Fic: Ten Million Fireflies 3/3
Ten Million Fireflies 3/3 by clover71
Written for timetraveler_bb 2012
Fandom: The Secret Circle (TV); Pairing: Jake Armstrong/ Adam Conant
Rating: NC-17; Warning: [click only if you don't mind spoilers]Death of a villain who is of lesser importance in the story, implied MPREG
Summary, Disclaimer, Author's Notes and other information: Please refer to the MASTER POST
previous: p2
The light in Diana's bedroom is on so Adam presumes she's home. Returning Diana's textbook is just an excuse for Adam to see her.
It's sad to realize that they've grown apart since they broke up and that gap just grew wider with everything that went down with the Circle and with her dating Grant.
With Jake in the picture, Adam's worried that Diana might completely slip away from him. She was and hopefully still is, after all, his best friend.
Adam ambles inside without bothering to knock - a habit he hasn't apparently gotten rid off. Diana's grandmother calls out to him from the living room and says, "Diana's up in her room with Cassie. I think they're working on a school project."
"Thanks." Adam begins the quiet climb up the stairs and slows his pace when he hears arguing voices. Hearing Cade's name anchors Adam right outside Diana's room.
Eavesdropping is something he'll least likely to do but he can't help it when he hears Diana say, "Look, we don't know anything about Cade," with the usual authority in her voice. "What if he's manipulating Ethan to believe all that crap? I mean, seriously Cassie… do you honestly believe he's from the future?"
"Diana. We've seen demons in the form of worms sliding inside people's bodies, we've seen the past through astral projection and all the weird things that would not pass as normal to anyone who isn't either a witch or a witch hunter or psychic or whatever. What makes actual time travel impossible?"
"I know, Cassie. But I still think we shouldn't tell the others until we're sure."
"Adam's your friend, too, Diana. Aren't you the least bit concerned? He's obviously having a hard time dealing with his feelings for Jake. But then Cade comes and distracts him. Are we supposed to just sit around and watch him fall for his own son?"
Cassie's last words drive Adam to act on impulse and before rationality settles in his mind, he storms into Diana's room and blurts out, "What?"
The two girls look ineptly startled but Diana's quick to recover. "How long have you been standing there?"
Guilt should be coursing through Adam's conscience but he's confused and curious and furious that he doesn't have space for shame. "Long enough to hear everything you said about Cade being my son from the future. From where the fuck did you get that?"
Diana raises her hand in a stop-let-me-explain gesture that does nothing to calm Adam down. "I know it sounds weird," she says. "Believe me. Cassie and I have been wondering if it's all a hoax."
"But we think there's a ninety percent chance it's true," Cassie supplies with solid certainty. "Diana and I went over to The Boathouse the other day to ask your dad if we can reserve a small space for the school charity meeting next week. We were outside his office when we heard him and Cade talking."
The audible sigh that leaves Diana seems to imply defeat and she gives Cassie an incriminating look before adding, "Cade said something about no longer feeling like he's about to fade. Then Ethan says he thinks you and Jake might have had um… done something already that may have led to Cade being er… conceived." She takes a shallow breath, her lower lip wedged between her teeth as if she's waiting for Adam's reaction.
Diana's words start to come together like Lego pieces in Adam's head and he says, "Wait. What do you mean Cade was conceived?"
Confusion is written all over Diana's face. "I don't know. But I think that may have meant you actually carried Cade?"
"You mean I got pregnant? How can that happen when I-" Fuck! His mind spirals into one focal point: what he and Jake did yesterday. The floor moves underneath his feet and the room tilts so Adam lurches toward Diana's bed and drops listlessly on the edge of the mattress.
"I know this is probably the craziest thing any of us have heard," Cassie says, claiming the spot next to Adam. "But say it's true that Cade is indeed from the future and stuck here for some reason. We heard him asking for your dad's help so he can go back to his own time. But your dad says he doesn't have that kind of power right now, that they might need the Circle's help."
"Cassie's right, Adam. Your son needs you right now."
Adam's mind is struggling to process all these information. The veins in his head are throbbing violently. "I'm gonna go talk to Cade and my dad," he says them dashes out of the room, Diana and Cassie on his heel.
Cade should still be at The Boathouse. He did say he's going to help Ethan clean up and close the place. It's a huge relief that Diana and Cassie choose to respect his need to drown himself in intense contemplation that both girls haven't said a word since they left Diana's house.
As expected, The Boathouse is close but Adam can see his dad pacing inside the restaurant. There's no trace of Cade and Adam presumes that he left already.
Adam doesn't beat around the bush when he storms into the restaurant and blurts out, "Dad, can we talk?" as soon he gets Ethan's attention.
Ethan's eyes skip between the two girls before settling on Adam. "Sure." He leads them to a booth but Adam chooses to remain on his feet. Both Diana and Cassie hover behind him.
"It's about Cade," Adam says and agitation flashes on Ethan's eyes. "Is it true he's my son?"
For a moment, Adam thinks his dad is going to deny it, maybe tell Adam he's losing his mind. But Ethan nods and says, "Yes. It's true. And I've been struggling to find a way to get him back to his time."
Adam wonders, "How did he get here, anyway?" out loud.
"Why don't you ask him?" Ethan's eyes travel somewhere behind Adam, prompting Adam to look over his shoulders. Cade's coming out from the kitchen, shoulders tight in a reticent way that Adam has never seen in him.
"Cade," falls from Adam's lips.
With cautious strides, Cade joins them, his gaze locked on Adam's. "Hey mom," he says. "Sorry I had to hide the truth from you. I thought you not knowing who I am can make the situation less complicated."
"But why go to my dad instead of me?" Adam has to know. Now that everything is laid down on the table, it hurts to realize his own son probably didn't deem he has the ability to help.
"Because it was Grandpa who sent me back," Cade says casually. "In my time, my friends - the rest of the Circle - were killed by Redeemers. They're like witch hunters in the future. So Grandpa suggested that I travel back in time to prevent the massacre."
"Oh my gosh. That's horrible," Cassie mutters, her hand pressed against her chest. "What brought you back to this time though?"
"Well, Grandpa was charging the crystal ball that should send me back in time with the help of a spell," Cade starts. "But then a Redemeer named Kraig showed up and attacked us. I lost my concentration and my thoughts sent me back nineteen years instead."
"Wait." Diana takes a step closer to Cade. "You said the rest of the Circle, your Circle. Does that mean they're…?"
Words seem to fail Diana but Cade must have understood what she meant. Remorse permeates through Cade's veneer when he says, "Yes. They're sons and daughters of your Circle."
Something flickers on the surface of Diana's eyes then she holds her chin up, determination framing her face. "Then let us help you."
Cade's head jerks in agreement. "Thanks. There's just one problem though." Through the pregnant pause, Cade appears to weigh his next words. "I think Kraig jumped into the time vacuum and followed me here."
***
The constant debate going through Jake's head has invited a nagging headache that he feels like he's going to pop a vein any time soon. It's the third night since his abduction and tonight, compensation is due.
Almost a year has gone by since he last did something treacherous, thought he was able to leave that kind of lifestyle behind. But if he doesn't hand Cade over to this man-with-a-wolf-skull-tattoo, then Adam will be in grave danger. Right now, Adam is Jake's priority. He can care less what that man wants with Cade.
It's true he hates Cade's guts only because Cade's been trying to steal Adam's attention. Fuck jealousy. It's not even reason enough for Jake to lead Cade into the lion's den.
The odds seem to mock him though because he spies Cade rounding a bend from The Boathouse's lot, presumably on his way home.
Jake eases his Ford along the curb, leans over to open the passenger's side window. "Hey Cade. Want a lift?"
Cade regards Jake with a guarded look at first then a hint of recognition settles on his face. "Jake! I don't want to be a bother, man."
"Nah. It's no bother. Hop in." Jake pushes the door open in invitation and Cade slides in without any sign of reluctance. "I hope you don't mind if we make a short stop at the harbor. My boss asked me to drop a package. Then maybe we can go grab a beer or something afterwards."
A short, incredulous laugh eludes Cade. "I hope you realize I'm not of legal drinking age yet."
Jake makes a casual gesture with his shoulders then eases the truck back on the road. "We can grab something from the grocery and go somewhere. It's not like I'm gonna report you to the authorities or something."
"Look, Jake. I'm not sure if you're trying to be friendly but if this is about Adam, I think you should talk to him."
The guilt that explodes in Jake's chest nearly prompts him to step on the brake but he grips on the steering wheel, coaxing himself to carry on with the plan. "No. Seriously. This isn't about Adam. I owe you an apology for being such an ass, so let me make up to it."
It's completely dark by the time they reach the desolate part of the harbor where a single shack sits just right at the end of dock. Memories come flooding in Jake's mind. This is where Adam and the girls were taken back in the days when Jake still worked with the witch hunters. This is the place where his friends almost died. An eerie feeling washes over him.
"I believe this is the address," Jake says, pulling out a sheet of paper from his jacket's pocket and pretending to gaze at the address written, though he knows it has nothing to do with why he's here. "I'll be back in a flash." He slides out of the driver's seat, takes a large box filled with nothing but crap from the bed of his truck and begins the pointless trek down the wooden path.
He's halfway toward the old shack when he hears Cade exclaim, "Jake!" and when Jake whips around, he can see the a hooded man dragging the unconscious Cade into the shadows.
"Nice work, Armstrong," the man says in that menacing voice that haunted Jake in his sleep. "Consider Adam and the rest of your Circle safe." Then in a heartbeat, the man's gone, taking Cade with him.
***
It's only after his last class that Adam has the chance to check his phone and notices the cryptic text message his dad sent.
Curious, he quickly calls his dad and asks, "What's wrong?" as soon as his dad picks up.
"Cade didn't show up for work," Ethan says with a clear implication that something is definitely wrong. "I tried calling him on the phone that I lent him but he's not picking up."
Dread instantly has a tight grip on Adam's nerves. "I'll go over to his place and check."
When Adam gets to Cade's apartment though, there's no sign of his future son and a couple of Cade's neighbors claim they didn't see Cade come home last night.
His paternal instinct kicks in. Something's wrong, I just know it. Desperation drives him to place an urgent call to Diana and Cassie asking them to meet him at the abandoned house only to find Melissa and Faye there when he arrives.
"Are you avoiding Jake by any chance?" Faye asks in her usual accusatory manner that normally annoys Adam but his mind is preoccupied with worry over Cade that he ignores her. "Seriously, Adam. You need to get laid."
The rickety wooden planks squeak when Adam starts pacing around the room. He hopes Diana and Cassie will get there soon before he ends up having aneurism.
"What's the big emergency?" Cassie demands the moment she breezes in, Diana behind her and she ceases to move further when her eyes settle on Adam. "Oh no. It's Cade, isn't it?"
Adam wonders if Cassie has suddenly developed an ability to read minds or if Adam's anxiety is merely reflected on his face. "He didn't report for work and I went over to his place but his neighbors said they haven't seen him since yesterday."
"I give. Why worry about Cade?" Melissa asks. "I know he's your friend but…."
"This is interesting," Faye pipes in, the rise on her pitch reaches an irritating level for Adam. "Are you sleeping with both Jake and Cade? So not like you, I'd say."
"No, Faye. Cade is my son," Adam snaps out and the flabbergasted look on Faye and Melissa somehow feeds him with a sense of complacency.
"Okay, I think an explanation is in order." Diana relays everything they have learned about Cade in a more articulate, more methodical way than Adam could have managed.
"Wow," is Faye and Melissa's laconic reaction once Diana's done with her succinct narration.
Faye sinks on the couch, looking like she just lost her lifesavings in gambling. She sets her eyes on Adam. "So your dad knew all along who Cade really is?"
"Yeah. That's why he gave Cade a job, a place to stay while he figures things out."
A look of panic flares on Melissa's eyes and she leaps up from Faye's side. "Oh my gosh! Jake!" she blurts out then stumbles on her next words as she tries to explain what Jake's been doing and planning for the past three days.
Caught in a cyclone of anger, worry, fear and just plain wanting to smack Jake right across his head, Adam says, "Why the hell didn't he tell me about it? He said he couldn't remember who took him and why."
"I think he did have trouble remembering at first," Faye says in Jake's defense. "He might have been drugged and all, but when it came back to him, he asked us to help him find out more about-"
"What's going on?" Speak of the devil. Jake's eyes travel across the room, studying the faces of every member of the Circle.
Adam's too caught up in rage that he lunges at Jake, grabs Jake's jacket and growls, "What the fuck did you do to Cade?"
Jake's hands curl around Adam's wrist and attempts to free himself from Adam's hold. "He's not who he says he is, Adam."
"I don't give a shit. Just answer me. What did you do to Cade?"
Guilt flashes on Jake's eyes. "The man who took me says if I don’t take Cade to him, then Cade can put your life in danger."
"Well, that man lied to you," Adam spits out. The anger boiling in him is too much that he can feel his powers surging like lava through his bloodstream. He takes deep, calming breaths to regain control then releases Jake but maintains the close proximity. "You have to save Cade, Jake. You have to help me get him back."
"What for?" The lines on Jake's forehead deepen. "He's been lying to you, Adam. You and your dad and everyone else. There isn't anything to prove he did live in New York, no school records, or proof of birth."
"He's your son!" The frustration that's simmering inside Adam ignites. "You won't find anything because Cade wasn't born in New York. He was born here, in Chance Harbor. And that man who took you is a Redeemer, a witch hunter and he came here with Cade from the future with one goal and one goal only. And that is to kill Cade, like he and the other Redeemers did with the other members of Cade's Circle."
"What do you mean from the future?" This time, it's Adam who explains about Cade and Jake looks horror-stricken. Jake sinks on the nearest chair and runs a hand over his face. "You mean I just handed my own son to a witch hunter?"
Diana steps in. Figuratively. "Okay, instead of going through all this drama, why don't we try to find Cade and save him before this Kraig character can bring any harm to him."
"I'll bring out the scrying crystal," Cassie speaks up after being reticent since she sauntered into the house.
Faye bounces off her seat. "I'll bring out the map."
Adam pulls a leather bracelet from his pocket. "I found this in Cade's apartment. This might help."
***
All that scrying shit leads them to an abandoned warehouse just at the border of town, hidden behind thick rows of trees.
"You three stay here. I'm gonna go in there alone. Should anything happen you can come after me as back up," Jake says and judging from the facial reaction he receives, it's clear Adam, Diana and Cassie aren't in complete agreement. "Look, it's my fault Cade's in there."
"Don't be stupid, Jake," Adam hisses. "Are you forgetting you don't have solo magic anymore? I'm going in there with you. That's our son who's in danger."
"Much as I admire both your masculine bravado, I think we'll have better chances of getting Cade out alive if we work together," Diana points out in a matter-of-fact way.
"Guys, let's go." Cassie dashes across the empty lot, catching Jake off guard before his legs move on their own accord and hurries after her with Adam and Diana behind him.
They find Cade's hunched form in a small, stuffy room where Cade is tied against a pole and there's iron sulfate powder scattered around him.
Surprisingly, there's no sign of Kraig. Jake raises his hand to get Cade's attention. When Cade's gaze lands on where he and Adam are crouching behind wooden crates, the glare he throws Jake's way can have Jake drop dead on the spot if looks alone can kill.
Adam starts to move toward Cade but Jake grabs his arm and says, "It may be a trap."
Cade must have heard him because he says, "No, it's not. Kraig left to find the crystal ball, probably in my apartment. Hurry. He might go after Grandpa next."
Adam bounds over to Cade and when he breaks the circle of iron sulfate, the rope around Cade comes undone.
"Let's go." Jake beckons for them to follow but then he's thrown against the wall and he can feel the pressure closing in on his throat. It takes several seconds for Jake to realize that Cade's using his powers against Jake.
"Let him go, Cade," Adam says in a reprimanding tone. "He didn't know. Kraig lied to him and Jake was only worried for my safety, that's why he did what he thought he had to do. It's stupid, I know."
The pressure leaves Jake's throat abruptly and he drops on the floor like a rag doll. "I'm sorry," Jake says in a strangled breath. "I didn't know."
Once certain that Cade no longer craves to strangle Jake, they head back to the abandoned house where Ethan, Melissa and Faye are desperately trying to find a way to activate the crystal ball. It's the instrument that brought Cade here from the future, as far as Jake knows.
"We've tried more than a dozen spells from Diana's book and Cassie's and Jake's and Adam's but none of them works," Melissa explains, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face.
"Do you remember which book I used?" Ethan asks, the question clearly directed at Cage.
"It was Dad's, but you may be looking at the Armstrong Book of Shadows. Dad has another one, the one that belonged to Grandma Sara."
"But I just have one Book," Jake says, totally confused because he's only been using his dad's book, doesn't even know his mom had one.
"You have two, Dad." The foregone conclusion molding on Cade's semblance gives a clear indication that he speaks the truth. "You told me you found or will find - I'm not sure anymore - but you found it here, in the abandoned house."
"I don't know." As far as Jake can recall, he found his dad's Book before he left Chance Harbor almost three years ago. "Nick must have found Mom's Book but he must have hidden it along with the other stuff that belonged to our parents."
"The walls," Melissa blurts out. "I remember Nick used to hide odd things within the walls."
"She's right." Adam moves over to the wall just beneath the loft and starts pressing against the wooden panels. "It was my idea, actually. But I think Nick hid more stuff than I did."
While everyone is engrossed with the dire search, Jake steals the chance to approach Cade. He rests a hand on Cade's shoulder and says, "Cade. I'm really sorry for what I did. If I knew-"
"It's okay, Dad," Cade interrupts offhandedly. "I’m used to your lack of proper judgment. You always act first before you think. It's gotten old, actually."
"Cade, don't talk to your father that way," Adam chides, his voice tight.
"You don't know what he did, Mom. Or in this case, what he will do." The entire room vibrates with incredible tension then Cade storms out of the house, a cloud of rage trailing after him.
"Cade!" Jake starts to stroll after Cade but he's seized by the sleeve of his jacket.
"I'll talk to him," Adam says, the resoluteness etched on his face anchors Jake on the floor.
***
The moon is at its fullest, casting an enchanting shimmer over the forest, thus, providing Adam just the light he needs to catch sight of Cade a few yards ahead.
"Cade! Wait up!" he hollers and is relieved when Cade's pace decelerates.
"I'm not going to apologize to him, Mom," Cade snaps venomously.
"I'm not going to ask you to." Adam falls in step beside his future son. "I have to agree, Jake can be a total ass without trying, but I hope your obvious lack of respect for him doesn't mean I didn't raise you properly."
Cade scoffs and starts kicking on the soil with his boot-clad foot. "Don't worry, Mom. You raised me well enough. It's just that Dad did something stupid that-"
When Cade doesn't say anything more, Adam spurs, "That what?"
Cade shakes his head. "I can't tell you much about the future. It will possibly cause a time rift worse than it already has just by me being here. It's just-" Cade's shoulders rise and fall as he takes a deep breath then his eyes meet Adam's. "A week before my twelfth birthday, Dad will receive word about a witch that Redeemers are holding hostage in Salem. It's a trap. Don't make him go. If he does, don't follow him. Please Mom. I wish I can say more but…."
"Something happened or will happen to me." The words escape Adam not as an inquiry, but a presumptive statement. Adam knows he shouldn't press for more information. He can see that Cade's having difficulty holding everything inside. Instead, he chooses to stir the conversation to something lighter. "I'm curious though. Why do you call me mom?"
Cade barks a laugh then scratches the back of his neck. Adam can't help but think he looks so much like Jake, even in the slightest gestures. "You can blame Dad for that. He said that technically you're my mother because you carried me. I guess I grew up calling you mom that it's hard to break the habit."
Adam makes a mental note to change that, make that on top of the list of things he has to alter for the future. "It's not safe for you to be out here. Let's go back, shall we?"
They barely make it halfway back to the house when a sinister laugh echoes around them. A man emerges from the shadow of the trees - dark, long hair crowns his sharp features, eyes burning with malice and his lips twisted in a horrifying way.
"Kraig," Cade declares and he steps in front of Adam.
"Not a wise move to escape from my clutches, young Armstrong. Or have you forgotten I have something that can cause you extreme pain?" Kraig holds out his hand and sitting on his palm was a black rock the size of a pear.
Cade suddenly drops on his knees, hands splayed on the ground and he's gasping for air.
"What are you doing?" Adam hits the ground, the stones digging through his jeans. The hot rush of air surrounding him makes it hard for him to breathe. His lungs are on fire. "Stop it!"
"And you'll do what?" Kraig sniggers. "This stone drains your magical energy, rendering you powerless. Kinda like a Kryptonite for witches."
Dark mist begins to cloud his visual faculty. Then he sees a blur of movement through his peripheral vision. The hot air quickly leaves his body and Adam gasps, desperate to get his breathing in control. When he lifts his head, he sees Jake pinning Kraig against a tree trunk, Jake's hand curved around Kraig's throat, the other holding Kraig by the wrist so Kraig is left with just one hand to try and pry Jake off of him.
"Are you all right?" Cassie's face comes into view. She must have used her powers to throw the black rock - whatever it is - to a considerably safe distance since it's nowhere to be found.
"Yeah," Adam says, finally able to breathe normally. His eyes slide over to Cade who struggles to get on his feet. Kraig manages to slip away from Jake's grasp and lunges over to Cade and something snaps at Adam, energy leaving him in waves. He feels the touch of Jake's energy as well and Kraig's thrown back, his head slamming against a large rock then he falls limply on the ground.
"Oh my gosh," Cassie sucks in a staggering breath. "Is he…?"
Jake ambles over to Kraig's motionless body in slow, cautious strides then he presses his finger against Kraig's neck. "He's dead."
White smoke emanates from Kraig's body and grows thicker as it spreads out, shrouding Kraig. When the smoke clears, Kraig is gone, as if he had vanished into thin air.
"What happened? Where is he?" Cassie frantically asks.
"Beats me." Jake steps away from the spot where Kraig was moments ago. "Maybe because he's considered a displaced man in our time so when he died, he loses the anchor to keep him here."
The knots in Adam's stomach increases his uneasiness ten folds. "I think we should head back inside. Now."
"Okay." Jake folds his hand into Adam's and the warm feeling that crawls up Adam's arms gradually melts his agitation.
***
Melissa is rushing down the dirt path to meet them. "We found the book," she says, excitement palpable in her eyes.
They rush back inside the house where they find Ethan poring through the worn pages. He lifts the book and asks, "Is this it?"
"Yeah. That's the one. I remember that symbol on the cover," Cade exclaims. On the cover is an embossed image of a leaf shaped like a star. Jake thinks it's his mother's family emblem.
"I think this is the spell." Ethan's hand is splayed over a page. "For it to work though, we need to make a potion. I need essential oils, herbs, roots and quartz."
Melissa peeks over Ethan's shoulder. "I think we have most of that stuff here." She makes her way to the small indoor garden where they grow herbs and keep essential oils.
"We're also going to need your blood," Ethan tells Cade.
"I know. I just need to concentrate for a while, focus on where I intend to go." Cade climbs up the stairs, presumably to meditate on the loft where it's quiet.
Jake knows he should leave him in peace but he can't let Cade leave without finding out why his son loathes him. Against his better judgment, Jake climbs after him. Cade's already resting on the couch, head inclined on the backrest. "Cade, can we talk?"
"Look, Dad. I'm sorry for what I said earlier. You don't deserve it," Cade blurts out.
"I'm sorry too. For whatever I did or will do in the future that will make you hate me so much."
"It's not that I hate you, Dad. It's just…" Cade draws in a shallow breath, eyes traveling around the room for a while before settling back on Jake. "Please don't underestimate Mom. He cares deeply for you that he'll do anything to keep you out of harm's way, Dad."
The words may have been discreet, but Jake has a hunch that, in Cade's past, something might have happened to Adam as a consequence of Jake's actions. "I won't. I promise."
Cade smiles, that tight curve of his lips so much like Adam's. Only then did Jake notice that Cade may resemble Jake in many ways but Cade definitely has Adam's mysterious smile.
A thought occurs to Jake. "Why do you call Adam mom anyway?"
Cade laughs softly, says, "Why don't you ask him?" then pats on the empty spot of the couch.
Jake caves and plants himself next to Cade. "I wish you don't have to leave right away."
"We'll have plenty of time together, don't worry."
A comfortable silence drapes over them. Jake can feel Cade slipping into his meditative state so in respect of Cade's need for peace, Jake takes a mental photograph of this significant event.
"I hate to break up your father and son moment," Adam says, startling Jake out of his melancholy, "but the potion is ready."
Cade gets on his feet and it takes a while before Jake finds the energy to follow.
"Remember what I told you, Mom," Cade tells Adam.
"I won't forget." Adam folds his arms around Cade, says, "I guess I'll see you in nine months," which makes Cade chuckle.
It's when they're descending down the stairs that Adam's words hits Jake like a brick stone has been dropped on his head. He grabs Adam by the arm, brings his lips close to Adam's ear and asks, "Hey, are you saying you're pregnant now?"
Adam throws a naughty look Jake's way. "I don't know. I haven't felt anything weird yet. But I have this gut feeling that I am."
Jake doesn't even resist the smile that pulls at his lips.
Ethan hands Cade a flask filled with green liquid. "I believe you have to drink this."
Just looking at the weird concoction makes Jake want to puke but Cade does as he's told and downs the potion. Then Cade takes the blade from Diana, pricks his finger and smears his blood on the glowing crystal ball.
"The spell will work better if you guys chant with me," Ethan explains so everyone save Cade gather behind Ethan while Cade stands across them. Ethan eyes Cade warily. "Ready?"
Cade's response comes in an audible sigh. "Thank you. All of you. For everything," he says then lifts a piece of paper. "Ego sum unus per vox." The crystal ball resting on Cade's palm begins to glisten.
Ethan lifts the book for everyone to see and they all read, "Antiquus vox exsisto existo, audite veneficus lacuna, foris vicis quod tractus, vado beatus res continuo."
Jake watches the white glow from the crystal ball slowly creep up Cade's arm then the radiance curls around Cade's whole body like shiny tentacles. The light burns brilliantly that Cade appears to be wrapped in some sort of white flames, prompting them all to cover their eyes. Then, in a sudden burst of brightness, Cade disappears. The blinding incandescence disperses into tiny lustrous dots that closely resemble millions of fireflies spiraling into a dark void.
"Well, he's off," Ethan says and the enchantment's broken.
"Do you think he made it?" Adam asks, his face lifting up to Jake.
Jake grabs Adam by the waist, pulls Adam close and whispers, "I'm positive he did." He presses his lips on Adam's temple. "Now why don't you and I talk? About our future."
"Talk is good." Adam coils his arms around Jake's neck. "At least if I am indeed pregnant, we won't have trouble coming up with a name for our baby."
"Yeah. But don't you think Cade Sawyer Conant-Armstrong is a bit over the top?"
"We're not changing it, Jake. And that's that."
"Whatever you say, Adam."
"Which reminds me…." Melissa says with an inflection that evidently suggests she's about to drop a million-dollar question. "Just how in the world did or will Adam get pregnant?"
Faye wraps an arm over Melissa's shoulder, the ever-so-haughty smirk present on her lovely face. "Do you honestly need human reproduction one-oh-one right now?"
"Seriously guys," Diana speaks up, always the voice of reason and for that, she definitely earns Jake's respect. "We're witches. Of all the bizarre things that have happened in our lives, I don't doubt that Adam can and will get pregnant."
***
Epilogue:
The revolting smell hits Adam's nose the moment he steps out of Jake's bedroom. Dismissing it as one of his odd morning sickness, Adam marches down the stairs and finds Jake cooking in the kitchen. The sight warms his heart but the scent that rises from the stove makes his insides roll.
Jake looks over his shoulder, says, "Hey. Mornin'. Breakfast is ready so why don't you take a seat?" and slides a plate full of eggs and bacon on the kitchen table.
The whiff of scrambled eggs invades Adam's nostrils and seeing the faint yellow glop makes the contents of his stomach rush up to his throat. Adam bolts out of the kitchen and heads straight to the bathroom, nearly shoving his face into the toilet bowl just as he starts heaving.
"Adam?" Jake's voice floats tenderly from the doorway. "What's wrong?"
Adam wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. The bitter taste that clings in his mouth makes him even more nauseous. "Remember Dr. Harold Glaser? Melissa's uncle? "
The skin on Jake's forehead wrinkles. "The obstetrician? Who happens to be a witch as well. Yeah, I remember him. Why?"
Adam feels a stab of guilt for not bringing Jake along as promised. But it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, something that breezed through Adam's head when he woke up two days ago feeling like their boat was spinning.
"I saw him the other day," Adam announces then he gnaws on his lower lip while gauging Jake's reaction.
The only reply Jake offers is an inclination of his head but he does speak after a while, says, "And?" with indiscreet curiosity.
The corners of Adam's mouth twitches. A huge part of him wants to smile, blissful for the anticipated circumstance. But a small part of him remains uncertain, afraid of not knowing what he will be going through.
Regardless, Adam does his best to radiate a sense of happiness. He drifts over to Jake, buries his face in Jake's chest and says, "Cade's coming."
end
Written for timetraveler_bb 2012
Fandom: The Secret Circle (TV); Pairing: Jake Armstrong/ Adam Conant
Rating: NC-17; Warning: [click only if you don't mind spoilers]Death of a villain who is of lesser importance in the story, implied MPREG
Summary, Disclaimer, Author's Notes and other information: Please refer to the MASTER POST
previous: p2
The light in Diana's bedroom is on so Adam presumes she's home. Returning Diana's textbook is just an excuse for Adam to see her.
It's sad to realize that they've grown apart since they broke up and that gap just grew wider with everything that went down with the Circle and with her dating Grant.
With Jake in the picture, Adam's worried that Diana might completely slip away from him. She was and hopefully still is, after all, his best friend.
Adam ambles inside without bothering to knock - a habit he hasn't apparently gotten rid off. Diana's grandmother calls out to him from the living room and says, "Diana's up in her room with Cassie. I think they're working on a school project."
"Thanks." Adam begins the quiet climb up the stairs and slows his pace when he hears arguing voices. Hearing Cade's name anchors Adam right outside Diana's room.
Eavesdropping is something he'll least likely to do but he can't help it when he hears Diana say, "Look, we don't know anything about Cade," with the usual authority in her voice. "What if he's manipulating Ethan to believe all that crap? I mean, seriously Cassie… do you honestly believe he's from the future?"
"Diana. We've seen demons in the form of worms sliding inside people's bodies, we've seen the past through astral projection and all the weird things that would not pass as normal to anyone who isn't either a witch or a witch hunter or psychic or whatever. What makes actual time travel impossible?"
"I know, Cassie. But I still think we shouldn't tell the others until we're sure."
"Adam's your friend, too, Diana. Aren't you the least bit concerned? He's obviously having a hard time dealing with his feelings for Jake. But then Cade comes and distracts him. Are we supposed to just sit around and watch him fall for his own son?"
Cassie's last words drive Adam to act on impulse and before rationality settles in his mind, he storms into Diana's room and blurts out, "What?"
The two girls look ineptly startled but Diana's quick to recover. "How long have you been standing there?"
Guilt should be coursing through Adam's conscience but he's confused and curious and furious that he doesn't have space for shame. "Long enough to hear everything you said about Cade being my son from the future. From where the fuck did you get that?"
Diana raises her hand in a stop-let-me-explain gesture that does nothing to calm Adam down. "I know it sounds weird," she says. "Believe me. Cassie and I have been wondering if it's all a hoax."
"But we think there's a ninety percent chance it's true," Cassie supplies with solid certainty. "Diana and I went over to The Boathouse the other day to ask your dad if we can reserve a small space for the school charity meeting next week. We were outside his office when we heard him and Cade talking."
The audible sigh that leaves Diana seems to imply defeat and she gives Cassie an incriminating look before adding, "Cade said something about no longer feeling like he's about to fade. Then Ethan says he thinks you and Jake might have had um… done something already that may have led to Cade being er… conceived." She takes a shallow breath, her lower lip wedged between her teeth as if she's waiting for Adam's reaction.
Diana's words start to come together like Lego pieces in Adam's head and he says, "Wait. What do you mean Cade was conceived?"
Confusion is written all over Diana's face. "I don't know. But I think that may have meant you actually carried Cade?"
"You mean I got pregnant? How can that happen when I-" Fuck! His mind spirals into one focal point: what he and Jake did yesterday. The floor moves underneath his feet and the room tilts so Adam lurches toward Diana's bed and drops listlessly on the edge of the mattress.
"I know this is probably the craziest thing any of us have heard," Cassie says, claiming the spot next to Adam. "But say it's true that Cade is indeed from the future and stuck here for some reason. We heard him asking for your dad's help so he can go back to his own time. But your dad says he doesn't have that kind of power right now, that they might need the Circle's help."
"Cassie's right, Adam. Your son needs you right now."
Adam's mind is struggling to process all these information. The veins in his head are throbbing violently. "I'm gonna go talk to Cade and my dad," he says them dashes out of the room, Diana and Cassie on his heel.
Cade should still be at The Boathouse. He did say he's going to help Ethan clean up and close the place. It's a huge relief that Diana and Cassie choose to respect his need to drown himself in intense contemplation that both girls haven't said a word since they left Diana's house.
As expected, The Boathouse is close but Adam can see his dad pacing inside the restaurant. There's no trace of Cade and Adam presumes that he left already.
Adam doesn't beat around the bush when he storms into the restaurant and blurts out, "Dad, can we talk?" as soon he gets Ethan's attention.
Ethan's eyes skip between the two girls before settling on Adam. "Sure." He leads them to a booth but Adam chooses to remain on his feet. Both Diana and Cassie hover behind him.
"It's about Cade," Adam says and agitation flashes on Ethan's eyes. "Is it true he's my son?"
For a moment, Adam thinks his dad is going to deny it, maybe tell Adam he's losing his mind. But Ethan nods and says, "Yes. It's true. And I've been struggling to find a way to get him back to his time."
Adam wonders, "How did he get here, anyway?" out loud.
"Why don't you ask him?" Ethan's eyes travel somewhere behind Adam, prompting Adam to look over his shoulders. Cade's coming out from the kitchen, shoulders tight in a reticent way that Adam has never seen in him.
"Cade," falls from Adam's lips.
With cautious strides, Cade joins them, his gaze locked on Adam's. "Hey mom," he says. "Sorry I had to hide the truth from you. I thought you not knowing who I am can make the situation less complicated."
"But why go to my dad instead of me?" Adam has to know. Now that everything is laid down on the table, it hurts to realize his own son probably didn't deem he has the ability to help.
"Because it was Grandpa who sent me back," Cade says casually. "In my time, my friends - the rest of the Circle - were killed by Redeemers. They're like witch hunters in the future. So Grandpa suggested that I travel back in time to prevent the massacre."
"Oh my gosh. That's horrible," Cassie mutters, her hand pressed against her chest. "What brought you back to this time though?"
"Well, Grandpa was charging the crystal ball that should send me back in time with the help of a spell," Cade starts. "But then a Redemeer named Kraig showed up and attacked us. I lost my concentration and my thoughts sent me back nineteen years instead."
"Wait." Diana takes a step closer to Cade. "You said the rest of the Circle, your Circle. Does that mean they're…?"
Words seem to fail Diana but Cade must have understood what she meant. Remorse permeates through Cade's veneer when he says, "Yes. They're sons and daughters of your Circle."
Something flickers on the surface of Diana's eyes then she holds her chin up, determination framing her face. "Then let us help you."
Cade's head jerks in agreement. "Thanks. There's just one problem though." Through the pregnant pause, Cade appears to weigh his next words. "I think Kraig jumped into the time vacuum and followed me here."
***
The constant debate going through Jake's head has invited a nagging headache that he feels like he's going to pop a vein any time soon. It's the third night since his abduction and tonight, compensation is due.
Almost a year has gone by since he last did something treacherous, thought he was able to leave that kind of lifestyle behind. But if he doesn't hand Cade over to this man-with-a-wolf-skull-tattoo, then Adam will be in grave danger. Right now, Adam is Jake's priority. He can care less what that man wants with Cade.
It's true he hates Cade's guts only because Cade's been trying to steal Adam's attention. Fuck jealousy. It's not even reason enough for Jake to lead Cade into the lion's den.
The odds seem to mock him though because he spies Cade rounding a bend from The Boathouse's lot, presumably on his way home.
Jake eases his Ford along the curb, leans over to open the passenger's side window. "Hey Cade. Want a lift?"
Cade regards Jake with a guarded look at first then a hint of recognition settles on his face. "Jake! I don't want to be a bother, man."
"Nah. It's no bother. Hop in." Jake pushes the door open in invitation and Cade slides in without any sign of reluctance. "I hope you don't mind if we make a short stop at the harbor. My boss asked me to drop a package. Then maybe we can go grab a beer or something afterwards."
A short, incredulous laugh eludes Cade. "I hope you realize I'm not of legal drinking age yet."
Jake makes a casual gesture with his shoulders then eases the truck back on the road. "We can grab something from the grocery and go somewhere. It's not like I'm gonna report you to the authorities or something."
"Look, Jake. I'm not sure if you're trying to be friendly but if this is about Adam, I think you should talk to him."
The guilt that explodes in Jake's chest nearly prompts him to step on the brake but he grips on the steering wheel, coaxing himself to carry on with the plan. "No. Seriously. This isn't about Adam. I owe you an apology for being such an ass, so let me make up to it."
It's completely dark by the time they reach the desolate part of the harbor where a single shack sits just right at the end of dock. Memories come flooding in Jake's mind. This is where Adam and the girls were taken back in the days when Jake still worked with the witch hunters. This is the place where his friends almost died. An eerie feeling washes over him.
"I believe this is the address," Jake says, pulling out a sheet of paper from his jacket's pocket and pretending to gaze at the address written, though he knows it has nothing to do with why he's here. "I'll be back in a flash." He slides out of the driver's seat, takes a large box filled with nothing but crap from the bed of his truck and begins the pointless trek down the wooden path.
He's halfway toward the old shack when he hears Cade exclaim, "Jake!" and when Jake whips around, he can see the a hooded man dragging the unconscious Cade into the shadows.
"Nice work, Armstrong," the man says in that menacing voice that haunted Jake in his sleep. "Consider Adam and the rest of your Circle safe." Then in a heartbeat, the man's gone, taking Cade with him.
***
It's only after his last class that Adam has the chance to check his phone and notices the cryptic text message his dad sent.
Curious, he quickly calls his dad and asks, "What's wrong?" as soon as his dad picks up.
"Cade didn't show up for work," Ethan says with a clear implication that something is definitely wrong. "I tried calling him on the phone that I lent him but he's not picking up."
Dread instantly has a tight grip on Adam's nerves. "I'll go over to his place and check."
When Adam gets to Cade's apartment though, there's no sign of his future son and a couple of Cade's neighbors claim they didn't see Cade come home last night.
His paternal instinct kicks in. Something's wrong, I just know it. Desperation drives him to place an urgent call to Diana and Cassie asking them to meet him at the abandoned house only to find Melissa and Faye there when he arrives.
"Are you avoiding Jake by any chance?" Faye asks in her usual accusatory manner that normally annoys Adam but his mind is preoccupied with worry over Cade that he ignores her. "Seriously, Adam. You need to get laid."
The rickety wooden planks squeak when Adam starts pacing around the room. He hopes Diana and Cassie will get there soon before he ends up having aneurism.
"What's the big emergency?" Cassie demands the moment she breezes in, Diana behind her and she ceases to move further when her eyes settle on Adam. "Oh no. It's Cade, isn't it?"
Adam wonders if Cassie has suddenly developed an ability to read minds or if Adam's anxiety is merely reflected on his face. "He didn't report for work and I went over to his place but his neighbors said they haven't seen him since yesterday."
"I give. Why worry about Cade?" Melissa asks. "I know he's your friend but…."
"This is interesting," Faye pipes in, the rise on her pitch reaches an irritating level for Adam. "Are you sleeping with both Jake and Cade? So not like you, I'd say."
"No, Faye. Cade is my son," Adam snaps out and the flabbergasted look on Faye and Melissa somehow feeds him with a sense of complacency.
"Okay, I think an explanation is in order." Diana relays everything they have learned about Cade in a more articulate, more methodical way than Adam could have managed.
"Wow," is Faye and Melissa's laconic reaction once Diana's done with her succinct narration.
Faye sinks on the couch, looking like she just lost her lifesavings in gambling. She sets her eyes on Adam. "So your dad knew all along who Cade really is?"
"Yeah. That's why he gave Cade a job, a place to stay while he figures things out."
A look of panic flares on Melissa's eyes and she leaps up from Faye's side. "Oh my gosh! Jake!" she blurts out then stumbles on her next words as she tries to explain what Jake's been doing and planning for the past three days.
Caught in a cyclone of anger, worry, fear and just plain wanting to smack Jake right across his head, Adam says, "Why the hell didn't he tell me about it? He said he couldn't remember who took him and why."
"I think he did have trouble remembering at first," Faye says in Jake's defense. "He might have been drugged and all, but when it came back to him, he asked us to help him find out more about-"
"What's going on?" Speak of the devil. Jake's eyes travel across the room, studying the faces of every member of the Circle.
Adam's too caught up in rage that he lunges at Jake, grabs Jake's jacket and growls, "What the fuck did you do to Cade?"
Jake's hands curl around Adam's wrist and attempts to free himself from Adam's hold. "He's not who he says he is, Adam."
"I don't give a shit. Just answer me. What did you do to Cade?"
Guilt flashes on Jake's eyes. "The man who took me says if I don’t take Cade to him, then Cade can put your life in danger."
"Well, that man lied to you," Adam spits out. The anger boiling in him is too much that he can feel his powers surging like lava through his bloodstream. He takes deep, calming breaths to regain control then releases Jake but maintains the close proximity. "You have to save Cade, Jake. You have to help me get him back."
"What for?" The lines on Jake's forehead deepen. "He's been lying to you, Adam. You and your dad and everyone else. There isn't anything to prove he did live in New York, no school records, or proof of birth."
"He's your son!" The frustration that's simmering inside Adam ignites. "You won't find anything because Cade wasn't born in New York. He was born here, in Chance Harbor. And that man who took you is a Redeemer, a witch hunter and he came here with Cade from the future with one goal and one goal only. And that is to kill Cade, like he and the other Redeemers did with the other members of Cade's Circle."
"What do you mean from the future?" This time, it's Adam who explains about Cade and Jake looks horror-stricken. Jake sinks on the nearest chair and runs a hand over his face. "You mean I just handed my own son to a witch hunter?"
Diana steps in. Figuratively. "Okay, instead of going through all this drama, why don't we try to find Cade and save him before this Kraig character can bring any harm to him."
"I'll bring out the scrying crystal," Cassie speaks up after being reticent since she sauntered into the house.
Faye bounces off her seat. "I'll bring out the map."
Adam pulls a leather bracelet from his pocket. "I found this in Cade's apartment. This might help."
***
All that scrying shit leads them to an abandoned warehouse just at the border of town, hidden behind thick rows of trees.
"You three stay here. I'm gonna go in there alone. Should anything happen you can come after me as back up," Jake says and judging from the facial reaction he receives, it's clear Adam, Diana and Cassie aren't in complete agreement. "Look, it's my fault Cade's in there."
"Don't be stupid, Jake," Adam hisses. "Are you forgetting you don't have solo magic anymore? I'm going in there with you. That's our son who's in danger."
"Much as I admire both your masculine bravado, I think we'll have better chances of getting Cade out alive if we work together," Diana points out in a matter-of-fact way.
"Guys, let's go." Cassie dashes across the empty lot, catching Jake off guard before his legs move on their own accord and hurries after her with Adam and Diana behind him.
They find Cade's hunched form in a small, stuffy room where Cade is tied against a pole and there's iron sulfate powder scattered around him.
Surprisingly, there's no sign of Kraig. Jake raises his hand to get Cade's attention. When Cade's gaze lands on where he and Adam are crouching behind wooden crates, the glare he throws Jake's way can have Jake drop dead on the spot if looks alone can kill.
Adam starts to move toward Cade but Jake grabs his arm and says, "It may be a trap."
Cade must have heard him because he says, "No, it's not. Kraig left to find the crystal ball, probably in my apartment. Hurry. He might go after Grandpa next."
Adam bounds over to Cade and when he breaks the circle of iron sulfate, the rope around Cade comes undone.
"Let's go." Jake beckons for them to follow but then he's thrown against the wall and he can feel the pressure closing in on his throat. It takes several seconds for Jake to realize that Cade's using his powers against Jake.
"Let him go, Cade," Adam says in a reprimanding tone. "He didn't know. Kraig lied to him and Jake was only worried for my safety, that's why he did what he thought he had to do. It's stupid, I know."
The pressure leaves Jake's throat abruptly and he drops on the floor like a rag doll. "I'm sorry," Jake says in a strangled breath. "I didn't know."
Once certain that Cade no longer craves to strangle Jake, they head back to the abandoned house where Ethan, Melissa and Faye are desperately trying to find a way to activate the crystal ball. It's the instrument that brought Cade here from the future, as far as Jake knows.
"We've tried more than a dozen spells from Diana's book and Cassie's and Jake's and Adam's but none of them works," Melissa explains, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face.
"Do you remember which book I used?" Ethan asks, the question clearly directed at Cage.
"It was Dad's, but you may be looking at the Armstrong Book of Shadows. Dad has another one, the one that belonged to Grandma Sara."
"But I just have one Book," Jake says, totally confused because he's only been using his dad's book, doesn't even know his mom had one.
"You have two, Dad." The foregone conclusion molding on Cade's semblance gives a clear indication that he speaks the truth. "You told me you found or will find - I'm not sure anymore - but you found it here, in the abandoned house."
"I don't know." As far as Jake can recall, he found his dad's Book before he left Chance Harbor almost three years ago. "Nick must have found Mom's Book but he must have hidden it along with the other stuff that belonged to our parents."
"The walls," Melissa blurts out. "I remember Nick used to hide odd things within the walls."
"She's right." Adam moves over to the wall just beneath the loft and starts pressing against the wooden panels. "It was my idea, actually. But I think Nick hid more stuff than I did."
While everyone is engrossed with the dire search, Jake steals the chance to approach Cade. He rests a hand on Cade's shoulder and says, "Cade. I'm really sorry for what I did. If I knew-"
"It's okay, Dad," Cade interrupts offhandedly. "I’m used to your lack of proper judgment. You always act first before you think. It's gotten old, actually."
"Cade, don't talk to your father that way," Adam chides, his voice tight.
"You don't know what he did, Mom. Or in this case, what he will do." The entire room vibrates with incredible tension then Cade storms out of the house, a cloud of rage trailing after him.
"Cade!" Jake starts to stroll after Cade but he's seized by the sleeve of his jacket.
"I'll talk to him," Adam says, the resoluteness etched on his face anchors Jake on the floor.
***
The moon is at its fullest, casting an enchanting shimmer over the forest, thus, providing Adam just the light he needs to catch sight of Cade a few yards ahead.
"Cade! Wait up!" he hollers and is relieved when Cade's pace decelerates.
"I'm not going to apologize to him, Mom," Cade snaps venomously.
"I'm not going to ask you to." Adam falls in step beside his future son. "I have to agree, Jake can be a total ass without trying, but I hope your obvious lack of respect for him doesn't mean I didn't raise you properly."
Cade scoffs and starts kicking on the soil with his boot-clad foot. "Don't worry, Mom. You raised me well enough. It's just that Dad did something stupid that-"
When Cade doesn't say anything more, Adam spurs, "That what?"
Cade shakes his head. "I can't tell you much about the future. It will possibly cause a time rift worse than it already has just by me being here. It's just-" Cade's shoulders rise and fall as he takes a deep breath then his eyes meet Adam's. "A week before my twelfth birthday, Dad will receive word about a witch that Redeemers are holding hostage in Salem. It's a trap. Don't make him go. If he does, don't follow him. Please Mom. I wish I can say more but…."
"Something happened or will happen to me." The words escape Adam not as an inquiry, but a presumptive statement. Adam knows he shouldn't press for more information. He can see that Cade's having difficulty holding everything inside. Instead, he chooses to stir the conversation to something lighter. "I'm curious though. Why do you call me mom?"
Cade barks a laugh then scratches the back of his neck. Adam can't help but think he looks so much like Jake, even in the slightest gestures. "You can blame Dad for that. He said that technically you're my mother because you carried me. I guess I grew up calling you mom that it's hard to break the habit."
Adam makes a mental note to change that, make that on top of the list of things he has to alter for the future. "It's not safe for you to be out here. Let's go back, shall we?"
They barely make it halfway back to the house when a sinister laugh echoes around them. A man emerges from the shadow of the trees - dark, long hair crowns his sharp features, eyes burning with malice and his lips twisted in a horrifying way.
"Kraig," Cade declares and he steps in front of Adam.
"Not a wise move to escape from my clutches, young Armstrong. Or have you forgotten I have something that can cause you extreme pain?" Kraig holds out his hand and sitting on his palm was a black rock the size of a pear.
Cade suddenly drops on his knees, hands splayed on the ground and he's gasping for air.
"What are you doing?" Adam hits the ground, the stones digging through his jeans. The hot rush of air surrounding him makes it hard for him to breathe. His lungs are on fire. "Stop it!"
"And you'll do what?" Kraig sniggers. "This stone drains your magical energy, rendering you powerless. Kinda like a Kryptonite for witches."
Dark mist begins to cloud his visual faculty. Then he sees a blur of movement through his peripheral vision. The hot air quickly leaves his body and Adam gasps, desperate to get his breathing in control. When he lifts his head, he sees Jake pinning Kraig against a tree trunk, Jake's hand curved around Kraig's throat, the other holding Kraig by the wrist so Kraig is left with just one hand to try and pry Jake off of him.
"Are you all right?" Cassie's face comes into view. She must have used her powers to throw the black rock - whatever it is - to a considerably safe distance since it's nowhere to be found.
"Yeah," Adam says, finally able to breathe normally. His eyes slide over to Cade who struggles to get on his feet. Kraig manages to slip away from Jake's grasp and lunges over to Cade and something snaps at Adam, energy leaving him in waves. He feels the touch of Jake's energy as well and Kraig's thrown back, his head slamming against a large rock then he falls limply on the ground.
"Oh my gosh," Cassie sucks in a staggering breath. "Is he…?"
Jake ambles over to Kraig's motionless body in slow, cautious strides then he presses his finger against Kraig's neck. "He's dead."
White smoke emanates from Kraig's body and grows thicker as it spreads out, shrouding Kraig. When the smoke clears, Kraig is gone, as if he had vanished into thin air.
"What happened? Where is he?" Cassie frantically asks.
"Beats me." Jake steps away from the spot where Kraig was moments ago. "Maybe because he's considered a displaced man in our time so when he died, he loses the anchor to keep him here."
The knots in Adam's stomach increases his uneasiness ten folds. "I think we should head back inside. Now."
"Okay." Jake folds his hand into Adam's and the warm feeling that crawls up Adam's arms gradually melts his agitation.
***
Melissa is rushing down the dirt path to meet them. "We found the book," she says, excitement palpable in her eyes.
They rush back inside the house where they find Ethan poring through the worn pages. He lifts the book and asks, "Is this it?"
"Yeah. That's the one. I remember that symbol on the cover," Cade exclaims. On the cover is an embossed image of a leaf shaped like a star. Jake thinks it's his mother's family emblem.
"I think this is the spell." Ethan's hand is splayed over a page. "For it to work though, we need to make a potion. I need essential oils, herbs, roots and quartz."
Melissa peeks over Ethan's shoulder. "I think we have most of that stuff here." She makes her way to the small indoor garden where they grow herbs and keep essential oils.
"We're also going to need your blood," Ethan tells Cade.
"I know. I just need to concentrate for a while, focus on where I intend to go." Cade climbs up the stairs, presumably to meditate on the loft where it's quiet.
Jake knows he should leave him in peace but he can't let Cade leave without finding out why his son loathes him. Against his better judgment, Jake climbs after him. Cade's already resting on the couch, head inclined on the backrest. "Cade, can we talk?"
"Look, Dad. I'm sorry for what I said earlier. You don't deserve it," Cade blurts out.
"I'm sorry too. For whatever I did or will do in the future that will make you hate me so much."
"It's not that I hate you, Dad. It's just…" Cade draws in a shallow breath, eyes traveling around the room for a while before settling back on Jake. "Please don't underestimate Mom. He cares deeply for you that he'll do anything to keep you out of harm's way, Dad."
The words may have been discreet, but Jake has a hunch that, in Cade's past, something might have happened to Adam as a consequence of Jake's actions. "I won't. I promise."
Cade smiles, that tight curve of his lips so much like Adam's. Only then did Jake notice that Cade may resemble Jake in many ways but Cade definitely has Adam's mysterious smile.
A thought occurs to Jake. "Why do you call Adam mom anyway?"
Cade laughs softly, says, "Why don't you ask him?" then pats on the empty spot of the couch.
Jake caves and plants himself next to Cade. "I wish you don't have to leave right away."
"We'll have plenty of time together, don't worry."
A comfortable silence drapes over them. Jake can feel Cade slipping into his meditative state so in respect of Cade's need for peace, Jake takes a mental photograph of this significant event.
"I hate to break up your father and son moment," Adam says, startling Jake out of his melancholy, "but the potion is ready."
Cade gets on his feet and it takes a while before Jake finds the energy to follow.
"Remember what I told you, Mom," Cade tells Adam.
"I won't forget." Adam folds his arms around Cade, says, "I guess I'll see you in nine months," which makes Cade chuckle.
It's when they're descending down the stairs that Adam's words hits Jake like a brick stone has been dropped on his head. He grabs Adam by the arm, brings his lips close to Adam's ear and asks, "Hey, are you saying you're pregnant now?"
Adam throws a naughty look Jake's way. "I don't know. I haven't felt anything weird yet. But I have this gut feeling that I am."
Jake doesn't even resist the smile that pulls at his lips.
Ethan hands Cade a flask filled with green liquid. "I believe you have to drink this."
Just looking at the weird concoction makes Jake want to puke but Cade does as he's told and downs the potion. Then Cade takes the blade from Diana, pricks his finger and smears his blood on the glowing crystal ball.
"The spell will work better if you guys chant with me," Ethan explains so everyone save Cade gather behind Ethan while Cade stands across them. Ethan eyes Cade warily. "Ready?"
Cade's response comes in an audible sigh. "Thank you. All of you. For everything," he says then lifts a piece of paper. "Ego sum unus per vox." The crystal ball resting on Cade's palm begins to glisten.
Ethan lifts the book for everyone to see and they all read, "Antiquus vox exsisto existo, audite veneficus lacuna, foris vicis quod tractus, vado beatus res continuo."
Jake watches the white glow from the crystal ball slowly creep up Cade's arm then the radiance curls around Cade's whole body like shiny tentacles. The light burns brilliantly that Cade appears to be wrapped in some sort of white flames, prompting them all to cover their eyes. Then, in a sudden burst of brightness, Cade disappears. The blinding incandescence disperses into tiny lustrous dots that closely resemble millions of fireflies spiraling into a dark void.
"Well, he's off," Ethan says and the enchantment's broken.
"Do you think he made it?" Adam asks, his face lifting up to Jake.
Jake grabs Adam by the waist, pulls Adam close and whispers, "I'm positive he did." He presses his lips on Adam's temple. "Now why don't you and I talk? About our future."
"Talk is good." Adam coils his arms around Jake's neck. "At least if I am indeed pregnant, we won't have trouble coming up with a name for our baby."
"Yeah. But don't you think Cade Sawyer Conant-Armstrong is a bit over the top?"
"We're not changing it, Jake. And that's that."
"Whatever you say, Adam."
"Which reminds me…." Melissa says with an inflection that evidently suggests she's about to drop a million-dollar question. "Just how in the world did or will Adam get pregnant?"
Faye wraps an arm over Melissa's shoulder, the ever-so-haughty smirk present on her lovely face. "Do you honestly need human reproduction one-oh-one right now?"
"Seriously guys," Diana speaks up, always the voice of reason and for that, she definitely earns Jake's respect. "We're witches. Of all the bizarre things that have happened in our lives, I don't doubt that Adam can and will get pregnant."
***
Epilogue:
The revolting smell hits Adam's nose the moment he steps out of Jake's bedroom. Dismissing it as one of his odd morning sickness, Adam marches down the stairs and finds Jake cooking in the kitchen. The sight warms his heart but the scent that rises from the stove makes his insides roll.
Jake looks over his shoulder, says, "Hey. Mornin'. Breakfast is ready so why don't you take a seat?" and slides a plate full of eggs and bacon on the kitchen table.
The whiff of scrambled eggs invades Adam's nostrils and seeing the faint yellow glop makes the contents of his stomach rush up to his throat. Adam bolts out of the kitchen and heads straight to the bathroom, nearly shoving his face into the toilet bowl just as he starts heaving.
"Adam?" Jake's voice floats tenderly from the doorway. "What's wrong?"
Adam wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. The bitter taste that clings in his mouth makes him even more nauseous. "Remember Dr. Harold Glaser? Melissa's uncle? "
The skin on Jake's forehead wrinkles. "The obstetrician? Who happens to be a witch as well. Yeah, I remember him. Why?"
Adam feels a stab of guilt for not bringing Jake along as promised. But it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, something that breezed through Adam's head when he woke up two days ago feeling like their boat was spinning.
"I saw him the other day," Adam announces then he gnaws on his lower lip while gauging Jake's reaction.
The only reply Jake offers is an inclination of his head but he does speak after a while, says, "And?" with indiscreet curiosity.
The corners of Adam's mouth twitches. A huge part of him wants to smile, blissful for the anticipated circumstance. But a small part of him remains uncertain, afraid of not knowing what he will be going through.
Regardless, Adam does his best to radiate a sense of happiness. He drifts over to Jake, buries his face in Jake's chest and says, "Cade's coming."
end