"You see it too?" he asked.

"What? The improbable number of coincidences that have happened lately? Fate seems to be doing her level best to gather strong allies around the McKenzie and his new mate. I'm almost afraid to find out what threat warrants such direct intervention."

Ryuu nodded and looked past her down the hallway. Meryn's laughter echoed towards them. "I've never met anyone like her in all my days. She isn't motivated by greed or power. She doesn't judge people by their race or position. She's very special." He turned his heavy gaze to her.

"You mean she's motivated by coffee and nerd gear and judges people solely on whether or not they're an asshole?" Elizabeth grinned.

"Exactly." A smile tugged at his mouth.

"She's so young. I don't think she'll be ready for whatever is coming."

"That is why she has us." Ryuu raised an eyebrow as if daring her to disagree.

"I'll do what I can with the time we have. How do we get her to listen? She isn't the most tractable person," Elizabeth huffed.

Ryuu gave a sly smile. "She is, if you know what to say." He winked and indicated for her to follow him.

He led her down the hallway back to the drawing room. When they entered Meryn jumped to her feet and raced over to throw her arms around her waist.

"You were awesome! Oh my gosh, when you said she was pathetic I wanted to do a fist pump. That woman has been an absolute beast to me. It's only a matter of time before I throat punch her." Meryn grinned up at her. Elizabeth turned to Ryuu as if to say, 'see what I mean'?"

Ryuu stepped forward. "Meryn, listen carefully. Elizabeth is not only your new sister, she will also be your Yoda. She will teach you and guide you in the ways of using the force, so that you will master paranormal politics. Learn well, young padawan." He clapped a hand on Meryn's shoulder.

When Meryn turned to her, there was reverence in her eyes. "I will try hard Master Yoda."

When Elizabeth glanced back to Ryuu he smirked at her and went to pour them a fresh cup of tea. The man was a master at Meryn manipulation. How extraordinary.

"Yes, well. We'll start by learning the history of the Houses, that should help enormously." Elizabeth turned Meryn around and gently nudged her towards the chairs.

Meryn groaned. "Why? That old stuff is boring," she protested.

"Meryn, history for humans and history for paranormals are different. The people you'll be reading about are mostly still alive," Adelaide explained.

Meryn paused and looked at them, a confused look on her face. "Y'all have textbooks about people and all the bad or good crap they have done are in it and they're still alive? Do they let the bad stuff get written about themselves?"

"That's a very astute question. We have scholars who live outside our social norms and pressures. They are completely neutral and record our history with impunity," Elizabeth said accepting a cup from Ryuu. "We'll pick up some of the more popular volumes when we go out later."

"Will there be stuff about Aiden in there?" Meryn asked.

"I imagine there are stories about nearly everyone you've met in those volumes darling," Adelaide confirmed.

"Wait. Am I in a book? Like right now?" Meryn looked around a bit wild eyed.

Adelaide nodded. "As Aiden's mate your accomplishments will also be recorded."

Meryn paled. "That also means my fuck ups will be in there too. I don't want to be known for my fuck ups!" she said sounding panicked.

Elizabeth dropped a cookie on Meryn's plate. "That's why I'm here Meryn. I am your Yoda. I will teach you to avoid public gaffes so that only good things will be recorded about you."

Meryn nibbled her cookie and stared out the window.

Well, that went well.

Meryn suddenly shook her head. "I won't worry about it. What happens, happens. Come on Elizabeth, let's go get some coffee. Tea just isn't cutting it right now." Meryn stood, set her plate down and started putting on her winter gear. Ryuu was at her side in seconds helping her with her coat.

Elizabeth sighed and placed her cup back on its saucer. She stood and picked up her coat from the back of the chair. She easily slipped it on and turned to face Adelaide. "It truly was an honor to meet you. I'd like to come back for another visit soon."

Adelaide smiled. "You're welcome anytime."

Elizabeth followed Meryn out into the foyer. She watched as Adelaide made sure Meryn's scarf was in place, before giving her a big hug.

"You girls have fun, don't be out too late," she said a worried expression on her face.

"We won't be. Bye Mom," Meryn promised.

"Bye darling, be safe."

Once everyone was in the car Elizabeth put on her seat belt and turned to Meryn.

"Okay shortie, where to now?"

"Go down the road until you get to a three way intersection, keep going straight and follow the signs for the parking garage," Meryn said.

"Sounds easy enough." Elizabeth started the car and pulled out onto the main road. It wasn't long before the intersection came up and she started following the signs to the parking garage. Luckily she found a parking spot on the ground level and everyone got out.

She looked up at the gorgeous blue sky. Warmer days like this were rare in November.

"Coffee, coffee, coffee. Coffee for me," Meryn sang and led the way down the cobblestone walkway. When they emerged from between two buildings Elizabeth was surprisingly impressed. The city had an old world charm that reminded her of Noctem Falls, but the open air made her feel very exposed. She was used to the caverns that made her feel closed in and safe.