by I. T. Lucas
Did he feel her eyes on him?
Was that why he glanced at the camera every so often?
“He can watch television, play video games, or do some exercise.” Alfie pointed to the pull-up bar he’d hung over the bedroom doorway.
He and the other Guardians used the contraption to do endless pull-ups, and even Eleanor had gotten in some during her shifts.
“You can’t give him one of those because he could use it as a weapon.”
“True, but he can do push-ups, lunges, and sit-ups. All he’s doing is sitting on his butt all day and reading. At this rate, his muscles will atrophy.”
That would be a shame. Emmett wasn’t as buff as Alfie or the other Guardians, but he was lean and toned, just the way she liked it.
“Do you want to go in and keep him company?” Alfie asked.
Frowning, she turned to look at the Guardian. “I delivered his dinner two hours ago. I have no reason to go in again.”
Arwel had decided against leaving her alone to guard Emmett, and Alfie had volunteered to stay with her. Apparently, the guy didn’t like parties, and he didn’t mind missing the wedding. Still, Peter had warned them to be extra careful. Everyone else was at the wedding, and although they could get to the dungeon level in minutes, no one wanted their fun interrupted.
Alfie shrugged. “I thought you wanted to spend time with him.”
They all knew about her plan to befriend Emmett, and they also knew that her interest in him was not only professional. But Eleanor wasn’t an exhibitionist, and there was no way they would let her be with him without the surveillance.
“I do,” she admitted. “But I can’t.”
“You can.” Alfie put a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll keep an eye on you.”
She snorted. “Are you hoping for a porn show?”
His smirk was confirmation enough. “I’ve watched you with him. He wants you, and you want him. What are you waiting for?”
She grimaced. “Privacy. I’m not an exhibitionist.”
Alfie plopped down on the couch next to her. “I wish I could give you that, but it’s not safe. The sound is already muted because I don’t want to wear the damn earpieces all day long, but I have to watch.”
She sighed. “I know.”
“There is no camera in the bathroom…”
Eleanor cast him a disgusted sidelong glance. “That’s gross. I’m not that desperate.”
“It doesn’t have to be. I’ve taken women into club restrooms—ladies’ rooms, mind you, not the men’s. Those are just as gross as you imagine. I’ve done it in closets, pantries, hallways, dark niches, you name it. It was exciting, for them and for me.” He waggled his brows. “You should try it.”
She shook her head. “The ladies' room might be cleaner than the men’s, but it’s still gross.”
“You can always find at least one clean wall, and I’m sure that Emmett keeps the bathroom clean. He’s not the messy type.”
She’d noticed and liked that about him.
“I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with you.”
Eleanor was slowly losing her human inhibitions and adopting the immortals’ attitude toward sex. Most of the change had occurred during the mission with Peter and Leon. To be treated as part of the team, she needed to act like a Guardian, and the only female example she had was Kri. The woman was as direct and as blunt about sex as any of the guys. Thankfully, the Guardians weren’t crass or lewd. But they were unapologetic about their sexuality, and sometimes their talk still made her uncomfortable.
“Who else could you talk to?” Alfie waved a hand. “We are the only ones here, which is a golden opportunity for you to do what you want. I doubt you’d have the guts to go for it with Arwel or Peter watching.”
He was right, but she really didn’t want her first time with Emmett to be in the tiny bathroom.
“There must be another way. If it’s okay for me to have sex with him in the bathroom, where you can’t see us, then why not do it in the bed while you are not looking? I don’t see a difference as far as security goes, but it will make a big difference to me.”
Frowning, Alfie scratched his stubble. “Maybe there is a way. I can turn the screen brightness all the way down, so when you turn the lights off, I won’t be able to see anything. And if you sense trouble, just say lights on.”
She snorted. “If I can. The one time that Emmett bit me, I was helpless to do anything. I felt paralyzed.”
Alfie’s expression turned exasperated. “Do you want to do it or not? I can solve all your problems by going in with you. I wouldn’t mind a threesome.”
“Right.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Even if I was into that, how would you hold a gun while participating?”
His smile was lupine. “Oh, I know precisely how I would do that. Do you want me to describe the scene to you?”
She lifted a hand to stop him. “No need.”
It was as if he had planted the image in her head, and she could see it. Her on all fours with Alfie in front of her, holding a gun trained on Emmett, who was thrusting into her from behind.
Alfie’s nostrils flared, and his lupine smile turned into a hyena grin. “Evidently, you caught my drift.”
47
Cassandra
As the guests continued to arrive, Cassandra realized what had been bothering her about Onegus’s family. They all looked to be around the same age—mid-twenties to mid-thirties.
Where were the parents? The grandparents?
Perhaps Onegus’s family had a respect-your-elders tradition, dictating that the young people had to be on time while the older generation arrived later. A Korean friend told her that she wasn't allowed to leave the dining table before anyone older than her, even by a month, was either done or gave her permission to leave. Different cultures had different traditions.
There were almost no children either.
She’d seen one cute toddler girl running around, one teenage boy who looked to be fourteen or fifteen, and one couple came with a stroller. But that was less odd than the missing elder generation. It was after nine in the evening, and the event hadn’t started yet, so it made sense that nearly no one had brought their kids. The two exceptions probably couldn’t find a babysitter for tonight.
When and if Cassandra got married, she would have a day wedding, so all the children could attend. A family should celebrate together, the young and the old.
Leaning closer to Connor, she asked, “Where are all the old people?”
“Gone,” he deadpanned.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m serious. Where are the mothers and fathers, uncles and aunts, grandmothers and grandfathers? Were they not invited?”
Connor shrugged but didn’t offer an answer.
“More wine?” Nick refilled her glass without waiting for her response.
Roni, who’d been eyeing her with the same curiosity she’d been eyeing him, rose to his feet. “Wine is boring. I’m going to the bar. Can I get you anything?” he asked her.
He hadn’t asked anyone else.
Were they all trying to get her drunk for some reason?
“Thanks, but I’m fine with the wine.” She lifted the glass to her lips and pretended to take a sip.
Maybe she should dump it in one of the flower arrangements and pretend to be drunk, so they would show their hand.
“I’ll ask the bartender to mix you the same drink Sylvia and Ruth like.”
So that was why he hadn’t asked them. He knew what they wanted. Cassandra felt silly for being so suspicious, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right, and it wasn’t only about the missing older generation.
“Thank you. I’ll give it a try.”
As Roni walked away, a stunning brunette sauntered toward their table. She had a gorgeous face, eyes of such vivid blue that they must have been contact lenses, and lips that were painted red. The dress she wore was an Oscar de la Renta gold-hued gown from his latest collection. Cassa
ndra had seen it in a fashion magazine and had ogled it, but the only way she would have bought it was if she found it in her favorite, used designer attire boutique. It cost a small fortune, and it was too showy even for the gala she’d attended.
The Grecian style loose gown was fit for the goddess-like creature wearing it.
It accentuated rather than tried to conceal the woman’s pregnant belly, and it was also definitely the original and not a knockoff.
“You must be Cassandra.” The woman sat on the chair Onegus had vacated. “I’m Amanda, one of Onegus’s many cousins.” She offered Cassandra her hand.
“Hi.” She shook it. “I love your dress. Oscar de la Renta, right?”
“You have a good eye.” Amanda grinned. “I’m so happy that Onegus is dating a fashionista. I will finally have someone to play with.” She leaned closer and smoothed her hand over the skirt of Cassandra’s dress. “And yours is a Versace. I had one just like it, but I donated it to charity.” She smiled sheepishly. “I tire of outfits after wearing them only a few times, and I donate them to charity, so I don’t feel as guilty for buying them in the first place.”
Cassandra felt her ears heat up, and it had nothing to do with the wine. Well, perhaps the wine was partially responsible for her reaction, turning it from mild to exasperated.
Her anger wasn’t directed at Amanda, though. She was mad at herself.
The gown was indeed Versace, but it was a three-year-old one that she’d bought second-hand. Most people wouldn’t have noticed, but Amanda was precisely the type of woman who would.
Unlike the gala dress, which had been made by an unknown designer, the one she was wearing now was recognizable by anyone who followed fashion shows and magazines.
She should have considered that Onegus’s family was rich, and that some of the ladies were bound to be fashionistas like Amanda. The best way to deal with that was not to try to cover it up, but to own it and turn it to her advantage.
Cassandra had nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, she was proud of herself for being frugal. It wasn’t as if she couldn’t afford to buy the latest Versace. She just didn’t want to spend so much on a dress that she would wear only once.
“It might be yours.” Cassandra smoothed her hand over the straight skirt. “I got it in my favorite secondhand designer attire boutique.”
For a long and awkward moment, Amanda and everyone else around the table didn’t say a thing. Averting their eyes, they were probably desperately searching for something non-offensive and politically correct to say.
As the silence became oppressive, Cassandra took pity on them. “I like designer clothing. I love the precise cuts, the luxurious fabrics, and I get pleasure from wearing something that was created by a true artist. I just don’t like the price tags attached to those beautiful outfits. Finding them on sale or buying a gown that was used only once satisfies the bargain hunter in me as well as the fashion junkie. It’s a win-win.” She smirked. “It gives me immense satisfaction knowing that I’m dressed to the nines but at a fraction of the cost.”
Amanda laughed. “You have to meet my sister-in-law. Syssi can’t stomach paying more than a couple of hundred for an outfit. The only time I saw her lose her cool and raise her voice at me was when I took her shopping in an exclusive boutique and bought her an entire wardrobe.” She stood up and motioned for Cassandra to join her. “Come. I’ll introduce you.”
Reluctantly, Cassandra followed, expecting to be led to one of the nearby tables. Instead, Amanda kept walking toward the front of the banquet hall and stopped in front of a long, rectangular table, the only one in the room that wasn’t round.
The bride and groom’s family table.
“Everyone, this is Cassandra, Onegus’s date for this evening and probably for many more to come.” She walked up to the most beautiful man Cassandra had ever seen and put her hands on his shoulders. “This is my brother, Kian.”
The god-like creature dipped his head in greeting but didn’t smile.
Cassandra felt like offering a curtsy, but she stifled the impulse and forced a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And this is his wife, Syssi.” Amanda moved to a very pregnant blonde, who was smiling broadly and seemed like a sweetheart of a person.
“Nice to meet you, Cassandra,” Syssi said. “I’ve seen your and Onegus’s pictures in the gossip magazines, but you are even more impressive in person than in those articles.”
“Thank you.” Cassandra fanned herself. “You are making me blush.” She looked at the other couples sitting at the family table. “Where are the bride and groom?”
“They are getting ready,” Amanda said. “My sister Sari is the bride, and my other sister Alena is with her and the other bridesmaids.” She rubbed a hand over her belly. “I figured that Sari had enough bridesmaids already so the pregnant ladies could sit this one out.” She winked at Syssi.
The woman winced. “I can barely walk. I feel like a beached whale.”
Cassandra laughed. “When are you due?”
“In three weeks.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks.” Syssi smiled. “I can’t wait to meet my daughter.”
“I bet.”
The eyes of the terrifying god-like creature sitting beside Syssi softened, and he draped a gentle arm around his wife’s shoulders. “All in good time.”
“Anyway,” Amanda said. “I wanted the two of you to meet because you have something in common.”
Syssi arched a brow. “We are both artistic?”
“Well, yes, that too. But I’m referring to being frugal. Cassandra manages to look fabulous without spending a fortune on it like I do.”
That was a nice way to put it.
Syssi chuckled. “No one spends as much as Amanda does. And in my case, it’s hard to look fabulous when I’m the size of a whale.”
“You’re beautiful,” her husband said.
“He’s right.” Cassandra offered the couple her best smile. “I should go back to my table. It was nice meeting you.”
When Amanda escorted her back to her companions, the waiter arrived with another round of drinks for everyone.
“I ordered you a lychee martini,” Roni said.
Cassandra grimaced. “It looks tasty, but I’m already a little tipsy. I don’t think I should drink anymore.”
“It’s tradition to get drunk at a Scottish wedding.” Amanda patted her shoulder. “Regrettably, Syssi and I will have to remain sober. You’ll have to drink for both of us.”
Lifting the goblet, Cassandra smiled. “When in Rome and all that. To the happy couple.” She took a small sip.
48
Kian
Kian watched Cassandra leave with Amanda and wondered who she reminded him of. Shuffling through two thousand years of memories wasn’t an easy task, and after a couple of minutes, he gave up.
He might have seen her face in an advertisement back in the day.
Cassandra was a beautiful woman, and according to Onegus, she’d modeled for the cosmetics company she was still working for. So, it was possible that Cassandra simply reminded him of her younger self.
The thing was that her attitude seemed familiar as well.
She was confident to the point of being arrogant, and unlike most people, she hadn’t been intimidated by him. No wonder that Onegus had fallen for her.
The chief needed a strong woman to stand up to him.
Onegus fooled most people with his easy smiles and his charm, but he was the chief of Guardians for a reason. He was a true commander, a great strategist, and he was also a stubborn bastard who didn’t yield to pressure and didn’t take bullshit from anyone. Not from Kian and not from Turner.
Cassandra was his match. The language she used was polite and eloquent, but she was a straight shooter who didn’t mince words.
“Did you feel it?” Syssi asked.
“Feel what?”
“The energy coming off Cassandra.” She smoothed h
er hand over her hair. “I felt my hair stand up on end.”
“It didn’t. You must have imagined it.”
“I felt it too,” Kalugal said. “But then I might have reacted to her feminine beauty.”
“Do you miss your bachelor days?” Syssi asked.
“Not at all.” Kalugal straightened in his chair. “So, who’s the lady, and why did Onegus invite a human to the wedding?”
“He thinks she might be a Dormant, and he wants Sylvia to check out her power, or at least that’s the excuse he gave me. He thinks that the energy Cassandra has is similar to Sylvia’s, but she doesn’t know how to harness and direct it.”
Kalugal looked confused. “Does Cassandra know that she’s a potential Dormant?”
“She doesn’t.” Kian took a sip from his water goblet. “Onegus didn’t tell her yet. He figured it was safe to bring her to the wedding because other humans would be here as well, and we couldn’t do anything overly suspicious anyway.”
Kalugal leaned back and pursed his lips. “Onegus could’ve asked me to compel her silence. Heck, even Eleanor could have done it. Why risk it?”
Kian put down his goblet none too gently, and some of the water splashed out. Stifling a curse, he wiped it off his sleeve. “He gave me some bullshit explanation about not being ready to involve others in his business. But by inviting her here, he involved all of us.”
“I’ll ask Lisa to sniff her,” Syssi said. “I wish she was here.”
Lisa and Ronja were part of Sari’s entourage of bridesmaids, which was the size of a small army. His sister had a big heart, and she wanted to honor as many of the females close to her as she could. He suspected that Amanda and Syssi had bowed out so others could take their place.
That reminded him that he and Kalugal needed to take their places. Glancing at his watch, he turned to his cousin. “It’s time.” The groomsmen were supposed to meet outside the banquet hall in a few minutes.
