“Fine. I will drop you here.” Echo put him on the ground and her wings flared and flashed as she darted into the cloud of pixies.

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  Stupid gnome. Everyone knew that Alphaica had a raven’s eye when it came to shiny things. Echo swooped through the cloud of pixies looking for the one who used to be a homicidal dryad. All of the pixies in the cloud got out of her way and it was like hunting in a school of fish. They darted away, their high-pitched squeals and giggles irritating the heck out of her.

  Aha. There she was. Autone was fluttering in a casual manner and instead of snagging her, Echo decided to ask politely. “Autone, will you please ask your people to assist us in finding the Nexus’s wedding rings? They are somewhere in the hotel and Alphie can’t remember where she put them.”

  Autone fluttered with indecision before she nodded her tiny head. She chirped orders to her folk and in seconds, the air around Echo was clear of tiny creatures.

  Echo flew back to Bitsy and landed next to him.

  “I think that may have been a tactical error.”

  “Why do you say that?” Bitsy seemed relieved that the pixies were looking for the rings. They could cover a lot more square footage than the gnomes could.

  “Because they didn’t ask me what the rings looked like. This is going to get ugly.”

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  Seesee popped her head into the hotel kitchen and smiled. A variety of snack foods was under construction and several trays were starting to circulate among the waiting guests.

  A pixie flitted into the kitchen, did a full circle and fluttered further into the hotel. Seesee didn’t know what it was up to, but she had never before seen one of Abby’s creatures exhibit that kind of focus.

  “Is everyone clear on their duties today?” She raised her voice to be heard amongst the clanging and clatter of a fully staffed kitchen. They were simply fortunate that there was no set food selection. Abby and Xander had a firm grasp of the varied diets of the races invited. It was an anything-goes buffet as long as you didn’t eat anything you couldn’t identify.

  “Yes, ma’am.” The crew saluted. One of the merfolk stepped forward. “Might I add, it is an honour to chip in on such an auspicious occasion.”

  “We thank you for helping us make the Nexus’s big day special and as far as she is concerned, nothing is going on.” The laughter that rippled through the kitchen warmed her and she nodded.

  “Salleth will wrangle anything you need.”

  She sighed. It was time to get ready for the 16

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  ceremony. Laura was speaking to the official who was going to preside over the nuptials and everything seemed to be going well.

  “Can you delay any more?” Laura was keeping a cheerful expression on her face, but inside she was tense. The rings were still nowhere to be seen.

  Rakonell scowled, her mouth pulled into a frown “No. We must have the ceremony at noon and the next at sunset.”

  “Isn’t there anything you can do?”

  “I am afraid not. They will be married at that time even if neither of them is here to say their vows. The blood they have given already on the contract is sufficient.”

  Laura groaned. “Fine. Thank you for considering it. We will be ready to go.” The woman hadn’t considered anything but manners mattered.

  Laura entered the bridal tent and looked to Buffy. She shook her head slowly and rocked the little menace that started this whole drama.

  “Alphie, hello there.” Laura made her voice as soft as she could.

  The little gnome with wings looked up from her position in her mother’s arms. “Lala?”

  “Yes, sweetie. It’s Lala.” That the creature could 17

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  speak clearly at all was a miracle. Seesee and Lala were honoured aunts. “Do you remember the shinies that your daddy had?”

  The little one sucked her lower lip and nodded.

  “Do you remember where you put them?”

  The small head shook the negative. “It was a big room with brown and smelled like Nana Abby.”

  That didn’t narrow it down. Between the shower, the giving of the trousseau and the bachelorette party, Abby had been over the entire hotel in the last week.

  Hopefully, the gnomes would have better luck.

  Laura had to get dressed for the ceremony.

  Abby’s hair and nails were done, her makeup was flawless and now it was time to step into her dress.

  Mistress Galfor brought the gown out with tremendous ceremony.

  “Oh, it’s gorgeous.”

  The relief that flickered through the goblin’s eyes gave her an inkling that something had happened she was unaware of.

  Her undergarments were put on in the middle of the room, fitted, tucked and snapped until she was laced into a tight corset that would let the gown fit perfectly. Her legs were encased in silk stockings and the panties were more of a 18

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  suggestion than a fact.

  As Galfor held the gown out for her to step into, Seesee and Laura moved to help her balance. It was a harrowing moment, but she was in her wedding gown, primped and prepped in ten minutes.

  Abby sighed. “Was there any luck with the rings?”

  Laura opened her mouth to answer when a cloud of pixies came in and showered them with gold, silver, platinum and steel rings. In less than thirty seconds, two hundred rings.

  “Oh my. It looks like they found the rings.”

  Abby giggled, a hand to her lips. “How pissed do you think the guests are right now?”

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  Chapter Four

  utrage was almost palpable. It got Xander’s O attention as he tried to calm his nerves. He could hear noises outside the tent and they were not good noises.

  Verne tried to stop him from leaving. “You don’t want to go out there. It looks like there is a riot starting up.”

  “A riot? What the hell?” Xander left the groom’s tent with his grandfather behind him.

  Raven the midwife, her handler, Eyleno, with Max the vampire abomination were dealing with a large group of irate beings, trying to keep them from heading to the bridal tent.

  “What is going on out here?” He raised his voice so it would carry.

  “Those creatures of hers stole our jewellery.”

  One of the dwarf lords was shaking his fist.

  “I beg your pardon?” Xander was surprised.

  Abby had gotten all of her creatures to be on their best behaviour.

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  One of his aunts came forward and explained.

  “The pixies came, stunned us and took our rings, then flew off to the bridal tent.”

  Xander turned and started toward the bridal tent when Max stopped him. “Where do you think you are going?”

  “I am going to find out why the pixies stole all the rings on the guests.”

  “You are not going to see Abby before the ceremony. It’s bad luck.” She crossed her arms over her ample bosom and glared at him, eye to eye.

  “You have five minutes to get to the bottom of this and tell me what is going on.” He crossed his arms and glared back.

  Max blurred and ran to the bridal tent, an impressive feat in her gown and heels. She disappeared into the floating white silk and Xander was left to face the crowd.

  “I am sure that it is nothing.” He shrugged, feeling useless.

  “That isn’t nothing. That is an heirloom.” The dwarf was irate.

  “It will be returned to you.”

  “After she has stolen the magic from it?”

  Xander had enough. The frustration of being a groom with nothing to do and this man who was intimating that Abby was up to no good with the rings was too much for him. With a roar, he 21

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  charged the dwarf and they tumbled to the ground, fists flailing.

  The solid feel of flesh beneath his fists gave him satisfaction, as did the occasional blow that the massively strong dwarf managed to land.

  They fought together until hands pulled them apart. Xander could feel blood trickling down his face and he cursed his impulse to fight. This was not the handsome groom that he had wanted to give Abby.

  Dammit.

  Max swirled into the bridal tent and eyed the collection of rings at Abby’s feet. They were being presented to her and when she cried out in delight, Max got her clue.

  “You lost the rings.”

  Abby looked up from the bands in her hand and smiled. “We found them.”

  The relief in the faces of the two bridesmaids and the seamstress was palpable. “Wonderful.

  Now, can you tell your hovering entourage to return the other rings to their rightful owners?”

  Abby laughed. “My dearest fliers. Could you please return the rings to the people you took them from?”

  The pixies chattered together, then moved as 22

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  one, picking up rings and darting out the tent flap.

  A tiny female with pink hair hovered in front of Max and gave her the sapphire ring that Gregori had presented her with. “Thank you, little one.”

  It chirped at her and giggled as it flew out to be with its brethren.

  Abby blushed. “They got yours, too?”

  “I didn’t even notice. Abby, you are stunning.”

  She smiled and touched her dress. “Thank you. I feel pretty.”

  Max laughed. “You are. Now, I will inform Xander of what is going on before there is a riot.

  See you at the ceremony.”

  “Thanks, Max.” Abby waved as she left.

  Shaking her head and moving as quickly as she dared, Max arrived just in time to see a fistfight break out between the obnoxious dwarf and the groom.

  A frustrated pixie hovered nearby with the dwarf’s ring. Max held out her hand and the creature landed. “Let the boys have their moment.”

  Raven was nearby, so Max wandered over.

  “Hello again, Raven. Nice day.”

  Raven’s lips twitched. “Tell me about it. Yes, lovely weather. That is a fabulous dress.”

  “Thank you. Galfor strikes again.” The fitted silk gown hugged every ample curve of her tall frame, highlighting her hips and the narrowness of 23

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  her waist. The vee of the neckline dipped low, but the built-in structure kept her breasts where they were supposed to be.

  “Raven, do you know of any healers nearby, like, in this crowd maybe?”

  The pixies were returning the rings and several people were blushing. Apparently, their thoughts were of an unkind nature and having the rings back embarrassed them.

  “Sure. The goblin, to the left. Kaskal. He is excellent, why?”

  “Oh, I am pretty sure that we don’t want a scuffed groom at the altar and it is almost noon.”

  Raven caught on. “If the ladies are dressed, I will fetch Galfor to do damage control on Xander.”

  Max gave her a thumbs-up and stepped forward with the pixie in hand. “Oy, Lord Mortiven. Here is your damned ring.”

  The pixie hovered in front of the dwarf and he picked up the ring with swollen fingers.

  Xander was looking sheepish as he wiped blood from his golden skin.

  Max crossed to Kaskal and asked, “Are you a healer?”

  “I am.” He was grinning.

  “Will you?” She gestured to Xander.

  “I will.” Kaskal strode to Xander and the elf shouted as he was healed. Apparently, Kaskal used the burn healing that was fast but painful. It 24

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  served the elf right.

  Max’s mouth watered slightly at the blood, but she eyed Xander’s face. It was good. “Groomsman!

  Get him prepped. Noon is almost upon us.”

  Verne nodded and grabbed Xander by the arm, hauling him bodily back to the groom’s tent.

  Rakonell was in her robes and clapped her hands. “People, please get to your seats. We will begin in a few minutes.” She looked up to the sun.

  “Five minutes.”

  Xander cursed as he looked down at his torn and stained formal tunic. The rich blue was shredded in a few spots and his boots were scuffed. “I really should have held my temper.”

  “There is a reason that the wolves have fights and games at weddings. It lets us blow off steam.

  Now get your boots off.”

  Mistress Galfor charged into the tent and ordered, “Strip. I have a spare tunic for you, but if you blow this one, you are on your own.”

  His lips twitched as he removed his clothing.

  “Someone warned you?”

  “Yes. Now get out of that tunic, brush your trousers and fix your hair. You need to be at the altar, now.” The goblin unzipped a bag and withdrew a copy of his tunic, down to the 25

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  embroidery.

  Xander took a look at his wild hair and quickly tidied it. He also scrubbed off a few smudges on his face and washed his hands. When he was ready, he turned to Galfor and she helped him into his tunic.

  He belted it with a wide sash that the seamstress jerked and tucked until it was perfect.

  “Boots?”

  Verne presented the footwear with a flourish and a glossy finish. He knelt and helped Xander into his boots, then stood and let Galfor finish his sash as well.

  Miklos emerged from the back, straightening his sash and putting on sunglasses. “It’s time.”

  Xander looked at the vampire in surprise.

  “Have you been back there the whole time?”

  “Pretty much. I came in at dawn and was reading a book. What did I miss?”

  Laughing, Verne clapped him on the shoulder and they sobered their expressions for the procession.

  Xander turned to Galfor before she could leave.

  “Thank you, Mistress Galfor. Your efforts on Abby’s and my behalf have been truly beyond the call of duty. Our sincerest thanks.”

  She smiled. “It has been an honour to serve.” A tear formed in her eye as she nodded and left the tent as quickly as she had come.

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  Miklos went to the tent flap and nodded. A low drumming began and Xander straightened. It was time to make Abby his.

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  Chapter Five

  bby took a deep breath and listened to the A drumming. When the drumming stopped, her bridesmaids would proceed, then her creatures and then she would make her way down the path to Xander.

  Flowers would not be carried in the procession.

  Magic was going to be carried instead.

  Abby charged the large glass balls quickly. She had enough joyous energy inside her to power a small city and it was a relief to get rid of some of it.

  Small beads were ready for the pixies and super balls for the gnomes, gargoyles and the small elves.

  Everyone was carrying magic, her dowry to Xander’s family. It was an old tradition, but she had the magic, so sharing it with the Desmiths was fine with her.

  The drums ceased, Laura and Seesee picked up their orbs and started to walk. Gaia was being carried by her mother and Abby wished she could see the little one waving at people as she passed 28

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  them.

  As the bridesmaids left the tent, Hellebore began to sing a hypnotic, lilting tune. The gnomes and elves went next.

  May I sit on your shoulder?

  Abby smiled at her dragon. Yes, you may. He is promising to be true to all of us after all.

  The dragon landed on her shoulder and preened.

  Laughing, Abby watched the gargoyles take their balls and flit out toward their audience and then the pixies lit the interior of the tent with their beads of magic.

  She pressed a hand to her chest and smiled when she felt the rings, right where they were supposed to be, next to her heart with a magical charge that could make the world tremble.

  With the pixies lighting the way, she walked out into the noonday sun, a crowd of magical creatures watching her with rapt attention.

  Hellebore’s voice soared as Abby emerged with a cloud of pixies surrounding her. She felt pretty, magical and most of all, like a bride.

  Between her hands, she pulled a ball of magic and held it as she paced slowly toward the altar where Xander was waiting. She smiled at him, a smile that held all of her joy at being here with him and sharing this time and their love with those they held dear.

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  He looked vaguely stunned but very happy.

  Tears gleamed in his eyes as she approached. She held the magic in her left hand and took his right hand with her own.

  Rakonell beamed at them both. “Welcome, one and all, to this union of Annabeth Hanover and Alexander Desmith.

  “To say that these two were destined for each other would be an understatement to any who have seen their love grow in the strangest of circumstances.”

  The crowd laughed.

  “But beneath the bizarre bonding, the strange friends and the unusual events that haunted their first moments together came a deep and abiding love and trust that we are here together today to celebrate.

  Rakonell opened a large empty box. “Annabeth, do you have your dowry?”

  She smiled at Rakonell and gestured to her maids and creatures. “I hereby give this magic to the Desmith family as I prepare to join them.”

  The orbs piled into the box followed by the ball of concentrated magic. The box was closed and Reginald Desmith came forward.

  “We accept this dowry and welcome Abby into our family.” He bowed and retreated.

 

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