Page 65 of Seas the Reckoning

Jackal is up and walking away before I can say anything to him.

“Rough morning, Carolina?” Claude joins us, offering me a hand up.

Lillian is just behind him, and her eyes narrow.

I find myself with two gentlemen escorting me from the room, one very angry sister tagging along, and a mate who has disappeared into the crowd.

“I’ve already eaten,” I say, though I doubt it will make a difference.

“One more cup of coffee. You Americans are so fond of it, aren’t you?” Claude says as he leads us to the councilman’s private breakfast.

The force with which he grips my arms doesn’t leave much room for debate.

“We can have the gardens ready not long after the guests leave. All that will need doing is some adjustments to the hedges to allow for adequate seating. We’ll have a few witches grow a nice trellis of flowers. Of course, we’ll hold a larger ceremony and celebration for important guests at a later date, but this will suffice to make everything legally binding.” Councilman Taylor is in his element, light coming back to his eyes and fatigue vanishing as he discusses wedding details between Piers and Starla.

For this very evening. Starla wasn’t wrong in thinking her father would rush her down the aisle at the earliest opportunity.

Piers’s smile stays in place the entire time. I don’t know what the councilman can offer him, but it must be good. Because now that he’s got it almost in hand, he’s not paying too much attention to Starla.

Which is a shame, because she’s putting on a star performance. She doesn’t grimace or bemoan the situation once. She argues about things like what type of flower, or requests a certain champagne for after the ceremony. Just enough bickering on details that her father won’t grow suspicious at how easily she’s giving in to everything.

“I really do need to go back to hand off things at the bar,” she says at one point when Councilman Taylor is focusing on her a bit too intently.

“Out of the question. You would delay your honeymoon? I’m sure your staff can handle everything, and I’ll speak to Coven Leader Pearl,” he insists.

“A bar?” Piers asks.

“My daughter is a restaurateur in a prime location,” Councilman Taylor says, giving the Sea Wench a much fancier description than it warrants.

Discussions on the details proceed without too much of a hitch, while Claude, Arloc, Lillian and I are having coffee, tea, and—in the vampire’s case—blood. We trade some small talk, but they’re just as interested in the details of Starla’s marriage as I am, and it doesn’t appear they want to give up a front-row seat.

“The necklace—” Arloc starts at one point, but he’s swiftly cut off by the councilman, turning to us as he finishes his negotiations with Starla.

“I will see you this evening,” Piers says, leaning down to place a kiss on the back of Starla’s hand. This is the only moment when I see her eyes flicker.

We have no window for error on our timing.

If I have to sing everyone in this manor to let us leave, and risk myself in the process, I’ll do it. I don’t care if the whole thing crashes down around Councilman Taylor. Starla will not be forced into anything.

“Now then,” Councilman Taylor says. “Let us discuss Carolina.”

If Starla can do it, I can do it. By this evening, I’ll be with Jackal. Tonight, wherever we are, I’ll be in his arms.

“My daughter has expressed her sincere desire that Carolina remain nearby. And both of you have expressed an interest in her siren abilities and how that ability could benefit you. Not to mention, of course, the charms of the lady herself.”

I’d call him a snake, but that would be an insult to the adorable little danger noodles.

What if he marries you off right here? What could that do? Could it break a mate bond? Would it hurt Jackal?

Spots dot my vision, but I breathe deeply, as subtly as I’m able. I agree now. I escape later. He’s not likely to rush my wedding any sooner than Starla’s. Hers is his top priority. I have time.

“Carolina, has my daughter expressed her thoughts to you on this matter?” His eyes flash, a hint at the lightning I’ve yet to see him unleash.

The meaning is clear to me.

Has his daughter told me that she can break my curse? Has she informed me, as he will likely see it, that they own me and my ability?

“Yes, she made it quite clear. I am grateful for the opportunity,” I say.