“But doesn’t that journal say she decided to die and so her and her mate flew off to do just that?” Piper asked confused
“It does. I was thinking about her though before I started playing. I was wondering what she would have done if this threat was hers.” Zoe admitted
“Maybe it just means that her memory will help with the spell tonight.” Kaiden guessed
“Probably and everyone knows we need the help with the spell.” Zoe said. “Well on to a happy subject. Ladies it is time to put on our dresses and get ready for a wedding. And I do mean all the ladies at this table.” Zoe said. Rosa, Monica and Mary gave her a confused look. “Every single woman at this table is getting married today. I have your dresses upstairs. Now if you do not want to get married today that is ok, but if you do, please follow me upstairs. Oh and men, Kaiden will bring down your suits and someone please get Etana.”
The ladies followed Zoe upstairs and when she walked in she noticed Marjorie standing in the living room in the middle of a sea of dress bags. Each bag was named and the girls stood there in shock. Kaiden walked in behind all the girls and laughed at the shocked expressions on their faces. Gabe was behind him and so was Zach. They also laughed a little but went right back to the bedroom and walked out with the suit bags and a box. The box had all the rings inside that Zoe had ordered, she was not going to let the ladies of the house see those until they were placed on their fingers.
Once the boys had left with their suits Zoe turned to the open mouth faces of the ladies. “Ok ladies how do you want to do this, one at a time or all at once?” Zoe asked. Etana had stepped into the room then. She knew what was happening, but Zoe had a feeling she didn’t think she was involved.
“Well I would like to be a mom for a moment and see my daughter put on her dress first.” Emery stated and Monica agreed along with Iraina.
“Alright then who wants to go first?” Zoe asked. The question was met with silence and the girls all looked to Zoe. “Ok how about we go youngest to oldest?”
“Oh great that means I have to go first!” Tia pouted
“Oh honey please let me see. The suspense is honestly killing me.” Camilla whined
“Alright, fine!” Tia moaned and went to her dress. No one was shy when it came to nudity, so Tia stripped everything but her underwear. She unzipped the bag and you could hear her shock. Tia pulled the dress out and turned with it hugged to her body. Tears were streaming down her face. She smiled at Zoe and then turned back around. Tia unzipped the dress and stepped into it. Marjorie was right there behind her to zip it back up. When she turned everyone smiled at her and Camilla was openly weeping. Tia’s dress was the color of sand and ivory. The bodice was soft leather with the skirt ivory underneath and a sash of leather brought it all together with a bow in the back. You wouldn’t think the leather would work as a wedding dress, but it fit Tia and her personality perfectly.
“Thank you Zoe this is amazing!” Tia hugged her mother and then went to the floor length mirror set places in the dining room area.
Finley was next and she loved her dress. Emery beamed with joy and grabbed her daughter into a hug. The sapphires on her dress looked like scales once she had the dress on. “Oh you look like a beautiful mermaid, my little fish.” Emery boasted.
Morgan was next and once she saw her dress she openly sobbed out her joy and grief. “I wish my mom was here to see this.” She sobbed. Aubry and Cassie ran to her and wrapped her up in a hug. Telling her that he mother would be proud of the strong daughter she had. Morgan looked beautiful in her flower sewn dress, when she looked in the mirror she smiled and then cried some more. After she was done she hugged Zoe and then stood off to the side waiting to see all the other dresses.
Alex went after Morgan. She quietly went to her bag and unzipped it. She turned back to Zoe and smiled, turned back, tore her clothes off and stepped into her dress pulling it up slowly. The dress was white with spessartite garnets in the bodice and the skirt was flowing white. When she turned however, the skirt twisted and looked like moving fire. “This is hot! Thank you Zoe.” Alex gushed
Halina was next and both Zoe and Iraina were on tip toes anticipating the dress. Zoe was the only one who knew that Marjorie made this dress herself. Halina walked to her bag and stripped her clothing before opening it. When she unzipped it she squealed “HOLY SHIT!” she yelled. Halina didn’t turn around and she asked Marjorie to stand behind her. No one could see the dress as she stepped it. Marjorie zipped her up and then Halina turned.
The entire room erupted in awe. Halina’s Dress was white with pearls sewn into a heart shape in the bodice and around the back. The skirt was tiered with lots of ruffles. Halina looked like a princess. Iraina gushed over Halina for a while and Zoe looked amazed at the detail Marjorie had done. At that moment Zoe wanted to see her dress.
Vivi went next and was so nervous she was shaking. She walked over to the bag and took off her clothes. She unzipped the bag and fell to the ground in tears. Zoe ran over thinking she hated the dress, but Vivi grabbed her into a hug and pulled her down.
“Thank you Zoe, you have no idea what this means for me. I have never seen something more beautiful. Will you help me put it on?” Vivi sobbed
“Of course” Zoe said. She stood back up and pulled Vivi up with her. Zoe pulled the dress out and helped Vivi step into it. The dress was a gorgeous while and red. Garnet stones were placed throughout the ruffled skirt and lined the top of the bodice, with a red sash meeting in the back and flowed down the back of the dress.
It was Zoe’s turn now and she was nervous looking to Justine for a little help. Justine came over and unzipped Zoe’s bag. Zoe however kept her eyes tightly shut. She took off her clothing with her eyes shut and Justine guided her into the dress. Justine then turned her and zipped the dress up. She then led Zoe over to the mirror, Zoe opened her eyes when Justine told her too and Zoe sucked in a breath.
Zoe’s dress was white and Ivory, like Halina’s, with pearls sewn through the skirt. But the skirt of the dress had a royal train and lots of fluff to it. Pearls were stitched in swirly patters on the skirt and bodice. Marjorie walked over and placed a tiara of pearls on her head that perfectly matched the dress. Zoe wiped tears away and hugged Marjorie. She then smiled at Justine and said “your turn.”
Justine went to her bag and tore her clothing off. Monica walked over to help and they both sucked in the breath at Justine’s dress when she unzipped the bag. Her dress was not a traditional white like the rest. It was a soft purple underneath with sheer black lace on top. There were black and purple diamonds sewn into the bodice and skirt. It was perfect for Justine. Zoe laughed and crushed her sister into a hug.
“Perfect huh?” Zoe asked
“Oh so much so! Ok moms your turns!” Justine laughed
Chapter 30
A Royal Affair
The rest of the ladies put on their dresses with more tears and smiled than Zoe imagined. Marjorie was smiling at everyone, taking in all the praise and thanks for a job well done. All the dresses matched the races and each was similar, but different. There was leather in all the Fury dresses, but Etana looked like a warrior bride, where Tia and Camilla along with Makayla looked a bit more feminine and elegant. The Earth brides all had flowers or vines in theirs with emeralds and citrine gems stitched in. The Water brides were white with different shades of blue throughout the dresses. Shiloh’s was the most elegant out of the Water brides. She was quiet and soft spoken, but her personality was elegant and refined.
Ada had chosen not to be married at all; she and Leon had done one before many years before. Vivi and Alexi, however, looked gorgeous in white and red with garnet gems and lace. Out of the Onyx brides, Justine was the only one in black. The other three were done in different shades of black and grey with black diamond’s everywhere. The Fire bride’s all had similar skirts that looked like moving fire. The bodices were all stitched with the orange and yellow gems. Cara and Ava had orange sashes that tied either
in a bow or flowed down the back.
The Pearls were stunning and looked like walking royalty. Zoe had the biggest skirt with the royal train and her tiara. Halina was a little less poof than Zoe and Iraina’s dress was a slim fitting mermaid cut, with a small train at the bottom in the back. Mary however, was in a baby blue princess dress, with diamonds stitched throughout and an ivory sash that tied in the back and flowed down the back.
When the girls were all ready Zoe asked Marjorie to go see if the men were ready and if so to send them outside. Marjorie walked out of the room and went down in the elevator, before she could step in Abby and Ben came running in. Ben was in a suit with a grey vest and tie. Abby was dressed in the same dress her mother wore, just a smaller version.
“Can we get married to Mommy?” Abby smiled up at her mom.
“Oh baby look at you, you look absolutely amazing.” Piper squealed and then the question registered to her. “Oh honey I think you need to wait just a little while longer.”
“I knew you was gonna say that. But it’s okies I get to walk down the aisle with Benny and throw out flowers.” Abby pouted a little
Zoe knelt down to Abby’s level and kissed her on the cheek. “Sweet girl, when you are old enough we will throw you a huge wedding. Nothing will stop me and that ok?”
“Ok. Oh, we came to get yous and take you all outside. Daddy got them to get the big trucks to bring you to the place.” Abby informed them.
“Thank you, sweetie” Zoe stood and turned to the women. “Okay Ladies, are you ready?”
“More than ready” Finley stated. “I can’t wait to see what Oliver is wearing.”
“Ditto on that, let’s go.” Justine smiled and walked out.
The women filed into the elevator a few at a time and once all were downstairs they headed outside to the waiting SUVs. They climbed in and headed out to the clearing. As soon as the trucks stopped the ladies filed out of the car and their men walked over to them. All of the men wore either black or grey tuxes and the vest’s all matched their woman’s dresses. All the men were teary eyed looking at their mates when they all felt a huge Pull.
They looked around and then to the sky. Coming from the mountain were two huge Pearl Dragons. Kaiden and Zoe stepped forward with Zach and Halina. Everyone else took a step back. The Dragons landed in front of the four of them and shifted. The woman was dressed in a flowing gown of ivory color and the man was wearing ivory cotton pants and shirt, but he looked elegant in them. The woman stepped forward and placed a crown of Pearls on Kaiden’s head. All were shocked by this, but Tia was the first to come out of that shock.
“How did you shift with clothes on?” Tia asked
“Hello Tia, I can’t teach you how, as it is a trick with the magic I have left. Zoe and Kaiden it is nice to see you again. I am very glad you found my journal.” The woman said
“Are you….?” Zoe stammered
“Yes I am Marsali and this is my mate Airic. I know you all thought we were dead, in fact we tried to die, but I can’t and my life force has kept Airic here too. I just wish it kept my children alive too. But you, Zach and your father are my blood. And Kaiden you look just like Briec. We came back to the cave long before you were born Kaiden. But we were not needed then. We had chosen to stay away until one of you asked for help. Zoe was asking for my help before she began to play and I am here to help now. We have been watching over you all this time and we are unsure of what is really happening. But, with the journal in your procession that means it is bad and then that missile hit.” Marsali responded. She watched everyone very carefully and lovingly.
“That was my father.” Vivi said
“Oh? It wasn’t just an accident?” Airic asked, standing more like Marsali’s guard than her mate. Zoe could tell he was very protective of her.
“No it wasn’t and we could use your help with a spell so that objects that are meant to harm us cannot enter the barrier.” Zoe stated
“I will help you in any way that I can, but for now we are all dressed up for a wedding correct?” Marsali asked
“We are. Would you like to join us?” Zoe asked
“I would like to watch, yes.” Marsali said
Ben and Abby led Marsali and Airic to a seat and then they started the ceremony. Everyone urged Kaiden and Zoe to go first. Kaiden went to the gazebo and Marcus walked Zoe down the aisle. When Zoe got to the opening she was shocked to see everyone that lived within the border seated in the seats or standing along the sides. After they said their vows Marcus walked Halina down the aisle. Then he and Iraina said their vows. Carmine walked Alex down the aisle and then Cara after. He and Ava went last.
Sebastian walked Tia down the aisle and then he and Camilla said their vows. Colby and Makayla walked each other down the aisle and Charles and Etana did the same. Kendal walked Finley down and then he and Emery said their vows. Jaco and Shiloh went after them and then Conner and Delany. Bristol and Harley took their vows last. Gosha walked Vivi down the aisle and then he and Alexi exchanged vows.
Morgan asked Paulo to walk her down the aisle and after them Paulo also walked Aubry down to Adam. Then Paulo and Cassie walked down the aisle together. Brad walked Justine down and then he and Monica said their vows. Gabe walked his mother Rosa down the aisle. Ben walked Piper down the aisle to Aidan. When all the Dragons said their vows and they were done, Gabe walked Mary down the aisle to Mateo.
None of the women really paid attention to their rings until Justine shrieked at the ring that was on her finger when it was all over. Her ring was platinum with a giant black diamond surrounded by small purple diamonds. Zoe had asked Marjorie to ask the jeweler to make sure that all the rings matched the gems on each dress. Zoe looked down at her ring and sure enough her ring matched her dress. She smiled and looked over to Marjorie and mouthed a “thank you” to her.
When they were all done they went back to the house and brought Marsali and Airic with them. They preferred to walk rather than ride in the truck. The men walked with Marsali and Airic while the ladies did not want to ruin their dresses. The girls in the house had placed champagne and glasses along with fresh fruit all over the table. Most of the ladies were in no hurry to take of their dress.
When the men came is Marsali led a toast to the health and love of this Sect. When she was done she looked over everyone and smiled.
“I am very proud of all of you. I created you out of love and I must say that this group is the perfect example of that love. Now please tell me what is happening?” Marsali asked not beating around the bush. Kaiden took the lead and told her about Aldrich and what has been happening for the last twenty four years and then about all the babies in the house and the children that died. She looked around at everyone then with a determined look on her face. She looked right at Arthur squinting in his direction. “You are human.” She stated and he nodded. “What you told them was correct they will need all the last ones born with the abilities.”
“But we can’t have them all. Ben and Abby are just kids.” Rosa said
“Yes and they will be there and we will help. With my residual magic, we will stand in as the dragon part needed. But the three couples will need to go turn. For now let me get to know you all.” Marsali smiled
They each took turns talking to the couple and sometimes in groups. Dinner was brought out about an hour later and the girls all rushed to change. They all carefully placed the dresses back into the bags and then carried them to their own rooms. At dinner they talked more and brought Marsali up to speed on the past. A huge wedding cake was brought out at dessert and the kids all had cupcakes.
Donny and Alex were the first to disappear Finley and Oliver snuck out soon after them. Morgan and Quinn went to their room about thirty minutes after Finley and Oliver. The kids were all getting sleepy so others took them upstairs to bed. Zoe took Lily to her bed and Marsali followed her.
“You are going to make a very good mother.” Marsali told her
“Thank you. I fell in love wi
th her instantly and just had to keep her.” Zoe admitted
“That is how I felt with Briec and Neala. I miss them dearly.”
“Why do you think Aldrich is doing this to us?”
“He sounds like an ancient Blood Dragon. They all thought they were better than the others.”
“Do you think he is sick or just evil?”
“I wouldn’t know anymore. My abilities for those things passed when you all were born. You all have special abilities. Kaiden is a leader, his intuition is always right. You get answers through the use of the guitar. Little Abby seems someone’s true nature. Ben can communicate with all animals. Zach can feel people emotion. Halina has not figured her out yet, but she is going to have a shocking touch soon. Alex is able to block the pull while her mate Donny is able to control fire even though he is still technically human. Oliver can cloak himself and Finley has the weather. Morgan can create food anywhere as long as there is dirt. Quinn can tell is someone is healthy or sick. Vivi has a built in lie detector and Christian feels intent. Tia has super speed and John has super strength, although he hasn’t figured that out yet. So with all my abilities gone Quinn is going to be the only one that can tell you if he is sick or just evil.”
“But you said you have some magic left.”
“Yes I do and I feel that it is what is keeping me alive.”
“And this spell?”
“It might take the last of my magic from me.”
“So you might die by doing this spell for us?”
“I would gladly die to keep you all safe Zoe.”
“But I don’t want you to die. I have so many questions for you.”
“Then I will answer them all before we do this spell. Now I think we have six new Dragons to take for a flight.”
“OH! I feel them too!”
Chapter 31
Questions and Answers
Finley and Quinn were the first outside. Morgan and Quinn were right on their heels though. Everyone in the house started making their way outside once they saw the two couples run out. But, before half of the group could make it out the door Alex and Donny came barreling down the stairs and rushed the first group of people. Zoe and Marsali managed to be the last ones out the door and everyone was waiting for them. No one had taken flight, but there were definitely six Dragons that could not wait. Marsali looked to the front and smiled. Airic stood there next to Marcus, his great-great-great-grandson. There were more greats in there, but they were all unsure of exactly how many. Marsali and Airic could just smell their blood within Marcus, Zoe and Zach.
Lost Ones (The Extinct Race Series Book 3) Page 17
