Page 31 of Master A-0011
“Hello, Main Master.”
“You look very pretty tonight. I almost didn’t recognize you. You’re radiant in that wine-colored dress.”
“Thank you.”
Embarrassment flooded through and I wanted to shift in my seat, but I couldn’t.
“I saw you as I was walking up. You were positively glowing. Happiness suits you. Has Ethan told you the news yet?”
“About the contract?”
The Main Master smiled. The sight had my lips slightly mirroring them, and I wasn’t sure why. I felt good as I gazed into his stare. Not judged. Not pressured.
“About your surgery.”
Thump-thump!
Excitement.
“Yes. Thank you.Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
He laughed. “You’re very welcome. This is a long time coming. It took me almost six months to convince Dr. Wu to join us at the Gardens. I have you to thank for the motivation to acquire him. He’ll be a good addition here.”
“You brought him here just for me?”
“Of course.You’re Pearl Mallory.” At my full name, the fog intensified a million-fold. His eyes went to my Master but didn’t stay long. “You’re a perfect fit forEthan O’Brien. He may be a movie star, but he has more responsibilities than most know. That’s where you come in. He’s going to take such good care of you, just like I expect you to take care of him. You both deserve the best. It’s time for you to be happy and make sure your new line thrives. That is what is most important to both of you. A big, loving family. Lots of babies. Pearl, your focus is loving Ethan andembracingevery part of his life. The good, the bad…the dark. You’re both still allowed to disagree, it’s even healthy, but you always resolve your issues. You’re made for each other. You’re both strong. You’re brave. You’re outgoing in our circle, and you’re loving to those closest to you.Family. Pearl, you’re going to create one with Ethan, and it’ll be so unlike your own. It’ll be everything tobothof you. The foundation of your entire life. You’retruelegacy. We’re the beginning of a new generation. New goals. A new mission. We’re all going to rise up to do remarkable things.” The Main Master smiled. “Have you met Mistress Zero?”
My lips parted and I tried to blink back the dazed sensation just to speak.
“I don’t believe so.”
“Her name is Kayla Princeton. She’s focused on her family too. Her husband passed not long ago and she’s having twins.She needs you. I’ll set up a meeting. You’re going to love her. I know the two of you will be such great friends. You, Vera Lemmons, and June Vaughn-Rivera. They’re your go-to when you need something or someone to talk to, and they’re so excited to meet you. And you know you can always reach out to me. I will from time-to-time check up on you. In the meantime, I want all your focus to be on that family you can’t wait to create. It’s what’s most important.”
“Of course, Main Master.”
He kissed my hand, releasing it and turning to Ethan.
“Master Eleven, just as you wanted her.”
Ethan blinked rapidly. “Thank you. Truly.”
“It’s for the greater good.” The Main Master snapped between me and Ethan, and I let out a deep breath, looking back to Ethan as the Main Master put his attention on him. “What do you think? Have you chosen a date to get married?”
Ethan’s head shook as he stared up. “Not yet. Soon. Before we leave the country. I already have my people spreading the word that I found someone. I’m on a romantic getaway with her now and supposedly we’ve been secretly dating for close to a year.” He lifted my hand, holding to it. “I’ve been so private and secluded. The spin will be great. You know how that works. They’re pushing it out quickly on how she’s the one. I’m sure the outside world is already in a buzz.”
Elec nodded. “Good work. I’ve already covered the bases needed on Quincy’s side, and you’ll be getting your gift any moment. The bastard loves his boat. Luckily for us, he practically lives on the thing. Did you hear about the storms that rolled through the other night?”
“Storms?”
I tried to get the words to make sense. Just hearing my father’s name made my mind feel…heavy.
Elec winked at me. “This season has been an exceptionally stormy one. You just never know what’ll happen. Boats…they’re such a risk yet people can’t get enough of them. Someday they’ll learn.” He turned back to Ethan, who was rubbing his mouth down the length of my index finger. I could barely sit still in my seat as the Main Master continued. “Focus,Master Eleven. I want you to start planning your wedding. Pearl will be in recovery, and we both want this done quickly. During the time of her recovery, I forbid you to see her. You have other things to focus on.”
“But—”
“No seeing her. With Quincy’s accident and Pearl’s resurfacing, your ceremony needs to be public. That is what I want you to focus on. Make it perfect for her. Beautiful. Small, but known.”
“Wait.Will you be there?” All of Ethan’s attention went to Elec. He sat up straighter, his brow drawing in. “You have to be there, Elec. I know you don’t do ceremonies, but who else would be my best man? There’s no one I’m closer with than you. Besides, I can’t get married without the man who brought me and Pearl together.”