Darkmyth University 2021

Chapter Nineteen

At Zander’s Hideout...

Thanksgiving Day

Zander had been kicked out of the hideout so that Stephanie could surprise me with something, and the only reason Zander left was because Stephanie asked him too. Zander was on top of the Appalachian Mountains thinking of how understanding Stephanie had been lately. When Stephanie had brought Zander back into the hideout Stephanie went over maps, plans, and making sure that all the men were being well fed. Zand was trying to get his back into getting revenge on his family but, the more time Zander spent with Stephanie the less he cared about achieving his goal.

Zander’s family deserved to be punished for what they did to him. Zander was tired of being treated like a second-rate person to them. They never tried to find Zander and they kept the fact that I was alive from my own brother. Zander had a secret weapon in Greece that had been keeping me up to date with the progress of her mission. No one knew that Zander had found out where his family was spending their holiday, Zander could not forget that his parents were the reason for his pain and suffering. Maybe Zander needed to concentrate on getting them and not the whole family. Zander would try to capture his parents separately because mates, were always weaker when they were away from one another. Zander’s phone rang and looked at the caller I.D., smiled and said, “Hello, my love.”

“Dinner is ready. Are you close by my darling?”

“Yes, I am close by. I will be their momentarily.” Zander said hanging up. Thank goodness Zander had the foresight to change into slacks and an olive green button-down long-sleeve shirt before I left the hideout. At lease I would not have to take the extra time to change.

Stephanie was worried about Zander. Zander seemed more agitated lately, distant from me as well, and consumed by his revenge on Vanessa and Nicholas. Stephanie hoped that after dinner tonight and the little surprise she had planned Zander would tell me what was going on. Everyone had gathered we were just waiting on Zander so we could eat.

Zander arrived shortly after Stephanie put the last dish on the table. Zander pulled Stephanie’s chair with a smile. Stephanie smiled back at Zander lovingly. Even though Zander was out for revenge Stephanie still felt the connection to him as his mate which was bothersome but, she could not change the connection between them yet. Marissa had informed Stephanie that King Nicholas was looking for a way to help mask the connection between Zander and me and how to get me away from Zander without hurting anyone. Zander seemed to be changing but, it was not enough, and Zander would not surrender peacefully of that Stephanie was sure. Stephanie had decided, if Zander would not give up on his path of vengeance, then Stephane would take her own life for the greater good. It was the easiest decision that Stephanie ever made and with Stephanie’s will written and in Marissa’s had Stephanie could pretend that nothing was wrong for lot longer. Stephanie had also written a letter to Crystal but, hoped that Crystal would never have to read it.

Marissa was gathering an army to help King Nicholas when the time came to take Zander out. Marissa was not happy that Stephanie had left her will with her but, Marissa would deal with that when the time came. Marissa promised that she would keep Stephanie’s will a secret from everyone until the time came to give it Crystal. Marissa was able to sneak a picture of Crystal and Quinten after they were engaged to Stephanie earlier today. Stephanie put it in her journal where Zander would not find it and hid her journal once again.

Marissa was hoping that Quinten and Crystal were staying safe. Marissa’s mate joined her about a week ago so that it would not look so suspicious. Marissa and Stephanie were Skyping as often as they could because Stephanie needed someone to talk too. They always had safe conversations; like about clothing, Stephanie coming to visit, or the weather. Marissa had to keep the conversations as general as possible but, it helped Stephanie keep her mind off Zander and if Zander investigated Stephanie’s mind, then it would be inconsequential. Marissa was so proud of Stephanie because she was still holding strong even though she had been away from Crytal and their friends for more than two months. As soon as Zander had formulated a final plan, Marissa could be of more help to Stephanie however, until then they were stuck in limbo.

Hephaestus Institute...

The day before Thanksgiving...

Vanessa was so excited to start planning Crystal and Quinten’s wedding not that Quinten would have much input in the matter. Vanessa was planning to get Crystal to tell her exactly what she wanted and then be sure that Crystal got what she wanted. Vanessa was sure that Crystal would want to wait until Stephanie was back with them before the wedding. Quinten looked much more relaxed now that Crystal had consented to marry him but, something was going on with him as well but, Vanessa was sure that Crystal had handled it. Vanessa noticed that Nicholas looked conflicted, and she needed to speak to him. Vanessa sat next to Nicholas and said, “Please tell me what is going on. You have been distracted all evening.”

“I am worried about Stephanie, the longer that she is with Zander the harder time we will have to rescue her without hurting her. Marissa told me over a private phone call that Stephanie will take her own life to stop Zander if he will not give up quietly. I have not told Crystal or Quinten any of this information. I also want Crystal to be able to finish school. I wanted to speak to you about staying in rule for another year. I would like Crystal to graduate and to take leadership classes next year if she is willing. Quinten will not be happy about waiting but, I think that this is the best thing for everyone involved but, I know that you have a say as well.”

“Quinten did tell me that you wanted to talk to him. This is what you wanted to talk to him about?” Nicholas nodded and then Vanessa continued, “I am fine with staying in power an extra year but, only if Quinten and Crystal agree to wait. My suggestion to you my darling husband is that you be honest with our son and that you involve Crystal in your discussions because this affects her as well.”

“Then I will have to move the time of the discussion because Crystal has plans with Clarisse and her friends this evening. I wanted Quinten to have time to process the information.”

“I agree that Quinten having time to process the information is a good idea but, you cannot keep this kind of information from Crystal because I am sure that Quinten has told her about the plan for him to take over. So, what is the plan for rescuing Stephanie?”

“For now, Stephanie seems safe enough with Zander. Marissa is keeping a close eye on Stephanie. Stephanie is pretending to be under Zander’s mental control even though it no longer affects her. Marissa says that Stephanie is determined to stick to the plan that she has formulated which, Marissa refuses to tell me.”

“I know that you will figure this out my king but, you need to let the people around you help. Quinten and his friends are capable of great things that is one of the many reasons that you and I trust them with Quinten’s safety. Now please try not to worry when you know that you, Quinten, Crystal, and their friends will figure this out.”

“I shall try but, it is hard.”

“Then you need to talk to me more because that is what mates do and we can help each other destress. I am also here to help you carry the burden of running things.”

Nicholas smiled at Vanessa and said, “I know you there to help me my queen. I promise to talk to more when I am plagued with issues. Let us start planning the celebration ball.” Nicholas stands up, extends his hand to Vanessa, and they walk into the sitting room where everyone is waiting for them. Planning this ball was the distraction they all needed for the time being.

The next day and a half were busier than ever Crystal was spending more time with Clarisse and her friends. Vanessa and Nicholas were planning the ball while also coordinating the protection detail for the party. Quinten and his friends were keeping up with Crystal and the other woman.

It was now Thanksgiving Day, and everyone was sitting down in the dining hall of Hephaestus University. Crystal and Quinten were sitting at the head of the table smiling lovingly at each other. As dinner wound down Crystal stood along with Vanessa and excused themselves to ready for the ball. Quinten, Nicholas, Lucas, Brody, and Michael quickly followed their exit. The ladies would be getting ready in Quinten and Crystal’s room while the gentlemen would be getting ready in Nicholas and Vanessa’s room.

Crystal was sitting in the bathroom next to Vanessa getting her hair done while we were talking animatedly about what I wanted for the wedding. Vanessa was very understanding when Crystal told Vanessa that she did not want to plan anything until Stephanie was back. Once Crystal’s was done, she stepped into her dress and shoes. Crystal turned as Vanessa said, “I have one more surprise for you my dear.”

“That is unnecessary Vanessa.”

Vanessa turned toward Crystal with an open box that held a tiara and said, “I wore this at my first ball. I thought you would like to war it to your as well dear.”

Crystal walks over slowly toward Vanessa and says reaching for the tiara, “It is lovely. Thank you, Vanessa.”

“Nicholas and I want to gift this to you for your engagement to Quinten.”

“This is more than I expected. I would tell you that I cannot accept such a gift but, I know you would only tell me that it is now mine. So, I will say thank you instead. Will you help me put it on?”

“Of course, my dear. Please sit back down.” Vanessa said gesturing toward the chair. Crystal sat on the stool she had just vacated, Vanessa put the tiara in Crystal’s hair, and said, “There, now we are ready to go down to the festivities.”

Crystal stood and followed Vanessa down to the alcove outside of the ballroom once again. Quinten turned as the Crystal and Vanessa entered the alcove. Crystal walked toward Quinten with a smile on her face. Quinten said, “You look amazing my angle.” The teal color of Crysal’s gown made her skin look like porcelain and it also had a corseted top which also made Crystal’s body look amazing. With the strapless sweetheart top it was hard for Quinten to keep his eyes on Crystal’s face.

“You look as handsome as ever my prince.” Crystal said placing her hand on Quinten’s face.

After Vanessa and Nicholas enter the ballroom Quinten asks, “Are you ready my angel?”

“I am as ready as I will ever be my prince.” Quinten nodded, slowly strode to the door, and two gentlemen opened the doors from the inside. Everyone cheered as Quinten and Crystal entered. Crystal’s smile widened as we met several delegates from nearby countries. Quinten was ever the gentlemen as they walked around the ballroom meeting other dignitaries and royalty. Quinten asked Crystal to dance several times which she gladly accepted. As the night went on, we met several other students from Hephaestus Institute, talked to our friends, and took several pictures for the media.

After several hours Quinten escorted Crystal to our room and said, “Enjoy your night with your new friends. I will be Brody, Michael, and Lucas’s room if you need me.”

“Are you forgetting something?” Crystal asked seductively. Quinten smiled leaned down, kissed Crystal passionately, and said, “Have pleasant dreams, my angel. I will see you in the morning.”

Crystal smiles at Quinten and says, “You as well my love.” Crystal shuts the door after one last quick kiss. Crystal changed out of her dress, puts the tiara back in the box, then in the safe, and texted Clarisse letting her know that Crystal was ready when Clarisse and her friends were. The ladies arrived minutes later. They spent the night drinking, watching movies, and playing games. When Quinten called, Crystal stepped outside on the balcony to take the call. Crystal was so consumed in my conversation with Quinten that I did not notice when Clarisse came out on the balcony. A few minutes later Crystal blacked out.

As everyone sat in Crystal’s suite, we played stupid slumber party games, drank lots of alcohol, and watched movies. Everyone had passed out except for Clarisse and Crystal. Clarisse and Crystal were painting each other’s toenails and talking quietly trying not to wake the other ladies up. Crystal’s phone started ringing, Clarisse watched as Crystal stepped out onto the balcony, and answered the phone. Crystal was gazing up at the stars talking to Quinten when Clarisse injected her with the serum that Zander had provided to her. Crystal passed out quickly; Clarisse grabbed Crystal before she even started falling, and Clarisse crushed to the airport, onto a private jet, and lay Crystal down on a sofa.

Clarisse tied Crystal’s hands behind her back and her feet together. Clarisse took a seat across from Crystal and waited patiently for her to wake up. Crystal woke about two hours into the flight. Crystal sat up quickly and asked, “Why are you doing this Clarisse?”

“Why do you think princess? For power. Quinten was supposed to be mine. Seeing as the only way to get him is to get rid of you then so be it.” Clarisse said reaching to grab another syringe off the table beside her. Clarisse injected Crystal again before she could respond. Zander was going to be so happy, and Clarisse expected a reward when I arrived at Zander’s hideout in the Appalachian Mountains. Clarisse sat back in my seat again and made sure Crystal stayed unconscious the rest of the way there.