by I. T. Lucas
David leaned toward Miranda. “Transition?” he whispered in her ear. “Did he mean transfusion or transplant?”
“Shh.” She put a finger on her lips to shush him.
“...none of this would have happened if not for Rufsur and Edna falling in love and orchestrating the unification to allow them to be together. Let’s give them a round of applause.”
This time the cheering and clapping were much more enthusiastic.
Kalugal lifted his hand. “This is a new beginning for all of us.”
Archie filled the glasses of those sitting next to him, and others did the same all around the dining hall.
Sari lifted her goblet. “To us. The united clans of Annani and Areana.”
After that food was served, and while his dinner companions chatted between themselves, David watched Sari talk with her cousin and siblings. They were talking about him, he could feel it, and if he had any doubts, the furtive glances Sari was casting his way confirmed his suspicion.
24
Sari
Sari waited impatiently for the ceremonial part of dinner to be over. After Kalugal had delivered his speech, Kian had felt compelled to say a few words as well. When he was done, and everyone refilled their champagne glasses, and more toasts ensued, she cast a furtive glance in David’s direction.
He hadn’t been happy to be seated next to Miranda, but it seemed like he was over it and was talking animatedly with his other dinner companions. Regrettably, she couldn’t hear their conversation over everyone else’s chatter.
Sari felt bad about having to put him at another table, but it had been necessary given the ceremonial nature of the dinner. With the exception of Rufsur and Edna, the head table had been reserved for the family.
Usually meals in the castle’s dining hall were served buffet style, but tonight was a special occasion, and it had been decided to serve dinner properly, with volunteers bringing trays out to the tables.
As servers started coming out with platters, Sari turned to Kalugal. “So, what’s the story with David? Why did you bring him here? And why did you invent the silly alternate reality game? Did you thrall him to play along?”
He smiled. “David is my present to you. I believe that he’s a Dormant, and he’s a fine man. After Kian told me about Amanda’s theory regarding the affinity immortals and Dormants felt toward each other, I realized that I felt that only toward three humans. One was my Jacki, the other was a laborer at one of my excavations, and the third was David. When I met you, I immediately thought of him and how perfect he would be for you.”
Sari’s heart filled with hope. Could Kalugal’s hunch be right?
She’d felt the affinity as well. It was another way to describe the immediate sense of connection she’d experienced with David.
Then again, she’d met nearly all of Kalugal’s men, who were already immortal, and she hadn’t felt that connection with any of them.
There was something special about David, and it wasn’t necessarily his potential dormancy. Maybe that was part of it, though.
“So, you decided to compel him to accompany you here.”
“The only compulsion I used on David was to put him to sleep during the flight and then the ride up here. He agreed to come here of his own free will.”
Sari arched a brow. “Really?”
“Well, almost. When I offered him a free Scottish vacation and a ride in my private jet, he wanted to accept but was a little hesitant, so I had to give him a little push. He was struggling with his novel, and I convinced him that the change of environment was just what he needed to fuel his creativity. Besides, I think that the guy was lonely, and sitting at home all alone was depressing him. The prospect of spending a vacation in an enchanted castle excited David.”
Sari narrowed her eyes at her cousin. “Did you also promise him an enchanted princess to go along with the castle?”
Kalugal affected an offended expression. “I didn’t mention you at all. My job was to bring him here. The rest is up to you two.” Kalugal smiled sheepishly. “I remember saying something about a possible vacation romance, but it was just in passing, and it wasn’t the impetus behind his decision to come here. He was only thinking about his novel and how a vacation could energize his writing.”
That was a relief. She would have hated it if he had come expecting a hookup.
“You realize that this was a crazy move, right?”
Kalugal shrugged. “The way I see it, I’m just a tool in your Fates’ hands. Matchmaking is not something I have any inclination for, so I have to assume that the strong urge to bring you and David together was their doing.”
Sari sighed. Who would have expected the cerebral, logical Kalugal to become a convert to the clan’s lore?
“Why the alternate reality charade, though? David is too smart not to notice the oddities about our community. He’s already wondering why there are no elderly among us. If you thralled him to accept your game, you didn’t do a good job of it. He’s asking questions, like why there are no lifts in the castle for the older members of our community, and after this dinner, he will know that I wasn’t joking about there being none.”
“I didn’t want David to make a fuss until we were safely away from other humans, so I planned on telling him the story during the drive from the airport.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Syssi convinced Kian and me that it would be more romantic if he learned the truth from you. I think it has become a clan tradition for the love interests to inform the Dormant candidates for transition about the wonderland they are about to cross over to and get their consent.”
There was something to that, but she and David were not there yet.
“If David agrees to attempt transition into immortality, are you going to induce him?”
“I’ve never induced a man, but I have no problem being David’s initiator. I like the idea of him being beholden to me for eternity. I like him, and I enjoy talking with him.” Kalugal smirked. “It would be nice not to have to pay for the privilege.”
“Pay? What do you mean?”
“The first time I met with David, I paid him to talk about his research.”
“I’m surprised that you didn’t just thrall or compel him to talk to you.”
Kalugal looked offended. “I’m not a thief, and I pay for what I want. I don’t compel or thrall unless I have to, but that’s rarely necessary. Money is usually a sufficient incentive.”
“My apologies. I just assumed that since you aren’t bound by laws and rules like we are, you used your mental abilities more freely.”
“To an extent, you are right. But I don’t enjoy taking advantage of people.”
He lifted his glass and took another sip from the champagne. “I was first intrigued by David after reading his other novel, so I googled him and found out about his research on post-traumatic stress disorder. When I read one of his papers on the subject, it made me realize that several of my men might have been suffering from it, and I wanted his expert advice on how to help them. When we met in his office at Stanford, I felt an immediate affinity with him. Back then, I thought that I just enjoyed talking with a smart and compassionate man. Kian made me realize that it was more than that, and here we are.”
Smirking, Kian leaned in. “Are you sure that you didn’t have a man-crush on the handsome professor?”
Kalugal chuckled. “Maybe a little bit.” He winked at Sari. “David is a very good-looking man, smart, accomplished, and kind. What’s not to like?”
She couldn’t agree more.
The question was what to do next. To get induced, David needed to be told the truth and give his consent. But if he was to be told by his love interest, it was much too early for that. The attraction was there, but love needed more time.
On the other hand, they couldn’t keep the silly charade going on for much longer.
Should she take the risk?
“What if I’m not his love interest? How do I figure t
hat out?”
Syssi leaned over Kian. “Easy. Take him to your bed or get in his.”
Sari lifted a brow. “Is that the litmus test? There is more to love than sex.”
“I agree.” Syssi nodded. “But fabulous sex is a good start.”
“Finally, I’m rubbing off on you.” Amanda threw her hands in the air. “A year ago, you would have blushed crimson just from thinking that.”
Syssi patted her cheeks. “Pregnancy is a good cover. When I’m blushing, people assume it’s hormonal.”
Sari had never heard about pregnancy causing more blushing than usual, but if it gave Syssi permission to be more outspoken, she wasn’t going to refute the claim.
Amanda lifted her water glass. “To fabulous new beginnings, personal and clan wide.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Kalugal raised his champagne flute.
25
David
After dinner was over, Sari walked over to his table. “Did Miranda take good care of you?”
David pushed to his feet. “She did. It was a very interesting event. I didn’t know that this dinner was such a special occasion. Clan unification is uncommon.”
Sari nodded. “It’s a very good thing for both of our clans.” She threaded her arm through his. “Let me walk you out, but regrettably, I can’t escort you back to your room. I need to talk to Kalugal and Kian and finalize the details of the accord ceremony.” She looked at Miranda. “My assistant will take you back.”
“I’m sure that I can find my way to the tower. It’s a big castle, but it’s not a labyrinth.”
“I’ll feel better knowing that you made it safely back.” She waved Miranda over.
The message was clear. Sari didn’t want him wandering around the castle on his own. What was she afraid of? That he would discover where they had stashed the kids and older adults?
On the other hand, maybe it was a good opportunity to coax some information out of Miranda. She was a chatty lady, and not as guarded as her boss.
“Will I see you later?”
Sari smiled. “If you wish, I’ll come to get you when I’m done with the meeting, and we can go on a tour of the castle grounds. We are very proud of our gardens.”
It was late, and even in the northern Highlands the sun had already set. They wouldn’t be able to see much, but he would be glad to spend more time with Sari.
“I would love that. How large are the grounds?”
“Sprawling. Do you ride, David?”
“Ride what?”
“Horses, of course.”
He nodded. “I’ve been on a horse or two before, but I’m no expert.”
“I’ll get you a gentle horse.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Not really. Riding at night was probably dangerous, but he wasn’t going to admit that he was apprehensive about doing something that Sari didn’t give a second thought to.
She must be an expert rider.
After Sari left, Miranda took her place and threaded her arm through his. “I’ll give you a mini-tour of the castle, or as I like to call it, the old pile of rocks.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“Oh, trust me. It is.” She waved her hand at the walls. “We cover as much as we can with tapestries and artwork to make it look more inviting, but it’s still freezing in the winter, and given that we are in the Highlands, the bloody winter is nearly a year long.”
He looked at the artwork she pointed at. “Are those reproductions?”
“They are originals. We have many artists in our midst.” Miranda walked over to one of the paintings. “This is Gwen’s, and she’s very proud that her piece has been chosen for the main gallery. Only the best selection is displayed here. The other stuff hangs in the auxiliary corridors. They are usually dedicated to one artist, so she or he can choose what to put up there.”
“How are the best pieces chosen?”
“Anonymous voting. We change the artwork every winter and summer solstices. Each artist can submit his or her work for a vote, and those who get the most votes are chosen.”
Was the castle an artists’ commune?
That could explain the lack of age diversity.
“What about selling the artwork? Do you invite prospective clients to tour the castle, or do you hold auctions in galleries in the city?”
Miranda chuckled. “This is our home, not an art gallery. If people want to sell their stuff, they need to do it somewhere else.”
“In Inverness?”
“London. Inverness is tiny. There is no market.”
“Are the tapestries also produced by clan members?”
Miranda nodded. “It’s a popular pastime for many of the ladies. As I said, winters are long and dreary, and there is a limit to how much tube people can watch. They need hobbies.”
That was his opportunity to ask the obvious. “Where are the kids and older adults?”
“We have a couple of kids, but no older people.”
“How come? Isn’t a clan a family? You should have people of all ages.”
Miranda stopped in front of the door leading to the tower’s staircase. “It’s a complicated explanation, and not one I can give you.”
“Who can?”
She chuckled. “Any of the royals.”
It was probably a joke. “Who are the royals?”
“You met some of them. Sari, Kian, Amanda, and now Kalugal.”
“What makes them royal? Are they the founders of this community?”
“That’s a good way to put it. They are the leading family.” She opened the door. “I can’t say any more. Ask Sari when she comes to get you later.”
26
Kian
“Your apartment is very nice, Sari.” Syssi sat down in one of the armchairs. “I love the tapestries here. Who made them?”
Sari chuckled. “Not me. I’ve never caught the bug. Besides, I don’t have time for hobbies. The one over the couch is Miranda’s.” She pointed.
“It’s good.”
As Kian leaned back and crossed his legs at the ankles, Kalugal mimicked his pose. “I miss our whiskey and cigars chats.”
Sari pointed at the double doors leading out to the balcony. “You can do it out there. There is no shortage of good whiskey in the castle, but I can’t help you with cigars. I don’t know of anyone who smokes them here.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Kian waved a dismissive hand. “I brought plenty with me.”
“Excellent.” Kalugal turned back to Sari. “Where do you get your supplies? Is there a town nearby?”
“There are several, but they are tiny, and we need a lot of supplies. Once a week, we send out a truck to bring groceries and mail orders from Inverness.”
“What about electricity and water?” Kalugal continued with his inquiry.
“Self-generated. We have a river with a steep natural waterfall, and it supplies us with both.”
“Is it the waterfall?” Smiling lasciviously, Rufsur looked at Edna.
She shook her head.
“A pity.” He sighed.
Kian wondered what the story was, but given Rufsur’s expression, it had something to do with sex.
“So, you are essentially off the grid,” Kalugal continued. “But it must be a drag to keep shrouding the castle.”
“It is.” Sari pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “We need William to do his technological magic here so we can be free of that chore.”
“The castle is too big to hide with greenery and other visual tricks,” Kian said. “We built it long before planes and satellites were an issue.”
Ojidu entered the living room and bowed. “Should I serve tea, mistress?”
“Yes, please. But I’m sure that some of our guests prefer coffee.”
“Right away, mistress.”
The conversation regarding the castle and its workings continued until coffee and tea were served. When everyone had a cup, Kian decided it was time to address the issue of the professor.
“When are we going to induce David? The sooner we do it, the better.”
“I’m ready,” Kalugal said. “We can do that tonight.”
Rufsur shook his head. “I’m not sure that you should be the one to do it. When was the last time your fangs elongated in aggression?”
That was a surprising tidbit of information. As a direct descendent, Kalugal should have been more aggressive than other immortals, not less so. Hell, Kian’s fangs elongated in response to an angry thought.
Was it Kalugal’s control at work?
Or was he impaired in some way?
“A while.” Kalugal didn’t seem offended by Rufsur’s remark, so his lack of aggressive response was probably the result of his self-control. “But I’m sure that they will respond to provocation, and despite my lack of practice, I will have no problem handling a human male.”
Sari put her teacup down. “David is in very good shape, but I don’t know if he has any fighting skills. Psychologists are typically mellow and non-violent people.”
Kian chuckled. “Worst case scenario, David can recite slam poetry. If that doesn’t affect Kalugal’s fangs, I’ll take his place.”
Kalugal lifted a brow. “Slam poetry?”
“It’s a long story.” Kian waved a dismissive hand. “Roni, our super hacker, was, and still is, a scrawny kid. Even if he dared to attack me, which he didn’t have the guts to do, I couldn’t summon aggression toward him. The solution was him reciting vile slam poetry. That did the trick.”
“There is another problem,” Syssi said. “David might need to bond with you first in order to transition. Richard has strong indicators for dormancy, he has a paranormal ability, and he is well-liked, which implies affinity, and yet he failed to transition. We suspect that the lack of bond with an immortal female might have something to do with that.”
“We’ll find out soon,” Amanda said. “Rumor has it that now that Richard is no longer participating in auctions, he and Stella are getting closer.” She smiled at Kalugal. “Thank you for hiring him to be your job supervisor. Before that, he felt obligated to contribute to the clan by spreading his seed around.”