Page 38 of Sweaty Nights & Gator Bites

“I’ve got that covered,” Dani replied. “We’ll use the large floral arches to create a grand entrance. They’ll add a touch of elegance and guide the guests inside.”

Kota picked up one of the white lilies and a magnolia. “These flowers are stunning. How should we arrange them?” she asked Dani as she helped her construct an arrangement.

“I’m not sure.” They finished the one they were working on and took it to the table I had put the cloths on. They played with the placement until they had what they liked. Phi snapped a picture of the table. “We’ll also have a larger arrangement for the main food table. It’ll be the centerpiece of the whole setup,” Dani said while I went back to work.

Phi glanced around the room, her practical mind already thinking ahead. “We also need to make sure we have enough seating for the ancestors. Let’s set up a few extra tables just in case.”

“Good idea,” I agreed. “We don’t know if they will sit, but we don’t want it to be awkward. And we need toconfirm the final guest list with Marie so we can adjust accordingly.”

Dea lifted a light strand. “We want the lighting to be soft and warm, right?”

Nodding, I held up a set of twinkling lights. “I’ve got the fairy lights right here. We’ll drape them around the garden and along the walkways like usual.”

Adèle offered another suggestion. “You should consider adding some lanterns for an extra touch. They’ll add to the ambiance and provide additional light.”

“I love that idea,” I said, nodding. “We will pull out the lanterns.”

As we worked, the area slowly transformed. The table was set with linens and gold-rimmed plates. We also arranged some of the decorations with meticulous care. The lights were strung up and turned on. They would cast a soft, enchanting glow over everything. The fairy lights would twinkle like stars. The lanterns added a warm, inviting light.

Phi's hands were covered in glitter from the decorations as she grinned. “This is going to be amazing. Marie’s family is going to love it.”

“I hope so,” Dani replied, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. “We’ve put so much effort into this. It has to be perfect.”

“It will be,” Dre reassured her. “But we need to get to the council headquarters. Kaitlyn called a meeting.”

Dani gave out more instructions as we gathered our purses. Within a few minutes we had headed to the French Quarter. My sisters and I had done a lot of the renovations on the building, but we hadn’t finished. We hadn’t had time. At least the entrance and the downstairs rooms were mostly done. The kitchen had some tile work that needed to be done.

Viktor, the vampire leader was seated at the table in themeeting room when we entered. He sat there with his usual stoic grace. He scanned us with a keen, calculated gaze. He nodded curtly as we took our seats. I noted how his tailored suit and pale skin contrasted sharply with the warm wood and rich paint of the space.

I turned my attention and watched as the rest of the council arrived. Talindra, the elf leader entered next. Her ethereal beauty and serene demeanor brought a calming presence to the room. She smiled warmly as she approached. Her eyes reflected the wisdom of centuries. Her long, silver hair flowed down her back, and her gown seemed to shimmer with an inner light.

Cyran, the Light Fae leader was with her. His aura radiated a gentle, luminous energy. He greeted each of us with a polite nod as he sat across from Dre. His attire was simple yet elegant. I wanted to ask Xinar, the UIS agent, about his date with Cami when he entered, but it wasn’t the appropriate time. Like usual, Xin was dressed in a dark suit and carried himself with a military-like precision.

Kaitlyn's robes flowed around her when she and Kaveh materialized with a burst of mystical energy. Kaveh's eyes sparkled with ancient knowledge and mischief. He offered a charming smile as he took his place at the table.

Finally, Kassandra, the gargoyle leader, joined us. Her stony exterior and formidable presence was a stark contrast to the other council members. She nodded in greeting. She was partially shifted and had her wings, folded neatly behind her.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” Kaitlyn began, once everyone was seated. “The Twisted Sisters informed us about a significant threat earlier today. As you might have heard, there are rumblings that the Montclairs, Dubois, and Rousseaus are going to make a move against Marie Leveau’s family reunion. We need anyinformation you might have about these families and their plans.”

Viktor leaned forward, his gaze intense. "What specific actions are these families taking?"

Marie arrived then and took her seat wordlessly. All eyes moved to her. Dani inclined her head to the Voodoo Queen. “We have reason to believe they will attempt to disrupt the spiritual balance and harness the Leveau magic to their advantage.”

Talindra’s expression grew serious. “We need to understand their motivations and their endgame. Only then can we counter their actions effectively.”

Cyran added, “I’ve been informed about increased attacks near sacred sites in the bayou. Is that connected to them?”

Xinar lifted a shoulder. “I’ve been monitoring the family movements. They’re coordinated and well-funded but they don’t appear to have anything to do with the murders in the bayou.” I should have known Cami had updated him on what was happening. She’d probably even asked that he gather intel for us.

Kaveh narrowed his eyes. “We need to set traps and counter-spells. Anticipate their moves and strike before they can execute their plans.”

Kassandra’s voice was firm when she said, “We can’t do anything without definitive proof. We cannot assume they will make a move based on her word alone. She’s not trustworthy.”

Dre sighed and looked at me. I dipped my chin and she turned to Kassandra. “Lia had a vision of dark figures infiltrating the reunion.”

Viktor cocked his head to the side and watched us so closely it gave me the creeps. “I’ll mobilize my forces and gather surveillance and intelligence.” That he wouldn’t share with us. Thank the gods, Xinar was already watching them.

We discussed the issue of the families and their plans for several more minutes. There were promises from the others to gather information for us. Half of the council members were reticent because they didn’t trust Marie. I didn’t blame them, but she seemed genuine. It was too much to hope that anything helpful would come out of the discussion.

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