by T K Eldridge
“Yeah, we have a mix of young dragons and griffins ready to fly. Three more dragon families have moved into the enclave,” Drake said.
“I thought you only had one or two houses left?” I asked.
“Yeah, I took a room at Bastien’s until I can find something. I can make do, but those families can’t.”
“How are you going to accommodate any more arrivals?” Dad asked.
“I own another fifty acres behind the enclave we have now. I am in negotiations with an architect and builder that Grizz knew, who will help build several new homes,” Drake said.
“And what about your parents?” Mom asked.
“My parents live in Washington state, where I was born. They have a house on the side of Mt. Hood. I’ve already told them about Sidonie and they are eager to meet her. I am not rushing Sid in any way, so whenever she’s ready, we can have them come here, or I can bring her there.” He looked at me when he said that and I gave him a smile. I hadn’t even thought about meeting his parents, and my mouth went dry. I reached for my water and took a sip.
“Where do you plan on living, after Bastien’s?” Mom asked.
The food was good, and I had taken a few bites, but her third degree was starting to piss me off. “Who cares, Mom? He’s about to hit the streets as an SPD agent. He can come stay at my place if he gets tired of a pack of teenagers racing around at Bast’s, or he can rent a house or apartment somewhere, or get his builder friend to build him a place. He’ll be in the area, either way, because of his job.”
“Your mother’s just trying to get to know him, Siddie,” Dad said.
“I know, Dad, but she’s grilling him like he’s a perp and she’s an SPD agent again. Let the man eat, and maybe talk about yourselves some, so he knows what he’s getting into?” I replied.
“I’m sorry, I’m just trying to be helpful. Fergus has bought a piece of the divided up property next door and is having a place built for himself. It’s almost finished and the apartment over the garage will be available in a couple of weeks, so I had thought to offer it to Drake,” Mom said.
“That’s kind of you, ma’am, but I don’t want to be any bother – or that far away from the enclave while my dragons are getting settled,” Drake said.
“Are you their leader? What do you call the head dragon?” Sin asked.
“We don’t really tend to one leader, we have a council of five. They look to me as the final word only because I’m the one that brought them here and I’m the one that knows more about the area right now. Once everyone acclimates, it’ll be the council that decides on our community’s needs and problems,” Drake said.
“Which is why I’m hoping he’ll help me figure out how to get this governing council up and running that the Royals have asked me to set up. I’ve already learned how the last few worked – or didn’t – and what made them stop. I am going with a more democratic solution and one that is not species specific. There are a lot more hybrids like Sin and I, and having only pure species sit on the council won’t serve people like us. We are also going to find aware humans so that the whole community is served,” I said.
“What about Roisin?” Dad asked.
“Since I’m going to limit the members to under a hundred years old, she is disqualified. I’ll ask her to submit two of her group to the council and then people will vote. And no, I haven’t spoken to her yet. I really am dreading that conversation,” I said.
“You can put me on the list if you like,” Dad said and I almost dropped my fork.
“Really?” I asked.
“Yes. I’m under a hundred, and I have a lot of experience with a wide variety of species after running the Academy – and working as an agent. I think I could be of some use,” Dad said.
“When Teagan and Reagan are a little older, I’d like to put my name in, too,” Mira said. “I think it’s important to serve our community in whatever way we are able.”
“What about you, Sin?” I asked.
“Well, I am going to be going to medical school, and while I still wish I could go to Harvard or Tufts right now, I am going to do my first couple of years at State, then transfer. The kids will be older, and Mira and I have agreed that we can sacrifice some of our time together for me to get my MD. I’ll just come home when I have time off from class – holidays and semester breaks.”
“We feel it’s important for the little ones to be raised around family and get some solid roots formed. So, I’ll stay here with the kids while he does his schooling, then he can come home and be a doctor,” Mira said.
“I’m glad you’re chasing your dream,” I said to Sin, then turned to Dad. “I’d love your help with this. I still haven’t told the Royals I’ll do it yet – that’s tomorrow’s conversation. But I wanted to talk to all of you first and see what you said. The Commander and Grams gave me some good feedback and liked the idea of the age cap.”
“I wrote up the charter for the draconian council,” Drake said. “I can help put something together. I have two weeks off before graduation, then I hit the patrol training schedule.”
Sin, Dad, Mom, and I all groaned.
“That schedule is horrific. Didn’t the Commander change that up?” I asked.
Dad nodded. “He did. Now it’s two weeks days, then two weeks nights, for two months. After the recent studies about biorhythms and sleep cycles, he realized it was more dangerous to have it the old way.”
“Good. I remember being so brain-dead during the last half of that, I’m lucky I didn’t shoot myself,” I said.
“Yeah, it was brutal,” Sin replied. “And we were still getting hazed, and still dealing with Lord James trying to sabotage us.”
“Who’s that?” Drake asked.
“We called our grandfather, James Boudreau, ‘Lord James’ as a commentary about his arrogant and demanding ways,” Sin said.
“He’s gone now, and life is a lot calmer,” Dad said. “My father wasn’t always horrible, but at the end, it was a mercy to send him on to the Fade.”
Dinner ended and dessert was warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream with coffee in the family room.
“We need to go pick up the kids,” Mira said as she got to her feet. “Thank you for dinner, Mama Mellie, Dad. I’ll be here around nine for work tomorrow.”
We all said our goodbyes and Mom pressed a covered plate with leftovers into Drake’s hands. “Some roast beef and more apple pie for yourself for later,” she said. “I’m truly happy to welcome you to the family, Drake. If you ever need anything, just call us.”
Mom gave me my own apple pie and I kissed her cheek. “I love you, Mom. Thanks for this.”
Dad came out and admired my new car, then pulled out a handkerchief and cleaned the lenses of the headlights. I had to chuckle and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You and Grampa Walsh do the same thing. I love you too, Dad.”
He blushed and waved us off as I drove around the courtyard and out through the gates.
“Your parents love you deeply,” Drake said. “And you’re very much like both of them. I’m glad I got to see your family today.”
“I’ll admit to being anxious about meeting yours,” I replied.
“Well, it’ll be a while. So, were you serious about having me move in with you?”
“I was. I have a second bedroom, so you could still keep your space if you wanted.”
“It wouldn’t be for long. I’ve got the architect drawing up plans for a house for us. I had planned on showing them to you when they were done, so you could make any additions or changes you desired.”
“I will say that I’ve been thinking about our living arrangements.”
“And?” Drake said.
“As much as I love my little house on the farm, it won’t work for us. The yards are too small for shifting, for one. It’s also getting a little crowded for my taste.”
“Well, I’ve been at Bastien’s for a week now, and it’s way too loud for me. If you’re okay with it, I’ll take you up on that
second room while the house is being planned and built. It’ll probably take six months to build it, and that’s using magic.”
“I guess this is one way to get to know each other, huh?” I teased.
“It’s going to take all of my willpower to behave, though,” Drake said and winked at me.
“Let’s swing by Bast’s and pick up your stuff and your truck, shall we?” I said and turned towards downtown.
“No time like the present,” Drake replied.
Chapter Twelve
Sin
The restocking run for the palace went off without a hitch. There were a lot fewer people standing around outside the walls these days, and while some demonstrators still brought signs and demanded the replacement of the Royals, they weren’t given much notice by the locals.
Grizz, Drake, and I sat on the patio at Finn and Katy’s place. An unimpeded view of the docks and the islands so we could keep an eye on things was our official reason for being there. But Finn’s invitation to beer and pizza and some male bonding time was really why we were sprawled across his yard in comfortable chairs.
“So, we took advantage of the siege, and went to the courthouse and got married,” Finn said.
“Wait, what?” I asked as I stared at him. “You eloped?”
“You saw the spectacle your wedding was turned into when Queen Maggie got involved – and the public didn’t even know you were a prince then. They all know I’m a prince and Katy didn’t want that kind of drama,” Finn said. “I also adopted Daren legally, since he’s my blood son anyway. So now he’s Daren Colter MacCumhaill. He didn’t want to stay with Simmons since the man with that name had killed his mother out of jealousy.”
“Congratulations,” Drake said and lifted his beer bottle to toast. “Many years of contentment to you and your family.”
“To Finn and Katy,” we all called out and tapped our bottles together.
I picked up another slice of pizza and stared across the water at the islands. “What do you think of all of this, Finn?”
“I think it’s none of my business, and if the Royals are happy in Exile, let them stay there. My only regret is that Oak had to seal off the Archives with magic, to protect the contents. That’s the history of every supernatural race in the whole world, collected in one place.”
“Sid had organized the scanning and digitizing of the Archives before the siege started. I get that it’s going to take forever to get it done, but at least some of it has been saved,” I said.
“That’s like getting a cup of sand from the beach and saying, ‘we saved some of it’. I don’t think you have any idea of just how vast the Archives are. They have their own realm. Oak is a portal keeper, put in place by the Creators, to protect the history of their creations,” Finn said.
“Woah, I don’t think even Siddie knows that,” Drake replied.
“Have you ever met Orion?” I asked Finn.
“Once,” Finn replied. “He warned me about my father’s treachery and helped me save some of my children.”
“He supposedly ‘blessed’ Sid and I. It knocked us out. Nothing seems to have changed with us, though. No power bursts, no strange skills,” I said.
“It will probably manifest itself when you need it, otherwise it’s just lurking,” Finn replied.
“Everly – Dr. Rosemont – said that the blessing from the Creators is what marked you as the true Prophetic Twins. There are stories about what that blessing is supposed to do, but they’re probably just folk tales,” Grizz said. “Some say the blessing gives you true immortality, so you can continue to serve the community through the ages. Some say the blessing gives a power of knowing that helps you save the community during its darkest time.”
“Yeah, well, when something changes, I’ll let you know,” I told Grizz. “Don’t hold your breath, though.”
We talked about the local sports teams, how the building was going for Drake, and how close Grizz was to becoming a daddy.
“Glenda’s due any day now, isn’t she?” I asked.
“Yeah, she’s got the birthing room all set up and the midwife is on call. I’m just glad I got our section of the aerie modernized when I did. Mack helped with some updated architectural designs and we had steel beams driven into the stone and rooms built out away from the mountain. The views are incredible and it makes our souls sing. We’re doing similar for various parts of the aerie that can handle it, using Mack’s team of witches to avoid compromising the stability of the mountain,” Grizz said.
“I’ve seen his place,” Drake added. “It’s gorgeous, but I don’t think your sister would want to wait for a flight down every time she stepped outside. So, our house will be connected by a road to the rest of society.”
“Yeah, Sid needs her independence. Then again, I’m probably not telling you anything you don’t already know,” I said.
I finally got to my feet and stretched. “Well, gentlemen, I need to take my leave. Tonight is dining and dancing with the wife, to celebrate five years of marriage.”
“Has it been that long already?” Finn asked. “Congratulations. Katy has a gift for you two, but I think she wants to give it to Mira, so I’ll let them handle it.”
“Sounds like a wise decision. See you later, guys,” I said as I got in my SUV and headed home. I wanted to shower and change, but Mira had wanted time to pamper herself. She went and got her hair and nails done, then soaked in the tub while Mom and Dad had a movie night with the kids. They were camping out in the playroom and Rohan was excited to have them all in his place for a change.
I pulled into the garage and when I saw my wife, I really didn’t want to take her out in public and share her with anyone. A turquoise silk wrap dress and strappy heels had her looking like a runway model. The color of the dress made her turquoise eyes glow and I sighed when I met her gaze.
“Breathtaking.”
“Thanks. The shower is yours, your clothes are laid out, and I’m starving, so hurry up,” she offered with a kiss near my cheek.
She’d laid out a gray suit, turquoise tie to match her dress, and a crisp white dress shirt. Soon, I had my grandfather’s Bentley pulled up in front and escorted my beautiful wife to the car.
“We’re taking this?” Mira asked.
“Yep. I had it cleaned and checked the other day, and Evan offered to play chauffeur for us tonight as his anniversary gift.”
“Thank you, Evan,” Mira said as she slid into the seat. I joined her and leaned back as the car pulled around and through the gate.
“Evan has wanted to drive this car for a while, right?” I said.
“Oh, definitely. This is as much a treat for me, as it is a way for me to congratulate you two on your anniversary,” Evan replied.
Evan had grown up on the Estate with his parents acting as chef and housekeeper. Now, they helped out when needed, but mostly enjoyed their little house at the back of the property. Evan was studying to be an engineer, and he loved cars, so hiring him to maintain the fleet my grandfather had left behind was as much a job as it was a joy.
Evan stopped at the doors to Sylvan Steak House, then came around to open the door for us. I got out first, then held my hand to help Mira step out. We went up to the door and were shown to a semi-private alcove I had reserved.
“I’ve always wanted to come back here. We came here for our first anniversary, didn’t we?” Mira asked.
“We did. I didn’t always think of this place because it was Lord James’ favorite – but now, we’re making new memories. Besides, I knew you enjoyed the food, so here we are.”
The meal was excellent, the conversation fun, and I looked forward to our next stop, a club on the outskirts of the city, a good hour away. I had bought a nice bottle of champagne for the ride and when we got into the Bentley, it was in the ice bucket with two glasses on the bar in the back. I held the bottle outside the door to open it and Mira laughed as I filled our glasses, then settled back for the ride.
Club Mystique was a
new venue with different levels, depending on the kind of music and dancing you wanted to enjoy. I let Mira choose and we found ourselves in a crowd of writhing bodies, dancing to a club mix I barely recognized. I had, at one time, spent every other weekend out clubbing with friends, so I managed to not embarrass myself. The volume of the music soon started to get to me, however. After a few dances, Mira took my hand and led me up the stairs to another level. This one played romantic slow dance tunes and I probably showed my age as I sighed in relief.
Held close in my arms, Mira chuckled and kissed my jaw. “That was fun, but I’d forgotten how loud it could be. This is more like it,” she said.
“I will gladly dance with you, no matter what style you want to do – but you’re right, this is better for now. I am enjoying spending the evening with you, and I will admit to pride that you’re with me. Other men, and a few women, are giving me envious glances,” I said.
“I see them looking at you, too,” Mira said. “I have a handsome, caring, brilliant husband and I am happy to show the world how lucky I am.”
We danced for a couple of hours before we both agreed the rest of the night needed to happen at home. I sent a text to Evan that we were ready to go, and expected the Bentley to be out front when we got there. It was maybe five minutes after we got outside before he finally pulled up and I helped Mira get in.
“Any problems, Evan?” I asked.
He shook his head, but didn’t say anything as he pulled the car around and headed towards home.
I had one of those feelings that something was up, but I couldn’t place it. I turned to Mira and her eyes were wide with fear.
She leaned in to me and whispered, “My guardian says someone is on the floor in the front, a gun pointed at Evan.”
“Follow my lead,” I whispered back. Mira was Light fae and could see spirits – like Ethan and Reina. We weren’t sure if the twins could, yet. Most light fae had guardian spirits, and Mira’s had helped her more than once. “Shield,” I whispered and I felt her magic surge.
I slid forward to the seat behind Evan. “Hey, Evan, I don’t feel so well. Can you pull over for a minute? I don’t want to puke in the back of the Bentley.”
