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Ash grinned. “Not me. It’s an honor to meet you, Maerlin. I have so many questions.”
Maerlin tried to hold back the tears at the easy friendliness and acceptance Ash offered, but she failed. She didn’t have good relationships with many of her children since most of them were egomaniacal psychopaths, and the opportunity to do things differently with Ash lured her. Maerlin realized how desperately she wanted it.
“Oh, no. Please don’t cry.” Ash moved forward to hug Maerlin. “It’s okay. The questions can wait.”
Maerlin shook her head. “It’s not that,” she said between gasping breaths. “Damn it, I’ve messed it all up. I’ve practiced this so many times. I was going to be cool.”
Ash burst into laughter and hugged Maerlin tighter. “You’re doing just fine. I already know some things, so the initial shock has worn off.” She gestured at herself and Dani. “As for being cool, you do realize we are history majors, right? We’re nerds. Living history? Doesn’t get much cooler for us.”
Stepping back to give Maerlin space, she addressed the group. “Why don’t we find a comfortable place to sit and talk while we wait for Luca to return? I’m sure the cooks would put some snacks together. I’m sensing that intense storytime is in order. Until my mate returns, I would be honored to show you all Therian hospitality.”
Melinda took Maerlin’s hand and gave it a squeeze, then faced Ash. “That sounds wonderful, honey. Promise you’ll take me on a tour of the palace afterward. This place is beautiful.”
Ash smiled, pleased that the Therians blatantly eavesdropping had heard her mother praise their craftsmanship. “They did a spectacular job, didn’t they? Many of the artisans who created this marvel have volunteered to build the vampire castle when I choose a location. I was hoping you’d help me pick.”
Melinda’s smile was radiant. “Of course, sweetheart! I have to say, it’s nice that you still need us. We’re just simple humans, and you’re so much more. I’m glad we’re not superfluous.”
Ash looked at her parents with something akin to hero worship. “You might be human, but there’s nothing simple about you, and I will always need you. I don’t think you understand how incredible you are. You are the two chillest people in the world. How does all this not freak you out?”
Maerlin replied, “I asked the same thing. Your parents are extraordinary.”
Ash smiled. “They sure are.”
Niletean returned without Ash noticing his stealthy retreat and quietly informed her that he’d arranged for snacks to be served in the blue dining room. It was a comfortable, welcoming space designed to host thirty and would give them privacy, room for food, and plenty of comfortable places to sit and talk.
“Thank you, Niletean. You are the best. As always, you’re so efficient that you have solutions before I know there are problems.” Ash grinned.
He shrugged. “I did say you’d come to appreciate my skillset. I also informed the rest of the family in residence about our visitor, and they will join you there.”
“The absolute best!” She led the others toward the blue dining room.
Ash could feel Luca, and she figured his plane was over the Middle East by that point. She’d been testing the limits of her telepathy and their mating bond, which was more robust and reliable since the fight with Nadya.
Luca, can you hear me?
A rush of warmth and affection flooded her. I can. Is everything okay?
It’s wonderful! Listen, I don’t have long. MAERLIN IS HERE! Don’t bow when you meet her. She hates it as much as I do. Holy shit, I am freaking out. How is this reality? What do I do?
His laughter carried through the bond loud and clear, and Ash reveled in the sound. Just breathe, darling. Be yourself. There’s no way she can do anything but love you. I’ll be home soon.
Ash took a deep breath and opened the door, gesturing for the others to go ahead of her. You’d better. I love you. Be careful.
Ditto, love. Thanks for the heads-up.
They had just arrived in the dining room when the door opened again as Mikhail and Kittania entered. Dani was talking to one of their new guests, blocking her from view, but Mikhail smiled happily when he saw the Mosiers. He was fond of the humans who’d raised Ash and was pleased to see them again. Maerlin had cloaked her power, but Kittania looked at her intently when she stepped forward to be introduced.
“Do I know you?” Kittania asked. “You look familiar, and I feel we’ve met before.”
“We have.” Maerlin smiled. “I looked a bit different the last time you saw me.” She dropped the cloak and resumed the shape she’d worn when she met Kittania with a simple flick of her wrist. Maerlin favored a few faces and tended to rotate them by century. She then resumed the face the others knew as if it were nothing while the others gaped at the display.
“Maerlin?” Kittania gasped and glanced furiously at her nephew. “You just said we had a visiting royal dignitary!”
Niletean chortled. “You need more surprises in your life, Aunt Kitty.”
She growled. “If you weren’t my favorite, boy…”
Maerlin grinned, her attention on the two dragons until Mikhail stepped forward for his introduction.
