The club was quiet. Again, the sign said repairs are going on. I took them around the back. Many questions were asked as to why I was taking them here to talk and not back at the apartment. I smiled and said that everything would be explained once we were inside. I opened the marks to make sure Logan was awake. He was and was eager to meet my father and great-grandfather. I went to the office first.
Never put off your duties. I pushed on the red and blue flowers and the door opened. I was greeted with many songs. For some reason, the lilies were excited this afternoon. I heard a gasp from behind me. I turned to see my father; he was savoring the aromas coming from the little greenhouse.
"I need to look in on them every afternoon. Water them if they should need it." I said. My father looked over the entire room. He stopped at the strange contraption at the base of the door. He followed it up, "What's that heavy shield for?" He pointed to the shield plate under the glass ceiling. "There's a lever by the desk. Logan uses it when he is behind on work. He always checks the flowers before he retires for the day. When the sun rises he just flips the switch and presto! No sun light in the greenhouse. He can do what is needed and retire without any harm."
Papa paced the office floor, "So where does this evil demon hides himself during the day?" That was my cue. "Follow me and I'll introduce him to you."
"How can you do that." papa said, "Easily, I walk, you both follow, we go downstairs and say "Hi." to Logan."
"Don't get smart with me child. If I want to I can force you to go with me. One word and the queen will send her Slaugh to fetch you." Papa stated venomously.
This new side of Papa shocked me. Never has he raised his voice to me.
"Papa. Please, calm down. When you meet him, you'll see how well I am treated here." "I cannot believe you would willing share yourself with a Vampire. They're the most foul of creatures of the human realm." I just smiled at his comment. I led them to the back door. It swung open for us. Mitchell, one of Logan's Lieutenants, was standing waiting for us.
"Ana," he said, "Our master awaits in his antechamber."
"What's an antechamber?" my father asked me.
"It’s the main room. He's a little old fashioned with his speech."
We walked into the large room. Logan sat on a little platform with a long table. "Ana, my kitten, who do we have for company this afternoon?" He smiled at us, showing very little fang. "My master," I started. Papa took in a hissing breath. I looked at him and gave him a look.
"Be nice!" I turned myself back to Logan, "May I make known to you Rhymi, Lord of Illusion, Lord of Deception and my great-grandfather." Who is acting very childish! I thought to myself. I smiled as Logan nodded his head. "And my I also make known to you Lochlir, Prince of Flight, Prince of the Life Tree and my father."
I felt proud to announce I was related to royalty. I know I will never be a princess but knowing that I belong to a special family made me feel a sense of pride.
I waited for Logan to reply. He stood up and walked to us. He stopped in front of my father and held out his hand. "It as been a very long time since we crossed paths, Friend."
My father took his hand and shook it. "It has been long. When did you come to America?"
"I have been in this country for almost eighty years." Logan said.
"You two know each other?" hissed Rhymi.
My father turned to my Great-grandfather and said, "I met him when I was a child in the old country. A troll was chasing me. He swooped me up and carried me to safety. To this day I consider him a friend." Father put a hand on my shoulder, "It amazes me how my daughter would wind up in your service." Logan stepped closer to me and touched my check, "Consider your life debt paid in full. Your daughter at my side has made my life here a lot easier."
"I can't believe this! You would let this... this..... thing rule over your only daughter?" asked Papa angrily.
"Yes I would!" father turned on Papa and there was a green fire to his eyes. "I rule two lands! I cannot have my people know that I do not repay my debts! If it means that Anastasia must be a servant to a Master of the City, then so be it! I will find another way to make peace with the water sprites!"
"How are you going to explain this to my daughter and granddaughter?"
"Easy, this vampire is honorable and true to his word. I have had two hundred twenty years to repay the debt owed for saving my life. He has asked for nothing until now! They will accept it or not, I don't care which, but they will know the truth." Father turned to me and kissed my forehead, "You are okay with this?"
Emotions flooded my body. I was surprised how much he really cared for me. I hugged him, to hell with fey politics. I laid my ear over his heart and listen to the deep rhythm it made. He stroked my hair and laid his head on top of mine. I purred from his affections.
Logan's voice raised a little when he spoke to Papa Rhymi, "You are not happy with this arrangement, why?"
"I have dealt with your kind before. You all want power and will stop at nothing to attain it!" papa yelled.
I felt Logan whisper into my head, "Ana, I think you should take your Great-grandfather else where. I don't need anymore complications this week."
I pulled away from my father reluctantly. I looked at Logan for reassurance. He nodded and turned towards his room. "I think we should leave now." I suggested. I grabbed my father's hand and went to Papa Rhymi, "Sorry to disappoint you, Papa." He looked at me and took a deep breath, "Why?"
"I wanted protection from the other shifters. I came here without asking permission. He has given me the safety I asked for." I held out my hand and stood there. After a long minute he reached out and took it. We left quietly and went straight to the apartment.
Index