Winter's Bite

Chapter 20 Owen

I walked home through the woods. Pine needles crunched beneath my feet. Prey scents filled my nostrils. Moonlight failed to penetrate the trees. The woods were silent but for an owl's hoots as it hunted. I thought about what Cait had told me. Had Jeb and her mother broken up before she left? Or had she two-timed him and gotten pregnant? Dr Slevin was right. Vampires couldn't sire children. They created offspring by turning humans. Which led me to the village doctor. How did he know so much about my family? I had no anwers. Just more questions.

I resolved to talk to Jeb. He might know who Cait's father was.

It might be a painful conversation if he still harboured feelings for Cait's mother. But I determined go through with it for Cait's sake. She had a right to know her real father.

Vampires are more wakeful at night than during the day, although they don't actually need sleep at any time. I found Jeb playing a playstation game with Darren.

'Can I speak with you?' I glanced at Estelle and Darren. 'Privately?'

'What about?' Jeb sat down his control.

'What's wrong?' Estelle gazed at me I with concern as Jeb walked towards me.

'Everything's fine.' I assured her.

I led Jeb out into the hall. On impulse I checked the stairs. Chloe stood at the top. She pouted when she saw I'd seen her.

I led Jeb to the study which had a thick wooden door. Shutting the door I turned to face him.

'Do you know who Cait's biological father is?' I asked.

'Do you?' Jeb hedged.

I frowned.

'I wouldn't ask if I knew.'

Jeb hesitated.

'I need to speak to Nathaniel.'

'What's Nathaniel got to do with it?'

Jeb didn't answer as he walked from the room. I followed. It didn't seem I had much choice.

We walked down to Nathaniel's lab. I wondered what was going on. As I went to enter the door Jeb turned to face me.

'Wait here.'

I stood outside the door. Why all the secrecy? I could hear my uncles' voices, but not what they discussed. Jeb sounded heated, Nathaniel as calm as ever.

Nathaniel called me into the lab. I glanced at them both. Jeb glared at me, his eyes distrustful. Nathaniel looked serious.

'Owen, you asked who Cait's biological father is,' Nathaniel began.

'I still don't think we should tell him,' Jeb growled.

'I've known Owen longer that you. I trust him with this,' Nathaniel said.

I glanced between them. What was going on?

'This must go no further than you.' Nathaniel's tone was stern. 'You mustn't tell it to anyone, especially Cait.'

I started. 'What do you mean?'

'Jeb is Cait's biological father.'

Jeb sighed. 'I think you made a big mistake, Nathaniel.'

'You agreed to abide by my decision,' Nathaniel reminded him.

'That's impossible.' I stared from one to the other. 'Vampires can't sire children.'