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"You weren't born into this coven?" Foster asked, and Enzo appreciated his interest.
"No, I'm originally from a coven in Philadelphia. I moved here a few years ago." Enzo did not elaborate that it was a story for another time.
"There's a big story there, considering the tense vibe I'm feeling." Foster looked at him with a soft smile that melted everything in Enzo. The guy had a way of getting to Enzo without even trying.
“Big story containing magics, betrayal, violence and loss but there is also newfound friendship, fidelity and goodness. It all worked out in the end.” He returned Foster’s smile.
"That's why you hate magic?"
“That’s why I hate magics.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Foster learned a few things about the man who collected him from the motel. He learned that he has solid beliefs and stands by what he believes, and he also found him to be open and honest in the things he shared with Foster. He was not like your typical guard or security staff; he had a heart and wasn't afraid to let it show from time to time. His presence continued to provide Foster comfort and security, and he did not know why, but he took advantage.
He liked this man. Being in his company was easy. Meeting with Master Hadden was not something that he was looking forward to, but he trusted Enzo when he told him he had nothing to fear. Being back at the Hadden Center caused a knot to form in his stomach, but he pushed the feeling down and exited the vehicle. Enzo waited for him and placed his arm around his lower back as they made their way to the elevators.
"I look awful." Foster realized this when he saw his reflection on the wall of the elevator. "I rinsed my things out last night, but I look terrible." He tried smoothing his hair down and straightening his shirt. Enzo took his hands and held them in his while looking down at him with something in his gaze akin to amusement.
"You look handsome. Your clothes are fine, your hair is stunning, and he will find you to be lovely and delightful, just as I have." Enzo assured him. His compliment was unexpected, but Foster appreciated his words and took them to heart.
Foster laughed. "Lovely and delightful; no one has ever called me that."
"You hang around the wrong people, obviously." The door opened, and once again, Enzo placed his hand on Foster's back and led him out into the hallway.
"We will be meeting with him in his office," Enzo told him, and they proceeded to a large set of double doors. Enzo did not knock but rather entered what appeared to be a reception area. The man at the desk smiled and told Enzo to proceed and that the Master was waiting.
"I'm glad you're here with me," Foster said, not sure why the presence of a virtual stranger should fill him with such confidence, but Enzo made him feel secure. Enzo looked down at him, nodded, and took his hand, and they entered a large, rather extravagant office.
The man seated at the desk stood up and walked toward them. Foster could feel the energy coming off this man. He was important and didn't have to say a single word for everyone present to know that fact. He was handsome and impeccably dressed but did not come off as fussy or superior. Master Hadden earned his title, and he wore it well.
He reached out his hand to Foster as he approached, and Foster took it while instinctively giving a half bow. "I'm pleased to meet you, Foster." He said and then released his grip and stepped back.
"I'm pleased to meet you too, sir." Foster wasn't sure what to say next, so they waited to be prompted. He continued to hold Enzo's hand, needing the connection and the grounding his touch provided. Master Hadden asked for them to sit, and they sat together on a small couch, and Master Hadden sat across from them in a matching chair. It was a very laid-back feeling.
They discussed the scene in the bathroom which Foster had witnessed and told them of his immediate fear that the woman had been hurt. "Enzo explained it to me, as did Roddy, my neighbor. I knew of magics and their powers but was not aware of other paranormal beings until a couple of hours ago."
"You understand the need to keep what you saw a secret," Hadden asked.
"I understand; Enzo explained that as well. I will tell no one, I promise." Foster had no plans to share the secret besides who would believe him, but he didn't tell Master Hadden that. Master Hadden drove home the importance of anonymity for the supernatural world and the fact that humans were not ready to be enlightened, and Foster agreed.
“You sent someone to remove Roddy’s memories of vampires, but Enzo told me that my memories could not be touched.” He stated.
"Yes, that is true." Master Hadden said and nodded, waiting for the rest of the question.
"Why can't my memories be touched? It seems that it would be expeditious to just wipe my mind and move on rather than having to secure my promise to never share my experience." Foster could feel that there was a big chunk of information they weren't sharing. It didn't seem to be malicious, but it bothered him that they were keeping something from him.
He saw the look pass between Master Hadden and Enzo, and he knew in that moment that he was right.
"There are those whose minds are such that vampire glamour has no effect. Fate protects them from outside influence." Enzo tried to explain, but Foster could feel there was so much more he was not saying.
“This has something to do with you and me, doesn’t it.” Foster just stated what he was sensing.
"Yes, but it is a long explanation, so we will delve into that later," Enzo stated. There was humor in the Master's expression, so Foster relaxed and agreed to discuss the matter further later. He then remembered the man in the storage room.
"Who was the man in the storeroom?" He blurted, and both men simply stared at him. "When I ran from the restaurant, I cut through the large storage room off the lobby and there was a man there, in the dark. He tried to stop me, but I was able to make it to the lobby, and he did not follow me."
Master Hadden leaned forward in his chair and held Foster with a pointed gaze. “What was he doing?”
