Succubus Revealed Epilogue

We were married at sunset(a). near energy non consider that an auspicious time, further for me, it was a improve compromise. I had desireed to be married in the daytime, outdoors, with sunlight drift everywhere. Seeing as Cody and woodpecker wanted to attend, however, the sun presented a olive-sized difficulty. And since instrument had essenti exclusivelyy acted as wedding coordinator for me, it seemed variant of mean to remove him. So, we held the ceremony at sunset, and the vampires were adequate to(p) to show up for the reply the photoflash the sun sank below the horizon.The wedding was held on the grounds of a beachfront compensate on Puget Sound. We s in like mannerd on a grassy hill, facing west toward the water. It was in high spirits summer, and every thing was bathed in orange and gold. The bridesmaids (all Mortensen young ladys) wore red go dismantlees that looked as though theyd been designed with the sunset in mind and carried white clusters of stepha nonis. Our only when nod to decorations was an ivy-strewn arch that the officiant stood in front of. With so much mantrap around us, nonhing else had seemed necessary.I repeated my vows piece holding hardenings hands. Each word I speak was infinitely powerful, and yet I wouldnt really remember any of them until later. For those minutes, my all world was focused on his face, on the amber gold of his look and the carriage the light played off his hair. Love burned at bottom me and between us, making everything else a fog of indistinct details. There was only circle and me. Me and Seth.There was a dreamlike qua illuminatedy to it all. The moments seemed suspended in time. And yet, afterward, when I looked plunk for, it was as though the entire ceremony had taken daub in the blink of an eye. We had a couple hundred people who had self-collected to watch us. They all rose from their folding chairs and clapped when we kissed, and I found myself futile to stop grinning when I looked out into that sea of happy faces.The reception was held on the aforesaid(prenominal) grounds, vertical a circumstantial ways from the ceremony. Wed bygvirtuoso to a indorsement more(prenominal) work with the decorations here. The tables were draped with white linens and bedecked with flowers and candles that created little twinkles of light in the evening shadows. Large torches were set up on the boundaries as well, their flames flicking rapidly as turn over picked up from the water. A fart band set up nearby and began to play, providing background music for dinner. They had a space for dancing afterward too, though I didnt dance near as much as Id expected to at my wedding. There were too many a(prenominal) people to see, too many people to thank for their support. So Seth and I walked around hand in hand, going from class to group of those we loved.I knew those Asiatic lilies would be a advantageously call, Peter told us conspiratorially, admiring one of the table arrangements. The Oriental ones argon bigger, that I feel like these complement the roses so much better.Youre a reparation flower whisperer, express Hugh, knocking back a drink. He held up his glass to Seth and me in a mock toast. Honestly, your best bit of planning was the open contain.Because it certainly wasnt the band, remarked Doug, strolling over to where my little group was standing. Geez, Kincaid He paused and reconsidered. Geez, Mortensens, why didnt you hire me? no.turnal Admission couldve totally rocked this place out.I smiled, happy that Doug had come. I honestly hadnt been sure if he would. Because I wouldnt want to burden you guys with the strain of playing family-friendly music for three hours.Very considerate, he verbalize. He glanced around, nodding grudgingly. Aside from that and the fact that the bridesmaids are all downstairs eighteen I gotta admit, you commit on a pretty good spread.Thank you, Peter and I say in unison.I kind of agree with Doug astir(predicate) the band, verbalize Cody. I asked them if theyd play The Chicken Dance, and they said no.I couldve done a bitchin cover of that, said Doug solemnly.Its not so much a failing on the bands part as it was a request of ours to not play it, said Seth.Sad, said Doug. He slung an arm around Cody. Want to go make a bar run with me? When Cody nodded, Doug glanced at the rest of us. Refill anyone?No, thanks, I said.Doug shook his head. get hitched with for an hour, and youre already picking up his good habits. He and Cody walked off, having an intense handling approximately The Chicken Dance, judging from their pantomimes.I leaned my head against Seth, content with everything and everyone in the world. You did a beautiful job, Peter, I said. Seriously. It all turned out great.Considering how underappreciated Peter always felt, I wouldve expected him to revel in the praise, but he actually turned modest. Ah, well. You guys are the main attraction. I just provided the He stopped speaking, and as one, he and Hugh glanced off beyond the edge of the torches, into the darkness.What is it? I asked.They exchanged looks. Carter, said Peter.I followed their gaze, unable to see anything beyond the lit perimeter. It had been very easy to become human again, but at that place were tranquil a few things I had trouble shaking. The loss of my immortal senses was one. notwithstanding now, it was weird to be standing with Peter and Hugh and not feel them. Their dark vision was no better than mine well, actually, I supposed Peters was but it wasnt their look that had alerted them to Carters presence.I think he wants to see you, said Hugh gently.I stared off at where they indicated, uncertain what should I do.Go, said Seth softly. You should parley to him.I looked up at him, into those eyes so full of love, and forgot intimately Carter for the space of heartbeat. It was thus far too unbelievable to accept sometimes that this was my life, that Seth was my husband. I pressed my lips to his in a quick kiss.Ill be estimable back, I said.I picked my way through my guests, finding it difficult not to stop and talk to the many well- desireers. When I was out of the safety of the tents and tables, the wind hit me, whipping my hair and veil around and playing with my skirts. My dress had a sweetheart neckline and full skirt with many tiers and layers. Id wanted a princess dress for my wedding day and had gotten one, though it made this walk a little awkward. I soon spotted Carter, standing so perfectly still among some trees that he might dedicate been one.Mrs. Mortensen, he greeted me, when I reached him. Congratulations. He wore worn gray suit pants, a longsleeved white tog with the first couple buttons open, and loosely knotted gray and pink silk tie. A pileus matched the pants and looked like it was two sizes too big. I nodded in approval.Nice of you to dress up, I said. I dont think Ive ever seen you in anything so formal.I shou ldve checked with Peter to find out your colors, said Carter, running a hand through his hair. It didnt look like it had been brushed for the occasion. Sorry if I clash.I smiled. You look great. Thank you for coming.Well, he said. We go away off kind of abruptly.That we did, I murmured. This was the first time Id seen him since the trial. Jeromes not with you?No. You wont be seeing him anymore. Well. Carter paused a moment. Lets just say, I hope you wont be seeing him anymore.I plan on staying off Hells radar, I said honestly.He nodded, turning serious. Thats good. Thats kind of why Im here. Ive got two gifts for you. Gifts of information.You were checking my registry, I said. How sweet.We didnt have much light, but I swore, I could see his gray eyes twinkle. You said youll stay off their radar, but entrust me, theyre going to still have their eyes on you. Hell doesnt lose many intellects the way they lost yours. If they can get it back, they will. Theyll try. I know how close y ou are to them. . . . His gaze drifted back toward the reception. To Hugh, Peter, and Cody. only if itd be better for you and for them if you stayed away from them. If you travel away from them, to someplace where you dont know any of the local immortals.I stared in astonishment. Are you saying one of them might try to get my soul? Theyre my friends.I know, I know. And I dont think they would, incisively, but its an ugly line for them to be in. You should really think closely leaving Seattle. Youll make it easier on everyone if you just remove that temptation.I love Seattle, I said, turning back to look across the dark water. But I love Seth more. Ill talk to him. Andreas been doing better, so we can go. I dont know where, but well count on it out. I sighed and looked back at him. Is your other piece of information slight depressing?The smile reappeared on his lips. Yes. Its a big secret. He leaned toward me and said in a stage whisper, Youre going to have a thwart in Decem ber.A matching smile came over me. Thats no secret. not to me, at least. Seth and I had known for a little while and had decided to keep it under wraps until after the wedding. We werent going to be able to hide it much longer. I was three months pregnant, and without shape-shifting, I was subject to the rules of nature. It was a wonder I still fit in this dress.Okay, said Carter. so try this its a girl.I felt my smile grow. That I didnt know.Or did I? A sudden flashback to the dream Nyx had shown me played through my mind. I hadnt thought about it in a very long time. why did I need to? I was living my own dream. But in a flash, I saw it again, me holding a small girl as we waited outside for her father to come home. And it was snowing.You should really think about leaving Seattle.What are you thinking? asked Carter, studying me.Im thinking there might be a short list of places Ill be moving to. I shivered, both from the cold and the memories, and he draped his worn suit jacket ov er my bare shoulders.Im moving too, he told me.I blinked away from my memories. You are? Where? Why?He chose to answer the last one. Because my job here is done. epoch to go on to another.It took me a moment to follow. You dont mean . . . I was your duty assignment? Im why you came to Seattle?He answered with a shrug.But . . . no, I protested. There essential be other things you do here, right? Other angelic tasks?Werent you generous? he teased.I was still in disbelief. Carter had been in Seattle for as many years as me. Surely there must have been more to it. Admittedly, no one in Hell ever really mum how the angels worked on their assignments. They didnt have the same level of micromanaging as my former employees. Im just one person. One soul. All your work and energy . . . I mean, it cant all have been just for one soul. An angel cant be solely commit to that.Well, he said, clearly enjoying my confusion. It was actually for two souls, since you and Seth were both saved. But even if it wasnt, it still wouldve been worth it. Do you know the price of one soul, Georgina? Its beyond rubies and diamonds, beyond any mortal reckoning. If it had taken me centuries, if it had taken a dozen more angels to help me, it all would have been worth it.I lowered my head, feeling tears come to my eyes. I thought about how often Id disparaged Carter, how many times Id scoffed at the silly, hard-drinking persona he put on. Yet, no matter how much I dismissed him, Carter had always been there in the background, always showing interest in Seth and me. Hed protected me and given me advice, and I spent most of my time mocking him.Im not worthy of that, I said. I might be human now, but I understood how powerful a heavenly creature Carter was. I dont deserve that much regard.He reached out and tipped my chin up. You do, Georgina. And if you dont believe me now, then strive to be. Live your life. Be kind. Love those you know. Love those you dont know. Be worthy of your soul.A tear escaped, rolling down my cheek and probably messing up my mortal mascara. Thank you, Carter. Thank you for everything.Theres nothing to thank me for, he replied. With a sigh, he glanced up at the starry night. I should be going. And your guests are probably looking for you. Im sure theyve been banging on glaze with their spoons this entire time.Wait before you go . . . I hesitated. Carter had already told me so much, but I had to know one other thing. What happened to Roman? Is he dead?Carters amused expression faded. Ah. I dont know.Carter I mean it, he said. Thats the straightest answer youll ever get from an angel. I dont know. I dont think his result was good, but I dont know for sure.I swallowed back more tears. He shouldnt have gone.It was his choice, Georgina. He wanted to make a point to paradise and Hell . . . that, and well, theres more. He did it out of love, and thats no small thing. A pay born of love is almost as powerful a thing as a redeemed soul. Both of them are blows to Hell.I wish . . . I wish I couldve said good-bye. Told him how grateful I am.I think he knows, said Carter. I think he knew exactly what he was getting into and deemed it worthwhile. The best way to thank him now is to do what I said. Live your life to its fullest. Take care of your husband and daughter, and allow your soul shine.I nodded. I will. Thank you. I almost asked about Yasmine too but had a feeling the answer would be the same shed made her decision. I could only be responsible for my fate, not everyone elses. subscribe you, daughter of man, Carter said, his eyes luminous and almost silver now. He leaned down and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes and caught my breath. His lips were both burning hot and crisp cold. A sense of peace and power flooded me, and for a moment, it was as though I were right on the edge of comprehending all the beauty in the world. I opened my eyes.He was gone.I stood alone on the windswept hill, with the moon starting to sh ine on the water. In the distance, I heard the laughter and chatter of those I loved and sensed the love they held. Picking up my skirts, still wearing Carters jacket over my shoulders, I headed off toward my husband and the rest of my life, off to be worthy of my soul.