Ashes of the Day by P.G. Forte Read Free Book Online Page B

her gums. “That’s not real food.”
    “Is too!”
    “Is not!”
    “Children! Enough now! We’ll have no more of this talk.” Damian gazed at the twins in exasperation. If they didn’t learn to curb their tempers better than this, they would never be able to successfully socialize with human children. His annoyance quickly faded, however, when he caught sight of the wounded expression in Marc’s eyes, the faint wobble of his chin. Damian was out of his chair and crouching at Marc’s side in a flash. “Oh, pobrecito ,” Damian opened his arms and the little boy crowded against him. “Don’t cry, my poor little boy, it will be all right.”
    Marc hid his face against Damian’s chest and stifled a sob. “It-it-it’s not fair!”
    “I know, chiquito .” Damian hugged the boy close. “And there are many things in life that will seem that way to you. Not just now, but always. I wish you could find some comfort in knowing that your mama was very special. I know she would have loved you both very much if she’d had the chance to know you, and I’m sure you would have loved her too—just as your grandfather does. But…that’s not how things worked out. I’m sorry. Your mother is gone. Please do not bring this matter up with your grandfather, niño . He knows you must miss her because he does too, but he is still not able to bring you another. You will only make him feel that he is failing you and I assure you he is doing everything within his power to be both mother and father to you children.”
    “Could you maybe bring us a new mommy?” Julie asked and Damian cursed himself for not having made himself clearer. “Then we’d all be happy. Grandfather too.”
    “No, chica , I’m sorry but I can’t. No one can.”
    “Of course he can’t.” Marc scoffed at the suggestion. “Mommies are ladies and Uncle never brings ladies home. You know that.”
    Julie nodded grudging agreement. Damian stared at them both. It really shouldn’t startle him that the children were perceptive enough to have noticed the differences in his and Conrad’s preferences, even at this age. But, ay Dios , here was yet another conversation they would have to have with the twins—years sooner than he’d thought it would become an issue. Buenisimo . Conrad would be so pleased.
    “I wish you could though,” Julie murmured mournfully.
    “Me too.” Marc mumbled, burying his face in Damian’s shirtfront once again.
    “ Sí . I, too, wish there was something more I could do for you both,” Damian said. His words gave rise to a thought. Nothing could restore their mother to them, of course, and recruiting a replacement was equally impossible since letting anyone else in on the secret of the children’s true nature was far too great a risk to take, but perhaps there was a way to make them feel a little better. “Now, mis niños , you must dry your eyes and finish your cookies. I have an idea.”
     
     
    “Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight…”
    The voices carried on the still night air. Conrad followed the sound to the rear of the house where three figures stood in the backyard, hand in hand, faces turned toward the sky. Warmth and satisfaction filled him at the sight. Of all the hearts currently beating in the world, these were the three he held most dear. On nights like these, he could almost believe he could make this work. That he could keep them safe. That he could keep them alive. That he could, perhaps, even make them happy.
    He left the patio and crossed the lawn, cool grass tickling against the soles of his bare feet as he made his way toward his family. On nights like these, when even the air was gentle and calm, his fears seemed as distant as a dream, and all his worries unwarranted. Even the sexual frustration that had been riding him far too hard these past few years was momentarily quiescent.
    He’d been a fool to imagine he could simply do without sex altogether. He’d promised Damian he