He became less a boy, and more a curiosity as the days passed. Knowing he didn’t believe her transparent story about his past left her even more uncertain. She didn’t know how much to tell him, or how to tell him about who he really was. What he had been.
He would have to know—if only to keep him safe.
She moved through the house, turning off lights as she went. Zach had a compulsive habit of flipping every light switch he passed, and leaving it on, no matter what time of day. Stopping in front of his door, she knocked.
“Ten minutes, Zach. You have school in the morning.”
“Mom—”
“Ten minutes.”
She smiled when he huffed. “Fine.”
“Good night, sweetheart.”
She was getting ready to shut her own door when he bounded out of his room. “Did you make another date with—him?”
“His name is Marcus, and yes, I did. He is a friend, Zach.”
“Friends don’t make out on the back porch.”
“Zachariah.” Claire caught his arm before he could escape. “Were you spying on me?” He muttered, staring down at the floor. “Answer me.”
“I don’t like him!” He jerked free, avoided her when she tried to take his hand. “And I don’t trust him. He’s not human, Mom.”
Claire swallowed. “Zach—”
“Don’t lie to me. I don’t understand how I know, but I do. What is he?”
Sighing, she stepped into her bedroom, knowing Zach would follow. He dropped on the bed, arms crossed, looking defiant, and scared. It was the fear that had her sitting beside him. Before he could evade again she took his hand.
“Marcus is a Jinn.” Zach’s eyes widened. “Do I need to elaborate?”
“How old?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never asked, Zach.” Because I knew I would be older. Centuries older. Yet another secret she kept from him. “And I do trust him. He saved my life, more than I can ever repay—”
“Do you love him?”
She brushed her hand over his hair, the deep, golden brown like old gold in the lamplight. “Yes, Zach. But I want you to hear this, and believe it. You are now, and will always be, first in my life. Do you understand?” Those clear blue eyes studied her, as if trying to decide to believe her. “You are my son, Zach. You are my heart.”
She heard her voice break, fought the tears that threatened.
“Mom.” He buried his face against her shoulder, wrapped his arms around her. Claire hugged him, rubbing his back, pressing her lips against his hair. “I don’t want to lose you—”
“Never.” She pulled away, looked into his eyes. Tears slipped down his face, silent, wrenching. “You will never lose me.” She wiped at the tears, fought her own. “Oh, Zach. I don’t want you to suffer over this. It breaks me.”
“I just—” He took in a shaky breath, cleared his throat. “I was afraid you’d pick him.”
“I may decide to share part of my life with him—and I would discuss it with you before I ever made that decision. But I already picked you. You’ll just have to accept the burden of being the love of my life.”
He let out a watery laugh. “Okay.”
“Are we good?”
“Yeah. We’re good.”
Claire kissed his forehead, pulled him to his feet. “Then get your loved self into bed. I don’t want to resort to torture waking you up tomorrow.”
He shuffled to the doorway. “Mom?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“I love you, too.”
He ran down the hall before she could open her mouth to answer.
Claire sat on the bed, let the tears come. Zach would never know how those words touched her, how he made her feel complete, human, real. She would let go of any obstacle that came between them, with no regrets.
The phone rang, jerking her out of her thoughts. She picked it up, smiling as she recognized the caller id.
“Hello, Annie. How’s England?”
“Surprising.”
“You sound exhausted. What time is it there?”
“Early morning.” Annie paused. “Are you sitting down?”
Panic licked at her. “I could be. Why do I need to—”
“We’re having a baby.” Claire nearly dropped the phone. “Honey—are you okay? I know it’s a shock. I’m still getting used to it myself . . . Claire?”
“Here.” She cleared her throat. “I’m here.”
“Mom!” Zach burst through the door, clutching his amethyst, his face pale. “What’s wrong? Are you all right?” He took a breath, scanning every inch of her. “Who’s on the phone?” The panic in his voice yanked her out of her stupor. “Mom—”