“Aden, really...! What a poor liar you are. You were attempting the flaming cross exorcism, weren't you?”
“Well yeah, we had a sudden urgent need of it.”
“I gathered you must have. Explain your predicament to me from the very beginning. How long have you been here, your number, and what has brought you to my door.”
“It's quite a long tale.”
“I have the time, so begin...”
The three of them told their story, the part the Mayor played, Maddy's abilities, and their current lack of control over themselves.
Vicky sat quietly, listening intently. She finally spoke.
“The flaming cross is a last resort. It is a temporary means to control the beast, while you arrange something more permanent for the future. I'm sorry my sons, but there is no way to rid yourself of your savage full moon wolf. I suggest a large underground room, a nuclear fallout shelter, or something similar. You won't harm each other, so have no fear of that. Wolf-folk are respectful of their kind, even when full moon rage is upon them. I can find you a place to stay, in a cell in the crypt of my chapel, until you have your own suitable accommodations arranged at your ranch.”
“Are there others you know of here, like us?” Aden asked.
“No, just you and I.”
“Vicky, how do you manage your shifter spirit? Maddy is beside herself with what happened to the Mayor. She seems to think she has to bury herself for three days underground.”
Vicky chuckled. “She would need to do that every full moon to stop her spirit from escaping. What I have discovered, through years of research and consulting with Warlocks and other such mages is so much simpler. I bind myself to God.”
“What does that mean, in practical terms?” he asked.
“It's a prayer. I sit in my chapel and pray at sunset. I send my evil spirit to God, to watch over, until dawn.”
“That seems far too easy.”
“Answers so often are.”
“And this will work, even if she harbors bad feelings for someone?”
“I get bad feelings too. I may be a servant of God, but I'm only human. I can assure you my ill will is never carried out in real life. Come to me at the next full moon and we shall commune with God.”
“We're not exactly religious, Vicky,” Lucas admitted.
“That's only to be expected. How many werewolves feel comfortable in church? Not many I guess. You have to realise this is not your fault. You are as welcome here and in the eyes of God as any other creature on this earth.”
“You've been more than a great help,” Aden said sincerely.
“Oh, one last thing… If something happens and I don't see you for some reason, Maddy is at risk from you and you from her. She is a higher being. She doesn't realise this. I didn't for a long time. We aren't exactly werewolves. We're called dark travellers, or the Ward.”
“But I bit her. She was definitely a real werewolf before. What happened to change things?”
“That was a temporary phase. She has a wolf-spirit like you, and I. But we have something extra, another inner self, which is a real demon. She is possessed, more than cursed. It's a lifelong possession and it's what drew me to the church. I was a teacher for many years before I became a minister. I thought about ending my life to stop myself from committing any more terrible deeds. But I learned that my demon would be unleashed forever if I killed myself. I must die underground, in holy soil. When my time comes, I have to ensure that I do. If too many of us are released into the world of men by our deaths, they could form a legion and that could bring about the End of Days. We have no way of knowing, so we must take care.”
“Jeez, this keeps getting better and better,” Aden said, raking his fingers through his hair.
“You're her guardians. You must ensure she is kept safe. If death is imminent she must be interred, in holy soil. That is your duty if you are able to fulfil it.”
“But why her Vicky?”
“Why her, you ask? Why me, why anyone? I can't answer that. I'm not sure that even the good lord himself can. Enjoy your lives as they are. You have so many wonderful years of youth and love ahead of you, families to raise and care for. There is no need for concern or worry about things you have no control over. I've given you all the information you need to bear the darkness in your lives. I will conduct your weddings, baptisms, and funerals, if I am still alive and able. You have a friend in me, and for many years yet, I sincerely hope!”
Chapter 11
One Month Later.
Maddy walked up the aisle towards him, looking like an angel, in her long ivory silk gown, with Shane at her side.
Aden took her hand in his as Pastor Saunderfoot began the blessing of their union , wrapping their wrists with her holy cloth. He felt an inner peace descend upon him. They were blessed and loved by God, no longer fearing of his wrath.