Page 38 of Echoes and Oaths (Guardian Security Dynasty #4)
Guests shifted and murmured in delight as the wedding party took their places.
There was a sense of anticipation, and Jinx was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
He watched the door open, and Teo walked out.
The little boy waved at him and started down the aisle.
But halfway down the aisle, a small disruption drew laughter.
The two-year-old stood frozen in place, clutching the velvet ring pillow with chubby fingers, eyes wide as a fluffy brown-and-white puppy darted out from behind the rows and tumbled straight toward him.
One of the rescues-in-training had wriggled out of the kennels near the stables.
Teo, unimpressed by the formality of the moment, plopped right down on the aisle runner with a giggle and began patting the excited puppy's ears, forgetting entirely about the pillow and the crowd watching him.
From the side, Jinx’s deep chuckle rolled across the space. In his tailored black tuxedo, which was modern-cut with a crisp white shirt, no tie, and just a small silver pin of a wolf’s head at the collar, he broke rank from his spot at the altar and strode down the aisle.
He crouched beside Teo, murmuring something that made the little boy laugh and press a kiss to his father's cheek. Jinx lifted his son and the ring pillow, while the puppy scampered happily behind them.
“Guess the no animal policy was busted,” he said as he returned to his place, setting Teo down gently beside one of the groomsmen with a wink .
And then the music changed.
Eira stepped into the light of the barn doors.
Gasps rose from the crowd. Her gown was breathtaking.
It was a soft ivory fabric that clung to her curves before flaring slightly at the bottom.
The hem was embroidered with delicate wildflower motifs that mirrored the ones blooming around the barn.
When she turned to kiss her mother, he noticed the back dipped into a graceful V, and her shoulders were bare except for two sheer, off-the-shoulder sleeves that fluttered slightly in the breeze.
Her dark hair was swept up into some kind of updo, loose strands curling around her cheeks.
Tucked within the style was a silver comb shaped like flowers, which Raven had gifted her.
Escorting her down the aisle, Eira’s mother wore a deep amethyst dress with lace sleeves and a gently flared skirt. The woman’s proud smile shone brighter than the new jewels at her ears. She squeezed Eira’s hand, whispering something that made her daughter laugh before stepping back to her seat.
As Eira walked slowly toward Jinx, the puppy gave a joyful bark, Teo clapped, and Jinx stood utterly still, his expression filled with awe and reverence. This was his world. The people he trusted, the woman of his dreams, and the son he loved more than he could imagine.
He offered his hand without a word, and she took it, their fingers lacing together effortlessly.
The crowd quieted.
The wind softened.
And beneath the open rafters of the barn, with the family, bonded and blood, that Jinx loved surrounding them, they promised forever.
The reception was in full swing as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of lavender and autumn golds and oranges.
Strings of Edison bulbs crisscrossed above the barnyard, casting golden pools of light over long wooden tables set with wildflower centerpieces and mason jars filled with sweet tea and beer.
A live band played softly near the barn doors, their music drifting over the gentle hum of laughter and clinking glasses.
At one of the round tables near the edge of the gathering, the assassins had clustered like their own little lethal and low-key storm system, tucked just far enough from the dance floor to avoid being asked to waltz or, God forbid, polka.
Rook leaned back in his chair, boots crossed at the ankle, sipping from a dark bottle of stout.
His sharp gaze scanned the crowd. It was instinct.
Phantom sat beside him, methodically disassembling and reassembling a silver cigar cutter he’d been given as a groomsman gift, his tie already loosened.
Viper and Specter nursed bourbons with slow, calculated sips.
Their silence was as comfortable as ever.
Demon, in a dark charcoal vest and sleeves rolled up, had one arm slung casually over the back of a chair, chuckling at something Raven said.
Raven, the only woman among them, had traded her usual jeans for a slim black jumpsuit and boots that still looked like she could sprint a mile if necessary.
Her messy bun hadn’t survived the night, and a few strands framed her face as she laughed, sharp and genuine, at a memory one of them actually voiced aloud.
Taboo, but they’d swept the area before the ceremony.
Berserker thumped a heavy boot on the table leg as he leaned in. “I’m just saying, if I ever say I’m thinking about getting married, someone better stop me. Like, physically.”
“You’d terrify the officiant,” Specter deadpanned.
Rook smirked. “Assuming you survive to the altar.”
“Odds are slim,” Phantom added, still fiddling with the cutter.
“Appreciate the support, assholes.” Berserker grinned. “With friends like you, I’ll never get married. Totally fucking awesome.”
Just then, Jinx walked over, his tux jacket unbuttoned, a dark smudge of icing at the edge of his shirt sleeve from where Teo had smashed a cupcake into his arm earlier. He looked relaxed, loose in a way only they would recognize. Tonight, he was finally happy. The evidence was everywhere.
“Well, look at this rogue’s gallery,” Jinx said, sliding into the open space beside Raven and snagging one of the bourbon bottles from the table. “We keep this table together too long, and someone will report an international incident.”
“Only if Rook keeps talking about your dance moves,” Demon replied with a grin.
Jinx groaned. “That was not a dance. That was Teo dragging me into a sugar-fueled stampede.”
Raven tilted her head. “Looked like you were enjoying yourself.”
“I was,” Jinx said, quieter this time. “Never thought I’d get this.”
For a moment, they all sat with that truth. The idea that any of them would live long enough for a day like this. A glorious sunset, vows, and peace, if only for a few hours.
Then …
Bzzzt. Bzzzt.
Berserker’s phone vibrated against the table.
He grabbed it, eyes scanning the encrypted message. His entire body shifted instantly, the relaxed lines of a wedding guest sharpening into the ready poise of a killer.
He stood. “Got a call sign ping. Unscheduled.”
Rook’s phone lit up a second later. Raven’s did, too.
Rook’s voice was low as Ring’s voice came over all of all their comms. He tapped his ear. “Where?”
“Madrid. Secondary target surfaced. High-level intel, time-sensitive. We have a primary for immediate extraction if confirmed hostile.”
Berserker stood without a word, finishing his drink in a single swallow. He placed the glass on the table. Raven followed suit, pulling a tie from her hair and twisting it into a ponytail.
Berserker glanced at Jinx, one brow raised. “You good if we slip out early?”
Jinx gave a single nod. “Always.”
Raven’s gaze softened slightly. “Tell Eira goodbye for us.”
“I will.”
As they turned and walked away, slipping through the barn doors into the falling night, Jinx watched them go. Not with worry, but with understanding. It was the life. Always waiting, always watching. But just this once, for today, he wasn’t part of it.
He turned back to the laughter and firelight, to where Teo was now sleepily curled on a blanket on Mrs. Macy’s lap, and Eira dancing slowly with her mother.
His life was right here.
And it was good.