by Patti Larsen
Sunny flushed. Kissed her cheek again. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I like the sound of that.”
Music sounded as Mom turned to face us. The lovely strains of a classical piece. Leave it to Sunny to turn up her nose at the traditional march. Meira winked at us both before squaring her shoulders and tottering down the hall to the stretch of red carpet Sunny purchased for the aisle. I watched her go, a moment of sadness overcoming me. Time had passed, so much of it, with so much more to go. Sunny leaned in to me as I dabbed at a tear while my sister, the baby she was long gone, took measured steps down the carpet past happy guests oohing and ahhing over her dress.
“I love you,” Sunny whispered. I turned and hugged her, wrinkles and mussed hair be damned as she clung to me.
“I love you so much, Sunny.” I let her go, a little breathless, tears in my eyes, laughing and trying not to cry. “I guess I better go, huh?”
It was a long, long walk with all those eyes on me, but a happy one. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face, broke convention to hug Uncle Frank who pulled me tightly against him, cheek on my hair.
“She's perfect for us,” I said.
He laughed. “She really is.” His eyes lifted, attention shifting immediately and I stepped into my place to turn and watch my friend become my aunt.
I thought she was beautiful in the hallway. Under the light of the moon and the twinkling white lights and pale gauze decorating the back yard, Sunny appeared from the house like a glowing goddess. Her blonde hair cascaded over one shoulder, blue eyes framed by stunning black lashes, dress floating around her and the single white lily she carried. I'd laughed at her choice, the flower of death, but she'd been right about one thing.
It went perfectly with her dress.
No one said anything, just smiled and smiled as she progressed down the aisle to join us. Uncle Frank was long lost, her too, and even I struggled to keep up when Mom began the ceremony. In fact, I have no idea how she did it. I wouldn't have been able to focus.
In a lovely blend of vampire and witch, mixed with a healthy dose of traditional wedding designed by Sunny and Uncle Frank, two of the people I loved most in the world joined hands, hearts and souls for all eternity.
Tear time had finally arrived.
Why was I not surprised Sunny kept the best part of a human ceremony? As Mom pronounced them married, she smiled. “You may kiss your bride.”
Not like Uncle Frank needed the encouragement.
Sashenka pulled me aside the moment I was free, hugging me and gushing over my dress. “I'm so happy Sunny invited me,” she said. “It was really lovely of her.”
“I know.” I turned and watched as the pair laughed with a group of witches, the perfect, flawless, movie-star couple. “She's awesome.”
“I know this might be bad timing.” Sashenka grasped my hand and led me to the corner of the yard while Mom and Gram orchestrated a magical transformation, turning the seating area into a dance floor and buffet dining, food appearing from nowhere—the family's kitchens, they'd been cooking all day—to fill the tables.
“Trust me,” I said. “I've had a hell of a week. Just hit me.”
She laughed. “It's nothing bad,” she said. “At least, I hope you don't think so.” She drew a breath and blurted on. “I've been thinking about what we talked about. And I'd like to join the Hayle coven.”
Wow. “You would?”
“If you want me.” She dimpled, blushed. “You don't have to make me your second or anything, but I'd do a great job if you did, I promise. I've had lots of experience.”
“Have you talked to Tallah?” Wow. Did I say wow?
“Not yet.” Sashenka's face fell a little. “But if you want to move forward, I will.” She waited, every emotion showing on her face. “No rush or anything.”
I laughed and hugged her. “We'll talk to your sister,” I said. “Together.”
And hope doing so didn't ruin a loving family.
Food and laughter and a half a glass of champagne later and I felt overwhelmed. Uncle Frank had always promised to take me out in the middle of nowhere and get me drunk when I turned eighteen, just to see what would happen. Most witches didn't deal well with alcohol, and considering my particular situation, with my luck I'd total something large and necessary.
We never had the chance. Made me sad to think about it. Liam appeared at my side while Sashenka was off dancing with a handsome vampire and swept me to the dance floor myself.
“No looking sad on such an amazing night.” He smiled down at me, Sidhe power sliding around me like a hug.
“Sorry,” I said, hiccupped. “Time just goes by so fast.”
Liam leaned down and kissed me. Without hesitation, without his normal feeling of waiting for me to reject him. He just kissed me and let me feel his heart through his magic before laughing as his lips set me free.
“Good thing you have lots of it then,” he said.
Smartass.
Uncle Frank liberated me from Liam after a few dances in which I was actually really starting to have a good time. My handsome uncle spun me in circles to a pop tune, and only then did I realize what a great dancer he was.
“Thank you for loving me,” I said, tears coming again. “For always having my back.”
He swept me up, spun me around, lips on my ear.
“Syd,” he whispered. “What are favorite uncles for?” He set me down, bowed over my hand as a slow song started. But before we could go on, Sebastian stepped up and took his place, Sunny at his side.
“Shall we exchange partners?” Sebastian handed Sunny off to her husband—more tears—and watched as the happy pair joined together and danced away as though floating above the ground.
I offered my hand, sliding it over the smooth, cool skin of Sebastian's palm and let him lead.
“I want to thank you,” he said. “The clans are no longer at each other's throats. There is hope for real peace between us.”
“Nice to know.” I caught Liam watching, saw his jealousy and actually grinned at him until he ducked his head and blushed.
“We need to talk.” Sebastian's tone was light, but he lowered his voice as he spoke. “About how I feel for you.”
That was unexpected. And totally floored me.
“Okay,” I said like a total idiot.
He smiled, humor lighting his eyes. He really was absolutely delicious. “The first time I bit you, to save you from the sorcerer's powder, I felt it.” Sebastian shuddered just a little, hunger rising in those laughing eyes. “The connection between us. When I did , some of your spirit returned to me. Linking us together.”
I seemed to have that effect on people. “I'm sorry,” I said.
“Don't be.” He sighed. “At first, I was merely curious. But when the vampire essence took over, when death called to me with so powerful a voice, it was you who saved me.”
“Me?” I would have stopped dancing, but he had a firm grip and kept us moving. “Why me?”
“That part of your spirit, it kept me sane, at least sane enough to retreat to the cave and hide so I wouldn't harm anyone.” His head lowered, lips next to my temple, heat rising between us. “When you rescued me from my perpetual death, I tried to tell myself it was only gratitude that led me to kiss you. But I know better.”
Oh boy. I wasn't sure I was ready for this blurting of feelings from him. But he was still calm, casual, as though he needed to speak it, even if nothing happened after.
“When you absorbed the essence, became vampire, the pull became stronger yet.” His fingers tightened on my back but his movements never wavered. “And with the second bite, since you asked me to free you a second time, I must confess, I'm finding you rather irresistible.”
Well now. Everything else went away in a rush as the passion in his eyes flared and threatened to devour me. And I was more than willing to let that happen.
“You have shaken me to my core, when I thought no one could touch me,” he said. “Not after all these years. And though I have sw
orn to remain alone forever, I'm finding it a pity you are part of another clan.”
“Clan loyalties can change,” I said without thinking. “And forever is a long time to be alone.”
Sebastian gently released me as the song ended, shattering the spell holding us together. He bent over my hand, kissed it gently, a spark of spirit passing between us.
“Indeed,” he said. “Thank you for the dance.”
As I watched him go, I hovered between giggling and blushing though I knew now, no matter what happened, how long I lived, if I chose to pursue it, the future always had possibilities.
***
Chapter Thirty Nine
Happy ending? Well, kinda.
Trill and Owen and their Nona were long gone when we returned from Austria, though I wasn't surprised. At least I knew they were doing well and, if Trill's attitude was any indication, moving ahead with gathering the maji army.
At least, I hoped that's what it meant. Because after the run-in I'd had with the Brotherhood, knowing now how deeply they were entrenched in Europe, it felt like we were very quickly running out of time.
Quaid was slightly startled when I reached out to him and thanked him for watching over the Zornovs. Even said “You're welcome,” without snark. We were okay then.
Good info to have. Because, honestly, it was hard to know with him sometimes.
I brought home the mummified form of Batsheva, with full intentions of putting her crazy ass out in the sun. But one look in her eyes took me back to the cave and Sebastian, to my own suffering. So, instead, I dragged her down to the basement, stuffed her in a corner.
And forgot about her.
Don't judge me. Served her right.
There was no sign of Ameline, though I was hardly surprised. She clearly had her own agenda, but at least she said she was as opposed to the Brotherhood as I was. If for the wrong reasons, enough to make me worry all over again. And though she'd technically given me what I needed to escape, I was not falling down the hole of “thank yous” with her.
No way in hell I owed Ameline anything.
After a short honeymoon, Sunny and Frank went back to Austria and began to clean their own house. Naturally, I was right about Celeste. She'd managed to vanish, Sunny pursuing her through her blood tie to the family. Didn't matter. I had no doubt I'd be seeing Celeste again.
For about as long as it took to kill her.
I was surprised to find Demetrius had also gone his own way. I didn’t try to find him. I had to remember to ask Gram how she knew him and why I had the feeling there was much more to his story than I first thought.
The small metal box of powder I'd retrieved from the back of my closet at the castle went into my underwear drawer with my crystal. For safekeeping.
Who knew when I might need it.
My vampire core eventually stopped clinging and went back to her quiet nature, but never again did she hide and stay silent. In fact, I often found myself waking to deep debates between my magicks, as they watched over me, using philosophy and history to pass the time.
Felt like living inside a very small dorm room with too many roommates sometimes. But I was happy to share all the same.
My crystal was thrilled with its new flavor of power, the clan's touch still inside. I made it a point to keep that fact from Sunny, though I felt certain she wouldn't care.
Okay, was pretty sure.
Sashenka had brought up joining the family again before she left after the wedding and though I really liked the idea of her as my second, knew she was a great choice, I still hesitated about talking to Tallah. After all these years, family was the most important thing to me and I didn't know if I was ready to break up hers, happily and with support and best wishes or not.
Because putting them through the opposite was unthinkable.
Now, more than ever, I knew I needed someone beside me I could trust, someone who would stand by me, protect my family, be there unquestioning and always have my back no matter what. As much as I loved my grandmother, I knew she was right. It was time for her to step down and for me to take over.
I'd never risk her again, and there was a whole lot of risk coming.
###
Like what you read? Find out more at
www.pattilarsen.com
And now for a look at the history of
one of the most beloved characters
in the Hayle Coven Universe
Sassafras
Coming in January, 2013
Chapter One
I stretched to my full height, magic rippling around me, blood burning with the need to draw more power from my foe, grinning down at the fallen demon at my feet.
“Well fought.” My hand reached for his, but when Peridesenchal tried to grasp it, I pulled back with a laugh. Heart swelling at the echoed sound, surrounded by it as the watching crowd of fighters pointed and smirked, I prodded the fallen demon with the toe of my very expensive boot and winked. “You really thought I was serious?”
Peridesenchal's answering scowl was worth it. “You're a bastard sometimes, Sassafras,” he said.
The grin splitting my face almost hurt. “Sometimes?” I spun, arms out, welcoming the watchers to adore me.
“Always!” Their roar was delicious.
I stayed close, in Peridesenchal's space as he fought to rise, stumbling, falling back, magic and feet making it impossible for him to retreat with dignity, finally at the edge of the circled crowd of onlookers, my fans. I bent over him as he panted and scowled, letting out some the magic I'd taken from him, just a thread of it, winding it around his neck while inside I roared my triumph.
“Next time you think to challenge your betters,” I let the thread tighten until he choked, my teeth grinding together as I fought the need to smear this piece of filth under my foot, “think again.”
The thread snapped with a crack so loud some of the gathered demons covered their ears, but it was music to mine. I let Peridesenchal go, then, losing interest in the loser, turning to the adoring faces surrounding me.
“Who's next?”
“Sassafras!” She had to go and ruin it. The moment my sister shoved her way through the ring to face me, my friends dispersed, most with a raised hand of salute, a few with answering snarls I meant knew fights were coming later. I yearned to go with them, to keep the burning of victory fresh and hot.
Damn her for interfering. “You have terrible timing, Avenesequoia.”
She dusted the front of my triple breasted jacket with both hands, adjusting the row of spines on each shoulder with a long-suffering expression.
“I have perfect timing. You are a scoundrel who will make me late.” My sister sighed and looked up into my eyes. “And why?”
“I had important business, Bitty,” I said with my best smile.
Her hands were small, but the packed a punch as she whacked me. “Don't tease me,” she said. “And don't call my Bitty.” My little Itty-Bitty. Torturing her was my favorite past time when we were very young, and I found I'd not lost the taste for it. “I'm the only one who loves you.”
Love. The concept itself was as foreign to me as losing. Thanks to my delightful family. And my entire race, actually. Love. What a joke. Leave it to her to attempt such a manipulation.
“You were playing.” Avenesequoia hooked one arm through mine, her pole-thin body a head shorter than mine, the most delicate demon I'd ever met. “Mother and Father will be vexed. And don't think I didn't see who crawled away with his tail between his legs.”
I bowed a little to her at the entry to the sky train, following her as she swept inside, shining, black skirt so full she barely made it through the door, bodice sparking with crusted gems shooting off beams like stars as she sat under one of the overhead lights. I stood before her as the transport began its run to the Parade at the base of the Seat. The sight of the mountain, the center of Demoniconian leadership, always made my stomach clench, though I'd never admit it to anyone.
Showing weakness
was a quick way to invite a challenge. Not that I was afraid of a challenge. I'd beaten most of the so-called royals who hid themselves away in the upper echelons, including some Third planers, though I'd as yet to get my chance at Cypherion, the heir to Second Seat.
What a coup that would be! If only I could convince him to challenge me... wouldn't my family lose their minds if I was able to best the heir to the Second throne of Demonicon?
Delicious, truly delicious. And within my grasp. When I was ready to attempt it.
Avenesequoia must have known I was still deep in the throws of battle, but she wasn't letting me off easily. “When Ruler finds out you've been challenging above your Plane again, she'll be forced to take steps, Sass.”
I snorted and looked away, eyes fixed on the rapidly approaching polished stone of the mountainside, the weakling Fifth plane lord I'd just bested not worth another moment of my thoughts. “Peridesenchal challenged me, just so you know.”
“After you tortured him for months until he decided to do something about it.” She crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her very expressive eyes, larger than most. It was hard not to adore my sister, though to me she was more of a doll than a real demon. “Why aren't you happy being a Seventh?”
“Not my fault he decided to challenge.” I offered my hand to her, hoping she'd just drop it. My happy after-battle mood had faded, leaving behind the familiar loathing feeling. The dark and angry core of me, bubbling, asking to be fed. With power. “Besides, I have six more planes to climb. Can't possibly do that without challenging.”
She stopped me, held her hand on my arm. “You're the best fighter anyone has ever seen.” Her fingers tightened. “No one contests that, Sassafras. Even Ruler has honored you. But she personally asked you to back off, only two weeks ago. And you've continued as usual. You know she doesn't like to be pushed.”
Ahbi Sanghamitra, of all people. She valued those who fought their way to the top. And despite what she said, I knew it was only family pressure that led her to order me to stand down. She understood me, and I her. I wasn't worried. Obligation or not, orders or not, I'd be out fighting again tonight. No question.
