She had been lied to. Adelaide had promised her coffee, it was now pushing past twelve o’clock and she hadn’t gotten her mid-afternoon pick me up. They were now at the fourth boutique and the shop owner was giving Adelaide the same line as the other three. They didn’t have anything that would suit her and had run out of fabric to commission a new piece. Adelaide’s back was ramrod straight.
‘I’m so sorry to hear that. Maybe next year.’ Adelaide wrapped an arm around her shoulders and steered her out.
‘Maybe I shouldn’t have shit in ole Lady Bowers Wheaties.’ Meryn sighed. She was terrified of the prospect of going to a ball, being amongst so many strangers where she would be expected to make small talk and remember names. But she had to admit, she was looking forward to dressing up for a Halloween party in a paranormal city.
‘Of all the juvenile things to do! I wish she would just let the past go.’ Adelaide shielded her eyes from the afternoon sun.
‘Let’s go get some of that caffeine you’ve been twitching to get.’ Meryn perked up immediately at Adelaide’s suggestion. Arm and arm they walked to The Jitterbug. When they walked inside Meryn inhaled deeply. The only thing that would make this place smell better was if it sold books.
‘There she is! Sit and spill.’ Sydney pointed to the two empty barstools across the counter from where he manned the register. Meryn and Adelaide took their seats. Meryn ordered the Pumpkin Apple latte she had the last time and Adelaide surprised her when she ordered the same thing. Adelaide had a sheepish expression on her face.
‘I love tea, but variety is the spice of life.’
‘Please tell me the rumor I heard about you ignoring Lady Bowers is true? You have been the talk of the city! No one can believe you stood up to her like that.’ Sydney shared as he made their drinks.
‘I can confirm that happened. She was just being rude to her daughter-in-law.’
Sydney snorted. ‘You’ve met the cow, rude is just her nature.’
‘Aren’t you afraid of saying bad things about her? Evidently she has already turned people against me. The shops in the city won’t sell me a costume.’ Sydney waved a hand dismissing her concern.
‘She and I had words when she said I perverted and twisted Fate’s choice of mate for me. Everyone knows we have no say in our mates, that woman is just cracked.’ Sydney handed them their drinks.
‘She must still believe I stole Byron from her. They were seeing each other when he and I met. She had grand illusions about becoming Lady McKenzie. But once you meet your mate, that’s it. I had believed that she moved past that, but seeing the shopkeepers’ reactions to Meryn, I can’t help but wonder.’ Adelaide shook her head. ‘I’ll raid my closet and piece together a new costume by hand if I have to.’ She said vehemently.
‘Don’t worry about a costume. I can always just cut some holes in a sheet and go as a ghost.’ Meryn sighed as she sipped on her drink. The sweet, tangy brew warmed her from the inside out.
Sydney and Adelaide exchanged looks of concern.
‘Meryn you don’t understand, this isn’t just a costume party. It’s one of the biggest social events of the year.’ Sydney explained.
‘I say costume, but it’s more like a ball gown with extraordinary accessories.’ Adelaide continued. Meryn looked from one to the other.
‘So no bobbing for apples or reaching into a bowl of peeled grapes pretending they are eyeballs?’
‘Is that what humans do? That’s disgusting.’ Sydney shuddered.
‘Sweetheart, it’s a grand ball. The meetings, discussions, introductions, social ladder climbing and business arrangements made in this one night can determine the success for the major houses for the year.’ Adelaide’s voice was kind. For Meryn the room started to spin.
‘I can’t go to something like that! Are you nuts? I’ll humiliate Aiden!’ Meryn gasped for breath. Adelaide pushed her head between her legs.
‘Now you stop that. I’ve seen you in action during the sewing circle, you can hold your own.’ Adelaide rubbed her back.
‘Thought I might find you here. My grandson has been chomping at the bit to talk to you about yesterday’s sewing circle.’
Meryn glanced up, Lady Fairfax was standing in the doorway holding a satin bag. Her grey hair was pulled up in an elegant bun and her portly figure fashionably clothed. She leaned heavily on an ebony walking cane. Though older, her eyes still sparkled with a mischievousness usually reserved for younger people.
‘Grandmother, what are you doing here?’
‘I heard rumors that Daphane Bowers had gone around to all the clothing shops this morning. What’s interesting is that they were all the shops specializing in costume gowns. You haven’t had a chance to get one yet, have you Meryn?’ The older woman plopped down at the table behind where Meryn sat on the barstool. Meryn sat up straighter and turned to face her.
‘No, we’ve been looking all morning.’
‘You might as well stop wasting your time, Daphane Bowers doesn’t do things in half measures. Sydney can you be a dear and bring me a cup of tea?’ She rested her walking cane against the table.
‘Are you saying that Meryn shouldn’t go?’ Adelaide asked. Lady Fairfax shook her head.
‘I think she should absolutely go.’
‘But she doesn’t have a gown.’ Sydney pointed out placing a cup of tea on the table.
‘Sydney be a good lad and hand her that bag.’ Lady Fairfax pointed to the medium sized white satin bag that she had set in the chair beside her. Sydney lifted it up and handed it to Meryn.
‘Go ahead, I think you’ll like it.’ Lady Fairfax. Meryn opened the bag and pulled out a large, white satin shift. It was completely shapeless, hanging all the way to the floor. The arms were so wide that Meryn was sure she could fit inside one of them.
‘Um. Thanks?’ Meryn frowned down at the material. When she looked up, she saw that Adelaide was staring at the shift in wonder. The delicate hand that reached forward to graze the material was trembling.
‘Is this what I think it is?’ She asked breathlessly. Lady Fairfax nodded smirking.
‘I can’t wait to see the expression on Daphane Bowers face when Meryn walks in wearing that. Oh, oh that will make my year.’ Lady Fairfax hooted her laughter startling the patrons around her. Meryn turned to Sydney as if to say ‘Seriously?’ He took pity on her.
‘Meryn, this is a very special dress. It’s been in our family for generations. It was a gift to my grandmother from the Queen of the Fae herself. This dress is the Gown of Éire Danu. You put it on and it changes into whatever dress you need, it morphs according to your thoughts and wishes. It hasn’t been worn in a long time.’ Sydney’s voice sounded sad. Lady Fairfax nodded.
‘Since his mother, Gods rest her soul. I’m getting older and as much as Sydney loves Justice he was never one for cross dressing. So I am gifting it to you. My only request is that if Sydney and Justice have a little girl you hand it down to her.’
‘It changes into whatever I want?’ Meryn looked at the dress dubiously.
‘And it acts as your ladies in waiting. It will change your shoes, hair, makeup and accessories to match the dress. The only dress you will ever need.’
‘I can’t wait to see her face.’ Adelaide was laughing so hard she covered her face. Lady Fairfax began to chuckle again.
‘Lady Fairfax, I don’t know how to thank you. Just the thought that I never have to go dress shopping again is a gift.’ To Meryn that meant more than a dress that was made by the fae.
‘Thought you might appreciate that. Tell me girlie, how close were you to hitting Daphane yesterday?’ Lady Fairfax’s eyes danced with mirth.
‘Oh no, did it show?’ Meryn reverently put the dress back in its special bag.
‘I noticed, but I don’t think the simpering twits that were there yesterday did. Really child? Touched by the Divine?’ She raised an eyebrow.
‘Hey! It worked, didn’t it?’ Meryn protested.
‘I have a feeling things are about to get more interesting in Lycaonia.’ Lady Fairfax sipped her tea. Sydney watched his grandmother carefully before dropping his gossip bomb.
‘Did you know that she called Elder Evreux a douche bag?’ He said casually. Lady Fairfax sprayed her tea across the table and turned to stare at Meryn.
‘It was an accident!’
‘How do you call someone a douche bag by accident?’ Sydney asked.
‘He wasn’t supposed to hear me.’ Meryn mumbled.
Lady Fairfax began to wheeze, concerned Meryn hopped down and started patting her on the back.
‘Are you okay?’
‘Oh, I can’t wait to tease him about that. Pompous ass. Oh Meryn you’re good for my heart.’ Lady Fairfax laughed and pulled Meryn down to kiss her cheek. Meryn blushed furiously.
‘Meryn can you call Aiden? While we’re out I need to know if he wants me to pick up his dress whites out of storage at the tailors.’ Adelaide was grinning from ear to ear. Grateful for a chance to escape being the center of attention she went back and picked up her backpack.
‘You’ll have to go outside, for some reason reception inside the café has been spotty lately.’ Sydney advised. She went to walk out and realized she didn’t have his number. She turned back.
‘Do you have his number?’ She asked Adelaide. Adelaide wrote down the number on a napkin and handed it to her.
‘Take your time, dear. I’m enjoying my latte.’ Adelaide winked.
‘Thanks!’ Meryn practically ran for the door. She stepped outside and took a deep breath. Fresh air. She got comfortable at one of the small bistro tables, pulled out her laptop and flipped it open. She fished around at the bottom of her bag for her phone. Once she found it, she dialed Aiden’s number.
‘Hello?’ Aiden’s deep voice sent shivers through her. He sounded out of breath.
‘Why are you breathing hard?’ She asked.
‘We’re doing drills. Are you okay?’ As his breathing slowed, she imagined him sweaty and all of his muscles flexing. Damn hormones!
‘Yup. I’m still out with your mother. She wanted me to ask you if you need us to pick up your dress whites.’
‘Thank the Gods for my mother! I completely forgot I had stored them at Seamless. The tailors in the city are witches and when they store your clothing they cast a spell to keep it clean, pressed and ready to go. If I had waited until the last minute there would have been a waiting period to get it out since they have to cast a reversal spell.’ Aiden’s breathing sounded normal and his tone upbeat. She wished he were in front of her, she bet he was smiling.
‘Okay, I’ll let her know …’ Out of nowhere she could have sworn she felt someone walk past her. She actually felt body heat. She looked around and the sidewalk where she sat, it was empty.
‘Meryn?’ Aiden called her name. She shook her head.
‘Sorry, got distracted there for a second. Will you be at the house for dinner?’ She was starting to love eating. Before Aiden, eating meant choking down a hot pocket while on her laptop. Now it meant talking and laughing with friends and family.
‘Yes, we’ll be there. Marius let it slip that he was making his world famous meat loaf tonight. We’ll have to fight the guys for a good slice.’
‘I bet Marius will save me some he …’ Meryn’s throat constricted, someone had just breathed on the back of her neck. Goosebumps exploded across her skin and covered her body. A sinister chuckle had her gasping and spinning in her chair. No one was there.
‘Meryn what’s wrong?’ Aiden’s frantic question barely registered.
‘I think someone is here, but I don’t see anything.’ She whispered.
‘Where is Colton? Where is my mother?’ He asked. In the background, he was calling out orders for the men to get into the vehicles.
‘I haven’t seen Colton and your mother is in the café.’ Meryn’s eyes darted around.
‘Get inside now!’ Aiden yelled. Meryn stood only to have a heavy hand push her back down.
‘Aiden something pushed me! It won’t let me go inside!’ Her heart beat out of control.
‘Scream. Scream as loud as you can. Ben’s unit is patrolling the city today, someone will hear you.’ Aiden yelled. She opened her mouth to scream when something covered it. It wasn’t until she felt the moist heat that she realized that someone was kissing her. A foreign tongue forced its way down her throat. She thrashed, a strong hand gripped her breast. Flinging herself backward she broke away from her attacker. When her mouth was free she inhaled and screamed as loudly as she could. Seconds later a figure appeared at her side. It was Colton.
‘What happened?’ He demanded, looking around. She couldn’t answer. All she could do was shake and cry. The door to the café opened and Adelaide rushed out.
‘Meryn what’s wrong?’ She was pulled into Adelaide’s arms, but she still couldn’t speak.
‘Colton you worthless dog, pick up the fucking phone!’ Aiden was yelling so loud even Meryn could hear him. Colton gently unwrapped her fingers from around her cell phone.
‘Aiden I swear I was watching her the whole time. No one approached her.’ Colton ran a hand through his hair.
Down the street the sound of a roaring engine heralded the arrival of the Gamma Unit. Ben jumped from the SUV and ran over to kneel in front of Meryn.
‘What are we looking for kiddo?’ He asked. She shook her head.
‘A ghost.’ She whispered. Ben regarded her in confusion before turning to Colton.
‘Colton, what are we after here?’
‘I have no fucking clue, there wasn’t anything there.’ Colton’s practically yelled. Ben remained kneeling in front of Meryn holding her hands.
‘You’re safe now. Whatever it was will have to go through us to get to you.’ Meryn turned to Colton and they exchanged a look. Only Colton understood. Because he hadn’t seen anything either. How can you fight something you couldn’t see?
Behind them, the Gamma Unit spread out and began to question the customers and shopkeepers that had come outside at the sound of her scream. Squealing wheels had her looking up. A familiar black SUV, practically tipping over, turned the corner.
‘Aiden.’ She whispered. The SUV drove right up to them and slammed on the brakes. Before the vehicle had stopped moving Aiden was jumping out of the passenger side. He ran over to her and lifted her up in his arms. Under her hands she could feel that he was shaking. Pushing her own fear aside, she rubbed his chest.
‘I’m okay. I’m okay.’ She kept repeating it until he calmed down. Refusing to let her go he sat down and kept her in his lap.
‘What happened Meryn? Take us through the sequences of events, don’t leave anything out.’ Aiden asked. Nodding Meryn sat up.
‘We were talking about the tailors and I felt heat, like body heat move past me. But there was nothing there so I ignored it. Then I felt a breath on the back of my neck and someone laughed. You told me to get inside, but when I stood up I was pushed back down. I went to scream and …’ Meryn swallowed hard as tears filled her eyes. She took a deep breath before continuing.
‘Something kissed me, he also twisted my breast. His breath was foul and he tried to choke me by forcing his tongue down my throat.’ Meryn felt tears spill over her eyes. Aiden cradled her close.
‘I pushed backward and screamed. Then Colton was there.’ She wiped at her eyes.
‘Colton you had guard duty, how could you let this happen?’ Aiden demanded. Meryn popped Aiden upside the head. He continued to frown at his best friend. Meryn fumed.
‘What part of I didn’t see anything did you not understand? Whoever this jerk is had his tongue so far down my throat he was fondling my tonsils and I didn’t see anything. What could Colton have done?’ She demanded. Aiden took a deep breath.
‘Aiden I swear to you on my life I didn’t see anything. I would never let anything happen to Meryn.’ Colton whispered harshly.
‘I know you wouldn’t.’ Aiden admitted before turning to other man who had been giving orders.
‘Report.’ He barked.
‘Sir, we interviewed just about everyone on the street. No one saw anything, no one at the table or running away.’ Meryn eyed the white haired giant.
‘Thanks Sascha. I’ll leave you and Gamma to finish up here. I’m taking my mate and my mother home. Alpha will remain assigned to House McKenzie until this guy is caught.’ Aiden stood.
‘Yes, sir!’ Sascha nodded and began ordering his men to finish up with interviews. When Aiden started towards the SUV Meryn squirmed to get down.
‘I have to get my bag.’ Aiden set her down. She returned to the table only to realize, though her bag was still there. Her laptop was gone.
‘Motherfucking son of a fucking bitch!’ She bellowed. The men around her froze.
‘Meryn?’ Aiden asked cautiously.
‘He stole my laptop! I’ve had that thing for years! I love my laptop, it’s my baby. It understands me and entertains me.’ She began to hyperventilate.
‘We can get you a new one, breathe baby, breathe.’ Aiden was frantically trying to calm her. Her head felt like it was wrapped in cotton. She heard Adelaide ask Sydney for a glass of water. They didn’t understand. Her laptop was her whole world; behind the keyboard of her laptop she was invincible.
‘It had my favorite Doctor Who skin on it.’ She wheezed. She didn’t want to face anyone anymore. She didn’t fight it when the small grey dots appeared. She let herself slip away.
*****
‘I don’t understand it’s just a laptop. I’ll buy her a hundred if it makes her feel better.’ Meryn woke to Aiden’s whispering.
‘It’s not about the laptop Aiden. Your mate, though she has done well with us, doesn’t like interacting with people. Though she downplays it, she had a pretty isolated childhood. She never learned how to be around others. To her the laptop was like a security blanket, when that was suddenly and violently taken from her it drove her anxiety level through the roof triggering a panic attack.’
Meryn kept her breathing even and her eyes closed. Aiden was talking to his older brother Adam. The astringent smell led her to believe that she was at the clinic and not back at the house.
‘I don’t get it!’ Aiden’s voice was filled with frustration. She heard a heavy sigh.
‘Okay. When someone hands you a gift that you don’t necessarily like what do you do?’ Adam asked.
‘What in the hell does this have to do with anything?’ Aiden barked.
She heard a soft thud.
‘Ow!’ Yup, Adam had cuffed Aiden.
‘Just answer the question for your wiser, older brother.’
‘Fine! I say thank you, think of some way it could be used and promise to tell them how it performs.’ Aiden answered.
‘How did you know that?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘I do. Marius taught you and all of us how to accept gifts graciously. I specifically remember him teaching you before your sixth birthday party.’
‘What is your point?’
‘What if you were never taught? What if someone handed you something and you had no idea what to do or what to say. What if you just froze, but then the act of freezing adds more stress. Now you’re stressed because you’re stressed, add in any potential negative reactions and the problem compounds.’ Adam’s explanation was met with silence.
‘Now imagine that is the reaction you have every time you have to speak to someone you don’t know. Or are the center of attention?’
‘Good Gods!’ Aiden exclaimed softly.
‘Like I said, she’s done very well will us, it could be because you’re her mate and any natural acceptance she has for you extended to your friends and family. But outside your social circle she experiences true flashes of panic. I think she has learned to keep that at bay by using her laptop as a buffer. If she’s in a situation where she may have to speak to others, I bet she has an open laptop in front of her so she can pretend to be busy or disinterested.’ Meryn sat up both men turned to her.
‘I do. If you look like you’re working people stay away and don’t try to make small talk.’ She admitted. Aiden quickly moved to her side.
‘Feeling better?’ She shrugged. Her hands felt empty.
‘Aiden I recommend taking her home and tucking her in for the day. A good night’s rest will do a lot of good.’ Adam advised. Meryn nodded clutching Aiden’s arm.
‘Can we please go home?’ She’d feel better if she were in a familiar location. She looked around.
‘Why does this stuff look like overstock from the fifties?’ She asked. The gurney, she was on and the lime green metal cabinets around the room had seen better decades.
‘Because it is.’ Adam answered.
‘But why? Can’t you buy newer stuff?’ Meryn asked. Adam and Aiden shook their heads.
‘Personal wealth cannot be used to fund a public establishment.’ Aiden explained.
‘That sucks.’
‘We’ll be doing another fundraiser at the end of the year, but most people don’t think that the unit members need a clinic since we’re paranormals and heal fast.’ Adam took a blanket out of the tall cabinet and wrapped it around her shoulders. ‘Take her straight home and to bed.’ He ordered.
‘Come on Menace, time to go.’ Aiden stood and picked her up gently.
‘My legs will forget how to work if you keep this up.’
‘That’s okay. I’ll carry you if they do.’
The trip to the house was quiet. Aiden held her hand the entire way for which she was grateful. Wrapped up in the clinic blanket Aiden carried her into the house. Marius and Adelaide hurried from the front drawing room.
‘Is she okay?’ Meryn could see the anxiousness on Adelaide’s face.
‘She’s fine. We’re going to spend the rest of the day upstairs relaxing. Marius, could you send up a light dinner later?’ Aiden asked.
‘Of course, sir.’ He bowed.
‘We’ll make you an extra special breakfast tomorrow Meryn, you just rest now.’ Adelaide leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
‘Thanks Mom.’ Meryn was pleased at Adelaide’s expression.
‘Mom?’ She whispered.
‘Everyone calls you Mother, but I think Mom sounds better.’ Meryn explained.
‘Of course it does.’ Adelaide’s smile was wobbly.
‘See you in the morning.’ Aiden said and carried her up the stairs.
Once their door closed behind them, Aiden began to laugh.
‘I bet my mother ran to the office to call my father and to tell him that you called her Mom. Fully expect him to ask you to call him Dad.’ Aiden placed her on the bed.
‘If it makes him happy I will.’ Meryn curled up on her side. Aiden stared down at her and the love she saw in his eyes almost had her in tears again, but she was done crying. Aiden just continued to stand there. Meryn realized he didn’t know what to do. She half turned and patted the empty space behind her. Without wasting any time he crawled in behind her and pulled her into the curve of his body. His strength and warmth were like a soothing balm. She turned just her head.
‘Kiss me. I don’t want to taste him anymore.’ She whispered. With a low growl, he lowered his head. His lips nibbled hers. When his tongue chased hers around, she had to pull away laughing. He pressed his lips to the back of her neck and she could feel him smile. He was trying to make her feel better.
‘Tell me about Christmas. I want to hear something nice to chase away the fear.’ She scooted backward until there was no mistake that their kiss had left him wanting. His hand stilled her backward retreat.
‘Be careful or you’ll be getting a present instead of hearing about them.’
‘My cycle will be over after tomorrow.’
‘Thank the Gods!’ Was Aiden fervent prayer.
‘Christmas story please. We didn’t really celebrate it much growing up. I would get two or three new outfits from the thrift store and a new pair of shoes, that was it. We never even got a tree.’ Aiden gasped.
‘No tree! That’s my favorite part about Christmas. I love decorating the tree. We have accumulated so many different types of bulbs and ornaments we had to start dividing them into different themes and rotate them. This year I think is the animal theme. It’s one of my favorites, very rustic.’ Aiden’s voice took on an excited cadence.
‘And the food! Gods the food. Marius and my mother cook and bake every day. Turkey and ham and stuffed goose. Mincemeat pies and flaming pudding. Bronwyn’s cookies make me want to cry every year they are so good.’ Aiden sighed.
‘The ball has to be the best though. There’s no deal making or business arrangements made like at All Hallows’ Eve. Just the joy of the season, there’s dancing and caroling all night. The Elders make and serve a buttered rum that keeps everyone in high spirits. We light candles all through the night and stay up until dawn to greet the sun. From then on out the days get longer.’ Meryn’s eyes drooped as the day caught up with her. The picture that Aiden painted, danced in her mind. She couldn’t wait for Christmas, even if it meant another stupid ball.
