Page 185 of Vampire's Choice
“She’s emotionally exhausted, stressed and overwhelmed. But only what I would expect for an intense grieving process.” Charlie touched Merc’s hand.
“You can give her some good news when she wakes. Ruth told Clara that maybe the physical cost of her visions was the Powers-That-Be’s way of telling her she’d done enough. After the vampires retrieved Kane and Farida, she let Maddock embed the blocking spell. She’s gained ten pounds and looks happier than I’ve seen her in a long while. When she comes for the memorial, Ruth will see for herself.”
Merc had noted Marcellus looked easier, the past couple times they’d been together. Now he knew why. The senior angel hadn’t shared the news, perhaps because he thought celebrating Clara’s good fortune wasn’t appropriate in the face of Ruth’s grief. He’d have to let the angel know that wasn’t the case. “Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
Charlie’s expression told him she could see the toll on Merc as well, because of his feelings for Ruth. That awareness and compassion were unexpected, and caused a heaviness in his chest. The last time those two emotions had been directed his way, they’d come from Elisa.
“You’re caring for her properly, Merc,” Charlie said soberly. “It will be hard for a while. That’s all. She’s very strong.”
“I know. I just wish I could spare her the pain.”
“Stand by her through it. That’s more important. Pain shapes us and helps us grow stronger, especially when we have someone with us to get through it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Jacob strode down the island beach. His lady was walking barefoot in the sand, her shoes clasped in her grip as she gazed out at the waves. The memorial for Mal and Elisa had been attended by every Council member, as well as countless others. Knowing what a pain in the ass his stubbornness often caused, Mal would have been amused by the honor. And annoyed, at having so many here to interfere with the sanctuary’s daily operations.
Ruth and Adan had stood together before the sculpture of his parents they’d placed a few feet from their grave markers. Evan, the vampire Lord Uthe had sired and who’d become an accomplished artist, had done it. He’d liked coming here to create. Many had found peace and inspiration in the sanctuary Mal had created.
Evan’s preferred medium was canvas, but the sculpture proved he was as accomplished with clay. He’d reflected the proud sternness of Mal’s features and the strength of character in Elisa’s. A mountain lion rested at their feet, Elisa leaning against Mal’s side, his head bent toward hers.
One of the Circus members had sung a hymn Elisa favored, and the Native American staff members had followed it up with chants and drumming.
There’d been no speeches. Just the music and unveiling of the statue. Everyone had left something at the base, something that could be blown away in the wind or feed the wildlife without harm. Mal would have been pleased.
At the end, Lyssa had stepped up to the statue. She’d laid a hand on Mal’s arm, and Elisa’s. She’d bowed her head, and then she’d done something she rarely did, unleashing her Fae magic before an audience.
As the assembled murmured in quiet amazement, flowers grew around the base, curling vines populated with large white moonflowers.
Then the group dispersed. Some of those new to the sanctuary would visit the cats with the staff, because Ruth had made sure they could see what was done here. Like her father, she stayed cognizant of the funding sources that kept the island thriving.
She would be all right.
His lady on the other hand…
Jacob always paid closer attention to her after losses. Though the likelihood of her succumbing to Ennui was slim at this point, especially with him and Kane in her life, there was such a thing as a natural death, when a soul had simply had enough of loss and change, the wear and tear from a world that made the same mistakes, over and over again, never seeming to learn.
The vigilance to protect one’s loved ones from that idiocy could take its toll.
Kane had stood between them during the memorial, his eyes alive with pain. Jacob had kept his hand on his son, a reassurance and reminder. There was nothing he could have done. He was off walking with Adan now, something Ruth had suggested.
As Jacob approached Lyssa on the beach, she spoke. Apparently she wasn’t in a mood to be coddled. She preferred to threaten him. “So, this servants’ council. You’re one of the names they’re considering to lead it. Parity, you know, with me as Council head.”
“I think it should be Jessica.” Jacob gave her an amused look. “Lord Mason proposed the document, after all. His servant would be trusted as its leader, and Jess can handle it. Dev can be a member. He straddles the line well between traditional and less traditional vampire-servant relationships. He understands what vampires can reasonably be asked to do or not do. It should also contain a couple servants not bound to Council members.”
Lyssa’s lips curved. “I notice you didn’t propose your brother.”
“With his gift for tact, and his controversial history as a vampire hunter, I don’t think he makes the cut. Though I was briefly tempted to throw it out there, just to see his horror at the idea of having to attend regular meetings for…anything.”
Jacob looked down the beach, where his brother was body surfing and trying to coax Daegan to come in. Like all vampires with their lack of buoyancy, Daegan was offering a less than enthusiastic response. Anwyn sat in the surf, though, enjoying the rush of it over her excellent legs.
You need to develop some near-sightedness if you want to stay out of trouble.
“You have the most beautiful legs in the universe, my lady. Hers are just…longer.”
He laughed as Lyssa kicked water at him, but then he came close enough to stand at her side, nuzzling her hair. “My Mistress can always put out my eyes if that’s her choice,” he said, half-serious. “We old guard servants aren’t likely to cede what we’ve already given to our vampires, no matter what the new ‘Hippiestock’ committee proposes.”
She touched his throat. As always, his pulse increased, making her even more aware of his blood. And his willingness to give it to her.