‘I swear you are trying to kill me!’ Aiden exploded once they were back in the car.
‘I’m sorry! I forgot that he could hear me. But seriously, that guy was a jerk.’
‘I know he is, but he is still an Elder. Try not to insult him again. Unfortunately, it isn’t us that has to deal with him on a daily basis, it’s my father.’ Aiden started the car.
‘Oh, poor Byron.’ Meryn felt horrible about what she said now. Aiden looked over and took mercy on her.
‘Don’t feel too bad. I’ve done worse. I grew up here remember.’ Aiden took her hand in his and rested them on the center console.
‘I bet you and Colton were terrors.’
‘He was. I just went along to see what would happen. Bears are naturally curious.’
‘You were pretty badass yourself back there. Thank you for sticking up for me.’
‘Of course, you’re my mate.’
‘And only you can yell at me?’ Meryn teased.
‘Exactly.’ Aiden grinned at her and expertly turned the steering wheel with one hand maneuvering the car into a large public parking garage. When she looked at him and raised an eyebrow, he explained;
‘The original city was built before we had cars. The streets are cobblestone and too narrow for vehicles. We built a parking garage on the outskirts and everyone walks in the city. So, where would you like to go first?’
‘Coffee.’
‘We have some amazing museums.’
‘Coffee!’
‘Or we can … ‘
‘Coffee or I’ll cut you!’ Aiden laughed and leaned over the console to kiss the tip of her nose.
‘Okay, okay. Coffee it is. Come on Menace.’ He opened the car door and stepped out. Feeling rebellious, she quickly opened her car door and got out. Aiden glared at her,
‘Ha!’ Meryn gave a fist pump. Aiden rolled his eyes.
She grabbed her backpack and shut the door. She swung it on her back and adjusted the straps.
‘You look like a second grader.’ Aiden had tilted his head and was looking at her funny.
‘Fuck and you. I do not. Lots of adults wear vintage tee-shirts. It’s an ‘in’ thing right now.’ Meryn did have to admit, even if to herself, that she thought she resembled a little kid most days too.
‘I think you look cute.’ Aiden’s smile was gentle.
‘I’m not cute, I’m sexy.’ Meryn protested. Aiden had the gall to laugh in her face.
‘You’re my mate and I say this with all sincerity. You are not sexy, at all. You are like a feisty little spitfire and that’s okay. You’re completely different and half of what you say I don’t understand, but I wouldn’t have you any other way.’ Aiden ruffled her hair and took her hand. She was torn between melting into a puddle at his feet and being offended that he didn’t think she was sexy. Flabbergasted she walked beside him, stealing glances up at him to see if he had been poking fun at her. When they crossed the pavement and onto the cobblestones Meryn felt a jolt run through her. There was something about the cobblestones. She jerked her hand out of Aiden’s and knelt down to lay her palm flat on the stone’s surface.
‘There’s something weird about the stones.’ But no matter how she looked at them, they were plain, grey ordinary stones.
‘Very good mate of mine. The stones are bespelled. They promote feelings of community and goodwill.’ Aiden explained.
‘Cool.’ Meryn stood and immediately Aiden took her hand again. She was beginning to see a pattern. He had to be touching her when they were together. Holding her hand, touching her back, even putting her on his lap.
They walked until they reached the end of the long alley. Aiden looked down at her.
‘Welcome to Lycaonia.’ He said and let go of her hand to push her forward. Meryn stepped beyond the tall buildings of the alleyway and gazed around. Everywhere she turned there was something new to see. Vendors laughed and shouted out to people as they walked by trying to sell their wares. Each store was different. In one store window, she could see stacks and stacks of old books and parchment scrolls, at another swords and daggers. One large store window held tiers of delicate looking cakes. She felt her mouth begin to water. When she looked across the street one swinging wooden sign boasted the best magical ingredients sold on the east coast. Magical ingredients! Just when she thought it couldn’t get any better the smells began to hit her. Jasmine, honeysuckle, frankincense and myrrh. She looked past the magic shop and saw an apothecary. The delicious fragrance of freshly baked bread and cinnamon rolls spun her around to face a bakery with loaves and loaves of bread on display.
‘I … I … Oh … Could we … Oh!’ Meryn twirled in circles trying to take it all in. She felt one of her episodes coming on. She froze and let her brain take everything in. She could almost feel the images being downloaded and filed away.
‘Meryn, Meryn! Are you okay?’ Aiden’s worried voice brought her back. He was bent down peering into her face.
‘Sorry about that. Sometimes my brain needs to process stuff quickly and I have a moment.’ She blushed. She knew she was odd, she just hated that he kept seeing her weird side.
‘A moment? A Meryn Moment. Got it. You’re okay though, right?’ Aiden took her hand again. She was starting to feel naked without his large, steadying hand wrapped around hers.
‘Meryn Moment? I like that. Sounds better than ‘Psycho Seconds’ or ‘Freak Meltdown’.’
‘Who called it that?’ Aiden frowned.
‘My first boyfriend and my second boyfriend.’ Meryn sighed. She had stopped dating after that.
‘Humpf. Don’t mind them Meryn, they were only human.’ Aiden swung their hands. Meryn felt her heart soar. That’s right! They had only been human, she was swimming in a much bigger, freakier pond now. Aiden accepted her for who she was. It felt amazing. Meryn frowned and stopped dead in her tracks. Aiden glanced back concerned.
‘I think I’m falling in love with you.’ She said flatly. His eyebrows shot up and he stared at her. People passed them on either side as they stared at one another.
‘Well, I think I’m starting to love you too.’ Aiden grumbled his cheeks the color of the red apples for sale in the basket next to them.
‘Good. Coffee now?’
Aiden cleared his throat and nodded. Meryn noticed that his hand as it gripped hers had gotten moist and trembled slightly. Her silly bear.
‘Why do you have cameras on the roofs?’ She asked pointing at the roofline. ‘The entire city is rocking this cool Victorian Steampunk vibe and then you see those cameras and it kinda ruins the atmosphere.’
‘Kids. Last year it became the cool thing to ‘tag’ locations of the city with a spell or in the shifter’s cases urine. We spent a lot of time chasing teenagers and speaking with parents. With the cameras, we just send the parents the captured video of the delinquent kid and bill for cleanup. The vandalism stopped almost immediately. I think the new thing now are vanishing ink tattoos.’
‘I guess kids are kids no matter where you live.’ Meryn took a deep breath and beyond the smells of jasmine, myrrh, freshly baked bread and cinnamon was the crisp smell of autumn. As they walked Aiden pointed out the training academy and the local school. He walked her down a narrower street that was lined with small eateries. She caught a whiff of something familiar and began to smile.
‘I hope they have pumpkin flavored drinks.’
‘I’m sure they do.’ Aiden stopped and held the door open to a smaller shop. The second the door cracked she could smell heaven. Freshly ground coffee beans lured her in off the sidewalk.
‘Welcome to The Jitterbug! Come on in!’ A voice called from behind the counter. Meryn looked at the smaller man and smiled. He was shorter than any of the other men she had met so far. She figured he was about five foot eight. But what he lacked in muscles he made up for in beauty. He had strawberry blonde curls and bright teal colored eyes. The man at his side who was gazing at him adoringly was his antithesis. He was taller at five foot ten, his hair was dark and pulled back in a long braid. His brown eyes had flecks of gold in them.
‘Commander McKenzie, this is a surprise. You never come to visit. What brings you in?’ The smaller man called.
They walked up to the counter.
‘My mate demanded coffee, so I brought her to the best in Lycaonia. Meryn I would like you to meet Sydney Fairfax and Justice O’Malley. They own The Jitterbug. Gentlemen, my mate Meryn Evans.’
‘Oh my goodness the rumors are true. Elder Airgead’s spell worked. The warriors are starting to get their mates!’ The smaller man, Sydney, began to laugh. ‘That will make a lot of the single women in the city very unhappy. You’ve been voted the most Eligible Bachelor in Lycaonia for the past five years.’ Sydney wiped his eyes.
‘Thrice welcome to Lycaonia Meryn! What have you seen so far? What can I get you? It’s on the house.’ Justice offered.
‘This is the first shop we’ve gone into, but everything looks amazing. Do you have anything with pumpkin?’
‘Of course! It’s fall, isn’t it? Now, not to brag, but my Pumpkin Apple latte is to die for.’ Sydney blew on his fingertips and brushed them on the front of his shirt.
‘My man is bragging, but he’s right. It is amazing.’ Justice leaned in and kissed the back of Sydney’s neck before returning to the espresso machine. Sydney sighed happily.
‘You two are so cute! How long have you been together?’ Meryn leaned on the counter.
‘Five years now, but he keeps things fresh. I don’t know how I was lucky enough to be mated to a man like that, but fate knows best right?’
‘I think so. Well, I hope so, evidently she brought me here.’
‘I think she’s doing just fine.’ Aiden wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
‘Awww! I never thought I would see the day that hardcore, military Unit Commander Aiden McKenzie would act so damn cute! Girl, what is your secret?’ Sydney asked. Meryn leaned in. Sydney bent down to hear.
‘I beat him with his toilet.’ She whispered. Sydney stood back up and stared at Aiden in shock. Aiden sighed and covered his face with his other hand.
‘Oh my Goddess, you’re not lying. Ahhhhhh!’ Sydney grabbed his stomach, he was laughing so hard. Meryn couldn’t help but giggle with him. He had the type of laugh that was contagious.
‘Leave him alone, you goof. Commander, what can I get started for you?’ Justice pushed his mate out of the way.
‘Thank you Justice. I have a whole new respect for you now that I’ve met Meryn.’
‘Hey!’ Meryn heard Sydney echo her outrage.
‘I understand you perfectly Commander.’ Justice nodded sagely and he and Aiden shared a moment.
Sydney’s eyes narrowed and he turned to Meryn, ‘You know what I’ve learned after being mated for five years Meryn? Big, funny men sometimes forget that their smaller mates have access to their unconscious bodies when they go to sleep. Sometimes you have to remind them of that.’ Sydney crossed his arms over his chest.
‘That sounds brilliant to me.’ Meryn glared at Aiden. Both Aiden and Justice visibly gulped.
‘Now baby you know I love you to pieces, my life would be absolutely boring without you to make each day worth living.’ Justice pulled Sydney in his arms and was peppering the man’s face and neck with kisses. Meryn could see the love between them. Sydney giggled and threw his arms around his mate.
‘Forgiven. Get the brooding Commander his coffee and I’ll start the latte for Meryn.’ Sydney laid a scorching kiss on his mate and then began pulling out bottles from under the counter. Justice, smiling like a goof, walked back over. Meryn turned to Aiden.
‘I hope you were taking notes.’
‘As if it would do any good treating you like a normal person. I’d have to do something different, like buy you an espresso machine, right?’ Meryn gasped.
‘Really! You weren’t kidding at breakfast? Really?’ Meryn hopped up and down in excitement.
‘Yes, you little menace, I’ll buy you an espresso machine. I’d fear for my life each morning if you didn’t have one.’ Meryn jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck. When Aiden’s arms wrapped around her, she began to kiss his face.
‘Thank you!’ Meryn wiggled and until he put her back down.
‘Where are they? Are they here? Do we have to order?’ Meryn looked around the shop.
‘Go around the far side of the counter, I have some of the more popular ones on display. I recommend a one button, super automatic. They are easy to use and can give you anything from an espresso shot to cappuccinos.’ Sydney advised.
‘Of course we can also set you up on an espresso bean delivery schedule as well.’ Justice added. Aiden sighed.
‘Go ahead. I knew that this would be expensive, but she’s worth it.’
Meryn felt tears fill her eyes. No one had ever done anything like this for her in her entire life. Unable to help herself, she let the tears fall. Instantly Aiden was at her side.
‘Hey, this was supposed to make you happy, not sad.’ He wiped away her tears with his callused fingers.
‘No one has ever done anything so nice for me before. Thank you.’ Meryn whispered and buried her face in his chest.
‘Get used to it. I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy spoiling you.’ Aiden rubbed his cheek along the top of her head. She suddenly felt more at ease knowing he was trying to mark her.
‘You two are so beautiful!’ Sydney sniffled behind the counter.
‘He’s pretty amazing right?’ Meryn asked, stepping away from Aiden wiping her eyes on her shirt.
‘You both are. Now. Which machine do you think you would want?’ Sydney wiped his eyes on his towel and walked her over to the shelves.
‘I like that one.’ Meryn pointed to the silver one that boasted ease of use, not only in making drinks but also in the maintenance of the machine.
‘Great choice. To set you up on a reoccurring bean order, I need to know how many shots you’ll go through. How many drinks do you think you’ll have?’
‘In a day?’
‘Sure.’ Sydney pulled out a clipboard from beside the register.
‘Um. Two to wake up. One for mid morning, one after lunch. One afternoon pick me up and one after dinner. So six.’ Meryn held up her fingers. Sydney stared.
‘Do humans process caffeine different than shifters?’ Sydney asked. Justice cleared his throat and responded.
‘Caffeine affects them more.’ They all stared at her.
‘What?’ They continued to stare.
‘I need it to live!’ She stamped her foot.
‘She’s scary in the morning.’ Aiden shuddered. Both Justice and Sydney looked at her in renewed horror. Evidently, anything that is bad enough to scare a Unit Commander was pretty bad.
‘I’ll set up that delivery order immediately. In fact, take some beans from stock for the next few days.’ Sydney went behind the counter and pulled out a bag of beans.
‘I’ll get the machine.’ Justice disappeared heading to the back.
‘Girl, kudos to you. I can’t wait to see how those hoity toity society puppets will react to you.’ Sydney snickered.
‘Don’t remind me. She’s been invited to participate in mother’s sewing circle tomorrow.’ Aiden groaned.
‘The Daughters Lycaonia Sewing Circle? Seriously? Is that wise?’ Sydney eyed Meryn.
‘Probably not, but my mother wants to show her off.’
‘She’s met Meryn right?’ Sydney asked. Aiden nodded.
‘I’m right here guys!’ Meryn whacked Aiden, ‘I said I would be good and I will.’ Meryn’s sour mood evaporated when Justice walked back from the stock room with a brand new espresso machine.
‘Okay girlfriend, here’s the beans, a few bottles of syrup, a recipe list and my phone number. Call me later and I’ll give you the scoop on all the proper ladies you’ll meet tomorrow.’ Sydney handed her a pretty paper shopping bag filled with coffee supplies.
‘Thank you Sydney, I feel like I am going into battle tomorrow with no ammo.’ Meryn admitted.
‘Trust me darlin’, I can give you lots and lots of ammo.’ He winked.
‘Wonderful. I don’t know if introducing the two of you was smart or not.’ Aiden took the heavy shopping bag from Meryn and easily held it along with her new machine.
‘Definitely not a good idea, but I have a feeling it will be entertaining.’ Justice smiled.
‘True. Okay Menace, let’s go.’ Aiden steered her to the door. Meryn waved and laughed at Sydney who was holding his pinky and thumb up to his face in the universal ‘Call Me’ sign. She nodded.
Aiden took her all around the city showing her his favorite hangout places and restaurants. She laughed at the child like delight he displayed when they were at the bakery. She giggled when he ordered bear claws and he laughed with her. Then he amazed her by eating almost a dozen.
‘You don’t get to judge. You drink insane amounts of coffee and I love sweets.’ Aiden poked a finger in her side causing her to squeal.
‘Bear claws for your bear claws. Grrrrr.’ Meryn held up her curled fingers in a mock growl. Aiden threw his head back and laughed openly. When his smiling face turned to her, she couldn’t help it. She stood up from her chair and captured his lips. She saw his stunned expression before she closed her eyes as he took over. His hand cupped the back of her head and she felt his agile tongue trace the roof of her mouth. Her legs were shaking when they broke apart.
‘You taste like lemons.’ He took a deep breath and shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He winced as he adjusted his pants. Dazed, she nodded and sat back down. Damn that man. His kisses made her stupid.
‘Good work there Commander.’ A male voice congratulated.
‘Thanks Darren. How’s your mate?’ Aiden stood and greeted the bakery owner who had approached their table.
‘She’s fine. She’ll kill me for saying anything, but I’m dying to share. She’s expecting.’ Meryn thought the man would burst out of his apron with pride. Aiden’s face lit up and he thrust his hand forward. The baker gripped Aiden’s hand and shook it vigorously.
‘She’s hoping for a girl. I don’t care as long as it’s healthy. A boy or girl can always help out around here.’ Darren beamed.
‘Darren, this is my mate Meryn. Meryn this is Darren Williams. He was third in command to the Gamma Unit a couple years ago. He retired to take over the family bakery here in the city. I think we are all thankful for that. His sweets are to die for.’ Aiden introduced the man. Meryn stood and found herself swept up in a hug. Darren released her and she moved closer to Aiden.
‘Commander I’m so glad the spell worked. I know from personal experience that you men need mates. I remember how bad some nights can get after a mission.’ Darren shuddered.
‘It’s been interesting so far.’ Aiden squeezed her hand.
‘At first I was scared since I didn’t even know any of this existed, but now …’ She looked up at Aiden.
‘I can’t remember what my life was like before Aiden.’ She said shyly.
‘We need to go.’ Aiden said abruptly. He picked up her espresso machine and shopping bag and pulled her from the store without even saying goodbye.
‘Have fun Commander!’ Darren yelled as the door shut behind them.
‘Rude!’ Meryn snapped as Aiden, who with her espresso machine tucked under one arm, dragged her through the crowd back to the parking garage.
‘Aiden?’ Meryn was confused. Had she said something wrong?
‘Shush. Don’t say anything else, my control is hanging by a thread.’ Aiden said darting between people.
When they got to the car he popped the trunk and dropped her machine and bag inside. He opened the car door, got her seated and practically ran back to the driver’s side.
‘If I said something I shouldn’t have, just tell me.’ Meryn protested.
‘Not another word.’ Meryn fumed beside him. She hated being treated like a child. She gazed out of the window and the trees flew by. Before she realized it, they were back at the house. He parked right in front of the door. Not wanting to piss him off even further she waited for him to open the door. He jerked it open, grabbed her hand and pulled her out.
He surprised her when he headed to the back instead of going to the front door. They walked past the manicured flower beds and Koi ponds. She didn’t have time to admire the gazebo or rose covered trellis. He kept marching until they hit the woods and still he walked. She could tell they were on an established path, but it was one created after years of being walked instead of man made with stone or brick.
He didn’t stop until the trees cleared to reveal a small mountain brook. When she looked around, she felt like the city and the house were worlds away. This place felt so isolated and peaceful. Finally Aiden dropped her hand and went to stand by the brook looking down at the water.
‘Aiden, whatever I did, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.’ Meryn hung her head.
‘Is that what you think?’ Aiden spun and closed the distance between them in two steps.
‘I dragged you out of there before you said anything else that would have me claiming you on the tables of Darren’s bakery for all of Lycaonia to see. Do you have any idea what your words did to me?’ He demanded seconds before his lips descended on hers.
One second, she was apologizing, the next she had forgotten what planet she was on. The more he suckled and traced her lips the hotter her core became. Each pull felt like his lips were wrapped around her clit shooting sparks of pleasure through her body. All from a kiss. She felt liquid pooling between her legs and she wanted him more than she wanted anything else in her whole life.
She pulled away, breathing hard.
‘Please.’ She whispered. He leaned forward and nipped at the tender skin behind her ear.
‘Please, what?’ His voice had deepened to a low growl and sent shivers down her spine.
‘P-p-p-lease.’ She stuttered. He had been right earlier. She wasn’t sexy. She had no idea how to ask him for what she needed. When he looked down his face softened.
‘It’s okay, my sweet Meryn. I know. I know what you need. I’m your mate, I’ll always provide for you. I’ll always give you what you desire.’ Aiden spun her so that her back was flush against his body. Reaching around to the front of her he unsnapped her jeans and pulled them down to mid thigh with a harsh jerk. She gasped as the cold autumn air hit her heated flesh. Seconds later his large, callused hand was caressing her. Gentle fingertips traced her mound and the crease between her sex and her legs. He dipped between her dripping folds and teased her opening. Without conscious thought, she thrust her hips upward wanting more than he was providing.
‘Shush. Trust me.’ He whispered and bit down gently on her shoulder as his fingers found the tiny nub that had been begging for attention. She cried out and bucked again. His fingers danced and her body drew tighter and tighter. Without warning, her body exploded. She screamed out her release and arched her back. Slowly his fingers stilled. Her knees gave out and she found herself being supported by one arm. With his other hand Aiden ripped her panties from her body and used them to clean her up. Gently he pulled her jeans back up and tucked the used fabric in his coat pocket. With both hands now free, he swept her up in his arms and carried her to sit in his lap under the large oak tree.
Meryn snuggled against his chest. No other man had ever been able to give her an orgasm before. It was as if he was the only one who could set her body ablaze. When she felt a hard bulge between them, she realized how selfish she had been. She sat back.
‘What about you? I mean you didn’t …’ Meryn pointed at his crotch and he smiled and pulled her head back down to his chest.
‘I’m fine. This was for you. Your pleasure, your complete abandon was a gift. Thank you.’ Meryn frowned in confusion. She got a mind blowing orgasm and he said thank you?
‘I meant what I said at the café. Life was good before I met you, but it’s like every day since I met you it just gets more and more perfect. I feel like I finally have a place where I belong.’ She looked up at him and saw emotion in his eyes.
‘The things you say.’ He whispered harshly and kissed her again. When they parted, she rested her head on his chest and enjoyed the breeze coming off the water.
‘I’ll enjoy my visits to the house more now that you’re here.’ He sighed contently. She nodded, then realized what he said.
‘What?’ She lifted up to look at him.
‘What?’ He asked.
‘What do you mean when you visit?’
‘I don’t live here Meryn, I live at the Alpha Unit estate.’
‘When do I move in with you?’ She sat back on her knees.
‘You don’t.’ His brows knit together.
‘What do you mean I don’t?’
‘I mean, you will live here with my parents and learn how to run a household and I’ll live with the Alpha Unit and command the men. I’ll visit, of course.’ Meryn would have thought he was being deliberately cruel except for the absolutely confused expression on his face.
‘Okay, you see, that’s not going to work for me. Mated, married, dating, whatever you want to call it. I thought we would live together.’ She stood and he leaned back against the tree.
‘That’s not how things work Meryn.’ His condescending tone was sending her blood pressure into the stratosphere.
‘With me, that’s how it works. You have two choices. Either you move back in with your parents and live with me or I move into the Alpha Unit estate with you. That’s it.’ She put her hands on her hips and scowled down at him.
‘Quit acting like a child. We have reasons we do the things we do. I can’t lead my men from my parents’ estate and you would be a distraction if you moved in with me.’ Aiden closed his eyes. Meryn’s mouth dropped. She fought the urge to kick him in the face, but the small rational part of her brain didn’t want to seriously hurt him. So she did what she always did when she got truly angry. She shut down. She could feel her facial muscles relaxing and her body slumped forward. Without saying a word she walked away. She made it all the way back to the house and to the back door before she heard his startled yell. She hurried through the backdoor and flipped the bolt. She looked up to see a surprised Ben frozen in place biting into his sandwich. The door behind her shook in its frame as Aiden pounded.
‘Dammit Meryn, unlock the door this instant!’
‘Go fuck yourself!’ She screeched at the glass window panes. Behind her Ben began to laugh, then slightly choke on his sandwich. When his mouth was clear he gave her a salute.
‘You tell him!’ He cheered.
‘Quit egging her on Ben! Meryn open the door now!’
Meryn shook her head.
‘You do know he has a key right?’ Ben said nonchalantly.
She looked up at him tears streaming down her face. ‘I don’t want to see him right now.’ He sighed and put his plate down. He grabbed her hand and they ran. They ran up the stairs and through the halls. Just when she thought they couldn’t go any further, he made them run in circles at the end of the hallway. She thought he was out of his mind until he reached up and tapped a tiny panel behind an antique mirror. A small opening appeared and he crouched down low and crawled inside. She followed him and he put the panel back. She was about to ask him how he knew about this when he placed a hand over her mouth. Barely breathing they heard thundering footsteps in the hallway. In the darkness Meryn waited.
‘God dammit Ben, this isn’t funny!’ Aiden roared.
‘Aiden, whatever is the matter?’ Meryn heard Adelaide ask.
‘My stupid baby brother kidnapped my mate!’ Aiden’s voice was barely human.
‘Calm down before I call your father. I’ll be in the front drawing room waiting for you with a pot of tea. We’ll drink a cup and you can explain why Meryn is upset enough with you to be hiding with Ben.’ Adelaide said reasonably.
‘But!’ Aiden roared.
‘You have five seconds to get those canines retracted young man before I do it for you.’ Adelaide’s voice was still level but had dropped an octave. It dawned on Meryn that of course her voice could change, Adelaide was a shifter too.
‘Sorry Mother.’ Aiden said sounding much calmer.
‘Good. Now come downstairs with me and tell me all about it.’ Only when the sound of their footsteps disappeared entirely did Ben remove his hand. He groped in the darkness until he found her hand. He guided her through the small tunnel to a hidden room. It had a single, small, round window that let in the fading afternoon sun.
‘Man, I haven’t heard Mom or Aiden that pissed in a long time. I haven’t had to use this hiding place in the past two hundred years.’ Ben collapsed onto a long chaise lounge and a cloud of dust enveloped him. Meryn coughed and laughed as she tried to wipe of the dust from his clothes.
‘Now you tell big brother Ben what Aiden did to make you so sad. Then we can plot a suitable revenge.’
‘You’ve done that a lot up here haven’t you?’ She sat next to him on the lounger.
‘You bet. My brothers were always bigger than me, but I was usually faster. I discovered this hidey hole when I was a boy. My speed gave me enough time to run around to disperse my scent and duck in here. You can’t move right away or they’ll hear. I escaped many a beatings this way.’
‘They didn’t really beat you, did they?’ Meryn even though she was extremely pissed at him, couldn’t imagine Aiden beating a younger brother.
‘Beat may be a harsh word. Pound maybe? Don’t get me wrong, most of the time I totally deserved it, but that’s just how brothers are. Now what did Aiden do? Maybe I can help.’ Ben’s concerned brown eyes were her undoing. She was used to shouldering her pain and frustration alone. She wasn’t used to having people worried about her or willing to anger their family members for her. She buried her face in her hands and cried. Ben wrapped an arm around her and held her close.
‘Hey, nothing can be so bad that you and I can’t take care of it. I know people who know people.’ Ben kissed her hair.
‘Aiden doesn’t want to live with me. Today was so wonderful, we went shopping and he showed me the city. He was perfect and charming and loving and passionate.’
‘Whoa on the passionate stuff sis, big bro doesn’t need to hear that.’ She smiled timorously.
‘Then Aiden says that we aren’t to live together, that he has to live with his men and I have to learn how to keep house. That’s not how I envisioned being together with someone. I’m anti-social, but even that is too much space for me.’ She wiped her nose on her sleeve.
‘Aiden is in a tough spot. He’s right. He can’t live here. There’s too much training and drills with the units for him to commute. Units live together because we can be called up at any time and have to organize and move out depending on the situation. We already arrive to scenes too late, there’s no way Aiden can add twenty to forty minutes to that process for additional travel time and getting up to speed. You can’t live there because living with a unit would be like living in a barracks.’
‘I don’t want to live away from him. I’d miss his dumb ass.’
‘Sit down with him. Explain why you were upset. He’s not like me. He doesn’t understand the delicate workings of the female mind. You will literally have to spell it out for him.’
‘Maybe he doesn’t really want me. He’s called me a distraction a couple times already.’
Ben laughed out loud.
‘Of course you’re a distraction, you wouldn’t be his mate otherwise. Just your scent alone is a distraction to him. When you factor in your complete lack of knowledge about societal norms and general wackiness of course he’s distracted. If he weren’t then you’d have to worry.’ Meryn looked at Ben as his words sunk in.
‘He doesn’t want me around because he wants me?’ She asked and somehow that made sense.
‘Yup. Now, let’s go downstairs and have some tea. I bet mom broke out the good stash to calm Aiden, it’s delicious.’ Ben wagged his eyebrows at her.
‘Thank you. Are you … will you be my friend?’ Meryn held her breath.
‘No.’
Meryn’s heart sunk.
‘But I will be your brother.’ Meryn tackled him and they landed on the floor.
‘I’ve never had siblings before. Can I use your hiding spot if I need to escape Aiden again?’
‘Of course, I live to drive my brothers crazy.’ Ben stood and helped her to her feet. They walked over to the wall and crouched back down again.
‘Though I remember this being easier when I was younger.’ Ben squeezed through the small passage.
‘Probably because you were smaller.’ Meryn giggled.
‘Probably. One sec.’ He popped the panel off and helped her out before replacing it.
‘Come on.’ He held out his hand and she took it and they walked downstairs. She never had a brother before, but she liked the idea of someone being on her side for a change.
When they walked into the drawing room Aiden stood, his face full of remorse.
‘Come along Benjamin, these two need to talk.’
Ben’s face fell, ‘But…’
‘I’ll make you your own pot in the kitchen.’ Adelaide winked at Meryn and pulled Ben out of the room before sliding the door shut behind them.
‘I’m sorry.’ Aiden said immediately.
‘For what?’
‘For talking down to you. For not realizing why you didn’t want to be apart.’ Meryn couldn’t forgive him just yet. She wanted to know how he felt.
‘Why don’t I want us to be apart?’ She asked softly. Aiden’s eyes filled with tears, but she watched as he fought to keep them from falling.
‘Because you care about me.’ He watched her carefully.
‘And how do you think I felt when it seemed like you were okay with being away from me?’
‘Probably close to how I felt when you let my brother comfort you instead of me.’ She couldn’t take the pain in his eyes anymore.
‘You are such a big, freaking idiot.’ She threw her hands up. He watched her cautiously.
‘But … you’re my big, freaking idiot and I don’t want us to be apart.’ Aiden shoved the ottoman out of the way and pulled her into his arms.
‘And you’re my tiny menace. I don’t want us to be apart either but I’m not sure how we can get this to work.’ He admitted.
She shrugged. ‘There’s no rush, right? We can figure something out.’
‘Yeah, we’ll definitely work something out, because you’re right. I don’t think we should be apart either.’
‘Good. Now, can I have some of this amazing tea Ben told me about?’ Aiden laughed.
‘Come on, we’ll have some fresh in the kitchen.’ Together they left the drawing room and walked into the kitchen.
‘I’ll share my tea with Meryn but not you since you’ve already had some.’ Ben pouted.
‘Little boys forever, I swear.’ Adelaide rolled her eyes.
‘I’ll just have a sip, I’m more of a coffee drinker anyway, unless I’m on my laptop then I prefer Earl Grey, its better on my eyes.’ Meryn picked up Ben’s cup and took a small sip. The tea was sweet, but not a heavy sweet.
‘This is delicious. He likes his tea sweet like me!’
‘Actually, there’s no sweetener in it, it’s naturally sweet.’ Adelaide explained.
‘I love it! What is it?’ Meryn took another healthy swig and passed the cup regretfully back to Ben.
‘It’s a hybridization of a rare Chinese Oolong and a fae blend. It’s called Honeycup.’ Adelaide pulled out a small canister.
‘The boys get it for me every year at Christmas.’ She smiled at her sons. Meryn turned and gave Aiden puppy dog eyes.
‘Looks like we have to add Meryn to the list this year.’ Meryn danced around happily before she remembered that morning.
‘Maybe you should save some for your dad.’ She suggested.
‘Byron? Why?’ Adelaide looked interested.
‘I may or may not have called the vampire Elder guy a douche bag.’ Both Ben and Adelaide stared at her.
‘It was an accident!’ Meryn exclaimed. Adelaide stood.
‘Marius! Marius!’ She called and began to pull ingredients from the cabinets.
‘My lady! Whatever is the matter?’ Marius appeared in the doorway a cleaning cloth in one hand.
‘Can you reach out to your contact in the city to see if they have any fresh lobster delivered from Maine today? I’m afraid Byron may have had a rough afternoon with the council, and will need a special dinner.’ She grimaced.
‘Of course. How bad?’ he asked. Meryn looked anywhere but at Adelaide.
‘I’m making a Honey Bun cake.’ Was Adelaide’s response. Marius paled.
‘I’ll go myself.’ Marius removed the apron and darted from the room.
‘I’m so sorry!’ Meryn wailed.
‘Don’t be sweetheart, you haven’t said anything we haven’t all thought at one point or another. Plus, you’re still so very young and new to our world.’ Adelaide pulled a dozen eggs from the refrigerator.
‘She did earn an invitation from Elder Vi’Ailean to visit his prized gardens.’ Aiden said grinning from ear to ear. Adelaide paused and this time she looked delighted when she turned to Meryn.
‘High praise indeed. Only a handful of people have ever been invited to the heart of a fae garden. I can’t wait to drop that pretty little bomb on Daphane Bowers. Wonderful job Meryn.’ She congratulated.
‘But what about the vampire guy?’
‘He’s only popular with other vampires. It won’t hurt your reputation one bit if that story leaks out, it might actually help.’ Adelaide giggled. ‘He is a pompous douche bag though.’ Adelaide said breaking open eggs.
‘Mother!’ Aiden and Ben sounded shocked. Adelaide ignored them.
‘Oh, Aiden, you might want to take Meryn to her apartment to fetch her things before dinner. She might like to put on some new underthings.’ Adelaide turned to the cabinet.
‘How did you know he ripped them off? Are paranormal’s psychics?’ Meryn demanded. Adelaide dropped the large stainless steel bowl she had pulled out of the cabinet.
‘He did? Oh dear, I only assumed that you would like fresh clothes.’ Adelaide blushed clear to her hairline. Beside her Aiden groaned and buried his face in his hands. Meryn turned to Ben, who was staring at them, his eyes wide.
‘Right. Well, on that note, let’s go!’ Meryn grabbed Aiden’s hand and pulled him out of the kitchen.
Just as they cleared the doorway, Ben exploded into laughter.
‘I love having a sister!’ She heard him shout. Meryn felt her heart swell. She had a feeling she was going to like having a brother too, if she could stop embarrassing herself around her new family.
