Chapter 232: Filling In Mom
The door creaked as Galleytrot and I fell silent, Sassafras letting himself into the gloom our conversation created. His silver fur immediately stood on end, tail thrashing as he looked back and forth between us.
We quickly filled him in on the details while he curled up on the end of the bed to listen.
"You have to tell your mother," he said the moment I was done. "She needs to be brought up to speed on this."
I knew he was right and instantly felt better. Of course. Mom. She'd come back right away, the moment she understood how dangerous this situation was. And while I was worried for Gram, I knew the old lady could take very good care of herself.
And I needed my mom.
I reached for her immediately, following the path of the family magic to her, using my demon power to boost my reach. She was still blocking me out, but when I threw all three magics at her, she reacted with instant fear.
Syd, are you all right?
Mom. I wanted to cry, clutching at the front of my T-shirt as if I had a grip on her instead.
Honey, tell me.
And I did, poured it all out all over her. I felt Uncle Frank touch us, knew he was listening, welcomed him and his presence though he felt harsher around the edges than I remembered.
Mom hung onto me though her consciousness broke from mine for a moment. When she came back, I could feel the stress in her mental voice.
Syd, she hugged me even from afar, I need you to tell Erica what you just told me.
Erica? What? Mom, did I stutter? Was I in some way unclear? This is very, very bad.
I can't come home. She was as bad a liar as me. Her focus was already slipping, her fear for and about Gram far stronger than her concern for me and the coven. I have every faith in you, Syd. You and Erica can handle this. Go get the old man and make him answer the knock. You can do it, I know you can.
Was she really brushing me off? Did she think it was that easy, really? Just fetch the old man and...
Was she right?
Keep me up to date. I could feel her tense, knew she was about to sever the connection. I love you. Be safe.
Mom-
But she was gone.
Syd. Uncle Frank's cold mind remained. Tell Sunny. And then he left me too.
I'm pretty sure the boys were listening in on my conversation because they both looked about as cheerful with the outcome as I felt.
"Sunny is a good idea," Sassy said. At least he was trying.
But I shook my head. "The vampires have nothing to do with this," I said. "How could she possibly help with Sidhe magic?"
Galleytrot nodded slowly. "Have to agree with Syd on this one."
"Are you going to talk to Erica?" Sassafras touched my leg with one paw, hooking his claws in the fabric.
I nodded, glum. Great. Just freaking great. Celeste would totally find a way to blame this on me, I just knew it. But I couldn't keep Erica out of this any longer, which honestly meant telling the whole coven. Chances are if all hell broke loose I'd be better off with them in my court, prepared and scared, than dropping it in their laps after the fact.
With great reluctance, I reached for Erica.
We have to talk.
What's up? She sounded distracted, like I was taking her from something. That triggered my anger all over again.
I'm calling a coven meeting. Um, Syd? Totally unnecessary when I could just inform them all through our connection. But her attitude, as innocent as it may have been or not, had me needing to throw my weight around a little.
That's not something to do lightly. Like I didn't know that already. Have you heard from your mother? She sounded so whiny, as if I might know something she didn't and she was sulking.
I'm calling it, I sent, just giving you the heads up. You're welcome.
I don't appreciate the tone or the attitude, young lady. Ooh. Bite me.
Syd is in control of this coven, Sassafras sent, his mental tone so sharp Erica gasped. You will answer the call, Erica Plower, and you will obey your leader.
Her reaction was startling. Of course. I'd never heard her so muted, quiet, repentant. I glanced at Sassy, wondering for the first time about him and his real role in the family.
One amber eye winked at me before he began grooming a paw with great care.
I stretched my reach, letting my magic flow along the threads of the family, coming in contact with everyone. It was much easier this time, more natural, with Erica practically hiding in the background.
The coven will gather, I sent to the hundred or so curious minds, in two hours time. I broke off without further explanation, sagging as I severed my touch with Erica.
Sassafras paused in his grooming for one moment to meet my gaze again.
"You'll do," he said, before returning to his bath.
Smart ass cat.
***
