I've Been Waiting for You (17 page)

Colum tried to focus and let the red haze clear a bit from his eyes. He could now see what his parents said was true. The
girls were the weapon and the witch, all too full of herself, didn’t see the bomb about to go off.

Fatima looked up at Livee. She reached for her hand. She saw the shimmer of Wolfie, the boys, their Grandmother and the good witch who was floating around just like
Tinkerbelle from the movie she watched over and over.

I’m hungry Emma
, Fatima sent her thoughts to the good witch.

Emma smiled and put her fingers to her lips. Just a moment child
, it won’t be long now.

Madison’s voice rose as she kept up her soliloquy. “Are you afraid
, Katherine? Has the cat got your tongue? I haven’t heard a peep out of you.”

Katherine had shut her eyes, she was containing herself. She knew the instant the word was uttered, a frenzy would start and she would fall. She hoped Emma was quick enough to catch her. Not that she was afraid of falling. She was like a cat, she would land on her feet regardless. She just didn’t want to land on the babies.

“Well, I know, you wish you could bite me.”

Olivia and Fatima heads snapped up at the word spoken. They growled in unison. The word had been said
, hands held together they flew at their prey.

Colum thought a shot had been fired as the word was spoken. He felt Sally come flying to his side, Odin still holding her.
A scream rent the air. As they looked up they saw blood fly in all directions. The witch’s arms could be seen for a minute, flailing, fighting as she screamed.

Katherine landed on her feet. She had caught Liam as Fatima threw him to her. Liam clutched at his mother’s blouse. Fatima lunged at the witch who stared in disbelief as the baby in her arms attacked her.

Fatima pushed Olivia to the side and heard a growl as she sunk her own growing fangs into the chest of the witch. Olivia had a hold of her neck. She had started slowly, first sinking her fangs into the slender neck of the woman. The witch fought for her life as the baby tore at her. Fatima glancing up saw the witch gain strength, for just a moment, sparks shooting from her fingers. She almost had Olivia off and was about to throw her, but Fatima grabbed ahold of Olivia’s PJs and held her tightly. Both continued to tear, rip and drink. As the witch lost hold of her life, she moved less till she sank to the stone floor. A frenzy of wind whipped about them and then out of the corner of Fatima’s eyes she saw Mama Sally land as she joined in the fray.

Travis had a huge bonfire burning that competed with the full moon. It lit the sky and sparks shot up to the heavens. All of a sudden a limp form came flying off the tower and landed next to the fire. He picked up the corps of Madison, who had once been his sister. He glanced down at her still pale face for a mere second, then tossed her onto the growing flame. The fire exploded with her corpse.

Emma raised her hands to the sky.
Wicked once, wicked always, gone now to the winds forever, never to curse this earth with her presence again.
Emma chanted to the fire as they all formed around the great bonfire.
Take her, break her, nary allow her to remain or return as long as the blood of Colum’s family is here on this earth.

They all murmured as Emma finished her chanting.

Katherine held Liam, Thor held Olivia, who radiated light. Katherine held Emma’s other hand. Sally hugged Fatima close, they were held by Odin. Colum had his arms wrapped around his wife and young spirits. The other spirits stood close, forming a closure of the family unit with Travis, Cormac and Elsabet.

Strains of
Bach floated on the still air. The sun was just above the horizon, hanging like a lamp with great anticipation of what was to take place. Roughly hewn benches served as seating, angled so everyone would get the best view of the alter. The guest were all dressed to the nines, but of other centuries. It had been asked that no one come in modern garb. A list of places where one might find an outfit to fit this wedding had been listed on the invitation.

~ You are Invited ~

Sally Anne MacNamara,

daughter of the late John F. MacNamara and

Katherine Elizabeth MacNamara-O’Heachthanna

will wed on this day, August 21 at 6pm to

Odin MacMuchada.

She will be walked down the aisle by

HRH Colum O’ Heachthanna.

Please find a list on the second page of establishments

where you can rent a costume for this wedding.

~ RSVP ~

Guests seemed to float around with champagne in hand. Children ran in the field that had been mowed for the occasion. In the middle was a large dance floor, and dancing would go on till sunrise. There were numerous tents lined up, providing protection and comfort for the different bands who would play.

Katherine looked out the large castle window of her daughter’s suite. Turning she saw one of the maids helping Sally with her corset. After the wedding ceremony and the first few dances Sally said she was shedding the gown for her corset and ivory mini skirt. Katherine walked over and touched her daughter’s beautiful face.

Sally glanced up feeling the tears starting to pool in her eyes. “Oh God, I can’t cry now.”

Katherine wiped the lone tear and bent and kissed her daughter’s cheek. “It’s
OK, honey, you don’t need makeup, your complexion has become flawless since you turned.” She tucked her finger under her daughter’s chin and saw her eyes had settled into a beautiful violet. “Beautiful,” she murmured.

Odin stood in the old kitchen inspecting the cake. A
miniature stood on the table next to it.

Colum, Travis and Cormac stood eyeing the confection. “I don’t think I’ve seen a
wedding cake quite as tall and beautiful as this,” remarked Cormac.

Travis and Colum laughed. “Odin designed it. He has been sampling batters that Maggie here has been concocting
. You would have thought they were the witches of Macbeth. I would find them at odd times of the day or night working.” Travis said with a chuckle.

Maggie beamed up at Odin. “He’s like the son I wish I had.”

Odin walked up to the diminutive lady and scooped her up in a bear hug. “You are just like the mother I had, once my real mother gave me up. From this day forward you will be my mother.” He gave her a great big hug and then whispered something in her ear.

Maggie pulled away, tears coursed down her cheek. She then gave him a big kiss on the cheek and then whispered something back. They both hugged and Odin put her down.

“Go then, and see Elsabet. She will get you fitted for the wedding.”

The rest of the men waited while Odin fussed over the cakes. They knew he needed a moment to collect himself. If anyone thought vampires didn’t feel emotion or got choked up they didn’t know Odin, Thor
, or Colum. All three were known for being brutal on the battlefield but were not afraid to show how they felt in times of private or in public.

Odin turned. “She says she felt something, like she knew me from a long time off
, and asked if at some time we could talk about her changing. She doesn’t want to get old and die, and she wants to be around for the grand babies.”

Colum walked up and clasped Odin on the shoulder. Then win
king at Travis and his father he said, “Yes and you will be down here cooking and baking, I am going to have to keep you busy or you may gain weight.”

The string quartet started to play
Clair de Lune
. The still evening air went well with the music that floated like fairies. If you believed in such things, you would have thought the fireflies were really fairies, or were they? Everyone turned and could see movement from the castle. People moved to their seats, sat and waited.

Katherine kissed Sally and then they both hugged. “You know you are so beautiful
, I wish your father could see you today, he would be so proud.”

Sally tried to stop crying but the tears fell. She felt a hand on her cheek, it was Colum’s. “Don’t cry
, daughter of mine. He can see you; know anything is possible, after all, our lives are miracles. We have seen just in these last few weeks, miracles untold. What’s to say he doesn’t have a front row seat to this wedding?” He kissed Sally’s cheek. “I know I’m not your father but I love you with all my heart like your father would. I told him I would do my best to watch over all of you.”

Sally looked up with eyes bright with tears
flowing down her cheeks unchecked.

“I love you
, Colum.”

“And I
love you too, daughter.” He wiped away one of her tears and gave her one last kiss. “Now, I think we have a vampire down at the alter who is going to fly up here and snatch you away if we don’t get moving.”

Sally nodded. “O
K, I’m ready.” She looked up at her mother and step-father and smiled one last time.

Colum raised his hand for the orchestra to start playing
Pachelbel’s
Canon in D
.

Everyone stood and waited with breathless anticipation as a white shimmer floated ahead of the bride and Colum. Then they could see the bride ma
king her way, heavily veiled. The guests were told the heavy veil was to hide her beauty from the groom, till the last possible moment. Yards and yards of vintage, Victorian lace and tulle were laid out behind her. As she and Colum made their way down the winding aisle, Olivia toddled ahead with Katherine, throwing handfuls of rose petals on the path. Her laughter could be heard by all, sounding like tinkling bells. Fatima followed carrying baby Liam who smiled and cooed. He held a little pillow with rings attached.

Colum tilted his head just a bit. “You know you are just like my daughter and I am so very proud to be wal
king you down the aisle today. Thank you for this honor. If I could have seen it all those years ago, with all the pain I have gone through waiting for your mother, well anyway, thank you Sally, dear.”

Sally looked up, knew Colum could see her through all the lace and tulle. She smiled but she was too cho
ked up to say anything. All she could do as they approached the alter was to squeeze his massive forearm. She felt him pat her hand as they stopped.

Colum lifted her veil and saw her beautiful violet eyes. Not a trace of ruby. Good
, she had been fed well before hand. He had taken extra precautions with three new vampires in their midst, and had made sure they were all well fed. Older vampires stood throughout the crowd like secret service agents ready to take care of any little problem. He knew there wouldn’t be any though.

Colum placed a kiss on her cheek, one final time before she wed Odin. He then placed her hand in Odin’s.
Looking into Odin’s eyes he saw tears sitting, ready to spill. He gave his hand a squeeze, then stepped back and took Katherine’s. They went and stood next to Cormac and Elsabet. Fatima stood in front with Liam, waiting for the time they would give the rings. A simple gold band for Odin, a band studded with diamonds and rubies for Sally.

The priest smiled at everyone and motioned as the music came to an end for everyone to take their seats.

“Who gives this bride into marriage?”

* * * * * * * *

Later, as Sally and Odin mingled with their family and friends, Sally could see her brothers eyeing some girls from one of the royal families who were in attendance. “The circle of life continues.”

Odin bent and kissed the top of his bride’s hair. “It does
, luv.”

Katherine and Colum waltzed while others danced more modern dances. Then Katherine saw out of the corner of her eye
, Sally come onto the dance floor, no longer dressed in her Victorian bridal gown but an ivory corset and leather mini skirt to match. The music stopped. Katherine rolled her eyes at Colum. “I think I know what’s coming.”

Sure enough, one of the newest dance songs came blasting over the speakers. All the younger ones cheered. Sally pulled Odin to the center and the dancing started up again.

Katherine smiled and pulled Colum to the center of the floor. “When in Rome.”

* * * * * * * *

Travis picked up his phone late one evening, a week after the wedding. He saw the number was one of the men’s numbers. He thought for a moment and then remembered it was Brent’s number. He had been called away on an important mission right after the wedding.

“Yes
?” He listened. “I will be on the first flight within the hour.” He hung up the phone and with that slammed his fist through the wall next to him. He pulled out his leather duffle and started throwing clothes into it. “What a waste of fucking life. When will it stop?”

Thor had heard a crash in his
Uncle’s room. He got up, grabbed his Glock and ran for the next room. Knocking and then hearing a muffled reply, he proceeded cautiously, gun drawn. One never knew. He saw his Uncle throwing clothes in his duffle. Saw the hole in the wall. Putting his gun back in his holster that he always had strapped to him, he asked, “What happened?”

Travis looked up; his eyes he knew had changed to a shade to match the Burmese
Rubies that were in Sally’s wedding band. “Brent, Justin’s brother was returning from a Mission, was due to leave now but his Humvee hit an IED.”

Thor got his phone out. “We will need to go get him.” He called a number. “Did he make it?”

Travis growled. “Barely, it just happened an hour ago. They are trying to stabilize him but it looks like he lost at least one leg.”

Thor walked to the window as he talked on his phone. “ETA? O
K, we will be out in the field.”

He turned towards his
Uncle. “I will get Justin and a few others. We need a good hunting party.”

Travis gathered his things. “I don’t know why so many have to suffer
, this is senseless. All those who can’t be saved and changed. Let’s hope we can make it, because Justin is going to be an animal as it is. If he loses his twin, I can’t imagine what he’ll do.”

“Yea
h, we will have a situation and who will take responsibility, which country?” Thor asked.

Travis walked with him down the main staircase of the castle. They were met by Colum, Cormac and other men. The only one who was not in the group was Odin. He wasn’t expected.

They all knew something of great importance had set the alarm off.
Travis turned bright eyes to his King and former King. “Let’s go get our own back and get some terrorists in the bargain.”

Justin came running down the stairs. “I’m gonna kill the mother fuckers who did this to my brother
!”

As they all walked out into the early morning light, spirits stood guard at the windows and towers.

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