Three Cases and a Wedding

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Chapter 1

                  “You ready?” asked my mother, Fiona Beddau, who was sitting next to me in court.

                  “Sure,” I replied.

                  I was then called by the prosecutor to take the stand.

                  Being this was a magical court the swearing in process was a little different than a mortal court; instead of swearing to tell the truth, an honesty spell is cast to ensure that the truth is told. In fact it makes telling a lie impossible.

                  The prosecutor was a woman named Verna Vasquez.

                  “Ms. Beddau please tell us what happened the night you arrested the accused.”

                  “I was working a stakeout with my partner, Connor Locksley. I watched as the accused departed her club and headed to The Majestic Hotel with a young man, later identified as James Collins,” I stated.

                  “And what is the significance of The Majestic Hotel?” asked Verna.

                  “It has been the location for numerous illegal transformations,” I replied.

                  The “accused” was a woman named Tori Black. She ran a local night club and a prostitution ring. The reason this case was being handled by the magical court system was that she had been transforming local males into female and transgendered prostitutes. The previous witnesses had gone over this part of the trial in great detail.

                  “And what did you do next?”

                  “I followed her inside,” I replied. “I trailed her up to her room where I detected the transformation spell by using a standard recognition crystal.  The spell had not yet been used and I called for backup.”

                  The spell that Tori was using was very powerful because it contained several controlled substances. The crystal detected these ingredients.

                  I noticed Tori lean over and whisper to her lawyer who just nodded, but didn’t make any objections.

                  “Yet you didn’t wait for backup, is that correct?” asked Verna.

                  I nodded. “The crystal changed color from violet to red, showing that the spell was about to be cast. I notified Connor who immediately authorized me to stop her.”

                  “And what did you do?” asked Verna. “Did you knock the door down?”

                  “No, I first cast a protection spell and then I knocked on the door,” I replied. “I pretended that I was looking for someone.”

                  “And did the accused open the door?”

                  I shook my head. “Not initially, but I kept knocking on the door and…well I began to shout.”

                  “What did you say?” asked Verna.

                  “I claimed to be a very angry girlfriend. I beat on the door and shouted that I saw my boyfriend go in there with another woman. I was making quite a scene and I called them a few names. I suspected that Tori wouldn’t want hotel security to arrive to break up the commotion.”

                  “So what happened next?”

                  “The door opened and Tori told me to go away…or I would regret it the rest of my life,” I replied. “I continued to shout for my ‘boyfriend’ to come out of hiding. I also called Tori a few unflattering names.”

                  There were some smiles and stifled snickers from the jury.

                  “What did the defendant do when you refused to leave?”

                  “She tried to immobilize me with a spell… but it was a weak spell designed only for mortals and thanks to my protection spell it had no effect on me,” I replied.

                  “And after she cast the spell, what did you do next?”

                  “I returned the favor except my spell was stronger… and I froze her in place,” I answered.  “I then entered the room and checked on the male. He was tied up on the bed and unconscious. There was a bottle that looked as if it contained a liquid form of the transformation spell on the night stand. There were also appliances on the dresser.  I notified Connor what happened and waited for his arrival.”

                  “What do you mean by appliances?” she asked.

                  “Ridiculously large breasts and a vagina; the material appeared to have been soaked in the transformation spell. They appeared to be similar to the ones used on others,” I replied.

                  “Are these the items?” she asked as she pointed to a table that held the evidence.

                  “Yes,” I replied.

                  “Thank you, Iona, I have no other questions,” stated Verna.

                  The defense attorney stood up and approached the witness stand.

                  “You said that the defendant cast a spell on you, yet it didn’t work because it was a spell designed for mortals, is that correct?”

                  I nodded. “Along with the protection spell that I had cast.”

                  I then described the protection spell in detail.

                  The layer scratched her head.  “I don’t understand…on the one hand you claim that my client is a very dangerous and skilled sorceress and on the other you claim she used the wrong type of spell on you…if she’s as accomplished as you and the prosecution say she is, why didn’t she detect your aura?”

                  I wasn’t that surprised that this came up. Thanks to my unique background I didn’t project a magical aura even though I had very strong powers.

                  “I cannot answer that question in open court,” I replied.

                  “Cannot or will not?” asked the defense attorney.

                  Verna immediately objected.

                  The judge looked over at me with a confused look on his face.

                  “What do you mean Ms. Beddau?” he asked.

                  I repeated my early answer.

                  “Will you answer it in closed chambers?” he asked.

                  “Yes, your honor,” I replied.

                  Five minutes later I was standing in front of the judge along with my mother, Verna, and the defense attorney.

                  “Before she answers, I need you three to sign these forms of nondisclosure,” stated Fiona.

                  The judge was about to protest until he read that the form was from the high council.

                  The three signed the forms without protest. No one disobeyed the high council.  Also I should point out that the forms were also magical. If any of them broke the privacy statement their life would get very complicated. The forms had a protection spell that would cause them to suffer from a severe memory loss. The problem was the spell wasn’t exact and the memory loss could wipe out anywhere from a few hours to a few months; needless to say this was sufficient to keep people from violating the privacy act.

                  “The reason that I don’t project an aura is that I was once a mortal male,” I stated. I then told them how I was had once been a man called Roger Lyons and I had been involved in a body swap with the original Iona Beddau. I shouldn’t have acquired her powers, but I did because it turned out that my family had repressed powers inherited from my great grandmother.

                  “I can understand why the council is determined to keep this a secret, it does give you a distinct advantage in undercover work,” stated the judge. He rubbed his chin for a moment. “It also has no bearing on this case. The defendant exposed her powers first.”

                  The defense attorney reluctantly agreed.

                  We returned to the courtroom and the trial continued.  The defense attorney had a few other questions, but I easily answered them.  When I left the stand I glanced over at Tori. She stared back at me with pure hatred. Oh well, I didn’t go into law enforcement to make friends.

Chapter 2

                  “How’d I do?” I asked Fiona as we walked out of the courtroom.

                  “Very good,” she replied.

                  “Thanks for flying in to be here with me,” I replied.

                  Fiona smiled back. “I’m happy you called me.”

                  “So what do you think of the case?” I asked.

                  She rolled her eyes. “It’s a waste of time; I don’t know why the defense hasn’t tried to make a deal.”

                  I nodded.

                  “So what do you think her punishment will be?”

                  “Severe. She used banned spells and what makes it worse is that they cannot be reversed,” said Fiona.

                  “You want some coffee?” I asked. “I’m buying.”

                  Fiona smiled back. “I’d like that.”

                  We stopped in the courthouse coffee shop and placed our order.

                  “What can be done for the victims?” I asked.

                  Fiona sighed. “Those that have been totally transformed into women will have to live out their lives as female. We have been able to restore their intellect and lower their sex drive. Some have requested memory spells to wipe out their recollections of what was done to them.”

                  “I’m surprised that they all haven’t,” I replied. “What about Autumn?”

                  Autumn had been one of Tori’s victims. He had once been an adult male called Aaron and Tori had transformed him into a transgendered teen called Autumn.

                  “She’s undergoing therapy,” replied Fiona. “Afterwards if she wants, we will transform her into a complete female.”

                   I nodded.

                  Our names were called and I went up and picked up our coffee. The courthouse was known for its excellent coffee.

                  “Thank you,” she stated as I handed her the cup of coffee. “So how’s the rest of your life going?”

                  “Oh just great,” I replied with sarcasm. “My wedding…correction ‘weddings’ are in three weeks and I’m involved in two major investigations…other than that nothing much is happening.”

                  Yes, Bill and I were finally getting married. We were having two ceremonies, a normal mainstream one and a magical one.

                  The first one would take place in Coronado on the beach and would include all the standard wedding ceremony bells and whistles. I had friends and family flying in from all over for it. The second ceremony…the magical one… would take place at night and would be more private.

                  Fiona smiled. “You’re doing fine.”

                  I reluctantly nodded as I took a sip of my coffee. “You’re right…I’m actually enjoying all this.”

                  “How do you like working with Conner?” she asked.

                  “He’s impressive… I learn something new everyday…I can also see why Aunt Kayla is so in love with him,” I replied.

                  “I’m happy for her,” replied Fiona.

                  “What about you, Mom?” I asked.

                  She smiled back. “I like that you call me that now…well, I’m sort of seeing someone.”

                  Fiona and I had slowly been building up a relationship. It still has a way to go, but I was becoming closer to her.

                  “Really?” I asked as I broke out in a smile. “Tell me about them?”

                  “We’ve just gone out to dinner a few times. His name is Bryan Wayne...he’s a doctor.”

                  “Cool, when do I meet him?” I asked.

                  “I was hoping that I could bring him to your wedding,” she stated.

                  “Absolutely,” I replied.

                  “Thank you,” she replied as she took a drink. “I know that our relationship is complicated, but I want you to know that I’m very proud of you…as your friend and as a mother.”

                  It was all I could do to not break out crying.

                  “Thank you, Mom,” I replied.

Chapter 3

                  We had just finished our coffee when Connor walked into the coffee shop.

                  “The defense just requested a meeting with the prosecutor,” he stated.

                  Fiona gave a knowing smile.

                  “What do you think?” I asked.

                  “I suspect that your testimony was the final nail in the coffin so to speak. Tori can’t afford to take the stand...not with a truth spell in place,” he replied.

                  “So if she makes a plea, what do you think she’ll get?” I asked.

                  “I don’t know, but considering the number of victims in this case…it will be severe,” he replied.

                  In human court, serve would mean life without parole…in a magic court it could mean transformation into some sort of lower species for life or even something worse.

                  “Well, she hurt a lot of people…I hope she gets the book thrown at her,” I replied.

                  Connor nodded. “There’s no sense in us staying around here…Verna will call us as soon as the deal is over. We should go back to the office; you can give me an update on your other cases.”

                  I hugged Fiona goodbye and Connor and I drove to our office.

Chapter 4

                  I have to admit that I found it slightly amusing that an entire magical judicial system existed secretly alongside the mortal legal system and that most people were none the wiser.  An agreement had been reached decades ago to distribute cases to the correct justification.  I currently worked as an investigator for magical cases.  Once we caught the perp it was decided who would prosecute. I loved my job and was… not to sound like I was bragging…quite good at it.

                  I had been studying to be a lawyer, but I found that this was my true calling. Besides my future husband was currently an assistant DA for San Diego. He handled mortal cases, but sometimes he acted as a go between for the two legal systems.

                  While Connor and I mainly worked magical cases, there were many in the San Diego Police Department who handled both types of cases. Some of these officers had powers and some didn’t.  The benefit of working with the mortal legal system was that it helped to keep cases involving magic out of the news. While many people could handle the fact that magical beings lived alongside them…these people were in the minority. I also learned that most people were perfectly happy to be in the dark.

                  The truth is, most magical folk just want to live out their lives in peace. The trouble was that when the laws were violated there was usually a lot of damage…and many people ended up hurt or in some cases dead.

                  Even though we worked out of San Diego, we handled cases all over the country as not every city was as progressive as San Diego. The High Council had decreed that magical folk should obey all laws and this gave us the authority to prosecute.

                  We entered our office and sat down. I stared my computer and logged in.

                  “Which case do you want to hear about first?” I asked.

                  “Let’s talk about Miranda Stroud,” he stated.

                  I nodded as I called up the file.

                  Miranda Stroud was a young woman…human…who had discovered that she had an ability to use magic. This was rare, but not illegal. We only got involved when the magic was used to hurt others or break the law.

                  In Miranda’s case she had transformed a young man into a woman…not out of revenge or anything like that…she just wanted to see if the spell worked.  It was a pretty selfish and stupid act. However Miranda hadn’t changed him completely into a woman…her victim needed SRS to complete the transformation.

                  “I’m going over to talk to the one who was transformed…Molly Phillips tomorrow and then I’ll go question Miranda,” I said. “There hasn’t been any other misuse of magic reported.”

                  He nodded. “Hopefully this one won’t have to go to trial.”

                  Many of our cases were handled without going to court. This usually involved confiscating of materials and spell books. In rare cases the perpetrator was punished on the spot. I had been involved in a few cases like that and they were usually pretty scary.

                  “What about the other one?” he asked.

                  I sighed as I called up the case.

                  “Bromberg, Inc is suspected of using a spell to boost the drive and initiative of management by stealing it from other employees. The side effect is that the victim is both feminized and made very obedient and submissive. The spell being used is irreversible,” I read aloud.

                  “They recently opened a new branch here in San Diego, right?” he asked.

I nodded as I scrolled down.

“The manager is named Pamela Kennedy…a scan of her showed that she has used the spell to boost her status,” I read.  “The company’s new office now has over sixty employees and is due to expand to another hundred over the next two years.”

“Is Pamela human?” he asked.

“She isn’t magical…after what she’s done to her employees I wouldn’t exactly call her human either,” I replied.

Connor actually smiled at that one.

“We know she transformed her first personal assistant when she came out here…his name was David Chambers…it’s now Gina Brody as she left the company and got married. Pamela’s newest assistant has also been transformed and is named Kelly.”

“And this is being done at all Bromberg offices?” he asked.

“Yep,” I replied. “We did get a tip that they have a sorceress on the payroll and that she’s due to come out here next week.”

“Okay, why don’t you take the Miranda case yourself and we’ll take the Bromberg one together,” he stated.

“Cool,” I replied.

Chapter 5

                  I drove over to see Molly Phillips the next morning. She lived with her roommate, a woman named Sharon Richards. From our file I knew that Sharon knew about Molly’s transformation.

                  The two women greeted me and invited me into their apartment.

                  In cases like this I found it was easier to just tell the people involved the truth about my visit. I mean, they obviously knew that magic existed and it seemed insulting to lie to them.

                  “To be honest, I’ve sort of expected someone to show up one day,” said Sharon.

                  “So what are you going to do to Miranda?” asked Molly.

                  “That depends on Miranda…and you,” I replied.

                  “You mean, do I want her punished?” asked Molly.

                  “You have the right to file charges against her,” I replied. “We have a legal system to handle cases like yours.”

                  Molly looked at Sharon and then back at me.

                  “If you had arrived soon after she changed me I would consider it…but I’ve sort of moved on with my life,” replied Molly.

                  She went to explain how she had been financially compensated by Miranda. She had enough money to complete her post graduate degree and to pay for her surgery. She had also come out to her family and for the most part they had accepted her.

                  “I’m not saying that it has been easy,” continued Molly. “I’m still in therapy for the sexual assault…too bad he didn’t use magic…I would definitely press charges against the bastard.”

                  “I understand that he’s in prison,” I stated.

                  Molly nodded. “Yes, he got a nice long sentence. I hope he dies there.”

                  “And what about Miranda?” I asked.

                  “She has kept her word to stay away from magic…we took all her books and notes,” said Molly.

                  “Really?” I asked.

                  Sharon nodded. “Do you want them?”

                  “Yes, that would make my job much easier,” I replied.

                  Sharon got up and returned a short time later with a large box that was filled with books and papers.

                  “We made her give us them,” said Sharon. “Of course, she might have acquired others since then.”

                  Molly shook her head. “No, I doubt that…I honestly think she changed. I mean, I doubt that I’ll ever fully forgive…or even understand why she did this to me…but I think she realized the pain she caused. I also think she’s frightened by what she did.”

                  “I hope you’re right,” I replied.

                  “So what are you going to do now?” asked Molly.

                  “I’ll go over and talk to her,” I replied.

                  “Can I go with you?” asked Molly.

                  It wasn’t against the rules and it would make it easier so I agreed.

Chapter 6

                  We drove over to Miranda’s home together.

                  “So how did you find out about this?” asked Molly. “Or can’t you tell us that?”

                  I glanced over at her and smiled. “It’s complicated…but we have agents out and about who let us know when they detect usage of magic.”

                  “How do they do that?” asked Sharon.

                  “Magic leaves a residual force that can be detected by others,” I replied.

                  “Can you do that?” asked Molly.

                  I shook my head. “The ones who detect it report it to us and we investigate it and determine if it was illegal. There are rules for the use of magic.”

                  “Do you have powers?” asked Molly.

                  I nodded as I didn’t see any reason to lie to them.

                  “So you have to follow the rules too?” asked Sharon.

                  “The rules are even stricter for those with powers as we’re taught responsibility…someone like Miranda is cut more slack because she wasn’t.”

                  We arrived at Miranda’s home and stepped out of the car…and I froze as I sensed that others had gotten here before we did. I also realized that all three of us were in extreme danger.

                  “Get back in the car,” I stated.

                  “What’s wrong?” asked Molly.

                  “Please…just do as I say,” I said as I walked towards Miranda’s front door. I glanced over my shoulder and saw that they were doing what I asked. I then cast a protection spell over them. Before entering the house I called Connor and told him what I sensed.

                  “Are they in the house?” he asked.

                  “Yes,” I replied.

                  “Do you think that Miranda is still alive?”

                  “I…I’m not sure,” I replied.

                  “I’m sending backup,” he stated.

                  “I’m going in…there’s a chance they haven’t killed her…yet,” I replied.

                  There was a long pause before he replied. “Be careful.”

Chapter 7

                  The front door was unlocked and I quietly entered the house. I sensed that the Freiberg siblings were upstairs.  They belonged to a clan that took it upon themselves to punish mortals who used magic.  Their clan felt that it was a crime for humans to use to magic and the only punishment was death. They also hated those like me who worked within the law.

                  The Freibergs particularly despised me as I had bested them in another case. It would be tough going up against them by myself, but I had an advantage, while I could sense them…they couldn’t do the same as my aura was difficult to read.

                  I cast a protection spell before walking up the stairs. It would guard me from any curses cast in my direction. It wouldn’t protect me from knives and I knew that was Davin Freiberg’s preferred weapon.

                  As I walked up the stairs I could hear them throwing things around. They must have been looking for Miranda’s books and notes…and that meant that she was probably dead.

                  I reached the top of the stairs and walked down the hall to where the commotion was occurring.  It appeared to be a bedroom that had been converted into an office. I peeked inside and saw Davin and Aila Freiberg tearing the room apart. I also saw Miranda’s body lying on the floor. They had obviously tortured her before killing her.

                  I glanced at my watch and wondered what was keeping my backup.

                  “Damnit…the bitch lied to us,” cursed Davin. “I told you we shouldn’t have killed her before we found her books!”

                  Alia snapped back at him in some language that I didn’t recognize.

                  “The hell with it…let’s just burn the whole place down,” he stated.

                  “Then we go take care of her friends…maybe the one who was changed knows something,” replied Aila. “Either way, I’m going to enjoy hurting them.”

                  I stepped into the doorway.

                  “Still a sadistic freak….I see you haven’t changed one bit,” I exclaimed.

                  “You!” shouted Aila.

                  “No, it’s Iona,” I replied.

                  “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

                  “I’m working as a runner now…and you’re under arrest,” I replied.

                  I was about to cast a freeze spell on them when Aila struck first, she threw a small crystal down on the ground and it immediately exploded into a ball of fire.

                  The force of the explosion threw me back into the hallway. Thankfully my protection spell saved me from being injured. It formed a bubble of energy around me.  While I wasn’t injured I was shaken from being tossed twenty feet by the explosion.

                  By the time I recovered the room was ablaze and there was no way I could get in.  I rushed out of the house just in time to see the Freibergs escaping out the back. I was relived to see that Molly and Sharon were okay.

                  “Are you okay?” asked Molly as she rushed out of the car to my side. “Are you on fire?”

                  My clothes were smoking slightly from the explosion. “I’m okay,” I replied as I pulled out my phone.

                  “Where’s Miranda?” asked Sharon.

                  I shook my head.

                  “Did those two kill her?” asked Molly.

                  I nodded as I reached Connor and told him what happened.

Chapter 8

                  “Are you okay?” asked Connor when he arrived at the scene.

                  I nodded. “Just a few bruises…the spell saved me from being toasted.”

                  “Too bad it didn’t protect your clothes,” he stated.

                  I nodded. My top was singed and my jeans had a few holes burned in them. They also stunk from the smoke.

                  “Put in a claim…it’s a legitimate business expense,” he continued.

                  “I’m more interested in getting the people who are responsible for this….they killed a girl…burnt down a house…”

                  “We’ve put out an APB for the Freibergs,” he interrupted.

                  “I should have gone after them,” I lamented.

                  Conner shook his head. “No, you did the right thing and ensured that Molly and Sharon were safe. And don’t blame yourself for Miranda’s death…no one knew that she was in danger.”

                  “Yeah, but how did they find out about her? I thought we found the mole,” I stated.

                  Connor sighed. “Unfortunately there are those in our community who sympathize with the Freibergs and their kind. Sometimes it’s because they feel that mortals shouldn’t have access to magic and others do it because they feel it’s the only way that someone will be punished.”

                  “Do you think that they’ll go after anyone else?” I asked.

                  “Maybe,” he replied.

                  “I want them,” I stated.

                  “You have enough on your plate as it is…don’t forget you’re getting married soon,” he replied.

                  “Do you think they’ll go after Pamela Kennedy?” I asked.

                  “I hope so, we’ve got her under surveillance,” he replied. “I’ll notify them to keep an eye out for the Freibergs. I’m more concerned that they may come after you.”

                  “We could only be so lucky,” I remarked.

                  Connor grinned slightly. “I know you want to take them down…but they are a tough pair…you might need help.”

                  I cocked my head. “Do you mean what I think you do?”

                  He nodded.

                  “And you don’t mind?” I asked.

                  “No, not at all. I have to admit that I’m a little envious that you are friends with one of them…we know so little about their race.”

                  “Okay, I’ll give him…or it might be her…a call. But first I want to talk to Molly and Sharon.”

                  Molly, Sharon and their friend Kelly were placed in protective custody. The last thing we needed was the Freibergs killing innocent people.

                  “Okay, but make it fast…our supervisor will want to hear your report,” he stated.

Chapter 9

                  “I’m sorry that we didn’t get there sooner,” I said to Molly and Sharon.

                  “We know that, Iona,” said Molly. “Are you sure that you’re okay?”

                  I nodded.

                  “I can’t believe that Miranda is dead,” sighed Sharon.

                  “We’ll catch them…I know that won’t bring Miranda back,” I stated.

                  “So what will happen now?” asked Molly.

                  “You’ll be protected until we catch the Freibergs…they think you have Miranda’s notes.”

                  I told them why the Freibergs killed their friend.

                  “So they’re vigilantes?” asked Molly.

                  “I guess that’s as good of a word as any,” I replied. “They had no right to kill Miranda.”

                  “They tired to kill you too,” said Molly.

                  I nodded. “It’s my job…we have a bit of a history…they don’t like me very much. I plan on putting them away for good this time.”

                  “You know, if it wasn’t for that fact that our lives are in danger this would be pretty cool. I mean, when I was transformed it was a bit exciting to know that magic is real…and now meeting you and knowing that here are people with powers out there is fantastic. Oh, don’t worry we won’t tell anyone,” stated Molly.

                  “I know that,” I replied.

                  “Besides, who would believe us,” added Sharon.

Chapter 10

                  I had to head back to the office to change my clothes and to finish my report. I also called Fiona and told her everything. She was very interested in the crystal that the Freibergs used.

                  “It had a horrible odor,” I added.

                  “Brimstone,” replied Fiona. “Our tests should confirm this.”

                  “I thought that stuff was illegal,” I remarked.

                  “Very illegal and very difficult to acquire,” she replied. “You were very lucky today, Iona. A brimstone powered explosion can counter most protection spells.”

                  “Is that why my clothes were ruined?” I asked.

                  “Exactly,” she replied. “Save them please. We can run tests on the clothing for brimstone residue.”

                  “Anything else?” I asked.

                  “Not concerning work…how’s the planning for the wedding coming along?” she asked.

                  “You mean weddings,” I replied.

                  “Of course,” she replied.

                  I would be having two ceremonies; a large public traditional one and a smaller private event later that night.

                  “Everything is going according to schedule,” I replied. “Most of my friends will be arriving late next week. Jen Stevens used her connections and reserved a several floors of a local hotel. She’s providing her jets to fly most of them in.”

                  “You’re very fortunate to have so many friends,” she replied.

                  I knew that Fiona wasn’t completely happy that I told so many people about my unique background. However, I wasn’t worried about my friends…many of them had secrets almost as interesting as mine.

                  “Are you still coming out next week?” I asked.

                  “Of course,” she replied.

                  “I’m happy to hear that…I can’t believe that we’re finally tying the knot,” I stated.

                  “Bill is a wonderful man and you two make a great couple,” she said.

                  I knew that she really liked Bill.

                  We talked for a few minutes.

                  “Iona, please be careful,” she stated. “The Freibergs are very dangerous.”

                  “I know Mom…I’m taking special precautions…and I’m calling in an old friend.”

Chapter 11

                  On my way home I got a phone call.

                  “Hi, Iona, I got your message, what’s up?” asked the woman.

                  “So you’re still a woman,” I replied with a grin.

                  “Of course…I mean I am going to be one of your bridesmaids and I wouldn’t miss that for the world,” replied Michaela.

                  Michaela, who I also knew as Mick, was a nonhuman being that I had befriended several years ago. Michaela came from a mysterious race, sometimes called Travelers, which lived secretly among humans. They had the ability to shape shift and had extremely long lives. I wasn’t really sure how old Michaela was, although in her current form she looked to be in her early twenties.

                  “Of course…unfortunately I need you here sooner…the Freibergs are back,” I replied.

                  “Really?” she asked.

                  I could hear the concern in her voice.

                  “I had a little run it with them this afternoon…they tried to incinerate me,” I continued. “Obviously they failed, but they did kill a young woman.”

                  “Does your boss know that you’re talking to me?”

                  “Yes,” I replied. “My mother too.”

                  “Do they understand what will happen if I find them first?” she continued.

                  “Yes,” I replied. “They would prefer that you just help me catch them.”

                  “I’ll be out there tomorrow morning,” she replied.

                  “Thank you,” I replied.

Chapter 12

                  I arrived at my current home and parked my car. As much as I was looking forward to getting married I would miss living here with my Aunt.

                  I had lived in the Sunset Cliffs home with Aunt Kayla ever since the day I was released from the hospital. It was a very special place.

                  As soon as I walked through the front door I was greeted by Salem, Tully, and Bran. These were the three cats that shared our home. Actually they were more than just pets. Salem, who was growing up into a magnificent black cat, was my familiar. Tully and Bran were linked to Aunt Kayla.

                  “Hi everyone,” I greeted as I bent down to pet them. Each had their favorite spots to be petted.

                  I scooped up Salem and carried her as I walked out to the garden where I knew I’d find Aunt Kayla.

                  “Hi,” I greeted as I sat down.

                  “I hear you had an eventful day,” she replied. “Fiona called and told me what happened.”

                  I nodded as I pet Salem who had settled into my lap.

                  “Have you called Bill?” she asked.

                  “I got his voice mail…he was in court today…I expect he’ll call me soon,” I replied. “Oh, Michaela is coming out early.”

                  “Good,” she replied.

                  “You know what she’ll do if she gets to the Freibergs first,” I stated.

                  Michaela’s people had once gone to war with the Freiberg’s clan and they had almost wiped them out. In fact, Michaela’s people were feared by the Freibergs.

                  “Hopefully it won’t come to that,” she replied. “I would prefer that this can be handled legally…but the Freibergs feel they can operate outside of the law. The repercussions of their actions could be disastrous.”

                  “What do you mean?”

                  “If they continue on their killing spree their actions could be detected by the mortal world. We can only cover so much up. I imagine that your office has its hands full with this latest case.”

                  I nodded. We had a whole department that did exactly that. The official story of Miranda’s death would be that there was a natural gas explosion.

                  Just then my phone rang I pulled it out of my bag and saw that it was Bill.

                  “Hi Bill, how was your day?” I asked cheerfully, fully aware that he knew what had happened to me.”

                  “Connor told me what happened, are you okay?” he asked.

                  “I’m okay…I’m out a top and a great pair of jeans though,” I replied.

                  I could picture him rolling his eyes.

                  “The real victim in this is the girl those bastards killed,” I continued. “Why don’t we talk about it over dinner?”

                  “Sure,” he replied. “You want to eat out?”

                  “No, why don’t you come over here and we’ll throw some chicken on the barbecue,” I suggested.

                  I hated talking shop out in public as you never knew who was listening in.

                  “Perfect,” he replied. “I’m very happy that you’re okay.”

                  “Thanks,” I replied.

                  “Love you,” he said.

                  “I love you too.”

Chapter 13

                  Over dinner I told Bill what happened and that Michaela was coming in to assist me.

                  “Connor says that they’ve put out an APB on the Freibergs,” I stated.

                  “I’m just happy that you’re okay,” he stated as he checked the progress of the chicken.

                  The cats watched patiently just in case he dropped one of the breasts.

                  “I guess we have another mole in the system,” I remarked.

                  “We’ve always had those who are upset with illegal use of magic…but this act by the Freibergs might backfire against them….it was a very brutal act.”

                  “The fact that they tried to kill a runner won’t go over well either,” added Aunt Kayla as she brought out a salad.

                  “They tried to kill me before,” I noted.

                  “Yes, but now you’re a law enforcement officer,” she replied. “The people who tipped them off may not have a problem with them killing Miranda…but killing one of us is going too far.”

                  I shook my head in disgust. “Murder is murder; it doesn’t matter if the person is human or magical.”

                  “Not everyone sees it that way,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  “Chicken is ready,” announced Bill.

                  “Good, let’s eat,” I stated.

Chapter 14

                  The conversation shifted to the wedding and I was glad to shift the subject.

                  Our first ceremony would include people who didn’t know about my magical heritage. Most of them were from Bill’s side of the family. The only person that I had invited that didn’t know the truth about me was one of my bridesmaids, Karen Miller.

                  She was one of the first friends I had after I became Iona…and she had almost been killed because of my past. Thankfully she had a full recovery from being shot. She was currently finishing up her college degree.

                  The rest of my bridal party was a very eclectic group. My maid of honor was Beth Williams, who like me had once been male. In fact, Beth, Bill, and I had all served on the same ship in the navy.

                  The rest of my bridal party included many of my very wonderful and also very unique friends.

                  I had hoped that my sister, Jenny would change her mind and also agree to be part of the wedding party, but she declined. Jenny was my sister from my old life as Roger. She would be at the wedding, but she said that being in the wedding party would cause problems with our mother. The main regret I still had from my transformation was that my real mother hated me. Actually she hated Iona as the person responsible for the death of Roger.

                  Jenny and I talked about letting her in on the truth, but Jenny warned me against it. She said that Mom was a bit closed-minded and unlikely to accept the fact that I was now a woman…and that I had powers. What made matters more complicated was that Jenny was also developing powers.

                  I reluctantly accepted my sister’s wishes. Deep down I knew she was right, but I still hung onto the faint hope that one day I could tell my Mom the truth,

                  Amelia Taylor was also coming to the wedding. Her adopted daughter Sarah would be the flower girl.

                  Of course many of my clan was coming to San Diego along with a few other unique individuals. I was really looking forward to seeing Marny and Jacob who had been out of the country for the past two years, but more on those two later.

                  Bill’s family was flying in from Florida. Additionally half the DA’s office was also invited.

                  The second ceremony would be much smaller and much more private, which was good as it was supposed to take place by a fire at midnight. By tradition both Bill and I were supposed to be naked…we were still undecided if we were going to do this. I had nothing against it, but Bill was still a little uneasy about it. I didn’t press him as he already had been very accommodating.

                  “I told my parents about some of the guests and my mother is quite impressed,” said Bill as we ate.

                  “Is she a fan of Jen Stevens?” I asked.

                  Bill shook his head. “No, she really doesn’t care about movies…she can’t wait to meet Hallie.”

                  I nodded as I remembered that Bill’s mother was a college professor and that she taught ancient history.

                  “She’s read both of Hallie’s books,” continued Bill.

                  “That’s great,” I replied. “I’m still nervous about meeting your mom.”

                  While we had talked on the phone, I had yet to meet my future in-laws as Iona.

                  “You met my parents after we came back from that last deployment,” he said.

                  “I doubt that I’ll bring that up when they get here,” I replied as I winked at him.

                  Bill rolled his eyes. “What I meant was you could see that they’re nice people.”

                  “I know they’re nice, but I’m going to be their daughter-in-law,” I replied. “I just hope that no one asks when we’ll be starting a family.”

                  “They promised to wait until the reception,” said Bill with a grin.

                  I stuck my tongue out at him.

                  We had talked about having children, but we also agreed not to jump right into it. I wasn’t against the idea of becoming pregnant, but I was in no hurry either.

                  “I think you’ll look cute with a big belly,” he added.

                  “You know…I found a spell that would allow you to be the one who got pregnant,” I countered.

                  “I would say that you wouldn’t dare…but I know you better,” he replied.

Chapter 15

                  After Bill left I thought about how my life was about to take another big change. Don’t get me wrong, I was deeply in love with Bill and eagerly looked forward to getting married. He was a very wonderful man and extremely understanding. He knew my past, both as Roger and as Iona, and was very accepting.

                  The original Iona had a rather checkered past, thanks to some illegally used magic. I had done much to rebuild the bridges that she had burned and rebuilt our image and reputation. Only a handful of people knew the truth about my past. Even in the magical community only a few people knew that Iona and I had been involved in a body swap.

                  Part of the reason we kept it a secret was that it gave me special skills. Unlike most people with powers, my aura was very hard to detect. This gave me an advantage in my current job. I could get close to my targets and not have them become aware of me.

                  My powers also had changed. Yes, I inherited Iona’s powers, but I also found that my family had a magical background. The combination of these two things had given me enhanced powers. I was still learning how to use them…in fact I was sometimes a little uneasy with them. I had to watch strong emotions and be very careful about losing my temper. Thankfully many of my powers were defensive in nature.

                  I was a little worried about moving in with Bill as I didn’t want to do something wrong. Aunt Kayla was very helpful when a new power emerged. She told me that I shouldn’t worry as Bill was very accepting. She also told me that my cat Salem would be a calming effect on my life.

                  Salem was my familiar and we had a very special bond. Familiars formed a link with their counterparts. Yes in many ways Salem was a normal cat…well, as normal as a cat can be….but she also seemed to know when I needed help…especially with my powers. It’s hard to explain, but she seemed to keep me from losing control.

                  Now, Bill owned a house in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego. It was a nice area and I looked forward to moving in with him. We talked about eventually moving closer to the ocean as I loved hearing the sound of the waves. Thankfully Bill loved animals and he and Salem got along famously.

                  Before I went to bed Aunt Kayla reminded me that I had the final fitting for my wedding gown the following day.  The dress was several hundred years old and had been passed down from generation to generation. It was a white silk gown that despite its age looked very modern.

                  “I just hope that those frost thugs don’t interfere with my wedding,” I muttered as I went to bed.

Chapter 16

                  Conner greeted me as I walked into our office and told me that there was no sign of the Freibergs.

                  “Of course this doesn’t mean that they’ve left,” he added.

                  “Of course,” I replied. “So do we still go and talk to Pamela Kennedy?” I asked.

                  He nodded.

                  “What time is Michaela arriving?” he asked.

                  I shrugged.

                  “She didn’t tell me…all she said was that she’d be here today,” I replied.

                  “And you can detect her?” he asked.

                  I nodded. “I can pick her up miles away…in fact I can pick her up further than almost anyone other than Bill.”

                  Connor nodded knowingly.

                  “What?” I asked as I sat down at my desk.

                  “Well, I read the report of the case you helped catch the succubus and you did have sex with Mick,” he replied.

                   I froze and stared back at him. I wasn’t upset because he knew that I had been with Mick, it was just that I had never made the connection before.

                  “Damn…so my detection skills are enhanced because I’ve made love to someone?”

                  “Yes, is that so surprising?” he asked.

                  I stared back.

                  “I guess not…I mean it makes sense.”

                  “Does Bill know?” he asked.

                  I nodded. “We don’t have any secrets.”

                  “That’s good,” he replied. “So, why don’t we head over to Bromberg and have a chat with Ms. Kennedy?”

                  “What about the sorceress? From what I’ve read about the case Kennedy doesn’t have any powers.”

                  “That’s true, but by meeting her it will allow you to track her to the sorceress,” he replied with a sly smile.

                  “Okay…so what’s the plan?”

Chapter 17

                  We walked into the local headquarters of Bromberg Inc and requested a meeting with Pamela Kennedy.

                  Her PA was a petite young woman named Tina Marks. I doubt anyone would realize that until a few months ago Tina was a twenty-two-year-old man named Tim Marks. Like her predecessor, Tim had been transformed by Pamela Kennedy in order to take his drive and ambition. The spell feminized Tim and turned him into an obedient feminized shell of his old self.

                  From what we had learned, it was now common for Bromberg’s management personnel to use this spell. So far we hadn’t learned who the sorceress was who was working for Bromberg.

                  What angered me was that we had determined that over sixty employees had been transformed over the past five years. We only learned of it because the founder of the corporation, Martin Bromberg had recently expanded his business and likewise increased the use of the spell.

                  It was a particularly nasty spell as the transformation was initially slow and the victim was unaware of what was happening. It was also permanent. I hated spells like this as it made helping the victims difficult.

                  “Ms. Kennedy will see you shortly,” stated Tina. “May I get you some coffee?”

                  “No thank you,” replied Connor.

                  I also declined the offer. Whenever we were on an investigation we never consumed anything that was offered us as you never knew what was in it.

                  Five minutes later we were escorted into Pamela’s office.

                  From the look on her face I could see that she was a very confident…make that an extremely arrogant person. I suppose it was due to absorbing the emotions of the two men…but I also suspected that she was naturally an egotistical bitch. I would enjoy putting her away.

                  “How can I help you?” she asked.

                  Before we spoke Connor cast a spell that would ensure that we wouldn’t be interrupted.  Once the spell was cast he nodded at me.

                  I produced my badge and identification which looked very similar those used by the San Diego Police.  Conner did the same.

                  “How can I help you Detective Beddau?” she asked calmly.

                  “We want to know who has been providing you and your coworkers with illegal magical spells,” I stated.

                  Our plan was simple, hit her with the truth and hope that she panicked and contacted the sorceress responsible for the spell.

                  “Spells as in magical spells?” she asked innocently.

                  I nodded. “Yes, the spell that you used to feminized David Chambers…now Gina Brody and Tim…now Tina Marks in order to enhance your own business skills.”

                  She was a cool one and she tried to look innocent…but I could see fear in her eyes.

                  “I…I don’t know what you mean,” she replied.

                  Connor just watched as I interrogated her. He was reading her thoughts, hoping to pick up the name of the person responsible for this magical abuse.

                  “Yes you do, Ms. Kennedy,” I countered. I then pulled out my notebook and read off the details regarding the transformation of her two assistants.

                  She tensed up as she realized that she was in trouble.

                  “The misuse of magic is a punishable offense…even though you weren’t the one who cast the spell. The fact that you benefited from it makes you just as guilty,” I continued. “You can’t just abuse others without paying for it.”

                    “What…what kind of police are you? May I see your identification again?” she asked.

                  I showed her my badge again.

“It’s a real badge and we’re real law enforcement…the type that arrests people who abuse magic. If you tell us the name of the person who gave you the spell…your punishment will be less severe,” I stated. “Oh, and we already know that Martin Bromberg is involved and he’ll be dealt with accordingly... as will all employees who knowingly used magic to advance.”

                  Pamela shifted uncomfortably in her chair. I could tell that she was thinking of a way out of this.

                  “Ms. Kennedy, just so you know, we operate all over the world, so crossing into Mexico would be a waste of time,” stated Connor. “International borders mean nothing to us…we operate as a global law enforcement organization.”

                  Her jaw dropped slightly as she turned and stared at Connor as she realized that he was reading her thoughts.

                  “Will you tell us the name of the person who gave you the spell?” I demanded.

                  “I…I can’t…” she stammered.

                  “Can’t or won’t?” I asked.

                  She just shook her head.

                  Connor nodded and per our plan I handed her a plain business card which only had a phone number on it.

                  “You have twenty-four hours to call us and tell us what we want to know,” I stated.

                  “And if I don’t?” she asked as she looked at the card.

                  “You will be arrested and face full prosecution,” I replied. “Trust me; you don’t want to take the full blame for this Ms. Kennedy.”

                  With that, Connor released the spell and we departed.

Chapter 18

                  “So did you get a good read on her?” I asked as we left the building.

                  He shook his head.

                  “Unfortunately, the spell has given her enhanced abilities to hide her thoughts. She knows who the sorceress is…but she kept the name hidden. What about you?”

                  “I can still sense her…I guess it’s because she’s so arrogant,” I replied as I glanced up at her office. “She will be easy to follow.”

                  “Well, hopefully she’ll contact her boss…I’m sure that our person of interest will also soon know that we’re hunting her,” he replied as we walked to the car.

                  “Wouldn’t it make more sense not to tip her off?” I asked.

                  Connor shook his head.

                  “That might work with some suspects, but this person is different.”

                  “What do you mean?” I asked as I opened the passenger door.

                  “She’ll meet with Pamela and learn as much about us as possible.”

                  “And then she’ll take off and we won’t find her,” I stated.

                  Connor shook his head.

                  “Not necessarily. There’s a possibility that she’ll just walk into our office and turn herself in.”

                  I cocked my head. “Okay, I don’t understand. She obviously knows that she’s broken the law…and she would also know the consequences of her actions. “

                  “Not all magical people act the same way. While I didn’t get her name from Pamela, I gained some insight…she’s different…she’s not a criminal like Keir or a monster like your succubus.”

                  Keir was the man…and I used the term loosely…who was responsible for the turmoil in the original Iona’s life that led to my current situation. He was currently serving a very long sentence as a mangy female goat.

                  “So what is she?” I asked.

                  “I’m not quite sure…but she’s not doing these spells out of malice…she doesn’t hold humans in high enough regard to dislike them.”

                  “So why is she doing this to them?” I asked.

                  “That’s the question…I will need to place some calls and get our researchers on it,” he replied.

                  “So what do I do?”

                  “Nothing for now,” he replied.

                  I was now totally confused. “I thought the whole reason for us going in there was so that I could get a read on Pamela and track her to the spell-caster!”

                  “It was…but things have changed,” he replied.

                  “So what do we do about Pamela and the others?” I asked.

                  “We will keep them under surveillance for now…don’t worry, Iona, they will be punished for their crimes,” he said as we drove back to our office.

                  “So what do you think she is?” I asked. “Or aren’t you going to tell me.”

                  “If I knew I would tell you. I suspect that she’s very old…and very powerful…but I what I don’t know is why she is helping Bromberg.”

Chapter 19

                  I was troubled by what Connor had told me and it was the last thing that I needed in my life right now…more stress. Granted, the wedding plans were progressing along without any major issues, but I still worried about every detail. Next, the murderous Freibergs were in the area and now this whole Bromberg situation.

                  I glanced at my watch and saw that it was time to go for my final fitting of my wedding gown. I excused myself and headed over to the shop.

                  As I mentioned earlier, my wedding gown was very old, although it looked brand new. It had been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years, and one day it would be worn by my daughter.

                  The seamstress was a woman named Leslie and yes she was magical. She was highly regarded in the magical community for her skills. She used her magic to shape clothing so that it appeared to be a part of the person wearing it. The top part of my gown had a tight bodice, while the lower part was flowing with yards of silk and lace.

                  Leslie explained that the gown would appear to be too big, but once I put it on it would form to my body.

                  It did exactly as she stated and it looked beautiful.

                  Leslie was also pleased with my appearance.

                  “I’m so happy that you’re wearing this dress…I love tradition,” she stated as she helped me out of it.

                  “I’m happy with the work you’ve done…thank you,” I replied.

                  “It’s my pleasure…you come from a wonderful clan,” she stated. “Now, do you have everything else you’ll need?”

                  I mentally scanned the list. I had my lingerie, shoes, stockings, veil…

                  “The dress is definitely something old…” stated Leslie. “The something new is taken care of too. What about borrowed and blue?”

                  I smiled back. “Aunt Kayla and my mom told me they would take care of that…they’re going to surprise me. My friend Beth said that she had a sixpence for me.”

                  “Good,” replied Leslie.

                  “It’s a bit silly if you ask me,” I stated.

                  “Not really, almost all of these things started off as actual spells,” replied Leslie.

                  “Really?” I replied.

                  She nodded. “Many so-called superstitions started as actual spells.”

                  “Cool,” I replied. “So what’s the purpose of the garter that Bill will take off my leg?”

                  She laughed. “That’s one of the few that didn’t start as a spell.”

                  I smiled back and was about to ask her another question when I sensed someone, it was Michaela.

Chapter 20

                  “Kayla said that you’d be here,” she greeted as we hugged.

                  I had grown quite fond of Michaela and I was very pleased to see her.

                  “Did you have a good trip?” I asked.

                  She nodded.

                  “Excuse me, Iona, is she in your bridal party?” asked Leslie.

                  I nodded and introduced them to each other.

                  “Do you mind if we do the final fitting for her now?” asked Leslie.

                  Michaela looked at me and smiled.

                  “No, that would be great. The rest of my bridal party will be here next week,” I stated.

                  The bridesmaids’ gowns were silk and were a pale green in color. They were simple in style, but I liked them.

Chapter 21

                  After the fitting, Michaela and I left the stop and headed back to my home. Along the way I updated her on the Freibergs.

                  “I should have killed them the last time,” she stated.

                  I knew that this wasn’t just talk.

                  “I know you want to arrest them…but I don’t see that happening,” she continued. “They don’t believe in law…just revenge.”

                  I glanced over at her and she smiled back.

                  “I know what you’re thinking…but my people do follow our laws and while we don’t always follow human or magical laws…we do respect it,” she replied. “The Freibergs…and their kin only follow their own rules.”

                  I didn’t reply as I drove.

                  “Iona, you know they’re going to come after you,” she continued.

                  “You think they’d risk it?”

                  She nodded. “Unfortunately yes. This could get very ugly.”

                  “What do you mean?” I asked.

                  “If they kill you then it could turn into an all out war,” she stated.  “Especially if they strike during your wedding.”

                  “They wouldn’t dare!”

                  “They’ve done it before,” she replied. “That’s what caused my people to declare war on them.”

                  “Tell me about it,” I asked as I pulled into the driveway.

                  “Let’s go inside first, I suspect your aunt will want to hear this story,” she replied.

Chapter 22

                  Michaela was right.Aunt Kayla was very interested in hearing Michaela’s story and she joined us in the garden.

                  All three cats tried to sit in Michaels’s lap, but only Bran succeeded.

                  “Animals…especially familiars are drawn to my kind,” she stated as she petted Bran with one hand. Her other hand held a glass of port.

                  Salem jumped up into my lap.

                  “Oh, so I guess my lap is better than the ground,” I stated to her as I scratched her chin.

                  She began to purr contently.

                  “Anyway, I told you about the war between the Freibergs and my people the last time we met,” stated Michaela.

                  “Yes, it was when your people lived with the Norse,” I replied.

                  She smiled back at me. “Good, you remembered. Anyway we initially tried to stop their clan from attacking the humans. We tried to negotiate with them…and we even thought we set up a truce…but they just used it to catch us off guard.”

                  “What happened?” asked Aunt Kayla.

                  “There was a big wedding planned that would have united two large families. The Freibergs clan attacked during the ceremony…they killed many innocent people that day. The survivors sought protection from us…and we complied.”

                  “What did your people do?” I asked.

                  “They tracked the down the war party that had attacked the wedding. There were twenty in the war party and we killed them all,” she replied. “The chronicles stated that my people killed all but three in combat. When they questioned the survivors they discovered that the only reason why the truce was signed was to get the humans…and us…to lower our guard.”

                  “Was this a reason to kill the three prisoners?” asked Aunt Kayla.

                  Michaela shook her head. “Of course not…they were executed after they were searched. They discovered ‘trophies’ in their packs.”

                  “What sort of trophies?” I asked with trepidation.

                  “Body parts, both human…and from our clan,” she replied softly. “The victims were all women and children.”

                  “Women and children? Why?” I asked.

                  “Symbolic, to show how they were killing the next generation,” she replied. “Of course they don’t do that anymore…but attacking at ceremonies is still something that they do.”

                  I turned to Aunt Kayla. “Michaela said that such an attack would lead to war, is that true?”

                  She nodded.

                  “And what do they gain from this?” I asked.

                  “It would cause chaos and confusion,” interjected Michaela. “It might even break up the pacts with the human…which would bring them much pleasure.”

                  “So what do we do?” I demanded.

                  “We stop them before they attack,” stated Michaela.

                  Aunt Kayla nodded in agreement. “It’s the only way.”

                  “And how do we do that?” I asked.

                  “I’ll call your mother,” stated Aunt Kayla.

                  “And I’ll call my clan,” she stated.

                  “Will they help?” asked Aunt Kayla.

                  Michaela’s clan usually had little to do with the rest of the magical community.

                  “Yes. I have told them of my friendship with Iona…and they are…intrigued. Our two races have much in common…and this might be just the event to bring us closer,” stated Michaela.

                  While I was definitely excited about the prospect of our two races becoming closer, I didn’t like the idea of my wedding turning into a warzone.

                  “We have less than two weeks to get them,” I stated. “They are not going to ruin my wedding!”

Chapter 23

                  I dropped Michaela off at her hotel room and then returned home. I wanted to discuss my current case with Aunt Kayla.

                  “I just got off the phone with Fiona,” said Aunt Kayla as I walked into the house. “I told her about Michaela’s offer.”

                  “And?” I asked.

                  “She said to accept it,” replied Aunt Kayla.

                  I cocked my head. “Um, did she say why? She must know what will happen if Michaela’s clan get to the Freibergs before us.”

                  Aunt Kayla nodded. “Let’s go out in the garden and talk.”

                  We sat down in front of the chiminea, which had a small fire burning in it.

                  “Yes, Fiona and the elders know what will happen if Michaela or her clan catch the Freibergs first. It would prevent a war between the clans.”

                  I nodded as I absorbed what she was saying.

                  “I see, it’s unlikely that we can bring the Freibergs in alive…and if we kill them that might start a war, but if Michaela’s people do it…it removes responsibility from us,” I stated.

                  “That’s correct. If the Freibergs attacked you at your wedding…it would an act that we couldn’t ignore. It has been many years since there was a clan war…and it was very destructive.”

                  “Okay,” I replied. “I just don’t like the idea of working outside the law.”

                  “Neither does Fiona, but it’s better than the alternative,” she replied.

                  I nodded as I absorbed what she was saying.

                  “There’s something else,” continued Aunt Kayla.

                  “What’s that?”

                  “The elders are very impressed that you have become close friends with Michaela. We have had mixed relations with them over the years. In fact we know very little about them…we don’t even know what they call themselves…in fact some in the council of elders thought they might not exist anymore.”

                  “My friendship with Michaela is genuine…and I want it to stay that way,” I interrupted.

                  Aunt Kayla smiled. “We know that, dear. We just hope that this can lead to better relations between our races. I suspect that the elders in Michaela’s clan may have had a similar conversation with her. This act of cooperation to stop the Freibergs could be a big step towards the relationships between our races.”

                  “I see,” I replied.

                  “I would suggest that you don’t do anything different when it comes to Michaela. I can sense that there’s a strong bond between you two. In fact, it’s gotten stronger since she has taken a female form…I would equivocate it to the bond between sisters.”

                  “That makes sense…while I liked Mick a lot…I’m more comfortable around Michaela.”

                  Aunt Kayla nodded. She knew about my past sexual history with Mick.

                  “Okay…now it’s my turn…have you talked to Connor?” I asked.

                  She nodded.

                  “So what do you think?” I asked.

                  “There are those of us who have lived a very long time…and some have outlived their clans. They operate by their own rules and are very unpredictable,” she explained as she handed me a Flash drive.  “I have taken the liberty of downloading all we know about them on this.”

                  I couldn’t help but smile slightly. I still couldn’t get over how computer literate most magical beings were.

                  “Is she dangerous?” I asked.

                  “Usually they’re not…but they are unpredictable…they also have very strong powers,” she stated.

                  “So…what do you suggest?” I asked.

                  “Connor feels that she’ll probably contact us and I tend to agree with him. I wouldn’t be surprised if she sought you out as you are different from us.”

                  I signed. “Why couldn’t this all happen AFTER my wedding!”

                  “I feel that you are destined to live a very…interesting...life my dear.”

                  I sighed again. “What’s that old saying…or is it a curse… ‘may you live in interesting times’?”

Chapter 24

                  The next morning as I drove to work, I sensed the presence of Michaela. The sensation grew stronger and I estimated that she was several hundred yards away from me. I didn’t know if she had backup yet.

                  I had to admit that I was curious about learning more about Michaela and her people. I knew they could shape shift at will. I also knew that while they preferred a peaceful existence, they were formidable warriors.

                  I was also conflicted concerning the Freibergs. I really wanted to bust them…but deep down in my heart I knew that was unlikely. They had to know that they would face hundreds of charges if they were ever brought into custody and would most likely get a life sentence and for someone with powers that could mean hundreds of years incarcerated.

                  If was just between the three of us it would have been different; but there was the possibility that a clan war could be started and that angered and frightened me.

                  The last clan war had lasted over a decade and left hundreds dead. Each death only fanned the flames as it caused additional vendettas.

                  If the Freibergs succeed in killing me then all hell would break loose. If they were killed by me…or someone in my clan…then the Freibergs clan could also declare war. If we arrested them, then we would have to worry about their clan breaking them out. I hated to admit it, but was starting to look more and more like the best option as to have Michaela’s clan take them out.

                  I then shift my thoughts to my other case. The files provided to me by Aunt Kayla provided me with some insight into our mystery spell caster. It also raised many more questions. The files told me that they always had their own agenda when they did someone. Most likely she couldn’t care less about who bought the spell she provided and why they used it. The question was, what was she up to?

                  Connor was already in the office.

                  I like him a lot and was pleased that he was dating Aunt Kayla.

                  Connor Locksley was the rare male with full powers. For whatever reason, powers in males were repressed and even if they developed them, they were weak. Connor was the one percent who had very potent magical skills.

                  He was currently helping me develop my attack spells. I had a natural disposition for defensive spells, but as a runner, I needed to hone my attack spells. My biggest problem was learning control, especially with my emotions. Offensive spells could be tuned to meet the threat…when I got angry they went right to 11. Connor was teaching me to control my passions and not overdo it.

                  Connor was one of the few on the force that knew my full background. It didn’t seem to matter to him that I had once been a male. He had also known the original Iona and he was pleased that I had done much to improve her reputation.

                  I also learned a little about his past. He was born on a small island off the coast of Ireland over three hundred years ago and had immigrated to the states just prior to the American Revolution. Occasionally he told me stories about his past and the famous people he had met.

                  He was the most senior runner on the force and while he wouldn’t admit it, I suspected that he had arranged for me be assigned to him.

                  “Did those files help you?” he asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

                  “A little…for every answer they raised two more questions,” I replied.

                  He nodded.

                  “Michaela’s out there…I don’t know about any others…yet,” I continued.

                  “Good,” he replied.

                  “So what are we going to do about Bromberg, Inc?” I asked.

                  “Last night a neutralization spell was cast against them,” he replied.

                  A neutralization spell was a legal act…similar to a restraining order…in that it prevented any use of magic. It was usually cast while the legal case was built up against the suspects.

                  “But we know they used a spell to hurt people…is this being done to flush out the spell caster?” I asked.

                  He nodded as he poured some cream into his coffee.

                  “Do you really think she’ll come forward?”

                  As he sipped his coffee he nodded again.

                  “The Bromberg employees aren’t going anywhere…we know all the guilty parties…and the victims, don’t worry they won’t get away,” he said as he sat down.

                  “Okay,” I replied. “So what’s on the agenda today?”

                  “End of month reports,” he replied with a grin.

                  “Yippee!” I stated.

                  Yes, even the magical world couldn’t escape a mountain of paperwork.

Chapter 25

                  That evening I had to run a bunch of errands before heading home. I had to stop at the ATM, pick up my dry-cleaning, and make a stop at Trader Joe’s.

                  My tasks ran a bit longer than I expected and by the times I got to Trader Joe’s the parking lot was full. I ended up finding a spot on a side street a few blocks away. I was just reaching into my trunk to pull out my reusable bags when I heard someone approaching. I turned and saw a young Hispanic male approaching me.

                  He was short, but stocky and had a shaved head. I could see several tattoos on his arms, and immediately recognized some as gang related.

                  “Excuse me, do you have a light?” he asked.

                  I shook my head. “Sorry.”

                  He shrugged and walked past me. I ran a scan on him and didn’t sense any magic, still I sensed that something bad was about to happen.

                  Unfortunately I was right as he attacked me with a knife. While I didn’t have time to cast a spell, I was able to dodge his first attack…but not completely. While he missed stabbing me in the lower back, his blade did slash my side.

                  I pulled away, fighting back the pain from the wound, and was about to strike back at him when Michaela appeared and stood between us.

                  “Move it bitch,” he sneered. “Or I’ll cut you too!”

                  Michaela laughed and she pulled out her sword.

                  “Mine’s bigger,” she taunted.

                  The blade on her sword glowed bright blue.

                  My attacker hesitated…shocked by the appearance of Michaela and the weapon in her hand. This gave me the opportunity to freeze him with a spell. I then slumped down to the ground. The wound burned as if it was on fire.

                  Michaela sheathed her blade and kneeled down next to me.

                  “How bad is it?” she asked.

                  I was holding my hand against the wound. I cast a spell that should have stopped the bleeding…but it didn’t work.

                  “Hurts like hell …his blade caught me along the ribcage…,” I moaned. “For some reason my healing spell isn’t working.”

                  Michaela examined my wound, took off her hoody sweatshirt and it and gently wrapped it around wound.

                  “You need immediate medical care,” she said.

                  I nodded. “Call Aunt Kayla…she’ll take care of it.”

                  “What about him?” she asked I pointed to my bag. “Use my phone; she’s in my address book.”

                  “Do you want me to kill him?” she asked as she took my phone.

                  I looked up at my attacker, who was frozen in place, and as I shook my head I felt a wave of nausea.

                  “Hang in there,” stated Michaela.

                  “Call Conner next…he’ll know what to do,” I said as I grimaced.

                  Michaela looked disappointed, but she did as I asked.

Chapter 26

                  Thankfully no one else heard or saw the attack.

                  Michaela removed the knife from my attacker’s hand and from the look on her face I knew that something was wrong.

                  “It’s a good thing I didn’t kill him,” she muttered as she examined the knife.

                  “What’s up?” I asked. I felt slightly dizzy and it was getting harder to concentrate.

                  “This blade…it’s charmed,” she stated.

                  “What?”

                  She nodded. “I also recognize the workmanship…it’s very similar to the blade used by the Freibergs. But there’s more…the blade itself has been hexed.”

                  I cursed under my breath.

                  Connor arrived with several other officers. He immediately examined my wound. From the look on his face I could see that he was concerned.

                  “How bad is the curse…and tell me the truth?” I asked.

                  “Kayla says she can fix you up….you’re very lucky, if he had struck you deeper…”

                  “Okay, I get it,” I interrupted. “Michaela says the blade is from the Freiberg’s clan.”

                  “Stop talking…you’ve lost a lot of blood,” he ordered. He then pulled out his phone.

                  “You calling Aunt Kayla?” I asked weakly.

                  “Yes…I need to update her on the injury,” he replied.

                  I nodded and was about to reply when I passed out.

Chapter 27

                  When I woke up I was in my bed back at the house. Bill and Aunt Kayla were sitting next to my bed.

                  “Hi,” I stated weakly.

                  Bill reached over and ran his hand gently over my face. The worried look on his face startled me.

                  “Hey, I’m okay,” I replied.

                  “We almost lost you,” he said.

                  “It was just a small slash,” I replied.

                  I then looked at Aunt Kayla who nodded.

                  “He’s right dear, you almost died,” she said.

                  “How? It wasn’t that bad a wound,” I stated as I reached down to touch my side. As soon as I touched it I winced in pain. I also found that it was heavily bandaged. I also remembered something about a spell.

                  “The curse on the blade was a bad one; thankfully Conner gave me a head’s up on the hex,” she said. “Knowing it came from the Freibergs allowed me to quickly come up with a counter spell.”

                  “Tell me about it,” I asked.

                  Aunt Kayla told me the knife had an assassin spell cast on it so that any wound would bleed profusely.  It was designed so that even the slightest cut could be fatal.

                  “It’s an illegal spell…not that the Freibergs care,” she stated angrily.

                  “Will I be okay?” I asked cautiously.

                  She nodded. “You’ll be fine dear’ you won’t even have a scar…but you won’t be going anywhere for the next day or so. You need rest.”

                  I nodded as I knew better to argue with her. I was also too tired.

                  “What about my attacker?” I asked.

                  “Connor questioned him last night,” said Bill.

                  “Last night? How long have I been out? What time is it?” I asked.

                  “It’s ten in the morning,” replied Bill. “You slept through straight though the night.”

                  I gasped. I also realized that he had been up all night with me.

                  “So what happened?” I asked.

                  “As we thought, your attacker was hired by Davin,” said Bill. “He was supposed to kill you and then deliver your body to the Freibergs.”

                  I nodded.

                  “So, where was this exchange to take place?” I asked.

                  “Down along the border,” he replied. “Right now, you need your rest...go to sleep.”

                  I didn’t argue and drifted back to sleep.

Chapter 28

                  I woke up a few hours later. Salem was lying next to me. I reached down and stroked her head and she began to purr.

                  Salem then jumped off my bed and darted out of the room.

                  I reached down and touched my side. It was tender, but the pain wasn’t nearly as bad.

                   “How’re you feeling?” asked Aunt Kayla who was standing in the doorway holding Salem.

                  “Better,” I replied. “Did Salem get you?”

                  She nodded as she walked into my room. “Familiars are excellent guardians.”

                  She then examined my side. I was surprised to see that the wound was almost gone. And all that was left was a twelve inch red mark.

                  “That should be gone by morning,” she said.

                  “That’s good,” I replied.

                  “You feel like eating something?” she asked.

                  I nodded.

                  “I’ll bring you up some soup,” she stated.

                  “Thank you…thank you for everything,” I stated.

                  She turned and smiled back at me.

                  “Oh, I called your mother, she’ll be here in an hour,” she replied. “Bill is picking her up at the airport.”

                  I nodded. “Thanks.”

                  “She’s relieved that you’re okay…and also furious at the Freibergs.”

                  “Not even a tenth as much as I am,” I replied.

Chapter 29

                  As much as I didn’t want Fiona to see me in bed, I was still too weak.

                  “You have no idea how relived I am,” stated Fiona as she greeted me.

                  “I’m glad you came out here,” I replied.

                  She sat down next to me. Bill sat down next to her.

                  “So what happens now?” I asked.

                  “We’re still looking for Alia,” she replied.

                  I sat up in bed a bit more.

                  “Does that mean that we’ve caught Davin?” I asked.

                  She nodded.

                  “That’s great…how did it happen?” I asked.

                  Your friend Michaela played a major role,” she stated.

                  I looked at Bill. “What happened?”

                  “We questioned the thug who attacked you and got the location where he was supposed to meet the Freibergs. Michaela shape shifted and took on the appearance of your attacker.”

                  Bill then told me how Michaela drove out to the meeting place, which took place near Jacumba. Connor and several other officers tracked the car from a distance.

                  When Michaela arrived at the meeting place, only Davin was there. He asked Michaela for proof and she opened the trunk to show off what looked like my body. Davin then tried to kill Michaela. Unfortunately he didn’t realize who she really was.

                  “Connor stated Michaela had no choice but to kill him,” stated Bill.

                  Davin tried to slash Michaela and in the ensuing fight Davin was killed.

                  “Is Michaela okay?” I asked.

                  Bill nodded. “Not even a scratch; she’ll be by later to see you.”

                  “That’s great…so what about Aila?” I asked.

                  “We’re still looking for her,” said Bill.

                  “She’s going to be pissed when she hears her brother is dead,” I stated.

                  Fiona glanced at Bill and then looked at me.

                  “It might be best if we delayed your wedding until we catch her,” she stated.

                  I shook my head. “No way.”

                  “Honey, she’s going to blame you for this…and she’s very dangerous.”

                  “So am I,” I replied firmly as I looked at Bill. “I’m not downplaying what could happen, but I’m not about to go into hiding and put my life on hold.”

                  He nodded. “I thought that’s what your answer would be.”

                  Fiona even smiled. “Okay…and just so you know, I would have said no too.”

Chapter 30

                  I felt better the next morning and was pleased to see that there wasn’t even a scar. However, Aunt Kayla insisted that I stay home from work one more day.

                  Connor and Michaela stopped by midmorning to update me on the case.

                  We sat out in the garden and had coffee as we talked.

                  “Thanks again for saving my butt,” I said to Michaela.

                  “It was my pleasure,” she replied. “I’m pleased to see you’re up and about so quickly.”

                  “So what will be done to the guy who attacked me?” I asked.

                  “Nothing,” replied Connor. “We confirmed that he was under a spell cast by Alia. He does have a long criminal record, but no current warrants. We cast a memory loss spell on him so that he’ll have no memory of what happened.”

                  I suspected that this is what happened. I wasn’t pleased that he wasn’t going to be charged, but the law was the law.

                  “He’s getting off lightly,” stated Michaela. “It was pretty obvious that Davin was going to kill him…and if he had succeeded in killing you I would have personally slain him.”

                  I nodded as I drank my coffee.

                  “So any sign of Alia?” I asked as I set my mug down on the table.

                  “None. Davin had a hotel key in his car…we searched it, but it looks like Alia wasn’t staying with him,” replied Connor.

                  “Really? That’s odd as they seemed rather close…creepy close,” I replied.

                  He nodded. “I agree.”

                  I reached for my mug and felt a twinge of pain in my side.

                  “You okay?” asked Connor.

                  I nodded. “Still a bit sore.”

                  “You’re damn lucky, very few survive that spell.”

                  I nodded again. “Aunt Kayla told me all about it.”

                  “Until we catch Aila you’ll be under surveillance,” he continued.

                  “I know; you currently have two officers watching the house…Detectives Wilson and Talbert…I felt their presence,” I replied. “Connor, do you think that she’ll try something similar?”

                  Connor looked at Michaela who was shaking her head.

                  “No,” he replied.

                  I looked over at Michaela.

                  “So what will happen…I’m still new to this whole blood-feud business.”

                  “She’ll come at you personally,” she replied. “I suspect that she’ll blame you for her brother’s death.”

                  “And she won’t come after you?” I asked.

                  “She wouldn’t be that stupid,” replied Michaela. “I wish she would…I would enjoy slaying her.”

                  “I know you’re good…but you’re not invincible,” I said.

                  “It’s not that,” replied Michaela. “No matter who won, my people would immediately declare war on their clan. We never adopted the modern legal system that you use…our laws haven’t changed much in…well, they’ve never changed, we believe in an eye for an eye. An assassination attempt like what was done against you would result in all out war. Right now I’m on your side out of personal friendship. Some of my clan are assisting in surveillance…but after the attack on you they’re debating a more proactive role. I wish that your clan would just declare war on them and get it over with…if you do then we would most likely join you.”

                  I sighed. “I’m so sick of all this talk of war.”

                  “Sometimes there’s no other choice,” said Michaela.

                  “There’s always an alternative,” I replied. I turned to Connor. “What’s our clan’s current view on this?”

                  “They’re hoping that it can be handed within the legal system. We attempted to arrest Davin, even though it would have been easier to just hunt him down and kill him.”

                  “Have we told the Freiberg’s clan this?” I asked.

                  Connor nodded. “They claim that Davin and Alia have been acting independently.”

                  Michaela rolled her eyes. “Bullshit.”

                  “And what do our elders think?” I asked.

                  “They tend to agree with Michaela’s assessment,” said Connor.

                  “Of course the Freibergs’ clan is denying any official knowledge of what happened!” stated Michaela.

                  Connor nodded. “Michaela’s right. They’re just trying to cover up a very messy operation…I wouldn’t be surprised if they take out Alia themselves.”

                  “Really?” I asked.

                  He nodded as he refilled his coffee mug. “Sure. The hit teams were supposed to operate secretly; Davin and Alia got sloppy and were detected, then they tried to kill you and screwed that up too. War with our clan would be bad enough…but add to that the probability of Michaela’s people…I suspect that Alia better be looking over her shoulder.”

                  “Yes, but this only makes her more dangerous…she has nothing to lose…and killing you….in an act of revenge, that might be enough for the more militant members of her clan to offer her protection,” interjected Michaela. “She also has to avenge the death of her brother.”

                  I looked at Connor and nodded in agreement. Life was even more complicated.

Chapter 31

                  As I suspected that I would be safe in my home, I spent the rest of the day trying to focus on my wedding. I traded numerous emails with my friends over wedding arrangements. I kept the attack secret from most of them. However there were two exceptions.

                  I first called my birth sister Jenny and told her what had happened.

                  Naturally she was both concerned and very upset.

                  “Just do me a favor and don’t bring it up with the rest of the guests,” I requested. “I’m hoping we clear this all up before the wedding.”

                  “Okay,” she replied. “I’m sorry about all the problems, but I’m glad that you haven’t postponed the wedding. I can’t wait to see my ‘little sister’ in a wedding gown.”

                  I laughed and it felt good as it was the first time I had laughed in days.

                  “At least you didn’t say brother,” I replied. “Um, have you changed your mind about being in the wedding party? I can still have you fitted for a dress.”

                  “Iona, I’d love to…but you know why I can’t. If Mom ever found out she would freak. But don’t worry, I will be up front and loving every minute of it. I’m so happy that your life has turned out so…wonderful.”

                  “Okay, but if you change your mind a dress will be waiting for you,” I replied.

                  I then called Beth Williams, who was going to be my maid of honor. It would take too long to go over the long relationship that Beth and I had, but we had once been as close as brothers.

                  When I told her what had happened she immediately told me that she would be coming out early.

                  “Thanks,” I replied.

                  “Can I make one suggestion,” she stated.

                  Sure,” I replied.

                  “You should call Tessa and tell her what happened,” she stated. “I know you have protection, but Tessa is someone that I would want around me if there was trouble. She could also provide protection for the rest of the wedding party.”

                  I thought about it. Tessa Phoenix Barnard had once been a Master Chief Petty Officer in the SEALs and she currently had the protection of Athena.  She was one of my best friends…and also one of the most dangerous people that I knew…human or magical.

                  “She’s in our circle and I know she’d want to help,” continued Beth.

                  “Okay,” I replied.

                  “Good,” replied Beth.

                  I laughed. “I almost pity Alia if she came up against all of us.”

                  “That’s the spirit. Oh, Iona, I’ve been looking forward to this wedding for months…I can’t wait to see you.”

                  “You okay?” I asked.

                  “More or less,” she replied.

                  I didn’t need magical powers to hear the sadness in her voice.

                  “How’s she doing?” I asked.

                  “She had a rough week,” replied Beth. “She’s doing better than I am.”

                  A few years ago, Beth had reestablished contact with her grandmother, Andrea Carlson.  It was Beth’s only contact with her original family. From Beth had told me Andrea was a very remarkable woman. She was currently in her nineties and was struggling with terminal cancer.

                  “I’m sorry,” I replied.

                  Beth knew she could always call me up and vent her feelings. She also knew that there was nothing that I could do to help her with this situation.

                  “It’s okay, Andrea has accepted her fate. She’s not giving up or anything like that, and I don’t want to see her suffer…”

                  “I know what you mean,” I interjected. “The hardest thing about what we’ve gone through is the loss of our original families.”

                  “I know…well, I’ll call as soon as I know when I’m arriving,” said Beth. “Now, do you have Tessa’s number?”

                  I replied that I did and I called her as soon as I said good bye to Beth.

                  Tessa listened to my story without interrupting.

                  “I have enough protection, I’m just worried about Beth and the others,” I concluded.

                  “I would be honored to help,” said Tessa.

                  “Thanks Tessa,” I replied. “This will be one less thing that I have to worry about.”

                  “No problem…besides, it’s been a while since I helped out some junior officers, it will feel like old times.”

Chapter 32

                  Even without all the recent drama I was due to take a break from work due to my wedding. I went into the office the next day to do some paperwork on the Bromberg Case.

                  As I was working Connor walked in and told me some good news. Tori Black had been convicted on all charges. She would serve a very long sentence and have her powers stripped.

                  “What a cruel bitch,” I remarked. “So what form of imprisonment will she receive?”

                  Magical sentences often involved physical transformation.

                  “I would like to see her be transformed into something useful like a tree,” he replied. “She could be planted in the park across the street from the hotel where she transformed so many innocent people.”

                  “And what about her victims?”

                  “Most have elected to have their memories altered so that they forget what happened to them. They’ve also been given appropriate compensation…and of course therapy will continue for those who declined the memory spell.”

                  I nodded.

                  Connor had just sat down at his desk when his phone rang. He talked for a few minutes before getting up.

                  “I’ll be back in a few minutes. The DA has some questions concerning Davin,” he stated. “Will you be okay?”

                  “No worries, I doubt that Alia would dare attack me here,” I replied.

                  “We could only be so lucky,” he replied.

                  After Connor left I focus on my status reports as I wanted to have everything done before I went on break. By back was to the door and when it opened it caught me by surprise as I should have been able to sense any of my coworkers.

                  I turned around to see a tall silver haired woman standing in the doorway. She was around six feet tall, thin, and had dark brown eyes.

                  “Can I help you?” I asked politely.

                  She cracked a slight smile.

                  “Iona Beddau, I am pleased to finally meet you,” she greeted.

                  She had a slight accent…one that I quite couldn’t place…it sounded ancient.

                  I tried to read her aura and found that I couldn’t. This was very strange as all living beings had an aura.

                  “Who are you?” I asked.

                  “My name is not important,” she replied. “However, we do need to talk. I was hoping that we could go somewhere…less formal.”

                  Even though I couldn’t read her aura I could sense that she had very strong powers.

                  “You’re the one who gave the spell to Bromberg,” I stated.

                  “Very good, but then again, that wasn’t much of a test for someone like you, was it?”

                  She obviously wasn’t afraid of me or anyone else in the department.

                  “What do you want to talk about?” I asked.

                  “Meet me in Balboa Park tonight at midnight and we will talk. I will by the statue of El Cid…you can come alone, I mean no harm to you,” she stated. “Oh, and you need not concern yourself with the frost witch who is hunting you…she would not dare interrupt us.”

                  With that she turned and walked out of the office.

Chapter 33

                  Connor listened to my story without interrupting.

                  “So, what do you think I should do?” I asked.

                  He stroked his chin as he thought of his answer.

                  “It should be safe…if she wanted to harm you she could have done it today,” he stated.

                  “So who is she?”

                  “From your descriptions I would say she’s one of the ancient ones,” he replied.

                  “Ooooh-kay… and that means what?” I asked.

                  “Ages ago when the clans decided to assimilate with humanity some individuals decided to stay separate; they devoted their lives to the study of magic.”

                  “So are they like the Freibergs?” I asked.

                  He shook his head.

                  “No, the ancient ones don’t hate humanity…they don’t hold them in that high of regard. They only come into contact with mortals when it suits their own plans. In fact they also don’t hold us in very high regard.”

                  “Connor, she knew my name,” I stated.

                  “I know,” he replied.

                  “I suppose it would be rude to turn down her invitation,” I said. 

Chapter 34

                  “I don’t like it,” said Bill as he drove towards Balboa Park. “I mean, she didn’t even show up on the surveillance cameras at your office.

                  “She wouldn’t be the first,” I answered.

                  Bill glanced over at me and smirked.

                  “I don’t think she wants to hurt me,” I continued.

                  “So why does she want to see you here?”

                  “Who knows?” I replied. “Maybe she just likes being dramatic?”

                  Bill pulled into a parking spot across the bridge that led to main part of the park.

                  “Thanks for driving me here,” I said.

                  Bill leaned over and kissed me.

                  “Be careful,” he stated.

                  “I’m always careful,” I replied.

                  I got out of his car and closed my eyes as I scanned the surrounding area. I looked over at Sixth Avenue as I sensed that Michaela was over in that direction.

                  “I’ll be back soon,” I said to Bill.

                  “I’ll be here,” he replied.

                  I walked past the silent lawn bowling greens as I headed to the bridge. I loved Balboa Park and I always felt safe whenever I was here, maybe that’s why the mystery woman selected it.

                  It only took me ten minutes to reach the large imposing statue of El Cid. I always found it humorous that some people thought it was a statue of the Spanish explorer Balboa.

                  I reached the base of the statue and looked at my watch; it was two minutes before midnight.

                  Without a sound she appeared from the shadows.

                  “Excellent, I hate beings that are late,” she greeted.

                  I nodded.

                  “Okay, I’m here, what do you want to talk about?” I asked.

                  She silently walked closer, not even her shoes made a sound on the sidewalk.

                  “Right to the point, I admire that too,” she said.

                  She stopped in front of me and crossed her arms as she ran her eyes over me as if she was inspecting me.

                  “I’m alone and there’s no bug,” I said.

                  She nodded. “Of course. I noticed that your fiancé drove you here.”

                  I suspected that she would know who Bill was and that she said it to see if she could rattle me.

                  “He’s waiting for me…along with some others. Don’t worry, they won’t interrupt us,” I said.

                  A sly smile appeared on her face.

                  “Yes, I sensed …the other. I’m very impressed…their kind usually shun others with powers.”

                  I nodded again.

                  “Come, walk with me,” she said.

                  I didn’t see any harm in this and we began to walk down the Prado.

                  “You interest me Iona…there’s something different about you,” she stated.

                  “Thank you,” I replied.

                  “You’re different from the rest in your clan…and I can’t figure out why,” she continued. “It is very intriguing.”

                  I began to suspect that she didn’t know the truth about me.

                  “I’m also surprised that you chose your current career path…it is…also unusual,” she said. “However, it provided me with an opportunity to…examine you.”

                  I stopped in my tracks.

                  “You mean… you gave Bromberg the spell just to test me?” I asked barely holding back my anger.

                  “Of course…do you think I did it for simple monetary gain? For some reason you seem to be attracted to cases where there are gender changes…it seemed to be appropriate bait.”

                  “Innocent people were hurt,” I stated.

                  She looked at me with surprise. “Why do you…and the others care for mortals? They are a plague on this world.”

                  “Not all are bad,” I countered.

                  “I gave Bromberg the spell and explained to him the risks. If they had been less greedy then no one would have been ‘hurt’. He and the others who used it knew what would happen. Humans are like that…you give them a little power and they run amok with it.”

                  “And I’ve met some with powers who make Bromberg look like a saint,” I argued.

                  “True. Still with your powers you could be doing so much more,” she continued. “You could be one of us.”

                  “And what are you?” I asked.

                  “We are the pure ones…we have stayed true to the gifts we were born with,” she stated.

                  “Well that clears things up,” I stated. “Can you be less cryptic?”

                  “We stay to ourselves…we didn’t sell out like the others and blend in with the mortals,” she continued.

                  “And what have you done with these pure powers?”

                  “We have advanced our knowledge and transcended life as you know it,” she replied. “We don’t waste our lives.”

                  “I like my life,” I replied.

                  She frowned. “You were almost killed the other night…if you picked our path you could strike your enemy down with a thought. You also don’t have to age.”

                  “Sounds too easy...no challenge to it,” I replied. “And if I had picked your path I wouldn’t have been in danger in the first place.”

                  A look of confusion appeared on her face.

                  “Is there something wrong with that?” she asked.

                  I nodded.

                  “If everything was easy life would be very boring…challenges are what make life interesting,” I explained.

                  “So you don’t want to join us?”

                  “Exactly,” I replied.

                  “You have no idea what you are turning down,” she countered. “We only offer a few this opportunity.”

                  “Maybe, but I like my current life,” I replied.

                  “Why?” she asked in an astonished tone.

                  I smiled back at her. “It’s fun.”

                  Her jaw dropped slightly. “Fun?”

                  “Yes, fun…maybe you forgot what that’s like,” I stated.

                  “So you’re actually turning us down?”

                  I nodded. “I must admit that I’m flattered…but I love my life…and the people around me…both magical and mortal.”

                  She let out a long sigh.

                  “I thought you would jump at this opportunity, I thought you were different that the others,” she said.

                  “I’m sorry,” I replied.

                  “Very well, Iona,” she said. “Still, I will keep an eye on you…who knows you might change your mind.”

                  “I doubt it,” I replied. “May I ask one favor?”

                  She cocked her head. “What is it?”

                  “Please don’t interfere with my life again,” I asked. “No more tests.”

                  She smiled. “I wouldn’t think of it. However, like I said, I will check in with you occasionally as you interest me. But I won’t interfere with your life.”

                  I nodded and started to turn to walk away when I stopped.

                  “Um you won’t have any problems with us prosecuting Bromberg and his minions?”

                  She laughed. “Do with them as you please…I have no interest in them. They could have used the spell to better themselves without hurting the others…and they knew what would happen.”

                  “Thank you,” I replied and I turned and walked away.

                  “I will see you again Iona Beddau.”

                  I turned to ask her what her name was but she was gone. I also had the strange feeling that we would meet again.

Chapter 35

                  Back at the house I told Aunt Kayla, Connor, Bill, and Michaela what had happened.

                  “So she was trying to recruit you?” asked Connor. He turned and looked at Aunt Kayla. “Have you heard of this happening?”

                  She nodded.

                  “It’s rare, but it has happened before,” she replied.

                  I took a sip of my coffee.

                  “I don’t think she knew my true background,” I stated.  “She just called me Iona.”

                  “Your powers are also very strong,” added Aunt Kayla. “I suspect that she’ll be back.”

                  “Can she force me to join her?” I asked.

                  Aunt Kayla shook her head.

                  “We don’t know much about them…but we do know that they only take volunteers.”

                  “Were you tempted?” asked Michaela.

                  I shook my head. “No, not in even in the least…I have everything I want now.”

                  Bill then reached over and took my hand.

                  “Well, we’ll talk to the DA tomorrow and see if we can arrest Bromberg and the others,” stated Connor as he stood up.

                  I looked at my watch and saw that it was nearly two in the morning.

                  “Do you mind if I sleep in a little?” I asked.

                  He smiled as he shook his head. “No, see you at eleven.”

                  He then walked off with Aunt Kayla. I was pleased that they were getting closer.

                  “Well, I better get going too,” said Michaela.

                  She hugged and she left.

                  Bill slipped his arm around me and pulled me close.

                  “How’re you doing?” he asked.

                  “Tired, but I feel good…I can’t wait until we’re married,” I said as I snuggled closer to him. “I love you so much.”

                  “I love you too,” he said as he pulled me closer.

Chapter 36

                  When I arrived at work Connor told me that the DA’s staff indicted Bromberg and his staff members who used the spells.

                  “Great,” I replied. “So what do you think will happen to them?”

                  “It’s pretty cut and dry and I suspect that their defense attorneys will strike a deal,” he replied.

                  “And what do you think they’ll get?” I asked.

                  “At a minimum the benefits of the spell will be stripped from them,” he replied.

                  “That’s a start,” I said.

                  “There will also be compensation for their victims,” he continued.

                  “Have they found a way to reverse the spell?” I asked.

                  He shook his head.

                  Just then my cell phone went off. I picked it up and saw that it was Beth. She was calling from the airport.

                  “Jen arranged for me to get in early,” she said.

                  “Great, I’ll come by and pick you up,” I replied.

                  “Ok and Tessa is with me,” she continued.

                  “Cool,” I replied.

                  Connor smiled at me. “Take the rest of the day off and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

                  “Thanks,” I replied as I grabbed by bag.

Chapter 37

                  I called Michaela and told her where I was going.

                  “I’m going to take them to the resort, why don’t you meet us there?” I asked.

                  “Sounds great,” she replied.

                  The traffic was light and it only took me a few minutes to get to the airport. Beth and Tessa were waiting right up front. I got out of my car and we gently hugged.

                  “How’s your side?” asked Beth.

                  “Almost healed, it’s just a little tender,” I replied.

                  On the way to the resort we caught up on the latest news.

                  “Hallie and the others will arrive tomorrow,” said Beth.

                  “Great,” I replied. “I can’t wait to see everyone. We can also get the final fittings of the dresses.”

                  “Cool…oh, and we’re taking you out later this week,” said Beth.

                  I gave her a dirty look.

                  “It’s tradition,” she said.

                  “Okay…but just make sure that wherever we’re going there isn’t a swimming pool,” I stated.

                   “Okay, why?” asked Tessa with an amused look on her face.

                  “My wetting down for Lieutenant took place at a hotel down in the Caribbean and half the wardroom ended up in the pool,” I replied.

                  “It was epic,” stated Beth.

                  Tessa smiled. “Reminds me of some of my SEAL initiation parties.”

Chapter 38

                  The suites at the resort were extremely nice and also very expensive. Each suite had a bedroom, a living room, a small kitchenette, and a full spa bathroom; thankfully we got a special rate.

                  “Jen arranged for us to have the whole wing,” I stated.

                  “She does have connections,” replied Beth. “So what did she offer the resort in exchange for the discount rate?”

                  “Something about filming scenes from her next movie here,” I replied.

                  “Cool,” replied Beth as we sat down on the couch in the living room.

                  Tessa was going over security issues with Michaela and it gave Beth and me some time alone.

                  “So, has it sunk in yet that you’ll be married shortly?” she asked.

                  “Sort of,” I replied. “It’s just been…rather hectic the last few days that I haven’t had much time to think about it.”

                  Beth smiled back. “I guess we’re just destined to live exciting lives.”

                  I nodded. “I just hope that Alia doesn’t interfere with my wedding.”

                  “She sounds like a real bitch,” stated Beth.

                  “She’s not that nice,” I countered. “She’s probably the most evil person that I’ve ever known.”

                  “Obviously you never met Margo Simon,” said Beth.

                  “I think that Alia is worse…she enjoys killing. I’d love to bring her in and lock her away forever…but I doubt that will happen.”

                  “Well, try not to worry about it. From what you’ve told me, Michaela is pretty resourceful.”

                  I nodded. “Oh, speaking of Michaela; she’s heading over here as we speak with Tessa.”

                  “That’s one power you have that I’d love to have,” said Beth.

                  As I said, Tessa and Michaela soon joined us in Beth’s room. They told us their plans for security. Tessa would watch over the guests and Michaela would continue to be my bodyguard. Michaela also told us that currently five members of her clan were in San Diego searching for Alia.

                  “From what Michaela told me, Alia will want to settle this with you personally, but we suspect that she might use an attack on us as a distraction. I’m not too worried about her using thugs to attack us…but this whole hexed blade thing is troublesome,” said Tessa.

                  “Aunt Kayla said that she’s working on an amulet that should counter the effects of the assassin spell,” I said. “She hoped to have them ready for all of us later today.”

                  Tessa nodded. “Good, that evens things out.”

Chapter 39

                  Over an early dinner conversation shifted to the wedding.

                  “The ceremony will take place on the beach over in Coronado and then the reception will be in the Hotel Del,” I stated. “Thankfully, this being San Diego, we don’t have to worry about rain.”

                  “So how many will be in the bridal party?” asked Tessa.

                  “Besides you three there will be Jirra, Hallie, Kim, Karen, and Celeste. I asked Jen and Alexis, but they declined as they didn’t want to be a distraction during the ceremony. They’re coming to the ceremony though and have decided to try to stay in the background. I’m still hoping that my sister will change her mind,” I replied.

                  “What do you mean?” asked Tessa.

                  I sighed. “It’s complicated, but basically my original mom, blames Iona for Roger’s death. She also blames me for my father’s death.”

                  “That’s awful,” replied Tessa. “I guess I’m fortunate that I didn’t have any family to speak of when I was…changed.”

                  “At least Jenny is coming out,” I replied.

                  “So who’s Karen?” asked Michaela. “I don’t think I’ve met her.”

                  I told them about Karen Miller, the girl I had become friends with when I had first become Iona.

                  “She used to live in San Diego, but since she recovered from her wounds she moved to Monterrey,” I stated. “I’m really looking forward to seeing her again.”

                  “Um, does she know about you?” asked Beth.

                  I shook my head. “I guess we should have special nametags so we know who we can talk openly to.”

                  “May I ask you why you haven’t told her?” asked Michaela. “I mean, you seem to have a good track record of picking people you can trust.”

                  “I guess it’s because I almost got her killed…I still feel a bit guilty about it,” I confessed.

                  “Yeah, but you helped save her so it evens out,” said Beth.

                  I nodded.

                  “The important thing is that you’ve stayed friends,” said Tessa.

                  “Do you miss not having any contact with people from your old life, Tessa?” I asked.

                  “Not really…the main person I cared about when I was a man is dead,” she replied. “I now have a family…something I never had a man.”

                  “What was your wedding like?” I asked.

                  “It was very simple,” she replied. “Jonathan and I got married in Crete…we were going to have a bigger ceremony later but we decided that the first one was so special that there was no way we could improve upon it.”

                  “That’s so sweet,” said Beth.

                  “So what about you Beth? How’re things going with your finance?” asked Tessa.

                  “We talked about it, but neither of us wants to jump into anything. I graduate in the spring and am looking forward to joining The Agency and Jim has been accepted into grad school,” she replied.

                  Tessa turned to me and smiled. “I give them six months before they’re engaged.”

                  Michaela and I both laughed.

                  “What about you Michaela?” I asked.

                  “I’m too young,” she replied.

                  “Is there more to it than that?” I asked.

                  She looked at us and nodded.

                  “I kinda like being a woman,” she replied.

                  “So what’re you going to do?” asked Beth.

                  “My race allows us to experiment with our gender…up until we get married,” she explained.

                  “And you’re thinking about staying a woman?” I asked.

                  She shook her head.

                  “What do you mean?” I asked.

                  “I’ve made up my mind…I like being Michaela,” she confessed. “I made up my mind the other night when I became a male to fool Davin. It felt so strange…I couldn’t wait to change back.”

                  “Welcome to the club,” said Tessa.

                  We then group hugged our newest member.

Chapter 40

                  When I got home I told Aunt Kayla about Michaela’s decision.

                  “I’m not surprised from the questions she has been asking me,” she replied. “Did you have dinner?”

                  I nodded.

                  “Would you like some tea?”

                  “Yes please,” I replied as I followed her into the kitchen.

                  As I watched her put the kettle on the stove I felt a sense of sadness.

                  “I’m going to miss living here with you,” I said.

                  “Thank you, Iona, I feel the same way,” she said.

                  “I don’t think that I could have made this transition without your help,” I continued. “I can still remember how frightened I was as I lay in that hospital bed wondering what I was going to do.”

                  “Things happen for a reason,” she said with a smile.

                  I smiled back. “Yes, but you went out of your way to help me…I can never repay you for that.”

                  “Honey, you can repay me by continuing to have a wonderful life. I’m so happy that you and Bill are getting married…I know that you’ll be a perfect couple.”

                  “Well, there are no secrets… that’s for sure,” I replied.

                  Aunt Kayla set out the teapot and the mugs.

                  “Amelia is arriving tomorrow with Sarah,” she said.

                  “I can’t wait to seem them,” I replied.

                  “She said that Sarah is very exited about being your flower girl,” she continued.

                  “I’m glad to hear that…and I’m glad she’s found a family too,” I replied. “Oh, did you finish the charms?”

                  She nodded as she took the kettle off the stove and poured the water into the teapot.

                  “You can take them to your friends in the morning,” she replied.

                  “Thank you so much, this puts my mind at ease,” I said. “Do you think that Alia will try something?”

                  “Yes,” she replied. “I expect her to do something before the wedding. If she was smart she would go back to her clan and go into hiding. “

                  “I haven’t sensed her once,” I admitted.

                  “That bothers me,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  “Why?” I asked.

                  “It means that she has help.”

                  “Like the one that Davin controlled?”

                  She nodded. “She might also be using others like herself…outcasts.”

                  “Great,” I stated as I rolled my eyes.

                  “The only good thing about them is that they have no emotional ties to the case…they’re mercenaries and when we get Alia they won’t be a threat.”

                  She poured the teas into our mugs.

                  “Um, is it possible to increase the range of my detection powers?” I asked as I poured some honey into my tea.

                  “Maybe…I’ll ask Amelia when she gets here.”

                  “Good,” I replied.

                  “Let’s go outside and enjoy the evening,” she said.

                  “Sounds great,” I replied as I followed her.

                  We were quickly joined by the three cats who sensed an opportunity to get in someone’s lap.

Chapter 41

                  The next day was my last day at work until after the honeymoon. After dropping the charms off at the resort I went to the office. I was glad that two of my current cases were wrapped up…but any joy that I got from that was tempered by the fact that Alia Freiberg was still running around free.

                  The rest of the wedding party would be arriving during the next two days. Jirra, Alexis, Celeste, Hallie and Kim were flying in that afternoon and Jen was driving down from LA in her Hummer. Jenny’s flight was due in tonight and Karen was also due to arrive in town that evening. Fiona would be arriving the next day with Amelia, Sarah, my cousin Aileen Munro.

                  A few more friends were also due in town tomorrow. Marny and Jacob were due in port tomorrow. They had been sailing around who knows where for the past few weeks. Marny had a special love of the ocean as her father was from an ancient aquatic race. Jacob was our neighbor and he had known Marny for decades. They were both wonderful people I was so pleased that they would be at my wedding.

                  Bill’s family would also be arriving in the next few days. Most of the men in the wedding party came from the DA’s office and half of them were magical.

                  In all it would be a very interesting wedding.

                  Connor handed me the morning paper and pointed to an article concerning Bromberg’s company.

                  I smiled as I read it.

                  “So, the company has been bought out,” I stated.

                  He nodded. “This was all so the innocent employees get to keep their jobs…this isn’t always possible…we tried but couldn’t save Enron.”

                  “And no one suspected that Kenneth Lay was a demon?” I asked.

                  He shook his head. “At least the public doesn’t know that he’s still alive and is spending life in prison…and that will be for another six hundred years.”

                  I nodded.

                  Just then the phone rang and Connor answered it.

                  I could tell right away that it concerned Alia.

                  As soon as he hung up I asked him what was up.

                  “Alia was spotted in Tijuana; unfortunately she got away,” he said.

                  “TJ…figures,” I stated.

                  “We’re sending a team down there right now…can you contact Michaela?”

                  I picked up my phone and began to dial.

Chapter 42

                  We sent half a dozen officers down to Mexico, but so far Alia eluded them. I offered to go down and see if I could pick her up, but Connor declined.

                  “I think she’s just teasing us….our best bet is for her come up here and try something. I doubt if she’s aware of how powerful your detection skills are.”

                  “Aunt Kayla is working on a way to boost them,” I stated.

                  “Good,” he replied as he looked at his watch. “Why don’t you take off?”

                  “Are you sure?” I asked.

                  He nodded. “You have more than enough overtime.”

                  “Thanks,” I replied. “Oh, are you part of Bill’s bachelor party?”

                  He nodded again.

                  “I bet our party will be wilder,” I teased.

                  “That wouldn’t surprise me. Do you have any idea where you’re going?”

                  “No, Beth wouldn’t tell me…she said that it would be good. Apparently Jen Stevens is setting everything up.”

                  Connor smiled. “From what I’ve seen of Jen I wouldn’t be shocked if she was one of us.”

                  “I’ll tell her that…she’d get a kick out of it,” I replied. “Although things do seem to happen when she’s around.”

                  “Iona, do me a favor, have Beth call me and tell me where the party will be so I can tell your protection,” he asked.

                  “Do you think that’s necessary?” I asked and then I paused. “Of course it is; crashing a bridal party would fit Alia perfectly. I’ll give her one of your cards.”

                  “Good,” he replied. “I’ve spent a lot of time training you to be an acceptable partner…I don’t want to have to break in a new one.”

                  I smiled back. “Connor, that’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever given me!”

                  He smiled back.

Chapter 43

                  I drove over to the resort and met up with the girls. It felt good to sit down and relax on the balcony overlooking the Pacific. The sangria that they had ordered didn’t hurt matters either.

                  “What time does Jirra and the others arrive again?” asked Michaela.

                  “An hour; they’ll be catching the resort’s limo,” I replied.

                  “Jen called, she’s stuck on the 5 up in Irvine…I bet she’s steaming,” said Beth.

                  “I wouldn’t want to be in front of her,” I replied.

                  “She told me that she once wanted to have the special effects guys install fake machine guns on her Hummer to scare people out of her way,” said Beth.

                  “Knowing Jen, I would think that she would want the real thing,” said Tessa.

                  We all started to laugh.

                  I then updated them on the wedding plans.

                  “May I ask you a question?” asked Tessa.

                  “Sure,” I replied as I took another sip of my wine.

                  “You mentioned that your mother was flying in…what about your father?”

                  “He died when I was young…I mean when Iona was a baby,” I replied. “I’ve seen pictures of him and even searching Iona’s memories I only have vague recollections of him.”

                  “I’m sorry,” replied Tessa.

                  “It’s okay. He was a college professor and a mortal…he died in a car crash. I often wonder what Iona would have been like if he had been around her as she grew up.”

                  “I notice you sometimes refer to her in the third person,” said Tessa.

                  “I know…I mean I have all her memories…but as she had her own life before the swap I owe it to her to see her as separate person…even though only a few people know the truth,” I replied. “I also feel a bit guilty when I search her memories.”

                  “Would your people care if they found out the truth about you?” asked Tessa.

                  “Aunt Kayla says no…but there’s no reason to tell everyone. As I told you, Iona had a bad reputation…part was due to the spell cast by Keir and part was due to the fact that Iona was rebelling against her family. Now they see her as a changed woman and I like the fact that they see her in a better light…she didn’t deserve what happened to her.”

                  “That’s very thoughtful…it almost sounds like something the goddesses would arrange,” she replied.

                  “Okay, my turn,” I asked.

                  “Shoot,” said Tessa.

                  “Have you had any contact with Athena since Crete?” I asked.

                  Tessa shook her head slowly.

                  “You seem disappointed,” noted Beth.

                  “Maybe I am. I mean, I love Jonathan and our daughter…but it was pretty exciting being associated with Athena. I mean, if that had happened a couple of thousand years ago it would be taught in school with the other great stories,” she explained.

                  “So is Athena a real goddess?” asked Beth.

                  Tessa shrugged her shoulders. “What’s a goddess? I mean, I think that they’re just very advanced and intelligent beings. She never asked me to worship her or anything like that. I am very proud to wear her sign.”

                  “Her sign?” asked Michaela.

                  Tessa nodded. “She gave me a tattoo of an owl.”

                  “May I see it?” asked Michaela.

                  Tessa nodded and exposed a very detailed owl tattoo on her right shoulder.

                  “Stunning,” stated Michaela as she admired the tattoo. “I’ve never seen its equal. It looks very similar in style to the owl on the old Athenian coins.”

                  Beth and I nodded.

                  “Thank you for sharing this with us, Tessa,” I said.

                  She smiled back at me. “You’re welcome. Having all of you as friends has been a blessing…in many ways you’re now my family.”

                  “I feel the same way,” I stated.

                  “It’s nice to have a group of sisters that we can be free and open around,” added Beth.

Chapter 44

                  A short time later our group was much larger as Jirra, Alexis, Celeste, Hallie and Kim arrived and checked into the resort. We all gathered in Beth’s room which was fast becoming the group hangout.

                  “I’m surprised that Jen didn’t beat us here,” said Alexis.

                  “The last we heard from her she was finally south of Oceanside,” explained Beth as she told the others about Jen’s traffic problems.

                  “I’m surprised that she didn’t drive over the other cars,” said Alexis with a smile.

                  “I’m sure she thought of it,” added Jirra.

                  “Well as soon as she gets here we’ll head out to dinner,” I said.

                  “What about your sister?” asked Hallie.

                  “Her flight doesn’t get in until much later,” I said. “She had to finish up some work at her studio before she left.”

                  Hallie nodded. “I really like her work. Kim and I have bought several things there for our home.”

                  “She appreciates the business,” I replied.

                  “Well, we’ve told many of the faculty at Ohio State about her studio,” added Kim.

                  Just then there was a knock on the door. Beth answered it and in walked Jen.

                  “I really need to get those missile launchers installed on my Hummer,” she stated as she walked inside the room.

                  “Do you think that would have helped?” I asked as we hugged.

                  “It wouldn’t have hurt…and it would have been fun too!” she replied with a large smile. “Tell me, Iona, are you ever tempted to use your powers when you’re driving around here?”

                  I shook my head. “No, we’re calmer down here in San Diego…but if I lived up in LA it might be a different story.”

                  “I must admit that I’ve been extremely tempted to let a few lightning bolts go now and then.”

                  “Lightning bolts?”

                  “I gained the ability to do some limited weather control as part of my transformation. I know that the weather here isn’t normally a problem and I’m going to make sure that your ceremony won’t be disrupted by any rain.”

                  “Thanks, Jen. I do appreciate that. Any chance for a clear night as well?”

                  “You got it, Iona!”

                  With that we headed off to dinner.

Chapter 45

                  We headed down to Pacific Beach for dinner at the Green Flash in Jen’s Hummer. Thankfully the traffic was mild. Along the way I updated them on the rest of the wedding party.

                  “Karen is really nice…but she doesn’t know about my past,” I explained.

                  “You don’t have to worry about us,” said Jirra.

                  “I appreciate that. I plan on telling her someday…but not right now,” I stated. I then told them about Alia.

                  “Well, I’m glad that you didn’t do something like cancel your wedding, Iona,” stated Jen.

                  “It would take more than a frost witch to do that,” interjected Michaela which caused a round of laughter.

                  “Seriously, Iona, what happens if she shows up?” asked Hallie.

                  “I only wish she would,” I replied. “The good thing is that I will know when she’s close.”

                  “How?” asked Celeste.

                  “I can sense her,” I replied as I explained my ability to sense people that I knew.

                  “That must come in handy,” said Jen. “I wish I could do that…it would be useful in avoiding some of those studio weasels and their sleazy lawyers.”

                  “Oh, I almost forgot, I have a gift for all of you,” I said as I handed out the charms. I then explained what they were for. “They’re strictly a precaution.”

                  “I like it,” said Kim as she inspected the crystal charm.

                  “Please wear them at all times…until we catch Alia,” I said. 

                  Michaela gave me a look and it didn’t take a mind reader to know what she was thinking. I knew that it was very unlikely that Alia would be taken alive.

Chapter 46

                  We had a wonderful dinner at the Green Flash. The staff recognized Jen and Alexis and gave us a section of the restaurant to ourselves. We started off by ordering a large selection of their appetizers ranging from shrimp to calamari rolls. As we ate and talked I updated them on the wedding plans.

                  “Tomorrow we need to go and get the final fittings for the dresses,” I said.

                  “The wedding is in four days, right?” asked Jen.

                  I nodded.

                  “Good,” she replied.

                  I cocked my head. “Okay, what’s up?”

                  “Your bachelorette party of course!” she replied with a wink.

                  I looked around at the others.

                  “You all know about this, don’t you?” I asked.

                  Beth smiled and nodded.

                  “This way you’ll be all better in time to marry Bill,” she replied. “Besides, his bachelor party is also tomorrow.”

                  “And how do you know that?” I asked.

                  “I am a federal agent,” she replied.

                  I looked at the others.

                  “And I suppose you know where and what we’ll be doing?”

                  They all nodded.

                  “Even you Michaela?” I asked.

                  She nodded. “I love a rousing party…did I ever tell you about the time that I went out with Errol Flynn? Now there was a man who loved to party!”

                  The others laughed.

                  “That’s a good one,” said Beth.

                  I shook my head. “She’s not joking.”

                  Jen’s eyes got large. “Oh, I have to hear this story!”

Chapter 47

                  My sister Jenny arrived later that evening and joined in the pre- bachelorette party back at the resort. Just as I suspected, she fit right in with the others. I also told her about Karen.

                  “Don’t worry, I won’t give away your secret,” said Jenny. “But if Karen is as good of a friend as you say she is, I don’t think you have anything to worry about should you tell her.”

                  “I plan on doing it, but not until after the wedding,” I replied.

                  The resort staff was more than happy to keep us well supplied with champagne and other drinks.

                  I was about to refill my glass when I sensed Karen. I found that she was one person that I could always pick up at a distance. Maybe it was because she was a very good friend, maybe it was because I had once used my powers to save her life, and maybe it was because we had once had one very hot night of passionate sex.

                  “Karen will be here soon,” I stated as I took a sip of my champagne.

                  “That’s a neat trick, I wish you could teach me that one,” said Jenny.

 I shrugged my shoulders. “Sorry, it’s not a spell, it came to me naturally.”

“Um, are you going to give Karen one of the charms?” asked Michaela.

“Yes, I’ll just tell her it’s a bridal party gift,” I replied.

“Do you really think that this…Alia…will try something?” asked Jenny.

                  “Unfortunately yes,” I replied. “The good thing is that I can also sense her a very long distance.”

                  “So strong emotion must serve as an amplifier” noted Jen.

                  I nodded as I took another sip of champagne.

                  “How far can you sense Bill?” asked Beth.

                  I closed my eyes and concentrated. “He’s currently five miles away.”

                  “The power of love,” said Beth.

Chapter 48

                  Karen arrived a short time later and we immediately hugged.

                  “So you’re finally getting married,” she said with a grin.

                  “It seems like the right thing to do,” I replied as I introduced her to the others.

                  “So you and Iona worked together as waitresses?” asked Beth.

                  “Yep in a dive down in PB called The Reef,” she said referring to Pacific Beach.

                  “That seems like a long time ago,” I replied.

                  Karen nodded. “An entire lifetime.”

                  I sensed the sadness in her voice. A coworker at the club had been killed trying to protect her.

                  “Well, I’m so glad that you came down, Karen. I can’t imagine getting married without you there,” I said.

                  “As soon as I saw you and Bill together I sensed that you belonged together,” she said. “It…It was like magic.”

                  I almost spit out my drink.

                  We partied until almost one and then the crowd began to thin out until it was just Karen and I. We picked up a bottle of champagne and headed over to her room.

                  “You have some incredible friends,” she noted. “I mean, I must be the most ordinary person in your wedding party.”

                  “You’re my friend and that makes you very special,” I replied.

                  “Seriously, when I first met you…you seemed to be almost lost…and just a few years later you have two actresses, a top archeologist, an artist…and others in your wedding party. I mean, what the hell does Tessa do? Is she some sort of secret agent?”

                  I shook my head. “Beth is the secret agent.”

                  Karen looked at me to see if I was kidding.

                  “You when you first met me, I was lost…I was coming out a haze. Your friendship was so important to me…it gave me the strength to redo my life,” I stated.

                  Karen sat down next to me.  “I always knew you were a good person, Iona. None of us ever believed the stories that Tom told us.”

                  Tom was our boss at The Reef. He was currently doing twenty-to-life for drug dealing.

                  “They’re all true,” I said. “I screwed up when I was younger…but that’s all in the past.”

                  Karen shook her head. “I don’t believe it. Iona, you have a good soul…I doubt you could have been the person that Tom described. I mean you’ve done so much for me.”

                  “We’re friends. I helped you get through college,” I replied.

                  Karen shook her head. “Not that…you saved my life. When I was in the hospital I could feel my life seeping away. I knew I was dying…but that all changed when you came in and sat next to me. I know you did something…something magical…to save me.”

                  “You really believe that, don’t you?” I asked.

                  “You willed me to live…so the answer is yes,” she replied.

                  “And if it was magical, would that matter to you?” I asked tentatively. This isn’t what I planned, but it seemed like the best moment to tell her the truth.

                  She shook her head.

                  “Can I trust you?” I asked.

                  “Of course,” she replied.

                  “You’re right…I have powers…I’m a sorceress,” I admitted. I then looked at her to gauge her reaction.

                  Karen smiled back at me. “I knew it!”

                  She then leaned over and hugged me.

                  “I wish I had told you sooner, but...it’s not an easy thing to tell other people,” I said.

                  “So do all the others know?” she asked.

                  I nodded. “I planned on telling you eventually.”

                  “It’s okay…I mean it’s not an easy thing to tell someone,” she said.

                  “Do you want to hear the whole story?” I asked.

                  “Of course!” she replied.

                  I took a deep breath and told her how I became Iona.

Chapter 49

                  “So, do you miss being a guy?” she asked as she refilled our glasses.

                  “No,” I replied honestly. “I love who I am…and it has nothing to do with the powers. In fact, I can’t imagine ever being a guy.”

                  “And Bill knows all this?” she asked.

                  “I told him that summer we worked together,” I replied.

                  “What a wonderful guy! I wish I could meet someone like him,” she said.

                  “You will,” I replied. “Now, tomorrow…I mean later today I will tell the others that you are in on my secret. I’ll also let you know who else is in on it.”

                  “Okay,” she replied. “This is so cool.”

                  “I’m just happy to be honest with you…after everything that happened,” I said.

                  “So what would you have done if I freaked out when you told me?”

                  “Turned you into a frog,” I replied with a giggle.

                  “You wouldn’t dare!”

                  I continued to laugh. “No, I know a good spell that would have swept the memories out of your mind.”

                  “So… if you could do that…why not tell me sooner?”

                  “The spell…like a lot of magic has consequences…it would have affected our friendship…we would have grown distant,” I replied. “It was a difficult thing to risk…losing a friendship.”

                  Karen leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “I appreciate that.”

                  We hugged one last time and then I got up to leave.

                  “You okay to drive?” she asked.

                  “One of the nice benefits of having powers…I hold my liquor much better,” I replied. Then I held up my room key. “But just so you know, I’m crashing in Beth’s room tonight. She has an extra bedroom in her suite.”

                  Karen gave me one more hug and we said goodnight.

Chapter 50

                  Later that morning we gathered for a late breakfast in the resort restaurant. I would have to wait until we were all alone to tell the others that Karen was in on my secret.

                  “So, is Amelia joining us tonight?” asked Michaela.

                  “No, she said that she would let the kids have their fun,” I replied. “By the way, where are we going again?”

                  “Nice try, Iona,” said Jen as she sipped her coffee. “But it’s not going to be that easy.”

                  I snapped my fingers. “It was worth a try.”

                  “Don’t worry, you’ll have a blast,” she continued.

                  “Well, we have a few things to do before we go out…wherever we’re going,” I said. “We need to get those of you in my bridal party your final fitting.”

                  “Oh, I want to thank you for going against tradition and picking out gowns that aren’t hideous,” said Beth.

                  “I thought about it,” I replied. “I also need to talk to everyone upstairs.”

                  Knowing my friends I wasn’t surprised that they so readily accepted Karen into our group. I was a bit surprised that they all shared their pasts with her…including Michaela.

                  “It’s nice that we can be open around each other,” said Hallie.

                  Jen laughed. “Well that is one thing that I don’t have to worry about.”

                  Karen was very grateful that we trusted her so much.

                  “You don’t have to worry about me ever telling anyone about your secrets,” she said. She then turned to my sister. “I’m so happy that Iona has some connection to her original family.”

                  She nodded. “I’m happy to have a little sister now.”

                  “So, are you going to be in the wedding party too?” she asked.

                  Jenny shook her head. “It’s complicated.”

                  “Why?” asked Karen.

                  Jenny then told her about our family.

                  Karen shrugged her shoulders. “Again, I ask why?”

                  Jenny looked at me as if to ask for help in explaining it to Karen.

                  “It’s a good question,” I replied.

                  “You mean you really want me in your wedding party?”

                  “What do you think? You’re my sister! Of course I want you,” I replied barely holding back my tears.

                  Jenny began to cry too and we both hugged.

                  “So…is that a yes?” I asked.

                  “Of course,” she replied.

                  The rest of the group began to clap.

Chapter 51

                  I’m going to skip forward a bit to the total debauchery that was my bachelorette party.  Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it was pretty wild. This was my first time and I thought that I was prepared for it. I mean, as a naval officer I had been to many “wetting downs”… the traditional party thrown for the wardroom by a newly promoted officer. However after this night I learned that I had led a sheltered life.

                  I was told by Beth and the others that this would be a formal affair…at least to start off, so we all had to get dressed up. We started by hitting the resort’s salon and spa which had been reserved for us by Jen.

                  We all got massages followed by manicures and pedicures. Okay, I admit it; I have grown to like this sort of treatment.

Next we received a makeover. To me, makeup is a necessary evil. I don’t mind doing it, but I rarely go all out. In my line of work, it’s best to blend in. As for going out, Bill and I prefer more casual places…but for special occasions I get dolled up for him.  Needless to say I was a little apprehensive about what I would look like. I had no reason to worry as the woman in the salon did a wonderful job.

Beth had arranged for our clothes to be brought down. I ended up wearing a short black sequined dress. It was rather tight and it felt as if it had been painted on me.  I felt the material and realized that it was magical. Beth told me that Amelia had provided it for me. For shoes I wore a pair of killer open-toed pumps.

I had to admit that I looked pretty hot as I admired myself in the mirror.

“I wish Bill could see me,” I said to myself.

“That can be arranged.” A huge flash of light nearly blinded me and as my vision slowly cleared a grinning Jen waved her camera at me. “If this doesn’t get Bill all hot and bothered he’s gotta be brain dead. You’re sizzilin’ girl!”

I was soon joined by the others. Everyone was dressed up in very sexy and gorgeous dresses and like me that had been given the star treatment by the spa staff.

“Okay, we look ready for a good time…so where are we going?” I asked.

“You don’t get off that easy,” said Beth as she approached me with a silk scarf.

“You’ll mess up my makeup,” I protested.

She shook her head as she blindfolded me. “No I won’t, the makeup is guaranteed not to smudge.”

                  I was led out by my giggling friends.

                  “Okay, bend down,” said Beth as she guided me.

                  I realized that I was getting into a car.

                  “Limo?” I asked.

                  “Please!” stated Jen in mock disgust. “It’s a stretch Hummer limousine.”

                  “Subtle,” I remarked with a giggle. “That won’t draw attention.”

                  “Well, we needed something to hold all of us,” said Jen.

                  I suppose I should mention that our group that night was composed of Beth, Jenny, Michaela, Hallie, Kim, Alexis, Jirra, Celeste, Karen, Tessa, and last but definitely not least Jen.

                  As we drove away from the spa I tried to determine where we were going.

                  “North?” I asked.

                  “Maybe,” replied Beth.

                  “Maybe we should have the driver do some donuts in the parking lot to confuse the prisoner?” suggested Tessa.

                  “Okay, okay, I’ll keep my mouth shut,” I said in mock disgust.

                  We drove a short distance and I could tell that we were on I-5 heading north.

                  Along the way, the driver began to play music and I could hear the sound of champagne bottles being opened. Beth placed a glass in my hand.

                  “Be careful, this is the good stuff,” she said. “But wait for the toast.”

                  “Is everyone drinking champagne?” I asked.

                  “Everyone but Jirra…she’s only twenty,” said Alexis. “She’s drinking sparking cider.”

                  “I’ll be twenty-one soon,” said Jirra.

                  “Soon isn’t legal,” said Alexis with a laugh.

                  “I’ll have one drink in your honor,” said Jen.

                  “What about you Beth?” I asked.

                  “Technically I’m legal…again…but I’m the designated sober person tonight,” she replied.

                  “Too bad,” I remember the last time we tied one on,” I stated.

                  “Palma,” she replied.

                  “That was an epic port call,” I stated.

                  “Well, we’re going to top that tonight,” said Beth.

Chapter 52

                  The Hummer limo pulled off the highway and I could hear aircraft. A short time later we parked and I was led out of the Hummer and onto a jet.

                  The blindfold was removed once we took off.

                  I looked around the luxurious private jet.

                  “Did you pull this off?” I asked Jen.

                  She just smiled back. “Of course. I own this. When my friends and I travel we always do it in style.”

                  I looked out the window and saw that we were heading inland.

                  “Vegas?” I asked.

                  “Can you think of a better place?” asked Jen.

                  “Bring it on,” I replied with a laugh.

Chapter 53

                  The flight to Vegas was uneventful. Jen and Beth told me a little about what to expect.

                  A limo would meet us at the airport and drive us to our hotel. Jen had arranged for us to have several connecting suites at one of the larger casinos.

                  “And then?” I asked.

                  “Well, we’ll have the initial celebration up in the suite,” said Beth. “Then we’ll move the party down to the club.”

                  “What about Jirra?” I asked. “I don’t want her to be left out.”

                  “We have a private area that will be roped off and we’ll have security. I’ll ensure that the staff will not serve alcohol to Jirra,” said Jen. “Normally this is hard to arrange, but there are perks to being a celebrity. The security will also ensure that none of the parasites get in.”

                  “Parasites?”

                  “Paparazzi…parasites…is there any difference?” she asked with a smile.

                  The suite was exquisite and far more expensive than I could ever dream of affording. Jen explained that her production company was planning on doing a movie in Vegas and this was one of the perks.

                   As soon as we got settled in, the food and drink began to arrive. The staff set up a full buffet for us along with numerous bottles of champagne.

                  After we had something to eat, Beth told me to sit down in front of the others.

                  “What now?” I asked.

                  “We have some gifts for you,” she said with a wicked smile on her face.

                  I was presented with one gift wrapped box after another. By the time I was finished unwrapping them I have quite an impressive collection of sex toys, including some very large vibrators and dildos.

                  “I’m glad that we’re not flying commercial. I would hate to take these through security,” I said as I held up some of the sex toys.

                  “We do have one serious gift for you,” said Jenny as she handed me a large box.

                  Inside was a beautiful white lace babydoll set, along with other many pieces of sexy lingerie.

                  “We wanted you to have something things to wear while you’re on your honeymoon with Bill,” said Beth.

                  “This is very thoughtful,” I said barely holding back tears. “Thank you very much.”

                  I then set it down and gave each of them a long hug.

                  “Okay, now it’s time to party,” said Jen.

Chapter 54

                  I would go into more detail about what happened next, but even with my magically enhanced tolerance to alcohol I only have the vaguest recollections of what happened. In fact when I woke up the next day in my bed, I had no memory of how I got there. I did have a splitting headache and my mouth felt like it was filled with cotton balls.

                  I stumbled out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Thankfully someone had stocked it with aspirin. My head was too foggy to remember any appropriate anti-hangover spell.

                  I poured myself a bath and slipped into the steamy water, which felt wonderful. I wondered if the others felt as bad as I did.

                  While I couldn’t think of a hangover spell I did use my water heating spell to keep my bath water warm.

                  My bliss was disturbed when I sensed Beth approaching my room. I vaguely remembered giving her a copy of my room key as I heard the main door open.

                  “I’m in the bathroom,” I announced.

                  “Good, I was wondering how you were,” she said from just outside the bathroom.

                  “Alive…barely. How much did I drink?” I asked.

                  “I lost count, but you set a new record for champagne consumed by one person in a single night,” she replied. “The bar staff plans on mounting your bra on a plaque as a permanent historical monument.”

                  “And how did they get my bra?” I asked with trepidation.

                  “You gave it to them,” replied Beth.

                  “I hope you’re kidding,” I replied.

                  “Nope. Don’t worry… you slipped it off without exposing yourself…very ladylike,” she said while giggling. “The good thing is that when you did it you had already drunk the rest of our group under the table…including Michaela. Well, everyone but me, Jen, and Jirra. We got some great photos.”

                  I felt like slipping under the water and drowning myself.

                  “Please tell me that’s all I did,” I moaned.

                  “Well, that’s the worst thing you did. Jen says that’s why she picked Vegas so you wouldn’t have to worry about what happened. Remember about what they say; what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Which is good as you are one lousy dancer.”

                  “Oh god, please don’t tell me anymore,” I replied.

                  Beth laughed.

                  “How are the others?” I asked.

                  “Up and alive…well up anyway,” she replied with a giggle. “Celeste is fine; I think she only had a couple of drinks. Karen has a headache…so does Michaela…by the way they seem to be getting along quite well.”

                  I just nodded.

                  “Everyone else is recovering and despite the pain they all had a great time,” said Beth. “I even got up early and went for a run.”

                  “Do you have to be so damned cheerful?” I asked.

                  “Oh, I’m enjoying the hell out of this,” she replied. “Wait til you see the photos and video I took.”

                  “Just wait until you get married,” I warned.

                  “So are you getting up?”

                  “Yes,” I replied. “What time is it?”

                  “It’s almost one,” she replied.

                  “In the afternoon I hope,” I said as I got out of the bath.

Chapter 55

                  Thankfully my constitution allowed me to recover quickly and by the time I met the others I was feeling much better.

                  “That was a pretty incredible evening,” noted Tessa as I joined them for a late lunch.

                  “I’m glad that you packed me some additional clothes,” I said.

                  “So you don’t need to go and reclaim your bra?” asked Jen with a grin.

                  I shook my head. “No, I think I’ll let them keep it.”

                  Everyone else seemed to be recovering nicely. Of course we all looked tired…with the exception of Jirra and Beth.

                  “So what’s the plan?” I asked as I took a sip of water.

                  “We fly back this evening so I’ve arranged for a soak in the Jacuzzi and then a massage,” said Jen.

                  “That sounds good,” I replied as I yawned. “I’m glad that I’ll have a few days to recover before the wedding.”

Chapter 56

                  Later that evening we were on a flight back to San Diego.

                  “Thank you all for a wonderful time…it was truly epic,” I said.

                  “It was fun,” said Hallie.

                  I then updated them on the schedule for the rest of the week.

                  “How does Bill’s family feel about the ceremony?” asked Alexis.

                  “He said that they’re okay about it…his mom wanted a church wedding but she understands that we decided on holding it on the beach,” I replied.

                  I then described how the reception would be held at the Hotel Del Coronado.

                  “You mentioned that there will be second ceremony later that night, are you allowed to tell us about that one?” asked Hallie.

                  “Sure it’s not secret or anything like that. It will be private…just Bill and I…oh and Fiona and the others of my clan,” I said.

                  “So what happens?” asked Jirra.

                  “We will have a fire on a cliff overlooking the ocean,” I explained. “The only light will be from the fire and the full moon.”

                  “It sounds lovely….but aren’t you worried that someone might notice?” asked Kim.

                  I shook my head. “Fiona will cast a privacy spell that will shield us from the rest of the world…which is good as Bill and I will be naked.”

                  “Really?” asked Jirra.

                  “Now this is starting to get interesting,” added Jen.

                  “It demonstrates to each other that we enter this union with nothing to hide. We hold hands and express our love to each other. Then a linen ribbon is placed over our wrists…and then the others leave us alone.” 

                  “What happens then?” asked Alexis with a grin.

                  “We finalize the ceremony,” I replied laughing. “Don’t worry; we’ll do that back at our home and make good use of the lingerie that you gave us.”

                  “That reminds me where are you going on your honeymoon?” asked Hallie.

                  “We’re going to the Caldera de Gaia Spa in New Mexico for a few days…we’re heard so many good things about it. Jen has graciously allowed us to use her cottage,” I said. “Oh, that reminds me, thank you for the wonderful suggestion Jirra.”

                  “It was my pleasure. I know you’ll have a wonderful time,” replied Jirra. “I just wish you could spend more time there.”

                  “I agree, it’s fast becoming my favorite place to relax,” added Jen.

                  “Well, we both have tight work schedules right now. We’re also planning on going to South Africa next year for a stay at a safari resort near Kruger National Park,” I continued. “Bill got me hooked on the website Africam and I can’t wait to see the place in real life.”

                  “When you do, why don’t you stop in Crete on the way back? We’d love to show you the site,” said Hallie.

                  “That sounds like a great idea,” I replied.

                  “You’ll love it there. Jonathan and I go there once a year,” said Tessa.

                  The conversation continued until we landed in San Diego.

Chapter 57

                  The drive back to the resort was uneventful. I scanned the area and didn’t sense Alia. I did notice that both Michaela and Tessa were very alert and vigilant.

                  Beth, Tessa, Michaela and I went to Beth’s room to discuss security.

                  Once in her room I called Bill and checked in. He had just got back from his own adventure down in Cabo for his bachelor’s party.  I then called Aunt Kayla and told her that I would be staying at the resort that night.

                  She informed me that Fiona, Aileen, and Cailin had arrived and were staying at the house. I replied told her that I would be come over in the morning.

                  As I hung up the phone there was a knock on the door. I ran a mental scan and whoever it was wasn’t someone I knew. I looked at the others who shrugged their shoulders.

                  Beth got up and stood by the door.

                  “Yes?” she asked.

                  “Room service.”

                  “We didn’t order anything,” said Beth.

                  “It’s on the house…for the wedding party,” said the man from behind the door.

                  Michaela and Tessa both stood up and I could feel the tension immediately rise.

                  Tessa motioned to Beth to stall.

                  “Just a minute,” said Beth.

                  “Okay,” replied the man.

                  Beth then looked at Tessa who nodded.

                  As soon as Beth opened the door four men burst into the room.

                  “Don’t say a word…you’re coming with us!” growled the man.

None of the men had weapons out as they must have expected that this would be very easy. They seemed shocked when they realized that there were four of us in the room.

                  I cast a protection spell around Beth that prevented the first man from grabbing her. When he tried to touch her he was knocked violently to the ground.

                  Tessa and Michaela immediately attacked the remaining three. The fight, if you could call it that, was over in a few seconds as Tessa and Michaela easily subdued them.

                  I cast an immobilization spell on the remaining kidnappers.

                  “That should hold them,” I said.

                  Tessa leaned down and searched them. None of them had any identification. However, they were all armed. All were carrying knives. However, Tessa discovered that two of the men had semiautomatic handguns.

                  “This is nasty,” she commented as she held up one of the weapons. “It’s been modified to be fully automatic.”

                  She then pulled several spare clips out of their pockets.

                  “Hollow-points….very wicked…handcuffs too,” she noted as she tossed the restraints on the floor.

                  “Tessa, Michaela, go see if the others are okay,” I said.

                  Tessa hid the handgun under her coat as she and Michaela left the room.

                  Beth closed and locked the door.

                  “So what do we do now?” she asked.

                  “We’ll call the police…my kind of police…but first I want to question this one.” I said as I stood over the man who tried to grab Beth.

                  I could see the fear in his eyes as he realized he couldn’t move.

                  “Don’t worry, the effect isn’t permanent. However it must be crystal clear to you that you’re in over your head…and are very lucky to be alive. Now, you will answer all my questions, do you understand?”

                  I then eased the spell to allow him to speak.

                  “I…I understand,” he replied.

                  “Why did you come here?” I asked.

                  “We were ordered to abduct several of the women here,” he replied.

                  “How many are in your group?”

                  “Just us,” he replied.

                  “And where were you supposed to take them?”

                  He gave the address of an industrial park ten miles away.

                  “Who were you supposed to give the women to?” I demanded.

                  “She…she didn’t tell us her name,” he answered.

                  “Can you describe her?”

                  He then gave a perfect description of Alia.

                  Michaela and Tessa returned.

                  “Everyone is okay,” said Tessa. “They must have come here first.”

                  Michaela looked at the four men on the floor.

                  “What do you want us to do with them? Do you want me to kill them?” she asked.

                  I cast a spell on the man and he was again frozen. He was also terrified.

                  “No, they’re nothing…they’re just drones,” I replied.

                  “Um, Iona, is what you just did legal?” asked Beth.

                  “They’re working for Alia…she cast a spell on them…just like the one she tried to use to kill me,” I said. “They don’t know what they’re doing…so I didn’t have to read them their rights or anything like that.”

                  I told Tessa and Michaela what the man told me.

                  “So they planned on abducting some of your friends to lure you out alone,” said Michaela.

                  I nodded as I leaned down over the man I had questioned.

                  “Do you have a way of contacting her?” I asked as I eased the spell.

                  “Yes…she gave us a phone to use to call once we left the resort,” he replied.

                  “Where’s the phone?” I demanded.

                  “In my coat pocket,” he replied.

                  I took out the phone.

                  “Can you use it to track her?” asked Tessa.

                  “Maybe,” I replied.

                  “Well, let’s go after her,” said Michaela.

                  “I’m in,” said Tessa.

                  “I’d better call Connor first,” I replied.

                  “You can just give the phone to me and I’ll take care of it,” said Michaela. “Look, you know as well as I do that this can only end one way.”

                  I nodded. “I still have to try the other ways first.”

Chapter 58

                  Connor arrived with several detectives…and Bill.

                  Bill and I hugged and then I told Connor what we knew. I also told him that Tessa and Beth could be trusted.

                  “We can use this phone to catch her,” I said as I held out the cell phone.

                  Connor nodded. “Michaela, can you take on the form of one of these men?”

                  “Of course,” she replied.

                  “Wait,” I said. “Do you think that Alia will fall for the same trick that we used on Davin?”

                  “Do you think this is a trap?” he asked.

                  “Maybe,” I replied. I then leaned over the man again. “Is there a code word that you are supposed to give when you call?”

                  “Yes,” he replied.

                  “What is it?” I asked.

                  He then spoke a word that I didn’t understand.

                  “What was that?” I asked Michaela.

                  “It’s Alia’s clan original dialect,” said Michaela. “Very difficult language to master…not a bad password.”

                  “So what do we do?” asked Beth. “Can you give the password Michaela?”

                  She shook her head. “No, she would pick up on the inflections…she obvious imprinted him with the word.”

                  “So have him give the message,” suggested Tessa.

                  “She still might detect that he’s under our control,” said Michaela.

                  “I don’t see any alternative,” said Connor. “When was he supposed to call her?”

                  “Right after he got some of my friends,” I replied. I then looked at the man. “You will do as I tell you.”

Chapter 59

                  We were still two miles away from the industrial park when I sensed Alia.

                  “She’s there,” I said.

                  “Good,” replied Michaela.

                  We sat in the back of the van of the kidnapper. He was driving the van.

                  Tessa was sitting next to us. She volunteered to be the kidnap victim. The kidnapper would lead her out and she would appear to be handcuffed. The cuffs had been modified and Tessa could easily get out of them. She was also carrying the Glock 9MM that she took off the man back at the resort.

                  “That gun won’t be much use against Alia,” I said.

                  “It’s not for her…she might have human backup,” said Tessa as she chambered a round.

                  To avoid giving us away, Connor and several cars of detectives were trailing us at a safe distance. Bill insisted on riding with them.

                  “So, this Alia can sense most people with powers, but she can’t sense you or Michaela?” asked Tessa.

                  “That’s right,” I replied. “That’s why Connor and the others are staying back.”

                  “Iona, I have to agree with Michaela…Alia won’t be taken alive,” said Tessa.

                  “Maybe, but I will have to try,” I said. I then looked at Michaela. “What no argument?”

                  “I don’t agree with your plan…but I understand why you want to do it this way. But just so you know, I will not let her hurt you…in fact I’ve taken steps to ensure this,” said Michaela.

                  Before I could ask her what she meant we arrived at the park.

Chapter 60

                  The kidnaper parked the van and led Tessa out. I was getting a very strong sensation of Alia. Michaela peeked out.

                  She leaned closer. “Tessa was right, Alia has several men with her…and they’re all armed…handguns and submachine guns.”

                  “How many?” I asked.

                  “Four,” replied Michaela.

                  “They won’t help her,” I said as I popped up to look out.

                  Alia nodded as the man presented Tessa to her.

                  “Is this the only one you got?” she exclaimed angrily.

He then told her that he was the only one who got away.

                  “How did the others get caught?” she demanded.

                  “Hotel security grabbed them,” replied the man repeating the cover story we gave him.

                  “Too bad, I was hoping for more than one hostage. I wanted to send back one of their heads to that bitch,” said Alia. “Still, I can still use this one as bait.”

                  The man nodded.

                  “As for you…I have no more use for you,” she said. She then motioned to one of the armed men who shot the kidnapper.

                  “Now, what do I do with you?” she asked Tessa.

                  I looked at Michaela and nodded. I spoke quietly into my phone to alert Connor.

                  Then we quickly exited the van.

                  “Alia Freiberg…you’re under arrest,” I announced loudly.

                  The look of shock on her face was priceless…although it quickly turned to rage.

                  “No!” she screamed.

                  She cast the same fireball spell in Michaela’s direction. I was prepared for it this time and immediately countered it. The crystal fell harmlessly to the ground by our feet.

                  “You’re always so predictable,” I said.

Alia glared back at me and then looked at her guards.

“Kill the girl,” she sneered.

                  The guards turned towards Tessa but it was already too late as she had freed her hands. I doubt they ever saw her pull out her handgun. Tessa swiftly dispatched all four of them, two shots each in the center of the chest. I could tell immediately that she had killed all four of them.

                  I immediately cast a protection spell around her and motioned for her to move away. She backed up and took her place next to Michaela and me. She nodded at us as she put a fresh clip into her pistol.

                  Alia seemed confused by what had just happened. I doubt she realized how dangerous Tessa was.

                  “You have no where to go Alia,” I announced.

                  Michaela pulled out her sword and glared intently at Alia. I could sense that she was ready to pounce. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the glowing of the blade.

                  “I didn’t expect you here… so soon …but it doesn’t matter…it just means that my timeline has been sped up. Oh, just so you know, I have my backup too,” Alia replied. An evil grin appeared on her face.

                  Behind her four very tall figures stepped out of the shadows. As they approached I could see that they were from her clan. There were two men and two women and I wondered if they were also brother/sister teams.

One of the men stood next to Alia. Like the rest of her clan, he had a very pale complexion and almost white colored hair. What made him stand out was his size. He was a giant and I estimated he was almost seven feet tall. He also had the coldest blue eyes that I had ever seen.

                  “This doesn’t change anything Alia,” I said.

                  “Oh it does, Iona Beddau,” she replied. “They were sent to help me finish my mission.”

                  “You left something out,” interjected Michaela. “Iona isn’t alone.”

                  “We haven’t forgotten about you…” hissed Alia with distain. “But even you cannot defeat five of us. The human may have killed my guards…but they were human thugs…I don’t fear the weapons of man.”

                  Tessa didn’t reply as she chambered a round in her gun.

Each of the members of the Freiberg clan were now holding wicked looking short swords in their hands. While I had confidence in my skills and those of my friends, I didn’t like the odds. I hoped that Connor would arrive and hopefully break this up before it got bloody.

“I will be gracious human…you may leave. But Iona you are mine…I will leave your abomination of a companion to my clan,” snarled Alia.

“I stick with my friends,” replied Tessa.

Michaela just laughed.

“Foolish mortal,” snapped Alia. “Have it your way…you can die with your friends. You may have killed my guards, but soon you will be in a fight that is beyond your dreams.”

Tessa laughed. “You have no idea who you’re messing with.”

Alia smirked. “Why don’t you make this easy and surrender to me…I promise to kill you quickly…there’s no reason to fight…especially when you will lose.”

“You’re right Frost Witch….there doesn’t have to be a fight…this can end right now with just one stroke,” countered Michaela.

                  “What do you mean?” I asked without taking my eyes off Alia and her clan members.

                  “The others…they have two sets of orders. The first is to help Alia…but if that isn’t possible…or it causes more harm than good then they are to kill her,” said Michaela as she pointed her blade at Alia. “Isn’t that correct Frost Bitch?”

                  She spat out some curse in her language at Michaela.

                  “Well… is it?” I asked Alia.

                  “That…insulting creature speaks the truth…. but we are more than enough to kill all of you,” replied Alia. “You will soon be dead and my mission… and my revenge will be complete. I will take great pleasure in standing over your vanquished corpses.”

                  “Vanquished corpses? Who writes your lines? You’re like a bad villain in a cartoon,” I taunted as I laughed at her. I really wasn’t just trying to make her angry; I was also trying to stall her until Connor arrived.

                  “Laugh now, but you will soon be dead,” she countered with rage. “You forget that we outnumber you.”

                  “And you forgot that you’re not the only one has backup,” interrupted Michaela. “But then again your kind has always been arrogant and overconfident.”

                  I couldn’t sense Connor or Bill, which meant they were still far away…and I wondered what Michaela was talking about, that was until I saw four figures step out of the shadows.

                  Silently out of the dark appeared two men and two women. Each was carrying a glowing blade similar to the one in Michaela’s hand. They slowly approached and took their place along side us.

                  Michaela bowed respectfully in their direction.

                  Alia nervously glanced at her clan members. They showed no emotion and just glared at us with their icy blue eyes.

                  “Clan Freiberg…this is no longer a simple case of individual revenge. My people are now allies of the Clan Beddau. An attack against her is an attack against us. An attack against her family is an attack against us. An attack against her friends is an attack against us,” stated Michaela. “If you want war… you will get it and this time we won’t stop until all traces of your wretched clan is wiped from history. So, pick your next move very carefully.”

                  A sly smile appeared on her face as she then addressed the Freibergs in her ancient dialect. I didn’t know what she said but it caused a reaction.

                  Her clan members looked at us…and then shifted their attention to Alia.

                  “She’s bluffing!” snapped Alia with rage. “We still have sufficient numbers to kill them and avenge many an old debt.”

                  The tension in the air was strong and I realized that the wrong move by any of us would start a war… and I prayed for a miracle.

                  “This must end… now,” stated the giant in a heavily accented voice.

                  I prepared to cast an attack spell against him but it wasn’t necessary. In one swift motion he grabbed Alia by the hair, slit her throat, and dropped her lifeless body to the ground.

                  The giant leaned then down, spoke something in his dialect over Alia’s body, and wiped his blade clean on her. As he stood up he placed the sword back into its sheath. The rest of his clan did the same.

                  “Is this acceptable?” he asked as he stepped forward with his hands in front of him, palms up to show that he was unarmed.

                  Michaela’s people nodded and they also put their weapons away.

                  “Iona of the Clan Beddau, our clan will not bother you again…may we depart in peace?” he asked.

                  “What about her?” I asked as I pointed to Alia’s lifeless body.

                  “She is nothing to us…she dishonored the clan…do with her body as you wish,” he said.

                  I looked over at Michaela who had also put away her blade. She nodded.

                  “Then go…in peace,” I said.

                  They started to leave and suddenly I realized that I couldn’t just let it end like this.

“Wait!” I shouted.

They stopped and turned to look at me.

“Tell your clan if they wage war on the mortals again I will join in the conflict against you and we will end it forever. This is not a threat…it is a promise,” I stated.

                  Okay, this was my turn to act like a cartoon character, but it seemed appropriate.

                  To my surprise, the four figures simultaneously bowed slowly in my direction.

“You have our word,” said the giant.

Then he and the others turned and left.

                  “Very well played,” said Michaela as she hugged me. “I’m very proud of you.”

                  The others of Michaela’s people approached me.

                  “My name is Bronson,” said a tall muscular man. He had a neatly trimmed beard which was jet black in color. “Michaela has told us much about you and your friends…I now she that she did not exaggerate.”

                  “Thank you for you assistance tonight,” I replied as we shook hands.

                  “It was our pleasure Iona of the Clan Beddau…we will meet again,” he said.

                  “I hope we do,” I replied. “Oh, who was the giant?”

                  Bronson smiled slightly. “That giant is Yngvar, is one of the war chiefs of the Clan Freiberg…we have known each other for eons. He will keep his word and force the others to do likewise.”

                  Bronson then placed his hands on Michaela’s shoulders.

                  “I had my doubts when you became friends with this one…I was wrong,” he said. “You chose wisely…I am proud of you.”

                  Then he and the others bowed in my direction. I copied the motion and watched as they left as silently as they arrived. Within a few moments they all vanished into the darkness.

                  Tessa walked over to us. “Okay, that was pretty cool…now will someone explain what happened?”

                  “I’d like to know too,” I said.

                  We saw the approaching cars with Connor and Bill.

                  “I’ll wait until they arrive,” said Michaela.

Chapter 61

                  We briefed Connor and Bill on what happened.                 

                  “So we would have to have to fight it out if your people hadn’t arrived?” I asked as I slipped my arm around Bill.

                  Michaela nodded. “It would have been difficult…but I have no doubt that we would have come out triumphant.”

                  “I wish I was as confident as you…but either way it would have led to a war,” I said.

                  “That’s true,” she replied.

                  “So by executing Alia her clan stopped the war,” said Tessa.

                  Michaela nodded. “Honor was preserved on all sides and war was prevented.”

                  I looked at Connor who nodded.

                  “It couldn’t have ended any better,” said Connor.

                  “And why did the Freibergs bow to me?” I asked.

                  “Because you allowed them to leave…it was within your rights to have them killed… they were thanking and honoring you,” said Michaela. “I doubt we’ll see them again…they’ll take your threat very seriously.”

                  “What threat was that?” asked Connor.

                  I told him what I said.

                  “A very appropriate vow….I am very impressed,” he said.

                  “So who are the others?” I asked pointing to the men that Tessa killed.

                  “They’re probably foot soldiers from one of the drug cartels like the others we have in custody,” said Connor. He looked at Tessa. “Don’t worry, it was a justified shooting.”

                  “I know,” she replied as she handed him her handgun. “I suppose you’ll need this for your investigation. I don’t want it back…it’s one that I took off one of the men back at the resort.”

                  Connor nodded and took her weapon.

                  “Connor, do you need us any more tonight?” I asked.

                  He shook his head.

                  “Good, then I want to go back to the resort and have a drink…a strong one…make that several strong drinks,” I said as I looked up at Bill.

                  “I’m buying the first round,” said Tessa.

                  “Sounds like a plan,” said Michaela.

                  “I’d join you, but I have a lot to do here,” said Connor. “You did well tonight, Iona. I’ll see you at the wedding.”

                  Michaela, Tessa, Bill, and I got into his car and headed back to the resort.

Chapter 62

                  Back at the resort Michaela opened a bottle of port and filled our glasses.

                  “Okay, tell me what happened?” asked Beth anxiously.

                  “It’s over,” I said as I flopped down on the couch.

                  Bill sat next to me and slipped his arm around my shoulders.

                  We then told her what happened.

                  “Damn, I wish I had been there,” said Beth.

                  Michaela passed out the glasses to us.

                  “To peace,” she toasted.

                  “I’ll drink to that,” I said as I gulped down my drink.

                  “Is it really over?” asked Bill.

                  Michaela nodded. “The Freibergs won’t dare break the truce that was made tonight. I expect that there will be a formal peace conference soon.”

                  I held out my empty glass and Michaela refilled it.

                  “So who is Bronson?” I asked.

                  Michaela smiled. “He’s my grandfather.”

                  “Your grandfather! Why didn’t you tell us?” I asked.

                  “It’s not our way,” she replied. “But as he said, you will meet again.”

                  “So how old is he?” asked Tessa as Michaela refilled her glass. “I mean, you said that you partied with Ben Franklin.”

                  “He took part in the last war against the Freibergs,” said Michaela. “He and Yngvar have fought many times.”

                  I just nodded and snuggled close to Bill.

                  “Well, it’s getting late, I suggest we all go to bed,” said Tessa.

                  “I agree,” I said as I winked at Bill. I then looked at my friends. “Thank you all for what you did tonight…I can never repay you.”

Chapter 63

                  I cuddled up next to Bill in bed.

                  “Thank you,” I replied. “I really needed that.”

                  Bill leaned close and kissed me. “It was my pleasure.”

                  I let out a contented sigh.

                  “Feeling better?” he asked.

                  “Much,” I replied. “I’m still running the events of tonight through my mind.”

                  “Anything in particular?”

                  “Where to start…,” I replied.

                  “Where ever you want,” he said.

                  “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not mourning Alia’s death…but the ritualistic way in which her own clan executed her…that blew me away,” I replied. “I guess what really gets to me is that this sort of thing has been going on for eons and humanity was oblivious.”

                  “I know what you mean,” he replied. “We’re currently working on a case to prosecute a vampire.”

                  “Who did he kill?” I asked.

                  “No one…he’s been robbing from local blood banks and selling the stolen blood on the black market.”

                  “Great,” I replied. “Then there was Tessa.”

                  “She’s the one who was resurrected by Athena, right?” he asked.

                  I nodded. “I guess you almost need a scorecard to keep track of my friends.”

                  “She seems like a nice person,” he said.

                  “She is…but she’s also very dangerous. Bill, I saw her kill four people…it happened so quickly,” I said.

                  “Well she used to be a SEAL and we both have known a few of them,” he said.

                  I shook my head. “There’s more to it than that. She moved so swiftly and killed all four of those men with two shots each to the chest.”

                  “Is that what’s bothering you?”

                  “No…it’s that she acted so…normally afterwards…I mean, every time I’ve been in a fight its taken me hours to come down,” I explained.

                  “She was brought back to be an assassin, right?”

                  I nodded.

                  “I image that Athena…whoever or whatever she is…gave Tessa the ability to kill and not be affected mentally by it,” he said.

                  I nodded.

                  “You plan on talking to her about it, aren’t you?”

                  I nodded again.

                  “I know I have enough on my plate right now…but maybe I can help her somehow,” I replied. “I mean, she’s a wonderful person…and my friend.”

                  He leaned down and kissed me again.

                  “That’s what I love about you,” he replied.

Chapter 64

                  The next day, Bill drove out to the airport to pick up his family and I met up with my friends for breakfast in Beth’s room. It was crowded but it was private too and allowed us to talk.

                  Thankfully, Michaela had already updated them all on what had happened the night before. The morning news had a report of the police finding five bodies in a trailer. They blamed the deaths on the drug cartels.  Thankfully, Connor and his team had been able to clean up the scene so the public would never know the truth.

                  “I wish we could have been there to help you,” said Jen.

                  I shook my head. “No, I’m glad you weren’t...it wasn’t a fun experience. I’m just glad that none of my friends were hurt. I couldn’t have lived with myself if that had happened.”

                  “Do you want these back?” asked Jenny as she held up the charm.

                  I shook my head. “Keep them as a souvenir.”

                  As we ate the conversation shifted to the wedding. I was glad to talk about something else.

                  “So, the pre-wedding dinner will be tomorrow night over in Coronado after the practice,” I said.

                  “Sounds like fun,” said Jirra.

                  “I’m semi-dreading the dinner,” I admitted.

                  “Why?” asked Celeste.

                  “This will be the first time that I’ve met my in-laws…well the first time as Iona,” I confessed.

                  “Nervous?” asked Tessa.

                   “No, nervous would be an improvement over terrified.” I replied with a laugh.

                  “Don’t worry, they’ll love you…and if they don’t you can always turn them into frogs,” said Jenny.

                  “Sorry, I don’t know that spell,” I replied.

                  “Well, what could you turn them into?” asked Alexis.

                  My friends then came up with numerous suggestions ranging from seagulls to dolphins. We were all left crying from laughing so hard.

                  We eventually calmed down.

                  “I wouldn’t worry Iona. Bill loves you so much that they’ll have to see it,” said Beth.

                  The others agreed.

                  After breakfast the others headed out on their separate ways to relax and use the resort’s facilities.  I stopped Tessa on her way out.

                  “Tessa, since you’re the only one of us currently married; may I ask you something in private?” I asked.

                  “Sure,” she replied.

                  We went into one of the bedrooms and sat down.

                  “So, what do you want to talk about?” she asked. “I assume it has nothing to do with dealing with in-laws.”

                  I nodded and I asked her about the events of the previous night.

                  “I suppose it’s a gift from Athena. I know that I cannot be hurt…I suspect that she has future plans for me…some day,” she replied. “And you’re right; I have no feelings for those men I killed…that’s also a blessing.”

                  “Has it always been this way?” I asked.

                  She shook her head. “Iona, I killed many men when I was a SEAL…but that was in combat and they were trying to kill me. I didn’t enjoy it, but it didn’t keep me awake at nights either. When I became Tessa…I was tasked to kill for revenge…and it left me hollow…no feelings at all. That was frightening and all I wanted to do was complete my task and fade away. Thankfully Jonathan saved me…he gave me love…he gave me a reason to live…and he gave me a beautiful daughter. Last night I acted on instinct…to save myself and to protect you and Michaela. Athena gave me the physical skills to survive…and more importantly she gave me the mental ability not to let it drive me insane.”

                  “Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked.

                  “Just keep being my friend,” she replied. “You have no idea how much I value your friendship.”

                  “I think I do,” I replied. “This group that we’ve formed, we’ve gone through something that most people will never experience.”

                  Tessa nodded. “And you and I have something else in common…we’re both dead… I mean our original lives.”

                  “That’s true,” I replied. “Beth’s original life is dead too.”

                  “I know,” she replied. “I guess that’s what makes our bonds so close.”

                  “Do you miss any of your original family?”

                  “No, I had a rough upbringing…thankfully I have a family now. I’m pleased that your sister is here for you.”

                  “It is…she’s my only tie to my old family,” I said.

                  “Good. Look Iona, I appreciate your concern for me,” she said. “And just you so know, my abilities do scare me sometimes.”

                  I smiled back. “I know exactly how you feel.”

                  “Okay, why don’t we go join the others?” she suggested as she stood.

                  “Sounds like a plan,” I replied.

Chapter 65

                  By lunchtime we were joined by others in my family. Fiona arrived with Aunt Kayla and I gave them both a long hug before introducing to my friends.

                  A few minutes later Amelia arrived with Sarah. With them came my cousin Aileen Munro and her lover Cailin McGregor.

                  After a round of introductions we sat down to lunch. To allow us to speak freely, we had lunch brought up to Beth’s room. It was crowded, but very enjoyable.

                  “So, I suppose that you all know what happened last night?” I asked

                  Aunt Kayla nodded. “Connor called us last night and told us.”

                  “I’m glad it’s over,” I replied.

                  “The council of elders has already received a request for a meeting by the Clan Freiberg,” said Fiona.

                  “What do you think will happen?” I asked.

                  “Hopefully a long and lasting peace. One of our demands will be a stop to attacks on mortals,” she said.

                  “Good,” I replied.

                  “So when does Bill’s family arrive?” asked Aunt Kayla.

                  “In a few hours,” I replied nervously.

                  “Honey, you’ll do fine,” said Fiona.

                  I nodded and hoped that she was right.

Chapter 66

                  After lunch I had a chance to talk in private with Aileen and Cailin.

                  “I’m so happy that you two could come out here,” I said.

                  “I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything,” said Aileen.

                  “I’m happy to finally meet you,” said Cailin. “It’s also nice to see some old friends.”

                  “Who’s that?” I asked.

                  “Jen, Alexis, Jirra, and Celeste,” she replied as she counted them off. “Oh, and I’ve talked to Hallie on the phone, but never met her in person.”

                  “Really? And how do you know them?”

                  “Through my job,” she replied.

                  She then explained how she had done some work as a photographer on the set of the Erin Flynn show. She also went out to Celeste’s foundation for transgendered teens in Connecticut once a month to take photos of the girls and teach photography classes.  She had also photographed a site off the coast of Maine that might have been visited once by the surviving Minoans.

                  “Small world,” I replied. “I’m so happy that you came out here for my wedding…and that you’re part of the family.”

                  “Iona, I also feel at home here…with so many others that had once been men,” she concluded. “It’s such a wonderful sisterhood.”

                  “Well, you’re sort of in the minority in that it was your choice,” I replied. “Most of us have had our feminine lives thrust upon us.”

                  “Yes, but you’ve all done so well,” she replied.

                  “With time…and a lot of help,” I replied. “Oh, I wanted to ask you this earlier, how’re the twins?”

                  Cailin beamed. “They’re growing up so fast! Oh and they’re so cute too.”

                  I smiled back. “I think that it’s wonderful that you acted as a surrogate for your sister.”

                  “It was a very life changing experience,” she replied as she glanced over at Aileen. “We’re talking about starting our own family soon. I can’t wait.”

                  “I’m happy for you,” I replied.

                  “What about you?” asked Aileen. “Are you and Bill going to start a family?”

                  “Eventually,” I replied. “But there’s no rush.”

                  “You’ll know when it’s time,” said Aileen as she held hands with Cailin.

                  It was obvious that they were deeply in love and very happy.

“Oh, I know you have your own photographer for the main ceremony, but I’ll be taking some shots too. I will send you copies of them,” said Cailin. “I can’t attend a wedding without taking photos.”

“Thank you, but I just want you to relax and have a good time,” I said.

Chapter 67

                  “Bill’s on the way here,” I said nervously as I paced back and forth in the suite.

                  “Why don’t you sit down and relax, dear?” suggested Aunt Kayla.

                  “How can I relax with my future in-laws on the way here?” I asked.

                  “Considering everything that you’ve been though, this shouldn’t be a problem,” said Fiona.

                  I stopped and tried to think of something witty to say but couldn’t, she was right. I nodded and sat down.

                  “Honey, I know that Bill’s parents will love you,” continued Fiona. “And if they don’t, it’s their loss.”

                  “Thanks,” I replied.

                  I was still very nervous even though I knew Bill’s parents were very nice.

                  His parents lived near Tampa. Harry Somers was a retired naval officer and was currently a defense contractor. He worked at McDill AFB. Phyllis was a professor at The University of Tampa.

                  “They’re here,” I announced.

                  Ten minutes later they arrived at my room.

                  All my fears disappeared as soon as they walked into the room.

                  Phyllis immediately gave me a hug.

                  “I’m so happy to finally meet you in person, Iona,” she greeted as he continued to hug me.

                  “I feel the same way,” I replied.

                  “Phyllis, let her breathe,” stated Harry with a laugh.

                  She let me go, but continued to beam. Harry then hugged me.

                  Phyllis was a tall thin woman, with short brunette hair. She was also deeply tanned.

                  Harry was also tall, but much stockier. His brown hair was starting to show streaks of gray. Like his wife he was also tanned. I knew this was from the fact that they lived on the water and spent much of their free time out on their boat.

                  After Harry released me I introduced them to Aunt Kayla and Fiona.

                  “Please sit down,” I suggested.

                  “I’ll see to the drinks,” said Bill.

                  “I’ll help,” I replied. “We have some wonderful local wine.”

                  “That sounds perfect, Iona,” said Harry.

                  Thankfully the others all concurred.

                  As we talked and drank, I began to feel more relaxed. Thankfully Bill’s parents got along with my family.

                  As we talked I updated them on the schedule.

                  “The good news is that the weather is supposed to be perfect for the wedding,” I said.

                  “I suppose it’s easier to plan an outdoor wedding in San Diego that any other place in the country,” said Harry. “Especially in the summer.”

                   I knew from talking to Bill that Phyllis was initially disappointed that we weren’t getting married in a church.

                  I have nothing against conventional religion and faith, but Bill and I thought it would be hypercritical to have a service in a church. We had many discussions on where to hold our ceremony and we came to the conclusion that having it on the beach was the most appropriate place.

                  “So who is conducting your service?” asked Phyllis.

                  “An old friend,” said Bill. “Commander Jerry Franklin, he’s currently stationed at Coronado. He was the chaplain on my last ship.”

                  I also knew Jerry from my old life. He was a good guy and an excellent poker player. Of course he didn’t know that I had once been Roger.

                  Thankfully no one in my family who was going to be at the wedding cared one way or another.

                  This seemed to please Phyllis.

                  “How many people are going to be at the ceremony?” asked Harry.

                  “Around a hundred guests. It should be a very safe wedding,” joked Bill.  “I think the entire DA’s office will be there and then there are the officers from Iona’s department.”

                  I also thought about my friends and smiled. Yes, it would be a very safe ceremony.

Chapter 68

                  Later that night I was back at Aunt Kayla’s. We had just got in from a very nice dinner. I was able to introduce many of my friends to Bill’s parents. As expected, Phyllis was very pleased to meet Hallie. And Harry was quite impressed that I was friends with both Alexis Eden and Jen Stevens.

                  “I think they’re very nice people,” said Fiona.

                  “I agree,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  We were sitting out in the garden sharing a nice bottle of Port.

                   Salem was very pleased to see me and she wasn’t about to share my lap with the other cats.

                  “I have to admit that I’m more at ease about it now,” I said.

                  “Oh, everything is set for your second ceremony,” said Fiona.

                  “Good,” I replied as I gave Salem a chin rub.

                  “So is Bill going through with the whole ceremony?” asked Fiona with a smile.

                  “If you mean the nude part, yes,” I replied. “He’s so understanding…I mean I guess all new couples have to adapt to new things…but he’s so accepting of my culture.”

                  “I think that you’re very lucky that Bill knows your past and your heritage…it can be so difficult for our kind,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  “Mom, we’ve never talked much about…well about my father. How did you meet him and did he know about you?” I asked. “I mean, I’ve even searched my old memories…those of Iona…and there isn’t much there.”

                  “I guess that’s because he died when you were very young,” replied Fiona. “Yes, he knew I had powers. I met him at a facility mixer…it was back when I was a teaching.”

                  “Whoa, when were you a professor?” I asked.

                  “I really wasn’t a professor. I was taking a sabbatical from working for the DA and I was teaching a class on law,” she replied. “Anyway I met him at a cocktail party and we hit it off.”

                  “Tell me more about him, please?” I asked.

                  “Robert was a professor and he taught ancient history,” she replied. “When I met him he was in his late forties and was a widower.”

                  “Really?” I asked.

                  She nodded. “Yes, he they had been married for ten years…no children. She died in a plane crash five years before I met him.”

                  I took a sip of my drink as I listened.

                  “Anyway we became good friends and soon we were engaged,” she continued.

                  “What about his family?” I asked.

                  “He didn’t have any,” she replied.

                  “None?” I asked.

                  She shook her head. “He had been raised in an orphanage. He joined the army at eighteen and had used his GI Bill money to go to college.”

                  “But what about the trust fund that he left?” I asked. “I mean, I know college professors make good money, but that wouldn’t account for what he left Iona.”

                  “That’s true. When his first wife died, he took the insurance and went to Vegas.”

                  “You’re kidding me, right?”

                  Fiona laughed. “No, he told me that he was so angry about the accident that he planned on just throwing the money away. Instead he decided to go to Vegas and spend it in style. What he hadn’t counted on was being extremely lucky.”

                  I looked over at Aunt Fiona who nodded. “He told me the same story.”

                  “Well he took his winnings and invested it…and by the time I met him he was extremely wealthy,” said Fiona. “The funny thing was that almost no one knew about his wealth. He was very thrifty. When you were born he placed much of the money in your trust fund.”

                  “So how did you tell him about your powers?” I asked.

                  “When we started getting serious I felt the need to tell him. We went up to Maine for a long weekend and I sensed that he was going to propose. I came out and told him.”

                  “Obviously he wasn’t upset by this,” I said.

                  “No, he said that he always suspected that I was different,” she said with a smile.

                  “You really loved each other a lot didn’t you?” I asked.

                  “Just as much…if not more…than you love Bill,” she replied. “I wish you could have known him.”

                  I nodded. “I know that Iona was very young when he died…I have just shadows of memories of him.”

                  “He loved you so much…I know that he would have loved to have walked you down the aisle,” she said fighting back tears.

                  “It’s okay, Mom,” I said.

                  She smiled back. “I often wonder how different things might have turned out if he had lived. I know that I made mistakes in raising you...I mean raising the original Iona.”

                  I just nodded.

                  “But concerning how bad it was…I’m so happy how it has turned around,” she continued.

                  “I had a lot of help,” I replied.

                  “True, but you’re also responsible for how you turned out. I mean, It would have been very easy for you to turn out differently…I’m so proud of you…and I’m so pleased that you turned Iona’s life around. I know that we’re never going to have a real mother-daughter relationship…but I so appreciate that you’ve kept me part of your life.”

                  I opened my mouth to reply but nothing came out as I started to cry. Instead Fiona and I hugged each other.

Chapter 69

                  After Fiona went to bed, I sat up and talked with Aunt Kayla a bit longer.

                  “I’m also proud of you Iona,” she said as we washed the dishes. “Especially of how you have reached out to Fiona.”

                  “It hasn’t been easy…the original Iona had a lot of bitterness in her…I know part of it was due to the spells cast by Keir…but he just took advantage of her feelings. I guess that’s why I don’t search Iona’s feelings too often.”

                  Aunt Kayla nodded. “Fiona and Iona fought a lot…both sides were equally guilty. The clan thought that sending Iona out here to live with me might change things.”

                  “Did anyone suspect that Iona had spells cast against her?” I asked.

                  Aunt Kayla shook her head.

                  “By the way, how are you doing with them?” she asked.

                  I still had the tattoos that Keir had given Iona. One protected me from sexual disease and unwanted pregnancy. The other was supposed to make me submissive and easier to control. That part didn’t work anymore. However, the other part of the spell gave me a heightened sexual drive. I still had that, but it was controllable.

                  “No real change,” I replied.

                  “I wish we could remove them…both only Keir knows how to do that and he’s not willing to cooperate,” she said.

                  “Maybe he likes being a goat,” I replied.

                  She smiled back.

                  “Oh, I got a text message from Connor. He told me that Tori Black was sentenced today.”

                  “What did she get?” asked Aunt Kayla.

                  “Her powers have been stripped permanently. Additionally she got ten years for each count...she’ll be locked up for over two hundred years.”

                  “Did they change her form?” asked Aunt Kayla.

                  “Yep, she’s a statue in the city park now,” I replied. “She’s fully aware of her surroundings and the pigeons are taking great pleasure in making bombing runs.”

                  “Harsh penalty for harsh crimes,” replied Aunt Kayla.

                  “He also said that Pamela Kennedy will be sentenced next week. Being she’s mortal, what will they do to her? Connor said that at a minimum any benefits she got from the spells would be stripped from her…and that would also apply to the other employees.”

                  “I would suspect that their memories will be wiped clean and that they’ll be given a new life…at a lower status.”

                  I nodded. “Good. They hurt a lot of innocent people.”

                  “Well, you have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow, I suggest you go to bed,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  I smiled back at her. “Okay…oh, and I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me.”

                  She smiled back and we hugged.

                  “It was my pleasure my dear,” she whispered.

Chapter 70

                  To be honest the hours leading up to my wedding were a bit of a blur. Oh, I know that I was at the wedding rehearsal and the dinner, but I have few solid memories of the actual events. My memories became clearer late on the night before my wedding.

                  As much as I loved my friends, I spent the night at Aunt Kayla’s. It would also be the last night that I spent in the room that had been mine since my rebirth as Iona.

                  Don’t get me wrong, I was both happy and excited to be married, but there was a sense of sadness too as I realized how far I had come since that fateful redeye flight from Honolulu.

                  I sat out in the garden with Aunt Kayla, Fiona, Jenny, and Amelia. I had invited my sister to spend the night at the house.  Sarah was sound asleep in the guest room.  Oh, we also had the company of the cats and several bottles of very nice wine.

                  Salem was snuggled contently in my lap. She was pooped from playing with Sarah. Bran and Tully were also tired.

                  “It’s been a while since they’ve been around a little girl,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  “I’m planning on getting Sarah a kitten soon,” said Amelia.

                  “A familiar?” I asked as I pet Salem.

                  “No, just a pet,” replied Amelia. “She doesn’t have powers, however, she’s very smart and I should be able to teach her a thing or too.”

                  “She’s a sweet little girl,” said Jenny. “I’m so happy that she’s overcome what happened to her.”

                  Amelia nodded. “She’s the light of my life.”

                  “I’m happy for both of you,” I said.

                  “I agree,” added Fiona.

                  “Oh, Iona, I just wanted to say that you handled yourself very well tonight…especially with Bill’s mother,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  I just nodded.

                  “I heard her mention grandchildren at least a dozen times,” added Fiona.

                  “It had to have been double,” said Jenny.

                  “Well, Bill and I aren’t against children…but we’re in no rush either,” I replied. “To be honest, it’s the one thing about being a woman that scares the hell out of me.”

                  “That’s very normal,” said Fiona.

                  “Really, you felt that way?” I asked.

                  “It’s why you don’t have any brothers and sisters,” she replied.

                  I stared at her and it wasn’t until she smiled that I could tell that she was kidding me.

                  “We planned on having more, but it never happened,” she said. “But just so you know, it was the best thing that I ever did.”

                  I felt slightly choked up when I heard her say this.

                  “Even thought there were rough times, seeing you get married tomorrow makes it all worthwhile,” she continued. “I now see that this was destiny…for both you and the original Iona.”

                  I nodded and then I held up my glass of wine.

                  “To Iona,” I said as I toasted.

                  The others raised their glasses.

                  Jenny then held up her glass. “To my brother Roger…and my sister Iona.”

                  I made the toast with tears rolling down my cheeks.

Chapter 71

                  The next morning my bridal party arrived at the house for an early breakfast of blueberry pancakes. The breakfast was cooked by Aunt Kayla, Amelia and Fiona. Sarah insisted on helping too.

                  “I’m amazed that you can eat,” said Celeste. “I would think that you’d be too nervous, I know I was the morning of my wedding.”

                  “Hunger is a stronger sensation,” I replied.

                  Beth looked at her watch.

                  I smiled at her. “Relax, we have plenty of time until we hit the salon.”

                  “Hey, just doing my duties as maid of honor…the last thing I want is for you to be late.”

                  Celeste cast a glance of shock at Jirra, who started to snicker.

                  “What’s so funny?” asked Jenny.

                  “Just seeing Beth so time conscious,” replied Celeste. “You should see her rush to her classes every morning.”

                  “It’s just that being around Iona brings back old habits,” said Beth.

                  “What do you mean?” asked Karen.

                  “When we served together Iona was a real stickler for being on time for watch,” replied Beth.

                  “Just doing my job,” I replied.

                  Tessa nodded knowingly.

                  “I wonder if the navy knows how many of their personal have had gender changes,” said Karen.

                  “Well, there are three here,” said Alexis.

                  “I know of at least one more,” said Hallie.

                  “Who’s that?” I asked.

                  Hallie told us about an officer she helped transformed. What was remarkable was that officer was the father of Hallie’s daughter.

                  “Do you keep in touch with her?” asked Alexis.

                  Hallie and Kim both nodded.

“Tracy is Roxy’s godmother,” said Kim. “We hear from her all the time.”

“Who’s looking after Roxy?” asked Jirra.

“Her grandparents back in Columbus, they love spoiling her,” said Hallie.

“You could have brought her,” I said.

Hallie shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t do that to you. Besides, she’s too excited about heading back to Crete.”

“When are you heading there?” asked Jen.

“Next week…if I get clearance,” said Hallie.

“What do you mean?” asked Jen. “Financial issues?”

Hallie looked at Kim, who nodded.

“We were going to wait until after the wedding to tell you all, but I’m pregnant again,” said Hallie with a grin.

We all congratulated her.

She then explained how she knew she was pregnant and that it happened when she helped a transgendered male find peace.

(Author’s Note: Those who follow my stories closely please don’t get too wrapped up the timeline, just sit back and enjoy!)

“Tell them the rest,” said Kim as she held Hallie’s hand.

“What is it?” asked Jirra.

“We’re having twins…don’t ask me how I know…I mean I know I’m pregnant even though I haven’t taken an official test. I see my doctor next week.”                 

                  “That’s so cool,” said Jirra excitedly.

                  I noticed Alexis smiling at Jirra’s reaction. She had told me about Jirra’s growing urges to be a mother.

                  “I think it’s cool that you’re still going to Crete,” said Tessa. “I imagine that Stefanos is excited to see you.”

                  “He can’t wait,” replied Hallie.

                  Hallie and Kim had told us so much about Crete that even though I hadn’t been there I could close my eyes and picture both the site and the house where they stayed.

                  We were interrupted by Sarah who ran through the garden as she playfully chased the cats. A few moments later she came running back this time she was the one being chased.

                  Amelia smiled. “After this trip I will definitely have to get her a kitten.”

                  “Really?” asked Hallie.

                  Amelia nodded. “I just haven’t found the right one for her.”

                  Kim broke out in a smile. “Um, with your powers and connections do you think you could arrange for a kitten to be brought here from Crete?”

                  “What do you mean?” asked Amelia.

                  “We know an amazing cat back in Crete named Artemis and she’s the guardian of our dig site. One of her offspring Hebe, just had a litter of kittens, I’m sure that we could set one aside for you,” said Hallie.

                  Kim pulled out her phone and showed us the pics of Hebe and her kittens.

                  Amelia smiled and looked over at Fiona. “What do you think?”

                  “I think it can be arranged,” replied Fiona. “We have some connections in customs that can speed up the processing. If we go through regular channels that kitten will be an adult cat with kittens of her own.

                  Amelia called to Sarah and showed her the photos of the kittens.

                  “They’re so cute,” squealed Sarah.

                  “Would you like one?” asked Amelia

                  “You mean it?” asked Sarah.

                  Amelia nodded.

                  “I’d love that Mom! Thank you! What about that one? The black one with white paws?” asked Sarah excitedly.

                  I was amazed of how much a little girl Sarah had become. Amelia had told me that she had encouraged Sarah to look at her transformation as a fresh start.

                  Amelia looked at Kim and Hallie.

                  Kim immediately dialed her phone and after a short conversation she smiled.

                  “She’s yours,” said Kim.

                  “Really? Thank you so much!” exclaimed Sarah excitedly as she hugged Amelia, Kim, and Hallie.

                  Beth then broke up the party by whistling.

                  “Okay, we need to get going, we’re burning daylight,” she said with a smile.

                  “Burning daylight?” asked Karen.

                  “Who is John Wayne in ‘The Cowboys’?” interjected Jen. “I’ll take classic westerns for $500, Alex.”

                  We all laughed.

                  “Well, we can’t argue with The Duke…or my maid of honor,” I stated as I stood up.

                  “Go on we’ll clean up here and then we’ll meet you at the salon,” said Fiona.

Chapter 72

                  “Relax, Iona,” said Beth as she helped me get dressed.

                  We were at the resort getting dressed for the ceremony after leaving the salon.

                  “Sorry…I guess it’s starting to sink in that I’ll be married in less than two hours,” I said.

                  “It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  As I said earlier my gown had been passed down from one generation to the next. It was elegant in its simplicity.  As the wedding would be on the beach I wasn’t wearing heels. Instead I had on a very beautiful pair of white leather sandals. They were made for me by a friend of Aunt Kayla.

                  “Okay, let’s go through the checklist,” said Beth.

                  “Well, the dress is definitely old,” I said. “And my lingerie is something new.”

                  “Here, I would like you to have this,” said Michaela as she handed me a pair of silver earrings.

                  “They’re lovely,” I said.

                  “My mother gave them to me for you to borrow for the ceremony,” said Michaela. “They’ve been in my family for generations. Everyone who has worn them has a long and happy marriage.”

                  I gave her a gentle hug.

                  “I’m honored that you and your clan are loaning me them,” I said as I put them in.

                  “Okay, what about the blue part?” asked Karen.

                  Celeste stepped forward and handed me a box.

                  “This is from all of us,” she said.

                  I opened the box and saw a large sapphire attached to a silver chain.

                  “This is exquisite,” I said as I picked it up to show everyone. “Thank you so much.”

                  Celeste helped me put it on.

                  “Okay, here’s your sixpence,” said Beth.

                  I looked at it and smiled back at her.

                  “Thank you,” I replied.

                  “Do you have the garter on?” asked Jen.

                  I nodded.

                  “Well, it looks like we’re ready.” I said.

                  “You look stunning, Iona,” said Amelia.

                  The others all nodded in agreement.

                  “I’m just glad that all of you could be here today,” I said.

                  “I’m just glad that you went against tradition and didn’t get hideous looking bridesmaid’s gowns,” said Jenny.

                  “I couldn’t…there’s too many of you and I know that you would have your revenge,” I replied.

Chapter 73

                  We rode over to Coronado for the wedding in several stretch limos. This time we had the more conventional kind.

                  I rode with my bridal party and the others rode in the second limo.

                  “I can’t believe that I’m seeing my little sister get married,” said Jenny.

                  “I just hope that I can see you do the same,” I replied.

                  She shook her head. “Not unless Ohio gets real liberal.”

                  “Why don’t you do what Jirra and I plan on doing? We’re both going to become residents of Massachusetts as soon as she graduates from Penn,” said Alexis.

                  “I like Columbus too much,” said Jenny.

                  “Why don’t you have a ceremony anyway?” suggested Kim. “That’s what Hallie and I did.”

                  Jenny nodded. “We’re thinking about it. When we do all of you will be invited.”

                  “Cool,” replied Kim.

                  The good thing about the small talk was that it kept me distracted from being too nervous.

                  Sarah pointed over at the Coronado Bay Bridge as we drove down I-5 through San Diego.

                  “Is that the bridge we have to cross?” she asked.

                  “That’s it,” I replied.

                  She smiled back at me. “Thank you so much for letting me be your flower girl, Iona,” she said.

                   “You’re welcome,” I replied.

                  “I love you so much….you gave me hope…and a new life,” she said.

                  I smiled back at her. “Hey we’re family now.”

                  “That’s right and with Iona you get all of us,” added Beth.

                  “That’s right we’re all sisters,” added Jirra.

Chapter 74

                  Thankfully the traffic was light and we made it into Coronado without any delay.

                  “We definitely have a beautiful day for the ceremony…even for San Diego,” noted Tessa.

                  I wondered if Jen had anything to do with that.

                  As we drove down Orange Avenue, the main street of Coronado, I felt like there was a squadron of butterflies in my belly.

                  “You okay?” asked Beth.

                  “Yes. Do you remember that feeling just before you reported onboard the first time?” I asked. “You know, standing on the pier with your orders and wondering what the heck you got yourself in.”

                  Beth smiled back. “Oh yeah.”

                  “It’s like that,” I replied

                  “You’re fine,” she said.

                  I just nodded.

                  We pulled up at the front entrance of the Hotel Del Coronado.

                  A dark haired woman from the hotel pleasantly greeted us as we stepped out of the limos

                  “Hi, I’m Holly,” she said. “Please follow me.”

                  She led us to a room that overlooked the beach.

                  “Your guests are started to arrive,” she said.

                  I could see the area that was set up for the ceremony.

                  “You have a lovely day for it,” she continued. “The temperature is perfect and just enough breeze to be comfortable…but then again I’m not surprised…I would expect such conditions for a member of the Clan Beddau.”

                  Her comment caught me off guard. I then noticed her aura.

                  “I’m Holly from the Clan Arverni,” she said. “I’m an old friend of Kayla.”

                  I searched my memory and then it came to me.

                  “I’m pleased to meet someone from such an honored Clan,” I replied as we shook hands.

                  “Today it is my honor to serve you,” she said as she bowed slightly.

                  She then excused herself so she could see that those not in the bridal party were escorted to the beach.

                  “Okay, who is she?” asked Beth.

                  “I’ve never met her, but her Clan is almost as ancient as mine. They originated in Gaul and were forced to flee from the Romans,” I replied. “Her Clan was the one that stood up to Julius Caesar”

                  “Arverni ! The one led by Vercingetorix?” asked Hallie.

                  “The same,” she replied.

                  Vercingetorix had led a valiant yet doomed revote against the Romans.

                  “Wow,” replied Hallie.

                  Michaela smiled. “I had no idea that any of them were out here. They are a wonderful clan.”

                  “Let me guess, you partied with them back in ancient Gaul?” asked Tessa with a grin.

                  Michaela waved her hand. “Please! I’m not that old… but I can tell you some great stories about them that my grandfather told me.”

                  A few minutes later Holly returned.

                  “Everything is ready. The groom and his party are here as is Chaplin Franklin,” she said. “An excellent choice by the way…he’s a really nice man.”

                  “Thank you, Holly,” I said.

                  “Okay, I’m going check to make sure everything is ready to go. I want today to be perfect for you,” she said. “I’ll be back to let you know when to head out.”

                  “Okay,” I replied.

Chapter 75

                  Beth later told me that we only waited ten minutes, but it seemed like hours. In my mind I thought about everything wrong that could happen. I could picture myself falling on my face or anyone of a hundred other embarrassing things.

                  I was snapped out of my daydreams by the sound of Beth’s voice.

                  “Earth to Iona, you ready?” asked Beth.

                  I looked at my best friend and suddenly all my fears evaporated.

                  “Yes, yes I am,” I replied.

                  We headed down to the area set aside for the ceremony.

                  Originally I hadn’t planned on anyone walking me down the aisle. But at the last minute at the practice I asked Connor if he would do it. He was the only male relative that I was close to and I was very happy when he agreed. I apologized for waiting so long to ask him. I asked if he had something appropriate to wear and he smiled and said not to worry.

                  For music we had a small string quartet. Bill and I had joked about having a mariachi band or maybe a steel drum band but in the end we went with something a bit more traditional…still a mariachi band would have been fun.

                  When I saw Connor I couldn’t help but smile. He was dressed in a kilt and he looked very handsome. He may have used the last name of Locksley, but he was half Scottish too. He later told me that he wore the tartan of his old army unit, The Black Watch.

                  Connor smiled softly at me and extended his arm so he could escort me down the aisle.

                  Beth and the rest of my bridal party were standing up front along with Bill and his escorts. Most of them were men he worked with in the DA’s office. Only one of them knew Bill’s magical duties. Chaplin Franklin was standing in the middle wearing his dress whites.

                  As Connor escorted me I looked around at the guests. In addition to my many friends and relatives I was pleased to see that Marny and Jacob had made it.

                  I also noticed the DA sitting behind Bill’s family.

                  On my side of the aisle I saw Alexis and Jen sitting next to Cailin and Aileen.  Cailin had her camera in her hands and Jen was also holding a very small video camera. I knew that there would be no shortage of documentation for my wedding.

                  Fiona, Amelia, and Aunt Kayla were sitting up front and just seeing there gave me strength. The only problem was that Fiona’s date couldn’t make it. Still, I hoped to meet him some day soon.

                  Before I realized it was standing next to Bill. I had to admit that he looked very handsome.

                  I did manage to make eye contact with Jenny and it was all either of us could do not to start crying. I was so happy that she was able to be one of my bridesmaids.

                  Our vows were short and to the point; we knew we were soul mates and mere words weren’t needed to confirm this.  However, this being the twenty first century we needed to make it legal so we exchanged vows. And with that I was now Iona Beddau Somers.

                  As we kissed I heard the crowd let out a cheer followed by what sounded like a collective sound of astonishment. Bill and I looked at the ocean to see several dolphins jumping simultaneously out of the water. I turned and looked at Marny who winked at me.

Chapter 76

                  We then moved inside for the reception.

                  As we walked in Bill whispered in my ear.

                  “I’m so happy that you’re my wife. I love you so much.”

                  I smiled back and kissed him on the cheek.

                  I kept looking down at my hand to see my wedding band on my finger.

                  “We finally did it,” I stated softly.

                  “Regrets?” he whispered.

                  “Only that we didn’t do it sooner,” I replied.

                  He smiled and kissed me again.

                  The reception was a blast. We did all the traditional things with the exception of the pushing of cake in each other’s face. Both of us felt that it was stupid.

                  The first dance with Bill was thrilling and I was in such a daze that I can’t even remember what song was played. I also had a nice dance with Connor.

                  The only disruption of the events was when an uninvited photographer tried to sneak some photos of Jen and Alexis. Thankfully Holly ensured that he was escorted out immediately. The last thing I wanted on my wedding day was to see someone get hurt. Oh, I wasn’t worried about us, I was afraid that Jen might punch him in the nose.

                  Jena and Alexis were very gracious and they posed for photos with most of the guests and many of the hotel staff too.

                  I did notice that Phyllis seemed a little uneasy with so many same sex couples at the reception, but that was her problem. I wondered what she would think if she knew the truth about most of us.

                  In addition to Jirra and Alexis, Kim and Hallie, I noticed Michaela and Karen spending some time out on the dance floor together.

                  As we mingled we ran into Marny and Jacob.

                  “Thank you for the wonderful gift,” I stated.

                  “The dolphins were glad to contribute,” she replied with a grin. “Although, if you had gotten married back in the winter I could have had some gray whales for you.”

                  “The dolphins were perfect,” I replied as I tried to imagine the reaction of my guests if a whale breeched off the beach.

                  Jacob then asked if I would dance with him and I readily accepted.

                  “So, everything worked out for you,” he stated as we danced slowly together.

                  “Just as you told me it would,” I replied.

                  “You two make a wonderful couple,” he said. “I’m very pleased for both of you.”

                  “How’re things between you and Marny?” I asked.

                  “We’re still the best of friends,” he replied with wink.

                  “Well, I’m so happy you pulled into port for my wedding,” I said.

                  “We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he replied.

Chapter 77

                  When the reception was over, Bill and I said our goodbyes and we headed over to our home. Most of the guests assumed we were off on our honeymoon, but only a select group knew that we had another ceremony to attend. We would be flying to New Mexico the following day.

The good thing was that we had several hours to relax.

                  “I couldn’t believe the fight there was for your bouquet,” he stated.

                  “It was pretty impressive wasn’t it?” I replied as snuggled up next to him. “I was glad that Jirra ended up with it.”

                  “Do you think that they’ll get married?” he asked.

                  I nodded. “I don’t see it any other way,” I replied. “In fact I suspect that I will be attending quite a few weddings over the next few years.”

                  “I’m happy you have so many wonderful friends and family,” he said.

                  “I’m pleased that you family accepts the fact that I have an unusual group of friends,” I replied.

                  When we arrived at our home, Bill insisted on carrying me inside. Once inside he brought out a bottle of champagne.

                  “Very nice,” I commented as he handed me a glass. I took a sip and then kissed him. “If you don’t mind, I would like to change into something more comfortable.”

                  “As you wish,” he replied with a short bow.

                  I changed in a long skirt and light sweater. It would an easy outfit to slip out of later at the bonfire.

                  Bill had a slight look of disappointment on his face when he saw my outfit.

                  “Don’t worry, I have something special to wear for you after the second ceremony,” I stated as I sat down next to him.

                  “So where will this one be?” he asked.

                  “On the bluffs at Torrey Pines,” I replied. “Again, Aunt Kayla will cast a privacy spell that will hide us from public view.”

                  “I have to admit that I’ve been looking forward to this as it brings me closer to your world,” he said as he refilled my glass.

                  “I appreciate that you’re so open-minded. I still remember your reaction when I first told who I was,” I said.

                  He laughed. “That was quite a surprise. I mean, being told by the woman I loved that she was once a man, and that she now had magical powers….it was quite a shock. But now I can’t imagine being with anyone else. Did you ever think about not telling me?”

                  “Never,” I replied. “I would rather have lost you than been dishonest with you. It would have been impossible to keep all this a secret.”

                  Bill nodded and we kissed again.

                  “I’ve also been thinking about what it will be like to start a family,” I admitted. “Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m not in a hurry, but after talking to my friends….the idea of being pregnant doesn’t sound so terrifying.”

                  Bill laughed. “Come on, after everything that you’ve been through, you can’t tell me that you’re scared of being pregnant?”

                  I shrugged my shoulders. “Okay, terrified might not be the best description, but I guess it’s the last part of my transition that I’ve had to deal with. Thanks to those tattoos that Kier gave me I can control when I get pregnant, so it hasn’t been a worry. But now that we’re married….well, you know what I mean.”

                  “Iona, when the time is right we’ll start a family. I would never pressure you.”

                  “I know that Bill. It’s just a huge step. Having a baby is a big deal…and with my heritage and powers there are additional things to deal with.”

                  “I know, we’ve talked about it before…and Kayla has also talked to me. Let’s just take life as it comes and when we feel the time is right then we’ll start our family.”

                  “How am I so lucky to have you in my life?” I asked.

                  “Magic,” he replied as we kissed.

Chapter 78

                  We arrived at Torrey Pines around eleven-thirty that night. We were met by Amelia, Fiona, Aileen, and Aunt Kayla. It was tradition or the women of the clan to run the ceremony.

                  Connor was also there. His role would be to escort Bill.

                  As it sometimes does, fog had drifted in over the area and a heavy haze had covered the moon completely obscuring most of the stars too.

                  “So what way do we go?” I asked.

                  Aunt Kayla pointed to the left.

                  “We started the fire an hour ago so it should be blazing by now,” she said.

                  “When do we enter the area protected by the spell?” I asked.

                  “Just past the parking lot,” said Fiona.

                  “What happens if a mortal…or anyone else tries to enter the area?” asked Bill.

                  “Nothing, they will pass through without incident, but they will be blocked from seeing anything. The spell we use has many uses. In fact Michaela’s people have been using a stronger version of the spell since the dawn of time. It is so powerful that it is rumored to hide entire villages,” said Fiona.

                  I couldn’t wait until the next time I could talk to Michaela.

                  “Okay, let’s head up to the fire,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  Passing through the spell I felt a slight tingling. Once on the other side I could see the glow of the bonfire.

                  By the time we got closer to the fire the haze that covered the moon had completely cleared and it was a beautiful sight to see the moon and stars so clearly. Strangely, only the area covered by the privacy spell was entirely free of the haze. I thought I saw a woman with a blonde ponytail wave then disappear into the line of trees that marked the edge of the woods just inside the area covered by the spell.

                  We approached the fire together. To the left of the fire was a wooden table and benches.

                  “You can place your clothes there,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  I had no trouble doing the ceremony naked, but I knew Bill was still a little uneasy about it.

                  “You can wear a robe if you like,” I said.

                  He shook his head. “Nope, if I’m going to do this, I want to do it the right way.”

                  “Cool,” I replied. I then turned to the others. “Aunt Kayla, I know that we’re supposed to speak our vows in private…but are there any rules against you hearing them?”

                  “No, none at all,” she replied. “It is up to you and Bill.”

                  I looked at Bill.

                  “I don’t mind,” he replied.

                  “Cool,” I replied.

                  “Thank you Iona, by allowing us to hear you vows…it is quite an honor,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  I smiled back at them. “Okay, let’s get this started.”

                  I was led to the right by the women of my clan and they helped me undress.

                  “It’s time,” said Fiona as she looked into the night sky.

                  Bill and I approached the fire and stood next to each other.

                  Aunt Kayla stood in front of us.

                  “You have made the decision to form a bond; you come here before the sacred fire on the night of your wedding baring all, hiding nothing, please state your true feelings to your life mate,” she said.

                  It was tradition for the man to go first.

                  Bill turned and looked me in the eyes.

                  “You are the one for me…I cannot imagine going through life without you…I want to spend my entire life with you,” he said.

                  I sighed and then it was my turn. Aunt Kayla had told me to just speak what was on my mind and not have a memorized speech.

                  “We have been friends for so long…in my previous life and now in this one. And now we are lovers…and lovers for life. I want to be by your side, step by step your partner and lover, through good and through bad. I want to raise a family with you. I know that you are the one for me.”

                  “Extend and take each other’s hands into yours,” said Aunt Kayla.

                  We did as she asked.

                  “In the ancient days the ceremonial binding of the hands with a ribbon symbolized the union of a man and a woman. Our people have always seen this as an equal union of two parties for a ship cannot follow a straight course with one side being rowing stronger than the other,” she said as she gently wrapped our hands with a white linen ribbon.

                  As soon as she was done, Bill and I kissed sealing our bonds of marriage.

                  With that we were congratulated by the others and allowed to dress.

                  Connor brought out a bottle.

                  “This was distilled by some of my clan,” he said. “It is a traditional drink for a night like this…and it helps take away the night’s chill.”

                  He filled up some small metal goblets and passed them around. He then made a toast to a long and happy marriage.

                  “It tastes like Drambuie…only better,” I said.

                  “It’s wonderful, thank you Connor,” said Bill. He then turned to the women of my clan. “Thank you for accepting me into your family.”

                  “We are the ones who should be honored,” said Fiona and she gave him a hug and a kiss.

                  We stayed long enough to finish our drink and then we headed back to our home…yes OUR home for our first night together as husband and wife.

                  Connor, Aunt Kayla, Fiona, and Aileen sat down to drink and watch the fire die out. They wished us a good night.

Chapter 79

                  Needless to say I’m not going into great detail about our wedding night or our honeymoon. There are some things that should be kept private.  I’ll leave it to your imaginations.  However let me say that it was wonderful!

                  The week at the spa flew by and soon we were back in San Diego. Salem was happy to see us and loved her new home.  She has already found the perfect window to sit in all day.

                  My first day back at work was hectic as I had to catch up on all my emails and paperwork. Thankfully Connor had taken care of the admin concerning Alia’s death. Our supervisors were very pleased that a war had been averted. They were also pleased by the growing alliance with Michaela’s clan.

                  I also found out that while Bill and I were enjoying the spa in New Mexico, the defendants in the Bromberg case were sentenced.  Pamela Kennedy was now a cashier at a local Wal-Mart. She had been changed so that she had no motivation for a higher position. She also retained her memories of what she had done, although she was prevented from talking about it. It would be her penance to carry the rest of her life. All of the others had been given similar sentences. The exception was Martin Bromberg. He was now a janitor at a high school. I hope he enjoyed cleaning up the restrooms. The company he had started was still in existence, although it was now run by more ethical people.

                  The victims were given assistance, both monetary and mental, to help them adjust to their new lives.

                  I was also pleased to see that the friends of Miranda Stroud were trying to make a bad event good. Miranda had left them a sizable insurance settlement and they used this to set up a scholarship fund in her name for disadvantaged teens at their old high school.

                  I was also assigned a new case by Connor.

                  “Um, is this a mistake? It’s not our region,” I said as I read the file.

                  “Being your expertise with gender issues they felt that this was a perfect case for your first one as the lead investigator,” he said.

                  I read the report and was shocked by its content.

                  “How long has this been going on?” I asked.

                  “For at least thirty years, possibly longer,” said Connor. “We just became aware of what was happening. The town is small and out of the way, we only found out because one of the victims was able to maintain her memories. How she found out about us, I have no idea.”

                  The report stated that the town had been using magic to transform males into females in order to maintain the population. The transformed teens became wives and mothers for the men who stayed. Additionally the spell changed their identity completely so that no one realized what was happening. The report implied that a council of town elders was responsible for the transformations. Every spring they picked out several males to be changed.

                  For some reason, one girl’s memories weren’t affected by the transformation. To protect their secret the elders changed her into a five-year-old Chinese orphan girl. She was then adopted by a local couple.

                  The girl, while unable to write, drew pictures so she would remember what happened.

                  “The girl is now seven and somehow she found out about us. The Chicago office received her letter and passed it on to us,” said Connor. “They would like you to take this one on due to the sensitive nature of the gender changes.”

                  The report stated that the community was now thriving thanks to new farming methods and demands for their crops. Even though they had people moving into the town, the elders continued to change teens into women.

                  “What do they want me to do?” I asked.

                  “Go and interview the girl and confirm her story. We have a cover story ready for you. You’ll be a reporter doing a story on adoptions,” he said. “We’ll then step in and break this up.”

                  “When do I leave?” I asked. “I can’t wait to arrest these bastards.”

                  (For background on this case, please read “Forget-Me-Not.”)

                  “Not until next week,” he replied with a grin. “Need to give you time to adjust to being a married woman.”

                  I smiled back. “Thanks. So when will you tie the knot?”

                  “Soon,” he replied. “Now get back to work.”

                  “Yes sir!”

Chapter 80

                  Over dinner I told Bill about the trip to America’s heartland.

                  “Your first solo assignment, very impressive,” he replied.

                  “I just wish it was closer,” I said.

                  “Do you have backup?” he asked.

                  “Shouldn’t need it, but I’ll call Michaela…if I can pry her away from Karen,” I said.

                  “How serious are those two?” he asked.

                  “With Michaela, who knows, but they seem to be in love,” I replied with a smile.

                  “Well, I’m glad that you’re not leaving until next week, we still have a lot of thank you notes to send,” he said.

                  “Don’t worry, I won’t leave that task to you,” I replied with a grin. “I already wrote out the notes to Jen for the use of her cottage and to Jirra and Alexis for the spa events. They’re on your desk waiting for your signature.”

                  “Great. We definitely have to go back to that spa,” said Bill.

                  “I know, I would like to see that Anasazi site,” I said. “Oh, and we have a standing invitation to see Hallie and Kim’s site in Crete.”

                  He nodded. “Just visiting our friends will always give us an exciting place to go on vacation.”

                  “I agree,” I said. “But for now, let’s just enjoy our home. You know; you, me and our furry little child.”

                  Bill laughed.

                  Salem had fully adopted Bill and she often spent hours in his office when he was in there working.

                  “I’m so happy that we’re married,” he said as he reached across the table and took my hands into his. “I love you so much.”

                  “Prove it,” I replied as I blew a kiss at him.

                  Without a word, he got up and escorted me to our bedroom.

The End
(For Now)

List of Characters

Tessa Phoenix Barnard - was once a retired US Navy SEAL named Jason Blackthorn. Jason was killed and resurrected as a woman by the Goddess Athena to seek revenge against the killers. She is currently married to writer Jonathan Barnard. (Revenge of the Goddess: Athena's Assassin.)

Iona Beddau - Originally a man called Roger Lyons; after a short tour in the navy, Roger began a defense contractor. It was on a flight back to San Diego that Roger met Iona, a young sorceress who swapped bodies with him. The switch became permanent when an accident killed "Roger". Now forced to live out her life as Iona, she also discovered that she had magical powers. Iona currently lives in San Diego with her Aunt Kayla. Her mother is Fiona Beddau, who works as a prosecutor for those who violate magical law. Iona is engaged to Bill Somers, who works as an Assistant DA in San Diego. Iona works as detective or runner to arrest those who violate magical laws. Her supervisor is Connor Locksley (who is dating Kayla).  Iona also maintains contact with her sister, Jenny Lyons. Jenny is an artist who works in Columbus Ohio and has also discovered that she has magical powers. She is the only member of Iona's original family who knows the truth about Roger. (Turbulence & Coeds Series)

Tori Black (Along with Autumn) Characters from the story “Targets”

Miranda Stroud (Along with Kelly Conrad, Sharon Richards, and Molly Phillips) Characters from the story “Wild Card”

Alexis Eden - Onetime college student and currently movie and TV star. She is the star of the Erin Flynn series being filmed in Boston. While on vacation in New Mexico, she fell in love with Jirra. They are currently engaged. (Fresh Start & Coeds series)

Alia & Davin Freiberg- Introduced in “Iona: Coeds”. They come from a Nordic magical clan that regards humans who use powers as criminals who need to be punished. They act outside as vigilantes to dispatch mortals and magical people who try to protect them.

Celeste Farnsworth - Originally Jeremy Green; was abducted and feminized by Margo Simon. Celeste was then sold to Sherman Farnsworth, a self-made millionaire.  Instead of using her as a sex slave, Celeste became his wife. Sherman dies of a heart attack and Celeste used his wealth to create a foundation for abused transgendered teens. She currently attends Penn and lives with Beth Williams and Spirit, her dog. (Combined Forces, Celestial Awakenings, Coeds)

Pamela Kennedy (Along with Martin Bromberg, Gina Brody) Characters from the story “It’s Just Business”

Mick/Michaela- A magical being that refers to themselves as a traveler. They have magical powers, but rely on guile and secrecy to live along side humans, who they find fascinating. (Turbulence)

Aileen Munro- A cousin of Iona Beddau, Aileen lives in Rhode Island and works as a doctor. She is currently living with her lover, Cailin McGregor. Cailin was once a male who was willingly transformed into a woman so she could act as a surrogate mother for her sister (Twins)

Professor Hallie Thorn Pappadimos - Born Harry Thorn, he was transformed into a young woman by an ancient Minoan object. She is now living with her lover Kim and their daughter. Hallie spends half the year in Crete working on the Minoan archeological site that is connected to her own transformation. Her father is Richard Thorn the movie producer.  (Purpose, Ambition, Revenge of The Goddess; Athena's Assassin)

Jirra Reid - Born Josh Reid and was transformed into a girl at age eighteen in a freak accident at a spa in New Mexico.  Josh was taking a hot mud bath in a large copper caldron; a lightning strike transferred him physically into a female.  Jirra is still trying to find balance as she adapts to being female.  Her
 nickname is Roo, a take off on her new name which means kangaroo. (Fresh Start, Fresh Start 2, Coeds)

Beth Williams- While serving in the navy, LT Ben Carlson was transformed into a teenage girl by Dr. Martz, through a DNA process. Beth was adopted by two federal agents, Maggie and Steve Williams. Beth has also served as an agent, although she is now currently a fulltime student.  Beth is currently dating a fellow Penn student named Jim Buchwalter. (Change of Course I-IV, Combined Forces, The Protector Series, Coeds)

Margo Simon - Once a therapist who worked for the government, she was arrested for running a sex slave ring. She was arrested in an operation led by Ally Burns. Celeste Farnsworth was one of her
 victims. Beth Williams was also abducted by her. (The Protector Series)

Amelia Taylor- Sorceress and medical doctor, who is trained in both human and magical medicine. Related to Iona Beddau. (Turbulence Series & Personal Foul) Her adopted daughter is Sarah. Sarah was once a man and was transformed into a young girl through the misuse of magic. (Iona: Coeds)

Andrea Carlson - Born Andrew Baker of Cincinnati Ohio. When WWII broke but he crossed into Canada and joined the RCAF. Andy was assigned to a fighter squadron and was shot down. Selected to assist in an escape from a German POW camp, he took on the role of a young woman to assist a British agent. Andy stayed in Denmark to assist the resistance and became Andrea. Later, after SRS, she moved back to the states and became an agent in the CIA and later the Agency. She married and adopted several children. Ben Carlson/Beth Williams is her grandchild. She is currently in her 90s and living in her penthouse apartment in NYC. (A Different Kind of Freedom, The Protector Series)

Special Guest
Jennifer "Jen" Stevens - Born Robert Stevens. Transformed by a lightning strike over a period of about three weeks while unconscious in the hospital. Her transformation was leaked to the public during her hospital stay. Jen left her old job and became a successful TV and movie star and is now producing
movies. Substitute hosts the "Around Midnight" talk show. A friend and mentor to Jirra Reid after meeting her a few months after her transformation. Long time friend of Alexis Eden after meeting her
while Jen was hosting the talk show. Jen Stevens adventures are chronicled in Bob Arnold's Zapped! series and she is used here with his permission.

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