"If you keep her safe, we'll get along just fine." Aiden held out his hand. Ryuu clasped Aiden around the forearm and they shook. Meryn rolled her eyes.

"Men! I don't care how old you are, you're all toddlers." Marius handed Ryuu a large, square, white box.

"I have arranged for a carriage. The easiest route to Elder Vi'Ailean's is to cut through the city." Marius explained. Meryn turned to Aiden.

"I'll be back after my visit." He nuzzled her neck repeatedly until she squealed in laughter.

"Stop it! I gotta go." She giggled and picked up her backpack.

"Take care of her Ryuu." Aiden commanded.

"I intend to." Ryuu responded then followed Meryn out the door.

"Colton, looks like your vacation is over buddy. You have drills to make up for, from when you were lounging around with my mate." Meryn heard Aiden tell Colton.

"Lounging? She almost blew me up!" Colton yelled. Ryuu raised an eyebrow as he extended a hand to assist her up into the carriage.

"Long story, total accident." He nodded without saying a word and climbed up after her. Meryn waved until she couldn't see Aiden in the doorway anymore. Now she had two Neanderthals to order her around. Great.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

When they arrived at Elder Vi'Ailean's estate Meryn could only stare. The shifter council house where Byron and Adelaide lived was a huge, brick mansion. The fae estate looked like something out of Lord of the Rings. The heavy gates opened to reveal a sprawling elaborate house that was built right into the trees. Vines and carved staircases wound around the base of each tree invitingly.

"I swear if Legolas pops out from behind a tree Aiden is gonna be in trouble." Meryn muttered as Ryuu opened the carriage door and stepped out. He held a hand up to help her down. The problem with being five foot three in a city built for paranormals was that everything was higher off the ground. She hopped down and turned to Ryuu. He waited patiently for her to walk up to the house. She stared and he stared back.

"Denka, I wasn't the one invited, they are waiting to see you." He reminded her gently.

She nodded. "I know, but dammit, look at that place and look at me." She pointed down at her worn sneakers, jeans and Goonies tee-shirt then to the pristine manor in front of them.

Ryuu regarded her outfit. "Was there a dress code implied in the invitation for this visit?" He asked brows knit together. She shook her head.

"Then I wouldn't worry about it. If it bothers you that much I will make arrangements for a tailor to visit so you will have attire suitable for your station. Though, I don't think you'll be as comfortable." Ryuu offered.

"Maybe a dress or two, just for visits. I hate sticking out." Meryn turned and walked towards the front entrance. Ryuu just nodded and followed behind her. Meryn was agonizing over the thought of fittings when she walked through what felt like a force field. She froze. The October afternoon disappeared, even the sun felt brighter.

"It's okay Denka, it's a containment spell. It's how they are able to live in such open housing year round without worrying about inclement weather." Ryuu explained. Meryn turned and looked back at the carriage. It looked like a typical grey fall afternoon. But now that she was within the bubble the house shone brilliantly in the sun, giving it an almost unearthly appearance. She took a step back and it was grey and cool. She took a step forward and it was bright and warm. Laughing she bounced in and out of the bubble, before straddling it.

"This is so cool!"

"So this is where you've been." Elder Vi'Ailean walked forward with Vivian, both were smiling.

Meryn popped back inside the bubble. "Your force field thing is neat."

"We like it, especially during the winter. I am assuming this is your squire?" Vivian asked. Ryuu gave a half bow.

Meryn nodded. "Yes, this is Ryuu Sei. He is new to Lycaonia too."

"A pleasure to meet you Ryuu." Vivian said.

Elder Vi'Ailean stared. "I didn't think your kind left Japan."

"Normally we do not. My situation is extremely rare and complicated. However, after meeting Meryn, I do believe that I was brought here for the single purpose of being her squire." The fond expression on Ryuu's face was evident.

"What do you mean his kind?" Meryn asked. Elder Vi'Ailean raised a brow to Ryuu who shook his head.

The Elder turned to Meryn. "That will be a mystery you'll have to figure out later. Now, why don't I escort you two lovely ladies to our gardens. You're in for a treat Meryn, the passionflowers bloomed this morning, and the entire place smells divine." Elder Vi'Ailean held out both arms and escorted them to the garden.

When they walked past the entrance Meryn stopped and stared. Garden? The word implied a space set aside for pretty flowers and landscaping. This was no garden. This was a slice of paradise. Stumbling she made her way over to the small table and chairs that had been set up for her visit. She sat down across from Vivian but continued to turn this way and that trying to take everything in. She felt one of her moments coming on. She sat still and waited for her brain to catch up.

Hibiscus rosa-sinesis, Lavandula, Jasminum, Passiflora

She blinked and turned to her hosts. They were watching her carefully.

"Sorry about that, I was taking everything in."

"What do you think about our garden?" Vivian asked looking relieved.

"It's amazing. I couldn't imagine a more perfect place." She paused. "Do you get Wi-Fi out here?"