My Commander (Bewitched and Bewildered #1) (24 page)

"Thank you." With little thought or care on how it would be perceived she downed the whole glass. She smiled at Gavriel.

"Much better."

"I'm so glad I could help." Meryn looked around the room. She watched as small groups of people merged to become larger groups, or how two or three people would leave a group to talk amongst themselves. It was then that she remembered that tonight was also about wheeling and dealing. She stood on tiptoe and didn't see a thing.

"Gavriel do you see Adam anywhere?" Gavriel looked around.

"Yes, I believe, he is talking to the Public Works Commissioner and a group of city businessmen."

"He must be trying to drum up support for the clinic."

"More than likely." Gavriel agreed.

"Can you escort me over there? Maybe I can help." Gavriel offered his arm.

"You will be good, right?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" By this time they were already walking up to the small group.

"Hello, Adam." Adam's formidable frown disappeared when he saw Meryn.

"Hello, little sister. What do you think of your first ball?"

"I like the dancing." She said honestly. Her gaze fell to the other men.
 

"Meryn forgive me, let me introduce you." He turned to the group.

"Gentlemen, this is my new little sister, Meryn Evans. Meryn, this is Cecil Adams, our Public Works Commissioner, Peter Dawning and Jacob Lewiston. Peter and Jacob own two of Lycaonia's most successful import businesses." Adam completed the introductions.

Showtime.
Meryn put on her most vapid expression and clapped her hands together enthusiastically.

"You gentleman must be talking about your support for Adam's clinic." Even Meryn thought her voice sounded young and innocent.

"Not exactly." Cecil said.

"Have you been to the clinic? I know that you as the Public Works Commissioner must be helping Adam raise the funds needed for upgrades. You look so important, no wonder Adam trusts you." She beamed up at him. A scarlet flush worked up the man's neck and ended up setting the tips of his ears ablaze.

"I have reviewed Adam's proposal. Very well written." He conceded. Meryn turned to the two businessmen.

"And how much have the two of you donated?" She asked practically bouncing on her feet. They regarded each other nervously. Peter took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow.

"We haven't really discussed it." Jacob informed her. Meryn covered her mouth with both of her hands and assumed a tragic expression.

"I haven't interrupted your numbers discussion have I?" She let real tears fill her eyes. All three men fell over each other to assure her that she hadn't.
 

"Thank goodness. Adam had to treat me at the clinic, and I can tell you firsthand that it does not represent the level of sophistication that I have seen elsewhere in the city. It desperately needs modernization."

"You were treated there?" Jacob asked stunned. Meryn swayed a little and felt Gavriel's hand on her back.

"It's okay Meryn you're safe now." He said. Meryn could have kissed him, he was playing along.

"I was brutally attacked by that monster that is out there stalking people. If it hadn't been for Adam, I don't know what would have happened to me." She turned her face into Gavriel's chest. He ran a hand over her hair.

"We never even considered that human mates might need to be treated there." Cecil ran a hand over his chin. Meryn turned to Jacob and Peter.

"You will donate, won't you?" She let her voice crack.

"Of course we will." Both men agreed almost immediately.

"I'll let Adam continue this discussion. Talking about my ordeal has left me shaken. Maybe another dance or two will help me forget." She looked up pleadingly at Gavriel.

"Of course, gentlemen, if you'll excuse us?" Gavriel led her away from the group of men, and towards a group of unit members. Without slowing down he grabbed Keelan by the arm and kept going until they were on the balcony.

"Keelan, a silencing spell." Gavriel choked the words out. Quickly Keelan cast the spell. The second he was done Gavriel threw his head back and laughed.

"What'd she do?" Keelan begged. Gavriel recounted the entire scene. By the end of it Keelan was slapping his leg and howling.

"I could get used to this stuff." Meryn felt proud of herself.

"Let's go back inside. I still want my dance." Keelan reversed the silencing spell and offered up his arm.

"You're wearing underthings?" He whispered.

"Yes, legging things. Why? What kind of dance do you want to do?" Meryn asked confused.

"The kind only a witch can do." He whispered and a long, low spell and seconds later they were floating. Keelan lifted her above the crowd and spun her around. Meryn had never had so much fun in her life. The other five witch unit members didn't want to be outdone and soon they too had lifted their partners in the air. At the end of the song they all floated back down to the dance floor to a round of applause. Keelan winked at her and when he turned her one last time, she was spun into Aiden's waiting arms. He pulled her close as the lights dimmed.

"How is she?" Meryn asked.

"They are taking it very hard. The body parts that were delivered were Eleanor's. This is the first holiday without her." He rested his chin on the top of her head.

"Is there anything we can do?"

"We can find the one who took her from them."
 

"Then let's do that." Meryn rested her cheek against his chest.

"We will." He pulled back. "I heard you've been having fun." There was a slight smile on his lips, though his eyes stayed sad.

"I got to meet the Public Works Commissioner." She said simply.

"Meryn you amaze me." He twirled her around and with more strength than Colton, more grace than Darian, more consideration than Gavriel and more wonder than Keelan, he spent the rest of the night treating her like a princess.

*****

Meryn stripped out of her gown and hurried between the sheets. Though the house had central heating and cooling, it was close to one am and it was cold. She snuggled up to Aiden's warm body. The sensation of his naked flesh next to hers tightened things low in her body. When he began to run his hand up and down her side in a leisurely fashion, she pushed him onto his back and straddled him. The surprised expression on his face was replaced by a look of pure ecstasy as she reached down and guided him into her.

"Even if we are to live forever, I would never get enough of you." He closed his eyes and wrapped steadying hands around her waist. Slowly she rocked her body. She loved the feeling of him deep inside of her. She soon discovered that when she leaned forward slightly the flared head of his cock hit her g-spot perfectly. He held his arms up and supported her upper body. She quickened her pace as she chased after something she had never experienced before. She had never had a g-spot orgasm before. She felt her entire body begin to burn with need.

"Take what you need baby." He whispered. He let her have her way, let her set the pace.
 

Just when she thought that she couldn't take it anymore, her legs began to shake. It wasn't a huge detonation, but clusters of tiny explosions inside of her.
 

"Aiden, please. I need more." She begged.

He flipped her over and thrust inside of her with one deep thrust.
 

"Yes!" She screamed. That was what she had needed. "Just like that Aiden, please!"

He took her at her word and began to pound into mercilessly. She could feel him bumping her cervix. She was about to tell him to stop, that the pain was too much, when it changed into something else. His hand had come down and he was teasing her clit every other stroke. It didn't take long before a second orgasm washed over her. Aiden cried out and collapsed next to her.

"You said that this heat dies down eventually, right?" Meryn asked. Aiden was breathing too hard to answer, he just nodded.

When they had both recovered and cleaned up Meryn lay in his arms, staring up at the ceiling.

"I found something today." She whispered. He turned so that they were facing each other, each lying on their side.

"What?"

"I broadened the search parameters. I don't know if they are all paranormals, but eleven other couples between here and St. Louis have been reported missing, there may be more if paranormals aren't going to the police."

Aiden pulled her close.

"Email me the list, I'll go over it tomorrow with Colton and Gavriel to see how many are paranormals."

"Aiden, I think this is bigger than we realized."

"I'm afraid you may be right. Get some sleep, you have squire interviews tomorrow. You'll need your strength." He teased. She tilted her head up for a kiss. He didn't disappoint. When they broke apart, she snuggled close.

Fate, if you're listening. Keep him safe.

Meryn closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"Thank you gentlemen for coming. Today's interview will be in the form of a practical. We would like for you to ask whatever questions you need to of Meryn and then prepare a lunch and afternoon tea. We have reviewed all three of your credentials and are very satisfied that you are well trained for the position. Now all that is left to see is how you respond to your future employer."
 

Adelaide continued to give instructions to the three men as Meryn observed them closely. The German applicant, Jungen, he was on the short side, maybe five foot ten, with a receding hairline. She could see a fine sheen on his brow, he was sweating horribly. She felt like she was looking into the face of a serial killer. He had empty eyes, she supposed that was his version of a poker face, but she couldn't help the uneasy feeling he gave her. She turned her attention to the British applicant, Dennis. He was an even six feet tall. He reminded her of Ben with his wavy blond hair and warm smile. He flirted horribly with Adelaide, but was pleasant. She knew she could get along well with him. Then there was the Japanese applicant Ryuu. She had to remind herself that she was mated. Twice. He was the tallest of the three at six foot four. He exuded serenity and power, it was a potent aphrodisiac. She had heard the term 'cool type' before, but didn't really get it until she saw Ryuu. He sat quietly, his posture perfect and listened respectfully. She could tell that he was muscled under his traditional Japanese attire. The air around him even felt different, regal. She half expected Sakura blossoms to start blowing by any moment.

"Okay, I'll open it up for you to ask Meryn any questions you need to, to better serve." Adelaide sat down.

Meryn squirmed in her seat as three sets of male eyes stared at her.
 

"What foods do you like to eat?" Ryuu asked, his voice was surprisingly deep.

"I like pizza, sandwiches and hot pockets." He nodded.

"What is your favorite tea?" Dennis asked.

"I like strong teas, sweetened, no milk. Earl Grey double strength, preferably."

"I bet you would love my Yorkshire tea with milk." Dennis made a note on his sheet. Meryn smiled politely.

"Why do you drink it so strong?" Ryuu asked.

"I have a strong coffee first thing in the morning to get me going, by the afternoon I'm crashing and I need something to pick me up. It's why I usually like a light lunch and something sweet for tea. If I eat too much I get tired." She explained. He nodded solemnly. They got quiet.

"Do you have any more questions for Meryn?" Adelaide asked standing.

"Just one. What do you do in the afternoons?" Ryuu's handsome face turned to her.

"I'm on my laptop a lot."

"Thank you. I have no more questions Lady McKenzie."

"Very well then, Marius will show you to the kitchen. We'll see you gentlemen at lunch." They stood and filed out behind Marius.

"Enjoy your laptop time, lunch will be ready soon enough." Adelaide picked up her knitting.
 

Two hours later Meryn had just finished writing a new program when Marius appeared at the door. His mouth was in a straight line. Uh oh.

"Lunch is ready."

"Oh dear, I wonder what happened." Adelaide murmured. They stood and followed Marius to the dining room. As they passed the kitchen she saw that one counter was littered with vegetable cuttings and food splatters. Meryn and Adelaide exchanged a look. Now they knew what was wrong with Marius. One of the men applying was a slob in the kitchen. Along three of the walls, each applicant had set up a lunch spread. Meryn noticed that only Ryuu bowed when they entered.

"Walk around Meryn and pick whatever you like. I would recommend trying something from each to see if you like their cooking." Adelaide suggested and picked up a plate for herself. Marius handed Meryn a plate and she began to walk around the room.

She went to Dennis's table first since it was the one on the left. He had made French Onion soup and a tossed pasta dish. She skipped the soup and spooned a small helping of pasta on her plate. She smiled at Dennis and moved on. Jungen was along the middle wall. He had made a bratwurst sub with sauerkraut. For a side dish he had prepared a cabbage and red potato dish. She scooped out a helping of potatoes and moved on. Finally, she came to Ryuu. He had prepared simple looking pastries shaped like fish.
 

"Taiyaki?" She asked. For the first time his expression changed to one of pleasant surprise.

"Yes."

"What did you use for a filling?"

"Pepperoni and cheese."

"Seriously?" Meryn asked, reaching for the tongs. She grabbed two and put them on her plate. She smiled at him in gratitude. He bowed. She walked over to the table and took a bite of the pasta. It was really good. She quickly finished what was on her plate. Second, she ate one of the potatoes, but couldn't eat more. It had been cooked in grease along with the cabbage. It was too heavy for her to eat. Eagerly she reached for the small fish. She took a bite and sighed. The crusty exterior gave way to melted cheese and slightly spicy pepperoni. After polishing off the second one she was full. They thanked them and retired back to the drawing room.