Delicious smells beckon me forward as I reach the bottom of the stairs. I’m not sure what time it is since I don’t currently have a phone or own a watch. Apparently they don’t believe in clocks in this house either, because I have yet to find one. I follow my nose towards the kitchen, which I find filled with the rumbling sounds of deep laughter and animated conversation.

I passed out yesterday afternoon, and I just woke up maybe ten minutes ago in full starvation mode. I take the back way into the kitchen and find the paladin sitting at the island, enjoying a delicious looking spread laid out before them. My mouth waters, but I hesitate to interject myself on their happy breakfast. I’m about to turn around and sneak away when Birdie stops me mid-pivot.

“There you are, love, I wondered when I’d get to see that gorgeous face of yours again. Where are you going?”

I pivot back towards her which means I just full-on twirled and now look like an idiot. I don’t answer her, and I can’t seem to make my feet move forward either. Birdie gives me a sympathetic look and walks towards me.

“Here we are, love, you just sit right here, and let’s get some food in your belly. Do you like eggs benedict?”

I sit in the chair Birdie points to.

“I’m not sure. I’ve never had it," I manage to say as I run my hands over the rich wood of the dining room table.

“Well, let me fix you up a plate. You just eat what you like and leave what you don’t, okay?”

Birdie flits away, and I sit silently, staring at my hands. It’s not lost on me that the happy conversation I heard before I walked in was apparently killed off by my arrival. Each of the paladin now sits silently at the kitchen island.

Birdie sets a heaping plate of food in front of me, and my taste buds are frenzied with excitement. I look up at her with a small smile and mumble thank you. I take my first bite, close my eyes, and moan in pure ecstasy. I open my eyes and notice Birdie still standing there, watching me.

“This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten," I confess to her as I shovel in another bite.

Birdie’s face lights up, but she also looks a little sad. I’m not sure what to think of that, so I just focus on the fantastic food in front of me. Each bite is a bliss-filled experience, and before I know it, the plate sits empty.

Birdie must see my disappointed expression when I look down at my empty plate, because she steals it away and replaces it with a new full one. I give her an elated grin as I dig into my second helping.

I can feel eyes on me, but I can’t even be bothered to care or feel embarrassed, the food is that good. I finish my second serving and have a long debate with myself about licking the remaining sauce off the plate. I decide showing even more of my inner heathen this soon could be a bad move, so I resist the call of the sauce and stand with my plate in hand.

“Where do you think you’re going, my love?” Birdie asks me, as I carry my plate toward the sink.

This feels like a trick question, and I hesitate.

“I was going to wash my plate," I tell her, and it comes out like I’m asking a question.

“Oh no, love, that’s my job," she tells me cheerfully and reaches for the dish in my hand.

I pull it away out of her reach. “You cooked, and I don’t mind cleaning up after myself," I explain to her.

Birdie just smiles at me and pats my cheek. The next thing I know, my hand is plate-less, and Birdie is humming away at the sink. I stand there open-mouthed and baffled, trying to figure out how that just happened. I suspect magic was somehow involved, and I conclude that I’ll need to step up my game for that sneaky, plate-stealing Birdie.

“Vinna," Aydin calls my name, pulling from me from my plans for a dishwashing counterattack. I turn my attention to him.

“I need to go get some things in town today. You want to come with and check things out?”

“Is it shopping? Because if it is, I’ll pass. I hate shopping," I tell him.

“A small amount of shopping may be involved, but you won’t hate it," Aydin assures me.

“Challenge accepted," I mumble, and Aydin’s resounding laugh echoes around the kitchen.

“Bring your money. I’m going to get a bank account set up for you," he shouts to me as I head toward the stairs to get dressed. I give him a thumbs-up over my shoulder.

Aydin parallel parks his fancy sports car that I don’t know the name of, in front of a brick building with ivy growing up the sides and encroaching on the front. As I tilt my head in consideration of the sight, I discover that I’m slightly obsessed with the look of the deep green plant taking over the sun faded brick. It completely encapsulates what I envisioned buildings on the east coast to look like.

We walk up to the door, and Aydin presses a buzzer. A man’s bored voice comes through the speaker asking if we have an appointment. Aydin doesn’t answer one way or the other. He merely announces Aydin Calix into the speaker and steps back to wait. A couple of seconds later the door gives a buzz, and I follow Aydin through.

He guides me into a posh sitting room and tells me to take a seat. I’m scanning the room, searching for clues as to what this place is and what we’re doing here when a gorgeous blonde woman comes out of nowhere and greets Aydin with an open-mouthed kiss. I’m a little surprised, but I try not to gawk at the public display. Eventually, they separate, and I spot Aydin’s blush covered cheeks.

“Staysha, this is Vinna Aylin. Vinna, meet Staysha," Aydin offers in introduction after taking a moment to compose himself.

Staysha’s eyes widen in shock when Aydin tells her my name.

“Lachlan?” she asks, aghast.

“Vaughn,” Aydin replies.

She stares at him, her eyes burning with questions. He gives her a subtle shake of his head, which causes a professional mask to shutter over her features.

“What are you two looking for today?” Staysha inquires, smoothly transitioning into business mode.

“Vinna needs some clothes, so we’re here to get her set up.”

My head snaps to Aydin at his statement.

“Wait, I thought we were here for you?” I question, feeling duped.

Aydin’s smirk would make the Cheshire Cat jealous, and I shoot him a murderous glare.

“Any particular occasion, season, or style?” Staysha queries, unphased by our exchange.

“She needs anything and everything that you can think of," Aydin supplies, and I hold back a groan.

I feel like that response is too general, but it seems it’s enough information for Staysha because she just nods her head and makes a couple of notes on a tablet.

“Vinna, do you have any brands or styles of clothing that you gravitate towards?”

I pause, trying to gauge how to answer her question best.

“I like to be comfortable and casual most of the time, but I’m not afraid to peacock when it’s time to show off.”

Aydin laughs, “What does that even mean?”

“You know, flash my pretty feathers when the time is right?” I explain, realizing I sound like an idiot as the words leave my mouth. I look at Staysha for help.

“You know the assets that you’re working with and don’t mind playing to your strengths, when the occasion warrants it," Staysha clarifies, giving me a kind and knowing smile.

“Exactly,” I agree, the satisfaction of being understood replacing the embarrassment coursing through me.

We spend the next hour or so perusing an online catalog, marking the things that I like and styles I’m willing to try. Staysha takes a lot of notes, and after a short time, I feel confident that she understands my personal taste. She takes my measurements and notes my shoe size before she tells us she has everything that she needs.

“See that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Aydin teases as he opens the car door for me.

“I can’t lie, that was the least painful shopping trip I’ve ever experienced.”

“It will be even easier in the future, now that she has your sizes and knows what you like. You’ll only need to call and whatever you need is delivered right to our door," Aydin explains.

“Who gets the bill?” I inquire, trying to figure out how I go about paying for things.

“You don’t have to worry about that,” he dodges.

“Aydin, I have money. I can pay my own way.”

“I know, and I don’t care," he huffs. “Do you want to stop and get a phone next, or go set up a bank account?”

I roll my eyes at the obvious evasive maneuvers and implement some of my own.

“So, all of these people are casters?” I ask, pointing at the random people going about their business in town.

“Yep, throw in a smattering of shifters, and that’s Solace for you," Aydin confirms as he starts his car and pulls out onto the road.

I didn’t really have any preconceived notions or imaginings of what this place would look like, but I can’t help feeling a little surprised by how normal it all seems. It’s not a one street, one stoplight small town, or a bustling city. It’s something snuggled quaintly in the middle.

People are walking to different shops, heading in groups to restaurants, grocery shopping, all perfectly normal things. I do notice a couple of stores for spell ingredients and other unusual items, but those are the only things that strike me as unusual.

We drive past The Academy, which I find out is a prestigious school for casters. It looks regal and old, but the campus is empty, and the school looks lonely without any students. Aydin informs me that classes start next month, and a weird look crosses his face as he relays that tidbit of information. Maybe he thinks I didn’t graduate I think to myself as I try to interpret why Aydin’s acting strangely as he talks to me about school.

We tackle the bank next. I’m impressed when the man setting up my account doesn’t even blink twice at the two duffle bags full of cash I set on his desk. He just took the money to be deposited, handed me a debit card, and off we went.

After stopping off at a couple more places, I began to pick up on the veneration and esteem that everyone seems to treat Aydin with. I’ve noticed most people used the word paladin like a title, and it reminds me that I have no idea what it means.

“So where do paladin fit in the supernatural food chain?” I finally query after leaving the phone store where people seemed to fall all over themselves to help Aydin.

He chuckles. “We’re not separate entities, Vinna. We’re still casters.”

I look at him confused. “But you guys always call yourselves paladin, not casters?”

“Well, because technically, that’s what we are now; what we’ve earned the right to be called. Paladin are like an elite police force for casters. We are the top tier of warriors and guardians. The word paladin references what we do, and when someone uses it as a title, it’s a respectful way of acknowledging our rank amongst casters. It’s like saying officer or something along those lines.”

“Gotcha, that makes sense," I acknowledge, watching the scenery of the town flash past the car window. “How do you become a paladin?”

“There’s a lot that goes into it, but for starters, to even qualify, you need to have either powerful magic in one of the branches, or moderate magic in more than one branch. Then there is rigorous physical training and years of skills testing before you can earn a place as a paladin," Aydin explains, and his pride in his accomplishments overflows as he speaks.

“Speaking of which, it looks like we’ll be headed out soon on another case. Lachlan is finalizing the details, but we shouldn’t be gone more than four days.”

I wait a couple of seconds to see if Aydin will offer any more details about what they’re going to do, but he’s quiet. Figuring it’s a need to know type situation, I don’t press for more information. Besides, it might be nice to have the mega-mansion to myself. Lachlan has a library in his office I’ve been dying to raid, but his grumpy ass is always in there.

We park in front of a nondescript little white building, and I’m ushered inside and greeted by a man at a desk. He shakes my hand and quickly covers the look of delight on his face when he spots Aydin behind me. They engage in some small talk, the details of which are lost on me, and I find myself once again searching the room for clues as to what this place is.

“What can I help you with Paladin Calix?’ The man asks.

I smile because I’m now in the paladin loop and know what the heck it means.

“We are in the market for a car,” he explains to the man.

“For fuck’s sake, Aydin!” I screech and move to get up.

“Hear me out” Aydin begs. “You need to be able to get around here. You’ll have classes to get to. Eventually, you’ll have friends you want to hang out with and places that you’ll want to go. We live far enough out of town that you’ll have to drive.”

Classes I’ll have to go to? What the hell? I shove this new information aside and focus on the argument I need to win.

“There are garages full of cars at your mega-mansion, why can’t I just drive one of those?”

“All of those cars have owners, and they will want their car available to them when they need it.”

I glower at him for a minute, a plan formulating in my head. Aydin takes my silence as compliance and gives me a victorious smile before continuing.

“I want something top of the line, four-wheel drive, all the bells, and whistles," he states.

The man starts typing away, and after a couple of minutes, he flicks on the large TV mounted on the wall behind him. On it are two SUVs. He starts showing Aydin the features of each vehicle, comparing the pros and cons of both. I wait patiently until he turns his attention to me. Aydin finally asks my opinion, and I offer him a tight, sweet smile.

“This -” I point to the screen. “is not happening.”

He frowns and opens his mouth to say something, but I cut him off.

“That is a ninety thousand dollar car," I exclaim. I know that because the numbers at the bottom of the screen change as they add and remove features. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that’s the price tag.

“No way in hell that is happening," I say again, pointing to the screen, so there is no doubt about what I’m referring to. “If I need a car, fine I won’t argue, but I can’t rationalize spending that much money on a car. I’d be afraid to touch it!”

Aydin and the car man both laugh at the last part of my rant.

“You need a car that can handle the weather up here. There will be snow, ice, rain, and animals that you’ll need to be able to navigate. I would feel better if I knew you were in a safe and reliable vehicle. These are the best, and I want you protected by the best," Aydin proclaims.

“Aydin, that SUV is an overly extravagant, unnecessary purchase. I don’t need bulletproof windows or armor plating.”

“What’s your point?” Aydin deadpans.

“There has to be some sort of compromise here," I insist. “There has to be a vehicle that checks all your boxes but doesn’t cost ninety thousand dollars… and isn’t a fucking tank," I throw in for good measure.

We both look back at the gentleman behind the desk who immediately starts typing away. After arguing about several options, we both finally agree on a Jeep Wrangler. Aydin adds more upgrades than I think are necessary, but I stop fighting him.

In the end, it still looks kind of tank-ish, featuring a matte black finish complete with rims, winches, and a bunch of other things Aydin said I had to have just in case. It looks so masculine, and well…badass, that I can’t deny I’m really fucking excited to drive it.

When we both finally agree on what’s on the screen, Aydin hands over a card to pay, and that’s when I execute my plan. I snatch Aydin’s card and replace it with my own. My sleight of hand apparently needs a lot of work, because Aydin catches me in action and scowls at me.

“Give it back, Vinna!” He growls, and I narrow my eyes in challenge at him.

I look over to the man who watches our exchange with a glint in his eyes.

“What are you waiting for? Run the card," I urge him.

He starts to reach for it but when Aydin shouts, “Don’t you dare, Neil!” Neil stops.

Aydin grabs my card and throws it behind us. I take the bait and scamper to retrieve it. I’m faster than Aydin anticipated, and he hasn’t managed to pull another card out of his wallet before I’m back. Taking a page from Aydin’s playbook, I snatch the open wallet from his hands, run for the door, and chuck the offending card-carrying leather as far as I can.

I don’t see where it lands before arms wrap around me from behind, pulling me in from the open doorway. I can’t help the victorious laugh that escapes me as I’m pulled back into the small building sans wallet. Aydin searches my hands and quickly realizes what I’ve done.

“You little shit!” He grunts incredulously, but I see the smile in his narrowed eyes.

Aydin looks at me, then at Neil, and through the glass of the door. I can see the wheels turning as he contemplates his next move. He knows if he goes outside to get his wallet, I’ll force Neil to run my card. A spark flashes in his eyes, and he lunges for me, throwing me over his shoulder.

“Give me my card, Vinna!” Aydin demands as he starts searching my pockets for the original card I snatched.

I’m laughing so hard, but shit, Aydin’s going to find it if I don’t do something quick. I flip over his shoulder landing behind him. I swing around and launch myself on his back and put him in a chokehold. Aydin maneuvers out of it like I’m merely giving him a hug, and we start wrestling.

I’m slightly aware of how utterly ridiculous we must look right now. I’m trying not to do any damage to Neil’s office, which is proving more and more difficult. I get Aydin in a great position for an arm bar, but there’s just not enough room to follow through without putting a hole in a wall. I release my hold, and we’re all over each other again, both looking for the opportunity to gain the upper hand.

It’s time for the big guns, or rather the big knives, I think to myself, as I flip out of Aydin’s grasp and call on the runes on my ribs. A long dagger forms in my hand, and I point it at the advancing giant. Aydin stops a few inches shy of the point of the blade and glares at me.

“That’s cheating!” He pouts.

“I know… jealous?” I tease.

Aydin laughs. “Yes, I am, actually!”

I laugh at his admission. “I had to. If we keep it up, I’ll not only be paying for my new Jeep but a new office for Neil too," I chuckle and give Aydin a wink.

We both look over to Neil, and he’s shaking with laughter and wiping tears from his eyes. “I could watch that all day," Neil admits and falls into another fit of laughter.

I pull out my card and hand it over to the giggling Neil, keeping my blade trained on Aydin.

“As soon as that blade’s gone you’re going to get it, Little Badass.”

Aydin’s playful threat hangs in the room as Neil runs my card. He hands it back to me with a huge, beaming smile.

“You’re going to make a fine paladin if you can best this one already," Neil points at Aydin.

I open my mouth to tell him I can’t be a paladin, as I’m late to the game, but Aydin’s voice cuts me off.

“She’ll be the best we’ve ever seen.”

I turn back to Aydin, surprised at the admission. He winks at me, his smile growing even bigger. Neil hands me the receipt, and I let go of the magic keeping the dagger solid in my hand.

Neil lets out a surprised gasp. He quickly covers his shock over my disappearing knife trick and extends his hand for me to shake. Aydin throws me over his shoulder again before I can shake it. He spins in place, making me dizzy, and I’m squealing with laughter. Aydin shakes Neil’s hand and thanks him before carrying me out of the door.

“Thank you, Neil," I shout before the door closes.

A laugh-filled “You’re welcome” is shouted back.

“You better hope no one stole my wallet. Now, where did you throw it?” Aydin grumbles.

I use my foot to point since I’m still thrown over his shoulder and laugh at the grumpy mumbling coming from Aydin as he vows, “This isn’t over.”