Ezrina, Nevermore, and Demetri make their way to us.
“A wedding”—Ezrina says it without an ounce of emotion—“how very grand.”
“It will be. Marrying Laken is the grandest event of them all. Isn’t that right, Coop?” I give the small crowd a little wink.
Demetri leans in, that permanent smile edging on his lips. “Be careful, son. A wounded bee still has the power to sting.”
“Duly noted.” I look to Gage. “Speaking of a sting. Any news?”
He shakes his head. His eyes flit to Ezrina as if to let me know he’s not interested in sharing this tidbit with her. I’ve got news for my baby brother. Nothing he does will ever stay quiet. It’s just a matter of time before the world hears of it.
Nevermore bows slightly in my direction. “Ezrina and I don’t mind sharing that we’re close to bringing back the first round of Spectators.”
Ezrina straightens with pride and her hair rises high to the ceiling itself as if it were prideful, too. “They’re in a holding pattern. Soon, Wesley, all will be within Celestra’s grasp.”
“I hate to break it to you”—I bow her way—“but Celestra is nearly eradicated, Ezrina. I realize they are your people, but unfortunately there’s not much to fight for and you can’t blame me for it either. The Counts were taking them down long before my brother or I arrived on the scene.”
Ezrina turns her nose up at me. “Skyla will prevail.” She sighs as she looks to Gage. “Justice will be served.”
Gage gives a wistful shake of the head. “Come on, Ezrina. You’re a smart woman. Look how fast I was able to knock the chess pieces off the board. This is done. It’s in the bag. Don’t fight it. There is no correcting the course for Skyla or Celestra.”
“Oh really?” A female voice scoffs from behind and we turn to find Skyla with Laken coming up behind her looking like a dream in white satin and Italian lace.
“Dear God.” The words leave my mouth, but I’d swear that I heard Coop echo the sentiment from behind.
Chloe and Tobie emerge, and Tobie indeed looks every bit the princess in a pink fluffy dress, her hair pulled up into a bun with glitter strewn through it.
Demetri stands before the raging fire and Laken and I take our places. Gage stands up for me while holding Eli. And Skyla stands up for Laken with Charlie in her arms.
Gage and Skyla don’t take their eyes off one another. It’s like a showdown at the O.K. Corral, but I couldn’t care less. I don’t dare take my eyes off of Laken. Demetri runs through the spiel and Laken and I exchange heartfelt vows. Soon enough, Demetri utters those magic words.
“Wesley, you may kiss your wife.” And I do.
My greedy mouth falls to Laken’s and we indulge in a holy exchange that breathes new life into who we are, who we’ve been since our humble beginnings in Cider Plains. Who needs a covenant? Who cares if I’m already sealed to the witch behind me, the one who ironically thinks she’s finally managed to leash herself to my brother.
What Laken and I have is real. We are forever. And with the Barricade in the power position, my bumbling brother on the throne, Laken and I will have all of eternity to work out the kinks in the matrimonial armor. We are holy and right, and tonight I will show her exactly how much I worship her.
An applause builds around us as Laken and I part.
“My queen.” I bow to her.
Demetri heads straight for the champagne.
Music streams from above, a choir of those disbanded souls that roam the Transfer I’ve managed to rustle up, and, my God, right now they sound like the angels they were meant to be.
“Come here.” I reel Laken in just as Gage slaps a hand over my shoulder.
“I need a word with you, buddy.” He flexes a dry smile for Laken, but it’s purely manufactured. I should know, it’s the same one I produce when I’m not really in the mood. No sooner do I step away from my beautiful bride than Coop and Skyla swoop in. I’ve never been happier to have Skyla in the room than I am at the moment. Laken is far too stunning. I couldn’t blame Coop if he tried to take off with her.
“What?” I bark to my brother as we make our way to the foyer.
Gage glares hard my way, his jaw clenching so tight his teeth are about to burst out of his mouth like a piñata.
“That little birthday blitz down in Brazil?” His eyes glow with rage. “Let’s just say it didn’t go as planned.”
He shoves his phone my way and I check out the screen.
Shit.
