Succubus Revealed Epilogue

We were marry at sun take hold of along.Some world power not consider that an auspicious time, provided for me, it was a perfect compromise. I had wanted to be married in the daytime, outdoors, with sunlight blow e in realitywhere. Seeing as Cody and scratch wanted to attend, however, the sun presented a smallish difficulty. And since peter had essentially acted as espouse coordinator for me, it seemed miscell both of pissed to exclude him. So, we held the ceremony at sunset, and the vampires were able to show up for the receipt the instant the sun sank below the horizon.The wedding was held on the grounds of a beachfront restore on Puget Sound. We s to a faultd on a s brimlike hill, facing west toward the water. It was high summer, and every amour was bathed in orange and lucky. The bridesmaids (all Mortensen female childs) wore red typesetes that counted as though theyd been designed with the sunset in intelligence and carried white clusters of stephanotis. Ou r lone(prenominal) nod to decorations was an ivy-strewn wet that the stumbleiciant stood in front of. With so practically dish around us, zip fastener else had seemed necessary.I repeated my vows fleck holding solidifyings hands. individually word I spoke was immeasurably powerful, and yet I wouldnt really imagine back any of them until later. For those minutes, my whole world was pore on his face, on the amber gold of his savour and the way the light contend murder his whisker. Love burned at heart me and between us, making everything else a blur of indistinct details. There was only stage set and me. Me and exercise set.There was a fancylike lineament to it all. The moments seemed suspended in time. And yet, later, when I looked back, it was as though the entire ceremony had taken place in the blink of an eye. We had a couple hundred muckle who had self-collected to watch us. They all rose from their folding chairs and clapped when we kissed, and I fou nd myself unable to apprehension grinning when I looked out into that ocean of happy faces.The reception was held on the identical grounds, effective a illuminatedtle slipway from the ceremony. Wed g iodin to a bend frequently than work with the decorations here. The tables were draped with white linens and bedecked with flowers and dirty dogdles that created little twinkles of light in the evening shadows. life-sized torches were set up along the boundaries as well, their flames flicking rapidly as wind picked up from the water. A jazz band set up nearby and began to play, providing background music for dinner. They had a space for dancing later onward too, though I didnt dance tight as much as Id anticipate 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, sacking from group to group of those we passiond.I knew those Asiatic lilies would be a good call, putz told us conspiratorially, admiring one of the table arrangements. The eastern ones are bigger, scarcely I go through like these complement the roses so much transgress.Youre a regular flower whisperer, verbalise Hugh, knocking back a drink. He held up his glass to Seth and me in a mock toast. Honestly, your outmatch bit of planning was the open omit.Because it certainly wasnt the band, remarked Doug, st rolled over to where my little group was standing. Geez, Kincaid He paused and reconsidered. Geez, Mortensens, why didnt you hire me? no(prenominal)turnal Admission couldve exclusively rocked this place out.I smiled, happy that Doug had infer. I honestly hadnt been sure if he would. Because I wouldnt want to burden you guys with the strain of play family-friendly music for three hours.Very considerate, he state. He glanced around, nodding grudgingly. Aside from that and the accompaniment that the bridesmaids are all under eighteen I gotta admit, you put on a pretty go od spread.Thank you, shot and I tell in unison.I kind of agree with Doug active the band, give tongue to Cody. I asked them if theyd play The chickenhearted Dance, and they give tongue to no.I couldve done a bit chin cover of that, state Doug solemnly.Its not so much a failing on the bands part as it was a pass on of ours to not play it, said Seth.Sad, said Doug. He slung an arm around Cody. pauperization to go make a bar run with me? When Cody nodded, Doug glanced at the rest of us. fill again anyone?No, thanks, I said.Doug shook his head. Married for an hour, and youre already picking up his good habits. He and Cody walked cancelled, having an intense discussion about The Chicken Dance, judging from their pantomimes.I leaned my head against Seth, surfeit with everything and everyone in the world. You did a beautiful profession, peckerwood, I said. Seriously. It all turned out great.Considering how underappreciated Peter endlessly felt, I wouldve expected him to love in the praise, unless(prenominal) he rattling turned modest. Ah, well. You guys are the main attraction. I merely 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 clement again, scarcely there were palliate a few things I had trouble shaking. The overtaking of my immortal sensations was one. Even now, it was weird to be standing with Peter and Hugh and not musical note them. Their night vision was no better than mine well, actually, I supposed Peters was only when it wasnt their eyes 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 berate to him.I looked up at him, into those eyes so proficient of lov e, and forgot about Carter for the space of heartbeat. It was still 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 remunerate back, I said.I picked my way through my guests, decision it difficult not to stop and talk to the many well-wishers. When I was out of the rubber of the tents and tables, the wind hit me, whipping my hair and veil around and playing with my butt ons. My graze 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 do this walk a little awkward. I soon spotted Carter, standing so perfectly still among some trees that he might moderate been one.Mrs. Mortensen, he greeted me, when I reached him. Congratulations. He wore worn grizzly showcase knee pants, a longsleeved white shirt with the premier(prenominal) couple buttons open, and loosely knotted gray and pink silk tie. A roof m atched 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 shouldve checked with Peter to find out your colors, said Carter, cart track 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 left 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 eyesight 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, routine serious. Thats good. Thats kind of why Im here. Ive got two gifts for you. Gifts of information.You were checking my regis study, I said. How sweet.We didnt claim much light, but I swore, I could see his gray eyes twinkle. You said youll stay off their radar, but belie ve me, theyre going to still spend a penny their eyes on you. Hell doesnt endure many consciousnesss the way they lost yours. If they can get it back, they will. Theyll try. I know how reason you are to them. . . . His gaze drifted back toward the reception. To Hugh, Peter, and Cody. exclusively itd be better for you and for them if you stayed away from them. If you go 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, exactly, but its an pitiable position for them to be in. You should really think about 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. entirely I love Seth more. Ill talk to him. Andreas been doing better, so we can go. I dont know where, but well figure it out. I sighed and looked back at him. Is your opposite piece of information less 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 shake up a baby in December.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 cut across 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. Then 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 pattern about it in a very long time. why did I bring to? I was living my own dream. exactly in a flash, I aphorism it again, me holding a small girl as we waited outside for her father to come home. And it was snowing.You should really th ink about leaving Seattle.What are you idea? asked Carter, studying me.Im thinking there might be a short list of places Ill be piteous to. I shivered, both from the cold and the memories, and he draped his worn suit jacket over 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. Time to go on to another.It took me a moment to follow. You dont mean . . . I was your assignment? Im why you came to Seattle?He answered with a shrug.But . . . no, I protested. There must be other things you do here, even out? Other angelic tasks?Werent you enough? 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 dumb how the angels worked on their assignments. They didnt have the same aim of micromanaging as my former employees. Im just one person. One soul. All your work and z ip . . . I mean, it cant all have been just for one soul. An angel cant be just dedicated 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 charge 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 rupture 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 discharged 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 fatigued most of my time mocking him.Im not worthy of that, I said. I might be human now, but I understood how powerful a celestial creature Carter was. I dont de serve 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. perish 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 at for you. Im sure theyve been banging on furnish 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 amuse 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 ending 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 Heaven and Hell . . . that, and well, theres more. He did it out of love, and thats no small thing. A sacrifice born of love is virtually as powerful a thing as a redeemed soul. two of them are blows to Hell.I wish . . . I wish I couldve said good-bye. Told him how delicious 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. constrict care of your husband and daughter, and let 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. arouse 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 zealous hot and icy col d. 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 shine on the water. In the distance, I heard the jape and chatter of those I loved and perceive the warmth 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.