by I. T. Lucas
“I’ll drink to that,” Kian said. “And to the Fates who have orchestrated everything.”
“To the Fates,” Kalugal echoed the salute.
12
Jacki
“Ready?” Jin asked.
Jacki lifted a shaky hand to her coifed hair. “Is it time?”
Why was she so unreasonably anxious? This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but instead of joy, she was battling a feeling of impending doom.
“No touching!” Amanda warned. “Callie, make Jacki another drink.”
“Coming up.”
Taking her hand, Amanda led Jacki to the couch. “Sit down and tell me your worst fears.”
When Jacki didn’t say anything, Amanda took her hands in hers and gave them a little encouraging squeeze. “Come on. Are you afraid you’re going to trip over your dress?”
“It can happen.”
“No, it can’t because Jin and Mey are going to have their arms threaded through yours, and if you trip, they’ll catch you. Next.”
“I’ll forget the words of my pledge or confuse them.”
“Then you’ll make them up on the spot. I love you forever and ever, you are the best thing that ever happened to me, yadda, yadda.”
Callie handed Jacki the drink. “Shamash said that they are waiting for us to give them the signal. As soon as we do, they’ll play the ‘Wedding March’.”
“Careful on the lipstick,” Amanda warned.
Jacki took a long sip from the drink and handed it back to Callie. “Let’s do it. The sooner it’s over, the sooner I can take these shoes off and start enjoying myself.”
“Is that the problem?” Amanda asked. “If they pinch your toes or bother you in any way, you’d better wear the low-heeled ones. No one is going to see your shoes under the dress.”
“That’s okay. I like the way they make me look.” She lifted her hand. “I have this ugly cuff on that I can’t take off, but the dress is beautiful, and I look statuesque in these four-inch heels. So maybe no one will pay attention to the mismatched jewelry.” Jacki pushed to her feet and plastered a smile on her face. “Let’s do it, ladies.”
“One moment.” Syssi got in front of her, blocking her way. “Do you love Kalugal?”
“With all my heart.”
“Does he love you back.”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to spend eternity with him?”
“Yes.”
“Then take a deep breath and focus on that. As you go down the stairs, look at Kalugal. He’ll be waiting for you on the podium with a big smile on his face and even bigger love in his heart. He is the only one you’ll see.”
Jacki let out a breath. “Thank you. That actually helps.” She turned to Callie. “Can you tell Shamash that we are ready?”
“Of course.” Callie opened the door and conveyed the message.
Amanda clapped her hands. “Line up, ladies.”
Jin and Mey took their spots flanking Jacki, Syssi and Carol were next, and behind them were Wonder and Callie.
The way they’d planned it, Amanda and Bridget, who had chosen not to participate as bridesmaids, would go down using the interior staircase and join their mates at the tables. Jacki and her bridesmaids would use the exterior stairs that led from the master bedroom’s balcony straight down to the back yard, which meant that from the moment that Jacki stepped out on the balcony, all eyes would be on her.
No pressure.
Following Syssi’s advice, she took a deep breath and thought about Kalugal. The moment she stepped through the balcony’s French doors, she would search for him, and when she found him, she would focus on him until she reached the podium.
As the music started, Jin and Mey threaded their arms through hers and practically lifted her.
That wasn’t going to work.
Jacki wasn’t a prisoner being escorted to her execution, she was a bride about to pledge her eternal love to the best man on the planet.
“That’s okay, ladies. I’m not scared anymore. In fact, I’ll go first, and you can follow me.”
Jin cast her a worried look. “Are you sure? What about the shoes? You might trip.”
“I’ll be fine. Let’s go.”
Jacki squared her shoulders and walked out on the balcony with her head held high.
As a cheer went up, followed by clapping, she smiled and waved her hand like a celebrity or a princess. “Thank you!”
The stairs were about six feet wide and turned in a slight arc. Taking them carefully one at the time, Jacki looked at Kalugal, who was smiling and gazing at her adoringly, precisely as Syssi had predicted.
But he wasn’t the only one smiling. All of their guests were grinning as well, their well-wishing so palpable that it suffused Jacki with warmth and gratitude.
Kalugal was making all of her wishes come true, even those she hadn’t dared to dream.
She was so lucky.
Lifting her face heavenward, Jacki offered a quick thank you to the Fates. Whether it was the mythological matchmakers that the clan believed in or some other higher power who had granted her and Kalugal such a boon, Jacki was grateful for the kindness that had been bestowed on them. Then she also added a quick prayer for her successful transition and an eternity of love.
13
Kalugal
As the traditional wedding march began playing through the loudspeakers, signaling that Jacki was ready, Kalugal took his place on the podium.
Standing with Lokan on one side and Kian on the other, he was surrounded by family. His best friends, Phinas and Rufsur, stood behind his brother, and Welgost and Ruvon behind Kian.
Above, the drones were buzzing, and he heard the murmurs of admiration for the display, but Kalugal didn’t spare them a single glance. His eyes were glued to the second floor’s balcony.
When Jacki stepped out, his heart skipped a beat. She looked like a queen, regal, resplendent, and her smile was bright enough to light up the sky.
When a cheer went up, she waved and then looked straight at him, holding his eyes as she descended the stairs.
His mate, his love.
Everything receded into the background, the sights, the sounds, the bridesmaids in their colorful saris, even the cold breeze ruffling his hair. All Kalugal could see was his queen advancing toward him, bathed in light and shining like a star.
Logically, he knew that the glow was the result of the spotlights directed at her and reflecting off her white wedding gown. But reality didn’t matter to him at the moment. All he wanted was for Jacki to feel as resplendent as she looked.
As she climbed the two steps up to the podium, the bridesmaids and groomsmen stepped down, leaving the stage clear for the two of them.
“My love.” Kalugal offered Jacki his hand.
“I’m here with you for evermore.”
An approving murmur rose like a wave and washed over their guests.
“As am I.” Kalugal lifted Jacki’s hand and kissed it. “Would you like to start?” he whispered.
They hadn’t planned who was going first, and Kalugal wasn’t sure what was customary.
Jacki nodded and cleared her throat. “I, Jacqueline Redford, take you, Kalugal, son of Areana and Navuh, to be my mate, and I promise in front of these witnesses to have and to hold you from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in joy and in sorrow. I will love, cherish, and honor you all the days of my life.”
It was perfect, and Kalugal couldn’t help but lean and kiss her cheek. “I love you.”
As a round of applause began, he lifted his hand. “I’m not finished, people.”
He waited until it was quiet again. “I, Kalugal, take you, my beautiful Jacqueline, to be my mate, my wife, my everything. I promise in front of all these witnesses, our family and friends, to love you, provide for you, protect you, and make you happy to the best of my ability. I will love, cherish, and honor you all the days of my life. I may now kiss the bride.” He pull
ed Jacki into his arms and kissed the living daylights out of her.
The applause was deafening, and as someone tapped his shoulder, Kalugal ignored the tap and kept on kissing his mate.
“Look up,” Kian said in his ear. “You are missing it.”
As he let go of Jacki’s mouth, they both looked up to the sky.
Jacki gasped. “It’s beautiful!”
The drones had painted a big heart in the sky, and as the pink smoke started to fade, another drone passed through it and unfurled a banner. It said ‘Congratulations, Jacki and Kalugal.’ Two red hearts flanked the message.
Looking over his shoulder at his cousin, Kalugal mouthed, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The drone with the banner made a couple more passes over the backyard, and then the other six put up an impressive airshow, flying in formation and performing aerobatics.
It must have taken a lot of effort for the clan to plan and execute such a professional display in such a short time. And to think that just a few weeks ago they were on opposite sides of the fence.
Now, they were one big happy family.
Naturally, that was an exaggeration, but it was his wedding night, and Kalugal was allowed his fantasies. The real world could wait for tomorrow.
Besides, Kian, Lokan, and he were on the right path, and today’s wishful thinking could be tomorrow’s reality.
14
Simmons
“Kajeck Zolotovsky.” Simmons read the name from the printed page he pulled out of the file folder. “That’s the name of the owner on record. Age thirty-eight, single, emigrated from Russia eleven years ago, initially lived in New York, then eight years later he moved here and bought the house.” He lifted his head and looked at Roberts. “Sounds like a fake to me, but everything checked out.”
“Why does it sound fake?” Roberts asked.
“Just a gut feeling.”
“What does your gut tell you now?”
“That we are going to succeed.”
“I hope you are right.” Roberts shifted in his seat. “Your guy is taking too long. What’s keeping him?”
“We will soon find out.”
While Hector made one last pass by the mansion, the rest of them parked two streets over, waiting for his report. Simmons didn’t expect any surprises, but it was important to scope the place right before the attack.
Because of the party, additional security might be employed, or perhaps guests were still arriving, or food was being delivered. They had to verify that the party was going full swing and that the paranormals were busy before proceeding with their plan.
Except, Hector was taking longer than expected, and six identical vans parked in a row attracted attention. Simmons wasn’t overly worried about that. If anyone came to investigate, he had a cover story prepared. So far, though, it was a quiet night, and only one car had passed by them without slowing down.
“Here he is,” Roberts said.
Simmons rolled down his window.
As Hector stopped and rolled his down as well, his expression didn’t bode well. “The party must have been canceled. There is no one there, and all the tables and chairs are gone.”
That didn’t make sense. Only several hours ago, the mansion’s backyard was set up for a wedding.
“Perhaps they’ve moved it inside?”
Hector shook his head. “There is no music, and the house is dark. They are either not there or sleeping.”
There could be only one logical explanation for what Hector was reporting. Someone must’ve gotten hold of the guy’s brain again and hypnotized him not to see the party.
“Hold on a moment, Hector.” Simmons rolled the window back up. “They’ve messed with him again. The tables and chairs were still there when he made his previous rounds six hours ago, and four hours ago, and people were putting tablecloths, serve ware, and decorative flower arrangements on the tables. The party is happening right now, but he just can’t see it.”
“How do you want to proceed?” Roberts asked.
“Just as we planned. Hector’s men will knock on the neighbors' doors and explain that an emergency sound system is going to be deployed and not to worry. Once we fire the cannon, they will drive up to the property and collect the talents.”
“Perhaps we should take a look first? What if he’s right?”
“He’s not. But sure. Let’s make a quick drive-by.”
He rolled the window down. “Wait here. Roberts and I are going to check what’s going on.”
“Suit yourself. There is nothing there.”
The house was less than a five-minute drive away, and as soon as Simmons turned into the street, he heard music playing.
He turned to Roberts. “Do you hear that? They are playing the 'Wedding March'.”
Roberts eyed him as if he were insane. “What music?”
“You can’t hear it?”
“No.”
Simmons rolled down the window. “How about now?”
“Nothing.”
The music wasn’t loud, but Roberts would have to be deaf not to hear it. Maybe his friend needed a hearing aid?
As a buzzing sound from above caught his attention, Simmons looked up and saw a bunch of drones flying in formation over the property. “Elijah, open your window and look up.”
His friend did as he asked, pushed his head out, and looked to the sky. “What am I supposed to see?”
“Drones flying in formation. Oh, look at that. Two just painted a giant heart with smoke.”
Roberts shook his head. “Edgar, I worry about you. There are no drones, no music, and there isn’t a single light in any of the windows. The entire property looks deserted.”
“I know what I’m seeing, Elijah. They must have a powerful hypnotist who is manipulating everybody’s minds, and I’m the only one who sees and hears what’s going on because I’m immune.”
He looked up at the sky again. “One of the drones has a banner that says, 'Congratulations Jacki and Kalugal.' It seems that our Jacki is the one getting married.”
Elijah was still looking at him as if he were missing a screw. “No one can hypnotize or compel people remotely to see or not to see, to hear or not to hear something. And if they have someone like that, we shouldn’t mess with them. We should cancel the mission.”
“I’m not canceling anything. Unless that master hypnotist is an alien from outer space, he or she still has the same ears as everyone else. When we activate the device, all of them will go down no matter what paranormal talents they have or how powerful they are.”
“Let’s assume for a moment that you are right, and that there is really a party going on out there, and that you haven’t lost your mind. We shoot the cannon, we collect the talents, drug them, and bring them to our facility. How are you going to contain someone that powerful? The others can be compelled by the recruiter, but the hypnotist probably not.”
Simmons snorted. “Come on, Elijah. You know precisely what can be done to convince a reluctant talent to cooperate. It has been successfully done to condition elite operatives and still is. Between the drugs, the brainwashing, and if needed, sensory deprivation and pain, most minds can be bent to serve their masters. And if they don’t, they break.”
15
Kian
As soon as Jacki and Kalugal finished exchanging their vows, everyone erupted in cheers and applause, which Kian saw but couldn’t hear. But he could certainly feel his phone vibrating in his pocket.
He pulled it out and read the message from Magnus.
A couple of vans drove by the mansion. One stopped for a couple of minutes, a guy stuck his head out the window, and then the van drove away. Is Kalugal waiting for deliveries?
Kian typed back. I’ll ask.
Leaning closer to Syssi, he whispered in her ear, “I need to ask Rufsur something. I’ll be back in a minute.”
She nodded.
He found Kalugal’s second-in-command on the veranda, superv
ising the men bringing out food to the buffet table.
“Rufsur.” He lifted a hand to get the guy’s attention. “Are you waiting for deliveries?”
“No, why?” Rufsur walked over.
“My men saw a couple of vans drive by the property.”
“Let me check with our security.” Rufsur pulled out his phone and called. “Did you see a couple of vans driving by?”
He waited for a response that Kian couldn’t hear with his earpieces in.
“My guys saw them too, but they figured that the neighbors were waiting for a delivery, and the driver was checking the address. In this neighborhood, deliveries are frequent.”
Kian arched a brow. “This late at night?”
“You’d be surprised. Nowadays, people can get even weed delivered to their doorstep, and then when they get the munchies, they can order food.”
Kian didn’t know that, but he wasn’t about to admit it and let Rufsur think that he was ignorant about current trends.
“Nevertheless, I would suggest that your men stay alert and let you know as soon as they see another van near the house. I’ll tell mine to do the same.”
Rufsur moved aside to let one of his men pass with a tray of appetizers. “How good is your shrouder? Is he really blocking everything?”
“Whoever drives by will see a house with no lights in the windows, and he will hear nothing.”
“Impressive.”
“Indeed.” Kian clapped him on the back. “I’ll let you get back to your work. Just stay alert.”
Walking back toward his table, Kian typed a message to Magnus, instructing the Guardian to alert him immediately if another van showed up. With that done, he pulled up the app controlling his earpiece and scrolled to the voice selection William had included.
Wearing the earpieces during the summit had been okay, but it was annoying in a social setting. After Kalugal and Jacki had exchanged their vows, Kian had been contemplating removing them entirely.