"Alright, kiddo," Mercy tugged the sweater up to cover Ava's bare arms, "you're going to see a movie with Beth while I take care of some business tonight."
"Why can't you come with us?"
"I can't come with you because some very important people are coming to handle some business that I have to be here for. You're going to have a lot of fun with Beth tonight."
"But I don't want to see the movie without you."
"Well I can't have you anywhere near here when these people come, baby. They're not nice people. So you go see it with Beth and if it's good we'll go see it again."
The child pouted, but Mercy stood unmoved. She hadn't lost a fight with the five year old yet, and she wasn't about to start now. Beth was standing at the door waiting, so Mercy hoisted the girl onto her hip and carried her out in the main room.
"Can we go see it tomorrow?"
"If it's that good we'll see it this weekend, Munchkin. Now you be good for Beth tonight."
Ava nodded her agreement and let Mercy lower her to the ground. Godric slipped a not insignificant amount of money to the human nanny as Mercy made sure Ava's sweater was buttoned and handed her off. A human bodyguard was waiting for them in the lobby, Mercy knew, and at the moment no one knew about her, so Ava should be safe.
"She will be fine, Mercedes.'
"I know she will."
The bodyguard would do his job, should anyone come too close.
"You almost sound convinced of that. A donor will be here for you momentarily."
"I'm not thirsty."
"I can feel it, Mercedes, even if you don't yet recognize it. You're not starving, but you don't want to be even the slightest bit thirsty while having to deal with Lucian. You don't want the distraction. It is better to have it done with before he and the Sheriffs arrive."
"Fine."
Godric loathed that word, "fine". Clearly everything was not "fine", but he knew she would never tell him what she really felt when she used that tone of voice.
"Isabel also sent up some fresh clothes for you," he informed her, hoping it would improve her mood even slightly. Women were so particular about wearing the same clothes for more than a day, and Mercedes had now been in the same dress for the third night in a row. The clothes she'd been wearing when he turned her had not yet returned from the laundry (he had several words for Eric's progeny, who had not taken care of them in Shreveport as she'd been instructed), and her wardrobe had of course been an unfortunate casualty of the destruction of her house.
"Good."
Momentarily apparently really meant momentarily. Not thirty seconds later there was a knock on the door, and Godric opened it to admit a human woman, followed by two porters wheeling in clothes racks and carrying what looked suspiciously like jewelers cases. Those Godric directed into the master bedroom while the woman immediately offered herself to him. With a slight grin, he directed her to Mercedes. The look on the human's face changed slightly when she realized she wasn't there to feed the man, but the woman. Mercy wanted to wipe that look on her face, but now that she was being offered willing blood, she realized that she actually was thirsty.
She hadn't yet learned the trick to glamouring humans, so she just tried to make biting as painless as possible. She could practically feel the pride that was written all over Godric's face when she managed to stop drinking as soon as she felt the woman's heart beat slow down. It took some effort, but she managed to gross herself out enough to let go with the thought of the corpse rotting and decaying. That and the thought of a dirty diaper filled with bad Indian food, but hey, whatever worked. Godric took over care of the girl, coercing her into sitting in the kitchen and drinking one of the sodas stocked in the fridge for Beth. Mercy used the break to jump in the shower, eager to scrub off before finally getting into some clean clothes.
She yelped when Godric joined her, interrupting the wall of water that was pounding on her shoulders. Was he seriously trying to make a move on her now, when Lucian and the good lord only knew who else was due to arrive any minute?! She just might have to deck him.
"Godric, I am so not in the mood to deal with whatever tricks you have up your sleeve right now."
"Peace, älskling. No tricks, I promise. My sole intention is to cleanse myself before Lucian arrives. This saves time."
To her surprise he suited actions to words. He practically ignored her as he grabbed the second washcloth and body wash and started washing himself. Mercy did her best to ignore the fact that he was even there as she finished rinsing the conditioner out of her hair. She left him to it, sidling past him out of the shower and patting dry with the towels before slipping into the plush hotel robe. The clothes racks stared her in the face in the bedroom, and the small trunk that she thought likely held shoes, and hopefully undergarments. Was there a reason Isabel decided she didn't need pants? She didn't see a single pair of pants on the hangers. And most of those dresses looked suspiciously like silk. Some of them looked like raw silk. Those must have cost a pretty penny, though she guessed she didn't need to worry about money anymore; not that she'd had to worry about money since Godric died.
She was thrilled to discover that the trunk did contain lingerie, and she quickly grabbed underwear and a bra, slipping into them before Godric could come out of the bathroom. She also developed a new appreciation for vampiric speed as she applied the light coat of makeup, her only concession to the occasion. She refused to cake it on like Nan Flanagan, and most other female vampires she'd seen. By the time Godric came out she was trying to decide from four choices she'd selected and laid out on the bed. She had no idea how she was expected to look for this announcement, so she had no idea what to wear. What was appropriate? What was inappropriate?
"Any of those selections would be suitable, älskling," Godric commented when she explained her dilemma, "Isabel would not send anything that would not be appropriate."
"You're no help."
It was easy for him; he just had to show up in a suit. He gently moved her out of the way so that he could judge the clothes more closely, then picked up an emerald colored dress and handed it to her.
"Wear this. You will look lovely."
She accepted it and quickly slipped into it. Godric zipped her up before she could even ask.
"Thank you."
In answer he dropped a kiss on her shoulder before moving to dress himself. Mercy just shook her head as she looked through the many pairs of shoes to find the ones that best suited the dress. She finally found a pair of silver heels that thankfully weren't stilettos and weren't more than three inches tall. She hated having to wear heels, but Isabel hadn't included any flats, and she couldn't go barefoot. As she slipped them on and worked on adjusting the straps, she felt something cool slide around her neck, and looked down to see a diamond necklace. Before she could protest Godric closed the fastener and stepped away, looking her over critically.
"You look perfect."
They were ready not a moment too soon. The phone rang before the words were even out of Godric's mouth, and he answered it as Mercy checked her hair in the mirror. It was still wet, but she'd squeezed out as much water as she could, and as soon as it was combed free it reverted to its usual waves and curls. She decided that it didn't look TOO bad.
"Lucian is downstairs, along with Nan Flanagan and all the Sheriffs. They will be up momentarily."
Now that the time had come Mercy worried. What would Lucian do? How would the Sheriffs react to the news? They may have been loyal to Vincent. And why the devil was that cold bitch Flanagan here?
"Everything will be fine, Mercedes," Godric murmured against her ear as he rubbed her shoulders soothingly, "Lucian will make the announcement, and the Sheriffs will pledge their loyalty or ask to be released, and they'll all be gone and we'll have the room to ourselves until Ava's return."
He wasn't fool enough to think she would just let him take her to bed, but they needed the time alone. Since her rising they had been surrounded by others; and they needed time for just the two of them. Even an hour to calm things down and simply exist would make a world of difference to his new child. He'd had days with both Eric and Norah to should out the world and let them adapt. Mercedes had none. Even being king did not mean he could shirk his responsibilities to her. He would find a way to carve out the time they needed.
The knock at the door interrupted his musings, and Godric took Mercedes' hand, pulling her to sit on the couch with him.
"Come."
At that single word the door opened and nearly a dozen vampires filed into the room. Isabel alone had an encouraging smile for Mercy; Nan Flanagan looked at her like she'd stepped in something foul, the Magister looked at her like she was an interesting science project, and the eight strangers looked surprised. She heard Godric's name being whispered among the group.
"I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here," Lucian began in a bored tone as he took a seat in a chair, moving carelessly about as if he owned the place.
"You've been summoned to recognize a change in management. Vincent has met the True Death."
He was forced to pause as the news reverberated through the group and wait for them to quiet back down.
"As I was saying, Vincent is gone. The Authority has appointed Godric to take his place. As of this moment, Godric is the new King of Texas."
That was it? Mercy was more than a little surprised at the brevity of the announcement. After such a big deal had been made about this announcement and Lucian's coming, she'd expected more—well, more anything. Only seconds after the Magister finished speaking, all the Sheriffs sank to one knee in a show of loyalty.
"Any of you who were loyal to Vincent and do not wish to remain under my rule are free to go," Godric announced as he took Mercedes' hand in his own and pulled her to stand with him. None of the kneeling vampires rose, which was a good sign. He didn't want to deal with a challenge tonight.
"This is Mercedes," he announced, drawing everyone's attention to the woman trying to pull her hand free, "Mercedes is my Royal Consort. I expect that you will, all of you, treat any of her commands as if they were my own. Anyone who cannot do so will answer to me."
"This is ridiculous!" Nan Flanagan's muted mutter was heard by everyone in the room.
"That includes you, Nan," Godric turned steely eyes on her as she squawked in outraged.
"You forget who you're talking to, Godric."
"I'm speaking to a guest in my territory. And as long as you're in my territory you will remember to extend to my Consort the respect she is due, or you will find yourself unwelcome here for as long as I am king. The Authority will not long keep you as the face of the AVL if the kings refuse to deal with you."
Mercy was surprised to see the threat work. She hadn't expected anything to intimidate the Undead Bitch, apart from the Magister.
"All of you will also be receiving an email containing a photo of a human male and child: they are not to be touched. Make sure that you pass the information to those in your areas. I will have the life of the vampire who dares to attack either of them. There will be no excuse for ignorance."
The Sheriffs looked surprised at the pronouncement, but none of them dared to object. All in all, Mercy supposed the entire business was handled quickly and efficiently. Less than an hour after everyone's arrival, the last Sheriff was ushered out the door, leaving the pair alone with the Magister.
"Well, Godric, you've managed to piss off the Flanagan woman."
"I am not concerned with her, Lucian. She will be gone soon enough. She should know up front what I will not tolerate."
"I supposed you have a point. Mercedes, immortality agrees with you. I trust that you will come to agree, in time."
Mercy opted not to say anything; since she was reasonably sure telling him to piss off wouldn't be appropriate. He didn't seem put out by her lack of enthusiasm. Indeed, he seemed to know what she was thinking, and had the nerve to smile at her.
"Godric, I understand you have to search for a new nest."
"We are. Unfortunately the humans who destroyed Mercedes' home must face human justice, as they were apprehended by human police."
"Well, we'll leave the humans to their justice. If it's insufficient, we'll deal with it later."
Mercy didn't want to know what he would consider "sufficient" justice. Likely he would want them dead. They were interrupted by a knock on the door, and a human maid bringing a bundle that she announced was from the laundry. The maid, clearly used to dealing with vampires, quickly deposited her bundle in the master bedroom and exited without saying another word to anyone. Mercy thought she just might kiss the woman. Now she at least had jeans to change into once they were alone.
"You should find a new nest as soon as possible," the Magister was continuing, "Now that the announcement has been made you'll be busier than you ever were as Sheriff. You don't want to still be in this hotel in eight months."
"We have a meeting with a realtor later this evening. He has great experience working with vampires and has already suggested several good possibilities. I expect we could be in a new nest before the week's end."
"Good. I'll take my leave now. I have other things to deal with tonight. Godric, I'll see you again before I leave Texas."
"Of course, Lucian."
Mercy just nodded at him when he stood. He gave her one last unsettling smile before showing himself out. She breathed a sigh of deep relief the moment the door closed.
"You did very well, Mercedes."
"I'm just glad it's over. He's not going to come around a lot, is he?"
"No more than any of the other territories. Lucian is always terribly busy."
"Good."
She left him in the living room and returned minutes later in comfortable jeans and a t-shirt. The heels had been the first thing to go, and she happily slid into her (currently) only pair of socks as she sank onto the couch. She turned on the television as Godric left her, returning in his own casual clothes.
"We still have an hour before Ava is due back."
"When are we meeting with the realtor?"
"He will be here at ten. Plenty of time to put the child to bed. But for now, I think we should just relax. We have had no time to rest since this began."
He grabbed the remote and quickly scrolled through their options. The pornography was most certainly not a choice (why did those films even exist? It was much more satisfying to participate in the real thing rather than watch), nor did he think she was really in the mood for what Heather termed a "chick flick". Surely there must be something mutually acceptable. She stopped him when he landed on a movie about a runaway train.
"This is a good one."
It wasn't anything he would choose to watch, but it did seem to make her happy, so he left it. After some time he did find the movie rather engrossing, but still the best thing about it was that Mercedes was calm and enjoying herself. It was a comfortable silence that filled the suite, and Godric took the opportunity to pull her close to him. When she did not object, he dared to allow his arm to drift down from her shoulder, the intent of his soft squeeze unmistakable. She tensed, and he reluctantly let go.
How much longer would it be, he wondered, before she forgave him? She shared a bed with him, but she had not slept in his arms since the night of her rising. She did not share herself with him. He missed the intimacy of their time together when she was human. It was not just the lovemaking that he missed. He wanted to take her right where they were, but it was not just to possess her body. Mercedes had managed to erect a wall between them, one that hadn't been there in all the years they'd known each other, no matter what he'd done. He wanted to break down that barrier.
When the door opened only seconds later he was glad that she had not yielded. It would be near impossible to release her had they begun anything, and the child that blinked sleepily at them did not need to witness such things. Mercedes immediately left him for Ava, and he heard their muted conversation as she changed the child into her pajamas and took her through her nightly routine. He was surprised when Ava joined them on the couch but he immediately changed the station until he pulled up a child's program. He was even more surprised when the child curled up and laid her head in his lap, stopping only to shove a pillow across his legs first. He looked to Mercedes, who only shrugged and turned her attention to the television.
"It won't take her long to fall asleep," he heard her whisper, far too softly for Ava to hear. He gave an almost imperceptible nod and began stroking through the soft hair, urging her more quickly into slumber. If only Eric could see him now. He, Godric, bringer of death to countless children over the centuries, allowing one to snuggle with him unharmed. His Viking wouldn't believe it even if he saw it.
It took less than half an hour for the child to fall asleep, and Mercedes put her to bed. Godric placed his call to the concierge for someone to sit with the girl while they were gone. Mr. Sellers would be arriving shortly to show them a few properties that Mercedes had already selected for further viewing. He didn't care where they lived, so whichever house Mercedes chose was perfectly fine with him. Touring them with her, however, was a chance for further uninterrupted time together.
The realtor arrived at the same time as the human the concierge sent up. Godric recognized her as one of the regular blood donors employed by the hotel. She was too eager to offer herself to him, a fact he was pleased to note that made Mercedes distinctly unhappy (however angry she might be, she couldn't deny she still felt anything for him despite her behavior to the contrary) and seemed disappointed to learn she was there to babysit. Mercedes was not entirely pleased with the concierge's choice of caretaker, but he was able to get her out of the hotel with a small amount of persuasion.
After several minutes in the car he decided that he quite liked this Clifford Sellers. The humans was neither subservient nor patronizing, when most humans fell into one category or the other. And he thought that Mr. Sellers must be the first realtor he'd ever dealt with who did not attempt to waste their time trying to sell them things they did not need.
The first house reminded him of the house he'd owned as Sheriff. The only deficiency was the lack of a fenced area for Mercedes' dogs, but that could be remedied. He did not know why Mercedes did not approve it, but she directed Sellers to drive on. He hoped that she would settle on one tonight, so that they could move as soon as possible, but if they needed to keep looking they could do so.
They ended up touring all three of the properties before returning to the hotel. Mercedes' choice of the second house was met with eagerness by Sellers. He would begin the paperwork in the morning, and with any luck he would be able to bring the documents for signature by sunset.
Helpful as the human had been, Godric was happy to say goodbye to him at the hotel entrance. He disliked dealing with the buying or selling of property. He considered it unfortunate that he could no longer simply pass the responsibility over to Isabel, but he would not leave Mercedes to deal with all of this on her own.
As soon as they returned to the suite he called Eric. He expected no delay in relocating, and he wanted Mercedes to have the few things that were hers when they did. There was so little left that she or Ava could call their own; all of it the purchases made when they were in Shreveport. They should have their things when they moved. As soon as they were in the new house they would have to begin replacing things that had been lost.
The Sheriffs had been warned that tonight he was only to be disturbed for a dire emergency, so he anticipated spending the rest of his night uninterrupted with Mercedes. She surprised him when, rather than choosing another movie, she pulled up the laptop Eric had mysteriously managed to supply her with before they left Louisiana. She had spent very little time on the machine, using it only to check her messages from Isabel and search properties. She had spent much more time on it when she was human. He remembered spending hours some nights sitting while she worked on her computer and searched the internet, for what he did not know. He did not understand why she must keep tabs on her students on Facebook, taking away from the time he had to spend with her, when she would see them the next day.
"Have you heard anything from your friend Kate?"
As soon as he'd learned of the fire, he'd expected that the mortal woman would have tried to contact Mercedes to verify that she was alright. The device had remained strangely silent. Neither Kate nor Ethan had attempted to call her. He could better understand the brother, who could not have known that they were not in the house when it burned and so might believe they were actually dead, but Kate? The woman who had claimed to be his Mercedes' friend for so many years, and who would likely know that Mercedes had been away during the fire, had not made a single call? And he had thought his opinion of the woman could sink no lower than it already was.
"I—I haven't—the only messages I've checked have been from Isabel. There are some from Kate, but I just—I can't really deal with it right now, you know?"
He did know. Too much had happened over the last days. Dealing with all the humans who should be concerned at the events was an unneeded burden at the moment. There would be enough time for that once they were settled.
When the computer crashed to the floor he put down his book and stared at her. He could hear Ava sleeping soundly, so he was able to devote his full attention to finding out what was wrong. Mercedes didn't respond to his questioning, so he bent down and retrieved the laptop. Fortunately it didn't appear broken.
When he saw the images that filled the screen, he understood. He had purposely not looked for any news coverage of the burning of Mercedes' home. It was far worse than he'd imagined. But why this would still be considered national news, he didn't know. Or, he did not know until he read the article below the photos. Both the AVL and humans alike were demanding an explanation from Steve Newlin, but he seemed to have gone into hiding. The bulk of the article was about the search for answers from the Fellowship of the Sun. Frightened humans might thirst for vampire blood, but they were up in arms over a threat to a human woman and child.
That sympathy was likely to disappear when word got out that Mercedes was a vampire, and to Godric's shock the end of the story suggested that it had happened. The author of the article had spoken to someone who had real information: they mentioned her relationship with an important vampire from the Dallas area, and that she had been away from the house at the time of the fire. They had only conjecture, but their suggestions weren't unreasonable.
"I am sorry about the house, Mercedes. And I am sorry you found this. You shouldn't have to see this."
"How do they find this stuff out? Who could they have talked to that knew any of this?"
"They have no proof of anything, only supposition."
"How long until they get proof? I can't hide out forever."
"We knew that this must come älskling. People will find out what happened. It cannot be concealed. But we will deal with this another night. I think we have both had enough to deal with for one evening."
When she didn't respond he shut down the laptop and returned it to its case. Taking her hand, he shifted on the couch, pulling her to lie down and settling in behind her. She tensed at the contact, but this time he did not let go. He would not force his affection on her when she was not ready to reciprocate it, but he would not deny the physical contact that they both needed. There was nothing sexual in this embrace, and when he made no move to do more than hold her, he felt her relax. Tonight was for beginning to re-establish the closeness they shared. There would be plenty of time tomorrow night, or the night after, for Mercedes to deal with making her turning public.