A/N: Yay! I manage to update in a reasonable amount of time this time! Thank you for all the sweet reviews last chapter! They really helped to motivate me!

Consequences and Repercussions

Chapter 10: The Interview

After breakfast, Jay, Jayden and I moved to sit in Kai's living room. Wanting to appear professional, I had taken a seat opposite of Jay and his daughter in Kai's recliner, while they lounged on his sectional. Jay had explained my being here to Jayden and how I would be taking care of her in the mornings while he and…Eb were "taking care of business".

And to say Jayden had been unhappy about the arrangement was a severe understatement. She had whined and pouted, declaring she wanted to go too and asking "Why?" when she couldn't. And I had felt myself becoming increasing impressed by Jay as he had handled his distressed daughter with a calm gentility that I had never seen before.

"How long?" Jayden had asked, pouting, her tiny hands curled in her father's pants leg.

"You're going to be with Nya from seven to twelve every morning starting tomorrow until we leave."

Jayden had given pause then, her cheeks puffing out as she supposedly worked out the meaning of Jay's words. But then, her eyes widened as she had yelped, "Five?! Five in middle!?" She shook and pulled on Jay's pants leg. "No, Daddy! No! Too long!"

Smiling gently, Jay had placed his hand on her head. "It seems long, Moon Pie. But it won't be if you have fun with Nya. You know time flies when you're having fun."

Jayden had turned to look at me then. And even though I had tried to reassure her with a smile of my own, her circumspective expression didn't change. In fact, I had been a little shocked when she had bared her teeth and hissed at me like an aggravated cat.

"Jayden! None of that!" Jay's light tone had shifted to that piercing hard edge I've come to identify when he got stern or serious. And although Jayden had the decency to look properly chastised, she hadn't shrunk back. "Now c'mon, you pulled the same hissy fit when you met Kai, but you ended up liking him, didn't you?"

Still glaring at me, Jayden had muttered. "…That differ."

"Oh really? How so?"

Jayden hadn't answered right away. Instead, she had looked from me to Jay and just shook her head. But finally, she had pursed her lips and uttered, "Feel differ… Her differ than Uncle Kai."

Jay had dipped his head. "Understandable. And I know meeting new people—especially adults can be scary, and I'm glad you're cautious. But if I give the okay, then it's also okay for you to give that person a chance."

Mouth now puckered in a pout, Jayden had climbed into her father's lap and buried her face in his chest, a reenactment of her display at the dining room table. A few quiet moments had passed with father and daughter completely enveloped in each other…and I had felt like an unwanted intruder. But then, Jayden had disengaged herself and peered up at Jay's face.

"Ebby like her?" She had asked tentatively, and Jay had visibly balked at the question before glancing up at me and smoothing out his features. That mask of calm detachment firmly in place.

"Eb…" his gaze found Jayden's again, "…Eb hasn't had the chance to meet her yet."

Jayden had moved to side-saddle on Jay's legs with her side still leaning against his chest. She had eyed me from her periphery. "Wait for Ebby," she had said slowly. "Need help."

Jay had not responded.

I had not responded.

Since calmed, Jayden had retreated into the bathroom a few minutes ago, leaving me alone with Jay. And Kai was still meandering in the back getting dressed. I'm still baffled and mulling over what had transpired and who exactly this "Eb" or "Ebby" is. But then figure, why ponder anything when a fountain of knowledge is right here in front of me?

I know I have to be tactful in my approach, however, as I don't want Jay to clam up. But then again, this is a "job interview" of sorts, isn't it? Perhaps from a professional standpoint, I'm entitled to ask inquires if relevant to the "job".

Which meant, unfortunately, that I wouldn't be allowed to ask anything about his arm. Or him in general for that matter. Every question would have to surround Jayden.

I uncross my legs and take a silent, deep breath, while Jay leans forward and opens a light blue folder with a silver Pegasus emblem on the front. I had wondered why it had been sitting on the table all this time. But regardless, I smile and say, "I'll do my best to make sure she has a good time, Jay."

His eyes lift from the folder's contents to meet my gaze. "I know you will. I really do appreciate you helping me, Nya." It may've sounded more sincere if he had smiled. "Now look here. I've compiled a list of Jayden's habits and such for you to take and peruse. You don't have to worry about giving her breakfast as we'll eat here before coming for the duration of our stay in the city. I'll pack her a snack, though, so just give it to her if she gets the munchies later on. Most of her favorite shows air in the morning, but don't just park her in front of T.V. and expect her to be content for hours on end. She'll get antsy. She also rarely likes watching T.V. by herself, so keep that in mind. She likes to comment and talk about what she's watching. She'll actually try to test you to see if you know what's going on in the show—see if you're paying attention or not. Toys, word puzzles, art supplies—I'll pack everything you need. It's not that hard to keep her entertained, but…"

Jay's openly smiling now as he continues to prattle on and on about his daughter. There's a proud and happy sparkle in his eyes, and he looks so relaxed and open that I can't help but stare. This is the Jay I remember. This is the Jay that I had liked best.

I don't indulge in the bittersweet memories for long as I know I have to pay close attention to what he's saying. But my heart feels very light right now, lighter than it's felt in years. Not to mention…well…he's handsome. Very handsome. I mean, I'd always thought Jay was cute, but never handsome. Not like Cole.

But now, he's simply striking. And…oddly beautiful…

I never noticed how dark and long his eyelashes were, or how they accentuated the deep blue of his eyes. And maybe it's just the lighting but…Jay's hair isn't just brown as I'd remembered it to be. Now, I can see auburn and russet highlights streaking between the chestnut strands.

But his mouth is the same. Yes, his lips have always been a pretty, baby pink hue and perfectly full.

Before I know it, my heart starts hammering again and heat begins to pool in my belly. How so embarrassing and juvenile! I feel like a teenager again! God, I can even feel the blood rushing to my cheeks.

"Nya…?"

Jay's smooth, deep voice calling my name jerks me away from focusing on my hormonal craze. And flustered, I meet his gaze.

He quirks up his scarred eyebrow. "Are you okay?" Though his face had returned to its placid state, I could discern maybe a hint of worry lacing his voice.

I quickly try to compose myself in effort to save face (as well as some dignity) and send him a smile. "Yeah, I'm…just trying to remember the last time I babysat." It wasn't a bad deterrent as it actually did get me thinking. "Actually… Oh wow. That would have had to been Lloyd."

Jay gives me a bemused look.

"Yeah, don't you remember? It was when Sensei Wu had sent you all to the Serpentine Tombs. You with Cole, and Kai with Zane. Oh, but of course he wasn't three and I didn't have to do much. I guess I am just a little nervous about taking care of someone so young."

Jay blinks at me. "I remember," he says evenly. "And I had gone with Kai to the Toxic Bogs. Not Cole. Zane and Cole had ventured to the Constrictai Tomb."

"Oh." Guess I had gotten that part wrong.

Jay shakes his head. "Anyway, I'm sure you'll do fine. But just in case anything happens—and I mean anything, Nya, that you're not sure about. No matter how trivial you think it may be, call this number." He points insistently down at the paper, his expression as dark and stern as I've ever seen it. "It's Ebony's cell. She'll be able to help you with anything in regards to Jayden's welfare. And if there's an emergency, we'll both come immediately. Alright?"

I furrow my brow at the digits on the paper and look up at Jay, confused. "Who's Ebony? And why don't you just give me your cell number?"

His answer is immediate. "She's my assistant. And because she insisted. In truth, it makes sense. I'll be attending multiple meetings with the mayor and his associates and I'll need to show them the utmost respect." He slides the folder over to me and leans back, crossing his long legs. "I'm not too good with decorum and all that jazz, but she is. And apparently, it's extremely rude to answer one's phone in the middle of a board meeting. But assistants are allowed to take calls discreetly, since they aren't directly involved with the matters being discussed. Propriety and executive protocol go hand in hand it seems."

I nod my head slowly at the logic behind his reasoning. Though it did make sense like he said, I feel greatly disappointed. And this Ebony…just who is she exactly? Is she the same woman that I saw at the park?

Before I can ask a follow-up question, Jayden reappears with a blue and white Pegasus plushie in her arms...and is being trailed by the two large Dobermans I had seen before at the park.

"Daddy! Do we—can we go! Thor and Loki wanna go to park!"

"Not now, Moon Pie. I want you to sit here with Nya, while Daddy goes to make a phone call, alright?"

Jay gets up, and though reluctant, Jayden obeys and climbs back up onto the sofa and plops down facing me. I'm not sure how Kai feels about dogs on his furniture, but the one with the blue collar jumps up and lies down beside Jayden, while the other one (unnervingly) comes over to sit beside my chair. And just…stares.

"Uhhh…" I give the Doberman a wary side glance. "I won't have to be a dog-sitter too, right?"

I see Jay wince slightly. "No. Believe it or not, they're coming with us. Eb, miraculously, was able to pull some strings. And right now, they're just setting up a protective perimeter. They do that on occasion, especially with strangers." He gives pause then, schooling his expression and rolling his shoulders. "You and Kai are both new scents and haven't been integrated into the family. It's only natural they're a bit cautious. But you can relax. Let 'em smell your wrist, and you can pet Loki if you want."

As he passes behind Jayden, he ruffles her curls. "Be good. I'll be back."

Both Jayden and I watch Jay disappear down the hall in a flutter of silver cloth before slowly turning to regard one another. I give the Doberman—Loki another glance and slowly lift my hand to place it on the armrest closest to him. He moves his head forward to take a whiff of my wrist, sneezes and then settles back…and continues to stare.

I glower at the canine. "What're you sneezing for? I don't wear perfume. I'm allergic to the stuff."

Jayden's light giggle has me turning back to her. She's grinning widely and by goodness does she look just like Jay. I have to wonder if I'll ever get used to the reality in front of me.

"I better…" I mumble under my breath. Clearing my throat, I eye the pretty little freckled girl before letting my gaze lower to the table—to the folder Jay had left for me. But I don't reach for it, deciding I wanted to get a feel for Jayden all on my own without consulting any cheat sheets.

"So, Jayden…"

"So, Nya…"

I stop and look at her, and she giggles again, hugging her plushie close to her chest. I let a wry smile curve my lips. Okay…so she has cheek… Duly noted…

"You really like this Ebby, huh?" I keep my tone light and teasing, and Jayden drinks it in with a bubbly nod.

"Yep! Ebby know n' like Daddy."

"Like Daddy…?" I do my best to ignore the twinge of pain emanating from my heart. I, of course, expected Jay to have found someone else. I mean, the evidence was right here in front of me that he had. But then again, this "Ebby" and Jayden's mother were obviously two different people. So then, maybe Jay had a falling out with "Anya" and is now dating his assistant?

If that's the case, when I'd asked, why didn't he say she was his girlfriend? Why just say she was his assistant?

"Uh huh," Jayden says, nodding again. "Ebby n' Daddy mix good."

My brow crinkles at that. "What do you mean?"

Jayden shrugs and moves to climb on top of Thor. The large Doberman barely even notices, twitching an ear and that's it. Jayden uses a finger to cross over her heart—the same way she had done when I had inquired about her picture of Jay.

"Ebby bootyful too. Draw Ebby some. But Ebby ha-harda tan Daddy. Good, good mix."

Now I know kids—especially toddlers tend to speak gibberish, but Jayden has proven her articulation with words, leaving me no choice but to wonder about the deeper meaning behind them.

Jayden places her Pegasus plushie on Thor's head and settles against his flank, splaying her tiny hands on his belly. She immediately starts talking to the dog and ignores me completely. I try to get her attention again.

"So, Jayden…um… What do you like to do for fun? I know you like to color and draw. But what else?"

She points down at the table. At the folder. "In nere."

I glance down at the folder in surprise, my mouth falling open. She knows what that is!? I lift my gaze back to her and clear my throat, trying to get over my shock. "You um…don't wanna tell me yourself?" I ask delicately, tilting my head some in an effort to catch her eye. But my efforts are futile when she gives another noncommittal shrug, her attention solely on petting Thor.

Loki yawns beside me.

"Well doesn't this feel familiar…" I mutter in a deadpan. I had wanted Jayden to gradually warm up to me, but to be completely disregarded like this by her is a bit much. Do I really have to wait to be appraised by Jay's assistant in order for her to give me a chance?

The notion sounds absurd and just asinine! And I'm willing to bet that Kai didn't have to go through such an ordeal. Then again, didn't she say that I felt different than Kai? Taking a chance, I decide to try again when suddenly there's a knock on the door.

A little bewildered, I start to get up to open it when Jay reappears from the hallway in quick strides. "I'll get it."

I have little time to register what happens next as Jayden excitedly squeals. "Ebby!"

I instantly freeze in my chair, but Jayden is just the opposite. With clumsy giddiness, she clambers down from the couch and patters for the door with Thor and Loki at her heels, leaving me alone. They're just behind me, but I don't turn around. I instead listen to the clamor of voices that most admittedly comes from Jayden. Jay and his assistant, however, are all soft tones.

"It's nice to see you too, Jayden."

Her timbre is undeniably pleasant, sultry and sophisticated. I frown as my heart begins to throb with anxiety once again when I hear the unmistakable sound of heels against the floor. I hear other footsteps, but the click of heels reverberates and echoes in my head.

She's coming my way.

"Ebby! Ebby, this Nya. Look her pwease? Need help."

At once, I rise from Kai's recliner and turn around to see Jayden pointing at me, and the woman from the park. Jay's assistant. She stops a few feet in front of me and Jay comes to stand on her right. He gestures politely towards me.

"Ebony, I'd like you to meet Nya. She's Kai's sister, and the one who he recommended to take care of Jayden."

I blink as I give her a complete once over. If I thought she was ethereal from afar, then she's flat out enchanting up close. A single, half-lidded, russet garnet iris peers at me with blatant apathy. A stoic but beautiful face is framed by long hair the color of freshly fallen snow and styled in another rendition of a single braid over her shoulder. Her prim and pressed pants suit for today is a stunning matte black. Her jacket straight-shouldered and neatly buttoned with tiny, round gold clasps. A black lace choker encircles her neck and a single gold crucifix studded with shimmering rubies dangles from the center of it. And a subtle peek below the cross reveals a burgundy silk blouse.

She's maybe an inch or two taller than me, but I chalk it off to the designer heels that she's wearing. She stares at me, much like Loki did, her face an emotionless piece of marble artwork. Just like Jay's is. Jay had claimed her to being etiquette savvy, but her rude staring instantly has me thinking otherwise.

Forget it, Nya… Just be polite…

Forcing a congenial smile on my face, I extend a hand out to her. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," I greet easily. It takes an agonizingly long moment, but the woman finally lifts her hand to grasp mine.

Her grip is strong, alarmingly so. But I keep my expression calm and squeeze right back just as hard. "Greetings."

Her countenance too remains indifferent, even while I'm trying my damndest to cut off the circulation going through her hand. She's unfazed by my strength. And I'll be damned if I'll be fazed by hers. A deafening silence follows, and the air between us begins to crackle with palpable intensity, with neither of us letting the other go.

For some reason, I feel threatened by this woman. Though her disposition reveals nothing but serenity, I can easily discern the spark of challenge shining in her one visible garnet eye. Slowly. Very slowly, I let my smile ease into a smirk. The sporadic tempo of my heart alters to a different rhythm. One not fueled by anxiety but anticipation.

There's a natural-born fighter in me. Tried and true. And this woman has ignited the kindling. So even though I don't know what her deal is, I won't let her win in whatever upcoming battle that ensues.

So even though we just met and she's Jay's assistant, I can already say for certain that I don't like her.

A/N: I'm a little nervous in portraying Ebony next chapter, so please forgive me if she's a little OOC. But I want to let you guys decide on whether or not the next POV should be in either Nya's or Jay's. Please let me know in the reviews! :)