by I. T. Lucas
In the blink of an eye, his relaxed expression reverted to the severe one of the mafia boss. “There is no need for more time. I know that you’re the one I want. You’re going to be my wife and the mother of my children. As I recall, you said that you want to be with me too. Was that a lie?”
Ella panicked. “No, of course not. I do want to be with you. It’s just that a wedding is a big deal for a girl.”
In her panic, she’d almost blurted that she would’ve liked her mother and brother to be there, but stopped herself at the last moment. Dimitri’s answer would have been that it could be arranged, and that was the last thing she wanted.
He smiled indulgently. “I understand, my dear. But this is real life, not a fairytale. You need to adjust your expectations.”
She nodded.
It didn’t matter. A piece of paper proclaiming them man and wife was irrelevant. She was just going to treat it as a fake. In her heart, she wouldn’t be married to him.
A small voice in the back of her head whispered that there was a simple solution to this latest problem. She could easily become Gorchenco’s widow. All Ella had to do was tell her mother that she was okay with her rescuers killing him.
She was just angry enough to do it.
35
Vivian
Looking out the limo’s window, Vivian sighed. “I could’ve taken it easy with the cleaning and the packing.”
“Didn’t I tell you yesterday that Okidu was arriving in the afternoon?”
Vivian felt bad for making Magnus feel guilty. It wasn’t his fault that she’d misunderstood. Turning to him, she patted his knee. “You must’ve assumed that you did, but no. For some reason, I thought he was arriving early. It’s no biggie.”
She could’ve sworn that Kian had said he was going to send his butler to pick them up in the morning. But maybe in her excitement, she’d heard what she wanted to hear.
“My bad,” Magnus said.
“I was actually happy that he arrived later rather than earlier. I had more time to prepare.”
She’d showered and styled her hair, and then put on the elegant dress and shoes Magnus had gotten for her. Vivian was going to arrive at the village in style, looking good, with her things packed in proper luggage and not plastic trash bags.
First impressions were important.
“How much longer?” Parker asked.
“We should be arriving in twenty-five minutes or less, young Master Parker.”
Master? Parker mouthed.
Magnus waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t let it get to your head. Okidu calls everyone master or madam. He’s old school.”
Vivian had a feeling it was more than that. The butler looked to be in his late forties, smiled a plastic mannequin smile, and lived in a village full of immortals. Things didn’t add up. Something was wrong with him.
She would’ve asked Magnus, but if Okidu was an immortal who for some reason aged more rapidly than the others, he would hear her even if she whispered. It was better to wait with her questions for when they were alone.
That was going to take a while, though. Magnus had hinted there would be some sort of a welcoming reception, but he either didn’t know the details or wanted to keep it a surprise.
When the limo’s windows turned opaque, Vivian knew they were getting close. Magnus had told her about the village’s robust security measures.
She’d loved hearing about every detail he’d explained, even those he thought were overkill. Finally, she could live above ground and still feel completely safe.
Vivian hadn’t felt safe for years. Ever since Josh had been killed and the fragility of her existence had slapped her in the face. Every day had felt like she was living on borrowed time, and that feeling had only gotten reinforced with each of the tragic losses she’d suffered.
Fear had become her constant companion.
When the limo stopped, the windows turned clear again. They were in a large underground parking structure, similar to the one in the high rise that had been her home for the past week and a half. Or had it been less? They’d arrived there on Monday, and today was Tuesday.
Magnus got out and offered her his hand.
She shook her head as she took it. “I can’t believe it was only eight days. It feels like we lived a lifetime in that underground complex.”
“A lot has happened, making it seem much longer than it was.” He put his hands on her waist and pulled her in for a quick kiss. “Today is a new start. And after we get Ella back, I hope our lives are going to be boring and uneventful.”
Vivian chuckled. “Oh, so that’s what you really think of me? That I’m boring?”
“Never.” He kissed the top of her head.
Scarlet bounded out of the limo, her tail working overtime and her tongue lolling in a cute doggie smile.
“I think she is happy to be back home,” Parker said.
“I think so too.”
As Magnus took the leash from Parker’s hand, the butler unloaded their luggage, struggling to arrange things in a way that would allow him to take everything by himself, which was impossible.
Three rolling suitcases, one rolling carry-on, a duffle bag, a wooden bow, and Scarlet’s big pillow bed were too much for someone with only two arms to handle, no matter how strong or motivated.
“Let me get these.” Magnus reached for the two suitcases. “Parker, you take the bow and Scarlet.” He returned the leash to him.
That left one suitcase, the carry-on, and Scarlet’s bed, which was still too much for the butler.
“I can take the carry-on.” Vivian reached for the handle.
When Okidu started to protest, she said, “I insist.” And that was the end of the argument.
Pulling the suitcases behind him, Magnus leaned and whispered in her ear, “Now I know the magic words. I thought it was please and thank you, but apparently, I was wrong. It’s I insist.”
As they walked into an elevator that was big enough for the four of them, including the dog and the luggage, Magnus pressed his thumb to the scanner, and the thing shot up.
“I hope I’m going to get access this time,” Vivian said. “I’m no longer a prisoner, right?”
“You were never a prisoner. But once Ella’s situation is resolved, you’ll be free to come and go as you please. Right now it’s still dangerous, so you’ll have to suffer me tagging along.”
“Will Mom get a self-driving car with windows that turn opaque?”
“Yes, she will.”
A moment after the ping announced that the elevator had reached the lobby, the doors slid open, and they exited into a pavilion made mostly from glass that was immersed in greenery.
“It’s beautiful here,” Vivian murmured.
Scarlet bounded forward, pulling on her leash.
“Hold on, girl.” Magnus bent down and unhooked it. “You’re free to roam.”
“Aren’t you afraid of wild animals getting her?” Parker asked.
“There are none in the village. They can’t enter even if they want to, which they don’t.” He grabbed the handles of the two suitcases and headed toward the exit.
“Why?” Parker asked. “I mean why can’t they enter, and why wouldn’t they if they could?”
The pavilion’s sliding doors parted as they neared, and the four of them followed Scarlet out.
“We have several fences surrounding the village. The outer one delivers a mild electrical shock as a warning, the second one delivers a much stronger one, the third and fourth are solid and tall enough to keep a mountain lion out. That leaves only birds of prey, but Scarlet is already too big for them.”
“Okay, so I get why animals can’t get in. What about not wanting to?”
Magnus chuckled. “Survival instinct. Immortals, especially the males, are at the top of the food chain. We are the most dangerous predators, and the other animals recognize us as such.”
Parker rubbed his chin. “So why is Scarlet not afraid of you or Julian?”
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“First of all, because I got her as a puppy and she’s gotten used to me. But I don’t have a problem with other dogs either. They just like me.”
Vivian threaded her arm through Magnus’s. “That’s because you’re a sweetheart, and dogs can sense it.”
36
Magnus
As they cleared the pavilion, Magnus was surprised that no one was waiting for them. “Do you know where we are supposed to go?” he asked Okidu.
“Yes, master. I am to take you to your new domicile.”
Still expecting a welcoming party, Magnus listened carefully to the noises of the village, but it was even quieter than usual.
Carol must’ve closed the café early because he could hear no murmurs of conversation coming from that direction.
He leaned and whispered in Vivian’s ear, “I think the welcoming committee is waiting for us at the house. Brace yourself.”
“Why are you whispering? There is no one here.”
“That’s why I think everyone is over there.”
“A party?”
“If Amanda is in charge, then it’s a given.”
Okidu, who’d heard the entire exchange, wasn’t volunteering any information. Probably following Kian’s instructions.
Pulling the carry-on behind her, Vivian trotted on her spiky heels, trying to keep pace with the butler. “It's so peaceful here. So green.”
“It’s too quiet,” Parker said. “Where is everybody?”
Magnus shrugged. “I hope they are not all crowded together in our house.”
Parker’s eyes widened as he looked at him. “Are you serious? Is our house even big enough?”
“I was joking.”
Vivian sighed. “I regret wearing heels. I didn’t know we’d be walking so much. But at least we have rolling suitcases. Imagine having to carry trash bags all this way.”
“We’re almost there. The house we are getting is in phase two of the development. So it’s farther away from the center than the phase one houses.”
With time, the demarcation lines separating the two sections would fade, but until all the newly planted bushes and shrubs reached the size of those in phase one, it was very clear where the first one ended and the new one started.
When they crossed into the new section, it wasn’t hard to guess which of the houses was theirs. Two bouquets of balloons flanked the walkway, and a big welcome home sign was attached to the front door.
As Okidu rushed ahead, the door opened, and Amanda stepped out, followed by Syssi.
“Welcome to the village.” Amanda waved at them.
“And to your new home.” Syssi walked out to greet them. “Let me help you with that.” She reached for Vivian’s carry-on.
“Thank you, but I think I can manage a few more steps, and then kick these heels off.”
Syssi glanced down at Vivian’s feet. “Gorgeous shoes, but I know what you mean. Those are good for sitting in a restaurant, not for hiking.”
Amanda held the door open. “I told everyone to give you a few moments to acclimatize before coming over.” She looked at her watch. “You have about twenty minutes.”
“Thank you,” Magnus said. “I was afraid there would be a mob waiting for us here.”
He wondered where everyone was if they weren’t at the house. But then if Carol had closed early, there was no reason for anyone to be outside unless they were in the mood for a stroll.
Amanda gave Vivian a quick one-armed hug. “There will be in twenty minutes.” She offered Parker her hand. “Do you want to see the house? I bet you want to see your room.”
“Oh, yeah. Finally. I was so sick of sleeping on the couch.” He followed Amanda.
“It’s beautiful.” Vivian turned in a circle. “Your decorator is fantastic. I love her work.”
The house looked larger than the two others Magnus had shared in the village before, and it was only one story instead of two. The second-phase houses had different layouts than their first-phase counterparts.
“The living room, dining room, and kitchen are in the center,” Syssi said. “There are two bedroom-bath combos on this side.” She pointed to where Amanda had taken Parker. “And two over there.” She pointed at the other side of the house. “I guess you can use one of the bedrooms as an office, or do some remodeling and combine the two into one large master suite. Originally, the house was designed for four people to share. It’s the largest we have.”
“There is no need for remodeling.” Vivian waved a dismissive hand. “I’m sure the rooms are big enough.”
“Let’s see.” Magnus left the suitcases by the door and took Vivian’s hand.
“A king-sized bed, and just look at the bedding.” Vivian walked over and sat on the bed. “And there are French doors to a private patio. I’m in love.” She got up and walked over to the doors.
He followed her outside and sat on one of the lounge chairs. “I can imagine us having our morning coffee here.”
“Hello, neighbors.” A familiar face appeared above the fence.
“Merlin, what a surprise.” Magnus got up and opened the gate for his old friend. “Come in and say hi to Vivian.”
“Vivian, my dear. You’re even more beautiful than I’ve been told you were.” The tall doctor took Vivian’s hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “I’m Merlin, and I’m your next-door neighbor.”
“Nice to meet you.” She looked him up and down.
As usual for Merlin, the guy was wearing an outfit that didn’t belong in the current century, or even the one before that. And the color combination of a purple jacket with orange pants was painful to behold.
Merlin required some getting used to.
Magnus wrapped his arm around Vivian’s shoulders. “Let’s go back to the living room.”
Merlin followed them inside. “I heard there is going to be a barbecue. Everyone is bringing something. I’m sorry I came empty-handed, but I haven’t gotten around to doing grocery shopping yet, and I’m afraid that I finished everything that was left for me by the welcoming committee. My fridge is empty, as well as the cupboards.” He leaned to whisper in Vivian’s ear. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to pilfer some of the leftovers from your party.”
She smiled. “By all means.”
“Provided there are leftovers,” Magnus said. “Immortals have big appetites.”
As Parker came out of his room, he stopped and gaped at Merlin. “Who are you?”
“I’m Merlin. And you are?” The doctor offered Parker his hand.
“I’m Parker.” The kid’s eyes were still peeled wide as he shook it. “Are you a magician?”
“Of course. Otherwise, why would I dress like this?”
Parker’s jaw dropped even lower. “Seriously, dude?”
Merlin bent down from his considerable height, so his face was at the same level as Parker’s. “Do you want me to show you some tricks?”
“Do I ever.”
Straightening up, Merlin glanced around the room. “Let’s go out to the yard where we can have some privacy.”
When the two left, Vivian chuckled. “I’m glad you warned me about him. Merlin is quite a colorful fellow. But if the goal of immortals is not to attract attention to themselves, Merlin is doing the opposite. What’s his deal?”
Magnus shrugged. “I guess he’s just eccentric. He doesn't conform in any way and behaves as if the clan’s rules don’t apply to him. For some reason, Sari lets him get away with it.”
“Sari is the head of the Scottish arm of the clan, right?”
“Yes.”
“Is she as intimidating as Kian?”
Magnus rubbed his chin. “Sari’s style of leadership is very different to his. She’s assertive, of course. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to lead a bunch of opinionated immortals, but she’s much more inclusive, and she doesn't attempt to do everything herself. She knows how to delegate.”
Aware that he was describing Sari in a more favorable light than K
ian, Magnus qualified. “On the other hand, Kian is running the entire business conglomerate, while Sari is only managing several local enterprises. So in a way, her job is easier.”
“Is she also involved in the rescue operations?”
“No. It’s all done from here. That is why my fellow Guardians and I moved here. We answered Bridget’s call to come and serve a most worthy cause.”
“Who has taken your place defending Sari’s place?”
“No one had to. All the Guardians who came here were retired, including me. I wasn’t on active duty.”
She shook her head. “There is still so much I don’t know about you.”
He kissed the top of her head. “We have all the time in the world to learn everything there is about each other.”
37
Ella
At nine in the morning the seamstress arrived with the wedding dress, and less than an hour later, the alterations were done.
There was also a veil and a pair of white low-heeled pumps.
It wasn’t the kind of dress Ella would’ve chosen for herself. It was big and fluffy, with tons of petticoats, and it covered her from neck to toe. As far as modesty went it was appropriate for an Amish wedding, but the pearls sewn into it and the intricate lacework were not.
It wasn’t gaudy, but it was definitely ostentatious.
As the seamstress oohed and aahed in Russian, clasping her hands in front of her and sighing dramatically, Ella made an effort to smile for the old woman.
It wasn’t Olga’s fault that the wedding was a sham. She’d probably worked all night to have it ready by morning and deserved at least a smile for her efforts.
Dimitri was going to get only a scowl. And if he had a problem with that, she’d say that she was still in a state of shock.
Let him try and argue with that.
There was a knock on the door. “Can I come in?” Misha asked.
“Yes.”
As he entered, the big guy gasped like an excited girl and put a hand over his heart. “You are the most beautiful bride I ever see.”
