Witch’s Promise (Shadowguards #3.5)

12. Gabe

Chapter 12

Gabe

G abe weaved through the crowd of party guests, his eyes scanning the room for Jessy. The weight of responsibility sat heavy on his shoulders, a constant reminder of the near-disaster they'd narrowly averted just days ago. He spotted her chatting with his brother Gino, her color much improved since that terrifying night. Thank fuck for small miracles.

As he approached, Jessy's eyes lit up with recognition. "Gabe! I was just telling your brother about that amazing healing spell you used. I swear, I've never felt better."

Gabe forced a smile, pushing down the twinge of discomfort at her praise. He'd done what anyone would have done, right? It wasn't like he'd saved the world or anything. Just one life. One very important life.

"I'm glad you're feeling better," he said, genuine relief coloring his tone.

Jessy nodded, a conspiratorial grin spreading across her face. “I’ll be fine here go greet your guest.”

Gino rolled his eyes, elbowing Gabe playfully. "Always the responsible one, aren't you, big bro? Relax a little. It's a party, for crying out loud."

Gabe opened his mouth to retort when the doorbell chimed, cutting through the ambient noise of the party. His heart skipped a beat, a mixture of anticipation and dread flooding his system. Could it be...?

"I'll get it," he said quickly, perhaps a bit too eagerly. Gino raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.

Gabe made his way to the front door, his mind racing. He hadn't really expected Sean to show up. After all, why would he? Their history was complicated at best, a minefield of hurt feelings and misunderstandings. But a small part of Gabe, a part he'd tried to bury under years of resentment and pain, couldn't help but hope.

Taking a deep breath, Gabe opened the door. And there he was. Sean fucking Drake, looking like he'd just stepped out of one of Gabe's more frustrating dreams. Leather jacket, tousled hair, and those eyes that still had the power to make Gabe's knees weak. Goddamn it.

"Sean," Gabe heard himself say, surprised by the warmth in his own voice. "You made it."

Sean nodded, looking about as uncomfortable as Gabe felt. His hands were wrapped around a bouquet of flowers, knuckles white with tension. It was such an incongruous image - Sean Drake, former bad boy extraordinaire, clutching a bunch of daisies like a lifeline - that Gabe couldn't help but smile.

"Are those for me?" he teased, unable to resist.

Sean's eyes widened, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Uh, yeah. I mean, no. Shit." He thrust the bouquet forward, nearly smacking Gabe in the chest. "They're for your dad. Happy birthday and all that."

Gabe chuckled, taking the flowers with more care than was probably necessary. "They're beautiful. Thank you."

Sean shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, well. Seemed like the thing to do, you know?"

An awkward silence fell between them, years of unspoken words and regrets hanging in the air. Gabe could feel the weight of it pressing down on him, threatening to crush him under its enormity. He'd invited Sean here, hadn't he? This was what he wanted. So why did it feel like he was teetering on the edge of a cliff, one wrong move away from disaster?

But then he looked at Sean, really looked at him, and saw the same uncertainty reflected back.

"Come on in," he said, stepping back to hold the door open wider. "Everyone's out back."

Sean hesitated, his body language screaming fight-or-flight. "You sure about this? I mean, I'm not exactly the kind of guy you bring home to meet the parents. Not anymore, anyway."

"I invited you, didn't I?" Gabe said, infusing his voice with a confidence he didn't entirely feel. "Now get your ass in here before I change my mind."

A surprised laugh escaped Sean's lips. "Still bossy as ever, I see."

Gabe grinned, feeling some of the tension dissipate. "You have no idea."

As Sean stepped into the house, Gabe couldn't help but watch him take it all in. The spacious entryway, the elegant decor, the family photos lining the walls. It was a far cry from the modest home they'd grown up in.

Sean paused in front of one of the photos, his eyes fixed on a younger version of Gabe and his siblings. The happiness radiating from that frozen moment in time was almost palpable, and Gabe felt a lump form in his throat.

"That was taken the summer before I left for college," he said softly, coming to stand beside Sean. "Feels like a lifetime ago."

Sean nodded, his expression unreadable. "You all look so damn happy."

"We were," Gabe replied, unable to keep a hint of wistfulness from his voice. "Most of the time, anyway."

The unspoken words hung between them, heavy with implication. Most of the time. Except for when everything went to shit. Except for when you left.

Gabe cleared his throat, desperate to move past the moment before it swallowed them whole. "So, uh, you said everyone's out back?"

Sean's question snapped Gabe back to the present. Right. The party. His dad's birthday. The reason they were all here in the first place.

"Right, yeah," Gabe said, shaking off the melancholy that had settled over him. "But before we head out there, I've got a better idea for these." He held up the bouquet, a spark of mischief igniting in his chest.

Sean raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his expression. "Oh yeah? What'd you have in mind?"

Gabe grinned, feeling a bit of his old self resurface. "Come on. I'll show you."

He led Sean through the house, hyper-aware of the other man's presence behind him. The familiar scent of leather and something uniquely Sean tickled his senses, bringing back a flood of memories he'd thought long buried.

"This place is fucking incredible, Gabe," Sean said, his voice low. "You've done well for yourself."

Gabe shrugged, uncomfortable with the praise. "It's the least I could do for my parents. After everything they've sacrificed for us..."

They finally reached the entrance to the kitchen, and Gabe paused, turning to face Sean.

"Here," Gabe said, handing the bouquet back to Sean. "I want you to give these to my mom."

Sean blinked, confusion evident on his face. "What? But I thought-"

Gabe cut him off with a shake of his head. "Trust me on this, okay? My mom she always had a soft spot for you. Even after everything that happened. I think it would mean a lot to her."

For a moment, Sean looked like he might argue. But then his expression softened, a flicker of something Gabe couldn't quite name passing across his face. "Alright. If you're sure."

Gabe nodded, feeling a sense of rightness settle over him. This was good. This was progress. "Wait here for a sec, okay? I'll go in and announce you."

He slipped into the kitchen, immediately spotting his mother at the center island, directing the chaos of last-minute party preparations with the ease of a seasoned general.

“Mom," Gabe called out, raising his voice to be heard over the clamor of pots and pans. "Got a minute?"

She looked up, a smile breaking across her face. "For you, always. What's up, sweetheart?"

Gabe took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "There's someone here who wants to see you."

Her brows furrowed, confusion evident in her expression. "What do you mean? Who-"

But Gabe was already turning back to the doorway, motioning for Sean to enter. "Come on in," he called out, his heart pounding in his chest.

Sean stepped into the kitchen, the bouquet clutched in front of him like a shield. For a moment, the entire room seemed to hold its breath. Her eyes widened, recognition and shock warring for dominance on her face.

"Sean?" she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is that really you?"

Sean cleared his throat, looking more nervous than Gabe had ever seen him. "Hi, Mrs. Reed. It's, uh, it's been a while."

And then, to Gabe's utter amazement, his mother crossed the kitchen in three quick strides and pulled Sean into a fierce hug. The bouquet was crushed between them, petals scattering across the floor, but neither of them seemed to notice.

"Oh, you foolish boy," She murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "Where have you been all these years?"

Sean's arms came up slowly, hesitantly, to return the embrace. Over his mother's shoulder, his eyes met Gabe's, a mixture of gratitude and something else, something deeper, shining in their depths.

Gabe watched the scene unfold before him, a whirlwind of emotions churning in his gut. His mother's arms were still wrapped tightly around Sean, as if she could make up for twenty years of absence with a single embrace. Sean's eyes, wide with surprise and something that looked suspiciously like relief, met Gabe's over his mother’s shoulder.

"Oh, Sean," She said, finally pulling back to look at him properly. Her hands cupped his face, examining him with the critical eye of a mother who'd spent far too long worrying. "You look...well, you look like you've been through hell, if I'm being honest."

Sean chuckled, the sound rough and a bit self-deprecating. "Yeah, well, life's been interesting."

Her eyes narrowed, and Gabe could practically see the wheels turning in her head. His mother had always been perceptive, sometimes unnervingly so. "Interesting, huh? That's one way to put it. You know, we've missed you around here. All of us."

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Gabe felt his chest tighten, a mixture of gratitude and anxiety swirling inside him. Leave it to his mother to cut straight to the heart of things.

Sean shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting between his mother and him. "I've missed you all too. More than I can say."

The raw honesty in Sean's voice hit Gabe like a sucker punch to the gut. He wanted to say something, to bridge the chasm of years and hurt that stretched between them. But before he could find the words, his mother was speaking again.

"Well, you're here now," His mother said firmly, patting Sean's cheek. "And that's what matters. Now, both of you need to get outside. Your father's about to make an announcement, and you know how he gets when people aren't paying attention."

Gabe nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Right, yeah. We should head out. Come on, Sean."

As they made their way through the house, Gabe couldn't help but steal glances at Sean. He looked... different. Not just older, though that was certainly part of it. There was a wariness to him now, a tension that seemed to radiate from every pore. Whatever had happened in the years they'd been apart had clearly left its mark.

The backyard was a riot of color and noise, fairy lights twinkling overhead and the smell of barbecue hanging heavy in the air. Gabe led Sean towards the grill, grabbing a plate and loading it up with hotdogs.

"Here," he said, handing the plate to Sean. "You look like you could use some food."

Sean accepted the plate with a nod of thanks, his eyes scanning the crowd. "This is quite a turnout. The whole coven here?"

Gabe winced, suddenly remembering that Sean might not be entirely comfortable surrounded by so many witches. "Shit, I'm sorry. I should have warned you. Are you okay with this? We can go inside if it's too much."

Sean tensed, his jaw clenching for a moment before he visibly forced himself to relax. "No, it's fine. I'm okay."

Gabe wasn't entirely convinced, but before he could press the issue, a hush fell over the crowd. His father had taken the stage where people had been belting out karaoke tunes all evening, his presence commanding attention without a word.

"First of all," His dad’s voice boomed across the yard, "I want to thank my family for organizing this shindig. And to the entire coven for keeping it a secret. I'm impressed you managed to pull one over on me."

Laughter rippled through the crowd, and Gabe felt a surge of pride. They'd done it. They'd actually managed to surprise his dad, no small feat for a man who seemed to know everything that went on in Salem.

But then His dad’s gaze fixed on Gabe, and something in his father's expression made his stomach drop. Oh fuck. What now?

"Now, as some of you know, I've been leading this coven for a long time," His dad continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "It's been an honor and a privilege. But all things must come to an end eventually."

Gabe felt his heart rate pick up, a sense of foreboding creeping over him. Surely his dad wasn't about to...

"Which is why I've decided it's time to pass the torch," His dad said, his eyes never leaving Gabe's face. "To someone who I know will lead this coven with wisdom, compassion, and strength. My son, Gabriel."

The words hit Gabe like a physical blow. He staggered slightly, feeling Sean's hand on his arm, steadying him. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but it all sounded distant, muffled, as if Gabe were underwater.

Coven leader? Him? What the actual fuck?

"Gabe?" Sean's voice cut through the fog of shock and disbelief. "You okay, man?"

Gabe turned to look at Sean, seeing his own surprise mirrored in the other man's eyes. "I... I don't..."

But before he could form a coherent thought, let alone a sentence, all hell broke loose.

A deafening crack split the air, like thunder but sharper, more immediate. The fairy lights flickered and died, plunging the yard into sudden darkness. Screams erupted from the crowd, panic spreading like wildfire.

Gabe's training kicked in, adrenaline flooding his system and sharpening his senses. He threw up a protective barrier around himself and Sean without conscious thought, his magic responding to the perceived threat.

"What the fuck?" Sean hissed, his body tensing for a fight. "Gabe, what's happening?"

Gabe's heart pounded in his ears as he conjured a ball of light in his palm, pushing back the encroaching darkness. The warm glow illuminated a scene of chaos - overturned tables, scattered party decorations, and panicked guests fleeing in all directions. But it was the scream that pierced through the mayhem that sent ice through his veins.

"Dad," he breathed, recognizing the voice instantly.

Without thinking, Gabe sprinted towards the stage, Sean hot on his heels. The light from his magic cast eerie shadows as they ran, transforming familiar faces into grotesque masks of fear and confusion.

A fireball suddenly hurtled towards them, its heat searing the air. Gabe's instincts kicked in, his free hand already moving to deflect the attack, when Sean's voice cut through his concentration.

"I've got this," Sean shouted, stepping in front of Gabe. "You get to your dad!"

Gabe hesitated, torn between the urgency to reach his father and the need to protect Sean. "You're human, Sean. Don't be stupid!"

Sean's jaw clenched, a flicker of something - hurt? frustration? - passing across his face. "Trust me, Gabe. I can handle myself. Go!"

The desperation in Sean's voice made the decision for him. With a curt nod, Gabe pushed forward, leaving Sean to face whatever threat lurked in the shadows. The guilt of abandoning him warred with the overwhelming need to reach his father, adding to the crushing weight of responsibility that seemed to press down on Gabe's shoulders with every step.

As he neared the stage, more figures emerged from the darkness, their features obscured by shadow and malice. Gabe's defensive magic flared instinctively, creating a shimmering barrier that repelled the first wave of attackers. But they kept coming, relentless and unnervingly coordinated.

Gabe's mind raced as he fought, trying to make sense of the attack. This wasn't some random assault - it was too well-planned, too targeted. But who would want to hurt his family? And why now, of all times?

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of magical combat, Gabe reached the stage. The sight that greeted him made his blood run cold.

His father lay crumpled on the platform, a black-coated dagger protruding from his chest. Blood seeped from the wound, dark and ominous against the pale fabric of his shirt.

"No, no, no," Gabe muttered, dropping to his knees beside his father. His hands hovered over the wound, magic pulsing at his fingertips as he assessed the damage. "Come on, Dad. Stay with me."

His dad’s eyes fluttered open, focusing on Gabe with effort. "Son," he wheezed, his voice barely above a whisper. "You have to... protect the coven. The transfer... it's not complete."

Gabe shook his head, pushing down the panic that threatened to overwhelm him. "Don't talk, Dad. We need to get you out of here."

With as much care as he could muster, Gabe gathered his father into his arms. The older man felt frighteningly light, as if the attack had drained more than just blood from his body. Gabe's muscles strained as he lifted, his magic instinctively forming a protective cocoon around them both.

As he turned to carry his father to safety, a figure materialized before him, seemingly stepping out of the very shadows themselves. A mask obscured their features, but the malevolent energy radiating from them was unmistakable.

"You may have saved your father for now," the masked figure taunted, their voice distorted and inhuman, "but the poison in that dagger will definitely kill him soon enough. But for now, we are taking the girl."

Gabe's head snapped to the left, following the figure's gaze. His heart dropped as he saw Jessy, unconscious and being dragged away by two more masked assailants. And there, sprawled on the ground nearby, was his brother - clearly having tried and failed to protect her.

"No!" Gabe shouted, desperation fueling his magic. He lashed out with a spell, raw power crackling through the air. But it was too late. The attackers, along with Jessy, vanished into the shadows, leaving nothing but a lingering sense of dread in their wake.

"Fuck!" Gabe cursed, his mind reeling. This was a nightmare. His father dying, Jessy kidnapped, his brother injured - and he'd failed to stop any of it. Some fucking hero he was turning out to be.

"Gabe!" Sean's voice cut through his spiral of self-recrimination. He appeared at Gabe's side, breathless and sporting a nasty-looking gash on his forehead. "Jesus Christ, is that your dad? Here, let me help."

Together, they maneuvered His dad into a more stable position, Sean taking some of the weight. Gabe couldn't help but notice the ease with which Sean handled himself, the fluid movements speaking of training far beyond what any "normal" human should possess. But there wasn't time to dwell on that mystery now.

"We need to get him inside," Gabe said, his voice tight with strain. "There's a panic room in the basement. It's warded, should be safe."

Sean nodded, already moving. "Lead the way. I'll cover our six."