Sacred Bloodlines by Wendy Owens Page A

how it’s tied to each of us,”  Michael explained.
    “Oh?” Uri asked, sounding a little shocked.
    “Yeah, he seems to think you are better suited to be the protector.”  Michael said laughing.
    Uri reached over and gave Gabe a light punch in the chest.
    “Oh, you do, huh?” he asked playfully.
    “Well, I just meant,” Gabe defended, stumbling over his words, “That you’re... I mean... Well, I am no protector.”
    “Not yet, but you will be.”  Uri said confidently, looking into Gabe’s eyes.  Gabe quickly looked away.
    “I know this is a lot to process, Gabe.  Though I hate to do it, I have more to throw at you.”  Michael started.  “If we took you home right now we wouldn’t be able to protect you.”  
    Gabe nodded, thinking of the demons they had met on the road the night before.  He imagined similar creatures finding him, helpless and all alone.  He felt his body consumed by a paralyzing fear.  
    “You have five days left on your leave from the group home.”
    “I can’t go back.”  Gabe said in a panicked voice.
    “Gabe, we would never willingly put you in harm’s way.  My hope is that by the end of the five days, Mammon will no longer be an issue.  To us, you were family the moment you were born.  Of course we would like you to come and live here, learn our ways, fight for the cause.  All of that is your choice, though.”  Michael explained.
    “It’s true Gabe.”  Uri explained.  “You’re my brother now.”
    Gabe didn’t know what to say.  He hadn’t had a family for so long.  He thought of his parents and struggled to remember the life they had had.  He had resigned himself long ago to the thought of being alone.   The idea of a family was quite enticing, but it came at a very high and dangerous price.
    “I know it is a lot to take in.  I’m not expecting you to agree to anything right now.  What I propose is for you to spend the next five days learning about us.”  Michael persuaded.  “Uri and his friends will tutor you in our methods.  If in five days things are safe, you can decide if you want to leave.  If you choose to return to New York, Uri will take you.”  Uri nodded in agreement.
    Gabe looked over at Uri, who smiled at him.  He wondered what Michael meant by tutoring him in their methods.  He was intrigued, but there was one nagging question in his mind.  “What if Mammon finds this place?”  Gabe asked.
    “Unfortunately,” Michael explained.  “It’s not what if, but when.  But please, don’t worry about that.”  Michael added, seeing the fear on Gabe’s face.  “We have a plan that’s being set into motion.  You let the elders and I worry about Mammon, alright?  I want you to focus on learning everything you can.”
    Gabe was surprised at the comfort Michael’s words brought him.  When he said they were taking care of the problem, Gabe didn’t have any doubt.  
    “Come on Gabe,” Uri chimed in giving him an elbow to the side.  “We’ll have some fun!”
    “Sure.”  Gabe replied, actually feeling eager to be tutored, as Michael put it.  “Fun,” He added with a hint of sarcasm.
    “Wonderful,” Michael bellowed, clapping his hands together in excitement.  “Go with Uri.  He will be a key part of this journey for you.  Unfortunately, I have to travel so you may not see me for a short time.”  Michael stood to walk the two boys to the door.
    “Come on Gabe,” Uri said standing.  “You’ll need your rest for what I have planned for you tomorrow.”  
    Uri threw his head back, delivering a devilish laugh.  He grabbed hold of Gabe’s hoodie, pulling him up to his feet and towards the door.  
    Michael smiled and chuckled.  A moment later, they barreled out into the hallway leaving Michael to his important and pressing business.
    The two were falling over each other down the hall laughing, all the way back to Gabe’s room.  They arrived at his door in a huff, arm draped over one another.