THE LAST SECRET KEEPER Secret Keeper series books 1-4

CHAPTER 50

Wolfstein's warm breath fanned Lanecea's hair as he whispered, "Who are you, My Darling?"

Lanecea drew her attention away from the newlyweds before whispering her response.

"I am your heart, your soul, and your mind. I am your right hand. I am you, Sir."

"Yes, you are," Wolfstein kissed Lanecea's cheek before raising her from Storm's lap. 

Entwining their fingers together, he led Lani to the center of the black sun symbol before he began to address the men.

"Lanecea's French soldiers have joined the French militia and are blocking the advancement of vampires as we speak. To the east, her Italian army is blocking the vampires' escape route."

Lanecea turned to the brides, before addressing them as well. 

"Ladies, we need to act swiftly and remain within the perimeter the men will create. You will be perfectly safe..." Lanecea paused for a moment. Priestesses had a singleness of focus at all times: their husbands and children, but everyone gathered knew the danger they were up against. "Your men will be distracted, of course, as they keep the area secure, but trust them. Focus on your mission and act quickly. There is no time to waste. Herja, you will be leading the Angels of Death. Take care, however, not to kill any vampires. My king prefers them alive - if barely."

Lani's eyes were radiant as she looked over at Storm for a moment before turning her attention to her children. 

"Fintan, you will remain with us ladies - we will feel safer knowing you are protecting us."

Fintan puffed out his chest. He was a formidable little warrior when he knew he was protecting his mamma and sisters and now he was entrusted with the care of all the gentle priestesses. It was a huge mission and he wouldn't fail. After all, his mother was counting on him.

"Taran, you will stay with your father and Uncle Dieter. They will need your help. Girls," Lanecea addressed her twins next, "Do take care when you unleash your powers. It is important that the vampires remain alive."

Thorson and Revna shifted restlessly as they waited for their assignments. They couldn't help but feel as one did when chosen last for sports teams, the feeling not-so-great.

"Revna, you will remain with your mother."

"But Mamma..." Revna began to protest before Lanecea held out a shiny new potato peeler, Revna's smile now radiant.

"You are lethal with a potato peeler, My Darling. I know you will have far more fun as an honorary member of the Angels of Death, and I am certain you will enjoy your reward when this is all over."

"Mmm yes, I will. Thank you, Mamma," Revna grinned before turning to show her mother her new weapon. It was much cooler than a syringe.

Thorson hated to see that look in Lanecea's eyes when she finally turned to him: wounded betrayal and mistrust.

"I cannot..." Lanecea whispered as she looked away, her eyes seeking Storm's strength and assistance as she showed him her broken heart without saying a word.

Thorson had always promised to be at her side, the young man desperate not to leave her, but all that had changed and her butterflies were currently crash-landing in the pit of her stomach.

Storm had stood from where he had been seated and was standing with his allies. It didn't phase him in the least as he watched his woman stand at Wolfstien's side, the two hand-in-hand as they led their devotees. After all, he had Lani's heart and she was carrying his babies, besides, she had never so much as kissed Wolfstien, a respectful kiss on the cheek not counting. She needed him and showed her respect to her king even when she didn't say a word.