Madrick pondered. In his entire existence, he was never really allowed to run free. He understood, and he never really blamed his vampire family. He thought of his father, Ezra. He was harsh, but honest. He never lied to him, nor did he sugarcoat answers when questioned.
Madrick remembered Stork crying after a particularly hard day. Ezra came home and found him hiding in the study.
"Come here, boy." Ezra called.
Stork nervously climbed out of his hiding place and stood before the only parent he knew. He was still sniffling, but trying to stop the tears.
"What's wrong?" Ezra asked. He already knew. He was well aware of how his son was seen.
Stork answered, "They hate me here. Why didn't you just send me away?" He asked.
Ezra stood and moved to sit in front of him. He looked deep into his dark eyes. He took a deep breath as if he was thinking about how to word his reply. Then he spoke. Those words shaped Stork into the man he would become. Unbeknownst to everyone else, they also shaped ReNuz as well.
"People are people, son, human and nonhuman, are the same. No one has to like you, though some will. Many will dislike you on sight. The secret is finding the ones that care for you regardless and hold on to them. You are not on the earth for people to like; you are on this earth for a specific reason. One day, you'll know what that reason is. Until then, watch and learn, Stork. Watch and learn. Not everyone who smiles at you is your friend. On the other hand, just because someone is not outwardly friendly, that does not make them your enemy." Ezra paused. "You want to know why I kept you. You're my son. That's the end of it. Nothing changes that. Remember that from now on, OK. Now, I have work and I know you have school work to finish. Go!" He ordered. Stork looked at his father. He smiled a crooked smile and then scurried out of his office not feeling as bad as he had before, but now feeling a bit stronger.
Madrick shook his head. He had to dislodge that memory. If somehow, RaNul learned of it, he'd use that against him somehow. He now knew what his reason for being was. He had to protect his family from the demon that sired him. Accepting this new knowledge, Madrick decided to fight. He was a Caspian, and that was enough to face any foe.
*****
Mera sat with Shawn. He was better. He was remembering more now. Conor wanted to talk to him. Shawn had direct contact with RaNul, maybe he could remember something RaNul let slip.
Conor could no longer wait. It was obvious that Stork had somehow connected with the demon half of his makeup. Stuart was worried that RaNul now had a negative influence over his nephew. Stork had shut out the pack and the dragon clan completely.
Conor was wrong though. Madrick took precautions to make sure RaNul had no reason to target them. These people gave him a chance when he felt he had no one. They took his mate in and cared for her when she was injured. Madrick knew also that her injury was because of the man that fathered him.
RaNul was so egotistical that he had no clue his days were numbered. Madrick also suspected that his desire to know him was not some fatherly bond that was denied. RaNul was evil in its purest form. He would not let him live to harm his loved ones.
"You are so foolish, young one. You're barely a demon when RaNul has existed for centuries. Do you really think that he's so daft that he does not know you plot against him?" a disembodied voice queried..
Madrick didn't even flinch. "Really, you want to play devil's advocate. Why have your returned, mother?"" he asked. She appeared.
"I am not really here. I am but a figment of the imaginations of many. However, I must make amends if I want peace in the afterlife. You, your brother, and Ezra did not deserve the hell I left you in. Matthias no longer needs me, but you do son. So I am here until the time comes that you no longer need my guidance." She floated across the room.
