Chapter 7

It took less than an hour for Mary to navigate the bustling traffic of a weekday in the busy city and drive down to Raymond's house. It was a miracle that she remembered the route, given that she had only been to Raymond's house once, and she was quite surprised. But then again, with Raymond's life at risk of being ended by her brother, a miracle like this was very much needed and appreciated.

Before she could fully turn off the engine of her car in the garage, Mary jumped out of the vehicle and stood there for five seconds, trying to find or sense any sign of danger. But there was nothing. No smell of gunpowder, no smell of blood. As a matter of fact, Raymond's wide compound was so peaceful that it would be hard for anyone to assume anything close to what Mary had in her head had happened here.

But Mary knew better. She was Eric's sister, after all.

Aside from the white helicopter with her brother's initials in gold sitting proudly on the roof of Raymond's house, she could already sense that something had gone down before she arrived. Right there and then, Mary's heart dropped to her stomach, and in a split second, she dashed toward the door and pushed it open without a second thought.

Her sudden entry alarmed the trio seated in the living room, talking over tea and biscuits. Their heads turned simultaneously toward the door, where Mary stood panting and staring in shock. She was standing there, not because she sought permission to enter, but because she was so shocked, her legs forgot their function.

Where was the near-murder scene she had expected? Where was the blood? The broken limbs? The knocked-out teeth? The broken furniture? There was none of it, and it left Mary more confused than relieved. She had expected the worst when she drove down here at the highest speed, but what did she find? A happy couple seated to tea with her secretary?

Did the sun suddenly rise from the West? Because if this isn't shocking, Mary didn't know what is!

"Are you going to just stand there, or will you come over and give your big brother a hug?" Eric spoke first, already on his feet with his arms spread out to embrace his little sister, whom he hadn't seen in over two months.

Mary had never been more creeped out by anything in her life. Sure, her brother doted on her like a princess, but seeing him so nice and happy when he should be flipping things over gave her chills. "Come on, Mary!" Erickson called again, louder this time, as he could tell that his sister was lost in her head.

Mary finally heeded his call and nodded before dragging her stiff legs toward her brother and hugging him. "There, there, my princess," Eric cooed as he rubbed Mary's hair like she was a child. His happy smile reached his eyes as he held his only sister in his embrace. Mary could not see his face as her head was pressed against her brother's broad chest, but the others could.

There was the joy of being able to hold his sister once again, there was warmth radiating from every fiber of his being. His eyes held big relief, and yet, beneath these emotions, bubbled a fiery rage that was about to erupt like an active volcano. This rage was tamed now, but for how long?

After hearing from Raymond everything that had happened to Mary in his absence, Eric could barely contain himself. But then again, he couldn't let his sister see the worst of him. Mary was accustomed only to the concern, love, and sweetness her brother showed her. Showing her the other side might just be traumatizing for her.

But as for Raymond and Eric's wife, this side would always be visible and could never be hidden.

"That's enough, Eric," Mary complained, finally tired of the incessant rubbing of her hair. Her head already felt hot. She heard her brother laugh briefly and felt the vibration of his chest before he gently released her from his hug.

"Sorry, princess, my bad." Eric might have pulled away from the hug but still kept his hands on Mary's shoulders. He silently examined her face and was more than relieved to see that she appeared alright, except for the slight worry on her face that kept her brows knotted.

No one needed the powers of a witch or warlock to tell them that the reason Mary had appeared here suddenly was because she was worried for Ray's life. "Relax those brows now; everything is fine, as you can see," Eric's wife spoke as she took a step forward to hug her sister-in-law.

"Therese…" Mary called softly as she hugged her brother's wife and buried her head in the woman's shoulder. She let out a gratified sigh and whispered a small thank you, to which Therese smiled and nodded slightly in response.

Mary knew without a doubt that if things were this calm, and Raymond wasn't in the hospital, it was because of Therese. No one could control her brother's attitude like Therese could.

Both women kept their greetings short, and when they sat, Therese poured out tea into a cup and passed it over to Mary, who accepted it immediately with a smile. Who could blame her? Therese had a knack for making delicious, calming tea.

At the first sip, Mary shut her eyes, enjoying and savoring the taste of her tea and its equally pleasing fragrance. But as much as she would love to enjoy this a little bit more, she knew there were pressing things to focus on and so turned to her brother. He might be calm now, but who knew what would happen next time if she and Therese weren't around?

"So… Eric, what brings you here?" she asked, already speaking before thinking of what to say, hence the ridiculous question with its very obvious answer.