3.21 Daddy's Home

Author's Note: This chapter takes place at least two years since the last chapter. Caleb is now part of his brother-in-law's band and Drew had another child, a little girl named Emmaline.

Once their tour had been shortened Caleb went home gathered his wife into his arms and kissed her. Laughing she looked into his eyes "you should go away more often," she smiled up at him.

"I missed you and the kids," he told her in way of explanation.

"I missed you too," she leaned into him "I hate it when your gone."

Leaning over he brought his mouth crashing down on hers as if to reassure himself she was real, that she was safe. "Nothing strange or out of the ordinary happen while I was gone?"

"No nothing," she saw the worry in his eyes as she reached up to stroke his face "don't worry so much. The body guards you have prowling around here keep even the neighbors away."

"You think I went overboard" he accused.

"No I think you went over and beyond to keep your family safe," standing on her tip toes she kissed his nose "and I love you for it." Taking his hand she started towards the door "the kids are anxious to see their dad."

Looking around he asked "why aren't they out here?"

"They have a surprise for you," she put a hand across his mouth "don't spoil it"

"But I hate ..."

"Don't" she pleaded "they worked so hard on this."

"I hate surprises" he finished as he stood outside the door.

"I know but you'll like this one" she kissed his cheek "trust me?"

"Always," he said opening the door. He walked into the living room where banners and streamers were strewn around.

"Daddy" Emmaline squealed in delight.

Picking her up, Caleb put her on his shoulders where she grabbed fistfuls of his pink hair. "Don't pull my hair out," he told her with no obvious affect.

Laughing at him Drew shook her head "she loves the color pink." She moved in front of him trying to distract him from what the kids were doing. "Do you like the decorations?" She pointed towards the banners "what do you think?"

"Welcome home daddy" one banner read. Another said "We missed you daddy." Turning he found another that read "We love you daddy." His head jerked around as he heard the first musical notes fill the room. He turned to find Indira playing his piano singing in accompaniment with Andrew.

Drew came and wrapped her arms around him as he fought to control his emotions. It wasn't the best song and the words didn't rhyme but it was for him and that made it the best song he'd ever heard. Holding his breath he let the music fill his heart and soul. He knew beyond doubt he was no longer Caleb Gray the teen heart throb. Caleb Gray most eligible bachelor. Caleb Gray best solo artist of the year. He was Caleb Gray AKA Daddy and he was just fine with that. When the kids were finished he clapped his hands whistling "best surprise ever" he announced. 

"Really? You really liked it?" Indira asked hopping down from the piano seat "Andy and I wrote it just for you."

"It was beautiful sweetheart," Caleb said putting Emmaline down to hug her and Andrew.

***

Sitting next to Caleb she leaned her head on his shoulder. "It's good to have you home."

Taking her hand he sighed "I've missed you and the kids."

Gesturing around at the strewn banners and decorations "well you can see how much we missed you." Looking up at him she asked "are we in danger?"

"Honestly I don't know. The extra guards and security are a precaution," Caleb explained "it's probably just a fan...."

"Stalker fan more like," Drew shifted moving out of his embrace "I'm scared."

"I know but we're doing all we can," he reassured her "we can't just stop performing every time a fan gets a little creepy."

"I know but it doesn't stop me from worrying" she stood up crossing her arms.

Coming up behind her he kissed her neck "everything that can be down has been done. I promise I'm not taking this lightly." He continued to kiss the soft skin along her neck. Inhaling the scent of lilac her skin emitted "right now I do  have other things on my mind other then creepy stalker dude."

Turning in his arms "what would that be?" she asked arching an eyebrow at him.

"A certain beautiful young woman" he said lowering his mouth towards hers until mere centimeters separated them.

"Should I be jealous of this impossibly perfect woman?"

"Not at all" he said closing the gap between them devouring her mouth "because that beautiful woman is you." He picked her up in his arms and carried her to their room. "I've been wanting to do this from the moment I got home."

"I assure you Mr Gray the feeling is entirely mutual." She reached up and pulled his shirt over his head. Running her hands across his chest saying "have I told you how much I love you?"

"Mmm hmm" he replied as he continued to kiss her jawline, down her neck. "Love you too" he murmured against her skin as he let his kisses and hands talk for him.

***

Sitting up with a jerk Drew listened to the silence of the house. Ears straining to hear the noise that woke her up. Footsteps on the stairs leading up to the children's rooms. Turning on a light she got out of bed thinking that one of the kids had gotten up.

Going up the stairs she thought it was strange that none of the lights were on. If one of the kids were up surely then would have turned on a light. Hesitating on at the top of the stairs she wondered if she should have gotten Caleb to come with her. A light flashed in her face blinding her. A deep voice commanded "don't scream if you care about your kids and husband."

Nodding to show she understood she squinted into the light. "What do you want?"

"What Patricia Bennett took from me?" the voice was deep, angry sending chills down her spine. 

Despite her fear Drew shook her head "I don't know what your talking about."

"Don't make me laugh," the man hissed "your family is rich. The only way that could have happened is if you used what that woman stole."

"My father would never do that. He was a world renowned author before that bitch killed him. My grandfather is a celebrity chef. We have our own money. We wouldn't need anything from that woman." Drew felt her anger rising as she gripped the railing.

A rumble intensified in the room as the silhouette in front of her began to laugh. "I don't care where you think you got the money I'm only interested in retrieving what that bitch took." He grabbed her wrist twisting her arm behind her.

Hissing in pain she was forced down the stairs. Once they made it down to the 2nd floor she tried to yank her arm free. "I'll break it," the man threatened. Hearing the intent in his voice and the added pressure on her wrist she ceased struggling. He demanded "tell me where it is."

"Where is what? I don't understand" Drew cried "I don't know what you're looking for."

"Your mother took something..."

"She's not my mother," she screamed "she killed my mother. Why don't you ask  her where whatever it is she took is?" The door to her room opened "Caleb no," she shouted struggling more.

Eyes widening Caleb took in the scene before him. A masked man holding his struggling wife helpless in his grip. "Let her go" his voice firm, angry with no hint of fear.

"Make me," the man taunted grabbing Drew and pulling her close. Lifting his mask enough to uncover his mouth he gave Caleb a nasty grin before smashing his mouth down on Drew's lips.

She struggled against him as his mouth pressed down upon her. Bruising as he kissed her roughly on the mouth, forcing his tongue deep inside choking her. She shoved against him trying to get away from the invasion. When he was satisfied he tossed her aside. A dull thud sounding through the room when her head collided with the wall. Dimly she was aware of grunting and fabric rustling against fabric. She tried to get up "Caleb" she managed to say before succumbing to the darkness and falling into a heap on the floor.

Caleb launched himself at the man screaming, blinded with rage. He plowed into the man knocking them both to the floor. The man's incessant laughter driving him into a frenzy as he struggled to pound the man into the floor. He had no clear idea how long they struggled on the floor before he realized he was slowly losing the battle. The man rolled over on top of him using his face as a punching bag. Caleb's heart sank at the sound of Indira's frightened voice calling for him.

"Don't come down here," he shouted hoping she'd listen. He felt the man shift his weight as he focused on the little girl. Fearing he was going to go after his kids he shouted "leave my family alone."

"You're not in any position to demand anything," the man told him "tell me what I want to know and no one will get hurt."

"What? Tell you what?" Caleb asked his heart pounding in his chest and ears. He felt the man's fingers dig into his throat cutting off his oxygen. As his vision blurred and dimmed he caught movement to his left as his son came down the stairs. He wanted to scream for him to run. To hide. To do anything then what he was intent on doing.

"Leave my daddy alone," Andrew demanded swinging the bat towards the man's head.

Rolling off of Caleb the man's mask slipped off revealing a rather good looking young man with cold eyes. He sneered down at the small child who dared to defy him. Gasping for breath Caleb struggled to his knees attempting to put himself between the man and his son.

"Pathetic," the man snarled pushing Caleb aside. He moved quick and snatched the boy as he attempted to run. "Get me what I want or you'll never see the boy again."

Enraged Caleb tried to stop the man. To protect  his child. His son. He felt rather then saw the vicious kick the man delivered to his head. As he lay next to Drew on the floor he heard Andrew's frantic screams as the man carried him from the house. As he slipped into unconsciousness the last sound he heard was Andrew screaming for him "daddy, daddy help!"

***

Drew came to first. Putting a hand to her throbbing head she became aware of someone crying nearby. "Caleb?" she asked opening her eyes.

"Daddy's hurt," Indira cried "I can't wake him up."

She gasped at the bloody mess that was Caleb's face. "Honey daddy's going to be alright," she said reaching a shaky hand towards the little girl who willingly snuggled into her crying harder.

"Mommy who was that man?"

"I don't know baby" she said holding the near hysterical girl tight against her. She knew she should call the police but first she had to check on her family.

"Mama I called the number" Indira informed her.

"What number?" she asked stroking her hair back.

"The mergency number," Indira sat up sniffling "did I do the right thing?"

"Yes baby that was exactly right" Drew assured her "where's your brother?"

"The ... the bad man took him" she choked out sobbing. "Mama" she screamed as several men in uniforms came up the stairs with guns drawn.

"Ma'am is there anyone else in the house?" one of the officers asked.

"My baby girl is upstairs" she took a breath before continuing "my son was...was kidnnnapped." Crying as she said the words that made it all the more real. Why had that man taken her son? Would she ever see him again?

***

Several hours later she sat beside Caleb in the hospital. She had called Ambrose to tell him what happened. As soon as he arrived he demanded to know what happened to all the guards and security that was supposed to be there. Good question. One Drew hadn't thought of asking. She had been to distracted with crying kids, a dazed and concussed husband and a missing child.

Caleb opened his grey eyes looking up at her "I'm sorry" he croaked.

"For what?"

"I couldn't protect you...."

"None of this was your fault," she stroked his hair back seeing the damage that man had done to his lovely face. Two black eyes, swollen and bruised where the man had punched him over and over again. A broken nose, a couple loose teeth, concussion. He was lucky there wasn't permanent damage to his vocal cords from being strangled. 

"Should have done a better job," he struggled to sit up.

Pushing him back "what do you think your doing?" she asked.

"I have to find our son," he pushed her hands away as he tried to sit up "I have to...." he turned ghostly white before his eyes rolled up to the back of his head and he fell back on the pillow.

***

"What do you mean I can't see her?" Drew demanded "she's the only person who knows what this person wants."

The officer shook his head "only her children can see her at the prison."

"Can't they make an exception?" she pleaded "please my son's life is at stake."

"We tried but they won't make an exception," he put a hand on her shoulder "I'm sorry I tried everything I could think of to get them to relax the rules. Can't you ask one of her kids to visit for you?"

His compassion showed in his eyes and his voice. She nodded her understanding. It didn't make things any better. She would have to ask one of her siblings to face their mother across a small table in a confined room. She looked up as Alex came into the waiting room. He was the best choice she had but she hated to ask him.

"How's Caleb?" Alex asked giving Drew a hug.

"Lucky" she smiled at him "thanks for coming."

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away,"he told her "Caleb's my friend not just my brother-in-law." He looked into her eyes "what's wrong?"

"I need your help but I'm afraid to ask..."

"There's nothing you could ask that I wouldn't do" he told her with a teasing self-assured grin.

"You haven't heard what I need," Drew told him looking away.

"You better just spit it out," Alex told her never one to play guessing games.

"I need you to go and see your mom..."

He was already shaking his head refusing before she finished. "Drew I ... I can't. I can't look at that woman without seeing. Not after what she did...."

"I know Alex and I'm sorry. I wouldn't ask if there was another way. Only her kids can see her..."

Breathing hard he sat heavily into a nearby chair covering his face in his hands. Drew stood beside him watching him in concern as his body shook with tremors. "What do you need me to do?" he asked looking up at her.

"We need to find out what she took from her father-in-law that the drug cartel needs back."

Gulping he nodded "I'll go" his voice conveyed his loathing he at the thought of seeing his mother again.

"Thank you," she cried hugging him close.

"Don't thank me yet," he attempted to joke "I haven't gotten it yet."

***

Andrew sat huddled on the floor of the car while the man drove through the streets of Monte Vista. Andrew knew the man was driving fast without seeing the speed-o-meter by the way the car lurched throwing him from side to side. He tried not to cry but the tears kept coming even after the man yelled slapping him across the face telling him to shut up. Now he stuffed his hand in his mouth biting down so he wouldn't make a sound.

"Kid you hungry?" the man asked.

"Yyyyes" he stammered "bbbbut....

"But what kid?" the man turned to look down at him "spit it out kid."

"I nnneed to ggggo" the man was acting nice too nice and that was scarier than the mean guy. He couldn't get his mouth to work and he was afraid the man would get mad again.

"You need to pee?" the man asked laughing harshly.

"Yyyesss" Andy nodded.

"Listen kid," the man said pulling off the road "we're going inside to get snacks and use the toilet. Don't look at anyone. Don't talk to anyone. Anyone asks who your daddy is you point to me. You got that kid?" Andrew began to nod "I can't hear you nod kid." The man frowned down at him.

"Yyyyesss" he stammered cringing into the floor mats.

"Good" the man smiled opening the door. Leaning over he dragged Andrew out with him. 

"Remember what I told you kid or I'll have to go back and hurt that pretty mama of yours. You wouldn't want me to do that now would you?"

"Nnnoo" he stammered as the man pulled him along into the convenience store.

3.20 Time To Say Goodbye

"Dad" Keenan called running towards the shed "you've go to stop him," he pleaded the pink haired male.

Caleb turned to confront the frantic fifteen year old. "Your father knows what he's doing," he assured the boy moving to block the door.

"You don't understand," Keenan cried baring his fangs hissing at Caleb.

Gulping Caleb stood his ground hoping Adam was right that the boy was no different then any other fifteen year old. "What don't I understand?" he asked in the hopes of distracting the boy.

"If that IF is who we think it is. She's going to kill my dad." Tears ran down is cheek "I can't lose him." He gripped Caleb's shirt "please I have to help him...he can't do this on his own."

Caleb struggled in the boys grip. Jerking backwards groaning as his shirt ripped as it tore free from the boys grasp. He looked towards the shed door, indecision written on his face. "I can't let you go in there," he told the boy "Adam wouldn't want you sacrificing yourself for him."

"Then you go in there," Keenan implored "please he's all I have..." He fell to his knees "he's the only one who understands me...please I can't lose him."

The boys pleading eyes as they gazed up at him tugged at Caleb's heart. How could he stand by without helping? He looked towards the house. Saw Drew walking towards them. Before he could think through the ramifications of his actions he turned towards the boy "I'll help your dad. Just promise me something..."

Nodding Keenan got to his feet "I'll do anything ... just help my dad."

Fumbling with the keys to unlock the door Caleb looked straight into the unnaturally light glowing eyes of the boy standing before him "don't let Drew follow me. Whatever happens to us help her."

Keenan turned to look at the approaching young woman, his cousin "I can't let you...." he began to say realizing the sacrifice he had asked Caleb to make. Turning when he heard the door open and shut. Running towards the door Keenan tried to reach it before the lock clicked in place. Pulling on the door handle screaming "Caleb don't do this. I had no right to ask you. Your family needs you." Pounding on the door he yelled into the night.

***

Moving quickly while the boy was distracted Caleb unlocked, closed and bolted the door from the inside before locking the door again. Blinking he stumbled over something in the dark. "Adam" he called fearing the thing he tripped over may have been the older man. Laughter greeted his inquiry as he tried to figure out where the sound was coming from in the dark.

"You're too late," the voice snarled from the darkness "I win."

"You win what?" Caleb asked the disembodied voice. "what do you get for killing Adam?"

"I accomplish my life's aspiration," she said "I can now claim my rightful place as an elder ruling over Midnight Hollow. There is no higher accomplishment."

"Wrong," Caleb shouted back at her "this elaborate plan was all for nothing. Did you forget Adam is the ruler of Moonlight Falls and Midnight Hollow? That was one of the first things he changed. Your purpose is obsolete. Your obsolete."

Screaming Windy ran towards the taunting man. Hands out stretched seeking to strangle the hateful words from his throat. Everything she had lived for was gone. Her sole purpose was gone. Her only goal in life was lost. She should have known Adam would do this to her. Always foiling her carefully laid out plans.

Caleb tried to avoid what was coming but he couldn't see from what direction she would attack from. He was slammed against a wall gagging as hands like steal claws closed around his throat cutting off his oxygen. He clawed at the inhuman hands feeling skin come away as he scratched at her hands. Nothing phased her. His vision grew dark as he lost consciousness. His last thoughts were of his family, Drew, his kids, Ambrose, his parents, brothers and sister. All their faces blended together until their was just one gazing upon him with sadness.

***

Pulling the boy from the door Drew gripped his shoulders shaking him until he looked up at her. 

"What's happening?" she yelled at him hoping to break through his dazed expression.

"He....he...." gulping for air he turned glazed eyes up towards his cousin "I'm sorry. I didn't think. I didn't realize what I was asking of him. He shouldn't have gone in there."

"What did he do?" she gripped his upper arms squeezing with a fierceness she didn't realize she had "what did he do?"

Nodding towards the door "he went in there...to...to help my dad."

Dropping her hands from the boy she turned towards the door. "Caleb honey come out here right this instance." She knew it was useless she knew Caleb wouldn't be able to stand idly by. Knew he would put himself in danger if it meant he could help someone else. God help her, she didn't want her kids to have live the nightmare she had. They needed their father. She needed her husband. She didn't want to raise their children alone. "Caleb" she screamed falling to her knees on the rough ground.

"Come on," Keenan grabbed her arm "we've got to go check on the kids."

Nodding she let him guide her towards the house. Halfway across the yard she turned back "what do we do if she escapes?"

Keenan stopped, turned and stared at the silent innocent looking shed. Within those walls he knew three people were fighting for their lives. Only one of them deserved to die. He didn't know what to do. The one person with all the answers was in there. His dad. Keenan knew he wasn't ready to become ruler in his dads place. He didn't want to do it at all without his dad by his side. His dad had the empathy he lacked for humans. He was the key to bridging the gap between human and supernatural. Blinking he turned to Drew knowing the answer to her question. The answer was something neither he or she was prepared to do.

***

When the pink haired male became silent, ceasing his useless struggles she let his body drop to the floor with a dull thud. "Stupid human," she mumbled as she approached Adam's prone body sprawled on the floor. "Your the stupidest one of all," she rolled him roughly onto his back.

Several minutes passed before Adam's eyelids flickered and a low moan issued from his mouth. Fighting the pain Adam lifted his head to find Windy's eyes glaring at him. "What did I ever do to you except make you real and be stupid enough to fall in love with you?"

"My kind can't love," she told him enjoying his feeble attempts to sit up.

"That's a lie and you know it" he leaned back resting his head on the wall behind him. "I've learned a lot about your kind all the years I've been ruling. I'm not the same naive kid I used to be."

She stared impassively at him as memories of him as a toddler singing to her ran through her mind. She used to love the sound of his voice. How his voice made her feel warm and safe wrapping her up in his love. She encouraged that love, helping it to grow stronger as he turned to her for comfort as his mother grew colder, meaner and more hateful. She knew then, that was what she had to become if she wanted the coveted eldership in Midnight Hollow. It was rare that an IF actually killed their human life giver. As they adapted from what the Watchers originally made them to be the more IF's began to fall in love with their life givers and have children. Some though opted for the more sinister pleasure of making the life givers lives miserable in place of killing them outright. 

A smile lit up her face as she watched Adam cringe against the wall no doubt wondering what she was thinking about. She had almost opted for that last option after she found out she was pregnant. She enjoyed watching him squirm like a worm on a hook. Scott ruined it though. She wanted to play with both men but she had to be careful with the things she did with Scott. She had no hold over him and the elders would have given her up to the authorities if she had hurt him too much. Scott wasn't her life giver. Adam was, she could run to Midnight Hollow once she disposed of him. They'd protect her if she fulfilled her goal. That was up until she started hurting her halfling son to accomplish that goal.

She should have taken the child with her. Dumped him off at the home for halflings in Midnight Hollow. Then forgot about him. She couldn't though. The moment he was born she wanted him. Wanted to be his mother. By then there was no way back from the things she had done. No way to undo the harm she had done. Jealousy and obsession had taken over. If she couldn't have Adam no else could. It nearly destroyed her when Adam remarried, had a child with that other woman. He was supposed to pine for her the way she did for him.

Adam looked past Windy at the silent, still form of Caleb on the floor. Closing his eyes he wondered why the young man followed him. Stilling his human senses and feelings he let his vampire senses take control. He heard his son, felt his anguish and guilt. Guilt for asking Caleb to help. Guilt for allowing his needs to overcome his better sense. Confusion was there too. He was lost needing direction, not knowing what he should do next. Adam pushed out with his mind, concentrating on his son giving him the answer he needed.

***

"Caleb when will you ever learn?" 

"Star? Is that you? How?" he asked sitting up in a daze. He reached his hand out touching her beloved face pulling her close, devouring her mouth with his. "I've missed you so so much."

"I've missed you too," she leaned into him "I wish ...." she began to say as she was interrupted by a clear cheerful voice from the little girl running up to them.

"Is it him? Really really him?" she asked flopping down beside them. 

Looking quizzically at the little girl sitting beside him Taking in her red gold hair and light green eyes. Turning to Star "who is this? I feel as if I should know her."

"She's your daughter Olivia," Star watched sadness fill his grey eyes "I'm sorry I thought you would want to meet her."

"I do I just...I didn't expect..." he pulled the little girl to him hugging her close. This was the child he and Drew had lost.

"I've been watching out for her until you came," Star told him.

"Star's my bestest friend daddy along with grandma and grandpa." she kissed his cheek "I wanted to meet you but you need to go now."

"Go? I just got here," Caleb protested. 

Nodding towards the little girl who was running off already filling the air with her giggles "she's right you know. You need to go."

"I can't," Caleb protested wrapping his arms around her holding her tight not wanting to ever let her go. "I want to stay here with you."

Turning she ran a hand across his bearded cheek. "Caleb I love you but you don't belong here with me." Shaking her head sadly she kissed his cheek "you need to go back. Your family needs you."

Shock jolted through him as he staggered to his feet all but throwing Star from this lap. "Drew the kids what will she think?" he ran his hands through his hair as laughter filled the air around him.

"Drew would understand," Star told him "she knows you love her. She knows that you'll always love me too. We'll be here waiting for you when it's your time."

"Don't go," he pleaded as she got up to leave him. Grabbing her hand he said "please don't go..."

"I must go before Olivia gets into trouble," Standing she laughed "she's a handful like her brother and sisters."

Tugging on her hand Caleb said "sisters? She only has one of each."

Frowning Star bit her lip before saying "another reason for you to go back."

"What aren't you telling me?" Caleb asked.

"I'm not supposed to tell you," she looked away as Olivia ran up to them throwing her arms around Caleb.

"Mama's pregnant with my baby sister," she announced. Hugging him tight she looked up "that's why you have to go back. Mama needs you."

She ran from Star's reaching hand laughing as she went. "She wasn't supposed to tell you that," Star muttered. Turning to Caleb she stroked his cheek "she's right. Drew needs you. It'll be a difficult pregnancy...you have to go back. Your family needs you."

He held her a moment more before nodding accepting his destiny "I know." He saw the sadness, the compassion and her love shining in her eyes. His heart ached for her as she started to fade. 

Before she faded completely "we'll see you after you've lived a long and full life."

"Bye daddy," Olivia called "make sure mama doesn't come for a long long time."

***

"Keenan what aren't you telling me?" she asked. His unblinking gaze towards the shed had her concerned. Grabbing him she forced him to look at her "tell me."

Tears falling from his eyes "dad says we have to set the shed on fire. Fire is the only way to kill an IF."

Mind reeling Drew shook her head "we can't do that...it...it'll kill...." She closed her eyes wanting to block out the enormity of what the cost would be. Keenan would lose his father and she would lose her husband if they weren't already dead. Things weren't going well if Adam was reaching out to his son giving him instructions on how to destroy that thing. But...she couldn't do it. She wouldn't do it.

"Mama" the terrified shriek from the baby monitor hooked to her belt shattered her thoughts. Andrew do doubt was having another of his nightmares as he continued "Peanut Butter Boy is gonna get me. Mama help!"

"Are you sure fire will destroy that thing?"

"Yes," the boy mumbled "you're not serious are you?"

"I am" she scowled towards the shed "I want my babies safe. I have to believe Caleb wants the same thing otherwise he wouldn't have gone in there."

Nodding Keenan added "dad wants Windy gone for good or he wouldn't have told me what needed to be done."

Taking a deep breath Drew wondered if this was how her dad felt as he ran between her and the gun. Calm and scared at the same time. She didn't have time to think it through. She had to protect her babies and hope that Caleb, if he was still alive would be able to find a way out. "Come on. I know how we can do this."

***

As the shed filled with smoke and fire Adam glared at Windy "you lose."

Shrieking she ran towards him seeking to rip his heart out through his chest. "It's your fault" she screamed at him "preventing me from having the things I want. Always getting in the way."

If he hadn't been weakened from her earlier assault he might have been able to shove her away from him. On the other hand if she was busy trying to rip him apart she might not notice Caleb staggering to his feet behind her. He felt her pummeling slow, fearing she might become aware of Caleb's approach he laughed "you're a dangerous fool. You never did know when to quit."

Screaming she wrapped her hands around his neck choking off his words and watched with glee in her eyes as his eyes bulged from the  pressure she was using.

Caleb watched what was happening unable to do anything about it. The room was filling with smoke causing his eyes to water and his lungs were screaming for fresh air. Adam was trying to distract her from his approach but what was he going to do once he got there? The woman was strong, too strong. If she could incapacitate a Vampire, she'd have no problem getting rid of him a lowly human.

Looking around his surroundings seeking something in the light of the fire that would help him defend himself. In the flickering light of the growing flames he spotted a hammer on a nearby workbench. Picking it up he tried not to think about what he was about to do. Approaching from behind Caleb couldn't tell if Adam was breathing or not as Windy continued to strangle him. The thought gave him the strength to swing the hammer with as much force as he could muster. He felt the impact with her head into his teeth. The dull thud and sickening crunch as it broke through her skull almost dropped him to his knees retching. Dropping the hammer from his numb fingers he tried to avoid looking at what he had done. 

Hurrying to Adam's side he tried to check for a pulse but his hands were shaking so severely he couldn't find one. Refusing to believe he hand been too late he picked the vampire up and made his way to the door. Something slammed into his back knocking him to his knees. Adam fell to the floor as Caleb tried to shield his head from the hammer he had foolishly dropped in the belief that Windy had been incapacitated.

"If I don't get to leave neither do you" she screamed trying to swing the hammer again. Adam crawled towards the door while Windy was occupied with Caleb. Fumbling with the bolt Adam managed to open the door. Going back towards the melee he gathered what strength he had to hurl Caleb through the open door. Shouting to be heard through the roar of the fire for him to lock the door on his way out.

Facing Windy in the glare of the fire. Memories of how Vallari had tried to kill his father in the basement of her home. It felt like deja vu. He hoped his own son would have more sense than he had. He hoped Keenan wouldn't try to save him. Facing Windy he shouted "you win. I'm not going anywhere."

She glared at him dropping the hammer at her feet. "Why save him?" she growled "you could have saved yourself."

"Caleb didn't deserve to die," Adam told her covering his mouth as smoke tried to choke him.

"Always the do gooder," Windy said in disgust.

"Why should I change just because I'm about to die?" Adam shrugged leaning heavily against the wall breathing hard from exertion and smoke inhalation.

"No we wouldn't want that" she sneared.

Adam stared at her unsure what he was seeing in her eyes. The same cold hateful glare was gone replaced with a look he remembered from childhood. The same look she had when he called her his best friend. He could feel the heat from the flames and the smoke as it thickened around them. It wouldn't be long now. Coughing he slid down the wall choking on smoke. He felt Windy as she lifted him to his feet. With no strength left he endured the kiss she forced upon him. Heard her whisper in his ear "I'm sorry."

He didn't have time to ponder her words before she picked him up and threw out the window shouting "thank you for never changing." He landed hard on the ground as he heard her shriek as the roof collapsed on her.

He staggered to his feet not thinking straight he tried to go in after her. He was tackled to the ground by his son "dad no" he cried "she's gone."

It's what he wanted, wasn't? A life free of her attacks? Then why did he have this dull ache in his heart? It was for the glimmer of the girl he used to know. The girl he had loved once. She had shown him that girl still existed inside her, underneath all the twisted hateful things. He grieved for the girl she could have been and knew she had sacrificed herself by saving him. She could have escaped if she had wanted to. She chose to save him and maybe in that final act she truly was sorry for the years of misery she had inflicted upon him and their son.