Page 209 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

“That’s definitely not thunder,” Bull said.

More people noticed the sound, stopping in mid-conversation.

It was another few seconds when a sleek, black luxury helicopter came into view above the east pasture. It was almost silent as it descended far enough away not to blow grass, dust, and table arrangements all over the field.

Dale planted both hands on his hips. “And who’s that? The prime minister of France?”

Fox laughed. “Maybe.”

Rid stared toward the pasture, then back at Fox. “I am losing my mind. This is insane. How do you know these kinds of people?”

“It’s my natural charm.” Fox appeared delighted with himself. “It brings all the boys to the yard.”

Bull snorted.

“I think I’m gonna fuckin’ puke,” Dale said, chasing the statement with the last of his beer.

The helicopter landed with grace and precision.

A few minutes later, shapes emerged across the darkening grass, walking toward the lights with the kind of formation that didn’t belong at a wedding.

All four sets of Ravens flanked Steele, Tech, and Free.

He knew Tech and Free were going to be cutting it close coming from the Ravens headquarters. But what he didn’t know was that they were bringing them.

Tech, Free, and Steele were already in their groomsmen tuxes. Steele walked with them, darker than before somehow, his tux cut clean over all that danger, his expression as stoic as the men he walked with.

The Ravens men were in pale green, cream-white, caramel-brown, and black designer suits.

Unhooded.

The only sounds that could be heard were the slowing of the rotor blades, the soft chuff of nearby horses, and the low instrumental music drifting from the speakers, slow and dark enough to make it feel as if the Ravens had arrived to their own frightening soundtrack.

Even Xander was stunned, and he was the real superstar there.

God didn’t blame him.

Meridian was in black—as if he’d confused the wedding for a funeral. His suit was perfectly cut, but elegant and expensive. His dark hair was neat, expression too calm. His partner Ex was at his side, like the perfect complement to his shadow.

Beside him, the Browns moved smoothly. The Greens looked sharp and swift, all barely contained energy and assessing gazes. Scar wore darkness like a second skin, regardless that he was wearing light colors. Saint was in cream-white, gold-rimmed sunglasses, and a gold cross at his throat. He held his gunmetal cane loosely in his right hand as if it was a cool ass accessory, not an aid.

“Oh wow, is that the band?” Rid asked dumbly.

Twelve heads turned slowly in his direction.

Xander laughed as he leaned into Cassidy’s arm.

Free reached them first and went straight to Hart. He’d just set his drink down before Free grabbed him by the shirtfront and kissed him. Hart cupped the back of Free’s head and kissed him back as if he hadn’t just seen him that morning.

Tech took Free’s arm and dragged him away. “Curtis first. Kissing later.”

God hugged Tech quickly as he passed. “How are you?”

Tech’s eyes were bright behind his glasses. “Exhausted. Late. Armed. Emotionally unstable. But, other than, I’m fuckin’ fabulous.”

Free hugged God too, hard and quick. “Don’t let them start without us.”

“You’re in the wedding.”