by Martha Woods
“Lucy?!” I yell back as I welcome a strong figure into my arms. The woman lifts me from the ground and spins me around as though I’m as light as air. “I would have never imagined you still being here? How is your family?” I ask as she sets me down and drags me behind the counter. Thankfully the place is almost empty, but the few people that are at computers look up momentarily to see if there is going to be another outbreak of emotion.
“The clan has never left, despite the increasing numbers of numerous races in the city. Speaking of, you stink of death,” the werewolf replies as she pulls up a stool for me to sit in. I can’t help but laugh as she quickly sets to making me a cup of tea. I wanted to protest that it was too hot, but I wouldn’t want to ruin this traditional greeting for Lucy. As a child, I often played with her children in the forest, hunting animals or playing horrible pranks on each other.
“My escort isn’t a fan of the day light,” I admit as I watch her work. She turns her attention from me as she assists a customer with a drink order and eventually comes back to me.
“Does this mean you won’t be around for the rest of the summer?” she asks as she finally sits down across from me. I shake my head and take a small sip of the tea to show my respect. It’s overly sweat, but I like it.
“I’m in town for business, then I’ll have to return to my family. But speaking of family, where are your offspring these days?” I say with a smile. Werewolves are known for their large families, something I always thought was miraculous.
“Wild and gone as the wind, I suppose. A few still live in town, but like young people do, they are traveling the world and meeting with other clans. Though, like all families, they will eventually come back and settle in with spouses of their own,” she rambles on as she looks around the room. I sit in silence for a moment as I ponder her words. The idea of settling down isn’t something I can fully comprehend, or ever appreciate. Till the war is over, I’ll never be able to rest.
“Lucy, I need to get a message to my mother. Do you mind if I use your computer?”
“Now you’re starting to remind me of your uncle. Always here for business, never to just visit.” She reaches for my hand and holds it for a moment. “Of course, Princess. You are always welcomed here.” I smile at her despite the mentioning of my uncle. Lucy quickly retrieves a laptop from the back and allows me a few moments alone. As I open my emails, I find a message from my mother, already detailing perspective buyers I’m to contact and arrange meetings with. I print the list and reply with the details surrounding the token I’ve discovered. I hope my words are convincing enough that this trip is worth my absence.
As Lucy settles in beside me with a plate of fresh baked bread between us, I can’t help but sigh. “Lucy, I’m going to need some supplies. Even though I wish this was a social visit, not much of what I do these days doesn’t consist of a higher purpose.” Lucy butters a piece of bread and hands it to me.
“What’s mine is yours,”
“And what’s mine is ours,” I say, finishing the slogan of the peaceful races.
Chapter 4
“Anna, it’s good…who is this?” Darien asks as I stand on the front porch of his house with Morgan by my side. I can’t help but smirk as I go to explain his appearance with me, but Morgan speaks before I have a chance.
“Anastasi’s boyfriend…”
“My business associate…” I glare at Morgan, tempted to take off sunglasses and really look at him, but instead I punch him in the arm, sending him stumbling down the stairs. Not bothering to look to see if he is okay, I turn my attention back to a very confused Darien. “Morgan has been appointed my business associate by my mother for this trip. He will be assisting us today with the appointments. And no, he is not my boyfriend. He wishes to death that I’d give him the time of day, but he has yet to understand that will never happen,” I explain as I try to give Darien my best smile. Though I can’t ignore the round of laughter that escapes Morgan’s mouth from the ground below.
“What appointments?” Darien asks as Morgan composes himself and takes his position by my side.
“I’ve taken the liberty to invite a few gentlemen to the house to discuss their interest in your parent’s work. I figured here would be as good as of place as any.” I can tell Darien doesn’t like the idea, but the longer we stare at each other, or at least the longer I stare at him through my sunglasses, the idea seems to settle with him.
“Please come in,” he eventually says as I move past him and into the house. I can hear Elizabeth and John laughing as I follow the sound and eventually see them sitting in the formal living room. Cartoons play on the TV as they lounge on the couch.
“Lizzy, I’m hungry,” John says to his sister as their faces continue to watch the screen, unaware of the small group that has crowded in the doorway.
“Just a little bit longer, John. Darien promised he would take us out to eat once Anna comes by,” Elizabeth says.
“Then let’s eat,” I say loudly, catching their attention. Their shocked expression is priceless as they leap from the couch and meet us in the doorway. “Elizabeth and John, I’d like to introduce you to my traveling campaign, Morgan.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you both,” Morgan says as he bows deeply. The children look at him curiously and I try my best not to laugh.
“You’ll have to forgive, Morgan. He is very European and hasn’t spent much time in America. Perhaps, John you’d like to teach him how to give a hand shake,” I say.
For a moment, John looks at Morgan unsure what to do, but eventually he sticks out his hand and Morgan returns the gesture by lightly shaking it. John seems to relax as Morgan mumbles a thank you.
“I told them we would get something to eat when you got here, but when is our first appointment?” Darien speaks up as he looks between Morgan and me. I could only imagine what he thought of both of us wearing sunglasses inside. And it didn’t help that Morgan was still dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.
“I believe Mr. Lindenberg will be here shortly. Would you be okay with Elizabeth and John having lunch with Morgan? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind bring something back for us to enjoy,” I suggest as I look over at Morgan. His experience is hard to read but I can tell Elizabeth likes the idea by the way she keeps watching Morgan.
“Sounds good to me,” she quickly says as she pulls John after her towards the front door.
“But you didn’t even ask what I wanted to eat,” Darien yells as he follows the two into the front room.
“Are you sure about this, Princess?” Morgan whispers into my ear before I follow them. I turn to him and realize how close he is standing by me. If he could breath, I would have felt his breathe on my face.
“Do this one thing for me Morgan, and I promise I won’t ask you to help me as I secure the toekn,” I suggest as I step away from him and look to see Elizabeth and John putting on shoes. “And make sure to pick up my package while you’re in town. I plan to get the token tomorrow.”
“As you wish,” Morgan mumbles as we walk back to the front door.
“Now Elizabeth, I expect you to look after Morgan for me. Make sure you tell him every little thing you’d like from the grocery store and anything you might need for the house. Okay?” I tell the two as they face me. A huge smile crosses Elizabeth’s face, and even John looks excited to go on this excursion.
“This really isn’t necessary,” Darien says softly as I turn my focus back to him.
“Don’t worry, Darrien. Morgan is my most trusted companion. More importantly, I insist.”
“Well, I guess it’s okay since you insist.” Darien takes a moment to quickly embrace both his sister and brother before they both take either of Morgan’s hands and lead him out of the house. I can tell Morgan isn’t thrilled about the idea, but at least it gives me alone time with Darien.
“Want to set up in the dining room?” I ask as I turn and begin walking back into the house when Darien catches my hand. I look up and then realize
how contorted his face looks.
“Thank you, Anna,” he says softly as his grip tightens on my hand. “They haven’t been willing to get out of the house lately so it’s nice to see them interested in doing something.”
“Of course, Darien. I will do anything to help while I can,” I say as I pull him towards me. “Now come on. Time to get your game face on.”
It isn’t long before the doorbell rings and Mr. Lindenberg arrives. For the next few hours we meet with several buyers. They each present their offer, coupled with reasons why they would be most suited for the task of managing Darien’s newly acquired business. I take the time to explain to Darien how important his parent’s work is, and that by allowing someone else to continue their work, it will allow for his parent’s legacy to continue. In my mind, I know how important for these trade routes to stay moving and I need someone I can trust to both manage these routes and pass along any tokens they discover to me and my family. Though this business matter has a lot of money riding with it, I’m more concerned about the security and stability of this business in America.
After each meeting, I take the time to escort each client back to the front door, allowing me the opportunity to speak with them privately. It is my way of establishing a mutual respect between them and my people in the event Darien does choose them to succeed his parent’s work. Though I don’t want to appear threatening, I have the feeling that more than one of the prospective buyers leaves with that feeling.
It’s late in the afternoon when we finish with the appointments. I settle in at the dining table with a tall glass of sweet tea for both of us. I can tell Darien is overwhelmed by all the offers that now sit before him. I watch him for a few minutes as he sifts through all the papers.
“You don’t have to make a decision today,” I speak up, bringing Darien out of his thoughts. He notices the drink in front of him and takes a long drink of it before looking at me.
“I just don’t know how I’m going to make a decision. They all seem very nice and their resumes are very impressive. I just wish I knew more about my parent’s work to make the right decision,” Darien admits as he pushes the papers aside. I start collecting them all and I flip through a few before I find the one I want.
“This is the one you’re going to choose,” I say as I hand him back one piece of paper.
“And what makes this one so special?” he asks as he looks over the name again.
“One reason is because Mr. Walters is offering you the most money.” Darien smirks at the comment as he sets down the paper and takes another drink of his tea. “The second reason is because he is the most familiar with your parent’s work, and I know him from his dealing with my family. I believe you can trust him the most out of all of them.” Plus, he is someone I can control easily, but these are words I don’t share with Darien.
“I trust you, Anna. But I’m going to wait till next week to make a final decision,” Darien admits as he stands and stretches.
“I think that is a good idea. No need to finalize anything today,” I agree as I stand and walk to his side. We lean against the dining table as we both place our focus outside.
“Remember that one time I caught a toad by the back pond and chased you around for almost an hour, trying to get you to touch it,” Darien speaks out, a wide smile crossing his face.
“Oh geez. That was terrible. I don’t know what I was more surprised by, the disgusting toad or that fact you held onto it for so long. I was sure you had caught a nasty disease after that and couldn’t think of you putting your hands on me after that,” I say as I chuckle while I recall the memory.
“And what about now?” Darien asks as he slides his arm around my waist. I’m surprised by his words as he pulls me towards him and reaches his hand towards my face. For a moment, I wonder if he is going to kiss me and then I realize he is tugging at my glasses.
“Darien, please don’t,” I stammer as I step away from him and place both hands on my glasses to secure them tightly.
“I’m so sorry, Anna…I didn’t mean to upset you,” he quickly says as he places his hands on my waist.
“No, Darien, I understand,” I try to explain as I force myself to breath steadily. I place my hands on his shoulders as I try to look into his eyes. “I just have a strong sensitivity to people touching my glasses.”
“I just wanted to see your eyes,” Darien says softly as his eyes start to travel to my lips and back to where he thinks my eyes are.
“Well, I only wear them during the day,” I reply when I hear the front door open. I give him a weak smile, wishing I just had five more minutes alone with him, as I step away from him and start moving towards the front room.
“Darien? Are you home?” I hear a female voice call out. I stop suddenly and glance back at Darien as recognition crosses his face.
“Monica?” he calls out as he quickly jogs past me. I take a moment to compose myself back into the warrior I am before I slowly make my way towards the front door.
I try not to look upset as I watch Darien gather a strange woman into his arms and place an affectionate kiss on her lips. Just a moment before I had wished for those lips to be on mine, but now I understand that Darin still thinks of me as his little sitter.
“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at school finishing up semester exams?” Darien questions as he releases her, but keeps an arm around her shoulders.
“I finished up early and came by to surprise you. Who is your guest?” she ask when she finally realizes someone else is in the room. “And where are Elizabeth and John?” For a moment, Monica looks truly concerned but before I can speak, Morgan bursts through the double front doors with his arms weighed down by an extraordinary amount of grocery bags on his arms.
“I told you I could do it,” he hollers as he rushes through the room and straight through the kitchen, closely followed by a laughing Elizabeth and John.
“Well that’s Morgan for you. Always wanting to show off. I’m Anastasia Juravinski, by the way, but you can call me Anna. You must be Monica, Darien’s girlfriend he talks so much about,” I gush, but it’s clear to Darien that I’m faking my overly enthusiastic introduction.
“That’s right. Though I must apologize, I never heard Darien mention an Anna before,” Monica replies calmly.
“Anna is my oldest friend. She has come to be the mediator as I sell my parent’s business,” Darien explains as he steps away from Monica and for a moment peers into the kitchen to see what the commotion is about. It gives me the opportunity to analyze Monica and decide if she is a normal human. I determine there is nothing unusual about her but I receive the feeling she is territorial over her lover.
“Well that is good news. But I have even better news. I came to collect you and your family to spend the weekend at my parent’s beach home. I thought it would be a great way to celebrate the end of the semester,” Monica announces to draw Darien’s attention back to her.
“Really? I think that would be great,” Darien agrees as he smiles down at her. I try to ignore the scene in front of me as I wander into the kitchen. Morgan and Elizabeth are busy putting away groceries as John sits at the kitchen island eating a glazed donut.
“So, did Morgan behave himself?” I ask, getting everyone’s attention.
“He was a true gentleman,” Elizabeth said as she finishes putting away food in the fridge.
“He better have been,” I say in a low voice as I sit next to John and give him a playful wink. He starts to giggle as I look over at Morgan.
“Your package is in the car,” he mentions before tossing the grocery bags over at Elizabeth. She seems to be enjoying the male attention as she collects them and throws them in the trash. I give Morgan a nod as I turn my head towards the front door where a loud giggle is being sounded from a female voice. I roll my shoulders as I steal the last piece of John’s donut.
“Don’t worry, we have more,” he says as he stands and begins inspecting the many boxes on the counter.
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br /> “They should be well stocked for a month,” Morgan explains as he takes John’s seat next to me.
“Figures,” I say as Darien walks into the kitchen with Monica holding his hand.
“Elizabeth, John. Go pack an overnight bag. We’re going to stay at Monica’s place for the weekend. We’ve been invited to her parent’s beach house and need to hit the road before it gets to dark.” I watch as the joy drains from his sibling’s faces.
“But we have company, Darien. Wouldn’t it be rude to leave when we have guests for dinner?” Elizabeth says in the most adult voice she can muster. I can’t help but smile weakly at her. At least she was trying.
“We can have dinner when you return from your trip. Morgan and I should get going. I have work tomorrow in town and really need to get ready for a big day,” I lie as I stretch and pull Morgan after me.
“Well, at least take something with you,” John says as he quickly picks up a box and shoves it into my hands. I open the lid to see a dozen donuts. I give him a smile as I bend down and give him a hug.
“Thank you, John. That is very kind,” I say as I release him and accept a hug from Elizabeth. “You have fun this weekend and we can visit more when you get back.” And as I release her I slowly turn towards Darien. “I’ll be here till you make a decision.”
I clutch the box as I walk towards the front door. I don’t bother looking back as Morgan follows me out of the house and to the rental car.
“Well that was awkward,” Morgan says once we are in the car. I set the donuts in the back seat and collect the package waiting for me. I tear at the tape as Morgan drives us back into town. Inside the package is a small wooden box full of enough magical chalk to spell my way out of hell.
“Thank you, Morgan,” I eventually say as we near the townhouse he had slept in the day before.
“Don’t thank me just yet, Princess. We still have a token to collect. And of course, by we I mean you,” he says as he turns off the engine.