The Impact (Book II)

Difficulty

Melanie

"Mom, who was that demon?" Zach and Emily asked simultaneously the moment I stepped into the kitchen. Cole stood nearby with Keith, his arms folded across his chest and his lips pressed into a thin line.

"Can I get in the door before you start bombarding me with questions?" I snapped, pushing them out of the way and going into the living room.

They trailed after me, sitting on the furniture as I flopped down on the loveseat. Zach leaned forward with his elbows braced on his thighs, his eyes narrowed with impatience. Emily sat on the armrest of Zach's chair, nervously braiding and unbraiding her hair. Keith settled on Cole's lap and looked at me with anxious eyes.

"That demon was my brother, Zane," I finally said.

Rayi growled, startling me, [Or what's left of him.]

"You have another brother?" Emily gaped. The only one who didn't seem surprised was Cole.

For the first time, I wished I had told them a little about my life in Hell. At least then we wouldn't have needed to have this conversation.

"Yes, I have two siblings I share with my mother and father. Zane, my older brother, and my younger twin sister, Mikayla."

"How come you never told us?" Zach asked accusingly.

I frowned. "It wasn't something you needed to know. The only reason why you know about them now is because he has invaded the Human World and our home. I'm not too concerned about Mikayla coming, but Zane is something else entirely."

I thought of his warning and shivered. "He came by the bakery this afternoon; he knew where I was and I bet he knows where you are. Which is why Emily, Keith, and Cole will not be going to school today. I'd prefer you not go to work today, Zach."

Zach protested, "Ma, I can't; I've used up my vacation days."

I bit my lip, thinking. Zach could handle himself better than Emily, Cole, or Keith could, but Zane was a lot stronger than Zach, maybe even stronger than Will now. "...Alright, but be careful. Call me or your father if you see anything suspicious."

He nodded and went upstairs to shower and get ready for work. Keith hugged himself while Cole stroked his hair to soothe him.

"W-why did he save me? He called me weak." He whispered.

Everything had happened so fast, I didn't even remember to demand what Zach thought he was doing copying his father's known killing blow.

"I don't know, darling, but I'm glad he did; I wouldn't have gotten to you in time." I went over and hugged him. "Tell you what, how about we make some cookies in a bit?"

While he didn't smile, his face brightened. Outside, a heavy pair of wings flapped and something landed on the ground. A few moments later, Will walked through the front door. He kissed Emily's head and suggested, "Why don't you three go upstairs? Your mother and I need to talk."

She, Cole, and Keith obeyed. Sighing, I pushed my hair out of my face. "So, what did Joel say?"

"He's going to come by this evening to reset the barriers and strengthen them. He found it disconcerting that Lucifer had created a device that can bypass his barrier, but he believes that that's all it does; Zane didn't seem to notice the actual house. He may think we just use that space for training." He answered, sitting across from me.

Though it did little to comfort me, I did feel some relief. "Zach is going to work, but I've kept the children home from school."

Will made a noise of agreement. "It's for the best; Zach could at least hold his own against Zane long enough for us to reach him. By the way, what did he say to you?"