Running in Fear: Cupid's Venom by Trinity Blacio Page B

spirit is strong and she gives her brother hell, but she protects the smaller one. The smaller one is quiet, like Mark, but she is just as sharp.”

    Jaycee strolled into the room, laughing. “Well, that settles it. We need two girl names and a boy. Thank you, Cecil.” She moved Remi out of the way and hugged her.

    “I knew you were special.” Jaycee glanced at Tug. “You’d better keep her happy or I’ll turn you into a toad.”

    Marsha laughed as Dane growled. “Jaycee, what were you told about turning people into toads?”

    She waved her hand and settled into a chair. “Hey, I have to have some fun sometimes.”

    Tug grumbled and moved out the door, followed by Rory. Cecil laughed and glanced at Jaycee. “The smaller girl told me you already had her name picked out.”

    Jaycee smiled and nodded. “One of the names we’ve all agreed on was Marcia.”

    Cecil smiled. “That’s a pretty name and it fits her. I was thinking of a name for my boy. I’ve always thought of him as Cade.” A single tear dripped down her cheek. “I don’t know how to explain it, but I’m connected to him even though he didn’t grow inside me. Does that make sense?” She glanced at Marsha, who nodded.

    “Perfect sense. These scientists can take away nature’s way of doing things, but they can’t take away the bond a mother feels for her child. With your gift, your senses are stronger.” Marsha pulled out a chair.
    “Come, sit. Let’s try something.” She patted the back of the chair.

    Cecil slipped into the chair as Marsha placed her hands on her shoulders. “Jaycee, hold onto Cecil’s hands. I want you two to concentrate on Cecil’s child. If we do this right, Cecil will be able to connect to him and maybe we can see where he is. Cecil, use the bond you feel already. It will lead you to him.”

    Clayton came into the room and glanced at them. “If you’re going to do this, I should be here. I’ll be able to locate him.” He moved next to Cecil, sitting in the chair next to her and placing his hand on her thigh.

    “Let’s do this.” Clayton leaned over, kissing her cheek.

    Marsha squeezed her shoulders. “Close your eyes, Cecil, and follow that link you have to your child.”

    68

    Her hands were sweaty in Jaycee’s, but she held on, not letting go.
    Power moved through her from Jaycee, Marsha, and Clayton. The hair on her arms stood up as she followed the blue haze to her son. Cade, where are you?

    The blue haze spread wider and wider as Cecil traveled through space. Her connection grew stronger. She could hear his heartbeat, the little gurgles he made when they connected, and she could almost smell him. The color changed from blue to a blinding white. Blinking her eyes, she stared down at the two year old child in the crib. His big brown eyes held hers as his boney little hands reached into the air, trying to grasp her.
    The mother/child bond was instant. Her heart beat faster, knowing she would always be able to tell where her son was. I’m here, little one.
    Soon you’ll be in my arms. Don’t give up on us. Do you see one of your fathers? He’s here with me. Let him in, Cade. He can bring you home soon.

    Tears dripped down her face as Cade looked up at Clayton and moved his hand towards him.

    I have him. Don’t worry, little guy, we’ll bring you home, Clayton whispered and gently touched their son’s cheek.

    Cade giggled and laughed, but stopped as a dark shadow covered him.
    No!
    Pull back now, Cecil! We can’t let him know we know where he is!
    All three of them withdrew their magic, breaking the connection.

    Cecil laid her head on her arms on the table and cried. “He’s so skinny and alone. I didn’t think I could bond with him, but I did. He’s my son.”

    “He won’t be alone for much longer, Cecil. We’ll bring him home, I promise.” Clayton rubbed the back of her neck, and stood. “I have to go make the arrangements.” He kissed the top of her head and left the