Highland Vampire by Howell Hannah & Raleigh Deborah & Basso Adrienne

Author:Howell, Hannah & Raleigh, Deborah & Basso, Adrienne [Howell, Hannah]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780821778982
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2006-09-01T07:00:00+00:00

"I need more than herbs and sunshine," Brenda replied with a weary sigh.

The denial leapt to Maev's lips, but the expression of resignation on her mother's face kept the words lodged in her throat.

Brenda was right. Her gaunt face was nearly as gray as the coarse wool blanket upon which her head rested, the bones of her body showing prominently through the wasted flesh.

Though Maev longed to convince herself otherwise, there was little hope that her mother would survive for many more weeks.

She had been too sick for too long.

"What should we do?" Maev whispered as the helpless fury she struggled to control stabbed at her heart with a piercing agony.

For both their sakes, Maev knew she had to be strong, but deep inside she felt like a frightened little girl.

"We must pray." Brenda closed her eyes. "Ye remember yer prayers, don't ye, lass? My soul will need a lot of help reaching heaven, since I'll be leaving this earth without making a proper confession and having a priest's blessing of the last rites."

Maev threaded her fingers through her mother's and tried to look confident. "My faith in the Lord has been sorely tested these last three years, but if it will bring ye comfort, I shall pray day and night."

Brenda's mouth curved into a slight smile. "Ye always were a good girl, Maev. And ye grew into a fine woman. I am proud to call ye daughter."

Maev willed back the tears that threatened to form. Brenda's devotion to her had always been absolute. She had generously shared her home and her heart; she had given everything to her adopted daughter, including her very life.

The two women began to pray together. Brenda quickly grew tired, but Maev continued. When her voice grew hoarse, she closed her eyes and prayed silently, offering different prayers to every saint she had ever heard of, pleading for mercy for the good woman who deserved a better fate.

As Brenda slipped into a calm sleep, Maev realized that she had to do everything in her power to give her mother the peace she desired, the peace she had more than earned. Her mother wanted a priest to hear her confession and administer last rites, and Maev knew she was the only one who could grant this final wish. Though it was difficult to judge, she believed Brenda would not survive more than a week or two. Time was of the essence.

In her heart, Maev knew this was the right thing to do, the only thing to do, yet the significance of this decision filled her with a rising panic. Brenda had taught her that it took great courage to follow your convictions, and never before had that lesson held more meaning.

Maev prayed she would have the inner strength and fortitude to accomplish this all-important task. For her mother's sake, she must put the bitterness behind her, swallow her pride, tame her fear, and return to the castle.

And truth be told, the thought of going back to face the members of the McGinnis Clan scared Maev half to death.

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