CHAPTER THIRTEEN

 

 

Sara shielded her eyes as a blindingly bright bolt of lightning shot from the cloud like a bullet from a gun and struck the brown wolf at the base of his tail.

The wolf screamed, leapt into the air, and toppled onto its side. A cloud of black smoke rose from where the wolf had stood. The smoke and electrical tang dissipated to show a large scorched patch of earth with the downed wolf at its center. The fur on the back half of the beast gone, vaporized. Smoke rose in taunting tendrils of brown from the charred flesh.

“Geezus,” Richie whispered.

“Stop gawking and help me up.”

“Oh, sorry, man.” Richie grabbed Seth’s outstretched hand and pulled him to his feet.

Seth stretched the muscles of his arm and chest. Testing them for any weakness. Then he walked to Sara’s side. He chuckled and gave her a grin. “A bit much, don’t you think?”

She gave him an unrepentant smirk and cocked a brow. “He stabbed you. It pissed me off.”

Seth’s brows rose. “We’ll have to set some ground rules for when we argue.”

Sara grinned. “Just remember that I’m always right and I always get my way and there won’t be a problem.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He pulled his sword from his back and handed it to her. “Avenge your brother.”

She held the sword with both hands. “What do I have to do?”

“Severed the head from the body.”

Sara looked at the sword, and then Paul’s burned wolf form. The air shimmered around the wolf, and it shifted back to human.

Paul moaned and curled into a ball.

Sara looked at Seth and back at Paul again. Her stomach churned at the thought of cutting off someone’s head. Lightning in the heat of the moment she could do. Chopping off the head of a defenseless man, she couldn’t manage. She shook her head and handed it back to Seth. “I can’t do it.”

Paul rolled to his back, his burns already half healed. “Seth,” he croaked weakly.

Seth accepted the sword and walked to the center of the charred ground to stand over Paul.

Paul gazed up at him, sorrow in his eyes. “I don’t have much time before they take over my body again and I have to warn you.”

“Warn me of what?”

“The Benevolent Sovereign did this to me. They killed my mate, and when I tried to join her in death, they forced me to live. They made me the abomination you see before you. I didn’t choose to go rogue. This was forced upon me. They have a coven of powerful black witches who put a curse on me. I was their guinea pig. They wanted to see if it would work and plan to do the same to your father and his son’s. That includes you.”

“Who is this Benevolent Sovereign?”

Paul shook his head. “I don’t know. The voice was disguised and distorted. Whoever it was stayed out of sight. All I know is the enemy is close. I overheard the swampers and regular shifters who helped them do this to me, say the Benevolent Sovereign is in your camp. Stay close to your father and watch you back.”

“Thank you for the warning.”

“It’s the least I could do. If I had the power to control time, I would erase all that I’ve done and follow my mate in death. I don’t blame you for what you have to do. In fact, I welcome it and beg you to release me from this nightmare. Please. I want to join my mate in the next life.”

Seth squatted down and gripped Paul’s forearm in a show of respect from one warrior to another. “As you wish. May Luperca guide your spirit to your awaiting mate.” He released Paul’s arm and stood over him even with Paul’s shoulders. Seth raised the sword over his head and whispered, “Godspeed my friend.” Then he swung the blade down hard and fast.

Seth dropped his head, let out a long, sad breath, and stepped back. There was no honor in the kill. No justice meted out. His heart ached for Paul. Anger wormed its way in, dispelling the sorrow. He would kill the Benevolent Sovereign and rid the Earth of his evil.

He continued to stand there for several long minutes. Finally, he turned. Sara stood a few feet away with her arms wrapped around her middle as if she were holding herself together. Tears tracked down her cheeks, and silent sobs shook her shoulders.

He went to her and pulled her into his arms. Sara pressed her face into his shoulder while tremors wracked her body. “I’ve got you, mon amour.”

She sniffled and burrowed even closer.

Seth stroked, long soothing caresses down the back of her head. He felt her body relax against him. After several long minutes, she lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “Are you all right, my love?”

“I don’t know. I feel…so many conflicting things.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I was wrong…about everything. Grants death wasn’t Paul’s fault at all. He was as much a victim as my brother. All of my anger, hate, and vengeance has been aimed at an innocent man. I feel ashamed, and heartbroken by the loss of both Grant and Paul, and empty. And at the same time, I have a killing rage roiling in my gut to chop the Benevolent Sovereign into tiny pieces.”

“Conflicted, yes. Unusual, no. Everything you’re feeling is normal and to be expected. To be honest, I feel much the same.”

“You do?”

“Yes. And when I find out who this Benevolent Sovereign is, I plan to pay him a visit.”

“You better include me in that plan.”

“I will, mon amour. I promise.”

Richie stepped forward to stand beside them. Concern etched on his face. “Is everything, okay?”

Seth gave his friend a smile. “I think we’re good. Though I still need to check Sara over for injuries.”

“I’m fine.”

Seth cocked a brow at her. “I’m your mate, checking you over comes with the territory.” She huffed in response, but he ran his hands over her anyway. “No blood. Do you have pain anywhere from when he knocked you down in the shack?”

Sara shrugged one shoulder. “I’m sure I’ll find a few bruises, but that’s about all.”

“Good.”

Sara put her hands on Seth’s shoulders and began to run them down his arms. “My turn.” He watched her with a bemused look on his face. She checked his torso and back, then each leg. Satisfied she stood and gave him a nod. “I give you a clean bill of health.”

He chuckled at her serious expression. “Thank you, Doctor Adams.”

Richie glanced from them to the body. “Do you want me to start hauling wood from the car?”

“Yes. While you do that, Sara and I will collect more from the woods. We need to leave nothing but ash behind.”

Several hours later, the funeral pyre was no more than a few glowing embers.

Seth kicked dirt over the ashes to ensure it was out and the evidence was hidden. Then he took Sara’s hand. “Let’s go home.”

 

 

“I need a shower,” Richie said and headed for the guest bathroom, no doubt giving them privacy.

Seth took Sara’s hand and led her to the couch. He pulled her down onto his lap and snuggled her close.

With everyone lost in thought over what happened, it was a long silent ride back to Seth’s house.

“Thank you for taking the sword. After what Paul said. What he revealed. I couldn’t do it. Poor Paul.” She shook her head. “What he endured. It breaks my heart.”

“Whoever this Benevolent Sovereign is, needs to pay for what they’ve done.”

She gazed at him, sadness in her weary eyes. “You have to figure out who he is first.”

He lifted his hand to smooth his fingers over her cheek. “True. I’ll talk to my father. Tell him everything Paul said and see if he has any additional information.”

They sat like that for several long minutes. Content to hold one another. Then Seth heard the shower shut off. “You’re tired and dirty from the hunt. Take a nice hot shower, and I’ll rustle up something for dinner.”

Sara sat up and kissed his cheek. “That sounds like a really good idea.”

He leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers in a gentle kiss. “Take your time.”

She got to her feet and gazed down at him. “I love you, Seth.”

“I love you, too.”

Seth was pulling steaks out of the fridge when Richie walked in toweling his hair.

“Want some help?”

“Sure, wash the potatoes.”

Richie worked at the sink quietly for a minute then asked, “How’s she doing?”

“Pretty good, all things considered.”

Richie nodded. “That Benevolent Sovereign is some kind of evil piece of work. That’s the second time that bastard has reared his ugly head.”

Seth turned from the stove where he was preparing the steaks. “What do you know?”

Richie shrugged. “Not much. Only that whoever he is, he’s working with the swampers and after the throne.”

“And apparently is either extremely powerful or has friends who are. It would take a hell of a lot of magic to go against the natural inclination and will of a shifter to follow his mate in death, force them to turn rogue, and then control them.”

Richie shivered. “I know. Thinking about it scares the crap out of me.”

Seth turned his attention back to the steaks. “I’m going to talk to my parents. See what Dad knows and also ask Mom what kind of dark magic could cause what happened to Paul.”

“If anyone will know it’s your mom.” Richie popped the potatoes in the microwave. “What else can I do?”

“There’s a salad in the fridge. Grab that and the dressing. Then set the table. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

Sara joined them as Seth was plating the steaks. “You look refreshed.”

“I am. I feel so much better after that shower.” She took a deep breath and sighed. “Dinner smells fantastic.”

He grinned and winked at her. “Thank you. I slaved over the stove for hours.”

Richie grabbed the potatoes and met them at the table.

Seth forked one onto her plate and passed her the butter. “Dig in before it gets cold.”

They ate in silence for a few minutes. Then Richie cleared his throat. “I hope you don’t mind that I arranged for the jet to take me home in the morning. Everything is handled here, and I miss Piper something fierce.”

Seth shook his head. “Of course not. Thank you for everything you did for us and give her a kiss for me.”

Richie grinned. “I’ll do that, right after I give her one from me. You’ll have to come by and meet her, Sara. You two would get along well. She used to be a bounty hunter.”

“Really? I’ve never met one before. I bet she has some interesting stories.”

Richie snorted. “You could say that.”

Seth leaned closer to Sara. “Richie met Piper at a wedding where her last bounty turned the tables on her and tried to kill her.”

“No!” she said in a hushed voice.

Both Richie and Seth nodded.

Richie pointed his fork at Sara. “I’ll let her tell you all about it when you meet her.”

Richie and Seth entertained Sara with tales of their youth, and before they knew it, their plates were clean.

“Boy, I’m stuffed. I hate to eat and run, but I have an early flight.”

Sara got up and started to clear the table. “Go ahead. We can clean up.”

Seth stood and pulled Richie into a man hug. “Thanks again, buddy.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll see y’all back home.”

Seth helped Sara clean the kitchen in record time. Then he grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses. “Come sit with me on the couch.”

“Okay.”

He handed her a glass and took a deep breath. “Come home with me. Back to Louisiana.”

Everything in her stilled. Could she? She had a house, a good job she’d worked hard for, and her family was here. Could she pull up stakes and move to the other end of the United States? She didn’t know.

But if she stayed in Minnesota would Seth? He didn’t have a job or the resume to get one. It’s not like he could claim Elite hunter for the past one hundred fifty years on a job application. And his family was in Louisiana. What was he going to do, sit around the house all day watching soap operas? She snorted. Not likely. He’d be miserable.

“Sara, move to Louisiana and start a new life with me. I have a house waiting for us. It’s right on the river. You’ll love it.”

She swallowed hard. There were only two choices, go their separate ways, her in Minnesota and he in Louisiana, or make the move because there was no way he would be happy here. She finally found her voice, “What about my job?”

He leaned forward. “I thought about that. My father has two security teams, one at the plantation and one at Le Beau tower. You could join one of the teams. Or you could apply to the New Orleans PD. And if none of those interest you, start your own private detective agency. Whatever you want to do, I’ll help make it happen.”

Sara tipped her head. “What are you going to do?”

He shrugged. “I haven’t decided yet. I have more money saved than I could ever spend, so for now, I just want to relax. When I get bored, I’ll figure something out.

“For the foreseeable future, all I want to do is share my life with you. I want to have kids and grandkids and grow old with you. I want to sit with you on the deck and watch the sunset over the water.”

Sara sat her glass on the side table and moistened her lips. “You want children?”

He nodded. “One, six, ten? As many as you want.”

Her eyes bugged out. “Ten!”

He chuckled, pulled her onto his lap and tucked her head under his chin. “I think you skipped over the part where I said we would have as many as you want. I was just throwing out numbers.”

She exhaled a long breath. “Good, because there’s no way I’m having ten children. Two, maybe three, but that’s it.”

“Fine, two or three. But answer me this, do you love me?”

Her head came up. “You know I do.”

His thumb rubbed lazy circles on the back of her neck. “Then we can figure this out.”

Could it be that easy? Move to Louisiana and chase any dream that came to mind? Her entire life had centered on responsibility and duty. She’d never had the freedom to follow her dreams. Yes. She could see herself doing that. And if she wanted to see her family, they could fly back, or her family could come for a visit. That’s what airplanes were for, right?

A slow smile tugged at her lips. She raised her eyes and gazed into his. “Yes. I’ll move to Louisiana with you.”

Seth’s eyes glowed with happiness, and his smile dazzled her. “You will?”

“Absolutely.” Then she started counting off a to-do list on her fingers. “But I need to give notice at work and sell the house. Oh, and pack everything up. This isn’t as easy as locking the door and hopping on the Le Beau jet.”

Seth squeezed her until she squeaked. “You just made me the happiest man on the planet.” He kissed her until he couldn’t see straight, then pulled back far enough to take a breath. “Do you mind if I call my mother? She set up the house while I was in the mountains and I’m sure she decorated it with me in mind. Which means it looks like a bachelors pad.”

“No, go ahead.”

Seth grabbed his phone and scrolled for his parent’s number.

“Seth? Is everything all right?” Emma’s voice rose with concern.

“I’m great, Momma. The rogue is taken care of, and I’ll be home in a couple of weeks.”

“That’s excellent news. I can’t wait to have you home for good.”

“Yeah, about that. I’m bringing someone home with me. Could you add some feminine touches to the décor of my house? I have a feeling it’s all dark wood and heavy leather furniture right now.”

“Of course it is, I decorated it the way you would like it. But I’d be pleased to pretty it up a bit. Two weeks you say?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Perfect. That will give me plenty of time to get everything ready.”

“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it. Say hi to Dad for me.”

“I will, cher. I can’t wait to see you and meet your lady friend.”

“I’ll be home in a couple of weeks. See you then. Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, sweetheart.”

Emma turned and grinned at Isaac. “Success again. Seth will be home in two weeks with his mate.”

Isaac held his arms open for her to nestle on his lap. “That’s wonderful.”

She kissed the tip of his nose. “I was thinking. Three weeks is more than enough time to plan a pack gathering.”

He frowned. “I thought he would be home in two.”

She cupped his cheek and winked. “He will, but I need a few days to plan their wedding once they get here.”

Isaac shook his head chuckling. “You’re a frighteningly, cunning woman.”

She kissed him sweetly. “Yes, I am.”

He tipped his head and narrowed his eyes. Emma knew that look. Isaac was thinking and more than likely planning something.

“Seth wants us to disclose the shifters full history and truth. Do you think you could talk to Luperca about that? If she agrees with him, the gathering would be perfect for the disclosure.”

Emma cocked a brow. “I could ask her about it if she appears to me. But I can’t give you any guarantees.”

Isaac threaded his fingers through her hair and pulled her down to him. “That’s all I ask of you, mon amour.”

After a few minutes, Emma pulled back breathing heavily. “I have to do my meditation. If you keep kissing me like that, I’ll be late.”

He gave her behind a pat as she rose from his lap. “We can’t have that. I’ll be right here when you’re done.”

Emma rushed down the hall to her altar room. She closed the door and stepped up to the small altar she’d used for the past few decades. Carefully, she brushed a hand over the altar cloth as she considered what crystal to use. All clear quartz Lemurian crystals seemed to be the ticket today.

She lit the white candles and pulled the crystals from a shelf where she stored them. Once satisfied, she knelt before the altar. Closing her eyes, she centered her mind and quieted her thoughts. Then opened herself to her spirit guides and to the goddess.

“Blessed be, my daughter,” Luperca greeted her in her soft, soothing voice.

“Blessed be, Mother.”

Luperca tipped her head to the side. “You have questions for me.”

Emma swallowed, then nodded. “Yes, I do. Seth would like to explain everything to all of the shifters. Is that what you want as well?”

Luperca sighed. “He is a persistent man.” She floated across the room, turned, and floated back. “He’s right. It’s time. The human population will know about beings from other planets soon enough. The shifters need to be prepared with full knowledge of their heritage.”

Emma nodded. “Seth is returning with his mate, and I’m planning a pack gathering in celebration of his retirement and hopefully a wedding. Should we explain everything to them then?”

Luperca’s transparent image tapped her chin. “No. It’s time I manifest to all. I will come to the gathering and make an appearance after the wedding feast has been eaten. I think it would be best for them to hear the truth from me personally.”

Emma inclined her head. “Very good.”

Luperca’s chest rose and fell like she took a deep breath. “Now, you have another question to ask.”

Emma felt her cheeks warm. “Yes. As long as you are here, I thought I would ask if there is another name for me?”

Luperca smiled lovingly and tipped her head. “Yes,” she tipped her head to the other side, “and no. But, I have arranged for Krystal and her mate to meet at the ranch. Everything is in motion, so there’s nothing you need to do. He is the local sheriff of the town she lives in, but also a nonterrestrial.”

Emma frowned. “A nonterrestrial?”

“Yes, from another planet. He is from her home planet and has adopted a human form to find his mate. They only just met and as such will not attend the gathering. I will talk to her personally and explain everything. I have plans for her that includes expanding her matchmaking service to nonterrestrial’s.”

“Really? How…” Emma paused uncertain how to ask her question, “will that work?”

“I will give her the help she needs to set up a national matchmaking service that will pair humans with nonterrestrial’s. Since shifters are technically of that category, they will be part of the program.”

“Does her mate know about the plan? It sounds like a massive undertaking for a newly mated couple.”

“He will leave law enforcement and be her partner in the corporation.” Luperca smiled. “Fear not. I will ensure she has all the help she needs.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

“I will return to talk with Isaac in a few days to arrange for my appearance. Take care, my daughter. Blessed be.”

“Take care, Mother. Blessed be.”

Emma snuffed her candles and rushed back to Isaac. “I have so much news!”

He caught her up as she leapt into his arms. “What’s your news, cher?”

“I spoke with Luperca. She wants to be the one to speak to everyone at the gathering. And, Krystal has found her mate!”

“Really? Luperca is going to appear in public?”

“I know right? I was floored.”

Isaac shook his head. “Wow. I didn’t see that coming. And Krystal found a mate?”

“Yes. Luperca said the sheriff in their town in Texas is her mate. It’s already in the works, so there isn’t anything for us to do.”

Isaac rubbed his hands together. “Excellent. We get a win without doing the work. I’ll take that.” Then he frowned. “Lucinda is going to have a cow over this. I better warn Charles.”

“I need to get started with the party plans anyway. Why don’t you talk to him while I call Rose.”

“Deal. I’ll meet you back here in fifteen minutes. I built a fire in the fireplace and plan to open a nice bottle of wine to celebrate our success.”

Emma winked as she headed for the door. “In that case, I’ll be back in ten.”

 

 

Two weeks later, Seth stood in his own kitchen, coffee cup in hand, waiting for Sara to finish dressing. He finally had her in his home, and now he was on a mission to make Sara his wife. He wanted every shifter male within a hundred miles to know his woman was taken. Sure she was covered in his scent, but he wanted visual proof on her person as well. Some of the shifter community, especially the swampers were incredibly dense.

“Good morning, wolfman.”

“Good morning, beautiful.” He held up his cup. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please. What’s on the agenda today?”

“I want to go to town. There are some errands we need to run.”

Sara blew on her coffee and took a sip. “When did you want to leave?”

“As soon as you’re ready.”

“I’ll put this in a travel mug, and we can get started.”

Sara was quiet for the duration of the drive, content to watch the scenery. He’d glanced at her a few times trying to read her mood but got nothing but contentment. She’d said she had never seen the bayou before, so that must be it.

Seth figured the moment he walked her up to the jewelry store the jig would be up. He assumed wrong.

She gave him a quizzical look. “Do you need to get a gift for someone?”

“Yes.” Seth dropped to one knee, right there in the middle of the store. Conversations hushed as all eyes focused on them. “Sara Adams, will you make me the happiest man alive? Will you marry me?”

She clasped a hand to her mouth as a tiny sound of happiness escaped. “Yes.” She nodded, tears swimming in her eyes. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He stood and pulled her in for a kiss.

The customers and employees erupted in applause and well wishes.

When Seth broke the kiss, he glanced at the smiling faces all around them. “Thank you.” Then he led her to the diamond case.

She leaned into him and whispered, “My sister never had a wedding, so I assumed shifters didn’t get married. I thought mating was their version of that. I didn’t expect…” She shook her head and wiped away her happy tears. “This wasn’t even on my radar of possibilities.”

“Even better. I wanted this to be a surprise.” He leaned over the case trying to see the rings the way Sara would. “See anything you like?”

Jack, the owner and one of the shifters who lived in town, met them on the other side. “Hi, Seth. I didn’t know you were home.”

“Hey, Jack. I just got back. This time for good. Jack, this is Sara Adams. My fiancée.”

Jack chuckled. “Yes, I know. I saw the whole thing.” He smiled and extended his hand. “Congratulations Sara.”

She shook it. “Thank you.”

“Now, Miss Adams, what style do you prefer? A classic solitaire? A band with filigree? Or perhaps a channel set band?”

“I… don’t know.”

Seth nodded. He noticed she didn’t wear jewelry often or at all. That’s why he brought her in to pick one instead of surprising her. “Pick out a few and try them on.”

She chewed the tip of her finger then pointed to the smallest diamond in the case.

“Sara,” he growled. “You’re not going to wear a diamond that requires a magnifying glass to see it.” He pointed to one in the next tray. Try that one.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know. That’s huge.”

“And still not big enough. I’m trying to compromise.”

She scowled at him but relented. “Fine.”

Jack pulled the tray and placed it on the top of the display case.

Sara studied them and after a few minutes pointed out three.

Seth pinched the bridge of his nose to stave off a headache he knew was coming. Sara was determined to buy an embarrassingly tiny diamond. “Is it that you don’t like solitaires? We can look at the channel set rings if you prefer.”

“No. I like them.”

“Then why are you choosing such microscopic diamonds? Please, help me understand what’s going on.”

Sara glanced at Jack. “Could you excuse us for a minute?”

“Sure.” He pointed to the other side of the store. “I’ll be right over there.”

As soon as Jack was out of earshot, she hissed. “I don’t need you to spend a lot of money.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because, why?”

Sara sighed. “I’m not used to people buying me such expensive things.”

“Then you better get used to it, starting with a ring. I plan to spoil you rotten.”

Her lips pinched together, but she went back to studying the rings.

Seth leaned in and whispered in a teasing voice, “You better pick one or I’ll buy that.” He pointed to a gaudy monstrosity she would die before wearing.

Sara laughed which was what he’d been going for. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Ten minutes later, three rings of acceptable size sat in a velvet tray between Sara and Jack.

She looked up, chewing on her fingertip. “Which one do you like?”

Except for the diamond size, the rings all looked alike to him. “Try them on. I want to see them on your finger.”

“Okay.”

He watched her as each was slipped on. The third and largest ring made her heart beat faster and eyes shine. He kept his expression neutral. “What do you think? Which one should we get?”

“They’re all pretty.” But her eyes strayed to the third one.

“Hello. Guy over here. You’re going to have to be more specific.”

The light went out of her eyes as she touched the smallest of the three. “This one.”

“Excellent.” He shook his head ever so slightly at Jack.

His perceptive friend inched a finger toward the largest one.

Seth gave him a tiny nod. “I’ll put that into a box for you and meet you at the register.” Jack picked up the tray holding all three rings and headed to the back of the store.

A few minutes later, Seth slipped the velvet box in his pocket and steered Sara toward Jackson Square. “Let’s take a little walk.”

“Alright.”

He led her into the park. “Let’s find a bench.” The moment she sat down he dug the little velvet box out of his pocket. “Would you like me to get down on one knee again?”

She shook her head and blushed. “No. That isn’t necessary.”

He popped the box open and palmed the ring before she could see it. Then he held out his hand. “Your ring finger please.”

Laughing she splayed her fingers.

Sara sucked in a breath when she saw the ring. “This isn’t the one I pointed out.”

He slipped the box back in his pocket. “No. It’s the one you liked the best. And the one I wanted you to have.”

“You’re really something. You know that? I can tell I’m going to have to keep an eye on you from now on.”

He smiled. “You can try.”

Seth played tourist with Sara for a few hours and then pointed them toward the car. They had lunch with his parents today and had just enough time to get home without being late. Or at least he’d been invited to lunch. Sara was a surprise.

Emma met them at the door before he could knock. “Seth! And you must be his lovely mate.”

Seth scowled. “Hello, Mother. You’re correct. How you know I have a mate is another question.” He waved the situation away. “Regardless, I would like to introduce you to Sara Adams. Though odds are you knew her name as well, and this is just a formality. Sara, this is my mother, Emma.”

Sara glanced from Seth to his mother her brows so high they almost hit her hairline. Then she offered Emma her hand. “Mrs. Le Beau, it’s an honor to meet you.”

“Oh, posh. Call me Emma or better yet, Mom.” Emma ignored the proffered hand and pulled Sara into a rib-cracking hug.

“Mom, you’re suffocating my mate.”

Emma immediately released Sara, her face aflame with embarrassment. “Sorry. I tend to hug too tightly. I’ve been working on that, but apparently, I’m failing.” She waved them toward the door. “Come in. Come in. Your father is in his study.”

Emma hustled them to the study and announced gleefully, “Seth is here, and he brought his mate, Sara with him. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Isaac winked at his mother as he got to his feet and came around the desk. “Yes, it is. Welcome to the family, Sara. Congratulations to the both of you.”

Seth narrowed his eyes on his parents. They were up to something. Or had already been. Either way, he was going to figure out what it was. “Thank you.” He pulled Sara to his side. “Mon amour, this is my father, Isaac.”

Sara offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Le Beau.”

Isaac clasped it between both of his. “The pleasure is all mine.” Then he glanced at Emma. “Is lunch ready, my love?”

“Yes. Let’s eat. Sara can tell us about herself. And you, Seth, can tell us all about what you plan to do now that your home for good.”

Emma served them a sumptuous lunch of Gumbo and crusty bread. With the meal eaten they relaxed with tall glasses of sweet tea.

Sara had never talked so much in her life. Emma had a way of pulling every tiny detail out of a person. The C.I.A. should hire her for interrogation.

Suddenly, Emma clasped her chest. “Oh, my stars! Is that an engagement ring on your finger?”

“Um.” Sara glanced at Seth, and he nodded. “Yes?”

“This is perfect timing! There’s an annual shifter gathering here in three days. Everyone will be here. We can have the wedding then.”

Sara swallowed. Hard. “Three days? I couldn’t possibly plan a wedding in such a short amount of time.”

Emma waved her comment away. “Of course you can, with our help. It’ll be a breeze.”

Seth frowned. “Mother, if Sara says she isn’t ready then she isn’t ready.”

Sara turned to him and placed a hand on his arm. “I didn’t say I wasn’t ready. I said three days wasn’t enough time.”

Emma gave Seth a smug look. “See, she wants to do it. I already have food, decorations, a bar, and a band. All we need to do is make the announcement, get a dress, and order a cake, and flowers. Oh, and you’ll need wedding bands if you don’t already have them.”

Sara scrunched up her chin and tipped her head back and forth. Could they do it all in three days? She shook her head. No, she didn’t think so. “I don’t see how we can pull it off. Any dress I buy will probably need alterations. And a cake needs to be ordered well in advance. Same with flowers.”

Emma laughed. “Sugar, you don’t know the people I know.” She wiggled her fingers in the air. “Magical people.”

Sara looked at Seth. “What do you think?”

“If my mother says she can do it. It’s as good as done. But this is your wedding and your decision.”

“It’s your wedding, too.”

“Yes, but I’m the groom. All I have to do is show up.”

Sara gave him a look and then brought the tip of her finger to her mouth and nibbled. After a long stretch of silence, she gave Emma a hard look. “If you’re sure you can get all that done in time and my family is able to make it, I’m game.”

Emma let out a whoop. “Sara, why don’t you give your parents a call and let them know we’re sending the jet. Isaac, arrange for the jet to collect Sara’s family tomorrow.” Then She grabbed her telephone and started making her own calls.

Alarm shot through her. What has she just done? Sara glanced at Seth then Isaac. They were both laughing and shaking their heads. Maybe Emma could pull this off. Shaking her head, she dug her phone from her purse and called her parents.

“Rose? It’s Mom. Can you send out a mass email to all the pack members for me?”

“Are you talking about the gathering? I already did that.”

“No, a wedding announcement. Seth is getting married! I want you to send a second email. Do you have a pen and paper?”

“Yes, right here. Seth is getting married? Oh, my goodness! That’s great news. To who?”

“Her name is Sara Adams. And they will be married at the gathering to simplify things.”

Sara snorted. It didn’t sound simple to her.

Emma gave her an odd look but didn’t comment.

“Okay, so I need to write up the wedding announcement of Seth Le Beau, a member of the royal family, and Sara Adams. What about gifts? Should I make them optional?”

“Yes, that would be best.”

“You do realize, more people will come now because of the wedding. Can we handle the crowd?”

“Absolutely, I ordered a ton of food and liquor for the gathering so we can cover any additional responses.”

“Okay then. Consider it done. I can’t wait to tell Simon.”

“Thank you, cher. I knew I could count on you.”

Emma ended the first call and went right into the next. Finally, she checked the time and dropped the phone into her pocket. “Come on, Sara. We have to hurry. We only have an hour to get to Sophia’s. She owns the best bridal boutique in New Orleans.”

Sara sent Seth a panicked look over her shoulder as she was dragged from the house.

As Emma drove, Sara ticked off all the things she would need in a ridiculously short amount of time. “Shoes! Emma, I’ll need shoes to go with the dress. Do we have time to stop and buy a pair?”

Emma checked her watch. “I think we can swing that. There’s a shop two doors down from Sophia’s. What style are you thinking of wearing?”

“Either flats or pumps. The kind that has about an inch heel, not those ridiculous four-inch torture devices some women wear. If I wore something like that all I’d get are blisters, pinched toes, and a sprained ankle.”

Emma giggled. “I’m with you girl. I don’t wear them either. Sophia keeps a small line of shoes in the store, and I know she has what you’re looking for. We can get a pair while we’re there.”