by T K Eldridge
“You hate when I do that,” Sid said, her voice soft.
“You love to do it, so do it,” I replied. We sorted out the food and started to eat. I took a bite of my burger, but it had no taste, so I put it down. “Sid, I’m so sorry. I blamed you for my own shit and I was a total ass about it. I said things that are unforgivable, but I’m going to ask you to give me a chance to show you how sorry I am.”
“I heard from Grizz, some of the stuff you said,” Sid replied. “It didn’t sound like you, so I knew something was wrong.”
“I saw your freedom, your life, and how content you were with the work you were doing – and I was jealous.”
“Jealous, of me? That’s nuts. You’ve got a beautiful wife and family. You’re giving the Boudreau name a new polish. Mom and Dad think you’re perfection…”
“I hated being a cop. So, about an hour ago, I quit. I resigned from the SPD.”
Sid put her burger down and stared at me. “You quit? Just like that?”
“Yep.”
“What did Mira say?”
“She’s thrilled. It was Bast, actually, that made me realize I could change things. I’m going to go to medical school and be a doctor. Financially, we’re solid – thanks to Lord James and my investments. I don’t need to be a cop any longer. I can go do what I was truly meant to do.”
“Good for you,” Sid said, and I could hear in her tone that she really meant it. “Maybe now you understand how I felt when I quit being on the streets and went into Intelligence.”
“Yeah, it makes a lot more sense to me, now. I just knew, back then, that you were miserable and so afraid you’d make a mistake on the streets, but once you were deep into the research, you started to shine,” I said.
“Until my research caused a freakin’ war,” Sid muttered.
“No, sis. Whoever hacked you and stole your words – they created a situation that has yet to escalate. Speaking of which, have you seen the Royals?”
“I went to dinner at their Exile House, as they’re calling it, just last night. They’re really relaxed and happy, so maybe there is a silver lining to this mess after all.”
We shifted the conversation to her asking about the kids and Mira, and I shared a few stories about their antics while we finished our food.
“I’ve missed you,” Sid said and my heart cracked again.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered.
“Not alone, never alone – but I was alone,” Sid said. “Grizz and Drake tried to help, but they’re not you.”
“What about Timon?” I asked.
Sid laughed. “He’s got a boyfriend, Farlen. It’s okay, though, because I’ve got a Chosen.”
I bobbled my milkshake and almost dropped it. “You’ve got a what? Who?”
“Drake Eldhress is my Chosen. We’re not bonding or sealing it or whatever. We are in no rush and neither of us are looking for a family for the next few decades.”
“Congratulations? I mean, he’s a good person, from what I could tell the few times we’ve interacted. Have you told anyone?”
“Just the Royals and Timon.”
“You’re going to need to tell Grams and the Commander, as well as Mom and Dad pretty soon, before the rumor mill tells them first,” I warned.
“Drake and I are supposed to go by the main house this evening to tell Grams and the Commander. We’ll see when Mom and Dad are available after that. He’s about done with Academy training and will be going on training patrols starting next week, so we need to make sure everyone knows before then.”
“Yeah, training patrol schedules sucked. Splitting time between day and night shifts gave me sleep issues for months afterwards.”
“I remember. I felt like I spent the whole training period in an exhausted haze,” Sid said.
“When are you going to go back into the office?” I asked.
“I’ll be mostly working from home, but I’ll be in the office two days a week so I can brief agents on their cases and be available for questions,” Sid said.
“That sounds like a good schedule for you. You look good, just too thin. Are you healthy?” I asked.
“Well enough, but the strain between you and me really messed me up. I know you’re married and have your own family, Sin, but we’re twins. We were created together. Having things out of balance with you impacts everything in a negative way. When we make a promise to each other, that promise is a bond in blood. It has magical power. And you broke that for months.”
“I know. You’re right, and I’m going to keep saying sorry until you tell me to stop. Mira told me to bring flowers and a gift, but I figured Bubba’s Burgers was more our style, right?”
“Late breakfast or early lunch with fries and milkshakes is much more our style. It’s a good start. I love you, my brother, but it’s going to take a bit for me to trust you again.”
“I know. Can I give you a hug?” I asked.
We both stood and she gave me a hug, then she turned and started to clean up the wrappers. “You need to go, though. I have some work left to do before Drake gets here – and you don’t want to be here when he arrives until after I can explain you’ve apologized. Angry dragon is not something you want in your face,” Sid said.
“Got it. I’ll find out what Mira’s schedule is like, and we can have you both over to welcome him to the family?”
“Yeah, but not for a couple of weeks. His schedule is packed. Thanks for the food and the visit.”
I felt dismissed, but at least I had started to mend the bridge I had not just burned, but blasted into splinters. I drove home with a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long, long time.
I just wish it would have lasted.
Chapter Eleven
Sid
Sin’s visit surprised me, but it was a good start on the path back to healing our relationship. I still felt skittish about trusting him, though. I guess that’s what happens when someone you believed would always have your back, turns on you. So much went unsaid, but I didn’t feel safe enough to tell him everything.
The next morning, I went up into the attic and opened the safe I’d had installed up there. Inside were all of the books and scrolls the palace had sent when they evacuated, for me to keep safe. I remembered one of the books being notes and minutes from council meetings held back in the 1800’s. The pocket realm had tried to be more inclusive, and had set up a governing body with fae, mythic, witch, and elemental members. I wanted to see how it had worked before I went all in on what the Royals wanted from me.
I read the book and made notes all day, paused for meals, then went for a run. On my way back, I passed the main house and saw Grams and the Commander in rockers on the front porch. I slowed my pace and shut off my music as I approached. “Hey, you two.”
“Evening, Siddie,” Grams said. “Good run?”
“Yeah, helps me sort out my thoughts and clear my head,” I replied.
“Drake coming by tonight?” Grampa asked.
“No, sir. We’re going to the Estate tomorrow afternoon for Sunday dinner, so he’s doing his errands and chores today.”
“Was that Sin’s car I saw in front of your house yesterday?” Grams asked.
“It was. He came to start his apology. I still don’t trust him fully, but it was a good start,” I replied.
“He’s got a lot of work to do,” Grampa said. “But at least he’s figured it out and made a start.”
“It hurt my heart to see you two so distant, and I know it wasn’t your doing, Siddie. I’m just glad to see things on the mend,” Grams said.
“Thanks, Grams. I’m glad too. So, the other night when I brought Drake by and told you guys we were Chosen, I didn’t tell you about something else,” I said.
“I told you, Sidonie Marie, if you catch a baby…” Grams started.
I stuck my tongue out at her. “We’ve not even bonded, Grams. Let it go. I’m not Mira. No, I needed to talk to you about something the Royals asked of me.”
“L
et me get you a bottle of water, and you can come sit and fill us in,” Grams said and got up from her chair.
When Grams came back, I sat myself on the porch steps and put my back against the post, so I could see them both, and drained half of the water before I started to speak. “They want me to head up a governing council made up of aware humans and representatives of each species. Now, while I get that’s how it’s been done before – we have a lot more mixed species people now, and I don’t think it should be species representation, but community representation. What do you think?”
“That’s a good point, but how do you convince those being ruled over that their specific needs are being met?” Grams asked.
“You also need to understand something else about these councils,” Grampa started.
“Grampa, I think I know. You’re going to say that I need to understand how they fell apart previously. And Grams? I think they’re better accustomed to a diplomatic leadership than in previous attempts, so the idea of picking council members should be handled in a similar fashion. For the first council, we get a couple of nominees from the various sections of the community and put them on a ballot. After that, it can happen more organically – as elections these days happen.”
“The last council, I sat on it,” Grampa said. “It fell apart because the humans tried to expose the supernaturals, to steal control of everything. Instead of letting them run it all, we dissolved the council and wiped their memories. Probably not the best solution at the time, but the country was in a volatile phase and they could’ve done some real damage, having us all labeled ‘Communists’.”
“Was that the first Red Scare from 1917 to 1920? Or the McCarthyism one from 1939 to 1945?” I asked Grampa.
“The second one. Actors, artists, political leaders, union organizers, shop owners – they were all blackballed and lost their careers, reputations, livelihoods – it was horrible. It was a much wider spread witch hunt than the colonial era ones,” Grampa said.
“But with the same feel,” Grams said as she reached out for Grampa’s hand.
“I get that it’s a risk,” I said, “But we need to do something. Now that Faery Isle is here, we’ll have periodic uprisings like what Roisin is doing if we don’t set something up.”
“If Fionn and Maggie approached you about it, they’re obviously seeing the need as well,” Grampa said.
“Fionn said that because the opposition thinks I’m on their side with the book’s publication, and our side knows I didn’t do it and support them – I’m a good candidate to try and pull this together. I don’t know, though. I found Roisin to be completely obnoxious. The idea of working with her makes my skin crawl.”
“Roisin used to be sweet, but I really haven’t spent any time in her company since Bride’s death – when I was also considered dead. When I resurfaced a couple of years ago, and the fae had settled on the Isles, Roisin reached out to me, asking about how Bride died. She insists, and rightly so, that if I hadn’t been in law enforcement, Bride would still be alive. I know Bride’s death was not my fault, but if I hadn’t been in a partnership with James Boudreau, she’d still be alive. I can handle her blaming me. She seems to have a need to put it on someone – but it means I can’t help as much as I’d like to,” Grampa said.
“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I think we need more young people involved in this. I am not discounting your age and experience, but if we can get those who are under a century old to sit on the council, we may be able to move past some of the more traditional roadblocks,” I said.
“You’re right,” Grampa replied. “That will help. That also means getting someone that Roisin selects on the council, instead of the woman herself.”
“Good idea – and a good way around the problem,” Grams said.
“Okay, I need to go shower and get to work. Thanks for the chat, and I love you both,” I said as I got to my feet. The sweat drying was starting to itch, and I had an idea I needed to check out.
“Give your parents our love,” Grams said. “Tell them we’ll be by next week.”
“I will, Grams. See ya,” I replied and jogged back home.
* * *
I drove my new car to the Estate for Sunday afternoon dinner, with Drake in the passenger’s seat. After my SUV had been spray painted and egged, I decided I didn’t need that tank of a vehicle any longer since I didn’t have gear bags and stuff to lug around. I got myself a sporty hybrid with four doors and a hatch that still gave me some stow room if I needed it. This one? I got in a dark red that reminded me of Drake’s scales. He knew exactly why I’d chosen that color and laughed when he saw it.
“That’s a new way of saying you’re mine,” Drake teased and gave me a kiss.
“I thought it was pretty subtle, all things considered,” I replied. “I avoided the flame paint job, y’know.”
Drake laughed, then frowned as he plucked a bit of lint off of his shirt. “Am I dressed appropriately for dinner with your parents?” Drake asked. He wore nice jeans, a button down shirt and a suit jacket. I had on jeans and a pretty tunic top I’d picked up online with Asian styled dragon line art all over it.
“You look good enough to eat,” I flirted and slipped out of his embrace to get into the car. “Let’s go, Chosen. I hear we’re getting Mom’s pot roast for dinner.”
I had called Mom and told her Drake and I were dating, but we’d not yet revealed we were Chosen. That’s not really something you tell your parents over the phone. We pulled up to the front courtyard of the estate and I turned off the engine.
“This place is massive,” Drake said as he got out of the car and looked around.
“It’s been in the family for a couple of centuries. My parents modernized it when they took ownership. I didn’t like coming here until just recently. Luckily, it looks so different compared to what it was, it’s easier to disassociate the bad memories from the house now.” I led him up to the front door and knocked, then opened it. “We’re here,” I called out.
“We’re in the kitchen,” Mom yelled back.
I took off my shoes by the door and put them in the rack, then smiled when Drake did the same.
“I’m glad I wore my good socks without the holes,” Drake whispered and I giggled.
I held his hand as we wove through the house to the huge kitchen in the back. Dad was stirring something on the stove and Mom was tossing vegetables into a salad. “Mom? Dad? This is Drake Eldhress. My Chosen.”
Both of my parents froze, and then huge smiles were turned on Drake. Dad turned down the flame and came over to shake Drake’s hand, while Mom wiped her hands on a dishtowel and offered him a hug.
“Welcome to the family, Drake,” Mom said.
“Congratulations,” Dad offered and then turned to give me a hug. “Now this is not the surprise I expected.”
Mom smiled as Drake accepted her hug, then she turned to me. “You said he was your Chosen? Why is your aura not showing it?”
“We haven’t bonded yet,” I replied. “We’re not in any rush. I’d like to get to know him a bit more before we take that step, seeing as it’s a permanent thing.”
“She’s being mature and smart about it, Amelia. Leave the girl be,” Dad said.
“But, Andre…” Mom started.
“Amelia…” Dad replied, and Mom sighed.
“Thanks, Dad,” I murmured and he winked at me. “Do you need any help with dinner?” I asked.
“The rolls just came out of the oven, so you can put those in the basket. Drake? You know Sin, correct?” Mom asked.
“Yes, ma’am, I do,” Drake replied.
“If you go back out into the foyer, the door behind the stairs leads into their wing. Could you go knock and let them know dinner is getting put on the table?” Mom asked.
“I can do that, be right back,” Drake said.
Mom whirled on me the minute he was gone. “You bond with that man and you do it soon. You don’t want to waste one moment of your time
with your Chosen.”
“Mama, I love you, but this is my business. I appreciate what you’re saying, but we’ve both agreed to this. Let it go,” I said as I picked up the basket of rolls and headed into the dining room to put it on the table. I noticed there were only six place settings. “Where are the kids today?”
“Timmy’s having a birthday party, so Leah took all four kids for a couple of hours. She’s got her nanny helping, so they’re fine,” Mom said.
Timmy was Ethan’s best friend – and the son of Mira’s best friend – so they all had spent a lot of time together. “That’s nice,” I said, but what I meant was ‘oh hell no’. I had counted on the kids being a distraction from the more serious topics of conversation.
Drake returned with Sin and Mira behind him, and came right over to me to slide his arm around my waist. “You okay?” he whispered to me.
“Yeah, because you’re here,” I replied softly. Now, we knew Sin and Dad could hear us, because of their shifter hearing, but the fact that he noticed I was a little out of sorts and came to me, warmed my heart and eased my worry.
“Okay, my loves, let’s go sit. Dinner is ready,” Mom said as she carried the salad to the table and Dad followed with a tray of sliced pot roast, done to perfection. Mira grabbed the gravy and Sin helped move things about to make room for the tray.
Once Mira’s hands were empty, she came to give me a hug, then smiled at Drake. “It’s nice to see you again, Drake.”
“That’s right, you met him when he was helping with the supply runs,” I said. “I had forgotten you had helped Grams send crates of herbal healing supplies to the palace.”
“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Drake said as we sat together and faced Mira and Sin across the table. Mom and Dad sat at either end.
“Do you have a crew for the next supply run?” Sin asked Drake. “I may not be with SPD any longer, but I’m still happy to help while the siege is on. No need to train someone else for this.”
