CHAPTER FIVE
Vivi made her way to the hospital with her mate at her side. When they walked through the doors, she was shocked to the core by the number of beds occupied. In her mind, she knew the numbers, but before seeing the tiny bodies it had been just that, a number. Never in her life had she ever seen so many paranormals ill. It was as frightening as it was surreal. Sights like this were so common in human hospitals, but never among her own people.
Marjoram rushed up to her. "The injectors?"
"Here." Vivi handed her the small box. "Any questions on how to use?"
Marjoram gave her a grim smile. "Point and shoot."
Vivi nodded. "You got it."
The older woman tucked the box under her arm. "You head down. It won't take us long to administer this batch. We'll document any changes and later we'll bring you down new samples, for what they're worth."
Vivi looked around the room. "Are you sure there's nothing I can do?"
"There are plenty of doctors and nurses here to take care of our patients. Let's keep you fresh for what you were brought to the city to do. I have a feeling this will be a marathon, not a sprint, so relax while you can," Marjoram turned her around to face the door. "Now scoot."
"Call me if you need anything, or if you have any questions," Vivi called out as she left with Etain.
"We will," Marjoram promised.
Vivi was anxious about leaving, but knew there was nothing more she could do. It could be hours before they saw any marked improvement. She allowed Etain to steer her toward the transport tunnel and instead of going down to Level One, he had them stopping halfway. She looked around. "What level is this?"
"This is the Unit Level. I want to show you my home." He took her hand and together they walked along the stone street.
They were just passing a large building when a small explosion surprised them both. Vivi's heart was in her throat until she heard male laughter. Seconds later, the twins ran from the building at breakneck speed heading toward the tunnel.
Etain was smiling as they watched the twins dive down the tunnel heading toward Level One. "They have certainly come out of their shell now that they have Kendrick and Meryn's support."
Vivi eyed the smoke coming from the large building. "Do you think anyone is hurt?"
Etain shrugged. "I'm sure any burns or missing limbs will be seen to," he pointed down the road. "Shall we?"
Missing limbs?
"Are you normally this cavalier about your fellow unit warriors' injuries or is it because you want to get me to the privacy of your home?" she teased.
Etain's eyes flicked back to the smoking building. "It's the unit house where some of the most trained witches, fae and vampires in our world like to relax. If something happens there they can't handle, then I'll get concerned."
"And you want to show off your house."
"And I want to show off my house."
They kept walking to the end of the long street. Vivi started laughing when she saw the castle. "Who on earth lives there?"
"Declan. Though in his defense, I think he was half joking when he requested a castle. Of course, the witches had to show off."
He stopped in front of what looked like a large tree house.
"It looks like the house was swallowed by the tree."
"Most of the fae warriors' houses look something like this. We got together and assisted each other when they were being built. It reminds us of home."
Vivi started to get excited. She had always wanted to play in a treehouse, but as she was especially susceptible to the sun, Hal had never built one for her. She did, however, have an amazing basement playroom growing up.
She looked up at him. "Can we go inside?"
His eyes were dancing as he nodded. "Of course. You're excited aren't you?"
Vivi walked past him toward the door. "Well, yeah. I've never been inside a tree house before."
Etain placed a hand on the small of her back and walked with her up the carved wooden stairs. "It's not a tree house."
Vivi stopped and looked up at him. "It's a house in a tree. Or a tree in a house. It's one of the most perfect examples of a tree house I have ever seen. How can this not be a tree house?"
Etain frowned. "Tree house sounds like it should be a tiny shed stuck on a branch for children."
"I am not changing my vernacular because you are insecure about your treehouse." She looked at the door. "Open says me!"
"It's 'Open Sesame'."
Vivi sighed. "Do you want to have sex or correct my grammar?"
Etain reached out and swung the door open. "After you my lady."
"That's what I thought." She walked in and couldn't stop looking around. "This is amazing!"
Behind them above the door, a huge stained glass mural cast colorful shadows of a forest scene on the floor. Crystal lanterns were hung from the ceiling to create floating lighting. All of the furniture was done in different wood tones; it was a warm kaleidoscope of walnuts, oak, maple and ebony.
He took her hand and gently led her up the stairs. "This way."
Still turning her head about, she followed him. Smiling she ran her hand along the polished wood. It was so well worn that the surface felt like silk. Her mate led her to a door and opened it. "The master suite."
When she walked in she was struck by how dark it was. There was no natural light nor any form of lighting. "Um, Etain, it's kinda dark in here."
"One moment." He closed the door, and she heard his sure foot steps walk across the room. She realized that he must have done this hundreds, if not thousands of times to know exactly where to step.
After a few seconds, she heard a soft click before the room was flooded with light. She stared in amazement. One entire wall had been made into a fireplace. Reflected light danced across the room through crystals flanking the massive fireplace.
She watched as he walked back over to her, his form outlined by red and gold flames. "Do you like it?"
Vivi swallowed hard. She felt like she had spent her entire life shivering. Only her mate's warmth had ever provided any relief. She couldn't help the tears that fell onto her cheeks. "I feel like I am in the sun, but it doesn't burn. It's just warm and comforting."
Etain pulled her into the circle his arms. "I tried to recreate the sun-filled environment of Éire Danu. After leaving, I found that I not only craved the warmth but also the light." He paused. "I wasn't sure if you would like it. Adriel hates it, he says that he feels like it's a beast waiting to consume the room."
Vivi shook her head. "No, it's not like that at all. It feels like it's stretching out, wanting to erase my darkness and bathe it in light."
Etain tipped her head back. "What darkness could you possibly have?"
Vivi moved her face out of his hand, and rested her cheek on his chest. "More than I can bear at times."
Etain wrapped his arms around her and eased her to the floor. Vivi sighed and sank her hands into the soft floor covering. "This isn't a rug," she said inspecting it closer.
Etain shook his head. "No, it is a modern blend of cashmere and wool over a layer of memory foam eight inches deep that has been recessed into the floor. It was dreadfully expensive," he said pointing to the vast amount of floor it covered. "But worth it."
"My shoes!" Vivi pulled her foot up to remove her shoes when Etain laughed.
"It's been spelled by Micah to stay clean. You don't have to worry."
He got comfortable on his side and patted the space next to him. "I think you have a story to tell me."
She scooted over until she was next to him and lay back. "And what makes you think there is a story?"
He raised a brow but remained silent.
"Damn Hal and your male bonding." She met his eyes. "What did he tell you?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"
He shook his head. "He said that it was your story to tell, and you would share with me when you were ready."
She closed her eyes. She really didn't want to talk about her family, to do so she felt would bring shadows to his place of light and warmth.
Her eyes opened when she felt him begin to rub between her eyebrows. "You don't have to tell me anything you do not wish to."
Vivi took a deep breath. If she couldn't trust her mate, then there would be no one on this earth she could trust. "My father murdered my mother," she said simply. She heard his quick inhale before his arms pulled her close to his body.
"I am so sorry my love."
She shrugged. "I didn't really know either of them. This all happened when I was a baby. Hal took over the duties of raising me when I was one."
"Gods! What happened?"
"My mother was chosen for my father, they were a good match because of their bloodlines. She never really questioned it, especially after she was able to conceive and have me." She rubbed her nose on his chest. "All that changed when she took a trip to the closest paranormal town. Hal told me that she confessed to him that she had begun to feel restless, as if there was something that she had to do. So she packed me up and told my father she would be visiting friends and left the city. After a few days of traveling at night because of me, we arrived at a small wolf-shifter town. There she met her true mate." She looked up. "That's also where she met Hal. Her mate had called him in to interview for a squire position. My mother knew that if we left the city, we would need the extra help."
"Right before my first birthday my mother returned to the city and packed up her few precious belongings. She left my father a letter explaining everything and left in the middle of the night."
"My father was furious. He and his family tracked us down to the shifter town and began to kill anyone who stood in his way. He refused to be humiliated by having his mate leave him for a shifter."
Etain inhaled. "By the gods! You're referring to Armand DuSang. This was what started the skirmish that led to so many people being killed and Magnus taking over the city." He pulled back and stared down at her. "You're a DuSang?" he whispered.
She sat up scowling. "No. I am Vivian Mercy and before that I was Vivian Bergson. I am not like him."
Etain sat up quickly. "I didn't say you were, but darling, you are the last of a royal bloodline."
"Two," she said softly.
"Two what?"
"Two royal bloodlines. My mother was the last of her line, DuCoeur. It was why she was chosen to be my father's mate."
Etain shook his head. "I was in the city when you were born." He smiled at her. "I wish I could have seen you as a baby. But unlike Prince Magnus, no one but royals were able to step foot on Level One." He blinked as understanding filled his eyes. "That's what Hal meant when he said you have a past that could come back to haunt you." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I thought it might have been a past lover here in the city." Vivi snorted. Etain's eyes widened. "You're not a...? I mean you've been with other men right?"
Vivi put on a vapid expression and clasped her hands in front of her. "Oh no, I am a virgin. All females are hormoneless robots waiting for their one true love before indulging in carnal pleasures." Etain looked at her in shock. She rolled her eyes in an exaggerated manner. "Of course I'm not a virgin! I'm over seven hundred years old. A girl has needs."
Etain slumped forward a bit. "Oh thank the gods!"
"You're relieved?"
He looked at her incredulously. "Absolutely! Can you imagine if you truly had waited? No man could live up to those expectations. No matter what I did, it would be a let down." He shuddered. "No. Thank. You. I do not wish to hear details about previous lovers, but I do understand you having them." His eyes turned serious. "What happened to your mother?" he asked gently.
"Father caught up with her and her mate and ripped them apart. I was with Hal at the time. We were just returning from the market. He had taken me on an outing to give my mother and her mate some time alone. He said as we neared the house you could smell the blood. He waited until my father stormed out looking for me before running into the house. He grabbed what my mother had packed for us, whatever valuables he could sell and ran."
"He later heard that when my father returned to Noctem Falls he was challenged by Magnus with the backing of the other families. He was killed, and Magnus was confirmed as the new Elder and ruler of Noctem Falls."
Etain frowned. "I was there when your father lost what was left of his mind and turned on his own family for backing Magnus. When Magnus killed him he was like a rabid animal. Javier BelleRose as the ranking Founding Family member was the one that confirmed Magnus as prince."
"It takes four royals to confirm a new prince, otherwise anyone strong enough would just take over." She scooted down, and Etain got comfortable beside her. "My mother knowing she was leaving the city for good left her recommendation for Magnus signed with her blood for authentication. I think that's what drove him to murder. My mother inadvertently started the end of his reign."
Etain rubbed his head over her hair. "I don't think it was her. DuSang started to unravel years before your mother ever left. I think her leaving a letter proved to the others the reality of his instability. By the time he had massacred the shifter town and then turned on his family it was too late to simply bring him before the other families."
Vivi's heart was in her throat. "Does that change how you feel about me?"
Etain looked down at her. "How would that change things between us? You are no more your father than I am the Queen of the Fae."
She felt her eyes fill with tears. "All my life I have felt as if his darkness weighed down my heart. Knowing what he had done, the people he murdered, the lives he destroyed, made me want to help people; to somehow atone for his sins."
"My darling, they are not your sins to atone for." He placed a hand over her heart. "Let my light protect your heart. You are free of him."
Vivi thought that what he said was simply a gesture until a soft light began to glow under his palm. Moments later, she felt his warmth seep into her very soul. The guilt and sorrow she had carried all her life began to dissolve and float away. When the light dimmed she felt better than she had in centuries. She hadn't felt so carefree since she was a child and ignorant of the havoc her father had caused.
"Thank you," she sighed as the bands of guilt relaxed allowing her to breathe easier.
"You are my mate, there is nothing I wouldn't do for you, no matter your name."
"Maybe I could be Vivian Vi'Aerlin instead," Vivi whispered lowly almost afraid of his reaction.
He rolled them until she was pinned under him. His eyes were shining as he stared down at her. "You would do that? You would take my name?" he asked breathlessly.
"Rheia, Anne and Meryn have all taken their mate's names," she pointed out.
"But they are human and very, very young. You're a paranormal and have built a life for yourself in your own right under your own name. Not many older females take their mate's names."
She smiled shyly up at him. "I don't think my mother would mind if I changed my name from Mercy to Vi'Aerlin."
He cocked his head to one side. "Your mother?"
"Her name was Mercia. When it came time to choose my own name, I chose Mercy in her honor."
He smiled. "I thought it was because you became an angel of mercy."
"If anyone here is an angel it's you. Have you looked in a mirror lately? You're all sun-kissed hair and golden skin." She leered up at him. "Maybe a fallen angel, because you are tempting me to do some wicked things."
He leaned down on his forearms and ground his hardened bulge between her legs. "And what sort of wicked things were you thinking of?"
She fought for breath. "The kind that involves being naked, sweaty and screaming out to the gods."
"I think that can be arranged." He pushed himself up and sat back. Standing he slowly began to unbutton his uniform jacket.
As she watched his long fingers work each button, she was busy peeling off her clothes in a haphazard manner. She flung her clothes away from her in her rush to touch his skin.
He gracefully let his clothes fall to the floor, his eyes locked on her. She leaned back on her elbows as naked as the day she was born. She smiled up at him. "I don't think I will ever tire of looking at you."
He gave her a wicked grin and dropped to his knees. She watched his muscles glide under his skin as he made his way to her. "I cannot wait to see where your lights are."
"My lights?"
He didn't reply. He simply leaned down and began to kiss up her inner leg. His blond hair created a golden curtain so that she couldn't see what he was doing. He bypassed her mound and began to nibble on her hip bone. She moaned as darts of pleasure raced through her.
"Light yellow. Pleasurable but not exactly what I was looking for," he said then resumed his leisurely exploration of her body. He teased her not only with his lips and tongue but also with his fingertips. His touch was never more than a graze, a fleeting tantalization before he moved on.
By the time he wrapped his lips around her nipple, she gasped and arched her back. "Gods!" she exhaled. She was strung out by his torturous expedition. She wanted him to fill her, to give her the pleasure that seemed just out of reach.
"Burnt orange. I'm glad, because I could feast on your breasts for years." He nuzzled between her breasts and moved up her neck.
Growling low in her throat, she wrapped her legs around his waist and raised her lower body up to contact his. Like a cat in heat, she rubbed herself against him, desperate for them to become one.
"I will give you what you need." He reached between them and guided himself between her folds. A moment later, he was thrusting deep and finally reaching that one spot that promised to send her soaring.
"Yes! Gods, yes!" She kept her legs wrapped as he kept up a steady pace.
He pulled back and looked her in the eyes. "Will you complete my soul? Will you allow me to join us together to face eternity as one?"
She reached up and pulled his head down capturing his lips. She sucked on his tongue and allowed him to dominate the kiss. When she wrapped her hands in his hair and tugged his head back gently he went wild. His hips began to piston as he plunged deep. She was congratulating herself on having found one of his hot spots when he found her biggest one.
When his teeth clamped down on the sensitive part of her neck, she screamed as her body exploded. Her mate shouted his release. A moment later he pushed himself up to watch their souls claim each other. Between their bodies, two playful balls of light lifted from their chests. His was a soft amber color, hers a silvery blue. They darted around each other before swirling into one pulsing light. When the two spheres separated their colors reflected the joining of their souls.
Etain's warm light completely surrounded her silver core. The little balls returned to their chests and disappeared again. When the light faded she could feel Etain as a part of her, as surely as if he were a physical piece of her body.
Groaning he pulled completely from her body and slumped down to one side. "Your neck is definitely a fiery red light."
Gasping for air she swatted at him. "You think?" She rubbed her chest. "Your light feels like warm honey."
"Your's feels calming. The way moonlight seems to gently guide those at night."
"It's not cold?"
"No, it almost feels like a balm on a sunburn." He pulled her close. "You are my solace. Only in your arms do my cares fall away. Now that my soul has been soothed by yours, I do not think I could face the world alone."
She kissed his chest. "You will never have to. I will never let you go. As I have soothed you, you have warmed me. I feel like I have stepped into the sun after a lifetime of living in the shadows."
"We will have to return to Level One eventually," he said sighing.
"But we will return together." She closed her eyes. "Let's rest for a bit then head down. I'm worried about our little midget."
He chuckled. "I think she could weather anything."
Vivi pulled back and looked up at him. "Not this time. His words hurt her. Words can be more devastating than any injury."
His features softened. "You speak from experience."
She scrunched up her nose. "Because I couldn't go outside much as a child, the other kids used to call me a blood-sucking vampire."
Etain frowned. "But you are a blood-sucking vampire."
She sniffed haughtily. "But those little bastards didn't know that."
He buried his face between her shoulder and her neck laughing. "I adore you."
"You're lucky I adore you too, or I would be very upset at you laughing over my childhood trauma."
When he licked where he had bitten her, she exhaled softly. "No fair."
"Rest love, when we get up, I may show you exactly how unfair I can be."
She wiggled closer and yawned. "I could get used to this."
"That's the idea," he whispered cradling her gently.
She couldn't fight the wave of exhaustion that swamped her, smiling, she fell asleep in her mate's arms.
*****
They swung by the lab to see that Marjoram had dropped off new blood samples, and Ellie had already prepped the slides. She pulled them out of the refrigerator and looked at them under the microscope.
"Well?" Etain asked.
"I bet Ellie is dancing a jig." She moved the slide to the left. She could clearly see evidence of the virus now as it seemed to be under attack by the vampire blood. Flashes of magic was making it hard to see.
"Why?"
"Take a look." She stepped back and allowed him to look into the eyepiece.
He straightened. "It looks like a tiny battle."
"Because that's what it is. From the number of inert cells, I'm going out on a limb and saying that the warrior blood is about sixty percent effective in eradicating this thing."
His face brightened. "That's amazing news!"
Vivi couldn't help the blooming sense of hope. "We're dealing with a magic driven virus that shouldn't exist. I'll take any progress."
"Let's go share the good news," he held out his hand.
Together they made their way to Prince Magnus' quarters. When Sebastian opened the door, he was frowning.
They stepped inside. "What?" she asked.
Sebastian pursed his lips. "They were just about to call for you. I will let them explain." He led them to the dining room where everyone sat looking grim.
Magnus looked relieved at their arrival. "Good, we were about to send someone to get you. Please sit down. Have the two of you eaten lunch yet?"
Vivi shook her head. "Not yet."
They sat down, and Sebastian brought in a fresh platter of sandwiches. As they helped themselves, Kari started. "Stefan got a call from his brother this morning. Cristo is in Albuquerque and was ready to complete the last leg of his travels to come visit when he discovered that the fae portal at the Council Estate wouldn't open."
Etain froze with his sandwich halfway to his mouth. He set it down. "What?"
Magnus grimaced. "Exactly. Which is why we were waiting for you. Have you ever heard of such a thing occurring?"
Etain didn't reply instead, he reached for his phone. "Damn!"
"What?"
"My sister has been trying to reach me for hours. I have it on 'Do not disturb'. We always seem to be in the lab or in meetings, so it was easier to leave it silenced, especially since we have walkie-talkies now. I never even thought to check it." He pushed a button and started to rise.
Magnus shook his head. "Do not feel as if you have to leave on our account. Unless you desire privacy, you are more than welcome to stay. I think we are past formal manners at this point in time."
Etain sat back down looking relieved. "Allia what is..."
"Where in the hell have you been!" a female voice demanded.
"Baby sister, I am sitting at the Prince's dining table. Everyone can hear you," he informed her.
"Oh. In that case. Where in the hell have you been! I have been calling for hours Etain. Hours!" Allia continued.
Declan chuckled, and Grant covered his mouth with his hand to hide his smile. Etain glared at them. "My mate found her way to me. We have been getting to know one another."
"Next time you have sex leave the damn ringer on. Do you have any idea what's happening? No one can open a portal to Noctem Falls," his baby sister ranted.
Vivi leaned in listening avidly. Her mate's sister sounded like a firecracker.
Etain turned to her, his cheeks pink. "She's normally much more collected."
"I think she sounds amazing," Vivi admitted.
"Is that her?" Allia asked.
"Yes, I'm here. My name is Vivian Vi'Aerlin, or it will be as soon as I file the paperwork with the council to change my name."
A soft gasp was heard. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" Allia repeated.
"Here, let me." A male voice said. "Etain, congratulations on finding your mate."
"Ailain, thank you. Is our sister well?" Etain asked looking worried.
"She's crying she's so happy. We feared the worst when she shared your earlier concerns with us in regard to your mate's safety. I cannot tell you how relieved we are to hear both of you are well," Ailain answered.
Etain turned to Vivi. "Allia and Ailain are twins. They are my younger siblings by nearly a thousand years. Both serve directly under the queen. Allia acts as her lady in waiting or a more modern term would be her personal assistant, and Ailain fulfills the same role for the Queen's consort Brennus Vi'Eirlea," he explained.
"Brother, what is going on in Noctem Falls? Allia nearly skewered the poor guard who was supposed to open the portal to send you your requested support when he failed to establish a connection." Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ailain's voice sounded amused. Vivi could only imagine the amount of trouble the little spitfire caused.
"Ailain, I need you and Allia to go to the Queen's antechamber and have her cast a soundproofing spell," Etain requested. Beside him, Kendrick was securing the dining room.
"Hold." Gone was Ailain's mirth, he was all business now.
Everyone heard their footsteps as they walked down what sounded like a marble hallway. They heard a knock then a soft voice. "Enter."
"My Queen, I have my brother Etain on the phone. He is with Prince Magnus and is requesting that you soundproof this room before anything is discussed."
"Of course," was the reply. A moment later, the melodic voice returned. "Etain, the spell has been cast." There was a pause. "Prince Magnus, I offer greetings to the City of the Night from the Land of Eternal Sun. It has been too long since we last have spoke."
"I have been pining away since our last conversation Aleksandra," Magnus said in an amorous tone.
Over the phone, they heard a low growl. "Magnus! What have I told you about flirting with my mate!" a deep voice demanded.
"Oh, Brennus were you there? Sorry about that." Magnus didn't sound the least bit sorry. Behind him Sebastian had his face buried in his hands.
A soft tinkling laugh was heard before the queen came back on the line. "Etain, it has been so long since your last call. How have you been? I heard you have found your mate! I am so excited for you. We have all missed you dreadfully here. Malcolm is doing a fine job as Captain of the Guard, but you were so much better at it. When can you come home for a visit? " the queen asked question after question.
Etain's face softened. "As I have missed all of you. And yes, I have found my mate. She is as beautiful as she is kind. As for visiting, I fear that the reason for this phone call prevents me from leaving the city any time soon."
"Could that be the reason why none of my children can establish a portal to Noctem Falls?"
"Yes." Etain paused before shooting a glance to Magnus who nodded. He continued. "We seem to have something on an anomaly here."
"Sounds interesting. What type of an anomaly?"
"A virus that affects both shifters and vampires."
"There is no such thing," the queen refuted.
"There is now your majesty," Rheia replied.
"Who is that?"
Rheia blushed. "My name is Dr. Rheia Albright."
"Perhaps some introductions are in order," Magnus suggested.
It took a few moments, but they worked their way around the table.
"Dr. Albright, Dr. Kimball, what can you tell me about this virus?" the queen asked.
"Please, call me Rheia," Rheia started.
"And me Ellie. We haven't been too formal here," Ellie replied.
"Not formal? At Noctem Falls? Did Sebastian stop starching Magnus?" Aleksandra asked playfully.
Magnus opened his mouth.
"If you make one comment about being stiff, I will find a way to thrash you over this phone," Brennus warned.
Magnus closed his mouth sighing. "Having young people about has greatly improved my outlook."
"I know what you mean. Speaking of young ones, I noticed that Meryn McKenzie was not one of those introduced. Is she there?"
Aiden turned to Ryuu with a puzzled look on his face. "Where is Meryn?"
Ryuu's features were drawn tight. "I sent her to bed. Someone said something to her that hurt her terribly. It felt like someone raked claws along her soul."
Aiden's expression shut down. "I see."
"Aiden as soon as this call is over, I will tell you what happened," Etain offered.
Aiden just nodded, but Vivi noticed that a faint outline began to appear around the Unit Commander.
"By all means, let us quickly conclude this call so that our Unit Commander can comfort his precious mate. I have to admit. I have a soft spot for that little human. I am most displeased to hear that she has been hurt," the queen's melodic voice became frosty.
"I will see it set to rights My Queen," Etain promised.
"Good. Now what is this about a virus?"
Nervously Ellie began to go over what had been happening in the city. Vivi's mind wandered back to Meryn. To her, it seemed as if he was just being a Grade-A dick, but the tunnel escort must have hit on a painful issue for Meryn to be affected to greatly.
Ellie's voice brought her back to the conversation at hand. "And this morning we started a trial run from the blood gathered from the warriors. Not even an hour later, we began to get notifications that city's portal wouldn't open," Ellie concluded looking a bit winded.
"I have also issued an edict that the doors to the city shall remain sealed until we can figure out what is going on. If the fae portals are refusing to open to prevent this from spreading, we must do our part and keep city locked down," Magnus added.
"It must be the virus," Aleksandra concluded. "The portals wouldn't recognize shifters getting sick as they are not the majority race in the city. However, with vampires now sick, the portal has shut down to protect the fae. I'm afraid we won't be able to reestablish a connection until the sickness is gone from the city."
"We're working on it." Vivi replied. "Just before coming here I checked in on the results of the blood work from this morning. Tentatively, we're looking at a sixty percent success rate," she shared.
"Thank the gods!" Magnus whispered.
"Indeed," Aleksandra echoed. "Now, on to our other pressing issue,"she continued.
Everyone shared confused looks with one another.
"Is there anything I can do to help cheer up that adorable little human?" she asked.
"One of the things that she really wants is a bag like Kendrick's," Anne volunteered softly.
"Do you still have that silly thing?" the queen asked laughing.
"As if the fae has ever created anything that could be silly?" Kendrick refuted playfully.
"There's the other flirty bastard. Though I heard he has mated. Good." Brennus groused.
"I flirt with Aleksandra because you wouldn't give the time of day you stud," Kendrick bantered back winking at Anne. She shook her head grinning.
Vivi glanced around. She wasn't the only one shocked by Kendrick urbane teasing of the Queen's consort.
"He has you there Brennus," the queen giggled.
"Tricky witch," Brennus muttered.
The queen laughed again. "Tell Meryn that I will get one started just for her. I have been meaning to send her something anyway. Her Facebook posts had me laughing harder than I have in a very long time." The queen chuckled.
"It is true. One of the happiest days of my life was the afternoon I watched my love roll around on the bed snort laughing," Brennus admitted.
"Brennus! I do not snort!" the queen said indignantly.
"Of course not darling. What I meant to say, was when you breathed through your nose while laughing and convulsing on the bed," he corrected.
"Oh you!" The queen laughed. "On that note, I will let you all go. But Etain, Magnus, keep me abreast of any and all progress." Her voice was pleasant, but an order was an order.
Magnus grinned cheekily at the phone. "Any excuse to speak to you again," he teased.
"Etain you may call our queen with any updates. Magnus you call me directly," Brennus corrected.
"Of course sire," Etain said and ended the call. He leaned back in the chair before turning to Magnus. "What was with the flirting?"
Magnus shrugged one shoulder. "There are days when I feel as if people forget that I am a person as well as the Prince. After so many millennia being in charge, I think maybe your queen likes to be treated like a woman now and then."
Vivi looked at Magnus with new respect. He seemed to go out of his way to make sure people were taken care of. Their people couldn't have asked for a better leader.
Cracking wood had everyone turning to Aiden. He looked at Etain. "What the hell happened to my mate?" he demanded.