57. Onegus

Hey, youre early, Onegus greeted Connor, a smile breaking across his face as he reached out for a friendly clap on his former roommates shoulder. Thanks for coming to help.

Connor had always been there for him during his bachelor days, making sure that hed eaten, that his suits had been collected from the dry cleaners, and that his socks matched. As much as Onegus loved Cassandra, she was too busy with her own career to do those things for him, and he missed having Connor around.

I knew you would be lost without me. Connor walked into the cabin and scanned it with a knowing look. And I was right.

Onegus tried to see the place through Connors eyes, but he couldnt find fault with anything.

There was plenty of whiskey, enough glasses for all the groomsmen, a box of great cigars courtesy of Kian, bowls filled with nuts and pretzels, and two large trays of cold cuts and crackers.

What am I missing?

Decorations, of course. Connor smiled.

Onegus rubbed a hand over the back of his head. I didnt bring any, and I dont think the guys will notice their absence. As long as the alcohol is flowing, no one is going to complain about the lack of decorations.

Connor shrugged. Straights are so boringly predictable.

Onegus laughed, shaking his head. True. But to be honest, even my Cassandra lacks your touch. You have no idea how often I come home to a cold house and think of how you always welcomed me with a home-cooked meal.

Connors hand went to his chest. You miss me.

I do, but dont tell Cassandra. She will feel guilty, and she shouldnt. We both have demanding careers, and Im just as much at fault as she is for the lack of homey feeling at our place.

Connor sighed. Unlike you and Cassandra, I spend most of my days at home, and cooking relaxes me when I need a break from practicing or composing. He started rearranging the bottles to make the counter more presentable.

No new love interests, then?

There was a moments hesitation, a flicker of something passing through Connors eyes before he shrugged. Actually, Im seeing someone, but its all very hush-hush. His friends dont know about his proclivities, and hes not ready to come out.

One of the former Doomers? Onegus guessed.

Connor confirmed with a nod. We met at the café, and we started talking about my music, and one thing led to another, and yeah…thats all I can say at the moment.

Are you happy? Onegus asked.

Connor chuckled. Ask me in three months. Right now, its too new and stressful. We come from different worlds.

The former Doomers had left the Brotherhood a long time ago, and nearly a century was long enough to forget Mortdhs teaching and adopt more enlightened attitudes. By now, Connors guy should have been okay to admit his preferences, but Onegus chose not to say anything.

If he mistreats you, let me know. Onegus bared his fangs. Ill take care of him.

Smiling, Connor clapped him on the back. Thanks. Ill let him know you said that. And if…

The buzzing sound of Oneguss phone interrupted their conversation, and as he pulled it out and looked at the screen, he saw that it was a message from Kri.

Hold that thought. Onegus lifted his hand. Its Kri, and shes asking if she can skip my bachelor party. I need to call her.

Go ahead. Connor waved a dismissive hand. In the meantime, Ill make everything look prettier.

Onegus started to type a response to Kri but then decided to call her and stepped into the bedroom. After closing the door, he called the head Guardian. Enjoying your married bliss, Kri?

I am. Michael wants me all to himself today, but I feel bad about bailing on you after you made him full Guardian yesterday. Did I thank you for that already?

You dont need to thank me. Michael earned the promotion all on his own.

He did, but the timing is a little suspicious. You must have cut corners to welcome him into the force on his wedding day.

I did not. Bhathian approached me before the cruise to tell me that he thought Michael was ready. I just needed a little time to go over his test scores and evaluations from all his teachers. I didnt talk to you because I wanted it to be a surprise.

Fine, she relented. Im not complaining. Michael always dreamt about being a full-fledged Guardian when he and I stood in front of the Clan Mother. You made his dream a reality, and I owe you for that, so if you want me to come to your bachelor party, I will.

Its okay. You dont have to come if you want to spend the day with your new husband. All the other head Guardians are going to be here, though.

He could have invited Michael and solved the problem that way, but there were so many males who would feel offended for not getting invited that he had to keep it to a very specific group. All the head Guardians, Kian, Toven, Shai, and Connor.

Kri sighed. I know that you all want to make me feel included, but the truth is that I dont feel comfortable attending the bachelor parties. Im not one of the dudes, even though I can fight with the best of them. She chuckled. After all, I showed up at the altar in a white dress, not a white tux, although I really wanted to.

You looked beautiful.

Yeah, yeah. I looked like a pro wrestler stuffed into a dress, but it is what it is, right? We play the hand we are dealt .

Onegus chuckled. You didnt look like a wrestler. You are a beautiful female, Kri. Beauty is not the exclusive domain of the petite and dainty. My Cassandra is neither, and to me, shes beauty personified.

Kri sighed. Cassandra has style and attitude. I have shoulders and attitude. Not the same, but I accept your compliment. Thank you.

You are welcome. You are coming to the wedding, right?

I wouldnt miss it for anything. Even I am curious about Cassandras dress, and I normally couldnt care less.

You and me both. She didnt let me see it. Ill see you tonight, Kri.

Ending the call, Onegus opened the door and walked into the transformed living room of his cabin.

How did you do all this? He turned in a circle.

Magic. Connor waved a hand around the decorations. And Amanda. I called her and told her about the sorry state of your cabin, and she sent Onidu with a bunch of stuff.

Onegus frowned. How long have I been on the call with Kri that you managed to do all that?

Not long. Onidu helped. Connor shook his head. The guy is fast. He was like a blur. I only had to point, and it was done before I lowered my finger. I would really love to have an Odu. Wouldnt it be great if every house in the village had one?

Yeah, it would.

Connors wish was getting closer by the day to becoming a reality, but it was classified information that Onegus couldnt share with his former roommate.