by I. T. Lucas
“I’ll let your boyfriend fill you in.” Bowen unfolded his arms and pushed away from the counter.
“Damn you guys. You are scaring me. Are Jin and Jacki okay? Did something happen at the wedding?”
With her sensory feelers at full receptive mode, Wendy got her nonverbal confirmation. “Tell me already.”
“Jin and Jacki are all right, but something did happen at the wedding. Let’s go to your room.” Vlad took her hand. “This concerns Richard as well, but we can tell him later.”
Now that she knew that her friends were fine, Wendy’s panic subsided, and she remembered that Richard was waiting for her. “Maybe you should tell us together. I told him that I would be right back.”
Vlad nodded.
Out on the porch, Richard was still sitting on the chair like she’d told him to, his shirt covered in hair clippings. He looked at her empty hands. “Couldn’t find a mirror?”
“Vlad has something he needs to tell us.”
“Let’s sit down.” Vlad led her to the bench.
“Something happened last night at Jacki’s wedding. Simmons and Roberts showed up with a bunch of men and a device that generates a loud sound at a harmful level.”
When Wendy gasped, Vlad paused and looked at her.
“Don’t mind me. Please, continue.”
Vlad nodded. “They aimed the noise device at the party and incapacitated almost everyone there. One of the guests must have been wearing earplugs and had a gun. He shot the device.”
“Thank God.” Wendy let out a breath. “Is everyone okay?”
“Except for Simmons. He was holding the device.”
“Is he injured?”
Vlad clasped her hand. “I’m sorry, Wendy. He’s dead.”
“Good riddance,” Richard said. “That old dude was twisted, and he got what was coming to him.”
“Are you okay?” Vlad looked at her with concern.
Wendy wasn’t sure how she felt. She’d been grateful to her uncle for saving her from her father, but she’d never liked him, especially since he’d started lusting after her.
His death didn’t bring sorrow. Mostly, it felt like a door that she’d kept slightly ajar had been slammed shut. There was no going back to the program, and the only path open to her was forward.
It was a relief.
Apparently, in some cases, not having options was actually a good thing.
Wendy nodded. “The director wasn’t a good man, and he must have planned something horrible for your people. So I can’t really feel sorry for him.”
“I know exactly what he wanted to do,” Richard said. “Once everyone at the party was down on the floor, he would have come in with his hired goons, collected them all, and loaded them on a plane to West Virginia. How many people were at that party? Fifty? Sixty? A hundred? That’s a lot of headhunting money saved that he would have otherwise had to pay Marisol for recruiting that many talents.” Richard fanned his T-shirt to dislodge the hair clippings. “Always follow the money. That’s usually the motive behind every nasty move.”
Wendy nodded. “He would still have to pay Marisol to compel them to cooperate.”
“Maybe, but not her full fee. Besides, people like us are hard to find. I’m sure most of the potential talents Marisol sees are duds. People talk about stuff they read, movies they see, and they throw trigger words left and right.”
“Poor Jacki.” Wendy shook her head. “Her wedding was ruined.”
Richard snorted. “Are you sure that you didn’t have something to do with this? You looked mighty pissed that she didn’t invite you to the wedding.”
“How can you say something like that? Even if I could get to a phone, which there is no way I could, I don’t know where Jacki is staying. Besides, I would never intentionally ruin her special moment.”
“How about unintentionally?” Richard cocked a brow. “Maybe you jinxed it?”
“Ugh. You’re so mean. I should have cut all of your hair off.”
Richard laughed. “I’m just messing with you.” He pushed to his feet. “But just in case you are still in a combative mood, the hairdressing session is over. Thank you.”
“Your sideburns are uneven.”
“I’ll shave them off.”
Wendy shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
When Richard closed the door behind him, Vlad wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Are you really okay? Simmons was family.” He whispered the last part.
“Thank you for not telling anyone about it.”
He nodded. “I didn’t think it made any difference as far as our safety.”
“Still, I don’t want people to know that I was related to that jerk.” Wendy sighed. “Are you sure that you want to be my boyfriend? I have nasty genes. An abusive father, a drug-addicted mother, and an evil, pedophile uncle.”
“We are more than the sum of our genes. You decide the kind of person you want to be.”
“I want to believe that. But I’m afraid of what’s lurking inside me.”
41
Jin
“Congratulations!” Syssi pulled Jin into a gentle hug. “I’m so happy you are finally transitioning. I was starting to worry.”
“Really? Why? With Mey as my sister, there was no question of me not being a Dormant.” Jin sat on the couch between Mey and Arwel.
Syssi shrugged and went back to her armchair. “We know so little about the process, and sickness can prevent it from happening. Thank the Fates that you are healthy and that the transition has started, but I had all kinds of crazy thoughts running through my head.”
“Like what?” Mey asked.
“Like a heart condition, or undiagnosed diabetes, or worse. The transition can’t happen if the body is not healthy.” Syssi glanced at Bridget. “Am I right?”
The doctor shrugged. “We have too small of a case sample to reach definite conclusions, and each one of them is different. For some Dormants it’s true, but not for others. There are other factors involved.”
“But it makes sense,” Syssi insisted. “The transition is a difficult process, and it takes a tremendous toll on the body. Just as someone with coronary disease is not likely to survive running a marathon in Death Valley, he or she is not likely to survive the transition, and that’s why the body will not enter it. It’s a protective mechanism.”
Bridget chuckled. “The problem with common sense is that it’s based on what we know. But there are many things we don’t know. According to your logic, it is safe for anyone to attempt transition because if they can’t handle it, their bodies will just not respond to the venom.”
“Maybe that’s really the case?” Syssi asked.
Bridget shook her head. “It’s not, and even if it was, I wouldn’t chance it. But luckily for Jin, other than the streptococcus infection she had, she is perfectly healthy. I gave her a physical.”
“I didn’t know that.” Syssi pushed to her feet. “Anyone want something to drink?”
“I would like some tea,” Jin said. “It helps with the throat pain.”
Syssi frowned. “Why is your throat hurting?”
“Didn’t Mey and Bridget tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“I’m growing venom glands. That’s how Bridget knew for sure that I’m transitioning.”
Syssi’s hand flew to her chest. “Oh, wow. That’s just…”
“You can say it.” Jin grimaced. “Freaky as hell. And it hurts.” She pulled out a container of Motrin from one pocket and a sheet of throat lozenges from the other. “Without these, I wouldn’t be here, sitting on the couch and talking to you.
Arwel wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Those just take care of the pain. You should conserve your strength.”
Jin stifled a chuckle.
He hadn’t been too concerned about it when they’d made love in the shower.
Bridget yawned and shook her head. “I need to get some sleep.” She rose to her feet.
“Can’t you st
ay awake until dinner?” Syssi asked.
“I wanted to, but I’m just too tired. Save some for me.” She walked into her bedroom and closed the door.
“When are Jacki and Carol getting here?” Wonder asked.
Jin glanced at her phone and checked the time. “I invited Jacki to join us for dinner at six, and it’s almost time.”
“I ordered champagne to be delivered,” Syssi said. “Your transition is a cause for celebration.”
“I hope.”
“They are here.” Yamanu lifted his head from his laptop. “They’ve just entered the lobby. Carol and Jacki have a couple of Kalugal’s men with them.”
Jin chuckled. “I wonder why Kalugal feels that Jacki needs bodyguards when she’s visiting us.”
“They are newly mated. He’s probably freaking out because she is leaving the house.” Syssi headed to the kitchen. “I still remember how hard it was in the beginning to be away from Kian even for a little while.” She stopped and turned to look at Jin. “Don’t worry. It gets easier with time.”
Mey nodded. “When Yamanu left to do the shrouding during the exchange, I cried like a little girl.”
Yamanu got up and walked up to her. “You didn’t tell me that.” He pulled her into his arms.
“Of course not. You left me in charge, and I was pretending to be brave.”
The knock at the door arrived at the same time Syssi came out of the kitchen with Jin’s tea.
“Hello, everyone.” Carol entered with Jacki and the two bodyguards behind her. “I hope you don’t mind the extra dinner guests.” She turned to the men. “For those who haven’t met him yet, this is Phinas, Kalugal’s third-in-command, and this is Chad.” She put a hand on his arm. “What’s your designation?”
He shrugged. “I’m just a simple soldier.”
Phinas dipped his head. “We don’t wish to intrude on your dinner. Chad and I can stay out on the balcony.”
“Nonsense.” Amanda waved them over to the table. “Sit right there next to Dalhu and Yamanu. This is a wonderful opportunity to create your profiles.”
Carol clapped her hands. “Oh, goodie. I should have thought of that.”
“I’m sorry,” Phinas said. “But what are you talking about?”
“Atzil hasn’t told you?” Amanda shook her head. “I was sure he would spread the good news.” She got up and sauntered up to the two. “Carol and I are creating a dating application for immortals. We will create profiles for all of Kalugal’s men, and all of the local clan’s single ladies. Isn’t that fabulous?”
“That’s an awesome idea.” Jin pushed to her feet and embraced Jacki. “How are your ears?”
“Almost back to normal. And yours?”
“My ears are fine. It’s the other stuff that isn’t.” She tugged on Jacki’s hand. “Come sit with me, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
Arwel got up. “I’ll sit with the guys.”
“You can stay.” Jin patted the spot next to her. “This couch is big enough for the four of us.”
“That’s okay. I want to hear more about that dating app.”
42
Jacki
Jacki waited impatiently for Jin to explain. What was wrong? She’d said that her ears were fine, but other stuff wasn’t. Did it have to do with her transition?
“Remember how I told you that Mey and I are the freak sisters?”
Jacki cast a quick glance at Mey. She wasn’t smiling.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m growing venom glands.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Female immortals are not supposed to have fangs or venom, but Mey and I are the freak sisters, and we have to do everything differently. Mey didn’t get venom, but she got the fangs.”
This time Mey smiled, exposing a pair of tiny fangs that looked more like sharp canines.
“They are kind of cute. Do they grow larger?”
Mey shook her head. “I was lucky. That’s as big as they are going to get.”
Jacki glanced at Phinas and Chad, but the two were busy answering Amanda and Carol’s questions and not paying attention to the conversation happening on the couch.
“I might get big ones like the males.” Jin sighed. “And to sweeten the deal, I might get taller as well. Just point me to the nearest circus.”
“Don’t be silly,” Mey said. “I know it’s an adjustment, but you are still going to be beautiful, and you most likely will not grow taller. I didn’t.”
“Did you?” Jin asked Syssi.
“I wish. But I didn’t change at all, and neither did Callie. Right?”
Callie nodded. “No visible changes. Just the cool stuff like super hearing, super strength, the ability to smell emotions, and the like.”
Jacki grimaced. “The smelling part still creeps me out.” She glanced at the men and then leaned closer to Jin. “How are we supposed to act cool and unaffected when they can smell us?”
Syssi laughed. “There are advantages to that too. You don’t have to say anything. Just by sniffing you, your man knows whether you are in the mood or not.”
Jacki cast a quick glance at the men again. “I can live with that. What I can’t accept is everyone else sniffing my reactions as well.”
Callie waved a dismissive hand. “It’s a small price to pay for immortality and all the benefits that come with it. But I should warn both of you. Don’t drive until after your transition.”
“Why?” Jacki asked.
“I passed out and got into a car accident. I’m lucky to be alive.”
Jin’s eyes widened. “What happened? Did the transition take you by surprise?”
“I didn’t know anything about it. Brundar and I were together, but he wasn’t allowed to tell me anything. I didn’t have any paranormal abilities, so he was sure that I was just a human, and he was trying to keep our relationship a secret. Then one day, I went to the mall, and on the way back, I started to black out for a couple of seconds at a time. I thought that I was just closing my eyes while stopping at a red light. But then one time must have lasted longer and boom. I don’t remember what happened, but I was taken to a hospital. Brundar and Bridget came, and she suspected that I was transitioning, so they got me discharged and took me to the clinic.”
“Did you get paranormal abilities after you transitioned?” Jacki asked.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t. I hoped that I could do something cool, but I guess my only talent is cooking.”
“I don’t have any paranormal abilities either,” Wonder said. “Most of us don’t.”
This was news to her. “So how come those abilities are indicators for Dormants?”
“Only in some cases,” Syssi said. “Generally speaking, humans with paranormal abilities have a greater chance of being Dormants, but not all are. Some are just talented humans. That’s why it’s almost never a sure thing. In Jin’s case, it is because her sister already transitioned, and they have the same mother.”
“Are there any other indicators?” Jacki asked.
“Affinity. Dormants and immortals feel a special connection. It’s like recognizing a member of your tribe. But it’s not always sexual, it could also be a friendship.”
“I felt an affinity toward Kalugal even before I met him, but that was because I thought he was handsome and sexy, and that smirk of his…” Jacki fanned herself with her hand. “When I looked at his pictures, I felt as if he was flirting with me with that smirk, and my reaction was quite intense. Then I met him, and I thought that I was doing a great job of hiding my attraction. I didn’t know about his super nose. Imagine how embarrassed I was to discover that he knew all along that I wanted him.”
Jin patted her knee. “No harm done. You two are married now, and you are going to live happily ever after.”
“Yeah, provided that I transition.” Remembering Annani’s call, Jacki smiled. “I almost forgot to tell you. Annani called Kian and demanded to speak to Kalugal. She wants us to have a proper wedding c
eremony with her presiding over it.”
“That’s awesome!” Jin clasped her hand. “When and where?”
“Kalugal said that we should wait until after my transition, and then Annani suggested that we do it in the village. Kian wasn’t too keen on the idea, but she insisted, and I think he agreed.”
Jin frowned. “What do you mean? He either agreed or not?”
“It wasn’t a definite yes, but he didn’t say no either.”
“Don’t worry.” Syssi leaned forward. “When Annani wants something to be done, it’s done. There is no arguing with her. You will get married in the village.”
43
Kalugal
“I’m back.” Jacki walked into the library together with Phinas. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that you were still in a meeting.”
Kalugal felt his shoulder muscles relax. “We are almost done.” He pulled her into a quick embrace. “How is Jin?”
“Freaking out.” Jacki smiled. “Anyway, I’ll leave you guys to finish up.” She kissed Kalugal’s cheek. “Unless you need me here, I’m going upstairs.” She glanced at Turner. “I hope that the unpleasant task that you were charged with is done.”
“It is.”
“Thank you. I’ll sleep better knowing there is no corpse in the house.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Good night, everyone.” Jacki waved before walking out.
“I’ll join you soon,” he called after her.
“We should head back to the hotel,” Kian said.
“Before you do, let’s drink to the successful completion of phase one.” Kalugal opened another bottle of Hibiki and poured it into eight Glencairn glasses. “Help yourselves, gentlemen.”
Thanks to Turner, Simmons’s accident had been successfully staged, the van careened into a ravine and exploded, and a call had been placed to 911.
“You have great taste in whiskey.” Anandur distributed the glasses to everyone.
Kalugal took a small sip and swished it around in his mouth. Fine whiskey was meant to be savored, not gulped.
