"Has he hurt you? Is that why you're crying?" her uncle asked, his voice dangerously low.
"No, he is the most wonderful gentleman I have ever met. I can't wait for you to meet him. He has completely stolen my heart," she gushed.
"You're really mated," Caspian stated a catch in his voice.
"Yes Papa, I am."
"We've lost our baby girl," her father sniffled.
"Oh Daddy!" She wiped her eyes again.
"Boys you haven't lost anything, now buck up. Who is the lucky lad? A bear? A wolf?" Trust her uncle to defuse the situation.
She shook her head even though they couldn't see her. "No, he's a vampire. Gavriel Ambrosios." She heard a gasp and then more silence.
"That sneaky sonofabitch! That cradle robbing bastard!" her uncle exploded.
"Uncle!"
"You don't know him, not like I do. Don't worry baby, I'll fix this." She could hear the steel in her uncle's voice.
"Fix what exactly?" she asked putting her hand on her hip.
"He's too old for you, baby," he started.
"No. Now you listen to me Uncle. That man is my mate and he is just right for me, I won't give him up. Not even for you!" she practically shouted.
"You've always been so damn stubborn!" he shouted back.
"Where do you think I got it from?" she demanded. She didn't relax until she heard his chuckle.
"From me. You get all your best traits from me," he bragged.
"Hey!" she heard both of her fathers protest.
"Okay, my princess, have it your way. But I'm still going to call him, just a little chitchat between men," her uncle promised.
"Can you call in a few weeks? He's going through transition right now and not at his best."
"What!" She heard three angry male voices yell.
"Beth it's not safe. The older we become the harder our transitions get. Not even I know how old Gavriel is; he always goes into seclusion for his transition periods. Something important must be happening in Lycaonia for him to remain there through his transition," Magnus muttered. She heard his voice get louder then softer. She could just picture him pacing next to her fathers.
"The threat they reported is real. Unit Commander Aiden McKenzie's new human mate was attacked last month. Gavriel wouldn't leave his commander now of all times," she explained.
"You're telling me that you have mated to an ageless vampire going through what has to be a turbulent transition in a hostile city where even the Unit Commander's own mate has been attacked?" her Papa asked.
"Yes, that is about right," she winced at the accuracy of the statement.
"Only you. Only you could accidentally find yourself in this kind of situation," she heard her father murmur.
"Do you need Sebastian? I could have him leave immediately," her uncle offered. For a moment she almost said yes. Sebastian was her uncle's squire and her lifelong ally.
"No. You keep him close. I have a feeling this threat isn't just to Lycaonia. Stay alert," she warned.
"What about you darling?" her Papa asked gently.
"I've adopted the Unit Commander's young human mate, Meryn McKenzie as my little sister. She has welcomed me warmly. She has a squire of her own. It might interest you to know that Meryn's squire is Sei Ryuu." She waited for that to sink in.
"A sister?"
"Adopted?"
"You mean Sei Ryuu of Japan?" they all asked at once.
"Yes, yes and yes. Uncle Magnus, you would love Meryn to pieces! She's so adorable and honest. She reminds me of you, except you've learned political tact. Whatever she thinks just pops out of her mouth. I've adopted her because she needs someone to show her how to survive living amongst the ruling houses. It's not as politically charged here in Lycaonia as it is in Noctem Falls, but eventually she will go to other cities and she'll need to be prepared. The fact that Sei Ryuu is her squire and that they have already bonded should tell you a lot about her."
"What in the hell is coming?" her uncle growled.
"Send us pictures, I want to see my new daughter," her Papa said, bringing a smile to her face.
"I will."
"Niece, the timing of all of this..."
"I know. It's why I know I'm exactly where I belong and with exactly whom I'm meant to be."
"If you need anything, anything at all..." her father offered.
"I'll call you right away. I promise."
"We love you honey bunny," her Papa teased using her dreaded nickname.
"I love you all too. Take care of each other." She squeezed the phone as if she could send them a tight hug.
"Call again, soon."
"I will."
"Bye darling."
"Bye, Daddy." She hung up the call and held the phone to her chest.
Taking a deep breath she stuck the phone back in her wristlet. When she opened the office door she practically ran into Ryuu. He stood leaning against the wall by the doorway his arms crossed over his chest.
"I should have known you'd eavesdrop."
"You haven't been with us long; I had to make sure of your intentions. I apologize for the breech of privacy." He placed a hand over his heart and bowed.
"It actually worked out for the best, I'd rather get this taken care of behind the scenes so we don't worry Meryn," she admitted.