“It’s beautiful out here,” Wonder said as they walked out of the pavilion.

The entire trip to the village had seemed like a scene from a futuristic movie. First with Anandur’s car taking over the driving and the windows going opaque, and then with the elevator ride up from the parking garage, which was located on the lowest level of the underground. Traversing through the ten levels hewn out from the insides of the mountain had taken mere seconds and terminated on the ground level of the village.

The glass pavilion the elevators spilled onto served as a lobby of sorts for the sprawling compound outside of it.

“That’s the village square.” Anandur pointed at a large open area that looked like a small park.

There were grassy patches surrounded by flowerbeds and bushes, walkways dotted with benches, and a large central pond and several smaller ones. There was even a playground for kids, but no one was swinging on the swings, or sliding down the slides, or building sand-castles in the sandbox.

Was it just her, or did a playground without kids look sad? Maybe it was the wrong time of day for children to be out playing. Perhaps everyone had gone home to take a nap or something.

As they strolled down the central walkway, Anandur continued to point and explain. “The buildings around the square serve the community. They house offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, and the clinic. There is also the big assembly hall over there, and the movie theater is right next to it. On the other side of it is the gym. We have an Olympic-sized swimming pool, but it’s located in one of the underground levels. We also have another gym down there for the exclusive use of the Guardians, and more classrooms for training.”

It was a fantastic place for families. Except, there were none out and about. Other than the chirping of birds and the occasional rustle of leaves, there were no other sounds.

“Where is everyone? And where are all the kids?”

Anandur cast her a perplexed glance. “What kids?”

She waved her hand at the playground. “Is it too late or too early for children to be playing out there?”

Anandur shook his head. “As I told you before, immortals suffer from a very low fertility rate. At the moment, we have one baby and another one on the way. There are a few teenagers here and in the Scottish keep, and a couple of toddlers in the Alaskan sanctuary, but that’s it.”

It was so sad.

Maybe the clan should not have moved out of the high-rise. An urban environment was not as kid-friendly, and the absence of children had probably been less noticeable there.

Except, since this had always been the clan’s reality, perhaps they were used to the quiet and it didn’t bother them.

Wonder, on the other hand, was accustomed to the sounds of children. Small feet scuttling through the shelter’s corridors, excited voices talking loudly in several languages, and even the occasional screaming or crying. To her, those were the sounds of life, of vitality.

All of that was missing from this little slice of paradise the clan had built.

“What about the adults? Where is everyone?”

“Many are at work, and the others are at their homes.”

“Where are we meeting your boss?”

“At his place. Syssi came home early from the university so she could welcome you as soon as you arrived.” Anandur scratched his beard. “Amanda, who is Kian’s sister and Syssi’s boss at the lab, is going to be there too. Everyone is eager to meet the new immortal. In fact, there might be a bunch of people there so get ready for that.”

“Great.” Wonder looked at her rolled up sweatpants and her cheap sneakers. “And this is how everyone is going to meet me. Talk about lousy first impressions.”

Anandur wrapped his arm around her shoulders, the first sign of affection since he’d brought her to his apartment. “You have nothing to worry about. Everyone knows you’ve been injured. You’ve captured three Doomers and me. And you nailed Brundar with a Taser. That is what everyone is going to be talking about. Not what you have on.”

“Great. That’s even worse.”

Anandur stopped and turned to look at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” She looked away. “Let’s go.”

“I promise that no one is going to be mad at you because of that. You’re going to get a hero’s welcome.”

“Yeah, okay.” He wouldn’t understand so there was no point in explaining.

Except, the tight press of Anandur’s lips was a sure sign he was not going to let it go. “We’ll talk about it later.”

“Fine.” She had no intention of doing so. Hopefully, by the time this welcoming party was over, he would have forgotten all about it.

“That’s their house.” He pointed.

It looked exactly like all the others. “I was expecting a fancy mansion.”

“Nah. They live almost as simply as the rest of us. The only luxury they’ve splurged on was a larger backyard with its own lap pool. Kian likes to swim. He says it calms him down.” Anandur chuckled. “Ask any clan member, and they’d agree. Whatever can do that is worth every penny. They would’ve gladly donated to the effort if it were necessary.”

As Anandur prepared to take the steps up to the front porch, the door was flung open, and a dainty blond woman ran out, followed by a tall, stunningly beautiful brunette. The second woman was about Wonder’s height, but slimmer and built more delicately.

A pang of envy darted through Wonder’s heart.

She had no doubt that the woman had never been considered one of the guys. Despite her impressive stature and boyish haircut, she was the epitome of feminine poise and elegance.

The blond halted in front of Wonder and lifted a pair of wide eyes at her. “Wonder,” she gasped, “I can’t believe it.” She then shook her head as if to dispel a pesky memory or thought and pulled Wonder into her arms. “I’m so glad you’re all right. I’m Syssi.” She let go only to transfer her to the brunette. “Meet my sister-in-law, Amanda.”

“Hello, gorgeous.” Amanda hugged Wonder briefly before letting go and giving her a thorough once-over. “The things I’m going to do with you,” she murmured.

She was probably referring to Wonder’s attire. But whatever the big boss’s sister had meant, Wonder was going to do her best to stay away from the intimidating woman.

“I was so worried about you.” Syssi wrapped her arms around Anandur’s neck, forcing him to bend almost in half. “Don’t ever do this to me again.”

“I’ll try.” He chuckled.

Her arm wrapped around Anandur’s middle, Kian’s wife leaned into him as if he were her long-lost brother and wiped tears from her cheeks with her other hand.

It was nice to see how much his boss’s wife loved Anandur, but Wonder would’ve preferred a little less touching. It also reinforced her suspicion that Anandur was more important to the clan than he’d let her believe.

Was he closely related to Kian? A direct cousin maybe?

“Let’s move this party inside.” Amanda cast a quick glance around before leading Wonder through the front door. “Once the news leaks out that Anandur is back and that we have a new immortal in our midst, everyone will want to come over and greet you guys. I know I’m selfish, but I would like the chance to get to know you first.”

As a man got up from an armchair and advanced toward her, Wonder didn’t have to be told who he was. Kian’s face was as harsh and as unwelcoming as it was blindingly beautiful. If not for Amanda’s arm around her, she would’ve taken a step back.

“So this is the girl who kidnapped one of my best Guardians and Tasered the other.” He offered her his hand.

Shit on a stick, he looked mad. Well, she would be too if some random person overpowered her best warriors.

“I’m sorry. When I abducted Anandur, I thought he was trying to kill a woman. And later, when I realized I’d been mistaken and released him, I didn’t know it was his brother on the stairs. All I wanted was to protect Anandur.”

Finally, the guy cracked a smile. “We have ourselves a real Wonder Woman here. Welcome to my clan, Wonder.”

She released a relieved breath. “Thank you.”

“Please, take a seat.” He pointed at the couch.

“Not yet,” Amanda said. “I’m sure Wonder would appreciate a change of wardrobe first.”

Oh, so that was what she’d meant before. A change of clothes didn’t sound that ominous.

Kian cast Wonder a quick look-over, one that was so far from interested that it was almost insulting, and raised a brow. “What’s wrong with what she’s wearing?”

“Where do I begin?” Amanda rolled her eyes. “It would take too long. Just sit tight and wait for five minutes. Can you do that?”

Kian shook his head. “I know better than to argue with you. Take your time. I need to talk with Anandur first anyway.”

“Smart man.” Amanda tightened her arm around Wonder’s middle and started walking. “Syssi, are you coming?” She looked over her shoulder.

“But of course.” The blond smiled and followed.

Amanda opened the door to one of the bedrooms. “Let me explain, in case you’re wondering what this is all about. Anandur texted Kri, who is a Guardian and a tall girl like you, that you need to borrow some clothes. Kri couldn’t do it because she is on assignment elsewhere, so she texted me, telling me that you need an outfit or two and that you’re about my size. That was very smart of her, since I always have things I need to get rid of to make room for new ones. Especially here. The closets in my new house are tiny. That’s my only complaint about the place.”

She leaned to whisper in Wonder’s ear. “The architect made a big mistake with the size of the walk-in closets. I need to convert one of the bedrooms so I can bring at least part of my wardrobe. Anyway, I brought you plenty of things to tide you over until you get your own stuff.”

“That’s very nice of you.” And it was very nice of Anandur too. And Kri, who’d apparently decided Amanda would do a better job than her. Or maybe the Guardian really was out on an assignment.

“Think nothing of it. I love doing stuff like that. Right, Syssi?”

The blond sat on the bed. “If you let her, she will do your makeup and hair and dress you up like a harlot.”

Amanda huffed. “I love you, darling, but you’re such a prude.” She put her hands on her hips. “Syssi thinks that a skirt reaching her mid-thigh makes her look like a hooker.”

Wonder didn’t know what to say, so she remained quiet.

Despite being much friendlier and outgoing, Amanda was just as overwhelming and as intimidating as her brother. The woman was stunning, and stylish, and exuded enviable confidence.

“Not very talkative, are you, Wonder?” Amanda waved a hand. “That’s okay. Let’s get you dressed, and you’ll feel much better.”

She lifted a folded pair of pants and a T-shirt off the dresser. “I brought you a bra too, but I’m afraid it’s not going to fit.” She glanced at Wonder’s chest and chuckled. “You’re built more like the original Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter was at least a double D.”

Wonder had no idea what Amanda was talking about, but she could answer her about the bra. “I don’t wear them. What are they good for anyway?”

Syssi started laughing. “Indeed. It’s not like we need to worry about sagging.”

“Yeah, but what about sticking out?” Amanda put a hand on her hip. “I’m not modest, but I don’t want my nips to point the way when I’m cold or horny.”

The other woman laughed again. “There is that. What do you think, Wonder?”

This whole conversation was strange, but it was also kind of fun. Wonder had never had girlfriends to chat with about bras and stuff like that. Not since she’d awoken from her coma, and whatever was before seemed to be lost forever.

“I wear dark T-shirts. That way I can get away with the occasional poking”

Syssi nodded. “A frugal girl. I like it.”

“The T-shirt I brought you is dark purple. I hope that’s good enough.”

“I’m sure it is.” Wonder took the items from Amanda and headed for the adjoining bathroom.

“Wait. I have brand new panties for you as well.” Amanda handed her something that looked like a triangle with strings.

“Those are panties?” Wonder let the thing dangle from her fingers.

“It’s a thong, darling.”

“Oh.” She’d heard girls talking about them, and she’d seem some of the popular styles in advertisements, but she had no intention of wearing them. They looked painful.