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“What are the odds of you sneaking us into the temple tonight?” It’s been a week since we were almost caught there, but as much as I don't want to risk it again, I need to help Mom more.
“I can probably be convinced,” Cas smirks as he pulls me to him and wraps his arms around me. “Are you telling me you want to be worshiped again?”
“Actually, Mom starts chemo tomorrow. I’d like to surprise her with a full ceremony to ask for the blessing and healing of the Goddess. I can’t help but think that we’ll get a little extra oomph for holding worship in the heart of the enemy’s territory.” I wiggle my eyebrows for dramatic effect, trying to cheer myself up while knowing that the hard part starts tomorrow. I’m hoping the Mother will appreciate the cheekiness of it, and the danger involved, and give us her favor.
“Just let me know what time. I’ll figure out a way to keep Dad away.”
“I have that covered,” I wince, holding up a small vial filled with liquid.
“What is this?”
“My namesake,” I shrug. “Mountain Laurel. Put some of this in his drink or food and he won’t be leaving the house, or technically the bathroom, tonight. Don’t use too much though, because it can be deadly.”
“Understood. How else can I help? And what time?”
“I’d like to hit the high point of the ceremony at midnight, so maybe around eleven?” That will give us time to set up, change, and start the ceremony. This will be my first ceremony as High Priestess with my moms, and I’m excited and nervous all at the same time.
“Can I join? Or is this a women only thing? No pressure, I’d just like to see what my mom sacrificed her life and happiness for.” He looks apprehensive and embarrassed, the tips of his ears turning pink. “And I want to see what you are devoted to. I’d like to understand how different it is from what’s been shoved down my throat my whole life.”
I lean in to give him a sweet kiss. “Of course you can come. You have to follow my direction though, I want this to be as perfect as possible for Mom.”
“You’re the boss. Now, when am I supposed to dose Dad with this? And tell me more about these side effects.”
CASTOR
“Hey, Dad. Got a minute?”
I keep a bottle of Scotch in my office for when I need to calm him down, so I hold up the bottle and two glasses. I’ve already dosed one of the glasses with the Mountain Laurel, adding ice to try to hide it.
“Good, you’re finally here.” He acts as if he had requested my presence and I’ve kept him waiting. “It’s time we had a talk.”
I move to his credenza and fill both glasses, making sure I don’t mix them up and dose myself before I hand him his drink and take a seat across from him. He looks like absolute shit. He’s lost weight, his dyed hair is limp and greasy, his skin is sallow, and his eyes are dark and sunken. How long has he looked this bad?
“Talk about what?”
“Don’t play coy, you know what. Do I need to remind you that you better not be thinking of rekindling what you used to have with that girl? You know she’s not a suitable candidate.”
My father’s voice slides across my skin like the slime he reminds me of, and it takes everything in me to keep from punching him in the face. Or pouring the rest of the Mountain Laurel straight down his throat.
“Candidate for what?” I ask him, knowing what he means but forcing him to spell it out for me.
“For the wife of the future Reverant, of course. You have an image to uphold, Castor, and that girl is too fair to pass. She’s fine to slake your thirst on, Radiant Father knows she’s got a tight little body, but she’s not marriage material. Besides, it’s obvious she’s not devoted. Your mother-”
“You are disgusting,” I snarl. I’m tired of his bullshit. “Do not say a fucking word about my mother. You lost that chance when you started fucking everything you could get your hands on while she was dying. And don’t say anything about Laurel either. You always judged her for something she can’t control, and you’re the reason I lost her the first time! I stayed for you because Mom begged me to. I gave up the life I wanted and the woman I loved because you’re so pathetic you can’t take care of yourself, and she knew it. I’m only here now because it was Mom’s dying wish, but I’m done living my life for you and what you want. Whether Laurel and I restart our relationship is none of your business. Finish your drink and go the fuck home, old man. I’m sure your flavor of the week will be happy to stop by and worship at your altar.”
I’ve never spoken to my father like this before and I feel liberated beyond belief. Before he can get the stupid, shocked look off his face and figure out how to respond, I turn on my heel and walk out of his office, leaving the Scotch behind. I never intended to actually share a drink with him, so I dosed the bottle too. If he drinks more tonight, or on another day, that’ll be on him.
I’m done living my life for him.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Cas texted me an hour ago to confirm that his dad went home, laughing when it seemed that he was in a bit of a hurry. Perhaps to get to the bathroom? Now that the coast is clear, I make my way to the living room where Mom will be getting ready to head to bed soon. Sure enough, her nightly news is about to end and she’s starting to doze. Sil is next to her already asleep, and if this wasn’t so important I’d leave them alone to get the rest we're all going to need.
“Wakey wakey ladies!” I chirp. Sil jolts awake with a snort, causing Mom and I to laugh. “We’ve got places to go, people to avoid!”
“What are you talking about? It’s time for bed.”
“Nope! Put your shoes on and get your cute butts in the car. I’ve got a surprise for you.”
