Page 83 of Toxic Vengeance

Wounded member was Zack Maguire. Non life-threatening gunshot wound, treated and released, visit and tests paid for in cash. Maguire identified via security cam footage outside the private medical clinic in Cheltenham. Unidentified female with him.

Eden Foster.

No other information at this time.

It was the first solid lead as to their possible whereabouts. Cheltenham was in the countryside, on the edge of the Cotswolds. They wouldn’t have taken Maguire to a clinic near their base. But they wouldn’t have transported him too far away. That narrowed the geographical area down considerably.

Now it was time to finish this.

Above the table on the windowsill sat three framed portraits. Pictures of certain Valkyries when they were younger.

Two were links to the past. The other, to the future.

Planning all this out, waiting for just the right moment to enact the plan, had taken years of meticulous work. Now Bennett was dead, one of the more serious threats removed.

The eight women on screen were the only obstacle now. They were working together now, having teamed up in the face of their annihilation, as predicted. Now it was just a matter of finding where they were based.

The images on screen and in the frames beckoned, echoing with memories, triggering a bittersweet pain. They were a reminder of all the sacrifices and accomplishments paid for in blood, sweat and tears. Of anguish and death.

Unfortunately, all of them but one would die. There was no other way.

A necessary sacrifice to ensure a world made safer and more perfect by the most gifted of all her creations.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Her first wedding.

Eden couldn’t stem the excitement buzzing inside her as she made her way around the conservatory with the garden shears. The chairs had been set up in neat rows in front of the arbor the guys had set up, and Eden and Kiyomi had covered it with garlands of ivy and brilliant crimson Virginia creeper from the property.

She took the cuttings she’d gathered into the breakfast room, where Kiyomi helped her trim, arrange and tie them into two bouquets with lavender ribbon. When they were done, Eden held one up and smiled in satisfaction. “Perfect.”

“Yes, they are,” Kiyomi said, her smile momentarily dispelling the shadows in her dark eyes. Since telling them about the connection between Rahman and the Architect the other day, she’d withdrawn from everyone.

They would do their best to prevent it, but it seemed the team was on a collision course with Rahman, and one day, Kiyomi would likely have to face him again. “I love that they’re doing this here in front of all of us,” Eden said.

“Me too.”

“Is one of those for me?”

They both turned as Megan swept into the room, stunning in her gorgeous gown of pale cream, the bodice made of delicate lace and the skirt a soft chiffon that flowed as she moved. “Yes, the big one,” Eden said, handing the large purple and white bouquet to her.

“Oh, it’s gorgeous.”

It really was. “The irises are for valor, faith and hope. Lavender for devotion. And the arborvitae and ivy are for unchanging friendship.” As deserving of a Valkyrie sister.

Megan gave her a big smile and pulled her into a hug. “I love that you put so much meaning into this, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now go hide so Ty doesn’t see you by accident. Kiyomi, take her out of here, quick.”

Kiyomi grinned and led Megan from the room. Alone, Eden gathered up the special boutonnière she’d made for an even more special man.

“Thought I might find you here.”

She turned to smile at Zack, looking ridiculously handsome in the suit Amber had brought back from town for him. “You caught me.” Perfect timing.

He crossed to her, his movements a little stiff, then wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her soundly on the lips. “Dare I ask what you’re doing?”

“I just finished making the bouquets.”

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