Chapter 16
 

 Lex followed slightly behind Faal as he led the way down to the sprawling basement and stopped at a heavy door. He swiped a card through the lock and punched in a code. There was a hiss of air escaping and the door swung open. “Climate controlled, of course.  Same as the one upstairs, but more so. There are magical wards in place as well, and almost all of the books in this room have their own protection wards in place. Don’t worry, you can handle them without fear… the wards are mostly to keep the books free of damage…” he said as he ushered Lex inside and the lights came on.

Lex looked around the room in surprise. The key-carded lock and climate control had led his imagination to picture something sterile… He took in the dark wood shelving, the thick luxurious carpeting. ..The outer walls were lined with shelves, stopping just shy of the door. Three of the four wall shelves were filled with books, a fourth and fifth  shelf stood out from the two longest walls also were filled with books. Down the center of the room ran  glassed in display shelves that housed curios. From where he stood he could make out at least two swords, but most of the items seemed to be much smaller.
 
The far end of the room seemed to be a sitting area. A single  large, overstuffed, extremely comfortable looking chair, accompanied by a small table and reading lamp sat in the middle, but far enough from the walls enough not to be a hindrance. The walls surrounding the chair and lamp held only waist high shelves, the upper portion  displayed elegantly framed paintings. From where they stood, all he could tell were that they appeared to be portraits.

The click of the door closing behind him made him jump and turn a sheepish look to Faal.
The tall blond chuckled softly, blushing slightly. “ I’m sorry.. I seem to have a bad habit of startling you…”

Lex blushed. “I’m not normally so jumpy… I suppose I’m just being overwhelmed by this town…”

Faal chuckled softly and Lex caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned and caught a glimpse of a sleek calico slipping under the chair. He smirked at the sight of a tail twitching out from the shadows beneath it. “I never would have taken you for a cat person.” He said softly, smiling mischievously as he moved towards the far end, letting his gaze travel over the curios beside him, choosing not to get lost in the books just yet.

Faal chuckled. “Ahh…yes… Willa. She’s hardly mine… she belongs to no one but herself… she just happens to like books and  has decided to haunt my libraries. She helps keep them safe.” He said and the tail twitched outward again. Lex giggled softly, trying to picture this elegant gentle man seated here among the books with a cat on his lap. Some how.. he just couldn’t picture it.

His attention was drawn to the case beside him, and his eyes wandered over a dazzling display of jewelry.. necklaces, rings, bracelets and armlets.. hair clips and brooches.. designs meant for both men and women, by the look of them. Mixed among them were elaborately gilded daggers and knives.  Beautifully carved boxes of various sizes and of a range of materials were placed seemingly helter skelter amid the shelves, and he felt an almost overpowering urge to rearrange things…  set them to some sort of order.

“You’re being very quiet, Lexine…”  Faal said softly at his shoulder as they strolled slowly down the center of the room. “Anyone else would be bursting with a million questions about all this..” he said, a wave of his hand encasing the display.

Lex blushed softly and returned his gaze to the objects. “Actually.. I was thinking about how… messy.. it looked. You have no sense of order…”

Faal laughed out loud, a warm sound that seemed odd in the silent room. Lex blushed harder and avoided looking at him, stopping instead to look at a beautifully worked carved jade box. The carven images depicted a scene of flowers and what he first took to be butterflies, but upon closer inspection proved to be faeries.

“I suppose it would appear that way… in general, no, I suppose I don’t have much sense of order, … although most of these are in the places where they are for their own reasons. These, for instance , “ he said indicating the shelves in front of them including the jade box. “.. were my mothers. A few items of hers that always seemed connected to her in my mind…” He turned and nodded back along the cases. “Some of the other shelves and sections hold things that belonged to other family members, or friends…. Some hold items from my travels…”

Lex gently touched the glass of the case as he let his gaze travel over the odd assortment of jewelry and items, including a bejeweled dagger and the small carven stone  image of an oak tree. He found it rather curious….” … a stone carving of a tree.. why not a wooden carving?”

He hadn’t realized he’d spoken aloud until Faal answered. “I asked her that myself once… it was made for her by a brother… from a piece of a huge rock by a water fall she used to play at as a child. Beside this rock grew this tree…’ he said softly, his fingers resting on the glass beside his. “He would never have harmed the tree by taking a piece of it to carve, and supposedly the tree never sheds its limbs, so there was no dead wood from it…” he tipped his head to the side as he regarded the small statuette. “I’m surprised he even broke the rock.. although perhaps it had already been broken…”

Lex found his gaze traveling farther down to the chair and its hidden occupant. He watched for the tail and was surprised to see it twitch out from on top of the seat. He hadn’t heard any sound of it leaping up onto the cushion… As he drew closer to the chair his eyes were pulled up to the largest portrait. A beautiful but sad woman sat beside a window, her clothing elegant but decidedly medieval in appearance. Sunlight filtered through the casement beside her and made the pale hair glow golden where it touched. Delicately pointed and bejeweled ears marked her as fae, even if the milky glow of her skin had not. And her eyes..  Lex turned, startled and looked back at Faal, who chuckled. “Yes.. this is my mother.. Aiyla.  My siblings always told me I resembled her the most out of all of them…” Lex turned and  glanced down the wall at the other portraits. All were smaller then the one of his mother, and  none of them had the same obvious glow to them that said ‘fae’, although he could see a couple pairs of delicately pointed ears among them.

He stepped to the side to look at a painting of a young woman with raven dark hair swept up and held in place with familiar silver and sapphire jeweled combs, and he realized he’d seem them in the display case behind them, not far from his mothers things. He thought she was quite beautiful, but she also had an odd sadness to her. Dark blue eyes stared out at him with an odd longing and he found himself reaching out to touch her face. He stopped and pulled his hand back hastily. “Who  is she?” he asked softly, noting that her ears and skin were perfectly human in appearance, with no touch of fae.

“Linette… my first wife…”

 Lex turned in surprise and found Faal staring at the painting with a sad expression.  “I didn’t know… I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be… how could you know? I wear no wedding bands…” he said, his voice soft with that trace of sadness. “She died a long time ago, Lexine… she was mortal..,, My family was against it, as was hers, but we married anyhow.  We were both young and idealistic...and foolish.  My biggest regret with Linette was that I didn’t love her enough. I was never *in* love with her, you see. I cared greatly for her, loved her… but, she was in love with me… I married her because she told me she was pregnant… we built impossible dreams together.” He sighed and pointed to a portrait slightly above and to the side of hers. “Our son, Dorian…” he said, his voice even more sad,  as he looked at the small portrait of the dark haired boy with his mothers eyes… and the gentle, delicate points of his fathers ears. “ He was killed when he was barely into his teens… his death proved too much for Linette and she killed herself shortly after.”

Lex felt his eyes water at the thought of being so devastated by the loss of a child… and yet Faal hadn’t succumbed as his wife had. “How long ago…?” he asked softly, looking at the old fashioned clothing and trying to date them.. certainly in the same time frame as the one of his mother….

“A life time ago, Lexine… over a thousand years… we’d married shortly after my release from a spell and my reintroduction into my family. Dorian was born a short time later. A mere fourteen years after that they were both gone.”

Lex swallowed and found his hand slipping into Fails. “I’m so sorry, Faal. It must have been horrible for you…”

Faal gave a soft sigh and dropped his gaze to look at the pale delicate hand holding his own. “Don’t be, Lexine… like I said.. it was a lifetime ago. “ he looked up and nodded to the other side of his mother’s portrait to where another painting hung. Another beautiful young woman, although older than Linette and with dark auburn hair and captivating hazel eyes. More jewelry that he recognized from the shelves behind him covered her throat, wrists, fingers and ears and sparkled against her hair. “This is my second wife,  Seraphina. And before you ask, the portrait was painted in fifteen seventy three,  on our twentieth anniversary.”

Lex looked back at the face of the woman and shook his head slightly. “Twenty years.. she must have been very young when you married her then…”

Faal laughed softly. “She was twenty five when I married her, Lexine… she was mortal, but a very gifted witch. I did what I could to help her extend her life and youth. “

Lex sucked his breath in as his eyes fastened on what she was holding and stepped closer, digging his reading glasses out of his bag. Slipping them on he peered closely at the book Seraphim was holding in her lap. “Il Prossimo Passo “ , he dug out his ledger and peered at the titles of the missing books and turned a shocked look to Faal. “This is one of the stolen books!”

Faal raised an eyebrow in surprise and ran his fingers over the painted image. “It was Seraphina’s pride and joy.. her finest work. Il Prossimo Passo. the Next Step… She was a brilliant writer as well as a talented witch and shortly after meeting me became obsessed with the idea of blending witch magic with fae magic... I told her it wasn’t possible, that the two were completely different and that mortals couldn’t use fae magic unless through an enchanted item….” He smiled softly and glanced up at the mischievous smile on the woman’s face. “But she was stubborn and determined and it became a project of ours…” he looked away form the painting suddenly. “I have all of her books.. but that one vanished from my collection shortly after her death… all my searching has never turned up even the slightest hint of rumor of its whereabouts… and now you tell me some mortal had it in their collection and was killed for it?” he shook his head and reached down into the chair to stroke the cat that lay sprawled across the seat.

“I’m sorry, Lexine… I am enjoying my time here with you.. but I’m afraid I’m pressed for time this afternoon and will have to run shortly. I shall of course, leave you my keycard and code so that you can access this room any time you please. “ he said softly, still not looking at him.

Lex looked down at where he still held Faal’s hand and reluctantly released it, causing the fae to turn in surprise.  He took a step towards him and looked down into his eyes. “Oh, Lexine.. don’t be sad.. I assure you… I don’t mind speaking of all this… It’s just been a long time, and the book… I had no idea…” he sighed and reached out to take his hand again. He raised it to his lips and kissed the knuckles softly. “Please, forgive my distraction. “ he said softly.

 With a sigh, Faal turned and was suddenly all business. “Several of the items in the display case have enchantments on them and most of them are fae... but I doubt any of them would attract the attentions of your killer. As for the books.. if he knew they existed and were here.. yes, I suppose many of them would draw his attention. That shelf there holds the remainder of Seraphina’s writings, and the one next to it has an assortment of books on various fae cultures and things.. nothing of importance.” he said pointing out the shelves as he spoke. “All the rest are my mothers writings as well as a few of my own.. except for these.” He said, indicating the half shelves beneath the portraits. “I suspect you will find these of personal interest.” He said but before Lex could look at them, Faal cupped his chin in his hand and turned him too look up at him.  “Lexine…” he said softly,  his voice turning to velvet as he looked into his eyes. “I hope you will make yourself at home in my absence… and that you will find time to spend with me as well as my books when I return…” he smiled softly and stroked his thumb gently over Lex’s lips. “I find myself drawn to you in a manner that not even they came close to.” He said indicating the women behind him.  “I sincerely hope we can explore that attraction at our leisure…”

The sound of his voice as he said those words combined with the feel of his thumb brushing against his lips made Lex whimper softly, his eyes closing. He thought for sure his knees would give out and put out a hand for support.. And found himself leaning against Faal, his hand on the man’s chest. He drew in a sharp breath and blushed fiercely. “ Faal.. I…” he said breathlessly and was rewarded with a soft smile that made the butterflies in his stomach rise up in a swarm.

The warm gentle touch left his face and he felt the hand that still lay caught in Faal’s raised to be pressed against his lips again. “Don’t worry, my little one… I promise I shall be a gentleman and wait for your permission before taking any … liberties…”

Lex felt a shiver of delight run through him at the word’ liberties’ spoken in that smooth velvety tone.

“There is an intercom beside the door.. if you need or desire anything, just call upstairs and someone will bring it down to you… stay as long as you wish. I’m sorry I must leave you, but while you were off seeing to your friend, I received an urgent call, and am needed elsewhere… I tarried as long as I could.. perhaps longer then I should have .. but I can’t regret that in the slightest. “ he kissed his hand again. “My home is your home, Lexine… “ he said and reluctantly released  his hand to withdraw the keycard from his pocket and write down the code. He set both on the small table beside the chair. “Don’t worry about Willa… she’ll let you know if she wishes to leave, but I should warn you ,. She’s not the friendliest creature…”

He paused as if uncertain what to do, then reached out to gently caress his cheek. “I regret my promise already… “ he said in that velvet voice again. “I find myself over come with the desire to take you in my arms and taste those deliciously looking lips of yours…”

Lex blushed fiercely, ducking his head, giggling, part of him wishing he’d do just that, but the rest of him wanting that moment to wait until he’d been to the Seal… “You.. you’d better go…I’ve taken up enough of your time… thank you again.. for everything…”

Faal gave an exaggerated sigh and chuckled softly as he withdrew his fingers. “You’re most welcome, Lexine. Enjoy my library.” He said softly and slipped past him to the door.

Lex turned and watched him leave then gave a sigh and leaned against the back of the chair, feeling all the strength go out of his legs.  “What a man…” he said softly. The cat looked up at him and gave a satisfied purr before leaping from the seat and slipping off among the shelves.

Lex watched the tail vanish and giggled, slipping onto the chair in the cat’s place. He let his gaze wander over the shelves and wondered just how many of the books here were the ‘few’ Faal himself had written. He leaned his head back, determined to rest just long enough for the feeling in his legs to return to normal before starting his new search..

 

 

 

 
**        Chapter 17      **
 
Faal  stepped through the rift and walked across the room to the large ornate desk and took his seat behind it. Almost immediately a soft buzz sounded and he hit the intercom. “Yes yes.. I’m here.. send him in, Debra.” He said impatiently and  leaned back in his chair. This could be interesting.
The tall , slim man with closely cut dark brown hair entered the room and strode towards the desk. His mouth was set in a grim line and he didn’t wait for an invitation, but dropped heavily into a chair.  “So nice of you to see me..” he said sarcastically. “We have a bit of a problem… “
Faal raised an eyebrow, but let the man’s impudence pass for the moment. “Do tell.”
The man looked at him warily, unsure of how to take the flippant tone and the slight smirk. “You may have heard that they’d managed to locate the Daughter…. We weren’t able to get to her in time…” He said and was further unnerved by the twinkle that appeared in the Fae’s eyes. “Ravenscourt screwed up and the kid escaped. His ‘death curse’ plan was completely undone and now they’re short a witch. Plus, as of yesterday, there’s no sign of….”
“Let me guess.. She slipped their radar. And yours. Completely vanished.” Faal said with a smirk, his eyes sparkling merrily.
The man  shifted in his seat nervously. “You seem in too good a mood… you make me nervous when you’re in a good mood…”
Faal laughed softly, playing with a pen as he eyed the man across from him. “I told you Ravenscourt was going to screw things up for them, didn’t I? They should have killed that boy a long time ago. Mentally unstable people shouldn’t be used as pawns… especially in high stakes games. They have a tendency to do the unexpected… like this death curse thing. It was a bad idea and they were fools for even considering it. She’s useless dead. The risks of using a death curse to keep her weak were absolutely asinine. And yet still, they let the boy play his stupid game anyhow…”  he chuckled at the shocked look that appeared on the man’s face. “Oh please,  Holden… I know what goes on. I’m not a fool. Do you really think you could keep me in the dark about all these little things?”
Ronald Holden swallow nervously as he watched Faal lean forward across his desk. “I know all about you and your plans. The ones that have nothing to do with the ones you profess to be following, as well as those that do. I know all about young Rowen Ravenscourt and his obsession with Lexine Mordant.” The glitter vanished form his eyes as he stared coldly at Holden. “And I know LiVed and Knight have their little side deals going in addition to what you’ve told me about. Mr. Holden…I’ve been a driving force and supporter behind this project for a very very long time… and I don’t appreciate the attitudes that have been recently taken.  I’ve put up with this .. foolishness… long enough. LiVed and his people, as well as yourself, can plot all you like… it’s too be expected after all…but things are going to get back on track. Immediately. The intelligence on LiVed and Knight will continue,  but you will assign it to someone else to over see. You will return your full attention to the project as of this afternoon. ”
Holden surged to his feet, outrage and anger clear on his face. “You can’t DO that?! The deal…!”
Faal leaned back in his chair, ignoring his outburst. “Oh and Holden… one more thing….” He said, clearly indicating that the meeting was over. “You really should be more careful dealing with prophecies… Knight and his people are neck deep in them right now and they will discover that prophecies tend to bite you in the ass. And trust me, Ronald… this one you’ve taken such an interest in following … it has massive  jaws.”
Holden stood for a moment, spluttering but obviously knowing better then to start something. “LiVed will hear about this, Dominic.”
Faal chuckled softly. “Of course he will… I look forward to his visit.”
Holden paused at the door and looked back at the fae sitting casually at the desk. “You’re making a mistake, ‘your highness’. I suggest you reconsider.”
Faal laughed softly. “Are you threatening me, Holden? I find that rather amusing… I assure you, there is no mistake. Merely a change in plans. I’m tired of your bumbling self absorbed obsessive ness. I personally don’t give a rat’s as about this entire thing about releasing Abadon, that LiVed has taken a sudden interest in.  Nor do I care for Knight’s plan to eventually seize control of the sacred princess and all magic through her…oh dear…I don’t think I suppose to know about that, now was I?”
Holden paled considerably. “How did …it took me YEARS to uncover even a hint of these..?!” he straightened slightly and drew in a sudden breath of confidence. “You’re bluffing.. You have no proof of anything…”
Faal chuckled softly, the twinkle back in his eyes again. “Don’t I? Are you so very certain of that, Ronald? Oh and Ronald… I believe I met a young friend of yours… Eire Montgomery? He sends his regards.” he laughed softly as Ronald Holden burned sudden crimson  and stormed from the office, slamming the door behind him.  “My.. that was amusing… “ he said softly. He chuckled softly again and turned back to his intercom to ask for the rest of the ‘urgent’ business to be sent in. All this plotting and subterfuge… reminded him of the old days at court… odd how something you despised so strongly when young could become so much a part of your life. It was rather addicting, actually…
 
 
 
 
**     Chapter 18  **
 
 

 
 
 Lex sat on the floor in front of the book case, a dozen books piled haphazardly on the floor around him. He’d completely lost track of time and had no idea how long he’d been sitting here paging through these books and journals. He knew....  Faal KNEW! How did he know? He was pretty sure that his mother had never mentioned he was the daughter of the seal… and his father sure as hell never would have…  
Lex cast a glance at the books scattered around him and at the dozens more still on the shelves. All concerning the Daughter and the Seal…  a good number of them seemed to be actual journals written by the Daughters themselves…. So far, he hadn’t come across one by Lillian…
He took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He’d been reading so long his eyes were starting to go blurry, but he couldn’t stop. There was so much here… the thoughts and feeling of other Daughters… even one who’d gone through exactly what he was going through now! A boy who was transformed by the Seal… he sighed and rubbed his eyes, as he realized, these weren’t just other Daughters… these were his ancestors…. His family! Generation after generation of mothers and daughters were spread out on the floor around him and on the shelves beside him… somewhere in here were the thoughts and feelings of his birth mother and grandmother and great grandmother…
He sighed and scooped up the large book that he had open on his lap and rose on shaky legs to sit in the chair instead. Cradling the book gently he leafed through it again. Several more mentions of Guardians and something called the Order of the Seal… he already knew from Jasmine that he had a Guardian out there somewhere.. he just didn’t know who…
The book slid off his lap with a thud as Lex suddenly stared straight ahead. “Faal… Faal’s my guardian…” he said softly and jumped as a quiet meow answered him. He looked down to see Willa sitting amid the stacks of books and looking at him curiously. “Why is everybody trying to scare the crap out of me lately?” he asked the calico who promptly ignored him, turning to lick the fur along one side then stalking past him towards the door.
Lex sighed as he saw the cat rear up and paw at the door. He carefully picked the book up off the floor and went to open the door for the cat to slip out, his mind spinning with this new revelation. He wasn’t sure how he knew it was true.. he just did. It just felt right. Faal Dominic was his Guardian.  From what he’d read in the journals it was the same for the other daughters.. when they met their guardians they knew them.
He sighed and leaned back against the door. Was that why he was so attracted to him? He didn’t recall seeing anything about that in the journals… He wondered if Jasmine would know… did she know about this collection? Had she ever seen any of these journals and books?
His stomach gave a sudden rumble and he slapped a hand over it with a grimace. He hadn’t realized he was so hungry… how long ago had he had lunch? He suddenly remembered he was supposed to call his mom about supper plans and quickly made his way back to the chair for his bag, digging out the phone. He flipped it open and collapsed into the chair with a groan. “No signal… she’s going to kill me…” He flopped back and giving into curiosity, checked the time on the phone. Another groan sent him lurching to his feet to gather his bag, and quickly return the books to the shelves.  It was after midnight… somehow he’d managed to out do  himself and been totally engrossed in the books for over  eleven hours!
He was dead meat.
 
 
 
**   Chapter 19  **

 

         Auron was pacing the floor of the parlor,  his claymore held over one shoulder as if he expected to need it any second. In truth, his wife knew he just found it comforting… something she could certainly understand. “Auron… calm down.. if there was any trouble, Faal would have contacted us… Lexi probably just lost track of time….”

“His phone won’t even let a call through, Clarice.. it’s not as if he’s merely forgetting to return messages again… there is something wrong, I tell you, and your friend is in the center of it all.. I’m sorry, m’chere.. but I do not like that man!”

Kay sighed from her seat on the chair. “Auron.. sit down and shut up before I drop kick you where you stand.” She said calmly, which drew his eye, but didn’t slow his pacing. “You’re letting the past cloud your thinking… just because we haven’t been able to get a hold of him for a few hours, doesn’t mean he’s been kidnapped  again. There’s been no sign of Rowen since we broke the curse, no sign of Xanatos since we rescued Lex and Aiyla went missing for those two days.. Personally I think she caught him and had some fun before she killed the s.o.b. She’s never said anything, but I know there’s more between those two…” she sighed and pushed herself to her feet and went to intercept Auron. “Baby…” she said and caught him as he turned, slipping her arms around his waist. “Things are finally calm for a change. Lex is doing wonderful and is finally opening up after all the crap he just went through… he’s fine… you know what he’s dealing with right now. I know he’s fine, okay? He probably just needed some time to himself and lost track. You’ll see… any minute he’ll…”

“I am SO sorry!”

Both of them turned to see a wide eyed Lex standing in the doorway, messenger bag held in both hands in front of him. “I was in a secure room and I didn’t realize there was no signal getting through.. and then I found the books on the Seal and .. I lost track of time!! I am SO sorry!!”

Auron sighed and dropped his head to rest against his wife’s for a moment then pulled away and walked to his son, banishing the claymore as he did. He stood for a minute looking down at Lex who was trembling slightly and frowned as he realized it was in fear of him.  “As long as you’re alright, Lex….” He said quietly, astonishing them both, then pulled Lex into an embrace, kissing the top of his head as he held him. For a moment he said nothing more as he shoved away all his fear and subsequent anger. He never wanted to see that look of fear of him on his child’s face again. “Now…. What’s this about books on the Seal?” he asked softly as he loosened his hold on him.

Lex blushed and looked to Kay. “I told him, about the books and the risk and he took me to his private library…  he’s got a secure room in the basement  with all his books on the fae. If the killer knows about any of them , Faal’s definitely a target. And his wife wrote one of the books that’s been stolen…”Il Prossimo Passo. From what he mentioned I think it’s collaboration on fae and witch magic….”

“Faal? I didn’t know he was married….” Kay said softly as she sat down on the edge of the chair.

Lex blushed slightly. “Well.. he’s not now.. She died. They both did….. centuries ago, I think…But then he told me he had to go but left me his card and code so I could use the room whenever I wanted and told me about some books that would interest me… and the were all on the Seal! Journals written by the Daughters! Books about the Seal itself, and about something called the Order of the Seal, and about the Guardian.. and… Faal’s my Guardian…”

“What?!”  Auron said, his dislike of the man bringing back his anger. “He told he was your Guardian?! How did he know who you were?!”

“NO!!” Lex said, suddenly turned and glaring at his father. “Stop it!!”

“Boys!! Enough!!” Kay was on her feet between them, shushing them. “For crying out loud, it’s the middle of the night! People are sleeping right above our heads… “

Lex continued to glare at his father but lowered his voice. “Faal didn’t say anything about me being the Daughter.. or about him being my guardian. He just showed me where the books were and told me they’d be of personal interest… I haven’t even seen him since I found out what they were about! “

Kay placed a finger over her husband’s lips to still the angry retort she knew was coming. “Then how do you know he’s your guardian, sweetie?” she asked softly.

Lex waved his hands in exasperation. “Because I KNOW!” He hissed. “I can feel it… I knew as a soon as I met him there was something about him…. And according to the journals all the daughters know… as soon as they meet them, they know.  Faal is my guardian.” He said, and crossed his arms over his chest. “I called Jasmine and left a message… I’m going to the Seal tomorrow.” He said with a finality that made Auron look at him in surprise. “And if she can’t take me… I’ll ask Faal.” With that, Lex brushed past his parents and headed up to his room.

Kay sighed and leaned her head against her husbands chest, watching the feisty red head vanish towards the stairs. “You were doing so good…” she said softly, removing her finger from his lips. “.. until you mentioned his name… I didn’t want you to make it worse.”

Auron growled softly but pulled her closer, resting his cheek against her hair. “I can’t help it… I don’t like him…”

“That’s fine, honey….but like it or not… Lex  apparently wants him in his… HER life.. and if she’s right… as her guardian,  he’s going to be a big part of it. Like it or not, you DO need to accept it. All you’re doing in driving a wedge between you and your youngest daughter.” She said, reached a hand up to stroke his hair.

He sighed and kissed her head. “How is it that you are so good at this? We’ve both had the same amount of experience… as a matter of fact, I believe I have you beat by a few years…”

She chuckled and looked up at him. “I don’t know… make something up.. Blame it on me being a woman or something…. Can we go to bed now? Lex is safe and sound… just like I said he.. she was…?”

Auron sighed and smiled softly at her. “Yes, m’amore… we can certainly go to bed now… although I don’t believe I shall sleep for a while…”

Kay raised an eyebrow , smirking mischievously as she took his hand and led him to the stairs. “Well, then… I don’t suppose I shall be sleeping for a while then either….”

 

    

 

**    Chapter 20  **

 

Faal looked up in surprise as the kitchen door swung open. “Kevin! What on earth are you still doing up?” he asked his butler and glanced at the clock. “It’s almost one o’clock! Surely I didn’t wake you…?”

“No no sir… I was taking care of a few things while waiting on Miss Mordant… she just left a short time ago. I called her a cab and had it billed to the house account, sir. I hope that’s alright?” Kevin replied as he quickly set about putting on a pot of tea. “And since it is my day off tomorrow… there’s no worries about my having to get up early.” He added with a soft smirk.

Faal  nodded. “Yes, yes of course… thank you, Kevin. I had quite forgotten she hadn’t driven here herself… I shall see about arranging a car for her. She can have her pick of what’s in the garage if she’d prefer to drive herself…” he said softly and turned his attention to the coffee cup in his hands.

“Problems, sir?”

Faal glanced back up with a soft smile. “Hmm... not really. Just … inconveniences. I believe I shall have to replace Miranda… she’s become a bit too attached to me, and it has begun to affect her performance. Shame really, she is an exceptional young woman. Very talented. I suppose my loss is someone else’s gain… I hate that..” he mumbles softly, frowning into his cup.

Kevin chuckled softly. “Perhaps you should consider removing any ladies from the running this time, sir? Stick with the male applicants?”

Faal chuckled softly. “Yes.. perhaps I should. Elaina suggested as much before I hired Miranda. I suppose she was right..” he sighed. “Still… it seems wrong to turn ones back on so much potential talent just to avoid the possibility of… entanglements…”

“Sir… if I might make a suggestion?”

Faal glanced up, curious. “Of course, Kevin.. suggest away..”

“Rather then letting Miss Kliene go, perhaps you should promote her? You said yourself she is an exceptional person and it would be a shame to let someone else make use of her… especially considering her security clearance with you, sir… there are those that would have no qualms in using her against you in some way…”

Faal watched the man pour his tea and add a dollop of honey before turning and taking a seat across from him.  “You are correct, of course, Kevin... what would I do without you? I think I might have the perfect position for her as well… “ he let his mind wander for a moment then caught a curious look on Kevin’s face. “There’s something else on your mind… go on.. spit it out…”

Kevin chuckled softly. “Yes, sir.. well.. I was just thinking about young Miss Mordant…”

A fine blonde eyebrow shot up.” Yes… what about her?”

“Well sir… from what I’ve come to see of her, she seems like an extraordinarily intelligent young lady. Well mannered,   has a rather keen wit, from my observance… you’re personal interest in her aside, sir, I think she would make a valuable asset to you. Perhaps not as a personal aide, since I have no idea of her qualifications.. but surely there is something that could make use of such …..” Kevin trailed off at the look on his employers face. “Sir?”

Faal blinked and looked back at Kevin, a smile breaking over his face. “Yes.. sorry… yes you are quite right. Thank you for your observances and suggestions, Kevin.. as always you’re indispensable.  I shall consider what you’ve said and look into it in the morning. I find the idea of Lexine Mordant working for me quite an attractive one…” he said softly as he stood and took his cup to the sink, where he quickly washed it and set it aside.

Kevin watched the seemingly young man leave the kitchen in a daze and chuckled into his tea, shaking his head slightly. “Ah… new love… he hasn’t got a clue…”

 

 


Chapter 21
 

 Dressed once again in a long skirt and loose blouse,  Lex was pacing back and forth across the bedroom with the phone in his hand willing it to ring. Every now and then he’d slip a hand inside the neckline of the blouse and tug at the camisole strap beneath it. He kept thinking maybe he should take the camisole off and put it in his bag for when he needed it… after the change…

A glance at the bed side clock proved that it was still only five after six in the morning. He hadn’t been able to get much sleep, and had waited most of the night for Jasmine to find his message and return his call. As well as leave a few more messages for her to find as well. With a sigh he sat on the bed, pulling the skirt up high around his hips so he could cross his legs,  and lit a cigarette.. after all, everyone knew the quickest way to get something to happen, was to start enjoying something else

He’d managed to drag the ash tray closer and get about a quarter of the cigarette done before the phone rang. Not bothering with hello, he snapped it open. “Can we go? Today? Now?” The musical laugh on the other end was answer enough and he relaxed, stubbing out what was left of his cigarette. “Jasmine, please… how soon can we go?

“Lex, sweetie… I just got in… give me half an hour to freshen up and I’ll be there, alright?

“Just got in? And what were YOU up to last night?” he asked smugly, eyeing the half cigarette and wondering idly why he’d put it out.

“My. Aren’t WE nosey this morning.” The lilting voice sounded in his ear again. “ *I* was out with a certain gentleman caller, who shall remain nameless, who swept me off of my feet completely. I had a glorious time.”

“Gentleman, hmm? Couldn’t have been Estehl, then…” Lex said smirking and snatched up the half cigarette  to relight it.

“Ha ha. Very droll, Lexine. And how did you spend YOUR night?”

Lex exhaled smoke slowly, wondering just how much he wanted to say. “Studying the Journals of the previous Daughters in my guardian’s library.” He said softly.

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment then a muffled sound and the line went dead. Lex held the phone away from him and looked at it in surprise The battery bar and service bar were both full… no reason for a dropped call on this end…”Jasmine?” he asked into the phone even though he knew it was useless. With a sigh he snapped the phone shut and tossed it on the bed in front of him and finished the cigarette in thoughtful silence.

The sound of the portal when it opened made him squeak in surprise and roll off the far side of the bed,  calling his chakrums to hand. He gave a frustrated sigh as he saw the elegant, if somewhat hurried looking Jasmine come through. “Don’t be overly dramatic, Lexine. Put those things away.” She said  and  stopped at the far side of the bed. “Now.. what is this about the journals and your guardian?”

Lex let his chakrums vanish and straightened his skirt, smoothing it into place. “Just what I said… I spent the afternoon and night in my guardian’s library reading through the journals of the other daughters. There were other books as well, mentioning something called The Order of the Seal, and of course about the guardians and the Seal itself, but I mostly got caught up in the journals themselves… there are still plenty more books waiting… and I haven’t found… Lillian’s yet…” Jasmine , he noticed,  looked unusually tense…. She looked like she was ready to jump out of her skin at any moment. “Jasmine? Can we go now? I want to go now..” he said softly, scooping up his bag and tossing it over a shoulder, stuffing the phone inside along with his cigarettes. “I told mom and dad last night that I’d be going today.. but I left them a note anyhow…”

When he glanced up at Jasmine, she looked worried, but slowly nodded. “Alright, Lexi… we’ll go now… but we need to talk about this… it’s important…” she said softly, which Lex found rather worrying. Jasmine was not one to speak quietly. He eyed her curiously, wondering what was upsetting her. She should be happy that he’d found his guardian and had access to the journals.

 Unless there was something that she didn’t want him to find out about. He’d always had the feeling that there were things about the Seal and being the Daughter that she hadn’t told him.  Things that, if she’d had the opportunity, she’d do everything she could to keep him from knowing…   he sighed and waited for her to open a new rift, then followed her through. Whatever it was, he’d deal with it.

Just not right now.

 

 

 
**        Chapter 22     **
 

The clearing was just like the others had described in the journals. It was the ‘feel’ of the place that caught him by surprise. Jasmine had warned him about the possibility of not wanting to leave.. not just the Seal, , but Ter Nah Nog, which, thanks to his mother’s elven blood, would exert it’s own hold on him. He hadn’t really believed her…well.. he’d believed her, but he hadn’t *believed*…

 

It felt like coming home… only better.

It was an effort to remind himself that it wasn’t home… home was with his mom… and the rest of his family. Here…. here he was alone.

 

He wasn’t sure how long he stood there, but he had the impression it had been quite a while. Jasmine had moved to sit on a boulder nearby and was watching him. He wished he knew what she was thinking at the moment, because her face held that same expression it had held when he’d told her about the books.

 

He sighed and looked away, his eyes falling on the twin pillars that seemed to beckon him as soon as he looked at them. He suddenly realized he’d been feeling their pull since arriving,  but his finally noticing them seemed to intensify it.  Lex smirked softly as he approached them and reached out one hand to stroke the stone. He had the oddest impression that they’d been patiently waiting… giving him time to adjust to his surroundings…

 

He looked between the two pillars to where he knew the Seal was, but, of course, couldn’t see anything. The journals all said that the Seal couldn’t be seen from outside… or him, once he was inside as well. Like a room surrounded in one way glass…

 

With a soft smile at the feel of the place, he stepped between the pillars…

 

Warmth. Enfolding, comforting warmth.

 

No pain, no weird tingling, no melting skin or gross things like they would’ve shown in the movies..

 

Lex looked down at herself and smiled, giggling softly. One minute she’d been a boy, then  she’d stepped between the pillars and been enfolded in this delicious warm feeling...and  now she was a girl.

 

As simple and easy and quickly as that.

 

Lex looked around, taking in the seal laid out before her and the little path that led down to where she could see a pool of water. She started to walk then stopped, kicking off her sandals first.  They felt a bit big.. everything felt a bit big, and  she found that she had to hold up the skirt so she wouldn’t trip over it.

 

She hadn’t been prepared for that. For the obvious changes, yes… but she hadn’t thought she’d shrink… with a sigh she  dipped a toe in the water and sat on the edge , setting her feet in the cool water. This meant that she’d really have to go shopping. She’d been hoping that she could get away with just buying a few  things and having the rest altered. Well, she was still saving her favorites to be altered. No way was she getting rid of her velvet jacket… or her trenches… they should still fit fine, just raise the hem a bit.  She wondered how many of her clothes were fine as they were… probably her t-shirts and tanks… they’d stretch enough….She spared a glance  at her chest and shrugged. Yeah, they’d stretch enough.. she wasn’t that big and she’d seen bigger women squished into smaller clothes.

 

Suddenly over come with the urge to giggle at the knowledge that she was now a she, Lex lay back on the ground. She didn’t feel any different, really. She still felt like her… him… well… her body felt different, but SHE felt the same. And it wasn’t a bad different.. it felt.. comfortable, like she’d always been this way and was just noticing it now, kind of….

 

She suddenly sat up and looked around, realizing that she was all alone in here. With a grin, she quickly peeled off her clothes and slid into the water, shivering pleasantly at the delicious cool feel of the water against her bare skin.  She pushed aside all thoughts of shopping and the outside world, and just relaxed, enjoying the moment. 

 

  
 
 
**     Chapter 23  **
 
 

Faal sorted through the day’s itinerary, making a mental note to speak to Miranda about her ‘promotion’ when she came in. As an after thought, he called up the position he had in mind and left a message for  one of the secretaries at the office to make up a file on it, intending to give it to her when he spoke to her next.

 

He had two open searches for rare books that he was still working on,  that were proving to be a challenge. He’d had to reassure both clients several times that he WOULD find them. He had never  NOT found what he was looking for. There were a few jobs that were finished that Miranda would see to closing out completely, and one that he would see to himself.

 

And of course he was expecting a visit from LiVed. The Black King would, of course, make it seem like a social call, merely mentioning the real reason briefly as if it was of no importance…  but Faal wasn’t worried. He knew LiVed had his own agenda. As LiVed knew he has his own… these were the way of things… as long as their private doings didn’t interfere with the project or each others plans, there was no problem.

 

He sighed softly and sat back, rubbing his face wearily.  He hadn’t slept well; plagued by first images of Lexine… then nightmares of the goblins and his time with them…

 

He sighed again and was suddenly struck by the need to focus on Lex.  He remembered Kevin’s suggestion and quickly had her records up before him.  Excellent grades all around, which didn’t surprise him in the slightest.  Knowing her love of literature, her college courses didn’t surprise him either. Her schooling and grades, combined with her work experience at Chaos Incorporated  as well as her personality would make her a truly impressive assistant.

 

He sighed and leaned back.  But that might be too much of a temptation, having her that close to him all day every day. No, that WOULD be too much of a temptation. Kevin was right about the male assistant as well.

 

Kevin was always right.

 

Faal chuckled softly and climbed to his feet, heading to the kitchen in search of coffee, vowing to search through the job listings at his various companies to see if anything caught his attention for her. With her extensive weapons and combat training, as well as her experience with para naturals, the temptation to assign her to one of the Illuminate projects was almost as strong as the temptation to make her his assistant…

 

Shame Kevin was sleeping in… he wondered what advice he’d give about job placement…

 

 
**   Chapter 24 **

 

   

Jasmine was still sitting on the boulder, but several cigarette butts on the ground around her testified to her nervous wait. Lex wondered how much longer she would have waited before coming after her… could she have come after her? She knew that men couldn’t enter the seal.. not unless it was during on of the equinox’s…but could other women? She frowned thoughtfully, trying to remember if she’d read anything about it…

 

“Hi.. sorry I kept you waiting…” she said and Jasmine snapped her head up in surprise to stare at her.

 

“Lexi… you look gorgeous…” she said softly, with a slightly sad smile that made Lex wonder again just what was going through her head.

 

“I need to go shopping before I go back… there’s a bit more of a size difference than I anticipated… “ she said with a sheepish smile,  swinging her bag over her shoulder. “You don’t have to join me.. I know you’re probably tired after being out all night… you can just drop me off….”

 

“Don’t be silly, Lexi.. of course I’ll come shopping with you. I mean really… Me? Turn down an excuse to shop?!” she  said, coming to her feet with an attempt at her usual casual  flippancy. It was a good attempt… if Lex hadn’t been looking for it, she wouldn’t have noticed the slight look of worry that flashed in her eyes.

 

“I thought you might feel  that way…  especially considering new shoes are a priority.. my feet seem to have shrunk at least a size if not a bit more…” she said ruefully giving her toes a wiggle. Looking at them she was suddenly overcome with the urge to paint her toenails… and she wanted  a toe ring…

 

“Damn.” She said softly as Jasmine joined her. She looked up with a sheepish look. “I’m being over whelmed with really girly thoughts and impulses… that’s not fair.”

 

Jasmine laughed softly, the worried look vanishing from even Lex’s watchful gaze for a moment. “Of course it’s fair, Lexi love.. you’re a girl.. what did you expect?” she slipped an arm around her shoulder. “Now what sort of girl thoughts and impulses are you having?”

 

Lex gave a giggle, blushing slightly. “Pedicure.. with polish .. and a toe ring…”

 

Jasmine laughed and gave her a squeeze. “Oh yes! This is a momentous day, after all sweetie! We need to celebrate! Forget a mere pedicure… we’re going for the full deal. Pedicure, manicure, facial,  hair, clothing, jewelry … lunch.. and whatever else comes to mind! Let’s go have breakfast somewhere then we’ll go wake up Candy and get things rolling!”

      

 

    

 

**    Chapter 25  **

 

Kay  was sitting in the dining room pouring over the latest info sent over from the offices. Auron sat across from her going over the pile of paperwork Aiyla and the boys had retrieved during their nightly excursions.  The only sound between in the room was the click of Kay’s fingers on the keyboard, the rustle of Auron flipping through the papers, and the some hum of the fan in the corner.

 

The sudden sound of  Kay’s cell phone ringing made both of them jump.

 

“Speak.” She said with a smirk in Auron’s direction and he straightened the papers he’d knocked astray. “Hey baby! How’d it go?”

 

“Great mom… I feel so good…” Lex said as she stretched out in the comfortable chair and the lady buffed her newly polished toenails, and a second lady worked on one hand. “Jasmine talked me into visiting the salon and being pampered to celebrate… god.. we gotta grab Regan and do this sometime.. this is heaven…”

 

Kay laughed softly, catching Auron’s curious look in her direction. “I’ll keep that in mind. No doubt when she gets home and scrubs all that dirt and dust out of her hair and skin , it’s something she’ll look forward to. When do you think you’ll be back?”

 

Lex sighed and glanced towards the clock. “Oh I don’t know… we’ve still got some major shopping to do and Jasmine wanted to do lunch as well… probably not until this afternoon sometime. Jasmine keeps mouthing the word ‘evening’…. Okay.. she’s changed her mind.. now she’s doing ‘tonight’.” Lex giggled and rolled her eyes. “My phone is on and I *will* pay attention to it, I promise,  so if you need me back there,  just call.”

 

Kay laughed softly again. “Sounds good, baby… I can’t wait to see you. Enjoy yourself, alright?”

 

“Oh.. that’s not going to be a problem… like I said…I’m in heaven already and we’ve only been to one store and that was Candy’s to get our hair done..  so of course we had to see what she had…” Lex glanced over at the  pile of bags waiting for them already. “Is dad still mad at me?”

 

“No baby… he’s still being stubborn over the whole Faal issue,  but he’s not mad at you.” Auron gave a snort and held out a hand for the phone. Kay gave him on of her looks and ignored his out stretched hand. “Your dad wants to talk to you, sweetie… interested?”

 

Lex sighed and nodded to the lady who was waiting to work on her other hand. “I…I’d better not right now,  mom… I don’t want anything to wreck this day… and .. well… you know. Anyhow, “ she said quickly, “I gotta go.. getting a manicure and my fingers are being requested.. love you…. Give my love to dad too, okay?”

 

“Sure thing baby… love you too.” She said and snapped the phone closed to Auron’s glare. “She’s getting a manicure and had to go… they needed her hand.” She said,  setting the phone down beside her lap top and getting back to work.  “She says she feels great.. her and Jasmine are getting pampered then going shopping… she sounds really happy, Auron…. Please…can’t you just.. let her be happy?” she asked softly, looking at him over the computer.

 

He sighed and laid a heavy folder onto of the stack of papers so they wouldn’t blow away, and pushed himself away from the table. “I don’t have a problem with her being happy, m’chere…  I want her to be happy, I do…”  he  pushed the chair back into the table. “I’m going outside for some fresh air,  petite…”

 

She watched him go and sighed. She wished she knew how to alleviate his worries over Faal.  The hardest part was that she still wasn’t sure if he didn’t like Faal because of his past with her , because of his interest in Lex.., or because of something else entirely.

 

 


Chapter 26
 

 

By the time they’d restocked Lex’s wardrobe to Jasmine’s satisfaction, it was late afternoon and they’d already made three secret runs to her room back at the bed and breakfast to drop of her purchases so they wouldn’t be weighted down. In addition to new footwear, jeans, and skirts, she also had a selection of every day dresses,  special occasion and evening gowns,  blouses for every conceivable occasion, a variety of bras, camisoles, a bikini and various items of sleep wear. When Jasmine had gone to try on some things for herself, Lex had even picked out some lingerie.

 

All in all, she’d wound up buying about four times more then she had planned on. It was a good thing that, in addition to her family being rather well off, she had quite a bit of money of her own set aside.

 

The two of them set the last of their purchases down as they made one last stop at a street side café and Jasmine ordered them some  champagne.  Lex found herself suddenly nervous. She’d managed to put off Jasmine’s ‘ have to speak about this’ conversation  all day, but knew that the time for avoidance was almost over.

 

Jasmine was perfectly wiling to put off awkward subjects in the name of shopping… however…

 

Lex sighed as they finished toasting her becoming the Daughter in truth and Jasmine set her glass down with that determined look on her face. “Alright,  Lexine.. all fun and celebration aside… we really need to talk about…”

 

Lex sighed and set her glass down. “Yes, we do. “she said firmly, determined for once not to let Jasmine roll over her. She had her own things to discuss as well. “First of all, I think I deserve to know just what it is that you’ve been keeping from me about all this Seal business.” She felt her stomach flutter at her forwardness, nervous about Jasmine’s reaction, but at the same time it felt wonderful!

 

Jasmine seemed taken aback for a moment for quickly recovered. “I have no idea what you’re referring to, Lexi Hun. I have told you every thing I can about..”

 

“No you haven’t, Jasmine. “she said firmly and stared at the fae across form her. “I’m serious. I know you’ve been hiding things from me.” Lex didn’t know if  her new found determination and directness was caused by the change itself or just her getting tired of being walked over,  but it felt glorious to stand up and demand her own answers for a change. “When I told you where I was last night and what I as doing, you were worried that’s I’d found out all the things you’d tried to keep from me.”

 

“Is that what your ‘guardian’ told you, Lexine?!” Jasmine snapped, spitting the word ‘guardian’ out as if it tasted bad. “ Did he spend the night poisoning you against me? You can’t trust him, Lexi…. Faal isn’t..

“You KNEW!! “ Lex cried, standing so fast, her chair fell over behind her and her glass of champagne was knocked from the table to shatter on the cobblestone patio. The patio fell silent as the other patrons turned to see what the commotion was. The look of outrage and betrayal on her face  made many of them glance at her companion. “You KNEW! All this time, and you KNEW who my guardian was!! “ she said, glaring at the woman still seated across from her, trying to pretend nothing was wrong.

 

“Don’t be ridiculous, Lexine…”

 

“You said his name, Jasmine.” Lex said coldly. “I never told you his name. I just called him my guardian. And you haven’t spoken to mom or dad , so they couldn’t have told you…. The only way you could have known his name, was that you already knew it. You’ve known it all along haven’t you? HAVEN’T YOU?! “ she yelled, coming around the table to stand above her. 

 

Waiters and waitresses hovered on the edges of her vision, unsure what to do. “What else have you kept from me, Jasmine? How much of what you’ve even told me is the truth?!”

 

Jasmine snapped her head up. “Everything I’ve told you is the truth, Lexine.. now this is not the time nor place.. sit down and ..”

 

“No.” Lex said simply and walked back to her seat, picking up her bags. “No, Jasmine.. I think I’ve had more then enough of ‘talking’ to you. Thank you five years of bullshit, Jasmine.. I hope you enjoyed fucking  with me. If I need any further help, I’ll know where NOT to turn.” She said, her voice full of venom as she spun on her heels and opened a portal.  She heard Jasmine called out to her as she stepped through, but slammed the portal shut the second she was through and did the  trick Xander had taught her to keep from being followed.

 

Xander… she suddenly felt the anger drain away and leave her feeling tired.  It had been so long since she’d spoken to her foster brother. She wondered where he was, almost over whelmed by the urge to run off and look for him.

 

She tossed the bags down and left her bed room, wanting to be anywhere else right then.  The bags and boxes of clothing stacked about the room were making her think of Jasmine again, and the anger was returning. She didn’t slow down as her father called to her, and when a hand suddenly grabbed her arm, she reacted purely on anger and instinct. The sharp sound of the slap as her hand struck flesh snapped her out of her thoughts as quickly as the shocked look on her father’s face.

 

 Her hand flew to her mouth in horror. “Oh god, daddy! I’m sorry! I didn’t…!” She suddenly threw her self against his chest, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m sorry, daddy. I didn’t know it was you…” she said softly. Burying her face against his chest, not caring that she was probably getting makeup all over him, she suddenly burst into tears.

 

After a  moment of shock, Auron wrapped his arms around her and held her, stroking her hair softly. Lex cried harder as she thought that it was probably a toss up as to which shocked him more, the slap across the face or her crying in his arms… she’d never been very emotionally affectionate with her father, preferring to run to her mother when in need of comfort. She didn’t think she’d ever even called him daddy before… that was Regan’s name for him… for her it had always been dad…

 

By the time her sobs had subsided to the point where she could breathe without gasping for air, she was aware of several silent shadows hanging in the background and blushed furiously at the knowledge they’d all seen her break down like this. She knew she should pull away and get herself under control, tell them about Jasmine… but she found that she just didn’t want to leave the safety and comfort of her father’s arms.

 

She sighed wearily, tightening her hold on him as she turned her cheek to face her family. Her mother  was standing  a few feet away, obviously ready to step in if needed but not wanting to interrupt. Saffron was slouched against the door, a look of shock and uncertainty pasted on his face. Aiyla and Eire stood just inside the door; obviously not sure if they should be there, but feeling the need to be anyways.  She gave them all a weak smile, not lifting her head form her father’s chest. “Sorry.” She said softly.

 

“Don’t be ridiculous, baby… you don’t have anything to be sorry for.” Kay said softly.

 

Saffron eyed her for a minute, then sniffed and looked incredibly uncomfortable. “So… what’s wrong… don’t like being a girl after all?” he asked  without any trace of his usual snideness.

 

She smirked softly. “No Saffron… I like being a girl just fine. That has nothing to do with it.” She said softly and finally pushed gently away from her father.  “I don’t want Jasmine around, anymore. She… I don’t know whether she’s been lying to me or what, but she’s definitely been keeping things from me… she knew all along who my guardian was… “ she looked at the surprise on every ones face, and felt a faint flutter of relief that none of them had known or suspected. “So if she calls or comes here… send her away, please. I don’t want anything more to do with her.”

 

Auron sighed softly and she looked up at him as he stroked her hair. “What about the Seal, m’petite fille…? She’s the only one who knows the things you need to know…”

 

Lex shook her head. “No, daddy.. she’s not.  I have my guardian now, and all the journals from every other Daughter before me… I don’t need someone who’ll only tell me their version of what they think I should know. I need to know *everything*. The journals and Faal can do that. Jasmine obviously either can’t or won’t.” she sniffed and wiped at her eyes, noting the smudges of mascara and makeup that came away on her fingers. She cast a rueful look at her father’s chest and choked a half sob half laugh at the mess she’d left. “I’m sorry, daddy.. I think I ruined your shirt.. so much for waterproof mascara…”

 

Auron smiled softly as he titled her chin up. “It was worth it, ma fille précieuse. “ he said softly and kissed her forehead.

 

Lex swallowed back another round of tears that threatened to overwhelm her at her father’s words. Reaching up she gently stroked the red mark that  still showed on his cheek. “I’m sorry, daddy… I swear..”

 

He took hold of her hand and kissed her fingers. “It’s alright, Lexi… that too was worth it.” He said with a slight smirk.

 

She looked away and took another swipe at her face, before offering a weak smile. “Well.. now that I’ve completely destroyed a days worth of pampering and beauty treatments and  embarrassed myself completely… I’m going to go get cleaned up, and then… I don’t know.. I need to be alone for a while, if you guys don’t mind…”

 

 

“Of course not,  m’petite… keep your phone with you in case you change your mind.” Auron said softly, earning a small smile of surprise from his wife.

 

“I ..uh… I’ll give you a ride if you want to go somewhere,…” Saffron said softly, his head tilted towards the floor as he scratched the back of his neck, avoiding the even more surprised looks that went his way.

 

Lex smiled softly. “Thank you., Saffron.” She said softly and smiled at her father. “Of course, dad… I’ll even leave it turned on.” She added with a faint blush as she headed for the door.

 

“Lexine.”

 

She turned back at her father’s voice. “Yes daddy?”

 

“You look stunning,  m’ chere.”

 

Lex blushed, smiling softly.

 

“Yes, Lexi…. you look beautiful. “Aiyla added, no hint of her usual flippancy or playfulness. Beside her Eire blushed and ducked his head for a moment before looking back up at her. “Ya make a damn fine girl, Lex.”  Lex giggled softly as Aiyla elbowed him roughly. “Woman, Eire… she’s a woman… Sienna is a ‘girl’…”

 

“Thank you, E’. Everyone.. but you could at least wait until I’m not a complete mess. I don’t have to look in a mirror to know I must look *damn* scary right now…” she giggled, blushing as she headed past them  towards the stairs.

 

 Her stomach was still fluttering with left over butterflies from her face off with Jasmine. She wondered again where this new found confidence and strength had come from. Surely the change wasn’t responsible for it. After all, girls are normally made out to be more timid then boys, not more aggressive… and she certainly *felt* more aggressive. She felt like there was this energy coiled  inside her, bursting to get out. And she wanted to let it out.

 

Her mom had always told her how she seemed more confident in herself when she had a weapon in her hand, and Aiyla and Sylvie both used to tell her how much more comfortable with herself she seemed when she was dressed more femininely. That was how she felt. Confident, comfortable, strong…  Lex smiled to herself as she entered the bathroom and began washing  her face free of the mess before reapplying it.

 

She didn’t care where or why… she loved feeling like this. If this is how it felt to be a woman, then she wished she’d  gone to the Seal back when she first found out about all of this.  For the first time in her life, she didn’t feel that echo of submissiveness that had been beaten into her through her entire life. There had been no urge to back down from Jasmine, no feeling of fear at confronting her.

 

Lex took a deep breath and looked at her reflection in the mirror, smiling at what she saw. “Look out world…” she said softly and broke into giggles.

 

 

 
 
**        Chapter 27     **
 
 

The car pulled up to the front entrance of the stately mansion at the edge of town and sat with the engine idling. “Are you sure this is where you want to go, Lex?  I can take you to the library or something….”

 

Lex smiled softly and turned to face her brother. “This is where I want to be, Saffron. Thank you for the ride.” She said softly, opening her door.

 

“Hey Lex! Wait…!” She paused, half out of the car and turned back to face him. “ I just…I mean …” he blushed furiously and  turned to look out the driver’s side window. “You look really good. I’m glad you’re happy.” He said softly.

 

Lex beamed, her eyes watering as she leaned across the seat and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Saffron.” She said softly and quickly slid out of the car, her messenger bag over one bare shoulder, her jacket dangling from one hand as she gave a little wave, watching the car pulled down the lane. With a happy sigh, she turned , quickly climbing the steps and rang the bell.

 

The private library looked the same as when she’d left the night before. The books she’d hastily shoved back onto the shelf were still in disarray and she quickly set to straightening them, before removing one  and  curling up in the chair to read. The journal she had chosen still did not prove to be her birth mothers, and she wasn’t sure whether she was relived by that or not. Part of her wanted to know more about her… and another part was too afraid of what she’d find.

 

Never the less, the journal captured her attention completely and she was unable to put it down until she had read it completely through. A soft questioning mew caught her attention as she was about to choose another journal and she looked over to see the calico sitting beside the chair watching her.

 

“Hello again, Willa. “ she said with a soft smile at the cat who promptly turned, her tail in the air and trotted for the door. Lex giggled softly at the rather imperious look she was given as she slowly stood, keeping the cat waiting. She paused by the chair and  then scooped her bag onto her shoulder. “Yes, I think you’re right, Willa… time for a change of scenery.”  She disengaged the lock and let both herself and the cat out of the room, then sealed it behind her once again. She’d call her parents and let them know she was just going to grab a bite to eat out and then return to her reading. She doubted she’d be in until late again…

 

 Willa was already half way to the stairs by the time Lex turned. “Fine then.. don’t wait for me.” She said in a haughty tone and the cat stopped and turned to look at her with such disdain that Lex blushed.  To add insult to injury, Willa then gave a delicate sneeze, shot her tail into the air and vanished up the stairs..

 

Lex watched the cat vanish and slowly shook her head. “I do believe I’ve just been insulted by a cat…” she said softly, then frowned. The calico’s attitude suddenly made her miss her own cat, Aloyious, who was no doubt busy terrorizing the entire office building in her absence. She headed for the stairs with a sigh, wondering if all cats were like that or just the ones she seemed to meet…

 
 
**     Chapter 28  **
 
 

Faal sighed as he made his way through the halls, his mind wandering. He’d decided to put off talking to Miranda about the promotion until he had a replacement lined up, and so far none of the resumes the office had sent over had caught his eye. Further more, he had seen no sign of Lexine Mordant since their lunch the previous day, and his attempts to contact her had resulted in learning nothing more than that she’d gone out of town with a friend for the day, and no one knew when she was expected back.

 

He  rounded the corner and stopped dead in his tracks. There, through the open French doors leading into the solar, was the very red headed beauty he’d just been thinking of… he wondered  how long she’d been under his own roof without his knowing about it. He walked slowly toward the doors,  not wanting to break the tableau before him… the bright red river of curls flowing down her back over a red and black print sundress… shapely legs seemingly bare from mid thigh down to delicate strapped heels, a slim silver chain bedecked with some sort of charms lay over one ankle.

 

He found himself standing just inside the doors watching her, unable to even breathe fully, as she turned her head slightly to side and he saw the line of black ribbon that held the flow of curls back from her face. He must have made some small sound for she turned startled and he thought his heart was going to explode at the sight of her.

 

“Faal? Faal!” she exclaimed and rushed to his side as he suddenly found himself leaning against the door for support. “Are you alright?! Here…Sit down… you look like you’re about to faint..” she said, moving towards  the closest chair, no doubt intending to bring it to him, but he caught hold of her arm, bringing her to a stop.  He couldn’t seem to stop staring at her.. She seemed even more beautiful and radiant then he remembered… her presence more captivating… surely a mere day’s absence shouldn’t have had this drastic an effect on him.

 

”The Seal…” he finally said softly, coming up with the only explanation he could think of. “You went to the Seal…” His hand found its way to gently cup her cheek  as he stared in awe at her.

 

He watched the blush spread across her cheeks as she ducked her head slightly and nodded before looking back up at him. “You look even more breath taking then before… something I would have sworn to be impossible…” He smiled  at the  sound of her giggle as she leaned her face into his hand, reaching up to cover it with her own.

 

“You knew, didn’t you?” she asked softly, looking up at him with those incredible eyes. “You knew I was the Daughter… that you were my Guardian…” 

 

He found himself nodding slowly. “You could’ve told me…”  she said, her voice soft and he found his other hand reaching up to caress the fiery red  curls where they left the ribbon to flow freely down her back.

 

He shook his head slowly. “Would you have believed me? A stranger out of now where, just telling you…” he laughed softly, mesmerized by the green fire that seemed to burn in her eyes. “I was too afraid of what you’d say.. I didn’t want to frighten you away….”

 

She smirked softly and took a step back, his hands falling away from her. “I find it rather hard to imagine you being afraid  of something… or even nervous…..” she said and turned away, running her fingers lightly over the backs of a chair as she walked slowly away from him. He found himself following her as if pulled by invisible strings and he wanted to laugh at himself for his behavior.. But it felt too overpoweringly right.

 

He watched the way her hair moved softly as she walked, the way the skirt of her dressed swayed with each step. The image was burned into his brain and he was sure if he closed his eyes it would still be there, as clear and vivid…  he blinked, suddenly finding himself standing beside the table, Lexine standing so close a deep breath would’ve had them touching. She smiled up at him and placed one delicate hand against his chest and he felt his heart leap at the gentle touch, and wondered if she could feel its frantic racing.

 

“Faal…” she said softly and reached up with her other hand to take hold of the thick braid of his hair, pulling it over his shoulder. “You seem terribly quiet and shy today…”

 

“Lexine… the last time we spoke I told you how I felt in your presence… and I made a promise…” he said softly, fighting every fiber of his being not to grab hold of her and discover for himself if she tasted as good as she looked. “That feeling is stronger then ever and that promise is regretted more heartily...”

 

He watched a smile spread across her face, keeping pace with her blush, and she looked up at him through half lowered lashes in a way that made him catch his breath. “I’d like to thank you… for waiting…. For not… rushing me..” she said, her fingers sliding over his braid. When she looked up at him at last, she slid both hands up over his chest, slipping them behind his neck and he found himself suddenly holding her by the waist as she leaned against him.

 

She stretched up on her toes as she pulled his head towards her. “You don’t have to wait anymore.” She said softly, her words tickling his lips with her breath.

 

All pretense of control fled at her soft words and he held her against him with almost bruising force as he kissed her hungrily, discovering that yes, she did indeed taste as good as she looked. He’d felt her body tense up with the fury of his passion, but then it was as if she melted into his embrace and kissed him back with equal fervor. 

 

The part of his brain that was still capable of rational thought was astonished at the sheer immensity of feeling this small delicate creature stirred in him. Never had he experienced anything even remotely as sweet and intoxicating…and powerful.

 

  Not even the two women he’d cared enough about to marry had made him feel this way.

 

He knew then, without a shadow of a doubt, he wouldn’t rest until Lexine Mordant was his.

 

Completely and irreversibly his.

 

 

 
**   Chapter 29**

 

   

Lex gasped for breath and finally managed to push herself away with a giggle. “Faal… I need to breathe…” His answering chuckle was muffled as he merely moved his kisses behind her ear and down her throat. She let her head fall backward and closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the sensations he was awakening in her. Every touch of his lips against her skin was electric.

 

*This is heaven.* she thought as his lips left a trail of electric current across her throat. She could feel the fingers of one hand curled into her hair at the base of her skull, but it was the other hand that had her attention as it slipped from her waist down over her hip and onto the bare skin of her leg. The touch of his skin on hers was another jolt through her and she found her own hands tightening their hold on his neck, urging his head back up.

 

When she opened her eyes she found herself staring into those dark rainbows, the glamour gone from his features. She grabbed his braid in one hand and used it to pull him back in for another kiss. She’d never dreamed it could feel this good. Not even Rowen had made her feel so alive.  She closed her eyes, pushing away the thought of Rowen, not wanting him to intrude on this perfect moment.

 

But still was the lingering thought…*but was it because he couldn’t make me feel this …. Or because  ‘I’ couldn’t ?… after all….I wasn’t a girl then… maybe all of this is simply how a girl feels...*

 

The thought was pushed from her mind as Faal’s hand on her leg slid under the hem of her dress and up over her thigh. Her legs suddenly turned to water and she leaned into him even more, her arms going back around his neck. She whimpered softly into their fevered kisses as his hand slid over her hip and came to rest on the equally bare skin of  her backside.  She felt as much as heard the soft moan that escaped him, and was suddenly struck breathless again as he kiss grew hungrier and more passionate in its intensity. The hand at the base of her skull left, slipping quickly down to join the other, she suddenly found herself pressed tightly against him. The hardness of him digging into her stomach made her eyes fly open. *This is too much!* her mind screamed at her and she suddenly panicked with the urge to get away.  He was holding her too tight, too close.. kissing her too hard… she couldn’t breath, couldn’t think…

 

She got her hands between them and pushed,  turning her face away from his, trying to break the kiss. Her panic must have gotten through, because suddenly she was free and he’d taken a step away from her. They both stood, weak kneed and shaky, trying to catch their breath.

 

“Lexine..I..”

 

Lex shook her head, her eyes closed as she struggled to get control. She held up a hand to let him know not to come closer. “It’s alright…I’m alright…I’m sorry…” she said and let  herself crumble into a chair. “Just…  a bit fast… guess I’m not as ready as I thought…”

 

She felt him move closer and heard the soft scrapping of a chair being moved closer. The feather light brush of his fingers on her cheek made her open her eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t of…. “ he said softly.

 

She laughed softly and closed her eyes. “You don’t have to be sorry… I said you could, remember?” she shook her head softly and looked away. How was she going to explain? She didn’t want him to know about the life she’d had under Abadon… the things he’d done to her… She smirked softly,  suddenly glad to have Rowen as an excuse. “My ex… he … he was  the  forceful type… .”

 

“I reminded you of him… I was too hard…”

 

 She looked up at the sudden cold tone in his voice, blushing furiously at his words, reminded of the feel of him against her stomach.  “I wouldn’t say THAT....” she giggled, not meeting his eyes. “but a bit rougher than I was ready for maybe… but I think… I think I just…. It was just too fast…”

 

The sudden silence  made her turn back to face him, only to find him looking towards the floor. His braid fell over one shoulder and his shirt was rucked up and partially unbuttoned and she blushed even more trying to remember if she’d done that. She must have.. his hands had been elsewhere after all…

 

She reached out to touch his hair. “But I do want to…” she said softly,  his head lifting enough for their eyes to meet, her out stretched fingers brushing his cheek. “Just… a bit slower, maybe.”

 

She watched  the smile slowly appear as he took her hand in his and kissed her fingers. “A taste of heaven in all it’s glory.. and now I must hold myself away from it’s most tempting angel.…” he sighed, still smiling softly. “For you and you alone will I wait, Lexine Mordant. You are the only one whose kiss I consider worth the agony of waiting…”

 

She giggled,  blushing furiously at his words and the way they made her feel.

 

“Your ex… boyfriend, I’m assuming, because that’s painful enough to be considered with out imagining you someone’s wife...”  he said and she wondered at the attempt at humor laid over something darker. “I take it he wasn’t good to you… did he hurt you?

 

Lex looked away and bit her lip, suddenly wanted to be elsewhere. “Maybe mom mentioned my being under a death curse that they’d managed to break…? Well… that was Rowen…” she said softly. “I… I’d better go… “ she said  and started to stand, only to find him on his feet as quickly.

 

“I’ll never hurt you, Lexine.” He said in such a serious tone that she found herself holding her breath.  “I’ll never cause you pain or betray your love. I’ll never leave you. I’ll treat you like the queen you are. Fulfill your every whim, lavish you with gifts. But most importantly, Lexine… I will never hurt you.”

 

The sight of him blurred behind suddenly watery eyes and she hastily pulled her hands free of his, not wanting him to see her cry. “I know..” she answered softly as she blinked her eyes free of tears and found her way to the door.

 

“Please…Lexine… don’t leave…”

 

The soft plaintive tone of his voice made her stop dead in her tracks, but she couldn’t look at him, so she stood there in the door way, one hand on the frame, her back to him. “I.. need to…. I…”

 

There was a sigh from behind her and the sound of footsteps, but he made no move to touch her.  Part of her was thankful for that, because she knew if he had of, she wouldn’t be able to leave.

 

Another part silently screamed at him to grab her and hold her and not let her go….

 

“You need a way to get around town while you’re here… “ he said softly, and she frowned as she heard the soft beeping of him using his phone. “Ms. Foreman… I was wondering I you could do me a favor…Kevin has the day off and I need someone to show Miss Mordant to the garage… Thank you.” There was the soft click of the phone  being disengaged and she frowned more, finally turning to face him.

 

He smiled softly at her. “I want you to take one of my cars for your use while you’re in town. I insist. Ms. Foreman will take you down so you won’t need to worry about me… giving into temptation…”

 

Before she had a chance to refuse or argue, he glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Thank you, Ms. Foreman… Miss Mordant will be taking one of the cars… see that she chooses one. She is not to leave the grounds unless she does so behind the wheel.  I trust you know where the keys are kept?”

 

“Of course, Mr. Dominic. Miss Mordant?” Lexine turned to find a  older woman dressed impeccably in a knee length dark skirt and blouse.. the only color visible was a brightly jeweled dragonfly brooch and the bright blue of her eyes, both of which sparkled, the latter with obvious good humor.

 

Lex glanced back at Faal and finally smiled softly. “Thank you.”

He bowed his head slightly. “My pleasure, Lexine.”

 

She started to follow the woman then stopped and turned back, her lip caught thoughtfully between her teeth. “Faal?” she asked softly. “Would you.. be free for  dinner later tonight?”

 

The sudden smile that flashed across his face made her heart beat faster. “For you, I’m always free. Shall we eat here or would you like to go somewhere?”

 

The thought of coming back here and being alone with him again was both incredibly tempting and  still a  bit frightening. She believed him when he said he’d never hurt her, and she knew he’d never force her if she asked him to stop… that much had already been proven…

 

No.. right now it was herself she didn’t trust. Her body was on overload trying to adjust and she didn’t want to rush into anything… “I’ll meet you somewhere… how about the place we had dinner the other night?”  She glanced at the woman who was waiting patiently. “Excuse me.. what time is it?” The woman glanced at her watch and smiled. “Seven thirty, Miss.”  Lexine bit her lip as she turned back to him. “Would nine be too late?”

 

Faal shook her head slowly, watching her. “Never. Nine o’clock it is.”

 

She blushed as she turned and nodded for Ms. Foreman to lead the way.

 

 

    

 

**    Chapter 30  **

 

“My god I’ve died and gone to heaven….” She said softly s she stood at the top of a short flight of stairs the lead down into the garage.

 

And what a garage. There must be at least twenty cars… “Go on down and take a look. Call out when you find the one you want and I’ll get the keys for you.”

 

Lex suddenly shook her head tightening her grip on the decorative metal railing. “No.. nononono.. if I go down there…. I won’t be leaving any time  soon…” she said, her eyes roving over the vehicles spread out before her taking in the array of models and colors. “Just… pick one… “

 

“Oh I couldn’t do that…. Mr. Dominic said you were to choose. “

 

Lex turned at the tone, getting the feeling that the woman was trying very hard not to laugh at her. With a sigh, she turned back, her eyes catching on a flash of light blue towards the far end. She stood on her tip toes and squinted. “OH! Is that.. that isn’t…” she spun to face the woman, whom she assumed must be the housekeeper. “I think I see a Mini Cooper.. at the far end…?”

 

The woman  smiled and made her way down the stairs towards a very well maintained mechanics station, where she opened a shallow cupboard mounted on the wall and searched, her fingers hovering for a moment before plucking a set of keys,

 

 Lexine had slowly followed her down the stairs, trying not to look at the treasure trove of cars, her second passion after books… this man was proving to be more and more of a temptation with every passing moment…

 

“Here you go.”  Ms. Foreman said with a triumphant smile and handed her the keys.  She pointed along the wall to where a wide hall opened up. “Take the tunnel up… right after it levels off there’s a door… you’ll find the  control attached to the dash… it’ll be.. let me see… should be on the  top left .. yes… I believe that’s where it is. It’s been a while since I’ve driven,..” she smiled again. “There’s a fueling station just outside, but you shouldn’t need it on your way out. Just follow the lane and it’ll take you out.”

 

Lex felt a huge grin growing on her face as she stared at the keys in her hands. “Thank you. “ She loved Mini Coops… she’d been considering raiding her savings and buying one, but she loved her Mustang too much to give it up.

 

Half in a daze, she walked  past the cars until she came to the one she wanted. “Heaven.” She said softly, running her fingers over the side before she opened the door and slid in. “I am NEVER leaving this town..” she said with a giggle and dropped her bag on the passenger seat.  Taking a deep breath , grinning like mad, she slipped the key into the ignition.

 

 
 

 

< < Previous   Next > >



Copyright ©
2006-2009 The Gurgi Clan & Chaos Inc. - Skye, Ruex,
Sage, Washu & Miss Frost. All Rights Reserved