Dark Overlord’s Clan (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance Series Book 40)

by I. T. Lucas

  Merlin smirked and leaned back. “Power of deduction, my friend. As someone who grew up without a real family, Jacki craves having one of her own. I bet she wants to have many children.”

  “She does. But we both know that it’s not in the cards.”

  “You never know. Jacki might be miraculously fertile, or maybe my potions will do the trick more than once or twice.” He winked.

  77

  Kian

  When Kian’s phone rang with the ringtone he’d assigned to his mother, he excused himself, walked into Bridget’s office, and closed the door.

  The doctor wasn’t there, and if she returned, he could ask her to leave for a few minutes. His conversations with Annani were better kept private.

  “Hello, Mother.”

  “Good morning. I heard that Kalugal is in the village with Jacki and that she is transitioning.”

  “You heard correctly.”

  “I am both surprised and delighted that you have invited your cousin and his mate into the village. How did that come about?”

  “Kalugal doesn’t have a doctor on staff, and he doesn’t have any medical equipment either. When Jin started to transition, he realized that his mate would need medical supervision when her time came, and he asked me, or rather begged me to allow him and Jacki to stay in the village until after her transition. I couldn’t refuse, but I made sure to put adequate safeguards in place.”

  “I am sure you did. Still, it was very kind of you. How are Jacki and Jin doing?”

  Kian was sure that his mother knew precisely how both were doing, and her question was meant to steer the conversation in the direction she wanted. Next, she would say that she was flying over to make sure Jacki survived her transition.

  “Jin is doing well, or as well as can be expected. She is growing venom glands and probably fully functional fangs as well. She is not thrilled about it, but she is not as upset as her sister was over much less. Jin is a trouper. Jacki is also fine, but she is slipping in and out of consciousness like many of the other transitioning Dormants. Bridget reassures us that she is going to pull through.”

  “But it is not certain, correct?”

  “It never is.”

  “I am flying over. I should be there in case Jacqueline needs my blessing.”

  Kian tensed up. The blessing was the code he and his mother used for the goddess’s secret blood transfusions, but even though they were talking on the clan’s secure network and no one knew what the blessing meant, he was uncomfortable discussing their most closely guarded secret over the phone.

  “Jacki’s situation is in no way critical. Some of the other transitioning Dormants had a much harder time, and you didn’t fly over to bless them.”

  “These are different circumstances. I already promised Kalugal that I would officiate over his and Jacki’s wedding, and since they are both in the village, I could do that as soon as Jacki is well enough. And if I am already coming, I can arrive a week earlier and provide my blessing if it is needed. Jacqueline might not be in danger right now, but her condition might still deteriorate, and her survival is crucial to the future of the clan.”

  “In what way?”

  His mother wasn’t clairvoyant, but she had excellent instincts, or gut feelings as she called them.

  Annani sighed. “What do you think will happen to Kalugal if Jacki does not make it?”

  “He’ll be devastated.”

  “And what do you think will happen to the nascent and beautiful cooperation between you, him, and Lokan?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “It will fall apart. In his grief, Kalugal could hole up someplace, and in his anger, he might use the incredible power he wields to do harm. Anger and grief over the murder of his adopted son turned Navuh from a semi-decent man into the monster he is now.”

  Kian felt his ire rise. Explaining evil deeds by past wrongs committed against the evildoer was wrong. People were responsible for their actions, and they had the choice to funnel their pain into doing good or bad,

  “Anger and grief over the murder of your husband didn’t turn you into a monster. It turned you into humanity’s champion and savior. It depends on the person.”

  “That is true. And I cannot even claim perfect genes as my saving grace. My father was a great leader, but he was not a good man. He was not evil either, but he was ruthless. I guess I was lucky to inherit his leadership ability and my mother’s compassion. But we do not know what Kalugal’s inner makeup is. Besides, my blessing is such a small favor that it is not even worth discussing.”

  “That’s not true. Your blessing is the biggest deal there is. But I agree with you that Jacki’s survival is worth the intervention. If needed, that is. She might pull through all on her own.”

  Annani laughed. “Oh, Kian. You have no idea how glad I am that for once you agree with me.”

  “I agree with you often.”

  “Not before arguing with me first.”

  “This time, there is no argument. Except, I can’t have you staying in the house you used before because I put Kalugal and Jacki in the new phase section. I will have to move Guardians in there and give you a house that’s closer to mine.”

  “I do not wish to uproot anyone.”

  “I know, and I’m not happy to do that either, but your safety demands it. I’m sure they will understand. When are you planning on coming?”

  “I thought about leaving in an hour and arriving at the village by the evening. But you will need more time to move your Guardians, so I will leave tomorrow morning.”

  “If you don’t mind, you and Alena can stay with Syssi and me until the house is ready. Your Odus can stay with Okidu in his cottage. It’s not like they need beds to sleep in.”

  “Of course I do not mind. It would be lovely to spend a couple of days with Syssi and you. ”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” Kian actually meant it. Annani’s previous visit had been much less stressful than usual, but that was probably because she had her own place and hadn’t driven him crazy by acting irresponsibly with her safety.

  “I enjoyed my previous stay tremendously, and I am looking forward to another lovely visit to your beautiful village. I am also eager to get to know Kalugal.”

  “He’s a character. How long do you plan to stay?”

  “Two weeks. Perhaps longer if Jacki needs more time to recuperate before her wedding.”

  “You mean her second wedding. The ceremony wasn’t interrupted. The attack happened later.”

  “I know. But having a big wedding is a wonderful opportunity for Kalugal and Jacki to celebrate with our clan and get to know our people better.”

  78

  Kalugal

  By the time Kian returned to the room, Jin and Merlin had left, and Jacki’s condition was still the same. The machines were emitting steady sounds, no alarm had gone blaring out, and Bridget hadn’t come rushing in.

  Everything seemed to be okay, but Jacki was still unconscious, and Kalugal was still going out of his mind with worry.

  “She is going to be fine.” Kian put a hand on his shoulder. “I know this seems bad, but it’s actually good. Jacki’s body has shut down all unnecessary functions, so it can divert all of its energy to the change.”

  “I know.”

  That was what everyone kept telling him, but Kalugal didn’t trust the reassurances. For some reason, though, Kian’s tone now indicated more confidence than it had before.

  What had changed?

  “The phone call I took before was from Annani. She is flying over. She’ll be here either tonight or tomorrow morning, and she will give Jacki a blessing that will ensure her smooth transition.”

  “That’s very gracious of her, and I’m grateful for the gesture. But I’m not a great believer in blessings or conversely in curses. It’s all superstition.”

  Kian sat down and leaned toward Kalugal. “I’m like you. But the proof is in the evidence. Annani’s blessing helped Syssi pull through as we
ll as several of the other transitioning Dormants who weren’t doing so great.”

  “Placebo effect?”

  “They were unconscious, so no. Belief had nothing to do with it. But Annani is a goddess, and we don’t really know all that much about their powers. My mother says that different gods had different talents in varying levels of power. And the older they were, the more powerful they became. Perhaps Annani’s energy has healing power, or maybe she can transfer some of it to others when she blesses them.”

  “That’s an interesting idea to ponder. But even if the blessing is just a gesture of goodwill, I will be grateful for it.”

  “As you should.” Kian pushed to his feet. “Can I get you something to eat from the café? They have excellent pastries and sandwiches.”

  “Thank you. I would love another cup of coffee and maybe a sandwich, but my men can get it for me. They are sitting outside on the bench.”

  “The café only accepts clan-issued debit cards, which reminds me that I should get them for you and your party. In the meantime, I’ll tell Wonder to keep an open tab for you.”

  “Thanks.”

  When Kian left, Kalugal leaned back in the uncomfortable chair and closed his eyes.

  Kian was putting too much faith in his mother’s blessing, which didn’t fit his character. The guy was a realist, not a dreamer.

  The energy fields he’d used as a possible explanation were not scientifically or even anecdotally proven, but they had been postulated. In Kalugal’s opinion, the instances of miraculous healing were mostly hoaxes or compulsion. He could compel someone to feel great for a short period of time, but eventually, whatever was wrong with the body would be impossible for the mind to override.

  Still, Annani had a proven record of blessings that helped problematic transitions along.

  There could be two possible explanations. One was that the blessing had done nothing, and the Dormants would have pulled through without its help. The other explanation was that the blessing was a cover for something else.

  Roberts’ fast recovery with the help of Ruvon’s blood came to mind. If an immortal’s blood could speed up healing in a human, a goddess’s blood could help a Dormant to transition.

  That’s what the blessing probably was, and he was willing to bet that no one was allowed to witness the goddess delivering her blessing.

  It was smart of Kian and Annani to keep it a secret even from their own clan. If word got out, she would become the most hunted treasure on the face of the earth.

  As always, figuring out a puzzle brought Kalugal great satisfaction, but this time it was even more than that. With Annani’s help, there was no more question about whether Jacki would survive.

  Provided that her situation didn’t deteriorate before the goddess’s arrival.

  And as for the big secret?

  Kian had nothing to worry about. Kalugal would never tell another soul. After all, if Annani’s blood had miraculous properties, so did Areana’s. They would both be hunted.

  Was that why his father had kept her hidden and secluded for thousands of years?

  Did Navuh even know what Areana’s blood could do?

  Kalugal had a feeling that he did.

  When Kian returned with two cups of coffee and two sandwiches, Kalugal’s stomach growled, and he realized that he’d been famished. His worry over Jacki had extinguished his appetite, but now that he knew she was going to be fine, his belly roared like a hungry lion.

  Handing him the sandwich, Kian lifted a brow. “When was the last time you ate?”

  “Last night.”

  “Then, it’s no wonder your stomach is making monster sounds.” Kian handed him the other sandwich as well. “Here, I can get another one later.”

  “Thank you. What about my men? They are probably hungry as well.”

  Kian chuckled. “Don’t worry about them. They are getting well fed by the ladies.”

  “And I thought they were keeping a vigil for Jacki. Apparently not.” Kalugal unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite. It was indeed very good.

  Kian sat down and removed the lid from his coffee. “My mother intends to stay for a couple of weeks and marry you and Jacki as soon as Jacki is well enough.”

  “Are you okay with that?”

  Kian nodded. “I’ll make sure that she is safe.” He sighed. “I can only imagine her reaction when I ask her to put the earpieces in.”

  “Your mother is a powerful goddess. I’m sure my compulsion would have no effect on her. Nevertheless, I will once more give you my word that I will not use it to compel her or any of your people.”

  79

  Jacki

  As Jacki opened her eyes and looked into Kalugal’s smiling face, she wasn’t sure whether she was awake or still dreaming.

  “Hi.” He leaned and kissed her forehead.

  She lifted her hand and cupped his stubbled cheek. “Are you real? Or am I dreaming?”

  With his signature smirk lifting one corner of his mouth, Kalugal put his hand over hers. “I am your dream man. So I’m both.”

  “Now I’m sure that I’m awake. You weren’t as full of yourself in my dream. What time is it?”

  “Eleven o’clock Sunday morning. You’ve been slipping in and out of consciousness ever since I brought you here. But your fever is down, and Bridget thinks that the worst part is over.”

  “Am I immortal?”

  “Most likely, but the doctor has to administer her test to confirm it.”

  Jacki twisted her lips. “Bridget told me about it. She is going to make a small cut on the palm of my hand. I’m not looking forward to it.”

  He took her hand and kissed her palm. “I will hold your other hand, and you can squeeze mine as hard as you can.”

  “I love you.”

  She wanted to kiss her adorable husband so badly, but she hadn’t brushed her teeth since the previous morning, her mouth tasted like sawdust, and her lips were chapped.

  He smiled. “I love you more. Are you thirsty?”

  “Yes. Very.”

  As Kalugal poured water from the pitcher, Bridget came in.

  “Good morning. How are you feeling?”

  “Much better, thank you. Are you going to administer the test now?”

  The doctor chuckled. “There is no rush. We will do it after you eat something.” She walked to the door and opened it wide. “You can come in, Wonder.”

  “Good morning.” Wonder rolled in a cart. “I brought breakfast.”

  “Thank you. I’m so hungry.”

  “Hold on.” Kalugal took the remote and raised the bed’s back. “That’s better, right?”

  “Yes.”

  He handed her a paper cup with water. “Drink this first, and then I’ll pour you tea.”

  Her hand shook from the effort it took to hold the cup up, but Jacki was determined to drink without assistance.

  When she was done, she handed the empty cup to Kalugal. “I would prefer coffee if there is any.”

  “Of course there is.” Wonder lifted a thermos and poured heavenly smelling coffee into a cup. “Sugar and cream?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Knock, knock.” Jin walked into the room with Arwel in tow.

  He glanced at Kalugal. “Is it okay if I come in?”

  “Of course. Take a seat.” Kalugal pointed at the chair to his left.

  “I heard that you are much better. I am too.” Jin sat on the bed next to Jacki’s feet. “I’m officially an immortal.”

  “Congratulations!”

  “To you too.”

  “Bridget didn’t test me yet.”

  Jin waved her hand dismissively. “It’s just a formality. But for you the worst is over, while I’m still toothless.”

  “How long until the new ones come in?” Jacki didn’t want to say the F word and upset Jin.

  “The points are already out.” She opened her mouth wide and pointed with her finger. “Bridget says that in a week or two, I will at least look norm
al again.”

  “Just in time for the wedding,” Kalugal said. “Annani is either already here or on her way, and she wants to marry us properly as soon as Jacki is up to it.”

  “Annani is coming?” Jin’s eyes brightened. “I hope that Alena comes with her. The goddess is amazing. You are so lucky that you are going to meet her.” She looked at Kalugal. “You too.”

  He arched a brow. “You’ve met the goddess?”

  “Yeah. That’s where I was hiding after you kidnapped Jacki and Arwel.” She smirked. “You see? Even your compulsion isn’t all-powerful. You didn’t ask me where I was, and I didn’t volunteer the information.”

  He lifted a hand. “I promised Kian that I wouldn’t ask anything that might reveal the clan’s strategic secrets. I only compelled you to tell me personal things. I view it as taking advantage of a loophole.”

  He was good at that. Kalugal was smart and cunning, but he was honest.

  Mostly.

  “Kalugal is an honorable man,” Jacki said. “He does what he promises.”

  80

  Kalugal

  After breakfast was done and everyone left the room, Bridget walked in holding a tray. “Are you ready for the test?”

  There were only three items on the tray; a small scalpel, a stack of square pieces of gauze, and a disinfectant, but Jacki’s eyes naturally zeroed in on the scalpel.

  “I’m more than ready.” She pulled her arm from under the blanket and placed her hand on top of it, palm up.

  Kalugal took her other hand. “Squeeze as hard as you need to.”

  Jacki smiled a little nervously. “It’s okay. I’m not scared.” She glanced at the tray. “The knife is really small.”

  Her anxiety seemed to be more about the confirmation of her immortality than the small pain she was about to endure.

  As Bridget took Jacki’s hand and wiped it with disinfectant, she was gentle and slow. But her hand moved with an immortal’s speed as she reached for the scalpel and made the cut.