Some people are better known as strangers.

-THEO

Caleb Parks' POV

"Remind me again, why do we have to wear tuxedos?" Jacob groaned as we stepped out of the plane.

The weather was sizzling hot, not that I would blame him for his constant nagging. The temperature in Miami has already dropped since Christmas is approaching at a fast pace.

After another show given to us by Jack and Taryn, who did the deed in the cockpit, again. I doubt the pilot will be overjoyed to sit in there and fly us back to Miami.

According to Marcel, we are walking into a wedding, and the best bet that we would have is to stay hidden in plain sight. 'If the Empire wanted their heir to stay, then they would eliminate all her distractions regardless of the repercussions.'

I'm still not clear about the capabilities of these people, so I'll leave it to Peyton to explain when we find her.

Meanwhile, all of us were in crisp black suits apart from Taryn. She chose to wear a bright red maxi dress. It was mid-high with a cold shoulder, ruffles at the bottom and two slits at the edges.

Marcel said his friend would pick us up from the airport, and head over to the Empire.

"If I knew that you would look this scrumptious in suits, then I would have made an invitation." Taryn had a Cheshire grin as she worked her hair-do like a pro.

Jack climbs down the stairs and stands with us on the airstrip. Jacob lets out a wolf whistle, and we all look where his eyes are set.

A woman in leather pants, black high-heeled boots with a black tank and a leather jacket walk our way with her hair in a tight ponytail and shades on her face.

When she is within hearing distance, she slips her glasses to the top of her dark hair and does a double-take.

"When Marcel said he had a deal to call for, I was expecting something challenging."

What is it with these people and deals?

"Well then, love, I can show you how challenging I can be if you point us to the nearest wall." Jacob closes the distance between him and her and covers her frame with his shoulders.

The woman smiles slightly before using one hand to grip his wrist and flip him over. Jacob lands on his back with a thud, but she spares him no glance as she walks closer to us.

"If you want to go into the Empire and make it out of there alive, I suggest that none of you tries something like this Idiot and be on your guard."

She came up to me and looked into my eyes like those cynical cops on NCIS, "My daughter sure knows how to pick them."

I furrowed my brows, isn't Peyton's mother late?

A hand clapped, and we saw Taryn grinning at the woman. "Long time no see."

The woman gave her a nod, "Likewise," Then she turned to look at us, "We best be going. The wedding begins a bit before noon."

She walked towards Jacob, and with only one hand, she helped him up and said harshly.

"I would be careful if I were you unless you plan on losing the only thing that proves you to be a man when we get there."

We trailed behind her as Jacob was now sulking and grumbling under his breath. Jack and I were walking the sides of Taryn while Jacob and Shawn flanked our sides.

"Mind filling us with who the chick is?" Jack asked his girlfriend.

She snorted, "I'd rather not say till later."

"So is anyone going to get him some pain meds? Or are we going to put up with his groaning for the rest of the day?" She directed our attention to Jacob, who held his shoulder as if it were sprained.

The woman that was apparently leading us stopped in front of a sleek black minivan. She placed her hand on the windshield, and it glowed bright green before the sound of doors being unlocked was heard.

She opened the driver's side, pulled out a bag of small pills, and threw them at Jacob. He was lucky that his brother caught it for him.

"You will need those. Now let's get going; we have a wedding to catch."

We piled into the car, but she made me get in shotgun as she started the car and revved it once before we pulled out of the airstrip and took a road that was suddenly surrounded by trees.

"I think this is the part where I ask who you are." She looked at the rearview mirror and made eye contact with Jack.

"All you need to know is that I am a friend of Marcel. I know my daughter would kill me, but I think you should know that when we walk into the Empire; you won't walk out on the same person."

The air in the car dropped, but she still continued speaking.

"The people of the Empire have a funny way of doing things. The most ideal thing is to make deals. The Empire is solely for people with white asses and a straight British background. Furthermore, if you think you can convince Peyton to go with you, may the force be with you."

Why did this all seem familiar?

"Okay, I have a question," We focused our attention on Shawn. "If you think Peyton wouldn't walk out with us, then why are you helping us get to her?"

She chuckled humorlessly, "I would say not to bite the hand that fed you, but after shit hits the fan, I think Popstar over here will be her best bet at remaining sane." She jutted her nose in my direction.

I rolled my eyes, "And why would that be?"

She looked at me for a split second before her eyes returned to the road, "Wait and see for yourself."

I internally scoffed. I would have gladly done that outside, but she did just hurt one of my bodyguards, and she was in control of the car that we were in. I knew when to exchange personalities with Shawn.

The car was silent as we approached a big white mansion. Many men in black suits walked around it, holding different weapons.

"I don't suppose you have an invitation card somewhere?" Taryn asked the woman.

The woman smirked as she looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with Taryn, "I think you're familiar with the situation."

They both nodded as a silent message passed between them.

"What the hell are we walking into?" Jack asked the question that was in my head.

"Watch and learn, boys."

With those words, both girls came down from the car and stood back to back as they took out the few men in black suits without breaking a sweat. Using moves that I never knew Taryn possessed, I knew she was flexible, but I didn't think she was that flexible.

I'm starting to doubt if I knew Taryn as well as I thought I did.

They opened the car doors and handed us small guns that looked loaded, but not that I would know.

"Stay hidden." Taryn directed Shawn and Jacob as the woman led them to the edge of the building.

"I'll ask one more time. What is going on?"Jack grabbed her waist and held eye contact with her as if daring her to lie to him.

She sighed and pulled him into a swift kiss, "I'm gonna have to ask you to trust me."

Jack looked uncertain but nodded his head regardless.

She looked at me and nodded as we walked wordlessly to the mansion.

With a smirk, she kicked the doors down and raised one of her heels in the air, "I suggest you bitches remain sited unless you want me to use my heel to give you a freaking new hole."

It was like time stopped as I looked at the girl who stole my heart being held at gunpoint by two different men, and my eyes honed in on her outfit.

She was in a white dress.