Burning

by Carrillo, K. D.

He tossed a ball of energy at me, and I ducked it. "You'll have to do better than that. I've gone against your cousin, and she makes you look like the B-team," I ridiculed.

  "Vampire, you are beneath me." He drew a stake out from behind him and charged me.

  I swept his legs out from underneath him. He fell on his back, and I stepped on his neck. I applied enough pressure to make him panic. Throw off their emotions and their magic misfires. Only a few witches and wizards were strong enough to fight me. One picks up a few things after a thousand years. The only witches and wizards I had ever encountered strong enough to best me were Carlos, Marguerite, and Chloë. Nik might be her cousin, but he was an average wizard at best.

  Sparks started dancing at his fingertips, and I applied more pressure. I heard the voices of the crowd as their attention turned to our altercation.

  "Carlos, if you have a follow-up to this, I would do it now. We are attracting attention," I urged.

  Carlos tossed a cuff to Cooper and together they snapped them onto Nik's wrists. I took my foot off of his throat, and Cooper jerked Nik to standing. He pulled both of his arms around Nik's back, and the cuffs magically linked together.

  "They're charmed. He won't be able to use any magic with them on, and he can't get them off himself," Carlos explained.

  Cooper prodded Nik into an alley, where we could limit our exposure. I looked down the alley and noticed a lone man watching us a little too closely. He was middle-aged and slightly balding, and he had a bit of a paunch—the kind of man who had self-esteem issues and took them out on other people. People like that had an odor to them. Their bitterness smelled sour, like spoiled milk.

  "Carlos, we have some pretty interested spectators here," I pointed out. I recognized that smell, his rotten scent lingering somewhere in my memory. The man's face turned up in distaste. He knew what I was, or he was close to guessing. I was sure of that. I pointed to someone in the crowd. "Cooper, that man… I'm fairly certain he is auto-da-fé," I whispered. I knew Cooper stood a better chance of hearing me with his keen animal hearing. He nodded his head toward Carlos, and then he teleported Nik back to the Council.

  The man took a cell phone out from his pocket and started tapping on the screen. I made a move to go after him, but he stepped back into the crowd. I wasn't really sure how far I was willing to go to stop him. I hadn't killed a human since the French Revolution. It was a dark feeling I didn't want to revisit.

  Cooper grabbed my arm, and I snarled until I realized it was him. He put his hands up in an "I come in peace" gesture. "Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. Did you smell that? I haven't smelled that rotten stench since France."

  "I think I just saw the leader. One of them at least," I acknowledged. "Damn stupid wizard. We warned him that he was drawing attention. No way did that guy just happen to be outside of Nik's show. He was checking him out. If he had bolted when we told him to, this never would have happened."

  "Let's head out in separate directions and circle back to meet up with the others. We can't stay the night here. The auto-da-fé are resourceful, and they will find us. I won't let this ruin Anita's wedding. She's like the daughter I never got to have—or at least a bratty little sister. The point is she is the only family I have in this world, and I want her to have the best wedding she can have, even if it is a rushed Vegas one. But after the wedding, we board that plane and head for home. We can drop the two of them off somewhere alone for a couple of nights, but it is time to circle the wagons.

  "I think waterfalls are romantic. Weren't Multnomah Falls filmed in that vampire movie? That would be pretty funny to drop them there, wouldn't it?" Cooper said grinning.

  I shook my head and laughed. "That does sound up Anita's alley," I agreed.

  Chloë

  "You look beautiful," I told Anita as I fastened her veil above her elegant twist. She really did look stunning. Anita hadn’t gone for the blushing-virgin-in-white look. She had an edge, but it was softened by yards of satin.

  We’d hit the jackpot in our search for the perfect dress. Not only was it the dress, but it was also in her size. I’d had to magically alter the dress to shorten it to her pixie stature, but it was just the quick work of a wand.

  Anita's veil was lined with tiny, iridescent-black crystals. The bodice of her dress had a sweetheart neckline and ruching on the sides. It was a dark-pewter color and had the same beading underneath on top of the skirt. The skirt was full, pale silver, elegantly bunched in places. In each area the skirt was gathered, a teardrop-shaped black crystal hung from the center. We found her a pair of heels with the same beading on the ankle strap.

  The dress was inspired by the engagement ring Dean had given her. The large, round diamond was shining rainbow sparkles against the surrounding black diamonds. I blessed a smoky quartz pendant, the same that topped her wand, and strung it on a satin ribbon. I tied it around her neck and gave her a final once-over.

  "Hmm. You need a few things," I said, appraising her critically.

  "You're blind, 'cause I look perfect," Anita announced.

  "Nearly," I teased. "The dress is new. That pendant I hung around your neck was made thousands of years ago, which covers the something old. And I know it doesn't match your dress, but I can include the borrowed and blue category in one item." I unfastened my sapphire earrings and handed them to her. They were a pair of dark, nearly black blue studs. She put them in her ears. "Now you're perfect," I complimented.

  A knock sounded at the door. I opened it to find Carlos fidgeting with a bow tie.

  "Anita, your escort is here," I called out.

  Carlos came in and stopped suddenly in the middle of the room when he saw her. The glint of tears sparkled in the eyes of the usually stoic wizard. I pretended to finish getting myself ready. I fussed with the skirt of the emerald-green cocktail dress Anita had chosen for me as her maid of honor while eavesdropping on her father-daughter moment.

  "I've missed so much of you growing up. I never dreamed I would be welcomed into this special day in your life. You have grown into such a remarkable woman. I know I don't deserve any credit. You have such a big heart, and I am awed at your capacity to forgive. I have a present for you. It won't make up for anything, but I hope it's a start," Carlos said.

  He walked over to the door and opened it to a beautiful older Latina woman. The resemblance to Anita was remarkable.

  "Mom!" Anita squealed.

  "I saw your young man out there. He's quite the looker," Anita's mom, Carmen, gushed. "We do have a problem though. Anita, there isn't a priest," she continued seriously.

  "I'm sorry, Mom, but we really didn't want to wait. But Dean is also a Catholic, and I'm sure the Church will still recognize our marriage."

  Carmen huffed. A myriad of emotions flitted across her face. "Sí, I suppose you are right. The important thing is you have remained pure until your wedding night."

  "At least one of us has," Anita muttered under her breath.

  "Anita Carmen Sanchez Padilla, I better not have heard you correctly," Carmen admonished.

  "Mama, lay off the second last name. Did I mention Dean wants kids?" Anita deflected.

  "Oh, grandchildren!" Carmen exclaimed, distracted. "Not too soon though. You have to finish college first," she ordered.

  "Of course, Mama," Anita agreed happily.

  Another knock on the door, and Grey entered. He smiled lovingly at Anita, and I remembered the night he’d helped her get vengeance against Alexander. Grey might have believed that he loved me, but he’d never felt as strongly for me as he did for her. It had stung the first time I’d realized this. That night, facing the betrayal of my sister and realizing my boyfriend was there to support my best friend, had nearly crushed me.

  Finn had stood by me. I think my heart had started to forgive him a little that night. Now, seeing the connection between Grey and Anita was soothing instead of painful. I loved him for being there for her. Grey and I weren't meant to be. He was right about that, but we were meant to be f
riends. I wouldn't change the time we’d spent together, but I was finally able to agree with him. We were a different kind of meant to be.

  "Ready to get hitched, little sis?" Grey asked Anita.

  She sniffled. I'd never seen Anita cry, but she was a walking fountain tonight. "You haven't called me that in a long time," she said, continuing to fight tears.

  "Geoffrey Grey, do not make her cry. I just fixed her makeup," I warned.

  "Happy tears are allowed. These are happy tears, aren't they, sis?" he asked lovingly. She sniffled again and nodded. "Right, then. Carmen, may I escort you to your seat?" he asked, offering her his elbow.

  "Showtime!" I announced. I opened the door and found Finn waiting to escort me to the altar.

  Carlos had made arrangements at a five-star resort off the Vegas Strip. The courtyard had been converted into a fairytale paradise. The officiant was set up inside a large gazebo decorated with white lights.

  White chairs were elegantly set up in two small sections, an aisle of silver satin running down the middle. Torches were installed around the outside, casting a warm glow over the entire courtyard. A small, white piano was placed on the left of the chairs. When Finn and I stepped out, the pianist began to play, and we proceeded down the aisle.

  "You know, eventually this will be us, don't you?" I gazed into his unnaturally beautiful face and smiled. "It's only the when I haven't settled on yet."

  He cocked his eyebrow at me. "Hmm. Sounds like I'm making progress."

  Finn

  I offered Chloë my elbow and waited for the music before we started walking down the aisle. As soon as her tiny fingers slipped around my arm, I felt the jolt of electricity. My eyes flared blue, and hers lit up in response. I wished now were the right time and that she could be all mine after tonight. I wanted to take advantage of Vegas and convince her to marry me. Especially before she found out about our parents' plans.

  I had to tell her. I didn't want to, but if she found out and learned that I knew about it, she would leave me. I can't lose her.

  "You look beautiful," I commented around the lump in my throat.

  She smirked up at me. "If I'd known you cleaned up so well, I would have found a reason to get you in a tux sooner."

  "I can think of a reason to get into a tux," I teased.

  We reached the gazebo and separated to our sides. The music changed and Anita walked out with her dad. To say a bride is stunning is cliché but also true. Her dress was as unique as she was. She looked like sweet sin. All eyes were focused on her, but I managed to look at my best friend. I saw love and a sense of completeness on his face. With Anita by his side, he was complete.

  Carlos placed Anita's hand on Dean's. "Anita, you have had more heartache in nineteen years than you should have ever experienced in thousands. I thought I was protecting you by staying away, but I failed. When I was captured, I couldn't save you, and I failed again. Your friends and this young man here were there for you when I couldn't be. Dean, I'm trusting you with the most precious thing in the world to me—my heart. My daughter is my heart, and now, she is yours. Treasure each other, stand by each other, and remember you are stronger together than you ever will be alone."

  Dean and Anita exchanged the traditional wedding vows. When they were done, Cooper stepped forward in a ceremonial robe, holding a golden cord. It was the deepest midnight blue with half moons embroidered by silver thread. It was long and hooded, covering his entire body. The officiant's eyes widened until Carlos started murmuring a quiet chant. He slipped into a trance-like state, allowing the supernatural portion of the ceremony to be completed.

  Cooper placed Anita's right hand into Dean's left and started wrapping the cord around them. Carlos took the place of the officiant and resumed chanting. Chloë moved opposite Carlos and joined the chant.

  "Thrice around and these two are bound. Where there were two, now there is one. These words are the seal. Let our will be done."

  The gold cord flared bright as the light of dawn. The cord disintegrated and seeped into their skin, tattooing an identical band on their wrists. They were left with an intricate pattern of Celtic knots that had no beginning and no end.

  Carlos and Chloë resumed their previous spots, and Cooper handed the robe to Carlos. When everyone was back where they were before, Carlos ended the officiant's trance. He continued speaking as if he hadn’t been interrupted.

  "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

  Dean dipped Anita low and kissed her deeply. After several very long moments, Carlos cleared his throat, and everyone laughed.

  Grey pulled out his phone, and his brow furrowed while he examined a text. "We have to move. I got an ID on the guy watching us pick up Nik. He is a professor of biology at Central. I don't think it was a coincidence he was here. To make matters worse, Marguerite just sent us a message. Nik has disappeared. He went into town and never returned."

  Carlos stepped away and started barking orders on his phone to have the plane ready immediately. Our drivers, members of the Aware, collected our bags from the hotel during the ceremony.

  "Carlos"—Grey stopped him with a hand on his shoulder—"we have to make a detour and see if we are followed. I'm not sure if we are being targeted yet."

  Carlos started pacing back and forth. He looked at Anita with a panicked expression. Neither Dean nor Anita saw the fear in his face. Of course they were off in their own little world, and by the looks of them, we really needed to send them off on their honeymoon soon.

  "I should have seen this coming. Why wouldn't they already be in Ellensburg? That is where the exposure happened, after all. Here we have been chasing the auto-da-fé all over the world and the leaders have been entrenching themselves in the town where my daughter lives. Marguerite will never allow us to move the Central Coven." A wicked glint crossed his face. "Marguerite might not allow me to move our children to safety, but she can't prevent me from staying here with them."

  "What are you planning?" Grey asked him suspiciously.

  Carlos's smile widened. "Did I ever tell you I wanted to teach Spanish?"

  Anita

  "Oh no, you guys are not joining me on my honeymoon!" I shouted.

  Dean seemed oblivious that they were even on the plane with us, headed to the same location. No, he was too busy running his fingers through my hair and playfully nipping at my neck.

  The tattoo on my wrist tingled every time his skin brushed mine. Everyone around us disappeared when his hand cupped my face.

  "I can't wait to get you alone," Dean whispered in my ear.

  "Do you think you could wait until we get to the resort before you seduce my daughter?" my dad snarled at Dean.

  Grey chuckled. Ass.

  A growl started rumbling in Dean's chest. My instincts told me to comfort him and calm him down. I leaned into him and placed my hand over his heart. The rumbling in his chest slowed to a stop.

  "Hey, everyone. Let's leave Dean and Anita be, okay?" Cooper instructed.

  Dean pulled me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me tight.

  "Are you okay?" I whispered to Dean.

  "Mmm, I'm hanging in. Just don't move too far away from me," he murmured.

  The whine of the landing gear signaled our imminent descent.

  "We will be in Portland in a few minutes. I know it isn't ideal to have so many people around on your honeymoon, but we think we might have picked up a tail in Las Vegas and we need to exercise precaution," Grey told us.

  "How are we going to do that? I don't really feel like hanging with my dad on my wedding night," I complained.

  "I don't want to come along on your wedding night either. That is why I'm staying in Portland. We have you registered under false identities. Finn's parents are meeting me here in Portland. The rest of you are posing as newlyweds on a marriage retreat," my dad replied.

  The impact of the landing gear on the runway paused our conversation. Unfortunately, that quiet ended when Bridgett opened her
mouth.

  "How are we to be paired up?" She looked pointedly at Finn.

  "Obviously Dean and Anita are together," my dad began.

  "Chloë is with me," Finn blurted.

  "I really don't think that would be for the best. Finn and I look more natural together. Perhaps Chloë can remain with Carlos and help him in Portland," she plotted.

  "Is she for real?" my dad asked, stunned.

  "I'm afraid so. She never wastes an opportunity to make a pass at Finn," Grey answered.

  "Listen close, Bridgett, because I don't like to repeat myself. The main members of the Council have been exploring alternate marriage contracts for our children. These arrangements are agreed upon based off of what is best for the future of the Council, the supernatural world, and the happiness of our children. We have a member of the aware that is a matchmaker. Her talent is to find soul mates and set them off to meet," Carlos began.

  The plane started to taxi back to the hangar, and my father pulled out a blue file folder. Inside was a picture of a woman. "Do you recognize this woman?" He held the photo up for us to see.

  "Yeah. That was one of the registrars I saw before school started last year," I agreed. Dean, Finn, and Chloë all agreed with me.

  My father smiled like he was about to reveal a really neat prank he’d played on us. "That was the matchmaker. I just wanted to see you taken care of, but Marguerite and Hans were determined to form an alliance. Regardless of what any of us wanted, we swore to uphold the vision of the matchmaker. After all, she doesn't actually do anything more than recognize if two people are well suited for each other."

  Finn started to squirm. I shot Chloë a look after I realized that Finn was worried that she wouldn't handle the idea of her mom wanting them to marry very well. She released her belt buckle and sat near Finn.

  "Hey, look at me," she urged. Very slowly, he turned to face her. "I'm guessing by how you just shut down you heard this same news—well, part of it—today, and you have been worried about how I was going to react. Am I close?" Chloë asked.