Page 122 of King of Tides

Her plan is solid, but I have taken things a step further. Eden gave me more information than she knows. Once I told her Asher didn’t make it, I knew she would.

By the time she finds out the truth, I will have completed my mission. I left none of my valued assets behind. Not even my hunters know who made it out and who didn’t. I purposely split them up for my plan to work.

As I’m done with Carson Ramirez, I return to my body waiting in my prayer quarters. I lift my head and stand from kneeling before the stone. Power still courses through me even after the energy I’ve expelled. He will play his part nicely.

“That went well,” I murmur to myself with a satisfied grin.

I have planted the necessary seed to get my desired results. I now have a pawn in play. My numbers may be down, but I have the critical players still at my fingertips.

I have lost one battle, not the war. This is still mine for the taking. I’ve always been in this for the long game.

Remembering my purpose, I pull out my cell phone. I lift it to my ear and wait as the other line rings. It doesn’t pick up until the third ring.

“Hello,” the voice on the other end comes through gruffly.

Good, he sounds detached. I believe I have the perfect timing. Invoking insanity is my strong suit.

I snort to myself. The water wielder’s mate has the spirit of Intikam. They’re making this all too easy.

Very well done, Eden.

“Bardo. It is time. I have your task for you.”

Intruders

“Go upstairs with Dracon. We’ll be up as soon as the ceremony is over,” I say to Beck and Bourne as they pout because they’re going to miss the ceremony.

“But we promise to be quiet,” Bourne tries one more time.

“Why do you want to be down here with all those old folks? The ice cream and cake are all upstairs. My mom is in the kitchen. I can get her to sneak us some snacks,” Dracon says, trying to help me out.

“Yes, come on, Bourne,” Beck sings and takes off.

I shake my head and stand to my full height. We better get this show on the road before those two eat their weight in sugar. I’m not dealing with that shit for the rest of the day and night.

Billy comes up to me and slips her arms beneath my cut and T-shirt. She runs her warm palms up my back as she smiles up at me. Dipping my head, I take her lips.

When I break the kiss, I lift my hand to pull her shirt aside and look at the spot Taylor singed earlier with her flames. Billy covers my hand and gives it a squeeze.

“It’s fine. It’s already healed, thanks to you. Come on. They’re waiting.”

I turn and look around at everyone gathering. This has already been a long day, and it isn’t halfway over. I feel like we haven’t stopped since getting back from Japan. Bradan showing up on death’s door has caused me to think about how grateful I am for my mate and her powers to protect herself and our family.

Bradan is looking more and more like himself. He’s been joking and is as lively as ever. We’re looking more like a family around here. I’ve never known where I belong more.

“Shall we get started?” Nuvos asks.

Nuvos, the eccentric golem, oversees all weddings, blessings, and bonding ceremonies like this one. He will perform the naming ceremony for my sons. That will be one proud day for me. I can’t wait.

“Yes. They’re setting up for a celebration upstairs. We shouldn’t keep them waiting,” Kendrick replies.

“Ah, yes. I was informed there would be a stone cake for me. Let’s be quick,” Nuvos says happily.

My brothers and I move to our respective locations on the crest engraved on the floor. I tug Billy to stand before me and look into her eyes. I can see the love she has for me in her gaze.

I get choked up as the look overwhelms me coming from this woman. A few months ago, she wouldn’t let me help her carry her groceries up to her apartment. I could barely hold a door open for her.

But now, she’s standing here looking at me with so much trust and love. Nuvos steps into the center of the crest, getting into his position, ready to begin. I smile down at Billy, ecstatic to finally bring her fully into our community.

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