Search (The Empire Chronicles #2) (20 page)

“If you say so.” I knew she was right, but I wasn’t actually going to admit it out loud. It was also strange that I was doing the whole honor attendant thing with Hailey. I’d always viewed her as a little kid. I never imagined Levi would marry her best friend.

“I hope you at least planned a speech. This isn’t something you should wing.”

“It’s going to be epic. Are you sure you want me to go first? I might upstage you.”

She pushed my arm. “Yeah… I wouldn’t worry about that.” She walked off.

I sipped a glass of champagne as we waited for Allie and Levi to walk in as husband and wife. They didn’t even wait to be announced. They just walked in arm in arm. The band leader struggled to make it look like it was planned. “Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Laurent.”

I laughed to myself. Those two knew how to make an entrance. Allie was glowing so bright she didn’t look real, and Levi’s color nearly matched hers. If that’s what love looked like, maybe it wasn’t so bad. That was another sentiment I’d never say out loud.

“How’d I do?” Levi stopped in front of me. Hailey had stolen Allie and the two were giggling about something.

“Fantastic. Of course.”

“Thanks for standing up there with me.” He seemed different, like he was walking on air or something. If he was going to be tied to the same girl for the rest of his life, at least she made him happy.

“Of course.” I took a final sip of champagne before setting aside the empty glass.

“And there were no attacks.” He gave me a knowing look.

“Nope. If we can just get through the reception, we’ll be fine.”

“We will.” He patted my back. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to find my wife.”

I shook my head. “How long have you been waiting to say that?”

“You don’t want to know.” He captured Allie’s arm, and I walked off to find my table.

Allie and Levi danced their first dance. Instead of going with one of the usual song selections, Levi had a song written in their honor. From the look on Allie’s face, she hadn’t expected it. She also seemed pleased by the performance. That was a win for me. I’d picked out the band.

After the happy couple took their seat, I downed a shot and grabbed a champagne flute. It was time for my toast. I tapped my glass to get everyone’s attention.

“I don’t remember the first time I met Levi, because I was too young to keep memories, but I do remember the first time I made him angry.”

The crowd laughed. I had this.

“I’d accused him of being a momma’s boy who couldn’t fight for himself. As you’d expect, he didn’t take too kindly to the accusation.”

More laugher.

“Levi took on his true personality for the first time that day, and I learned the hard way that no one tells Levi there’s something he can’t do.” I figured the paranormal guests present knew what I meant by personality. There was no reason to freak out Allie’s family.

I paused to look at him. Speeches were all about timing. “I should have known when Levi set his sights on Allie he was going to have her. I tried to pull his attention away on more than one occasion.” I looked at Allie. She was shaking her head but laughing. “But my attempts were no match for Levi’s persistence. Not even Allie’s protests that she didn’t want him worked.”

Levi put an arm around Allie and she leaned into his side. “But the truth is, when two people are meant to be together, nothing can get in their way—not even stubborn best friends who don’t want to lose their wingmen. Since I have you all smiling, I’ll end here. Congratulations to the happy couple. And Allie, contrary to my first statement, don’t always let Levi get what he wants.”

Levi smiled. I sipped my champagne and took my seat as the guests applauded. Job well done. I took another sip while Hailey started her speech. I had a feeling it was going to be really emotional.

“Don’t you think it’s odd Murphy hasn’t crashed the party yet?” Cody, one of Toby’s goons who’d somehow managed to nab an invitation, murmured as a bunch of us sat around, throwing back some beers. We were out on the beach, close enough to the reception that the music still filled the air.

“Odd isn’t the right word. Besides, it’s not over yet.” I glanced around the dark night. I still couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was coming.

“Don’t over think this. Let Levi enjoy his night.” Owen finished off his beer and set it down in the sand.

“How does this involve Levi? We can handle whatever happens on our own.”

“Levi’s still going to worry if you do.” Owen stood to leave.

“What’s your problem?” I wasn’t in the mood to put up with his crap.

“My problem?”

“Yeah. Why do you have to get on my back about everything?”

“I’m just looking out for Levi.”

“No, you’re looking out for yourself.” I stood, unwilling to look up at him.

“Okay. You really want to have this conversation? Here?” He nodded to where our small audience sat.

“Who cares? Just say it.”

“I’m sick and tired of you only caring about yourself. Levi puts up with your bullshit out of some stupid idea of friendship, but that’s not going to last forever.”

I felt my body aching to transform, but I fought it. “Oh yeah? And somehow staying alert about an attack is me ignoring my job…”

“You want there to be an attack. You want to feel useful. But the bottom line is you’re just trying to make up for the fact that you missed a big threat already.”

“And by that you mean me?” Casey appeared suddenly, still wearing the ruby red bridesmaid dress that clung to her figure.

“No. That’s not what I meant.” Owen tried to back pedal.

“Yes, it is.” She crossed her arms. “Don’t make up an excuse. I get it. But it’s not his fault, or mine. It just is.”

I sensed Levi before he said anything. I knew he was listening in.

Casey did too. “I’m sorry if I’ve made things harder for you, Levi.”

“I’m not.”

She turned to look at him. He smiled. “I’m not going to pretend any of this is going to be easy, but I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad I have a sister.”

“Why?” Her brow furrowed. “Why would you be glad?”

“Because this job can get lonely. Because my wife likes you. Because family is important.” He smiled at the word wife.

“I’ll stay out of your way.”

“No.” Levi closed the space between them. “Aren’t you listening to a word I’m saying?” He turned to Owen. “Is that how you feel with Hailey?”

Owen laughed. “Most of the time.”

“I’m telling you I want you around. I’d like you to play a part in my life, in Allie’s life, and in our family. No one blames you for anything.”

She nodded. “If you say so.”

“I do.” Then he turned to us. “Jared, Owen. I need to have a word with you two.” The gentle voice he used with Casey was gone. Whatever this talk was about, he meant business.

I nodded, and we both followed him around to a back patio of the resort.

“I don’t know what the hell is going on with you two, but it’s going to stop.”

“I’m sorry. We just—” Owen started.

“Don’t. I don’t care about your excuses. With everything else going on, I shouldn’t have to worry about my head of security and chief advisor fighting.” He looked between us. “Is that understood?”

“Yes,” we said in unison.

“Good.” Levi’s body relaxed. “I’m going to be leaving soon, and I don’t want any problems. I’m leaving you two in charge, and I expect you to get along.”

“Understood.” Owen nodded.

“Also. Toby’s in charge of protecting Casey.”

“What?” I shook my head. “No. I can do that a lot better.”

“I expect you to help, but I told him not to leave her side if it’s possible until we find Murphy or whoever the hell he’s working for.”

I wondered if anyone had let our plan slip. We’d done our best to keep the details from him. Levi wasn’t the type to sit back, even on his honeymoon.

“Everything will be fine. Casey will be fine,” I assured him. He deserved this break. He’d been waiting months to have time away with Allie.

“If something comes up, tell me. But I’d prefer not to be interrupted.”

“Yeah, I bet.”

“You know Allie will insist on coming home if she thinks anyone’s in danger.”

“I know.”

“We’ll be gone two weeks. Try to hold things together until then.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.” Owen gave me a look. He was letting me know we were going to drop our stupid argument. It wasn’t going to help anyone. Besides, I was pretty sure I knew where his outburst had come from. Watching Levi get married had probably reminded him of what he didn’t have. Maybe this would spur Owen to start dating again. He had danced a few times with Allie’s friend Anne.

The send-off was Levi’s idea, but he left it up to me to execute. His surprise worked spot on. Allie’s face lit up as bright as the fireworks when they shot off across the sky. He’d had them timed perfectly to their first dance song. The band had set up a little ways behind us. She nearly hopped up and down watching the fireworks, that is until Levi started kissing her. I had to clear my throat after I saw her dad’s eyes nearly bug out of his head. We were standing around the landing strip. The resort was the exclusive kind designed for politicians and those who want privacy. The private landing strip was an added bonus.

“Be good, princess.” I hugged Allie. We’d come a long way since I first met her. It was hard to believe we’d pretty much hated each other in the beginning, but now I counted her as one of my closest friends. Life is full of weird surprises like that, I guess. I hoped I’d say the same thing about Casey at some point, but there were feelings and urges there that I needed to get rid of first.

“You be good too.” She gave me a warning look before nodding toward Casey.

I smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

Levi took Allie’s hand and led her onto the plane. They were headed out for a two week trip to a private island in the South Pacific. Levi didn’t bother hiding his excitement. Allie’s mom cried silently next to Helen. I was just glad we’d made it through the wedding.

My celebration was short lived. As soon as the plane disappeared into the distance, the lights went out.

All hell broke loose. There’s no other way to describe what happened when all of the resort lights shut off without warning. I’d been standing with Tiffany and Anne, but we were separated as the crowd swelled around me. My newfound ability to see in the dark came in handy, but it wasn’t enough. The crowd was too thick and the hysteria nearly overwhelming. A few screams filled the air, and the chairs set up for the sendoff were overturned as everyone ran from some unidentified danger.

Goose bumps, and not the good kind, covered my body. Something was going on, and I knew without question it was about me. Murphy had attacked just as Jared predicted.

Through the people, I saw a whiz of brown fur, and I heard a gnarly roar. The bears were definitely there in full force. I tried to gently move through people, but it didn’t do any good. I had no idea which way to go. I needed to find Toby or Jared. If it would save everyone, I’d turn myself in, but I had the sinking feeling that would only make things worse.

“Casey?” a loud voice called. I followed it to find Tiffany huddled behind one of the buildings.

“Hey. Are you okay?” I hoped she wasn’t injured, but even with night vision, I couldn’t tell from the way she was crouched.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She didn’t move. “A little freaked out though.”

“Tell me about it.” I glanced around, making sure we weren’t in eminent danger. The fighting seemed to have quieted down, but I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. I hoped more than anything that no one was hurt.

“They want you, don’t they?” Tiffany asked quietly.

“Yes.” No reason to pretend otherwise.

“We need to get you to Toby. He’ll know what to do.”

“You’ve seen Toby?” My heart soared. She was right, he’d know exactly what to do. Then we’d have to find Jared.

A growl filled the night, and I shuddered. I couldn’t just hide out. I needed to come up with a plan.

“The last I saw him he was around the other side of the resort. He was dealing with some fierce bears.” She pointed to the largest of the buildings.

I started to follow her, forcing myself to block out the shouts around me. I prayed everyone else was okay. I couldn’t handle having any more guilt.

“We’re almost there,” she said softly. My heart beat faster. I could do this. I just had to find Toby.

“Well, hello there, sweetheart.” Murphy’s gravelly voice froze me. He grabbed my arms, and I started to struggle, the motion easily loosened his hold. I moved to attack.

“One false move and he kills your friend.” Murphy gestured to where a fully transformed bear held onto Tiffany. Her face was a mask of complete shock.

My arms went limp at my side. “Let her go.”

A wry grin spread across Murphy’s face. “Absolutely. All you have to do is come with me.”

“Why didn’t you take me before? Why show me my wings then just leave? Why all this?” I needed to stall him. I could take him out, but I couldn’t get to the other bear fast enough. What if he hurt Tiffany? I couldn’t live with that guilt on my head.

“We had to make sure you were Pteron first.”

“What do you mean? You knew I was.”

“No, we didn’t.”

A wave of nausea overcame me. “You didn’t know if I had wings?” He’d pushed me off a building and he wasn’t sure? “What would have happened if I didn’t?”

He shrugged. “That wasn’t our concern. You were only worth something to us if you were Pteron.”

What? He thought he might have been pushing me to my death. What did any of this mean? The more I learned, the less I understood.

“Now, are you going to come willingly, or do we need to get rid of Goldilocks over there?”

Tiffany let out a shriek as the bear slowly sliced her arm with a claw. A line of red blood oozed down from the cut. The color nearly matched her dress, reminding me of how crazy the situation was. We’d somehow gone from celebrating a wedding to having my friend’s life threatened. And they were doing it because of me. I had no choice. I cringed. “I’ll come.” I couldn’t let someone else get hurt. “Just let her go. Let everyone else go.” I wanted to cry, but showing more weakness was never a good thing. I needed to stay tough. Whatever was coming would probably be even worse.