. She went missing for a long time, and when she was found, she was rambling about a war between angels and demons, good and evil. From what they were able to decipher from her was that there will be a child that is born of both light and dark. The child will be the perfect balance of good and evil. She said that he must be kept safe, his light must be kept safe. His mother is the protector of the future, and is the key to keeping the world from falling into darkness. If the child’s father gets ahold of him, the whole world will fall to ruin. This child has the power to build empires, or make them crumble,” Tally says as she stares at Ollie.

Everyone turns to look at the toddler. Does he really have that much power? Ollie, of course, is unaware of why we are all looking at him, enjoying the attention. Clapping his hands and giggling at everyone. I can’t help but smile at his innocence.

“Now I understand what the last seer said to me. But I have a question,” Marie says as she pulls Ollie closer to her, trying to process everything. I put my arm around her, needing to feel her closeness.

“Why are the dragons so important? Why is Ollie safe with them?” Marie c***s her head in curiosity.

“The seer also talked about a great protector that will fall in love with the child’s mother. Together, the protector and the angel will be able to keep the child out of harms way,” Tally explains.

“Let me guess, I am the great protector,” I laugh, trying to grab the importance of my roll in this crazy prophecy. Tally simply nods her head.

“I will do my best to live up the title.”

Before anyone can say anything else Andrew bust through the kitchen, skidding to a halt.

“Sorry I am late, I got held up at the office. What did I miss?”

My siblings and I all roll our eyes collectively.

“Typical,” Hollie huffs out.

“I’ll fill you in later,” my dad says to Andrew. He simply nods then looks at Marie with a smirk.

“So you’re the one who turned my brother into a hot mess,” he says with a chuckle.

“I am Andrew, the youngest, most charming one in the family. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he walks over to Marie and grabs her hand, kissing it gently. Without realizing it, a loud, feral growl leaves my throat. Before I know it, I am flying out of my chair and pinning my little brother to the window by his throat.

“Do not touch what is MINE, little brother.” I growl into his face. I feel tingles on my forearm, seeing a delicate hand trying to calm me down.

“It’s okay, put him down,” she whispers to me. I look around the room, seeing everyone staring with tense expressions. It’s clear they are all waiting for my next move. I slowly let go of Andrew, watching him fall to the ground, coughing. I grab Marie and wrap her in my arms, burying my face in her neck, breathing in her delicious scent.

“Geez, just trying to be a gentleman. Don’t get your boxers in a twist,” Andrew says as he rubs his neck.

Marie wiggles out of my grasp and walks up to Andrew, looking him over. He appears to be alright, but my mate has such a gentle, caring soul, she just had to make sure.

Before we know it, Andrew is grinning again. Brutus is staring at him suspiciously as he walks up to inspect him. He sniffs him with intensity, then huffs and walks back to Hollie, looking up at her expectantly. She giggles, giving him a good ear scratch, making him relax. I see Andrew looking at Ollie with a weird look as he totters around the kitchen, making me growl again. Ollie gave me a scared look, then goes behind my mom. He was trying to hide from me, which broke my heart. I walk up to him, getting to his level. He slowly peaks out from behind my mom.

“Hey buddy, I am sorry if I scared you. I am a little grumpy today.” He looks up at me with his big blue eyes, slowly shuffling to me. Once he is right in front of me, he gently grabs my nose. “Beep, beep.” I chuckle which makes him smile. I guess I am forgiven.

“It’s been a long day for all of us. We have a lot of planning to get done. Let’s all go home and regroup tomorrow,” Richard says as he stands up.

“May I escort you home?” He asks Tally, causing her to blush. He takes her hand helping her stand, and in a blink, they are gone. Gabriel sighs, and disappears without a word.

“We will be going too. I am exhausted,” Marie says as she picks up Ollie.

“Thank you all for your help. It means a lot to us.” My mom gets up and gives her and Ollie a big hug.

“It’s no bother at all. We protect our family. And you, my dear, are family,” my mom says as she lets go.

I take Marie’s free hand and start heading towards the door.

“Come on Brutus, time to go,” I tell him. He looks at me with his big brown eyes, not wanting to leave Hollie. She gets off her chair and kneels in front of Bru, grabbing his face in her hands.

“It’s ok, boy. We will see each other again soon.” She gives him a kiss on the top of his head. He reluctantly follows us out the door.