She smirked. “It was until we got married on our travels two months ago, up in Lake Como.”
“Lucy! How could you keep that to yourself?” I grabbed her hand. “You’re still only wearing your engagement ring.”
“Yeah, I’m having a wedding ring made by the mystics of Marseille. It takes a while for all the magic and good wishes to be bestowed upon it.”
“But why haven’t you told anyone?”
“Because Ebony got married, and we didn’t want to steal her thunder, so we thought we’d wait a while and then throw a wedding reception. Then after what happened at hers with your adoptive parentals, we’ve kind of lost the motivation to party. We figured we’d announce it when my wedding ring arrived, which should be any day soon.”
“Well, congratulations.” I threw my arms around her.
“Just don’t tell anyone. Especially blabber-jabba.” She pointed to Kim’s office. “Let’s just concentrate on your sister for now.”
“I’ll see you under the sea.” I told her, and we went to our respective offices.
Friday evening rolled around, and we made our way back to the beach where Daniel picked us up once more. He knew that he may have to collect Lucy and guest at any point during the weekend and promised my father he’d be on standby.
The Duke greeted us all outside his home and invited us in, where we were shown to our guest rooms. My sister looked pale and asked if she could speak to me alone.
“Thank you for being here. I completely understand your situation. I made Drake tell me all about life under the water today. I’d presumed it was the same as things on land, but it isn’t at all. If I did ever live here I would have a lot to learn.”
“Yes, I think here also has a lot to learn. How they treat people is like the dark ages.” I hugged her. “Polly, I hope Lucy manages to save the day, or Drake’s mother comes through for you. I really do. All I can offer is that we know there really is Fate, and whatever she has decided is what is going to happen.”
“I can’t think about Drake marrying another woman.” Polly broke down and sobbed and all I could do was hold her tight.
But the evening passed and there was no Lucy. We sat in Brishon’s dining room like we were at the last supper. Eventually Brishon broke the silence.
“I have had time to think about my behaviour toward you, Polly, and I apologise for it appearing disrespectful. However, I hope you can appreciate that I am the Duke and I have to do what is best for Wyvern sea. I’ve been Duke for many, many years and I realise that perhaps I’ve become hardened off to emotions. It has been a long time since I loved.”
“Does that mean you’ve reconsidered, Father?” Drake said hopefully.
Brishon shook his head. “I’m sorry, son. Tomorrow, for the sake of the seas and those we rule and protect, you must marry Keto.”
Chapter Eighteen
Shelley
The ceremony was to take place at the Court of Wyvern. Despite it being a business deal, Keto was determined to wear a white dress and had insisted Drake be suited and booted for the occasion. I insisted we were all present. Just in case I thought of something I could do in the eleventh hour. Polly insisted on being there for closure, her and Drake having said their goodbyes last night. She could barely see out of her eyes they were so red and puffy. My heart bled for her.
We took our seats. In a sea ceremony the bride waited at the front for her groom. Keto slowly walked down the aisle to the front of the room. The spell had worn off so that she appeared her beautiful self, but her ugliness shone through as she gloated at us as she sauntered down.
“Do not acknowledge her.” I hissed to Polly. I squeezed her hand, entwined with my own. Charlie sat at her other side. I’d really had to chat to Charlie about the present circumstances because my hot-headed teen just wanted to try out every one of her powers on Brishon and Keto.
And then Drake appeared with his father at his side. His gaze went straight to Polly’s and his expression said it all.
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
What else could I do?
Polly looked away from him and sat up straighter. I squeezed her hand again. With great reluctance, Drake walked to the front, towards Keto and the officiate.
And the ceremony began…
“Should anyone know why these persons should not be joined together in holy matrimony?”
“We do.” Three women dashed into the ceremony, with a man walking behind them. It was like Charlie’s Angels come to Wyvern sea.
Lucy winked at Polly. “I got your back, babe.”
Samara leapt to the front armed with her bow and arrow.
“I’m here to match-make the most ideal love-match ever.” She shot an arrow straight into Keto’s heart. Then she shot another in exactly the same place.
Samara shrugged her shoulders at me. “Who does she love more than anyone? Herself.”
Duke Gill roared. “You’ve shot my daughter.” Then he looked back at Keto. “Where have the arrows gone? I saw them. I saw you shoot her.”
“You wanna go have a lie down, dude. You’re seeing things.” Samara winked. “Anyway, Keto. We have another guy for you to meet.” She pointed to the man Lucy had brought with her.
“Oh my god.” Keto shrieked. "It’s Simon Cowell. Simon Cowell is actually here.”
Indeed. Mr Cowell was in the building. Now Lucy’s addiction to his show made a lot more sense.
“He’s heard your voice, Keto.” Lucy explained. “And he wants to offer you a slot on the next series. He reckons you could win.”
“Seriously?” Keto said.
“Yeah, the only thing is that obviously you’d need to be single because otherwise no men are going to vote for you. With how pretty you are they’re going to be falling over themselves to watch you on the show. So… it’s either marriage to Drake or your singing career.”
Keto took less than a second to reply. “Well singing of course. I don’t love Drake, I love singing.”
“What about the union between Wyvern sea and Horn sea?” Her father bellowed. “What about your duty?”
“You marry him if you’re that bothered.” Keto said, throwing off her veil. “I have other plans now.” She took Simon’s arm. “Let’s go. I have much to discuss with you about how I see my role on your show. I will win you see. Also, I need to discuss with you how I can keep returning to the water as part of my contract. It’s a nuisance but we all know the importance of good hydration.”
And with that Keto left the room.
“This is a disgrace.” Gill fumed. “There will be no peace treaty between Wyvern sea and Horn sea now.”
Samara jumped in front of him with her bow. “Really? Because your daughter just gave me the most brilliant idea. Oh, by the way, let me introduce myself. I’m Samara and I’m a cupid. I do indeed shoot arrows, but only to create love. Now should you and Duke Brishon fall in love with each other due to my cupid arrows, well, then we would indeed have the most beautiful partnership.”
Drake snorted. “Yes, I completely agree. A same sex union, a marriage for business and love. It would be so forward thinking for Wyvern sea and Horn sea and a perfect way forward. Lead by example, hey, Dad?”
“Oh my god, no.”
“Hell, no.”
Both Brishon and Gill looked panicked. “Now steady on, Samara. I’m sure we can come to some agreement.”
“Well, I’m shooting these two arrows somewhere, so it’s your choice, both of you. You two.” She moved the crossbow to point to Brishon and then Gill, who both shook and looked like they were about to vomit. “Or, Drake and Polly, who are already in love; but would thereby receive your blessing for their union.”
“Well, I can see we might have been a bit hasty, Brishon, to force the kids together. We could just sit down and write out an official treaty and stay as mates, yeah?”
“And change the laws of the sea that people choose who they want to marry for love, regardless of species or gen
der.” Samara added.
“Of course. Of course.” Gill nodded his head with gusto. “Well, yes to that in Horn sea. I can’t speak for Wyvern.”
“I agree. Shoot your arrows at Drake and Polly. I explained to the girl yesterday that I really did like her. Welcome to the family, Polly.”
“Stay polite.” I whispered. “I know you want to rip his head off but ignore him and go to Drake. Go get your man.”
She leaped out of her seat and ran for the front. Samara shot her arrows at them both and they fell into each other's arms.
“That’s my quota done. Time for a nap.” She said. “Do you have any beds in this place?”
It was then I realised that I could have sworn I’d seen three women in the room. Had my eyes deceived me? Surveying the room, I saw a woman sitting at the piano at the back. She’d taken the place of the original pianist and had been wearing his cloak and hood, but she had now taken it off. The woman had pale long blonde hair that reached her bottom and sat dressed in a shimmering tight blue dress. She began to sing and Brishon’s head snapped to her.
“Hali?”
Everyone else’s heads snapped towards her at his words.
“Mum?” Drake gasped.
Brishon rushed to Hali’s side. “My love. You have returned.”
She slapped him across the face.
“Yes. To find nothing has changed since I left you. Still with the old ways.”
“I’m starting to change. People can now marry for love. See.” He pointed around. “Can someone get Samara back, I have need for her arrows.”
Hali slapped him again. “Lazy fool.” She got up from the piano and walked towards Drake and Polly.
She reached forward and kissed Polly’s cheek. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I can see the joy and love you bring to my son. He shines with it. You have my blessing.” She nodded towards their linked arms. “If I may?”
Polly stepped away from Drake and he stepped into his mother’s open arms. “I’ve never been more than a request away, son. You just had to ask for me.”
“I, I-”
“You don’t have to explain. Your mother abandoned you. Unfortunately, that is the way of our kind. Doesn’t mean I loved you any less. Maybe now we can get to know each other a little better?”
“I would love that. Are you able to stay?”
“I can stay a while, son. But not forever. I’ll have to leave again, but I can carry on returning and visiting if you’d like?”
“I’d like that very much.”
Charlie spoke next to me. “Fate came through, Mum.”
“Yes.” I hugged her close to me. “Fate came through.”
“I came through you mean.” Announced Lucy.
“Yes, you very much came through for us, Lucy, and for that reason, whether you like it or not, I’m going to throw you a party.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “I think you just like dancing… and drama.”
I walked up to my sister. “Pol, I’m sorry to interrupt, but we have to return to the farmhouse. I’ve received a text and Mum is on her way.”
“Oh God, what now?”
“I don’t know. But it’s best we expect the worst.”
Chapter Nineteen
Shelley
I didn’t expect to walk into my hallway and hear hearty guffaws coming from the living room.
Then my best friend’s voice shouted, “And so I said well then sweetie, paint it orange to look like a Wotsit and you might have more luck.”
Another round of giggles erupted.
I pushed the door open. “What is going on?”
A fading in and out mother-in-law smiled. “Kim’s been keeping me company while you were all away. Anyway, she’s given me a few hints and tips so I’m off for a quick rest and then to see Alistair to try them out.”
“I didn’t just hear that. I’m imagining things.” Theo shook his head as if he could make the words somehow fall back out.
“Good luck, Mary. Don’t forget…” Kim waved a finger. “It has to be at the right moment then BOOM.”
“Wife, I’m going up to bed. I can’t take any more of either daylight, or my mother.”
I gave him a peck on the cheek and then turned to my daughter. “Can you make me a coffee, Charlie? I need to talk to Auntie Kim.”
“We’ll head to the kitchen too until my mum arrives.” Polly and Drake followed Charlie and Theo out of the room.
I waited until the door banged closed behind them. “It’s lovely to see you, Kim, but what are you actually doing here?”
My best friend looked at me as if I was asking a stupid question. “I’m helping with the whole Polly and Drake thing.”
I tilted my head, scrunching up my face. “Erm, how exactly?”
“Well,” she waved her arms around. “You had to all vacate the farmhouse, and I thought what if someone tried to steal my bestie’s sofa while she was out?” She patted it. “It’s a really nice comfortable sofa after all. I thought I’d come sit on it and keep it safe until you returned, and… I may also have told my husband he could go suck his own dick because he wouldn’t let me give Alyssa some condoms. I mean the date on the packet was almost up, and she’s had a date with our Bartholomew apparently.”
“She’s done what?” Charlie shouted, carrying my coffee. A bit sloshed over the side. “She didn’t tell me that, the little bitch. We’re supposed to tell each other everything.”
“It was last night, you were saving the world. She wants you to call her, so she can tell you everything. Then can you tell me everything because I’m dying to know too, but obviously I’m not at home right now. Darius was threatening to lock her in her room because Bartholomew’s not pack. I said he might be packing though, but apparently ‘that doesn’t count, and can I shut my mouth because I’m not helping’.”
“You weren’t pack.” I said.
She held up her palms. “I know. I’ve told him this. If it came to it Bartholomew can be changed. The truth is Darius doesn’t want her dating anyone because to him she’s still his little sister, but him not being pack was the first excuse to come out of his mouth. So, I said well, I obviously wasn’t good enough either, and me and my half-breeds were coming here where I was wanted.”
“You’re not wanted, we’re busy. Go home.” I said deadpan.
She growled.
“I’m messing with you. You can stay here and sulk until Darius comes to collect you, which he will eventually after he’s enjoyed some peace and quiet.”
“Huh, that’s exactly what he said. Are you psychic now too?”
“No, just your best friend.”
The doorbell rang.
“That will be Debbie. Here goes.”
“What if she remains adamant that they can’t be together, and she threatens war?”
“Then she’s no longer my adoptive parent but my enemy and I will deal with her accordingly. I’ve learned my feelings sometimes have to be put to one side. If she threatens the town, then I will have to stop her. She doesn’t realise just how powerful I am.”
Polly walked into the room, followed by Drake, and then Debbie.
“Hello, Shelley.” She said.
“Mum.”
An uncomfortable silence descended on the room.
“Sit down,” I told her, “Would you like a drink?” I knew she’d probably refuse, thinking I’d poisoned it and she would be infected by supernaturals.
“Could I have a water please?” She said.
A few moments later, water in hand, Debbie took a sip and began to speak.
“I thought a lot about what you said the other day, Polly, and well, it seems I keep having to be reminded of what’s important in life. A long time ago I was desperate to have a child and couldn’t have one of my own and then we adopted Shelley. A beautiful child who we were so very happy to have to make a proper family. Then I found out I was pregnant, and I didn’t want to admit that Shelley had been involved in it, but you know what happened there.”
There was a pause and then Debbie took a deep breath. “Then one scare and we turned on our first daughter. Because of fear. We kept a distance because of fear.” She glanced at me. “We had your magic suppressed because of fear. We’ve lived a half-filled life, something Polly, dear, you pointed out the other night, because of fear.” She took another sip of water.
Debbie focused on Polly. “After you left to live at the farmhouse, I blamed everything supernatural. Now you’d been bewitched by one and had left. You’d be lost to us and taken down a dark path.”
“It’s not like that, Mum.” Polly said. “We’re not evil.”
“I know that now. Now I’ve stopped being a scared idiot. You’re right, there’s good and evil in humans and supernaturals, and you and Shelley are both good. I know that Theo is good too now. That poor boy must have been tormented for all his extended life at having accidentally drained his parents.”
“Can you just excuse me a second, just one second.” I interrupted, and I left the room to stand outside the door. I then smacked myself several times in the face. No this was really happening and now my cheek stung like a bitch. I walked back in.
“What’s happened to your face?” Kim immediately said, making everyone look.
“I think I must have been bitten. It’s gone pink, and it’s annoying me.”
“Hmmm, like Darius’ cock last night. I told him I’m too big for that nonsense right now.”
I placed my head in my hands. “Parent present.”
“Did you not just hear her say about her trying to have children? You can see Polly, right? Your adoptive mum is more than acquainted with Mark’s todger, ain’t that right, Debs?”
“Anyway, back to what you were saying?” Polly swiftly changed the subject and I could have kissed her.
“So, I told your father last night. I had a very detailed chat with him about how I felt about things and said quite simply that Shelley has never, since the incident in the bedroom where we thought she was trying to kill you, given us any reason to doubt her and to not trust her. In fact, in doing what you do in trying to save Withernsea from evil, both supernatural and human, and the fact you encourage love, well we should have been proud. We’ve failed you again, Shelley, and for that I can only apologise. I don’t expect a close relationship with you, maybe the time for that has passed and I know you’re still getting to know and forging a relationship with your real parents, and are a busy wife, mother, and businesswoman, but I want to say sorry.”
The Complete Collection: Supernatural Dating Agency Books 1-6 Page 63
