years old, but he’d only begun to age about a dozen years ago. They’re
called Children for many reasons, but I think the main one is they only age until
they reach puberty. At which time, the aging process stops for them, until and
unless they meet their destined bride or mate. That one meeting triggers some
sort of chemical process if you will, and kick starts the aging process. They
only begin to age again, look older than fourteen or sixteen after they’ve met
their mates. Then the aging process will slow down, once they reach their
prime.”
Des stared at her friend as she listened
to her fantastical explanation.
Cori shrugged. “Look…I don’t purport to
understand it, but I’ve seen them. That’s where I’ve been all this time in
their underwater King’s City. It’s magnificent. In truth,” she placed her hand
on the side of Xav’s face and he smiled. “We were married in the ways of their
people two days ago. But Xavior wanted to give me a wedding in the tradition of
the landwalkers. We’re going to be married tomorrow night. My parents, of
course, when I spoke to them last night were shocked. But they’re flying out
and will be here tomorrow. The wedding ceremony will take place after sunset to
give my folks a chance to get here. I wanted to invite yours too, but thought
they’d freak. One set of parents freaking was enough. And something else, I’d
like you to be my maid of honor.”
“Ohmygod! What? So soon.”
“He’s waited for me long enough,” Cori
replied. “And come to think of it, so have I.”
Des squealed and jumped out of Zek’s
arms, to embrace both Xav and Cori. “I am so happy for you both. And yes, yes
I’d be honored to be your maid of honor.”
Zek rose and slapped his hands together.
“Great. Now that’s settled I’ll have Aaron prepare the helicopter and take us
over to the mainland. We can have brunch, then do some sightseeing. And you
ladies can do your shopping and afterwards, we can go to one of the nightclubs
and have a little dinner and dancing. How’s that sound? It will be sort of both
a bachelor and bachelorette party.”
“I love it!” Cori exclaimed.
He pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll send
a text to Aaron.” He hit a few buttons, then said, “Okay, done.”
Des peered down at the sleeveless shirt
and shorts she’d put on. “I think I better change. This is way too casual to go
clubbing.”
Zek came over and wrapped his arm around
her waist, then kissed her hair. “You look beautiful, babe. No matter what
you’re wearing. But don’t worry, we’re going shopping first anyway, so just
pick up something then.”
“Okay, good idea, let me just grab my
purse.” She moved in the direction of her room, having figured out the house
set up with its different wings. It didn’t escape her notice either, her room
happened to be directly beside Zek’s.
“I think I forgot something in my room.
I’ll be right back,” she heard Zek say behind her.
She got to her door and barely turned the
knob when a large hand covered hers and pushed it open. Crowding her into the
room and pushing her up against the wall. In the next breath, Zek’s lips and
body blanketed hers. Making her complete. Eventually, they heard the sound of
Xav calling his name. Telling them both to hurry up or the chopper would leave
without them. Reluctantly, they separated. She felt the withdrawal of his heat.
Leaning forward, she kissed his cheek. “I’m really not sure what the hell I’m
doing. I just don’t want to stop with you.”
He kissed her cheek too, then ran his
finger across the area his lips just touched. “Then don’t, because I won’t. Now
get your purse and let’s get out of here or we’re not going anywhere for the
rest of the day.”
As tempting as the thought to spend more
time alone with him, they couldn’t give into this madness. At least not any
more than they both already had. Perhaps, if they stayed among other people,
normal people,
Nancy Thayer
Faith Bleasdale
JoAnn Carter
M.G. Vassanji
Neely Tucker
Stella Knightley
Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
James Hamilton-Paterson
Ellen Airgood
Alma Alexander