Dark Stranger Immortal (The Children of the Gods #3)(20)
“But as I’m already standing, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you officially to Michael and Syssi, whom most of you have already met. The credit for finding these two special people belongs to Amanda, who researches mortals with unique paranormal abilities under the assumption that they might be potential Dormants. Syssi has a very strong precognition ability, and Michael is a good receiving telepath. Both agreed to attempt the activation process, which we have already begun.” Kian smiled at Michael before resting his eyes on Syssi.
“I would like to propose a toast to a successful outcome of this brave attempt, and the new hope Syssi and Michael bring to our future.” Kian raised his goblet, waiting for the others to join in.
Syssi watched with interest the order in which each of those present pushed to their feet to join the toast. Amanda and the Guardians were first, followed closely by William and Bridget. It took a few seconds longer for Edna and Brandon. Evidently, these two still had mixed feelings about the strangers in their midst.
“May the Fates shine kindly upon us and grant us that which our hearts desire.” Kian winked at Amanda. With a light squeeze to Syssi’s shoulder, he continued. “To all of us—a long, peaceful and prosperous life.” He took a long sip of his wine.
“Amen to that!” Michael exclaimed, then looked around the table, puzzled when no one echoed his affirmation. “What?”
“Not many are aware that the term amen actually stems from Amun, the Egyptian god of Thebes,” Edna supplied. “With time, his name became synonymous with justice and truth, and hence saying Amen after a prayer or a proclamation served as joining in it and affirming its truthfulness. However, by using his name in this manner, you’re implying that you’re an Amun worshiper, which I’m sure you’re not.” She smiled at him apologetically. “I know this tidbit of information tastes sour to most mortals accustomed to saying Amen in their various modes of worship.”
“I didn’t know that.” Michael looked down at his plate.
“Very few do, and even fewer care. It’s akin to non-Christians saying, Jesus, or Christ, or atheists saying God. It became just an expression.”
Thankfully, the sound of the pantry door swinging open broke the uncomfortable silence that followed.
“Oh, good, I’m definitely ready for some food.” Edna unfolded her napkin and draped it over her trousers.
“Dinner is served,” Okidu called from under the huge platter of soup bowls he was carrying. With the grace of a seasoned acrobat, he held the enormous thing with one hand while placing the bowls in front of each person without spilling a drop.
How is he doing that? Syssi wondered as she took the first spoonful, closing her eyes when the exquisite flavor hit her taste buds.
For a few precious moments, everyone was quiet, busy with the first course. Then, clearing her throat, Edna addressed Kian. “I don’t want to be the Grinch and spoil this festive mood, but aren’t we taking a great risk, exposing ourselves this way? I’m not implying that Syssi or Michael’s intent is to harm us, but what happens if they don’t turn? It will be next to impossible to suppress this many memories. They’ll be bound to remember some of it.”
“It’ll be nothing more than tidbits of hazy dreamlike recollections. I gave it a long and thorough consideration and took a calculated risk, Edna. The alternative is to thrall them repeatedly, which in my experience compounds the damage. And besides being deceitful and cruel, it borders on violating the law of consent, which I’m sure you of all people should find objectionable.”
Kian held Edna’s gaze.
Eventually, she lowered her eyes, reluctantly accepting the logic and moral underpinnings of his decision. “Okay, I agree. I don’t like it, but I guess it is a risk we must take.”
“Hey, everyone! I have an idea for a movie!” Brandon snapped the tense quiet stretching across the table. “It will be called, My Immortal Lover—a love story between an immortal woman and a mortal mercenary soldier who was left for dead and she saves with a small transfusion of her potent blood.”
With a smug smile, he cast about the dinner guests for support.
“It’s so cheesy, I could puke!” Kri didn’t hesitate to shoot it down. “I’m so sick of the whole vampire, slash blood thing. How about a bunch of kickass immortal female warriors taking down a drug cartel in Mexico?” She elbowed Bridget, who winced and rubbed her side instead of supporting the idea.
Brandon nodded. “That’s actually good… I can see it.” He crossed his open palm in front of his face as if painting a picture. “Twelve, tall, scantily dressed, gorgeous women—glistening with the sweat of the hot and humid Mexican air, slaughtering evil drug lords and their merciless minions. They uncover an imprisoned, badly injured group of American commando fighters who had crash-landed in the jungle and been captured by the drug traffickers.
They save their lives with injections of their blood, and together they continue the commandos’ mission of uncovering and killing an even greater evil: sex slavers, trafficking in young girls.”
Brandon flashed Kri his practiced Hollywood smile. “Want a part?” He dangled what he knew she wanted but would never get.
“Hell, yeah! I want a part!” Kri banged her hand on the table. “I can rock a role like that!”