Stone Lover (44 page)

    “To give them a chance,” Omari said vaguely, a half smile curving his lips.

    Annoyed, knowing no further explanation was forthcoming, Armand asked, “How did you know Mother’s blood wouldn’t kill her?”

    Omari shrugged with indifference, “I didn’t.”

    Armand’s head snapped around in horror, making Omari laugh. “I could kill you, old man. How would you have explained it to Vaughn that you were responsible for her death?”

    Omari chuckled, “Like I told her, I protect what is mine, son. I would have made sure Vaughn wouldn’t suffer too greatly by containing the pain and releasing it just a bit at a time until it was gone. It’s what I would have done with you but you didn’t love Katrina the same way.”

    “What do you mean by that?” his words came out as a growl.

    Omari shrugged, “I think you know what I mean.”

    “You’re a manipulative bastard.”

    “No,” Omari denied. “I merely… help nature along.”

    “What will happen to her now?” Armand asked, taking one last look at the girl who could have been his if he hadn’t wasted his gift on someone else. He didn’t have any regrets; she was perfect for Vaughn but he missed the bond two people could share, he just didn’t think he could ever go through the pain of giving up his nights again, not for anyone.

    “Her soul is bound to Vaughn’s,” Omari said. “She will never be a gargoyle but she is no longer human; she will be safe from those of our world who would do her harm, though the imps, on occasion, might give her a hard time.”

    “Does she understand what happened? What you did?”

    “Not yet,” Omari admitted. “But she will; in time, all of you will because it wasn’t just Medusa’s blood in the vial; I added a drop or six of my blood as well.”

    Armand’s eyes flew to his father’s face but the man had disappeared, his laughter lingering in the air. Somehow he knew that with Melanie, everything had changed, that the rules were no longer the same. All because a human girl fell in love with a gargoyle, and loved him enough to take him as a beast.