Page 77 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
"Project Titan is the overall operation. I was thinking the island should be called Haven."
"Haven? That's a bit on the nose, and it will get confusing with Safe Haven. You need to think of another name."
Kalugal pouted. "But Haven is such a good name. We're building a haven for our forces, a safe place to prepare for war."
"Again, we already have a Safe Haven. What about SafeHarbor? It conveys the same meaning and has a nautical connotation."
Kalugal nodded. "I like it. Safe Harbor, it is."
After Kalugal left, Kian stood at his desk, staring at the photographs of the island that Kalugal had left behind. In a few weeks, they'd own a piece of land in the Indian Ocean, a short sailing distance from their mortal enemy.
It was either brilliant or suicidal.
25
CAROL
Carol checked her watch as she climbed the stairs to Kian's office. It was nine a.m. sharp, and she was proud of not being late for a change. It was something she'd learned from Lokan, who was punctual to a fault.
The door swung open before she could knock, and Kalugal nearly bowled her over as he walked out.
"Carol!" He caught her elbow to steady them both, his grin so wide it looked almost painful. "What perfect timing."
"Perfect for what?" she stepped away from him. "What has you so disgustingly happy this early in the morning?"
"I'm buying an island."
"Of course, you are." Carol shook her head, amused. "Let me guess—tropical paradise where you can build a lair and plot world domination?"
"Close. It's where we're going to train our exoskeleton army." He was practically vibrating with excitement. "You and Lokan should come over for dinner tonight so I can tell you all about it. Kian has been on my case for not updating Lokan. After all, he knows our father better than I do, so Kian wants to hear his opinion on the plan."
Carol shook her head. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"That's why I want us to meet for dinner."
"We can't leave the keep right now. Lokan induced one of the paranormals last night. We're waiting to see if he starts transitioning."
Kalugal tilted his head. "Really? Which one?"
"Jeremy. He's a remote viewer."
"Congratulations on your first baby. I suppose this makes you and Lokan parents now. Should I send cigars?"
Carol rolled her eyes. "It's not quite the same thing."
"No, but it's close. You're anxiously waiting to see if your efforts bear fruit. Sounds like expectant parents to me."
"When you put it that way..." Carol chuckled. "If you are willing to lower your standards a little, you and Jacki could come to our place. I could order Chinese from the Golden Dragon, which is everyone's favorite."
"I wouldn't regard visiting Amanda's old penthouse as lowering our standards, but I have to ask Jacki if she's okay with leaving Darius with Shamash for the evening."
"Bring him along. I would love to cuddle my little nephew."
He shook his head. "Jacki could use a break, and besides, I don't want to expose my little boy to the kind of conversation we are going to have. I want him to enjoy his childhood for as long as possible."
"That's wise." Carol pulled him over to kiss his cheek. "Lokan will be happy to hear that you are coming over. Now go buy your island. I'm late for my meeting." She knocked on Kian's door.
"Come in," he called.
