Chapter 21 The Meeting

Anna Marie

She listened with half an ear and thought of her youngest sister, Mish. How would she react? Did she see him when he arrived? Goddess! She hoped not. If she knew her sister --and she knew her very well since she was the one who took care of her when their mother died-- it's either she will freak out or she will faint. That will not be a good start.

Anna was nervous as well. She kept glancing at the door. Good manners prevailed them from leaving the room. Esmeralda was a very important guest, the head of the High Council.

"Sweetheart, we will deal with whatever it is later," Lucas murmured on her temple and squeezed her hand. She nodded. Giving her attention back to the most important topic --saving their lives.

"I have placed some of my people along the borders and I have sent some of them to spy on Councilman Rexin." The subtle menace of the dark raspy rumble made her shudder. In fear. The Demon King looked so deadly even thru the monitor, his darker Byronic beauty and the blackest gleaming eyes she had ever seen --guaranteed to make the ladies swoon, young and old-- in perfect harmony with his lethal and dangerous aura.

The four kings all oozed with it. In gigantic proportions. They, the ladies were surrounded by extremely dangerous men yet they had never been more protected in their lives.

"I appreciate it, Lucifer. I want to pin down that Vampire Elder," Esmeralda shrugged. "I don't have enough evidence."

"You will in a few days." The Demon King guaranteed. "On a negative note, we are far from discovering the lost tomb of the Dark Angel. I might move my excavation to Brazil, Peru, and Mexico." Frustration was evident in his voice.

"At least you will be closer, my friend. Egypt is too far for our comfort. Though we could use portals, it's too dangerous with Ruby out there." Alexander said. His eyes were hard. "We all know war is brewing, we just don't know who are our friends or foes outside of this circle."

"What we know is the man they call master wants our Queens to resurrect the Dark Angel." Saying the words out loud with Anna and her in the room clearly agitated Lucas. His breathing was hard and his whole body was coiled as if he was ready to attack. It was her turn to soothe him. She leaned closer and pressed her cheek on his bicep. He released a deep breath from the contact and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Anna sat on her Lycan's lap to calm him --feeling his powerful beast close to the surface.

While Xavier looked so alone on his velvet chair. His chiseled jaw ticked and for once his ice-blue eyes were stormy. Her heart constricted. Right then and there, she knew he suffered too. A lot. Mish should be here with him. With them.

"Ruby can only resurrect their leader if they find a powerful druid and we all know the last one died a century ago." Esmeralda pointed out.

"I will visit the clans in Scotland and Ireland to check if the enemy is searching there among the descendants," Xavier murmured. Speaking for the first time. Stoic as ever, nothing could be read on his face. He was planning to leave? What about his sister?

Her dragon cleared his throat. Everyone focused on him. "As to that, Xavier, Esmeralda, I have a very important discovery that it's imminent I share it with you." He paused. Gathering his thoughts. "After the recent events --the kidnapping of my Argetlam and my sister-- Indali, rather bearing scars from the rogue's torture, they all formed into ancient Celtic symbols. At first, I assumed it was due to our mother being a direct descendant, and it was her spirit healing my sister from within. In a way, yes. However, when I did some research from my mother's old tomes, the symbols are so much more. If interpreted --the Priestess will have to examine them later-- it's a Celtic way of celebrating a newfound Druid. By bearing the marks, Indali has the power to call forth any spirit. More than that, she has the power to alter the past and see the future."

Everyone in the room took a deep and somewhat shaky breath. If the enemy will know of this...

"There will be no stopping the enemy if they will discover this," Lucifer said grimly. Breaking the poignant silence.

"I will need all your help, my friends. Indali is still innocent of her powers. We had outlined the possibilities for her and she was no fool. She felt her transitioning and her enhanced strength. She wants to train and use her power to give us leverage from the enemies." Lucas implored.

"You have our full support, my friend," Xavier reassured. All nodded in agreement.

"Meanwhile, I will ransack my library and see if I have a book about newly turned druids." Lucifer gestured to his gloomy background.

"Xavier and I will double the ground troops all over our territories and also tighten the security. We cannot afford more traitors and spies in our midst. Our women and children will be guarded 24/7." Alexander looked at Xavier. He nodded his agreement. Their kingdoms have the biggest population of elite warriors. Relief swept over her.

"I have to find Ruby soon and kill her. That is the number one priority," Esmeralda uttered in determination. "Before that, I would like to meet Indali. She is, after all, the last remaining druid. With her dragon spirit, she will be unstoppable. In a good way. And one more important point I would like to suggest. The Lycan Queen is exempted. But you, Dragon King and Vampire King will need to see to it that your Queens shall carry your heirs soon. It's one powerful weapon that will protect their blood from being harvested by Ruby. Heed my words. And you, Demon King, search for your Queen. She is closer than you think. I'm done. Let's go."

She left all of them speechless of her revelation. None game to challenge her. Even Xavier was subdued and Lucifer was grinning before he disconnected the conference meeting.

Babies. She loved babies. And she would love to give Lucas his heir. That was if he bestirred himself and propose soon.

Chest heaving in relieved exhale, she squeezed Lucas's hand. A sign she hoped he knew how to interpret. He looked down at her thoughtfully. She met it innocently.

Thank Goddess they were coming up with solid plans.

But...she inwardly frowned. A sense of foreboding invaded her mind.

Why does it feel something was terribly wrong --some piece of the puzzle was still missing?

***

Excusing herself as soon as the meeting was over, Lucas understanding the urgency, let her go. She hurriedly exited the library.

Where was her sister? She frantically walked the huge area of the gallery and glanced at the grand staircase.

"Chef Rie?" She twirled at the butler's inquiring voice.

"Yes, Baxter. Have you seen Anna Michelle?" Please be in the music room. Please.

"Of course, miss. Her Majesty is playing with the pups at the newly installed playground." Trust their esteemed butler to remind her of Mish's status at a time like this. He had once addressed her as such --she informed him point-blank that she was not mated to the Dragon King. Yet. He went back to calling her her preferred moniker straight-faced, eyes twinkling.

She nodded in thanks, leaving Baxter baffled, and walk jogged towards the side entrance, meeting Anna halfway.

"Where is she?" She clasped her hand.

"Front garden," she whispered.

"Oh, goddess," Anna mumbled.

"Exactly," Eyes narrowed, they found Mish lolling in the grass with the energetic toddlers, in cut-off shorts and a white tee, hair on a messy bun, barefoot, flushed with a healthy glow, she looked like a sylph, playing with cherubs in her enchanting haven.

She must have felt them watching her -graceful as a swan, swooping one pup in her arms-- she ran towards them and suddenly stopped mid-flight.

She and Anna didn't have to turn their heads. They knew what their little sister was seeing.

Stunned and utter disbelief on Mish's pale face glued somewhere behind them. They could also hear the Kings and Esmeralda exchanging last-minute information before going on separate ways.

"Beloved," Mish gasped, forgetting Mikhail in her arms. Anna immediately took the pup from her and Rie gently clasped her elbow to anchor her.

Their men were only a few meters away from them. If Xavier heard her, he didn't give any indication he did. Stiff and brooding, he inclined his head towards Esmeralda and the rest to bid them farewell --with Sofia and Oliver flanking him-- he walked gracefully towards the sleek bulletproof Mercedes-Benz. The door was opened by one of his men, he climbed inside the heavily tinted car without a single glance from their direction.

What the hell happened?

"It's him!" Mish tried to break her hold. "He's the man in my dreams."

Forcing a smile on her face, she tried to turn her sister towards her. Fat chance of that happening. She had grown taller and stronger than her and her beautiful green-brown eyes were glued to the departing vehicle until it was out of sight.

"Mish, maybe it's a trick of the light?" She knew she sounded stupid.

"Yes, baby. Are you sure?" Anna seconded, sounding no better.

Her sister's bewilderment --with hurt in her depths-- squeezed her chest.

"He is a guest of Xander?" She asked. Anna nodded. "I...I guess...he was just that...a dream. He didn't recognize me." Her expression forlorn and hurt.

Her voice crushed Rie's heart. And she knew Anna was reigning in her impulse to cry.

"Oh, baby sis. I know him. I can introduce you to him." Their eldest said. Trying to encourage her.

"No! I mean...look at him. And look at me. He would never give me a second glance. Let alone a first." Mish freed her hand gently. How to salvage the situation?

"Sis, do you want to go out? We can go shopping. And let's check if we can get tickets for Les Miserables." Rie tried to change the subject and cheer her up.

"That's a good idea, Rie. I'm sure Alexie would love a break before dinner." Anna looked at her hopefully. Mikhail fussed and garbled words of approval.

"I...ah...raincheck? I need to go to the music room." Mish whispered. Avoiding their eyes. Hers were misty and suspiciously wet.

"Okay. Tell me if you change your mind." Her smile brittle, she nodded and escaped from them.

"I.Am.Going. To.Kill.Him." The Lycan Queen hissed through her clenched teeth.

"Get in line, Anna Mae," she whispered back --numerous pairs of eyes on Anna Michelle's retreating slumped form.

***

"I am going to kill him!" She threw her hand in the air and paced her open veranda. A faint moonlight glowed from above. Illuminating the scented back garden.

If she was not so agitated, she would have noticed how romantic it was tonight.

"I'm sure he has his reasons, sweetheart. Give the man a chance." Lucas replied in his usual gentle rumble. He was comfortably perched on a stone bench.

"A chance? He ignored my sister. He acted like he doesn't know her. At all! When we mate, can I breathe fire too?" Walking towards him, she sat on his lap. His arms surrounded her in an instant and he nuzzled her nape. Chuckling. All masculine and hot. She suppressed a delicate shiver.

"Unfortunately, not. But you get to ride me all the time, little chef." She was sure there was a double meaning behind his words because she could feel him grinning on her skin.

"Luc. I'm serious." Squirming so she could face him. His beautiful grayish-brown-green eyes were full of mischief. She harrumphed.

"I am too, sweetheart. Though, why do you want to breathe fire? You are already as dangerous as it is." Her eyes narrowed. Not sure if he was joking or not.

"Because I am planning to roast the Vampire King," she answered. Half serious. In all honesty, she wanted to knock some sense into him. Preferably with a hammer.

"I can do it for you. I'm sure Xavier will understand." He answered dryly. Her Dragon was amused once more.

"Nah, Mish will hate me." She pouted. It's true. Her sister would probably kill her if she hurt the love of her life.

"Rie, let them work on it on their own. They're grown-ups. I'm sure your sister and my friend will know what to do. And besides, we have more important matters to discuss." Lucas adjusted her body so she ended astride on his hard thighs.

She looked up at his Greek-God features and cupped his face. "Like what?"

"Our future. And I want to take you on a midnight stroll." He whispered on her lips. Nibbling and sucking on her upper and lower flesh.

"Okay," she answered --wrapping her arms on his neck and met his sweet and soft kiss. Murmuring encouragement.

"Dress warmly, sweetheart. You will be riding my back tonight." Lucas deepened their intimacy and claimed her mouth with hunger.

-He just made my day.-

______________