Page 3 of Cruel Revenge (Jacky Leon #12)

CHAPTER THREE

W ith what I presumed was a dopey smile on my face, I went through the door Heath held open for me, not really seeing what was on the other side.

Heath followed me quickly and made a noise which finally snapped me back to the present and not the several adult thoughts about the night once he and I could go to bed.

“What are you three doing here?” Heath asked before I could.

Before us, Carey and Dirk were sitting at my desk, surrounded by multiple binders and papers, and I hadn’t left any of those there. Landon was coming through the door, holding three cans. He didn’t stop, handing out the sodas to Carey and Dirk before cracking open the third for himself.

“We’re getting stuff done while you two go have adventures,” Carey said with a smile. “Jacky, the venue you wanted said they don’t feel comfortable with the security measures Dirk and Landon have to do. You might need to choose a new venue.”

I blinked several times in the silence after Carey’s statement before I realized what was happening.

“I don’t remember putting you in charge of the venue, Carey,” I said carefully.

“Zuri was, but then she and Jabari went to visit Mischa and Hisao, so I agreed to keep working on things, under the strict rules that she was already following. Plus the caterer. I called them yesterday, and they said they might not be able to make the quantity of food needed for the wedding.”

“The guest list isn’t even over a hundred people.” That was more surprising than the venue. The security measures could cause property damage. “I don’t remember, but I don’t think it’s over fifty.”

“It’s a supernatural problem,” Landon said, chuckling. “More food of more variety needed.”

“Why don’t we put all of this aside until tomorrow and let Jacky and me relax?” Heath said, trying to step in, heading for my desk. “We just finished a raid. Twelve witches are in Tribunal custody now. We need showers and sleep.”

“But Dad, if we don’t get the venue booked early enough, someone else will book it. We won’t have enough time. It should have been booked months ago.”

“I don’t know who has been telling you about weddings for you to think you’re an expert?—”

“Zuri.” Carey’s one-word answer said everything.

“Here’s a solution to the venue problem. Offer them double what they asked for?—”

“We would already be paying double,” Carey admitted. “Supernatural things. We don’t want their staff in the building or on the property that day.”

Heath looked back at me.

“We don’t even have a date set yet, do we?”

“No, we don’t,” I admitted, wincing as he groaned.

“We’re both really busy. You know I’m not good at this stuff, which is why I enlisted Zuri, but then Mischa and Hisao were finally getting better and could have guests.

Zuri and Jabari, being the oldest, could go baby them for a couple of weeks.

I’ve been more focused on training myself to be helpful during the raids and just in general, so the wedding hasn’t been… the main priority of my days.”

“I see… And we can’t hire a human planner and don’t want a supernatural one, who might find it a chance to rub elbows with our guests or sell information…

” Heath sighed, but then I saw the shift in him.

He was about to snap into action. “Okay. I know you wanted me out of the wedding planning because of the Tribunal, and I’m certainly busy, but?—”

“Please don’t worry yourself—” My attempt to cut in wasn’t effective.

“I’m going to deal with the venue right now. By the time we sit down for dinner, you will have the venue you wanted and a date for the wedding. Everything else should fall into place after that.”

“Heath—”

“Landon, with me,” Heath said as he grabbed the top binder, which was conveniently labeled as venue and decorations. “We’ll get this done over in my office at the pack house.”

Landon was grinning at me as he followed his father out, leaving me with Carey and Dirk. Dirk looked at his husband leaving with dismay, but didn’t try to follow. He started focusing on his drink instead.

“Sorry,” Carey mumbled, watching the door that her father and brother had just marched out of. “I was hoping we could figure it out by the time you and Dad got back.”

“It is what it is,” I said, knowing the two werewolves were marching out to the truck. “We’ll let your father do his thing and get us the venue. It’s his wedding, too.” I reached out and gave Carey a one-armed hug that she leaned into and made a full hug instead. Before letting her go, I sighed.

“You’re not avoiding classwork or anything to do this, right?” I asked, pulling away to look her in the eye.

“No, I got my early assignments and homework done. I’ve got a few weeks before there’s any more due. I had the time, Jacky. I promise.” Carey grinned, and she wasn’t lying, something I was glad about. I didn’t want Heath and my busy lives to distract her too much.

“So, what was going on when you and Dad got home? You seemed happy, but normally, you come home from raids looking exhausted. Did something good happen?” she asked.

Dirk started coughing, not saying a word as he escaped the room.

“Wow, thanks, Dirk,” I called out as I let Carey go. “Not even a proper hello!”

“Welcome home. Glad to see you’re okay,” he called back, his voice hoarse from the coughing.

“Oh, I get it.” Carey started to shake her head, taking a step away from me. “I should have known better. That was stupid to ask. Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” I chuckled. “I just figure you don’t want to think about your dad like that.”

“You’re right,” Carey said, now not looking at me. “You and he are happy, and that’s what matters and what I prefer to think about. The idea of you being happy and not the… reality of what that means.”

“We can drop it now, Carey,” I said gently, smiling as she made a face as she nodded, clearly trying to banish the thought entirely.

“So, since I’ve caught you here working on my wedding, I wanted to ask something.

I’ve been mulling it over, and I think Heath will agree with my choice.

I haven’t mentioned it to him, but I think he’ll enjoy this. ”

“Oh?” Carey turned back to me, curiosity lighting up her eyes. “What’s going on?”

“Sit down with me.” I went behind my desk and took my seat while she grabbed the chair Dirk had been using and brought it beside me instead of sitting across the desk. I took her hand and smiled as she touched the engagement ring.

“It’s pretty, isn’t it?” I said, chuckling.

“Yeah. I hope if I ever get married, it’s like this one,” she said, nodding. She tore her attention away from the ring and looked up at me. “So…”

“Heath and I don’t want a large wedding party. That’s been discussed. We don’t want a lot of bridesmaids or groomsmen, but we agreed on one, maybe two. Clearly, we need a best man and maid of honor… I want just one person in my wedding party, Carey. I want you to be my maid of honor.”

I searched her expression as I said the words, catching the flash of disappointment when I said that we wouldn’t have large wedding parties. It was quickly chased away when I got to the point. The scent of her joy, excitement, and love filled the room quickly as tears filled her eyes.

“I would love that!” she nearly screeched, dropping my hand to launch forward with a strong hug, nearly in my lap as I hugged her in return. “Yes! Oh my God!”

I laughed as tears welled in my eyes as the image formed in my head. I knew who Heath’s best man would be. On the day I married my werewolf, we were going to be standing with Carey and Landon at our sides, and just the idea of it moved me.

Carey’s excitement also moved to tears as she pulled back, her eyes welling up and getting redder by the second as she fought those tears.

“So, this means I’ll get to stand next to you as you marry Dad, and, like, obviously, Landon will be up there. Could we fit Dirk in?”

“I would need a bridesmaid to even it out,” I said, smiling. “But I would love to get Dirk up there, if Heath wants him as a groomsman.”

“Of course he will!” Carey started wiping her eyes. “Zuri can be your other bridesmaid. You know she would do it. She’s been like the best big sister ever for you.”

I almost argued with that, but she was right. If I was going to have two women beside me at the altar, it was going to be Carey, then Zuri.

“She’s a pretty damn good sister,” I agreed. “I’ll ask her when she’s back about planning this thing. I need to ask her about Amir, too.”

“Why?”

“We need a ring bearer,” I reminded Carey with a grin.

“Oh, that’s going to be so adorable!” Carey’s voice went up two octaves with the last word and nearly made me wince, but I resisted, knowing she was a teenager who was excited, and this happened sometimes.

In truth, it brought me joy to see how excited she was for the wedding. I could only hope everyone involved with it would be happy. It was my and Heath’s day, but I wanted everyone in our family to think of it as a joyous occasion.

“I’m still stumped by a potential flower girl. We don’t have any baby girls in the family right now.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Carey said, nodding solemnly. “As your maid of honor, I will put myself to the task of finding options for the flower girl.”

“You don’t?—”

“Plus, I have to plan your bachelorette party now!” Carey’s eyes went wide, and I knew to be afraid.

“Carey—”

“Oh my God, I need to talk to Zuri.” Carey hopped up and started to leave. She turned back, clearly thinking of something important at the last moment. I could smell her excitement, quickly halted by a touch of anxiety.

“You do want a bachelorette party, right?” Carey asked.

“I would be fine to have a night with you, my sisters, and my mom, but something tame,” I answered, smiling, glad Carey could still show some level of forethought as her teenage brain was swirling with all the possibilities.

She was a levelheaded young woman, but she was still a teenager.

“Zuri already knows. I think she was starting some planning, but I’m sure she’ll love it if you take over. ”

“Awesome!” Carey then practically skipped out of my office, leaving me alone.

Alone. I didn’t have much alone time anymore. Taking a deep breath, I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes as I felt my territory. It was like being wrapped in my favorite blanket, curled up in my bed.

I mentally mapped my territory, taking stock of who was where.

I knew every single werewolf in my territory well now, able to discern them all from each other.

Dirk was in the security building, clearly hiding after he ran out of my office to avoid the topic of Heath and me being a little steamy before coming home.

Heath and Landon were at the pack house, definitely in his office, probably already on the phone with the venue.

Also at the pack house were Ranger with the boys, Arlo and Benjamin.

Shamus was heading there as well with Stacy and Kody.

Roselyn and Piper were at home, while Carlos was at work.

Well, not work. He’s volunteering at the animal shelter. Sweet man. I’m glad it’s helping him.

He wasn’t alone there, either. Teagan was nearby, and I knew, with a smirk, wherever Teagan was, Olivia was nearby. I couldn’t track her well unless she used magic, but I had a feeling she was with Carlos, volunteering at the shelter.

I stayed there until Heath and Landon were on their way back. With that, I went to the kitchen and found Carey was already making dinner. She grinned at me and pointed for me to sit down. Dirk came in shortly after I did.

“I could smell the food,” Dirk said, his cheeks a little pink.

“The rest of us have to live with that couch you and Landon insist on keeping in the living room. At least do me the favor of not turning into a teenage boy when it’s me and Heath,” I said, smiling as I narrowed my eyes on him.

“Will do.” Dirk sheepishly smiled, his cheeks growing a bit redder.

“Jacky!” Heath called loudly as he entered.

“I’m right here,” I said with my inside voice. He looked a little surprised, but it was gone quickly with a grin.

“We’ve got the venue.” He came over to my side and leaned down to kiss me. “Dirk and Davor will be able to do everything necessary for security, and you don’t need to worry about a thing… except what flowers you want.”

“Look at you… Member of the Tribunal, strongest Alpha werewolf in the world, and savior of our wedding venue. Is there anything you can’t do?”

“Buy us a quiet afternoon with nothing coming up so we can spend quality time together,” Heath said, making us both laugh.

Dirk groaned while Landon fully gagged, both of them playing up their reaction.

Carey threw something that hit her dad harmlessly.

He didn’t sit down, going into the kitchen to help his daughter make dinner.

All the turmoil is worth this. We’ll find our quiet afternoons together after things have settled down.

“Tomorrow, I’m going to check in with Olivia and go visit Niko. Does anyone want to join me?” I asked as plates were being put on the table.

“I need to visit him, see how he’s doing out there,” Dirk said. “I’ll ride along.”

“Awesome. Heath? Anything big you need to deal with tomorrow?”

“Landon and Teagan will be with me going into the Tribunal. I have a meeting with Corissa and her pack about what they might have learned from the captured witches. We’ll see if anything interesting comes of those interrogations.

” He looked at Carey. “Arlo, Benjamin, Kody, and Stacy are now your permanent security detail. They passed the final testing today with Landon. Stacy is in charge, with Arlo as her second. She’s the oldest and has done pack-related duties like this the longest.”

“Okay, Dad.” Carey started eating, taking a large bite of mac and cheese, and made a face as she tried to chew and swallow. “Oh no.”

“What is it?” I asked, frowning as I took a bite of the mac and cheese she’s made, realizing the error immediately. “You used sugar instead of salt,” I said quickly, forcing myself to swallow the unusually sweet pasta and cheese.

“We’re ordering takeout,” Landon declared, pushing his plate away as Dirk pulled out his phone.

“I’m sorry! I should have tasted it before I put it in!”

“It’s fine,” Heath and I said at the same time, jumping up to start clearing the table.