“What kind of animal did this to you?” Makaio asks softly. His dark eyes stare from her to Jake.
“Not an animal, a demon.” Elina’s leg trembles as Leilani prods and cleans. Leilani takes note of the flush on Elina’s cheeks and her skin is hot to the touch. She washes away the iodine so she can get a better look.
“You need more than a nurse, Elina. These are becoming infected and you are running a fever.” Her dark eyes meet her husbands and they all fan out surrounding Elina.
Jake smiles at her, “You are going to love this.”
They link hands forming a circle around Elina, all touching or holding hands. Makaio stands with his hands on his wife’s shoulders and the boys all connect, making sure the circle is complete. Leilani begins to chant and they all join in. She lifts her hands to the sky calling on the Father to gift her hands.
When she touches Elina’s ankles, her hands are super-heated. The warmth flows into Elina soothing the pain and she watches in awe as the poison and claws are pushed out and the wounds begin to close. When she removes her hand the wounds are gone, leaving fresh new pink skin!
“Who are you people?” Elina whispers.
Makaio laughs and the circle breaks, “We are Keepers. When Heather came back with Seth they told us of the gift she gave him. After much prayer, we decided that if our Father chose to gift us then we would accept this honor. We have been training with them and Jake has been kind enough to pass on his knowledge as well. Now let’s eat and you can tell us why you have come.”
“No. Today is a day for celebration. Elina needs to rest from her ordeal and we have a celebration to plan. Elina you are just in time for the wedding tomorrow!” Lelani says looking at Heather.
“Oh? Who’s getting married?”
“Seth and Heather are getting married at sunrise, on the beach. We are so excited!”
“Heather? That’s wonderful!” Smiling at her friend.
Heather blushes, “We decided not to wait, after everything that happened. Life is too short.”
Seth kisses her temple and the conversation quickly turns to wedding plans.
Elina and Jake were invited to stay overnight in order to be at the wedding in the morning and help with anything the family needs. The day is busy with excitement. Elina is welcomed into the family and feels a little guilty. She knows that once she asks for their help the joy of the moment will be tainted. She decides to wait until she can get Jake, Seth and his father alone.
Scott watches Elina from the dining room. He felt her when she arrived. The supposed light that everyone is so in awe of.
“So the Keeper returns to us?” he says, stepping into the kitchen. The moment his eyes meet hers, he sees a flash of his wife held in the arms of the demon, Tu’rel. Her lifeless eyes haunt his every waking moment and he relives the demon picking her up by her hair and smelling the scent of death on her.
‘Focus Scott!’ He tells himself.
Elina turns and looks at Scott wondering if he feels she is still to blame for the death of his wife. She was killed by a demon at Heather’s family ranch.
“Scott, it’s good to see you again.”
“This must be a good omen, you’re just in time for the wedding tomorrow.” Scott replies, smiling at her and forcing down the urge to make her pay.
‘Control it!’ He thinks to himself guarding his mind.
“I am happy to be able to attend it, the love they share is beautiful to see.” Elina glances at Heather.
“You are right about that, Elina. Dinner is ready. Ladies, shall we?” he asks, offering his arm to his daughter. They laugh and move outside to share in the family celebration.
Later, Elina walks into the kitchen to help clean up dinner dishes. The men have decided to start a fire pit and are busy dragging supplies onto their private beach, in the backyard.
“What can I do to help, Lelani?” Elina asks.
“Not a thing, why don’t you and Heather catch up? Have her tell you all about the wedding tomorrow. I will go see what the boys are up too? If I know my boys, someone will end up in the ocean before long.”
“You must be excited, they are a wonderful family.” Elina says watching Leilani hurry outside.
Heather turns to look at Elina and a panicked look crosses her face. “Elina tomorrow, I am marrying the man of my dreams and I...I..,”
“You what?” Elina says, stepping closer.
“I wasn’t expecting everything to happen so fast, and I don’t have a dress and my Mom...” Heather turns choking up, “I’m sorry, it’s just that I thought she would be with me.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She takes her hand to reassure her. “Your mother will be with you in spirit, Heather. I can’t take the pain away, but…” she says with a smile, “but I can do something about the dress. Come with me.” Elina leaves a note and in a blink the girls are gone.
Heather opens her eyes and finds she is standing across the street from the Kona Bridal Boutique in Honolulu. Her mouth drops open in shock and Elina laughs.
“Let’s go!” she drags Heather across traffic and into the shop.
Heather’s stomach drops as a sea of white dresses in every shape and size greets her. The sales lady welcomes them with a smile.
“My name is Emma, welcome to the Kona Bridal Boutique, what can I help you with today.” She asks with a smile.
Elina nudges Heather forward and she starts, “My name is desperate! Oh, I mean Heather!” blushing furiously she turns to Elina and whispers, “I can’t do this, Elina.”
“Yes, you can. Emma we need a dress
