Gods and Monsters

Ch. 30 Hidden Money

"Mom?"

Elias stared at the woman as she shut the door behind her.

Dull green eyes scanned over the floor before looking up and taking in everyone that was situated around the living room. Her eyes paused on Sam who was still in his wolf form, which was huge but nowhere near as big as his father. Elias couldn't believe it when he had seen Mr. Baxter shift into a wolf that stood taller than him.

He shouldn't be thinking about that now. His mom was standing here in the living room. After months of no word from her. Elias mouth opened but no words formed as he took in her frizzy blonde hair that looked greasy and limp. Her clothes were too big and dirty, hanging from her boney shoulders. The only difference Elias could make out from the last time he'd seen her, was the pointed ears her hair was tucked behind. It was a little reassuring knowing they weren't the only ones who had them.

Maverick moved from in front of the windows so he could get a better look at the woman he hadn't seen in years.

Elias couldn't help the hopeful smile but it quickly slipped away when he noticed the way her hands were shaking. She looked over everyone once more before walking into the kitchen where they could hear her digging through the cabinets. Elias exhaled slowly and sunk back down onto the floor where Sam nuzzled his big head against his neck.

Maverick laughed, a soft chuckle that grew until he was holding onto his stomach and wiping tears from his eyes.

"Ricky," Elias said quietly, shaking his head at his older brother.

"What? It's funny, fucking hilarious actually."

"That's a bad word." Aurora scolded with a disapproving look.

Maverick ignored her and continued to laugh, shaking his head almost is a disbelieving manner. Sam left Elias' side but came back shortly after he'd shifted and dressed.

"What's going on?" He asked, sitting down beside Elias and grabbing his hand to hold. The young wolf shifter acted like it was impossible to not be in contact with him in some way but he didn't mind. He actually liked it, loved it even, knowing that Sam was always there.

Elias didn't want to have to admit that his mom was currently in the kitchen looking for alcohol that wasn't there. Sage made sure to always pour out any bottles brought in the house. If their mom came looking for it, she'd usually think she forgot that she already drunk it. Even though he'd told Sam a little bit about his home life, It still embarrassed him and he didn't want his best friend to think any differently of him. Sam was raised in the suburbs with two parents and surrounded by friends and family. Elias decided to pretend he didn't hear him and looked down at their joined hands.

Their mom could be heard cursing in the kitchen, the cabinet doors starting to slam more forcefully as she became angry. Elias was use to it by now but Aurora inched closer to him and Brandon was holding Marlo who hid his face against his neck.

Sage still made no movements and showed no signs of waking up.

Their mom stormed out of the kitchen and ran up the stairs. Elias shut his eyes and hoped that she wasn't going through their room looking for money Sage would hide. She usually couldn't find it but then she'd resort to screaming at Sage to give it to her. Who would she scream at when Sage didn't wake up?

"M-maybe we should go to your place." Elias suggested to Sam, unable to meet his eyes as his face burned from his embarrassment.

"Your brother still hasn't woken up." Sam whispered. Elias knew he was right and it would be wrong for him to leave but he really didn't want Sam to see what his mom was like.

Dropping his head in his hands, everything was quiet as they listened to things banging around. He wished Sage was awake, he always knew what to do.

"Sage!"

Elias cringed at her shrill voice as she came stomping back down the stairs. He didn't look up when she repeated his name and still got no response. Everyone was quiet as they watched the scene unfold but Elias had seen it enough. Only this time she wouldn't have Sage to yell at.

"Elias," he could hear that she was in front of him but he refused to remove his hands from his face. "Where is it? I know he's hiding money somewhere around here!" Her voice gradually escalated until she was shouting in front of him. "Where is it?!" She kept repeating.

Elias didn't answer and didn't move, listening to her moving closer. Cold hands gripped his own as they were pried from his face and Elias had no choice but to look up at his mom. Tears lined his eyes as he met ones that once were that matching pair of his own.

"Tell me where he's hiding that money." She said softly, her hands holding his. It sounded kind but Elias knew it wasn't. He'd heard her do this to Sage, he'd witnessed how manipulative she could be.

"I'm not telling you." He forced out, swallowing past the lump in his throat.

A lot happened after the unexpected slap that made his tears fall and his ears ring. The first being Sam who growled loudly and pulled Elias behind him. After attacking Sage he wasn't going to make the same mistake by attacking any of Elias' family. The second thing was Brandon stood, placing a crying Marlo on the couch, his eyes were glowing a bright gold and power radiated from him in waves. Maverick had the twins behind him and was hissing at their mom, his eyes swirling in shades of red.

Elias didn't know what to do but to cup his stinging cheek and stare at his mom with wide eyes.

Then it was like a soft breeze blew through the room but no windows or doors were open. It felt familiar, safe. Everyone stared in shock as Sage stood up like he hadn't been comatose for days. His eyes were glowing a blinding white and Elias found that he couldn't meet them.

Their mom gasped, stumbling back as her hand went to her chest.

"It's good to see you, mom."