Ch. 39: Mal's Sendoff

September 20 | Day

The first days of freedom weren't what I expected. Cherie woke in the night with bad dreams. I would dash to her room and rock her to sleep, singing lullabies, but the nightmares would return. I worried she had post traumatic stress. Ava wandered the house on tiptoe as if waiting for another shoe to drop.

"Relax, darling. Everything will be okay," I promised when she found me in my office one evening. I had been listening to the duduk, wondering if Darcy would renege. She seemed to have been fretting about the same thing.

"What if he shows up at the estate with some new legal quandary?"

"He won't."

Ava hugged herself. "I hate this place."

I knew she did. I knew they both did–Cherie and Ava–but it was home to me. I kept doors and windows locked, installed a surveillance system, and hired security guards. Morning and night, Jack and Sunny remained with us. I woke to them, went to sleep to the peaceful sounds of their snores. I developed the notion we could make a life together. Jack seemed more comfortable in his own skin, and Sunny had changed drastically. He was passionate, more alert.

As the weekdays cycled onward, the mood on the grounds began to lift. The servants became more talkative. I would listen to them laugh and chat quietly with one another in ways they had never done before. With the shadows banished, I didn't know how to fit in nor how to leave. My sisters and I would always crave the signature taste of dark hearts; however, we reveled in the opportunity to choose our meals wisely rather than coercing people to the dark side.

"I think you should send them on a trip," Jack suggested days later.

He sat in the music room and watched the twins through the big bay windows. Not a single curtain was drawn now that the vampire was no longer in residence. Lissette and her colleagues roamed past the room with a tray of refreshments, giggles burbling after them. I looked up from the sheet music I was composing. Sunny lifted his head from the armrest of the settee.

"Send who on a trip?" he asked sleepily.

"The twins. They need a break from this place so they can feel that they're well and truly free."

"That's a brilliant idea, actually." I tapped my pen to my chin. "Paris. The girls have always wanted to live there. I was considering moving, but I can't bear to leave you guys. Maybe Ava and Cherie can fly out for a visit with Yalina when she heads over to tour her art school. I know she'll watch after them."

"Give them a feel for the city," said Jack. "see if they like the lay of the land. Maybe check out an apartment or three."

"Mm, speaking of 'lay of the land,' I've heard the ley over there–Ville Surnaturelle–is spectacular this time of year," Sunny replied. "When they get back, you can get them squared away with a therapist. They'll need to process things. You, too, darling."

Could I be away from the twins? Could I stand it? Once the idea was planted, I couldn't shake it. It was exactly what the girls (and I) needed. Real freedom, not the devouring love of their older sister. I needed them to spread their wings. I needed them to know that the world only felt impossibly dangerous. It wasn't that bad. Malice, Avarice, and Debauchery could take risks. We could thrive.

The next afternoon, at the mention of an extended trip, Cherie's whole demeanor changed. I hastily called Yalina and made arrangements. Cherie didn't have a single bad dream the night before they were to leave. We awakened the next morning to the hustle-bustle of staff rallying their bags near the front door. I squeezed my youngest sibling in a hug.

"And don't eat too many macaroons. I know you. You'll make yourself sick," I teased.

Giggling, she pushed away my fingers poking her tummy. Ava breezed down the stairs wearing her best traveling suit. "It's perfect, Mal. Our hotel overlooks the Rhine, and Yalina has put together a sightseeing itinerary to die for. I can't wait to see what the Supernaturals are like 'across the pond,' as they say."

We traveled to a private airfield in a convoy. The twins took up the backseat of the cream luxury car with me. Through the windshield ahead of us, I saw Jack's new vintage Thunderbird that he had bought since Darcy set us free. His custom plate read 999 FLY. I smiled to myself at how Sunny had convinced him to use angel numbers. Behind us, Ajit and Kato rode in style in the sleek black matching Ashivant car.

We were headed to meet Yalina and her family before the girls embarked on the plane. As we left our vehicles, I linked up with my men and rubbed the back of Jack's hand, sensing his nervousness. He had never interacted with Zyr Ravani face-to-face. This would be his chance to see his erstwhile nemesis and bury the hatchet.

Jack was in a quality pair of jeans and a bespoke t-shirt. He had taken to having money like a fish to water. Darcy's contract with him for trying the experimental genetic treatment had entitled him to half a million, and I had made sure he received it. Now, he was using the money sparingly, working with a financial advisor hand-picked by Ava to grow the kernel of wealth while he prepared to start his new job with a friend of the Slobodniks in a few weeks. I thought it was great for him.

Jack had given up the condo in favor of living at the estate with me, while Sunny maintained his studio apartment near Jack's parents. The angel wanted to resume his Taekwondo classes in the park and continue to mentor the children that had welcomed him. However, because Sunny was often at our place, Denise, their nosy neighbor, had taken it upon herself to be the Slobodniks' personal watcher. She kept an eye on them when Jack and the angel were away.

The sky brandished its brightest blue as if the recent hurricane had washed it clean. Eyecatching clouds triggered apophenia. Was that a rabbit or a turtle taking shape as the wind blue the fluffy white? Geese flocked across the skyline, headed south. Walking across the tarmac to the private jet we were borrowing, Sunny wrapped around my waist and kissed my temple.

"You look gorgeous," he complimented me.

"Stop looking at me." I blushed. I tugged his flatcap over his eyes. He was dolled up in his usual snazzy gear. Trousers, suspenders, and the like. Ava and Cherie trailed us, chirpy as magpies. Ajit casually draped his arm across Cherie's shoulders, and she let him. I smiled at the budding romance.

He whispered in my sister's ear, "I'll be waiting for you to get back to me."

"I'd like that," Cherie admitted shyly.

"Can't help it," Sunny reclaimed my attention. "A blind man would see how beautiful you are, Mal. Your soul is radiant."

"Lovelies, I don't know," mumbled Jack, "whether I can do this. What if Ravani says something crazy to me? I don't want to overreact, but you don't know what it's like being a werewolf."

I tilted my head side to side. He had a point. Alphas were known to be volatile, although technically both men were rogues.

"What if he says something loving and kind?" Sunny posited.

I pointed ahead. "Look, there he is. Let's just go say hi."

Zyr and his lovers and friends were clustered near decidedly less flashy cars across the way. The Ravani Alpha was barrel-chested, large of physique, and had dark facial hair that made him appear gruff. He was dressed neatly, but understated. Beside him was a willowy androgynous Supernatural with almond eyes and good fashion sense, along with a young Black twenty-something amputee a beautiful brown, heart-shaped face. Yalina was there. There was also a very tall Black woman with glamorous make-up hanging from the open door of a sedan. Of course, Zyr's partner Tegan had shown up, too.

The group of them looked tense but were trying hard to appear nonthreatening as we walked up. Yalina peeled from the crowd and jogged to meet us. "I am so thrilled you made the decision to let them fly out with me," she exclaimed.

Zyr called out in jest, "Don't be hoodwinked, Mal. She's thrilled to be flying on a private jet and staying in the fanciest hotel money can buy." His sister rolled her eyes.

"I hate to be the reason she's leaving your family so soon," I admitted.

"Are you kidding me?" he scoffed. "For the rest of us, she's been in Paris for years. Darcy pulled the wool over our eyes. I'm just glad you're able to make her dreams come true for real. She won't be gone forever. This time, though, I think I'll fly out every few weeks to make sure that she's who she says she is."

Tegan added, "I think everyone present will do a bit more research anytime we hear a familiar voice. That vampire made trust a hot commodity and not easy to come by."

"How's it going?" Jack reached for a handshake. The detective uncrossed his arms and pushed away from his truck to lean forward. Their palms connected with a jovial smack, and Zyr pulled Jack in for a hug.

"It's going great now that Darcy Cyprian is dispatched. Thanks for all your help. I hear from my mother on the council you guys made sure he doesn't return anytime soon. His corrupt cohorts have been demoted, and no one in authority will believe Darcy's lies ever again. I don't know how your team did it, but I'm grateful. I'm Detective Zyr Ravani, by the way."

"Jakub Slobodnik." He nodded.

Zyr quirked an eyebrow. "Hey, I know you."

"You should. You put me away for a long time, but my conviction was overturned... I've been waiting ages for the chance to meet and ask you why you arrested an innocent man... But I found out Darcy was playing us both. He masterminded me into training behind your back to take your Alpha title. So, I owe you an apology. I realize now you're the best man to lead the pack."

"No apology necessary," said Zyr. "I'm familiar with how Darcy operates. He almost ruined my family. Don't take this the wrong way, but you smell like a Ravani. What did he do to you?"

"Changed me." Jack swallowed.

Zyr lifted his head knowingly while capturing Yalina under his arm to include her. "Well, you're one of us from now on. You'll get the inclination to be around us. Follow it. You need a strong support system as you navigate what it's like to be a shapeshifter, and I'm willing to do whatever I can to make that process easier on you, Jakub."

"No doubt.Call me Jack. I appreciate your supportmore than you know. "

I introduced myself as Darcy's former lawyer. "Your team has been a phenomenal asset throughout this. OASIS has taken over the task of ensuring Darcy doesn't ever reach what he's after." I expected Kato to contribute what they knew. The agent remained off to the side, preferring to observe rather than engage.

"We know his endgoal?" Zyr asked, intrigued.

"He's trying to acquire The Book of Tides." Sunny stepped up. "There's a paradigm shift taking place on a global level, and whoever has that book will be positioned to rule wide swathes of humanity. One person can't wield that much power, but Darcy's insane enough to try."

"This is the most pushback Darcy has ever encountered," Zyr stated.

"Hell, yeah," I agreed, "What we all pulled off was nothing short of a miracle. I'm honored to further get to know your people and share my people with you." I tugged my sisters forward to show them off, too. Ajit dapped Zyr's fist and gave his name.

"Ajit? I used to have a dog named that," Zyr chuckled. "Unfotunately, he ran off while I was tending to some business. I miss my buddy."

My crew looked at each other, trying not to smile. While Yalina talked excitedly with the twins about their upcoming trip, Zyr introduced his lovers, Aurie and Mys, and their friend Kitty Cad.

"And you!" Jack pivoted to Haley, who we discovered was sitting in the backseat of the truck. The teen clambered out and marched into Jack's arms.

"You did an amazing job, man," she praised him.

Jack raised his hands and bowed to her. "I couldn't have done it without you. You're the best little witch I've ever had the privilege of meeting."

"Well, that's because you haven't met me yet. Aurelia Edison, at your service." Aurie stepped forward and put her crutches under one arm to shake his hand.

"Charmed," Jack laughed.

With a grin, I gathered both Edison sisters to my side. "Good ole sibling rivalry. I've got a feeling I'm going to love having you two around. You remind me of my sisters."

"No fair!" Ava and Cherie profusely denied sibling rivalry before snipping at each other about who would get the window seat on the plane.

By the time we saw them off, the vibe between our two groups was one of comradery. Before we parted ways, Mys replied, "Do any of you get the feeling this thing isn't over?"

"Hmph!" Sunny churckled mirthlessly. I didn't find the question funny, but I was glad the empath had waited until my sisters were out of earshot. That was what kept Ava and Cherie up at night. The Supernatural peered at me strangely, and remembered their dismay at not being able to discern my type. I wasn't in the habit of sharing it.

"Do we know where Darcy is?" Aurie asked.

Jack and Zyr linked eyes. "We don't," Jack cleared his throat, "but there's something your team should know. After your battle with him, we used the Map of Destiny to bait him off the trail to The Book of Tides. When it revealed to him the potential location, he disappeared."

"What?" Kitty Cad drew the word out in disbelief. The style maven was human, but she apparently knew enough about our world to have reasonable concerns.

"He could be anywhere." Haley puffed her cheeks in a sigh. Aurie rubbed her back.

I glanced to Kato for help, and the OASIS agent took the cue. "Hold off on ringing the alarm. The person that Darcy thinks has the book is actually with the secret services. There isn't a chance in hell that our agents will give it up."

"Alright, so when will we know he's gone for good?" Zyr inquired.

The young goblin was barely old enough to buy liquor but stepped forward with an air of command. "We have a special reconnaissance team working around the clock to pin down his whereabouts. Don't worry. When we know something, we'll make sure to clue in each of you. In the meantime, the vampire has stolen much from you. Enjoy this momen. We won!"

We had, I realized as I gazed around at my network. Sunny tipped his hat to me, and Jack went so far as to kiss me in front of the others. I laughed off my self-consciousness. We had fought an impossible war, and we had won, and the prize? Our very own happily ever after.