AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER 1
Indy and I were spending our evenings sipping herbal tea and leafing through wedding magazines, and while it wasn’t the end of the world, I found it just as exciting. We’d shared our dreams of the perfect day, and it was a comforting experience to have her by my side during this thrilling yet slightly overwhelming time.
We were sitting at my kitchen table in mine and Daryn’s suite at the base when I stumbled upon a page that made my heart skip a beat. There it was, the gown of my dreams, a breathtakingly flowy princess dress. The kind that makes you feel like a fairy-tale queen, about to step into a world of magic and wonder. As I stared at it in the magazine, I couldn’t help but imagine myself wearing it, walking down the aisle toward my beloved hunter. It was everything I imagined as a child when marrying her prince.
The gown had layers upon layers of ethereal tulle, like a cascade of soft clouds, and delicate lace detailing adorned the bodice. The skirt billowed out in a mesmerizing way, like a waterfall of fairy wings. I could almost feel the soft, cool breeze brushing against my skin as I walked down the aisle.
But, as much as I loved the gown, I knew it was too much forthe simple, intimate festivities we had planned. Our wedding was about celebrating love and victory, surrounded by close friends and family. It wasn’t a grand ballroom affair, and the ceremony and celebration would take place on the base grounds where we would be surrounded by armed hunters.
I turned to Indy with a wistful smile, pointing to the image on the magazine page. “Look at this dress. It’s like something out of a storybook. I bet you could hide a dozen weapons under that skirt.”
Indy laughed. “I’m sure you could, but we have had few incursions since the king was locked in the underworld. Besides, there isn’t a hunter on this base that will allow you to fight on your wedding day. Pick the dress you want. Daryn will drool at your feet no matter what you wear. Remember, a wedding dress should reflect not just your style but the story of your love. You overcame ridiculous odds to make it where you are now.”
Her words resonated with me, as they always did. She had a way of bringing clarity and calm to the whirlwind of emotions that came with wedding planning. We continued flipping through the pages, searching for the dress that would capture the essence of our love story and our intimate, unique gathering.
I still hadn’t decided if I wanted bridesmaids’ dresses. Daryn was wearing a hunter uniform that was specific for celebratory events. I had never seen it yet, so I was looking forward to the event more than ever.
Indy leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her tea. Her one-piece leather suit looked stunning on her, as did everything she wore. “I like the new picture.”
I glanced at the picture of my parents we had added to the photo wall. There were several of me and Daryn now, and a few of me and Caleb. There was even one of my son and Sphinx and his smile was radiant. He loved that shadow cat as if it were hischild. “Yes, this place is starting to feel like a home. We spend more time here than at the house, so I guess that’s a good thing.”
Indy grunted. “It isn’t just Daryn’s home. It belongs to both of you. If you don’t start referring to it as such, he will sell it and buy another.”
I chuckled. “Don’t tell him. I hate moving. How is the new construction coming along?”
Indy shrugged. “Good. The grounds cleanup is finally complete, and we will finish the new outbuildings in a few weeks. Only one is fully functional, but Daryn wants to show you that himself once he finishes the staff assignments.”
“Sounds intriguing.”
“Not really. Daryn needs to concentrate on recruitment, and we need to add some other avenues to make hunter life more fulfilling for the young. We got complacent and it bit us in the ass.”
I closed the magazine. “What do you mean?”
Indy drank the rest of her tea and placed her mug on the table. “While Magnus discouraged recruitment in various ways, we didn’t change with the times. Young people’s needs change over time. What I liked as a teenager is not the same as Lana or Caleb. We are bringing in modern entertainment and secondary vocations that appeal to the younger generation.”
“What will those be?”
“They will be determined by the newest generation. Caleb wants a private lake with cabins. Lana wants a hunter mini-mall. Thule suggested an old-school arcade. The suggestions are all over the map, but we don’t... vacation like normal people, so the lake idea is going over really well, with just about everyone.”
“You’re kidding?”
Indy shook her head. “Wish I thought of it. We certainly have the land for it. Water is harder for demons to infiltrate, so Daryn is thinking of developing it on a property line.”
We both turned as the door opened and Kaine entered. He was wearing a new hunter outfit made of the black composite material Cipher developed. It had become the preferred style, though a few hunters like Indy still wore leather on occasion.
Indy crossed her arms. “Your first day back as a senior and you already forgot how to knock on a door. Daryn should reconsider your reinstatement.”
Kaine grunted. “You’re just pissed that you just had your last free pedicure yesterday.” He held up his hand. “These were made for fighting, not painting your toes.”
Indy seemed to think about it. “I’m not sure. You’re pretty good with nail polish. It’s a talent.”
Kaine crossed his arms. “I must have fucked up pretty bad in a past life to get you for a twin in this one.”
Indy wiggled her eyebrows. “Maybe you did something right... for a change.”
I coughed. “Indy, you didn’t actually make him paint your toes.”
Indy leaned over and pulled off her black shoe and sock. Her toes were a perfect shade of lavender. “Oh yeah, I did. He needs to know the consequences of breaking the rules. Besides, he does it for Kenji. He has completely snowed that impressionable little Imp.”
