Some how word must have gone ahead that Quatre had a guest because they were prepared for her when she arrived. An older woman appeared at her side to show her 'her room'. What surprised her most was that it was a kind of test based on the other women he had dated. There were many people standing around ready to greet Quatre but all had some level of curiosity as to how she would respond to this statement. If she insisted she was staying with Quatre they would take her for a gold digger. If she went along quietly, she'd be sent back to the bimbo category.

Why didn't she think of this before? To her, Quatre was a man who was kind, intelligent, and sweet with a killer body underneath it all. But he was also the head of a multi-trillion dollar corporation with a lot of power and influence. Obviously there would be women attracted to him for that. Jeez, how many girls did Quatre take here anyway? How was she supposed to convince all these people she was different? Tell them she'd been in love with him before she'd ever laid eyes on him? Oh yeah that'll work. And I'm sure that it wouldn't raise any questions  she thought to herself sarcastically. Quatre what am I supposed to say? She asked him mentally. His puzzled response told her he had no idea his friends and family categorized his companions this way.

Grabbing her hand he spoke to the woman loud enough for everyone around to hear "That's okay she's staying with me. Come on Anna I'd like you to meet some of my sisters.

His solution sent shockwaves through the crowd. She was dizzy from all the thoughts and feelings she was picking up. The overall impression she got was joy that Quatre had finally found someone he was serious about.

He pulled her towards four people who were standing apart from the others. The first was the tallest man she'd ever seen. She knew him from Quatre's memories to be Rashid. The man had to be closing on sixty now, but he still had a commanding presence that made others respect him. She didn't need psionics or Quatre's introduction to know who the three women next to Rashid were. Although they all had different features, hair and eye coloring there was something about them that just marked them as family. There was way of moving and behaving that they all shared that gave them a quiet elegant air. Anna felt her stomach drop. If she lived to be a hundred and sixty, she would never attain the same regal aura.

"Anna these are my sisters Safa, Narine, and Laura. Guys, this is Dr. Ann Winters." She felt him wince at using her false name. He didn't want to lie to his family, but there were at least fifty other people standing around listening.

Anna stuck out her hand "It is a pleasure meeting you."

"The pleasure is all ours." Responded Safa who Anna guessed was the oldest, and usually took charge. Anna was pleased to feel the woman meant what she said. Safa was practically bursting with the need to learn everything about the woman her brother was interested in.

Quatre drew her attention back "And this is Rashid."

Rashid brought her hand to his lips and brushed them across her knuckles. "It is an honor to meet a woman as lovely as you Dr. Winters." The archaic gesture immediately endeared him to Anna.

"Thank you. Please call me Anna."

"Huh Good luck." Quatre teased while not-so-subtly removing her hand from Rashid's. "I've only just got him to stop calling me master Quatre."

Ignoring the jibe Rashid asked them to follow him where tea and coffee were being served. Rashid held his arm out to escort Safa and Anna felt a jolt of recognition.

Uh, Quatre? She asked. About your Safa and Rashid…

Yes I know they are lovers. He replied. For some reason they are convinced they've been keeping it a secret from everyone else.

Anna did a quick check of what she could pick up from the pair ahead of her. I think they had feelings for each other while your father was still alive. Rashid is convinced that Safa could do better than him and it's keeping them from moving forward. I'm also getting some mixed feelings about their age difference and that your father was Rashid's close friend. It's breaking both of their hearts.

That's just silly. Thought Quatre looking at two of the people he respected most in the world. He would never condemn them for their feelings and would take serious issue with anyone who did.

Then perhaps you should tell them. Anna suggested. Sometimes people need an outside source to put things in perspective. At the very least you can free them from their doubts.

*********

With so many people showing up to greet him it was impossible for Quatre to have a private word with either his sister or Rashid. He looked over to where they were still talking to Anna along with a dozen other people including his sisters. They had been peppering her with questions for over an hour. He had to give his woman credit for being able to hold her own. By now he would probably be whimpering and desperate to escape.

At least he'd managed to control his jealousy. That flight attendant was lucky Quatre didn't throw him out of the plane. Okay so it was a little juvenile of him to seduce Anna on the plane, but he was getting sick of watching the little creep ogle her with that I-wonder-what-she-sees-in-him I'm-much-better look. Then Abdul and Armin! What the hell did they think they were doing flirting with his woman? He'd have to make sure he spoke with them about that. Maybe a little hand to hand practice so he'd have a legitimate excuse to beat on them.

With a sigh he returned his thoughts to his Safa and Rashid. It hurt him to know that two people he loved so much were hurting themselves. He had to try and put a stop to it if he could. He also needed to tell them the truth about Anna. He understood her desire to keep the number of people who knew about psionics down to a minimum. But he didn't like lying to his family. He was fairly certain Anna would understand his need to tell them.