My Protector

by Alanea Alder

  "Yes, well. We'll start by learning the history of the Houses, that should help enormously." Elizabeth turned Meryn around and gently nudged her towards the chairs.

  Meryn groaned. "Why? That old stuff is boring," she protested.

  "Meryn, history for humans and history for paranormals are different. The people you'll be reading about are mostly still alive," Adelaide explained.

  Meryn paused and looked at them, a confused look on her face. "Y'all have textbooks about people and all the bad or good crap they have done are in it and they're still alive? Do they let the bad stuff get written about themselves?"

  "That's a very astute question. We have scholars who live outside our social norms and pressures. They are completely neutral and record our history with impunity," Elizabeth said accepting a cup from Ryuu. "We'll pick up some of the more popular volumes when we go out later."

  "Will there be stuff about Aiden in there?" Meryn asked.

  "I imagine there are stories about nearly everyone you've met in those volumes darling," Adelaide confirmed.

  "Wait. Am I in a book? Like right now?" Meryn looked around a bit wild eyed.

  Adelaide nodded. "As Aiden's mate your accomplishments will also be recorded."

  Meryn paled. "That also means my fuck ups will be in there too. I don't want to be known for my fuck ups!" she said sounding panicked.

  Elizabeth dropped a cookie on Meryn's plate. "That's why I'm here Meryn. I am your Yoda. I will teach you to avoid public gaffes so that only good things will be recorded about you."

  Meryn nibbled her cookie and stared out the window.

  Well, that went well.

  Meryn suddenly shook her head. "I won't worry about it. What happens, happens. Come on Elizabeth, let's go get some coffee. Tea just isn't cutting it right now." Meryn stood, set her plate down and started putting on her winter gear. Ryuu was at her side in seconds helping her with her coat.

  Elizabeth sighed and placed her cup back on its saucer. She stood and picked up her coat from the back of the chair. She easily slipped it on and turned to face Adelaide. "It truly was an honor to meet you. I'd like to come back for another visit soon."

  Adelaide smiled. "You're welcome anytime."

  Elizabeth followed Meryn out into the foyer. She watched as Adelaide made sure Meryn's scarf was in place, before giving her a big hug.

  "You girls have fun, don't be out too late," she said a worried expression on her face.

  "We won't be. Bye Mom," Meryn promised.

  "Bye darling, be safe."

  Once everyone was in the car Elizabeth put on her seat belt and turned to Meryn.

  "Okay shortie, where to now?"

  "Go down the road until you get to a three way intersection, keep going straight and follow the signs for the parking garage," Meryn said.

  "Sounds easy enough." Elizabeth started the car and pulled out onto the main road. It wasn't long before the intersection came up and she started following the signs to the parking garage. Luckily she found a parking spot on the ground level and everyone got out.

  She looked up at the gorgeous blue sky. Warmer days like this were rare in November.

  "Coffee, coffee, coffee. Coffee for me," Meryn sang and led the way down the cobblestone walkway. When they emerged from between two buildings Elizabeth was surprisingly impressed. The city had an old world charm that reminded her of Noctem Falls, but the open air made her feel very exposed. She was used to the caverns that made her feel closed in and safe.

  "This way," Meryn tugged on her arm and practically dragged her down the street. For a tiny human she sure was strong. Elizabeth made mental notes of all the places she wanted to visit later as she was marched past them. There were so many different types of shops that they didn't have in Noctem Falls, she could just imagine doing all of her Christmas shopping here.

  The smell of cinnamon filled the air as they walked past a bakery window that had her mouth watering.

  "Meryn if we could just..." Elizabeth stopped and stared at the assortments of sweets on display.

  "Oh, we are definitely hitting this place, but on the way out. They have the best apple fritters I have ever had in my life. But right now I am dying for some coffee." Meryn looped her arm through hers and they walked down the sidewalk.

  Under the open sky she could feel the sun on her face and the perfumed breezes blowing through her hair. Each alley and turn of the road created small wind tunnels that seemed to collect the wonderful smells of the city and the surrounding forest. It made the city feel alive and so very different from her childhood home.

  Even before Meryn stopped in front of a stylish café she could already smell the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. She inhaled and then sighed happily. When she looked up she smiled at the cute sign that read The Jitterbug.

  "So, what do you think?" Meryn asked.

  "I think I have found my new favorite place." Elizabeth smiled.

  "Wait until you smell inside." Meryn opened the door and stepped inside.

  Ryuu held the door for her and she walked in behind Meryn.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  "Justice! Look what the wind blew in," a delicate looking man yelled from behind the wide dark wooden counter. The taller dark haired man looked up and smiled.

  "Meryn! We haven't seen you in a while. Where have you been hiding?" He waved them over to sit at the counter.

  When they sat down the shorter man practically climbed over the bar to give Meryn a one armed hug.

  "Hey Sydney, I want you to meet Elizabeth Monroe. She just moved to Lycaonia, and guess what? She's Gavriel's mate," Meryn shared, practically bouncing up and down on her barstool.

  The blond haired man looked at her, eyes wide. "Get out! Congratulations honey!"

  "Elizabeth this is Sydney Fairfax and the tall, dark handsome man behind him is his mate Justice O'Malley. They own The Jitterbug."

  Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at Sydney's enthusiastic greeting. "Thank you. Gavriel is everything I've ever wanted in a mate." She winked at him and he threw his head back and laughed.

  "He's what a lot of women wanted, if you know what I mean. Now. What can I get you two lovely ladies?" He wiped his hands on a red tea towel and looked at them expectantly.

  "I need coffee. Like I really need some coffee." Meryn yawned wide.

  "Poor thing. Definitely a double strength Bittersweet Mocha for you. What about you Elizabeth?" Sydney asked, reaching for a large cup to get started on Meryn's drink.

  "Make it two."

  Sydney grinned. "You got it. So while I get these drinks started, tell me all about your yummy mate. Ow!" Sydney rubbed his bottom and scowled at Justice. Justice kept walking towards the supply room.

  "I'm mated, not dead!" Sydney yelled. Justice turned and gave his mate a dark, heated look before walking through the double doors.

  Sydney turned to them with a shit-eating grin. "I love it when he gets possessive. But seriously, what is Gavriel like? He's always so stoic. All of the unit warriors defer to him without question; he just has this commanding air about him."

  "He's gentle, that surprised me, but it's true. Every time he opens his mouth I lose a piece of my heart," she sighed and smiled thinking about her mate.

  "Look at that face, she's already a goner. But seriously what can you expect when it's Fate herself bringing the warriors their mates?" Sydney poured a delicious looking chocolatey substance in each cup and stirred in a generous serving of steamed milk. When he was finished he placed each cup in front of them with a small plate of shortbread cookies.

  Meryn took a sip and sighed. "Perfect as usual."

  Elizabeth lifted the cup and took a small sip. The bitter chocolate was perfectly balanced by the espresso and milk. "Pure heaven." She wrapped her fingers around the cup letting the warmth seep into her cold fingers.

  "So what have you been up to?" Sydney asked Meryn, settling in on a stool behind the counter.

  "Just helping Adair with the trainee program,
I got an email this morning that the council is willing to try it out and will give a final decision after a few months. I've also created the online feedback forum that the council wanted and the community message board."

  Sydney smiled. "I saw that the kids have taken over the message board. They have been posting our version of urban legends on there for the past two weeks. I hadn't heard some of those stories in decades."

  Elizabeth set her cup down. "Did they have the story about the Dark Prince? That one was always my favorite growing up."

  Sydney nodded. "And the one about the shifter who couldn't make up his mind whether to be a human or animal."

  Meryn looked from Elizabeth to Sydney and back. "I haven't read the one about the Dark Prince, who is he?"

  Sydney leaned forward. "He is practically a God amongst vampires. One of their most famous legends of him is how he single handedly stopped the Great War five thousand years ago. After going berserk and decimating a large portion of the shifter's ranks he came upon an enemy who was dying, a shifter commander. Supposedly the shifter expressed a single regret, that he hadn't made it home to meet his newborn son before joining his mate who had died giving birth. His story struck a chord deep in the Dark Prince's heart. He carried the shifter to the vampire medical tent and made his people treat the enemy so that he could live to see his son. That single act of compassion triggered other acts of kindness on both sides of the fighting by those who longed for peace, until a cease-fire was called."

  Meryn leaned forward eyes bright. "I know this story! After the cease-fire the shifter commander disobeyed orders and abandoned his post. He walked on foot back to Lycaonia to meet his son."

  Elizabeth and Sydney both frowned. "That's not part of the story, Meryn. Which thread did you read that from? We may need to take that one down."

  Meryn shook her head. "That's the story Gavriel told me when I got bored and wouldn't leave him alone when he was on guard duty."

  Sydney laughed. "I imagine he would have done anything to keep you entertained. Anyway, nowadays vampire parents tell their children to be good or they will tell the Dark Prince that they have been bad."

  Understanding dawned in Meryn's eyes. "So like the Boogeyman? Humans do the same thing to their kids. Be good or the Boogeyman will come out of the closet and eat your soul. Though the story of the Dark Prince makes him sound kinda good. I can't really see him eating children's souls." She took another sip of her coffee.

  Elizabeth looked at Sydney; they exchanged shocked expressions. Sydney turned to Meryn. "No, the Dark Prince isn't like that. When the parents threaten the children that they will tell the Dark Prince they have been bad, the children stop acting up because they don't want to disappoint him. He is their hero. I've said it before and I'll say it again, humans can be fucked up." Sydney shuddered.

  Meryn stared at them in disbelief. "Come on, you have to have heard of the Boogeyman. Everyone knows about him. He lurks in dark shadows and under beds and if you're bad he comes out and either eats your soul or kidnaps you away from your family and eats you while you're still alive. He takes on the form of the child's worst fear."

  Elizabeth couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Meryn, human parents tell their children this tale? It's barbaric!"

  Poor human babies!

  Meryn shrugged. "Well, yeah." She suddenly grinned. "You should hear what they say about werewolves and vampires."

  "At least vampires and shifters are real," Sydney countered.

  "So are Boogeymen," Ryuu said from behind them.

  They all turned to look at him in horror.

  "Seriously?" Meryn whispered.

  Ryuu nodded. "Boogeymen are derived from the legend of boggarts. Boggarts are said to be evil sprites, which actually makes them sound more harmless than they really are. In all actuality what you're describing are demons."

  Elizabeth scooted closer to Meryn. "But they aren't really real, right?" she asked.

  Looking surprised, Ryuu's eyes went to each of them in disbelief. "Yes, but they haven't been seen in our world in over two thousand years."

  Elizabeth let out a relived breath. "Thank all the Gods for that."

  Ryuu smirked. "Actually, thank your Dark Prince, I'm pretty sure he led that crusade."

  She and Meryn stared at the normally quiet squire then looked at each other.

  "I don't think I want to know anymore." Meryn turned back to the counter.

  Ryuu gave a half bow. "Of course, denka."

  Elizabeth agreed whole-heartedly, the less she knew about Boogeymen the better.

  Sydney gave a nervous laugh and shook his head. "Okay, on to better news. Did you hear that Elise Bowers found out she's having a girl? She's over the moon! Of course I heard Daphane didn't take it well," Sydney snickered.

  Meryn laughed and looked at Elizabeth. "Looks like she's having a bad day all around then, isn't she?"

  Grinning Elizabeth nodded.

  "Okay chicks, spill," Sydney demanded.

  Meryn told an overdramatized version of that afternoon's meeting. Sydney was laughing and wiping his eyes at the end. He turned to her. "You're welcome here anytime."

  "Thanks, I'm already a huge fan of the coffee. This place is stylish and upbeat. I can definitely see myself coming here a lot."

  Sydney blushed. "Thank you. Justice and I have put our hearts into this place. It's a dream come true being able to do this with my mate."

  "You remind me of my fathers. They also work together."

  "Broderick Monroe right? I saw pictures of him and his mate in last year's Midwinter newsletter from Noctem Falls. They're both so handsome. I remember telling Justice that we have to visit Noctem Falls, if only to go to their tailor." Sydney's face took on a happy expression.

  "My uncle's squire, Sebastian, acts as their tailor. High quality clothing is my only vice. I was spoiled by his work growing up." Elizabeth pointed to her sweater.

  "Lucky girl," Sydney said sounding envious.

  "Maybe I should find a tailor," Meryn murmured, looking down at her cartoon tee-shirt and long sleeve thermal.

  Ryuu spoke up quickly looking pleased. "I have already contacted three possible candidates. Whenever you decide you're ready for a fitting I will arrange for them to come to the estate."

  "Maybe next week. Around the house I don't think it matters, but when I go out visiting I want to look nice." She looked at Elizabeth's sweater and sighed. "That looks snuggly."

  "Maybe Father Christmas will get you one this year." Elizabeth winked.

  Meryn perked up. "Really?"

  "Get your measurements done and we'll see what happens."

  Meryn turned to Ryuu. "Okay, call those tailors, tell them any time next week is good."

  Ryuu bowed. "Yes, denka."

  Elizabeth pulled out her phone and checked the time. "Come on Meryn, we still need to go to the book store for your history books and that lovely pastry shop before we head back to the estate." She turned to Sydney and held up her empty cup. "Can I get one to go?"

  Meryn drained her cup. "Me too, please. When we get back we have to start on those databases and if I'm not caffeinated the lines of code blur together."

  "I'll make them extra-large." Sydney stood and started their drinks.

  "Thanks, Sydney." Meryn turned to her. "What do you think the guys are doing?"

  "Probably working very hard at being muscular and training with their clubs and sticks."

  Meryn laughed. "They are so boring."

  "We put up with them anyway," Elizabeth smiled.

  *****

  "I installed the spell alarm over the front windows," Quinn said wiping his hands.

  Aiden looked at the small runes in the window frame. "Good work."

  Colton walked over to them carrying a large box and handed it to Gavriel with a grunt. Gavriel looked down at the box, then back up to Colton.

  "It's C4; can you run it back to the armory? I confiscated it from Graham, I think he's forgetting we actually have to l
ive here. I want to head back before they sneak something else in." Colton turned and hurried back the way he came.

  Aiden's eyes widened and he started walking toward the backdoor. "Graham!"

  Gavriel shook his head and decided to take the long way around to avoid that argument. He walked out of the front door and around the house. He was on his way back from the armory when he heard someone call his name.

  "Gavriel. Gavriel Ambrosios."

  He stopped and looked around. Moving slowly he reached behind him under his jacket and grabbed his gun.

  "Tssk, tssk. No need to get violent, I just wanted to chat."

  Gavriel pulled the gun, released the safety and brought it up.

  "Come out where I can see you, then we can talk," he suggested.

  "I am out where you can see me; maybe your transition is messing with your eyesight."

  Gavriel flinched. The disembodied voice chuckled. "Oh yes, we know about that. You're at your weakest, aren't you? We've been watching you. Everyday you're one step closer to becoming like us. I'm here to tell you, you have been chosen."

  "I am nothing like you. I have a mate, my soul is anchored. Chosen for what?" he asked.

  "You'll see."

  "And if I refuse?"

  "You won't have a choice. Ta ta for now."

  Gavriel swiveled to the left, then to the right, he couldn't hear anything. Cursing, he walked backwards to the porch before putting his gun away. The bastards were too close to home for his comfort, especially now that his mate was here.

  Walking inside Gavriel spotted Oron Vi'Eirson and Christoff Du'Prince, the fae and vampire warriors from the Gamma Unit.

  "Can you do a full perimeter sweep? Check for any signs of an intruder and report back. Be on alert." Both men saluted. Oron pulled out his gun and checked the chamber. "You look a bit spooked sir. Are we checking for anything in particular?"

  Gavriel growled and both men straightened. He knew it wasn't like him to show emotion, but the transition was making him volatile.

  "Another one of those invisible bastards showed up here at the Alpha estate not five minutes ago. Start north and head around east. I'm going to find Aiden and send a second group south. Check in every five minutes."