I shook my head. “No. I never questioned I wasn’t human, because I didn’t know anything different.” I still needed to talk to my mom. There were so many things I needed to say and ask.
“I see.” He turned back to the window. “Do you want a relationship with me?”
“Are you really asking that?”
“Is it not an appropriate question? From your tone, I think I can guess the answer.”
“Yes.” The answer came out suddenly, and it wasn’t the one I expected to give.
He turned to me. “Really? You want to know me?”
“Yes. I want to know more about you.” The reality hit me hard. As much as I wanted to turn my back on the Pteron world, and the Laurents, I needed to know more about the man who was 50% responsible for making me.
“After the wedding, I’ll give you all the time in the world.”
“So you want to know me?” I finally admitted my own doubts.
“I’ve always wanted a daughter.”
“Oh.” Was he just saying that? Did he really mean it?
“And I like your personality. I know Jared and Hailey have volunteered to work with you, but I’m going to do some myself.”
Jared volunteered to help me? Not exactly. “Did you teach Levi everything about being a Pteron?”
“No.” He wrung his hands. “I thought my other work was more important. I view it as one of my greatest mistakes.”
“One of?”
“The other one is obvious, isn’t it?”
My chest clenched. Was he going to say fathering me?
“Not making more of an effort to find you.” He cleared his throat. “Levi may have been raised in my house, but I wasn’t much of a father to him either. I took my anger out on him. He turned into a good man, but I can’t take any credit for it.”
What was happening? Why was this strong man revealing his deepest regrets to me?
“But there’s still time. With both of you.” He almost looked hopeful.
“Oh.”
“Are you getting serious with that Blackwell?”
I told him the truth. “Yes.”
“Okay.” He looked back outside.
“Okay? Is that all you have to say?”
“I don’t know him well, but I understand he helped save Allie. He can’t be too bad of a guy then.”
“What about us both being Pterons?”
“Am I really one who has the right to harp on following rules?” The guilt behind his eyes was nearly shattering.
“Why did you do it?” The question slipped off my tongue without giving it enough thought.
“I don’t know. I don’t even remember it.”
“What?” I stepped back. “How is that possible?”
“I went to upstate New York to investigate a dispute between a bear clan and a wolf pack and the next thing I knew, I was back in New Orleans. I blacked out at least twenty-four hours of my life.”
“How? Were you drugged?”
“I don’t know. All I do know is I got a picture of a baby girl and a paternity test sent to me a year later. I spent three years trying to find you before I gave up.”
“But you knew about me? You knew about me all these years?”
“Yes.”
“Did Helen?” I’d already opened up his wounds.
“Yes. I didn’t understand what happened and needed her help.”
“Did she believe you?” I thought of the sweet and gentle woman I’d just spoken to.
“Yes. She knew I wouldn’t have betrayed her or forfeited the crown.”
“Not directly…”
“I spent years waiting for everything to come crumbling down. Then I figured it out.”
“Allie? All that Enchantress stuff?”
“Exactly. Levi nearly ran away with all the pressure I put on him. Like I said, I took out my anger on him.” He straightened. “You were probably better off being raised by someone else. Maybe he was a better man.”
“I’m glad I’ll get a chance to get to know you now, but first, it’s time to watch your son get married.”
“Shall we?” He held a hand out toward the door. “Mother, I believe you can have your men open the door.”
“Have you said all you need to?” Georgina called.
“Yes,” I answered quickly. “And we’re going to talk more soon.”
The door flew open. “Good, because they need us for pictures immediately.”
“We wouldn’t want to keep them waiting.” Robert winked.
I’d almost said the same thing.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Toby
Allie glowed. She actually glowed as she walked down the aisle on her father’s arm. Casey smiled at me as I watched Allie glide past and take her place up front. I returned the smile. Casey didn’t need to worry about my feelings that day. I was with exactly the girl I needed to be with.
I’d never been to a beachside wedding before. Allie, Levi, and their attendants stood on the sand under a white archway decorated with tropical flowers. Rows of white chairs accented with large ruby red bows lined the sand on either side of the aisle. A flute and cello played the familiar melody of Variations on a Theme.
It was simple and elegant, and fit Allie perfectly. The only thing that would have made it more enjoyable would have been Casey sitting next to me, but at least I got to watch her looking irresistible in that dress. Her slight tan fit her well. She seemed more relaxed than she’d been when we parted a few hours before.
Casey and I had so much in common, and we were finally settling into something resembling a relationship. I would kill the next person who screwed with us. Casey had been through too much. No one was bothering her or taking her away from me again. Of course, my biggest enemy in keeping her by my side might actually be Casey herself. She was happy with me, but I worried she was still holding back. I knew there was more she still needed to tell me, but I’d wait until we found her sister first.
Casey seemed to tear up as she listened to the ceremony, but I tuned most of it out. I was too busy watching Casey.
I zoned back in when I heard them start the vows. “Do you, Allison Davis, take Leviathan Laurent as your lawfully wedded husband?” the officiant asked.
Allie pretended to mull it over. “Let me think about that.”
A hush fell over the crowd, but I smiled as did Levi. We all knew she’d made up her mind about him a long time ago.
She stepped even closer to him. “Okay. I do.”
“With all the power—”
Levi didn’t wait for him to finish. He just kissed her, blocking her from view as he wrapped her up in his arms. I felt a surprising surge of happiness. Allie really was with the man she belonged with. Casey wiped her eyes and smiled at me. Was she the kind of girl who wanted to get married? Would I be the one she married in the end? I was getting ahead of myself, and I knew it.
I leaned back in my chair and watched Allie and Levi walk down the aisle together. She grinned at me as she passed, and I mouthed congratulations. I waited for Casey to walk past, but she didn’t. Instead, she stopped right in front of my row. “How’d I do?”
“I’d say that was one of the best bridesmaid performances I’ve ever seen.”
She giggled. I wasn’t used to her giggling, but I was glad she was able to put her worries aside for a few hours and enjoy herself.
“Shall we?” I held out my hand, and she took it. We walked back toward the resort.
“That was a beautiful ceremony, wasn’t it?” she asked carefully.
“Yes. Allie certainly made it memorable.”
She laughed. “I’d say. I think it says a lot that Levi didn’t lose his smile for a moment.”
“It says a whole lot. Those two have come a long way.”
She squeezed my hand. “I take it their relationship hasn’t always been the smoothest?”
It was my turn to laugh. “Not in the slightest. You should ask her about it sometime. Just make sure you have
a few hours to kill.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“You look beautiful.” As much as I didn’t love seeing Casey in the Laurent red, it fit her. I was positive blue would fit her well too. Anything would.
“Thank you. You look quite handsome.”
“Yeah?” I glanced down at my khakis, blue dress shirt, and tie.
“Definitely. I better be careful not to let anyone steal you away.”
I lightly tugged on her hand just enough to pull her against me. I wrapped my arms around her. “I’m not going anywhere, babe.”
“Good.”
“And I hope you’re not planning on going anywhere either.” I needed her to stay safe and at my side. I refused to lose her again.
“You’re the only one I want.” She rested her head on my chest.
“That’s good, because I feel the same way.” I looked down into those beautiful blue eyes of hers. “Do you think anyone would notice if we missed the beginning of the cocktail hour?”
“I’m sure someone would notice, but the bigger question is whether they’d care.” She took my hand. “What did you have in mind?”
“A flight.”
“That sounds incredible, but I can’t fly in this.” She gestured to her dress. “Although you know I’d love to have a repeat of last night.”
“Same here.” My whole body heated thinking about the waterfall.
“To the cocktail hour then…”
“To the cocktail hour.”
We walked back to the hotel silently. I could have spent forever just holding her hand.
Chapter Thirty
Jared
Levi was someone’s husband. The reality of his newest title was harder to swallow than I expected. It shouldn’t have been. He’d been off the market since he first set eyes on that green-eyed girl, but something about listening to them exchanging vows made it so official.
For my part, I hadn’t screwed up. I remembered the rings and made sure Levi was where he needed to be on time. Now if I could just manage my toast, I’d be done.
“Doing all right?” Hailey walked up behind me.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”
“It’s okay to be emotional when your best friend gets married.”
“But I’m not.” I crossed my arms.
Hailey laughed. “Come on, Jared. You have to be at least moved by the occasion.”
“Why? He’s already been shacking up with her for months.”
Hailey sighed. “We just witnessed their public exchange of vows. Allie’s officially Mrs. Levi Laurent. That’s big.”
“If you say so.” I knew she was right, but I wasn’t actually going to admit it out loud. It was also strange that I was doing the whole honor attendant thing with Hailey. I’d always viewed her as a little kid. I never imagined Levi would marry her best friend.
“I hope you at least planned a speech. This isn’t something you should wing.”
“It’s going to be epic. Are you sure you want me to go first? I might upstage you.”
She pushed my arm. “Yeah… I wouldn’t worry about that.” She walked off.
I sipped a glass of champagne as we waited for Allie and Levi to walk in as husband and wife. They didn’t even wait to be announced. They just walked in arm in arm. The band leader struggled to make it look like it was planned. “Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Laurent.”
I laughed to myself. Those two knew how to make an entrance. Allie was glowing so bright she didn’t look real, and Levi’s color nearly matched hers. If that’s what love looked like, maybe it wasn’t so bad. That was another sentiment I’d never say out loud.
“How’d I do?” Levi stopped in front of me. Hailey had stolen Allie and the two were giggling about something.
“Fantastic. Of course.”
“Thanks for standing up there with me.” He seemed different, like he was walking on air or something. If he was going to be tied to the same girl for the rest of his life, at least she made him happy.
“Of course.” I took a final sip of champagne before setting aside the empty glass.
“And there were no attacks.” He gave me a knowing look.
“Nope. If we can just get through the reception, we’ll be fine.”
“We will.” He patted my back. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to find my wife.”
I shook my head. “How long have you been waiting to say that?”
“You don’t want to know.” He captured Allie’s arm, and I walked off to find my table.
Allie and Levi danced their first dance. Instead of going with one of the usual song selections, Levi had a song written in their honor. From the look on Allie’s face, she hadn’t expected it. She also seemed pleased by the performance. That was a win for me. I’d picked out the band.
After the happy couple took their seat, I downed a shot and grabbed a champagne flute. It was time for my toast. I tapped my glass to get everyone’s attention.
“I don’t remember the first time I met Levi, because I was too young to keep memories, but I do remember the first time I made him angry.”
The crowd laughed. I had this.
“I’d accused him of being a momma’s boy who couldn’t fight for himself. As you’d expect, he didn’t take too kindly to the accusation.”
More laugher.
“Levi took on his true personality for the first time that day, and I learned the hard way that no one tells Levi there’s something he can’t do.” I figured the paranormal guests present knew what I meant by personality. There was no reason to freak out Allie’s family.
I paused to look at him. Speeches were all about timing. “I should have known when Levi set his sights on Allie he was going to have her. I tried to pull his attention away on more than one occasion.” I looked at Allie. She was shaking her head but laughing. “But my attempts were no match for Levi’s persistence. Not even Allie’s protests that she didn’t want him worked.”
Levi put an arm around Allie and she leaned into his side. “But the truth is, when two people are meant to be together, nothing can get in their way—not even stubborn best friends who don’t want to lose their wingmen. Since I have you all smiling, I’ll end here. Congratulations to the happy couple. And Allie, contrary to my first statement, don’t always let Levi get what he wants.”
Levi smiled. I sipped my champagne and took my seat as the guests applauded. Job well done. I took another sip while Hailey started her speech. I had a feeling it was going to be really emotional.
***
“Don’t you think it’s odd Murphy hasn’t crashed the party yet?” Cody, one of Toby’s goons who’d somehow managed to nab an invitation, murmured as a bunch of us sat around, throwing back some beers. We were out on the beach, close enough to the reception that the music still filled the air.
“Odd isn’t the right word. Besides, it’s not over yet.” I glanced around the dark night. I still couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was coming.
“Don’t over think this. Let Levi enjoy his night.” Owen finished off his beer and set it down in the sand.
“How does this involve Levi? We can handle whatever happens on our own.”
“Levi’s still going to worry if you do.” Owen stood to leave.
“What’s your problem?” I wasn’t in the mood to put up with his crap.
“My problem?”
“Yeah. Why do you have to get on my back about everything?”
“I’m just looking out for Levi.”
“No, you’re looking out for yourself.” I stood, unwilling to look up at him.
“Okay. You really want to have this conversation? Here?” He nodded to where our small audience sat.
“Who cares? Just say it.”
“I’m sick and tired of you only caring about yourself. Levi puts up with your bullshit out of some stupid idea of friendship, but that’s not going to last forever.”
I felt my body aching to transform, but I fought it. “Oh yeah? And s
omehow staying alert about an attack is me ignoring my job…”
“You want there to be an attack. You want to feel useful. But the bottom line is you’re just trying to make up for the fact that you missed a big threat already.”
“And by that you mean me?” Casey appeared suddenly, still wearing the ruby red bridesmaid dress that clung to her figure.
“No. That’s not what I meant.” Owen tried to back pedal.
“Yes, it is.” She crossed her arms. “Don’t make up an excuse. I get it. But it’s not his fault, or mine. It just is.”
I sensed Levi before he said anything. I knew he was listening in.
Casey did too. “I’m sorry if I’ve made things harder for you, Levi.”
“I’m not.”
She turned to look at him. He smiled. “I’m not going to pretend any of this is going to be easy, but I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad I have a sister.”
“Why?” Her brow furrowed. “Why would you be glad?”
“Because this job can get lonely. Because my wife likes you. Because family is important.” He smiled at the word wife.
“I’ll stay out of your way.”
“No.” Levi closed the space between them. “Aren’t you listening to a word I’m saying?” He turned to Owen. “Is that how you feel with Hailey?”
Owen laughed. “Most of the time.”
“I’m telling you I want you around. I’d like you to play a part in my life, in Allie’s life, and in our family. No one blames you for anything.”
She nodded. “If you say so.”
“I do.” Then he turned to us. “Jared, Owen. I need to have a word with you two.” The gentle voice he used with Casey was gone. Whatever this talk was about, he meant business.
I nodded, and we both followed him around to a back patio of the resort.
“I don’t know what the hell is going on with you two, but it’s going to stop.”
“I’m sorry. We just—” Owen started.
“Don’t. I don’t care about your excuses. With everything else going on, I shouldn’t have to worry about my head of security and chief advisor fighting.” He looked between us. “Is that understood?”
“Yes,” we said in unison.
Search (The Empire Chronicles #2) Page 16