19. Kian

Kian stood on the top deck, watching the harbor crew at work preparing the ship for departure.

The pilots boat approached, carrying the harbor pilot tasked with guiding the cruise liner out of the seaport. Kian didnt like an outsider boarding his ship, but harbor pilots were experts in local water conditions and port intricacies, and they were essential for the safe exit of the ship from the congested seaport area.

Once onboard, the pilot would collaborate with the captain and the bridge team, helping them navigate the ship out safely, and after it was done, he would depart on the small boat that was trailing the ship out to sea.

Kian had learned a lot about the operations of cruise ships on this voyage, and it was much more complicated than running hotels, but Shai had run the numbers, and it was a profitable business, provided of course that the passengers were the paying kind, and not his family.

He contemplated purchasing two more ships for the clan, and if that operation proved successful, to keep adding more. He needed to put someone in charge of the operations, though, and he was not happy with the shortlist of candidates hed compiled. None had experience in the cruise line industry, and Ragnar, who was the most knowledgeable and experienced in the hospitality business, had enough on his plate with running the clans hotels.

The human staff that used to serve the Kra-ell were doing a remarkable job, given that they had no prior experience save for the voyage that had taken them out of captivity. Kian planned on visiting Safe Haven and offering them the option of permanent employment in the clans cruise liner business.

Amanda wouldnt be happy because shed hoped he would invite some of them to work in the village, especially the talented cooks, but he believed that they would be better off traveling the world and seeing places they wouldnt otherwise get the chance to visit.

It had never sat well with him that they had to be confined to Safe Haven after spending their lives in captivity, but for now, it was the best option for them and for the immortals. The humans were not ready to live independently, and their knowledge of aliens had to be protected. Working on a cruise line could solve both issues.

I thought I would find you here. Onegus leaned against the railing next to Kian. Edgar called. He inspected the helicopter and confirmed that we got all we were promised. He chuckled. Hes as excited as a kid with a new puppy. When should I tell him to fly the craft over?

I want us to be far enough from the shore so that no one sees the helicopter landing on the ship. Kian cast Onegus a sidelong glance. He should take off in about two hours unless that will be too far for its range?

This bird has great range, so its fine even with Ed making a detour and flying south before heading out to sea from an unpopulated spot.

Good plan.

Im glad we finally got the helicopter, Onegus said. With the Clan Mother on board, its crucial that we have an escape vehicle.

Kian crossed his arms over his chest. If we are under attack, evacuating her with the helicopter is not a good move. I prefer to have her where I can protect her. But its good to have an aircraft for other emergencies.

It depends on the situation. Onegus rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. The helicopter can seat twelve, which is plenty of Guardian power to protect the Clan Mother, but if the enemy has missiles, then the helicopter will become a death trap.

True, Kian agreed.

The best option was to remain hidden, but the unexpected encounter with the cartel and then the Doomers in Acapulco had undermined the secrecy of their location. Theyd managed to salvage the situation by altering the ships travel plan, but it was still possible for the Brotherhood to deduce where the adversaries whod annihilated the Acapulco cell had come from.

Are you coming to Michaels bachelor party? Onegus asked.

I wasnt invited. Kian cast him a smile. Which Im thankful for. I dont want to spend every afternoon at a different bachelor party. I want to spend as much of my vacation time as possible with my wife and daughter.

As if talking about them had summoned them, Syssi walked over with Allegra in her arms. Allegra wants her daddy. She handed him their daughter.

As Kian took her and hugged her to his chest, his heart swelled with love. Did you miss me, sweetie?

Daddy. She lifted her arms, cupped his cheeks, and planted a slobbery kiss on his lips before turning to watch the activity taking place below.

Ill see you at the wedding, Onegus said before turning on his heel and walking away.

Look, Daddy. Allegra pointed at one of the other cruise ships. Big.

Yes, its big. Smiling, he shifted his gaze to Syssi. Her vocabulary is growing by the day. Is that normal for a child her age?

She chuckled. Not at all. But we know that Allegra is special. She leaned and kissed their daughters cheek. Right, sweetheart?

Mama, Allegra said in a tone that conveyed her amusement.

She says even more with tonality than with words, and right now, shes communicating that she thinks you are being silly, but she likes it.

Syssi laughed. I know. She took Oneguss spot, leaning against the railing and crossing her arms over her chest. Amanda and I visited Jasmine earlier, and Amanda tested her paranormal abilities.

For some reason, apprehension flickered through him. And?

Her results were interesting. She guessed the first few cards correctly, which was impressive, but then her accuracy diminished, which is common even for those who have a smidgen of real paranormal ability. But that wasnt the interesting part. Her observational skills are phenomenal. She noticed subtle changes in Amandas expressions, tiny cues that even I missed. Its not a paranormal ability, but its an important talent.

Kian mulled over her words, the wheels in his mind turning. Jasmines unique skill set could be an asset, but only if she proved to be a Dormant. Otherwise, she would need to find a use for her unique skill set in the human world.

What about affinity? Did you feel any toward her?

Syssi hesitated. Jasmine is friendly, upbeat, and very likable. Shes also not easily impressed or intimidated by others, which I admire. On the flip side, shes very hesitant about referring to her abilities as extrasensory. I have a feeling that shes had bad experiences with people who caught her doing things she shouldnt have been able to do, and thats why shes hiding what shes actually capable of. Syssi canted her head. I keep wondering whether her small oddities justify a thrall to find out what shes hiding.

Kian shrugged. We will thrall her before we let her off the ship, so if shes hiding something that we should be aware of, we will find out then. In the meantime, Im not worried about her, even if she has some nefarious plans. Shes just a human, and shes being watched.

Jasmine doesnt have nefarious intentions, Syssi said. At least, I dont think she does. But maybe we should ask Edna to probe her. Her probe is not a thrall, so its not considered breaking the rules. She shifted closer to him. After all, Edna probed me when she first met me, making sure that I wasnt taking advantage of you.

Kian wrapped his arm around her shoulders. You are welcome to take advantage of me any time you want, my love.