Page 43 of The Price They Paid

The wind blew hard and the bones turned into dust swirling around us. I saw a face take form and I held Justice closer to me.

“My dear girl, I’ll always be here. Your children are the future and must be protected at all costs. I gave my life for theirs. You have to carry on for them.”

“Ms. Sandy …” Justice sobbed.

“Be strong, my dear girl. Seuss will take care of you now, and you’ve got the others.” Sandy started to fade and then she looked behind us. I turned to see Mandy on her knees crying and saying a prayer. Sandy closed her eyes and repeated the words with Mandy.

“Life of mine. Clear the path of life. Life of mine. Clear the path of death. Sacrifices have been made. Chance are born. Lift thy spirits. Make it so.” Mandy stood up and held out her hands in the shape of a heart. The dust evaporated into the space of her hands until the winds were calm and there were no more traces of Sandy.

I held Justice close and motioned for Alec. He moved forward and touched his hand to my shoulder. We moved through space until we were in the master suite. Alec left us immediately, understanding the need for us to be alone. I walked her to the bed and laid in the center of it with Justice.

“I can’t believe she’s gone,” Justice said.

“I know …” I caressed her back not knowing what to say.

“If one of the babies is a girl … can we name her after Ms. Sandy?”

“Yes. Whatever you want.” I sighed into her hair. I kissed her forehead and waited.

“I thought you were claiming me.”

“I did.”

Justice looked up into my eyes and I searched hers wondering what I’d missed.

“I thought wolves claimed their mate with a bite.”

I laughed at her wholeheartedly. “We do.”

“Then …”

“You’re with child.”

“It can hurt the baby?” Her expression of confusion was cute.

“No, but the sex could.”

“Oh …” Justice relaxed against me again, and soon I heard the sweet sounds of her sleeping.

After the time she’d had, I was glad that she was getting peace, even if it was for just a second.

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