Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

162. Chapter 162

Chapter 162

"For the record," Nadeshka said to the group once they'd all sat down for breakfast, "you had all better love those favors you got yesterday. It took us three weeks to get all that done."

"You had help," Alice, Rosalie, Renesmee and Amber all said at the same time and laughed a little.

"Yes, and it still took three weeks," Nadeshka said.

"Point is, I don't see anyone here enjoying that grape jam with their toast this morning," Ariel said.

"I am," Kevin said. "It's good by the way."

"Thank you," Nadeshka said. "Good to see someone appreciates all our hard work. On that note, Ariel, I say you and I have a toast." Nadeshka lifted her mimosa she wasn't drinking and so did Ariel.

"Cheers to this shit finally being over," Ariel said.

"Cheers!" Nadeshka agreed and they both drank.

"I'll remember that when it's your turn just so you know," Gabriel said to Ariel.

"Good. I'll expect you to; that way if you complain, I can throw your wedding right back at you," Ariel said with a wink.

"Let's all agree no more weddings for a while," Nathan said.

"Except when ours comes up of course," Ashley said, smiling at Caleb. They'd still not set a date and wouldn't until they had their own place, but the time was getting closer.

"No rush, you two. I think we all deserve a break," Kyle said.

"I don't need a break," Alice said.

"You're an anomaly," Nathan said and the table had a good laugh at her expense. Jasper laughed but patted her knee reassuringly.

"They wouldn't know what to do without you, Alice," Jasper said.

"Amen to that," Ivory agreed. She glanced at Jaedynn who'd glanced at the clock briefly before returning to her breakfast. "You okay?"

"Yeah; my flight leaves at one, so I need to make sure I get to the airport after we finish," Jaedynn said.

"Jaedynn, if you want another day or two, I'll call the office and give you the time off," Kevin said.

"Uncle Kevin, you've been too generous as it is," Jaedynn smiled. "I promised I'd be back by Monday and I'll be back by Monday."

"So how long before you can afford to move to a better place?" Nathan asked.

"By the time the lease is up, we'll be able to move somewhere nice. Liz said West Harlem and Manhattanville are nice areas to live," Jaedynn said.

"Ah," Nathan said, "So he wants to stay in Harlem?" Everyone at the table stayed quiet and paid full attention to Jaedynn.

"Yeah; he loves Harlem and honestly, it's really grown on me too," Jaedynn said. Nathan glanced at Kevin and took a calming breath.

"How have things been?" Nathan asked. Jaedynn looked at Nathan realizing what he was asking.

"Everything's great," Jaedynn insisted. "Alex is great."

"Jaedynn," Ada María spoke up and Jaedynn looked right at her, already on the defensive. When Ada María saw that – the sheer look of stubbornness she'd gotten from Nathan – she just smiled and rested her chin atop her hands. "When do we all finally get to meet him?" Jaedynn hadn't been excepting that question and looked around the table, but it was clear no one else was the least bit interested with the prospect. Quite the opposite in fact.

"Soon I hope," Jaedynn finally said. "I'd wanted to bring him here for the wedding but….he didn't want to come." She couldn't help looking at Gabriel who kept his eyes on her doing his best to keep his gaze neutral, but she noticed that twinge of irritability at the mere mentioning of Alex being at the wedding. She'd made a wise decision not bringing him; that much was clear.

"How about we all get together after I'm moved into my dorm and Evalynn's back in Connecticut?" Levi suggested.

"Yeah! I can ask a few friends of mine and find out if there are any clubs in Manhattan we can go to." Evalynn said.

"I don't know how open I am to going to a gay bar," Levi said.

"You come visit me in Connecticut, I'll take you to the Marmalade Bar and you'll have the time of your life. I guarantee it," Evalynn smiled.

"Alex would probably want to go to a jazz club. He really likes jazz," Jaedynn said.

"No wonder he prefers to stay in Harlem," Levi said. "I guess once Evalynn and I meet Alex, we'll report back."

"There's nothing to 'report back'. You can just say whether or not you like him," Jaedynn said.

"Jaedynn, don't get defensive. We're just curious about him is all," Ada María said.

"Forgive my nosiness, but what is this about him refusing to address his mother properly?" Edward asked. "I'd also like an explanation for his attitude."

"What do you mean 'attitude'?" Nathan asked.

"There is no 'attitude'; he just gets upset when I bring up his mother and if I'm late," Jaedynn said. And when she speaks to him in a way he doesn't like, when she doesn't give him constant affirmation….her thoughts were running away from her and Edward definitely heard all of it.

"I'll be blunt, Jaedynn," Edward said, "I agree with your father: he's a criminal at best and at worst, he mistreats you."

"Grandpa, what do you mean he 'mistreats' her?" Nathan asked, more aggressively now.

"He doesn't mistreat me," Jaedynn said defensively.

"I mean he snaps at her over nothing, he shows up without warning – and I guarantee you it's out of a need for control and not concern or just a desire to be spontaneous – he never accepts 'no' without an argument-"

"What the hell does that mean?!" Nathan said and Ada María put her hand on his to help him relax.

"Grandpa, I know what you're implying and don't you dare," Jaedynn said. "If I tell him 'no', he accepts it. Don't try to say he does otherwise."

"He will but only after attempting to guilt you," Edward said.

"You have no business judging him; you're reading my mind, not his. You don't know what he's thinking," Jaedynn said.

"No, I'm afraid not; though you told him about your Uncle Kyle and I being able to read minds. I'd bet you $1,000,000 he has no intention of meeting your family: least of all me or your uncle."

"The way you're throwing accusations around, it's no wonder," Jaedynn said and stood up from her chair walking away. Nathan was about to go after her, but Ada María stopped him and went after Jaedynn instead. She waited to catch up to her until they were both at the elevator.

"Jaedynn, I'm sorry we're all coming on so strong about this but-"

"There are no buts, mom," Jaedynn said. "I'll be the first to admit the way I left wasn't right, but regardless, I love Alex."

Ada María looked at Jaedynn a moment trying to read her face before asking, "Do you really feel that way or are you only determined to love him because there's so much opposition?"

"Yes, mom, I really feel that way," Jaedynn said. The elevator door opened and Ada María came in with her. They were silent for a few floors until Jaedynn finally said, "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"I'm just tired of all of you saying I'm crazy," Jaedynn said.

"Jaedynn, no one is saying you're crazy."

"Yes you are," Jaedynn said. "You're certainly thinking it."

"Jaedynn, I've never once thought you were crazy and I don't think that now," Ada María said.

"Why can't you all just accept that I love him?"

"Because, Jaedynn, we don't believe he loves you back," Ada María said.

"Well, you're all wrong. He does love me," Jaedynn said and rubbed her eye. "It feels good for someone to love me. No one else does."

"Jaedynn, that's not true and you damn well know it," Ada María scolded. "Your father and I love you, your brothers and sisters love you, your aunts, uncles, cousins; we all love you. And we just want what's best for you and we're trying to look out for you. It is not entirely unreasonable for us to not trust him after what's happened. That's not likely to change until we meet him and can get to know him."

"Sounds to me like Grandpa Edward already made his decision," Jaedynn said.

"You said yourself: he's reading your mind and not Alex's," Ada María said. "Perhaps if he did, he might understand the good in him."

Jaedynn looked at Ada María and said, "You don't believe that."

"I could always be proven wrong," Ada María said. "We won't know until he comes to meet us formally. And you have my solemn oath: we will be gracious and kind to him. We will welcome him with open arms and an open mind and give him a chance to impress us and we'll take the time to get to know him. How about you bring him to Washington for Christmas? What better way for us to get to know him than over Christmas?"

Jaedynn was silent a moment and getting teary eyed, "You mean it?"

"Absolutely, I mean it," Ada María said. "I want to meet him. If you love him and he's as good a man as you say, then I'm sure I'll like him."

Jaedynn finally smiled and said, "Okay. I'll bring him over Christmas. But I want you guys to promise you will be nice to him."

"As God as my witness, I will treat him as one of my own sons," Ada María said. "Can I have a hug? I think we both need one." Jaedynn nodded and hugged Ada María. "Whether by birth or good fortune, you're my daughter and I love you. Always remember that."

"I love you too, mom," Jaedynn said through her watery eyes.

Ada María continued with Jaedynn to her room and even helped her get her bags packed. By the time they returned downstairs, Ada María asked Jaedynn to wait so she could grab Nathan and she could at least say goodbye to him. She tried to encourage her to return to the table, but Jaedynn just wasn't comfortable doing it and rather than argue, Ada María took the road of reassurance. After saying their farewells, Jaedynn got into a taxi to take her to the airport while Nathan and Ada María watched the car drive away.

"I told her to bring Alex with her for Christmas," Ada María said and grabbed Nathan's immediate attention.

"Why would you do that?"

"Because throwing the boy's flaws in her face isn't going to change her opinion of him," Ada María answered. "She's stubborn, Nathan, and I'm afraid that's your fault."

"Pot meet kettle," Nathan mumbled.

"Nathan, trust me," Ada María said, "it's starting to click. I can tell."

"I don't like sitting around waiting," Nathan said and rubbed his face irritably. "I feel like there has to be something we can do."

"We're already doing what we can do," Ada María said. "She needs to decide for herself that Alex is bad for her. If we keep fighting her, she'll fight back."

"Fine," Nathan said, "I just hope you're right about this. Although, for the record, if Alex thinks he'll be welcomed with open arms, he's dead fucking wrong."

"I promised Jaedynn we would be nice to him and God damn it, we will be," Ada María said firmly. "Alex will be the way he's going to be and we need to be polite and respectable. Let the little bastard dig his own grave."

"Alright," Nathan answered begrudgingly.

Jaedynn was back in New York by mid-afternoon that same day. She called the apartment to tell Alex she was back, but there was no answer and she didn't bother leaving a message figuring it was better to just eat the cost and take a taxi. After being dropped off in front of the apartments, the driver helped Jaedynn get her luggage out of the trunk and onto the sidewalk before driving off.

"There you are, dear," Martha's voice sounded as she exited the complex with Cole at her side. "How was the wedding?"

"It was beautiful," Jaedynn said. "More purple than you've seen in your life and all the guests got homemade grape jam, homemade lavender soap and homemade lavender candles."

"That poor bridal party," Martha laughed. "Is the jam any good?'

"I haven't tried it yet," Jaedynn said.

"Well, I made some bread yesterday if you'd like to fix that," Martha suggested.

"Absolutely," Jaedynn smiled. "Just let me get my bags inside and I'll bring over that jam."

Jaedynn went inside and got her bags into the apartment. Alex wasn't home, so Jaedynn found the jam and went next door to Martha's little apartment (a 1 bedroom compared to their studio) and they toasted some of her homemade bread and smeared jam on it which Martha praised jubilantly. Jaedynn ended up staying at Martha's apartment well into the evening listening to the news and playing cards while Cole either sat comfortably on Martha's lap or napped on her couch – whatever struck his fancy. When Jaedynn finally returned to the apartment, she was still alone. She took a quick shower and then went straight to bed but was woken up in the middle of the night to arms around her and lips planting kisses to her neck. She forced her eyes open and saw the clock read two in the morning.

"Alex?" Jaedynn mumbled, barely able to form words.

"Who else?" Alex said jokingly. "Being without you was torture, Buttercup. Absolute torture."

"I missed you too," Jaedynn managed and turned so she was facing him but she closed her eyes again and rested her head against his chest. "I wish you could have been there."

"I'd rather have you home," Alex said and kept up his kisses, now planting them against her head. It was about then that Jaedynn realized her head was starting to hurt.

"Alex, do we have any aspirin?" Jaedynn asked.

"Not that I'm aware of," Alex said and then sighed a little, but kissed her head. "Get back to sleep. The jetlag probably has you fucked."

"Probably," Jaedynn mumbled and started drifting back to sleep. Fortunately, she felt better by morning and Alex was already dressed and had just put away his little briefcase. "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah; I've got a few things I need to do," Alex said as he stuffed a card into his pocket.

"When you get back home, I'll tell you about the wedding," Jaedynn said but Alex clearly wasn't enthused for it, so Jaedynn's shoulders slumped. "What time do you think you'll be back?"

"I'm going to Brooklyn, so I'll keep it brief; trust me," Alex said and came to the bed leaning forward to give Jaedynn a kiss. "I love you, Buttercup. Make sure you're ready for me, tonight. I really missed you," he said and winked at her before leaving the apartment. From there, Jaedynn got ready for work and left to catch the subway.

Days passed and things returned to normal more or less. Jaedynn told Alex about Ada María inviting him to Washington for Christmas wanting to meet him and the best answer she got was "I'll think about it." She'd let it go at first but eventually brought it up again only to get the same answer. As soon as she knew Gabriel had returned from his honeymoon, she called him and apologized for how she left and hoped that he and Emma Leigh had a good time on vacation. Near the end of August was when Levi officially made the move to New Jersey and Jaedynn drove down to Princeton to help with the move. He'd been given a room assignment in the Forbes building and, while he knew he'd have one, his roommate had not arrived yet so he'd likely meet the guy closer to the start of school.

"This place reminds me a lot of Yale," Amber said when she saw the campus.

"It's a college built in the 18th century so it's bound to look more like a church than a school," Kevin said, "but make no mistake: Yale and Princeton are not the same."

"Yes, dad, I'm a disappointment and have brought shame to our family; I know," Levi said with a small laugh as they got out of the car to go get his things.

"So long as you understand what you've done," Kevin played along and went back with Levi. They ended up waiting another twenty minutes before they saw Jaedynn's car approach.

"I swear this campus is its own town; I couldn't find this place for shit," Jaedynn said before anyone could ask her how she was doing.

"So long as you made it," Levi said and went to give Jaedynn a hug. "So how've you been?"

"Fine, but more importantly, how are you doing? Are you excited?"

"Yes, very," Levi said.

"At long last you won't be the only nerd you know," Jaedynn teased. "So what can I help with?"

"Each of us can take a box and carry it in. Levi, do you know where your room is?" Kevin asked.

"Hold on, let me look at the map again," Levi said and pulled out the notice he'd received.

They all carried a box inside going through the building until they found the room Levi would be staying in and put all the boxes on the floor near the center of the room. Once they made it to the bedroom, it was extremely bare bones: just two bed frames with single mattresses, white walls and pale flooring.

"Looks pretty grim in here," Amber said.

"I just need to decorate my side is all," Levi said. "I can't really put anything away until the movers get here with my desk and shelves, so I guess we're done here for now."

"What side do you want?" Kevin asked.

"I'll take the right side," Levi said and they got his boxes moved to that side of the room. Jaedynn sat down on top of the bed after putting the box down and was taking deep breaths.

"Jaedynn, are you okay?" Kevin asked.

"Just light headed; I need a moment," Jaedynn said. "I didn't realize I was getting out of shape," she tried to joke.

"Are you getting sick?" Amber asked and was already feeling Jaedynn's forehead, accustomed to the naturally higher body temperature. "Your temperature's normal."

"Really, I'm fine," Jaedynn said and laughed a little, "I guess Alex is right: I am eating at that Cajun place too much."

"It's your money, you do what you want with it. That's not his business," Kevin said firmly. "Levi, is your water bottle in your backpack?"

"Yeah," Levi answered and reached into the right pocket to pull it out and handed it to Jaedynn so she could drink.

"Thanks," she said afterwards, "I already feel better."

"Since my things are here, maybe we can all go get dinner together?" Levi suggested.

"Sure," Kevin said and helped Jaedynn back to their feet so they could leave.

They went out somewhere nearby and while Jaedynn didn't feel light headed anymore, she did feel a little queasy so she kept her dinner light and barely touched it. Kevin reminded her that if she was catching something that she was free to take sick leave. As a little present, Kevin gave Levi a spare key to the apartment in Manhattan so that if he ever wanted to come to the city he would have a place to stay. After dinner, they dropped Levi back off at the dorm but stayed for nearly a half hour while Amber hugged Levi and cried the whole time. Jaedynn left sooner wishing him good luck and reminding him that she was in Manhattan if he ever wanted to get together. When Kevin and Amber finally did leave, Kevin took Amber's hand and planted a kiss to it.

"Don't worry, Amber; Levi will do great," Kevin said.

"I know he will," Amber sniffled and brushed the tears off her cheeks. "It just went by so fast. My baby boy's all on his own now."

Kevin smiled, "Don't worry. If he needs anything, you'll probably be the first one he calls."

"I'll take it even if he only wants me to tell him how to do laundry," Amber said. "I swear, I don't know what I'll do when Tristan and Lilli are older and going to college. I'm barely ready for their Mitzvahs."

"We've got a year and a half before we have to worry about that," Kevin reassured and kissed her hand again. "Did you get a chance to talk to Anna before we left?"

"About her moving in you mean?" she asked and Kevin nodded. "I did," Amber said. "She's kicking and screaming I'm afraid. Do you think we could have the nurse be live in?"

"I already asked and I'm afraid it's out of the question," Kevin said. "She's got her own life and family. She can't exactly drop everything like that permanently and I doubt we'll be fortunate enough to find another nurse that can speak fluent German and is willing to move in with Anna."

"I think she's upset because I brought up possibly selling the house," Amber said. "When I said that, she about threw a fit."

"I don't blame her," Kevin said. "The house is willed to you, so we'll worry about it when the time comes. Until then, taxes are all that's owed on the house, so we can hold onto it. Anna can even retreat there from time to time if she wants so long as someone is always there with her."

"I hate doing this to her," Amber said.

"I know, but what choice do we have? If she has a stroke and we're not there to help-"

"I know," Amber interrupted, not wanting to talk about this anymore. "Maybe I should move in with her."

"If that'll make everything easier on her then we'll make it work," Kevin said. "We'll talk about it with her when we get back. In the meantime, let's enjoy some time to ourselves. We haven't gotten to enjoy time away for a while."

"Alright," Amber finally smiled. "Are we still going up to Connecticut before we leave?"

"Evalynn still owes us a night out, even if it's going to be at a gay bar," Kevin smiled. "I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun."

"I'm sure it will be. She said there are Female Impersonators?"

"She used the term 'Drag Queens' but yes," Kevin said.

"Should we dress nice?"

"I'm sure we'll be fine wearing casual clothes," Kevin said. "We're going to a bar, not an inaugural dinner."

"I'll still check with Evalynn just to be safe," Amber said.

Once they finally arrived in Manhattan, they got the rental car parked and went to the apartment for the night. The front desk staff welcomed them and engaged in pleasant small talk until Kevin and Amber excused themselves so they could go upstairs. Once they made it to their floor, they overheard several men's voices and when they reached their hallway, the way was almost completely blocked with a number of different things. A moving man stepped out of the apartment, grabbed a giant rug that he got onto his shoulder and walked inside.

"I see we have a new neighbor," Amber smiled.

"That picked an extremely inopportune time to move in," Kevin said. Three more moving men exited the apartment and carried several more things while a man with an extremely thick accent was giving instruction. "Sounds like he's not from here," Kevin said.

"I can't pin the accent," Amber said.

"Neither can I," Kevin said. Moments later, about four men exited the apartment while it sounded like a fifth stayed inside to finalize a few things with the new owner.

"Thank you for your business, Mr. Javadi. You have a good evening," the man said as he exited the apartment.

"Thank you, sir; you as well," the owner of the apartment said with a quick bow. The moving men started walking away and the new neighbor noticed Kevin and Amber and smiled politely at them. "I hope it was not too noisy," he said.

"It was quiet once we got here," Kevin said and they approached. "I hadn't realized the Hamiltons had moved out."

"Is that who owned this place before?" the man asked. "I believe the apartment was on market for a month before I arrived. I was fortunate to find a place on such short notice, so no complaints here."

"When did you arrive?" Kevin asked.

"Just this morning," he answered and Kevin gawked at the man.

"You were able to buy this place after arriving this morning?"

"Lease, but yes," the man said and extended a hand. "Roshad Javadi."

"Kevin Black. This is my wife, Amber," Kevin said and Roshad gave her a light bow.

"It is a pleasure," Roshad answered with a charming smile. "My apartment is a mess at the moment, but if that does not offend, would you like to come inside for tea?"

"Oh, no, you're probably exhausted after the day you had," Amber said.

"Not at all; I could stay up all night. Please, I insist. I'm afraid last I was in America, it was right after the war, so I'm a bit out of touch," Roshad said.

"Are you sure? My husband and I are in town for another day so we can always meet tomorrow if it's easier," Amber said.

"No, no, no, please – nothing would make me feel more at home than to entertain," Roshad insisted.

"If you insist," Amber said and looked up at Kevin, "We don't have to be up early tomorrow or anything?"

"No," Kevin said and joined Amber into the apartment. For a man that had literally just moved it, the space was very organized. Each box was labeled but in an alphabet Kevin couldn't read and several boxes in the kitchen were already opened and it looked like he'd been putting those away. "So is it just you here?"

"Yes, just me," Roshad answered as he got water into a brass tea kettle that looked too fancy for practical use. "I'm afraid I have no milk, but I have sugar."

"That'll be fine," Kevin said. "So where are you from? The Middle East I assume from the boxes?"

"Yes, I'm from Iran," Roshad answered.

"That's Persian right?"

"Yes!" Roshad answered with a bright smile and a small laugh, "You are the first American thus far that hasn't assumed I'm 'Arab'."

"I take it that's a big no-no?" Amber asked with a light giggle.

"Imagine being Irish or Scottish and someone calls you English," Roshad explained.

"Point taken," Kevin chuckled. He looked around the place again and said, "So what business do you do?"

"Exports mostly. I own Saffron fields in Fars, I was fortunate enough to marry very well; that helped," Roshad said.

"Is your wife going to move to New York with you?" Amber asked.

"No, I'm widowed," Roshad said.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Amber replied sorrowfully.

"Thank you," Roshad said, sadness in his voice.

"When did she die?" Amber asked.

"A long time ago," Roshad said.

"Do you have children?" Amber asked.

"I did," Roshad said, "please forgive me for being rude; do you mind if we not discuss family? At least not mine."

"Sure," Amber agreed. "I'm so sorry if I brought up a touchy subject."

"Not touchy, just painful," Roshad said then gave Amber a reassuring smile. "How much sugar would you like in your tea?"

"No sugar for me; I'll take it black," Amber said.

"Same," Kevin said. "You said you export Saffron?"

"Yes," Roshad said. "It's a lucrative spice: used in the Middle East like the west uses pepper and its popular in Spain too."

"Lucrative enough to win you a lease on a 5th Avenue apartment with virtually no notice," Kevin said and Roshad smiled.

"Yes, I've been very fortunate in my life," Roshad. "I worked my way up from nothing."

"Did you?" Kevin asked.

"Yes; it's a very long story I'm afraid."

"Are you a Veteran by chance?" Kevin asked.

"No, I'm not," Roshad said. "You are I assume?"

"Yes, I am," Kevin said. "I've been fortunate in life too. I saved the lives of two of my commanding officers, one of whom was son to the Dean at Yale University. I was able to get a Law Degree and built two businesses from it."

"You're a lawyer?" Roshad asked, "A good profession."

"It's a useful profession to be sure," Kevin said. "Amber owns a Candle Shop back in Seattle."

"You carve candles? A German craft, yes?"

"Yes," Amber smiled. "I was born in Chateau Thierry, France and adopted by a German couple."

"When did you come to America?"

"About 1945," Amber said.

"You were in Germany during the war?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so," Amber said. "Was Iran affected?"

"Briefly, yes," Roshad said. "The Shah was overthrown as a German sympathizer and the Russians wanted access to Iranian oil. I had a man to my home not long ago from Israel. He was interested in the oil business and he says to me 'Let me tell you what we Jews have against Moses: he drags us through the desert for 40 years and parks us in the one place that doesn't have oil,' and I tell him, 'You had best thank your lucky stars he brought you somewhere without oil. Valuable commodity that brings as much war as it brings fuel to cars."

"Out of curiosity, are you Muslim?" Amber asked.

"Raised Muslim, but I practice minimally. I have a low opinion of religion if I'm truthful," Roshad said. The water, finally boiling, made the kettle whistle and Roshad got it off the heat, put some silver tea holders into two very fancy glass mugs and poured the hot water over them. "No sugar you said?" Amber and Kevin both nodded and accepted their cups. "So are you Jewish?"

"I am," Amber said.

"How did you escape Germany?" Roshad asked.

"I didn't really," Amber said. "We tried to but my family and I were captured. My parents are I are holocaust survivors."

"I'm very sorry you went through all that," Roshad said. "It's fortunate you were able to survive."

"I just wish more could have been as fortunate," Amber said. "So, Mr. Javadi, what brings you to New York?"

"Please, call me Roshad," he said with a kind smile. "As to what made me decide to come to New York, the simplest answer is I needed to get away for a while."

"So you're on vacation?" Kevin asked.

"In a sense," Roshad answered, seemingly a little embarrassed. "I have people that can look after things while I'm gone. I do not intend to return to Iran until this time next year."

"Why the extended leave?" Amber asked.

"A number of things," Roshad said. "All of them personal I'm afraid. Maman was not too happy with me leaving, but she is understanding."

"Who's Maman?" Kevin asked.

"Maman: it's how we say mama or mother in Iran. Technically Maadar, but a loving son or daughter will always say maman."

"Oh, I see," Kevin said. "So you said you've been to America before?"

"Yes, it was for business. Iran became diplomatic with England and the Soviet Union which means new trade agreements, Taxes, things like that. I went to England first, then America but sadly they were more interested in oil." Kevin rose a brow.

"Forgive me for asking, but how old are you?"

"Older than I look," Roshad chuckled. "Much, much older than I look."

"A lot to be said about healthy diet and exercise right?" Kevin asked suspiciously.

"Exactly," Roshad smiled. "You said you are a lawyer, yes? What do you specialize in?"

"Business is my specialty, but my law firm covers family law and criminal defense. I hope to cover Malpractice in the next ten years once my niece earns her law degree and license."

"Malpractice; I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that word," Roshad said. "I apologize; English not my first language."

"I'd have never guessed," Kevin joked, "Malpractice refers to defense or prosecution where it relates to medicine. So if you had heart surgery and feel the doctor caused you irreparable damage and wished to sue him that would be a malpractice law suit."

"Ah, I see," Roshad said. "So you said you own two businesses?"

"Yes, one in Seattle and one here in Manhattan," Kevin said. "After I graduated Law School, I worked in Connecticut for a few years and started a business with a good friend of mine that we opened in Seattle. Later, we opened a Law Firm here in New York."

"So if I kill a man, I know who to go to?" Roshad joked.

"I'm just a call away," Kevin reciprocated and the two laughed. "So your mother is still living?"

"Yes, she is," Roshad said. "Ashti is her name. A wonderful woman, but a little overzealous of late. She's bound and determined to see me remarried."

"So you came to America to get some space?" Amber offered.

"Yes, exactly," Roshad said. "So what brings you into town?"

"Our son Levi was accepted into Princeton," Amber took the opportunity to brag with a big smile. "We went to New Jersey to take him to school and we decided to take some time in New York to ourselves before we went back to Seattle."

"Princeton is an Ivy League school, yes?"

"Yes, it is," Amber beamed.

"Congratulations to you both," Roshad smiled. "You must be very proud."

"Extremely proud," Kevin smiled. "The boy has a passion for math so he's studying accounting as a minor and majoring in Statistics."

"Impressive indeed," Roshad said. "Is Levi your only son?"

"No, we have three boys," Kevin said. "Anatoli's our eldest, then Levi and Tristan's the youngest and two girls, Heather and Lilliana."

"Congratulations to you both," Roshad said. "How old is your eldest?"

"Anatoli's 27," Amber said. "Heather is 21, Levi is 18, and the twins are 11."

"Sounds like the two of you paced yourselves," Roshad said. "When my children were born, it was always in quick succession."

"How many children do you have?" Kevin asked.

"I….have ten. 9 sons and a daughter."

"Oh wow," Amber said, "your wife must have been delighted to get a girl after 9 boys."

"My wife….she did not get to be with our daughter long. She passed away shortly after our daughter was born. The labor was very hard on her," Roshad said.

"My God, I'm so sorry," Amber said.

"Thank you," Roshad answered remorsefully. "She was a wonderful woman. I miss her dearly."

"I'm so sorry; I keep bringing up sad topics," Amber said.

"Nothing to apologize for. We are neighbors. We are getting to know each other," Roshad smiled pleasantly. "Actually, perhaps you might be able to assist me with something. Are you familiar with a restaurant called 'Louis Ann's'?"

"No, I can't say I am, but the front desk would probably know," Kevin said. "Do you know where it is?"

"I just know it's on Amsterdam Avenue," Roshad said. "I know it's a ways north away from Central Park."

"Sounds like Harlem to me," Kevin said. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Harlem but the front desk may know the address. They've usually got an itinerary of all the best restaurants in Manhattan."

"I'll be sure to ask them," Roshad said. "So, Amber, do you own a candle shop in New York as well?"

"No, only Seattle, but we ship all over the country. Our shop has been featured in Bride magazine a few times and it's brought us good business, but we carve soaps and small candles for baby showers, personal use and so on."

"That's wonderful," Roshad said. "Perhaps I should order one from you. If you can make it with white, green, red and gold, that would be spectacular."

"Well," Amber reached into her purse to pull out a card, "here's my business card, so if you would like a candle specialty made, I'm happy to accommodate."

"That's very generous," Roshad said. "Allow me to offer some advance payment." He went to one of the boxes in the kitchen and pulled out an enormous glass container filled with bright red, short threads. Then he retrieved a much smaller glass container that was empty and fit in his hand. He filled that container with the threads, sealed it and then offered it to her.

"What is this?" Amber asked curiously.

"It is Saffron," Roshad said. "It's a very strong spice; a pinch goes a long way. Put it in rice and it will be spectacular."

"How much is this worth?" Kevin asked, having been under the impression Saffron was expensive.

"In American money," Roshad began, did the mental math and then said, "about $200 worth."

"$200?!" Amber blurted out. "Oh, no, this is too nice, I can't accept this."

"Don't be silly; I insist. Please take it."

"No, really, this is too gracious. My candles rarely cost more than $50 and that's for unity candles."

"It is not too gracious; I'm ashamed to not give you more," Roshad insisted.

"But I've never used saffron before. I wouldn't know where to begin using it," Amber said.

"Easily remedied," Roshad smiled and reached into another box and pulled out a thick leather book. "Am I correct to assume you do not read or write Farsi?"

"I can read and write Hebrew if that helps," Amber joked and Roshad chuckled.

"I'm afraid my Hebrew is poor at best," Roshad said. "Bear with me while I translate. It is a rice recipe – very simple. Your children will fight over the Tahdig I guarantee you."

"I've never heard of Tahdig," Amber said.

"It is the toasted bit at the bottom of the pot when you cook the rice," Roshad explained. "I joke you not, my boys would fight to the death over the Tahdig at the end of dinner. And we always made it with Ghee, so it was even better."

"Ghee?" Amber asked.

"It is a special clarified butter," Roshad explained. "That coupled with the concentrated taste of saffron, some cumin and cardamom – it was worth fighting for."

"Now I'm excited to make it," Amber smiled.

"You don't mind terribly if I keep the measurements in metric system do you?" Roshad asked.

"I prefer it," Amber said.

"Perfect," he said and continued writing. Once finished, he pulled out the paper and handed it over. "Forgive the smudging. Left handedness is useful in Farsi but in most other languages it's quite the challenge."

"That's alright; I can read it," Amber said as she looked through the recipe and showed it to Kevin. "I'll bet you anything this'll taste very good with some steak."

"Do you like lamb?" Roshad asked.

"Love it," Kevin answered and like that, Roshad went through the book again until he found what he was looking for, translated it and then pulled that page out.

"That rice pairs well with Lamb shank," Roshad said. "That was actually my daughter's favorite recipe."

"This does look delicious," Amber said, presenting it to Kevin. "I guess I know what I'm making when we get home."

"Why wait? I can make it for you tomorrow night," Roshad offered.

"Oh, no, we can't ask you to cook us dinner. You're not even settled in," Kevin said.

"This? Nonsense. I'll have everything put away by midday tomorrow," Roshad said. Amber was about to refuse, saying she didn't want to put him out, but she suspected Roshad was not the type that could be 'put out'.

"I suppose we can if it's no trouble," Amber said and looked at Kevin.

"Not at all; I love company," Roshad said.

"Maybe we can even invite Jaedynn," Amber suggested.

"Jaedynn?" Roshad asked, a spark of excitement coming to his eyes.

"Yes, she's our niece," Amber smiled. She noticed Roshad appear lost in thought. "That's if you're alright with that. I don't mean to invite out of tern."

"No, no, not at all," Roshad said and smiled brightly again. "Please; the more the merrier. Perhaps your son could come too? New Jersey is not too far from here is it?"

"2 hours, but the commute wouldn't be bad for him. We'll make sure to call and offer," Amber said. "What time would you serve dinner?"

"Six-" he started then chuckled a little, "Forgive me, no. I'm still on Persian time. How does 7:30 sound? On the dot?"

"Persian time?" Amber asked.

"If you want people at your home by eight, tell them the party starts at 6:00 and they'll arrive by 8:30," Roshad said. "I promise by 7:30 I will be acceptably presentable."

"Don't be silly; if I hadn't seen you moving in, I'd think you'd just freshened up," Amber said, completely sincere. The man was in dress pants, a dress shirt and very clean, the stubble on his face trimmed and immaculate and while there was a natural scent to him, she could also tell he was wearing cologne. If she'd not known better, she'd think the man was about to leave for work.

"You're too kind, Amber," Roshad said.

"Do you want Kevin and I to come early and we can help?"

"Absolutely not; you are my guests. I will not make you work," Roshad insisted.

"We'll bring some wine and dessert at least," Kevin said. "Do you like red wine?"

"I do not drink, but if you wish to partake, you're more than welcome to," Roshad said.

"Muslim faith does not permit alcohol consumption," Amber explained.

"Oh," Kevin said, "Sorry. I didn't realize."

"No, no, it's quite alright," Roshad said. "I will have plenty of tea to serve, but you're welcome to bring wine as well. Don't deny yourself on my account."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," Roshad said. "As to what pairs well with it, I can't say for sure. I would recommend consulting the wine merchant."

"I think they prefer to be called sommelier," Kevin said.

"Forgive me; I don't speak French," Roshad answered and Kevin started laughing.

"Out of curiosity, how many languages do you speak? I assume you speak more than Farsi and English," Amber said.

"I speak Farsi, or Persian, I speak English, I speak Arabic and I know some Urdu, but I'm not fluent. I also speak Punjabi and Tamil."

"So you speak the language of whomever you do business with?" Kevin guessed.

"Not all; I can't speak Chinese to save my life," Roshad said. "Thankfully, I have associates that do speak Mandarin and Cantonese."

"You're still able to do business with China?" Kevin asked.

"Yes, of course. Spice trade and what not."

"So Spices are your business? Or only saffron?"

"Yes, spice is my business," Roshad said, "but saffron is my favorite. It's harvested from crocus flowers so imagine an expansive field of purple flowers."

"I love the sound of that," Amber smiled. "Purple is my favorite color. When we got married, I had a bouquet of purple and yellow flowers, but they were orchids and roses."

"You would adore crocus flowers," Roshad said. "The stamens are that bright red color and that's what gets harvested for saffron."

"That sounds beautiful," Amber said.

"Oh, it is," said but then shifted a little. "So," he continued a little hesitantly but then proceeded, "You said your niece's name is Jaedynn? Is she visiting with you?"

"No, she lives here," Amber said, but did not say so with any deal of enthusiasm. If anything, Roshad noticed she wasn't pleased with it.

"Is something wrong?" Roshad asked.

"No, nothing's wrong," Kevin said. "My niece lives here with her boyfriend and…well, if I'm being blunt, none of us really like him. He seems adamant not to meet us and he ran off with Jaedynn without a word and scared the lot of us shitless. We'd filed a police report and everything for kidnapping."

"Oh," Roshad said, shocked on their behalf but also a little confused. Perhaps the Jaedynn they referred to was not who he'd been shown? Jaedynn could be a very popular name for all he knew. "Is she alright now?"

"We don't really know. She says she is, but…..point is we don't like the guy."

"So he wasn't arrested for kidnapping?"

"No, he was," Kevin said. "Jaedynn ended up paying his bail and demanded the charges be dropped so there wasn't much we could do. My brother begged her to come home, but she refused and said she loves Alex and wouldn't return. So I gave her work at my law firm if only to ensure she has some security."

"My God," Roshad said, "I'm sorry to hear of your troubles."

"My sister-in-law swears Jaedynn's starting to come to her senses; we're all really hoping for it. The sooner she stops seeing Alex and comes home, the happier we'll all be." Kevin glanced around the apartment seeing all the boxes. "I dare say we'll have to insist Alex doesn't come with her tomorrow when we invite her. I don't trust him not to rob you."

"So he's that type is he?" Roshad asked.

"We think so. Problem is we can't prove anything," Kevin said irritably. "I'll bet you anything he has a bunch of different aliases that he uses to do whatever he does. He claims that he does fundraising and that's his 'primary income', but I don't believe it."

"Wait…isn't fundraising…is a charity related matter is it not?"

"Not necessarily; you can have a fundraiser for other things," Kevin said. "You would just go to an event planner for something like that and I highly doubt Alex is an event planner."

"Hm," Roshad replied. "Well, I shall ensure everything valuable is under lock and key in case he does come."

"We'll make a point to say he's not invited," Amber said. "You don't deserve to be robbed on your second day in New York or at all."

"Thank you for your kindness, Amber," Roshad smiled. "So what apartment are you both in?"

"We're the apartment at the end of the hall," Kevin said. "Day after tomorrow, Amber and I are actually planning to go to Connecticut, but we'll be home in the morning if you want to come over for breakfast. Allow us to return the favor."

"Oh, no, that won't be necessary," Roshad said, "You deserve to enjoy your vacation without me barging in on you."

"No, please. We insist," Amber said with a playful smile.

"No, no, that is too kind; I would hate to impose," Roshad said.

"It's no trouble at all," Kevin said. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you didn't enjoy our company."

"Quite the contrary," Roshad said, "I'm delighted we will be neighbors, even if only until you return to Seattle. So long as it's no trouble for me to come over."

"None whatsoever," Amber said.

"If you promise," Roshad said, "I would be delighted."

"Does 10:00 work?" Kevin suggested.

"That's perfect," Roshad smiled then sighed a little to himself. "By the love of Allah, where are my manners? Are either of you hungry? I offer you tea but no food; I don't know where my mind is."

"Oh, no, no, we're alright. We had dinner before we came home, but thank you so much for offering," Amber said and held up the glass cup that was lined with an intricately designed silver cover. "These glasses are stunning by the way."

"Thank you; I've had them as far back as I can remember," Roshad said.

"I can't wait to see your apartment once you've unpacked. I saw the movers bring in a rug that looked beautiful from the underside that I could see."

"Yes, Persia is known for her exceptional rugs," Roshad said.

"I hear you have nice cats too," Amber joked.

"You mean those flat-faced hairballs that drape themselves on furniture demanding admiration?" Roshad said and made Amber laugh. "Yes, I am familiar with these creatures. My wife adored them. There was a time in my life when I had about twenty of them in my home."

"I take it you don't like cats?"

"Oh no, I love cats, but I prefer…big cats if I'm honest," Roshad said.

"Like what? Lions?" Kevin asked as a joke but Roshad shrugged dismissively.

"I prefer Cheetahs and Tigers, but Lions are entertaining as well," Roshad said.

"Are you joking or being serious?" Kevin asked.

"Serious," Roshad said and then chuckled a little, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound pompous. When I first accumulated my fortune, I went through a period of my life when I had animals just because I could. Why, when I went to woo my f…wife, I rode into the city on an Elephant. Again, just because I could."

"That's one hell of an entrance," Kevin mumbled.

"Indeed; her father was impressed which is a start. So once her father approved for me to offer marriage, I needed to win his daughter. Aida was her name. I was not the only suitor nor was I the only one offering bountiful gifts, so the one that got to marry her had to win her heart. I'm fortunate she chose me."

"In just an hour of knowing you, I can tell she fell for your charm," Amber said.

Roshad chuckled, "I do what I can."

"So when did you and your wife get married?" Amber asked.

"It was…quite a long time ago. I fear if I say, you will call me old."

"We're no one to talk; trust me," Kevin said suspiciously. "If it's worth anything, Amber and I were married June 1950 but we engaged back in 1928."

"Why the long engagement?"

"A number of outside factors like the depression and the war made things difficult," Kevin said.

"So…..you're in your sixties?"

"I'm 69," Kevin said and waited for Roshad to be surprised, but he just smirked.

"You don't look a day over 25."

"Lot to be said about healthy diet and exercise," Kevin smiled.

"When that is your method, but it can only go so far," Roshad said. "Am I to understand I'm among half breeds? Could my luck be so good?"

"My wife is," Kevin said, "But I'm a little different."

"A tribe of wolves that give you immortality?" Roshad asked, surprising Kevin again.

"How'd you know that?"

"I heard rumors," Roshad said and, having that confirmation, he felt a sense of sadness. There could not possibly be two Jaedynns that both come from a tribe of wolves. Which meant the woman that he'd seen in his dream was taken. All this time and travel only for his dream to be tarnished because she was seeing someone else.

"So now that we're familiar, how old are you really?" Kevin asked.

"About 422 years old," Roshad said.

"Well, shit, you beat us," Kevin said and they all laughed. "I was about to say you sound like a man experienced beyond your years, but looks like you've had a lot of time on your hands."

"To say the least," Roshad said.

"So…forgive me for bringing up sad topics, but your wife was human I take it?" Amber asked.

"All my wives were," Roshad said. "Aida was my first wife. Her father was a merchant, much like what I am now. He had contacts that made him able to sell silks that were said to be the finest in the land. I dare say he was wealthier than the sultan. About 10 years after she passed away, I married my wife Fatimeh. She was the granddaughter to Sultan Abbas The Great. She may have been one of many granddaughters but marriage to her still awarded many luxuries. As a wedding present, her father ordered a palace built for us in Tehran. I still call it home to this very day. My third wife was an Arabic woman named Miriam. She is the wife I lost in childbirth."

"When did she die?" Amber asked.

"It was spring of 1663," Roshad said. "My daughter died 1773. She was 110 years old. My eldest son died age 123 and lived the longest of my children."

"At least they lived long and well," Amber said.

"They did," Roshad said, "And I take comfort in that. It still hurt to outlive them."

"I would imagine so," Amber said. "I suppose your mother wanting you to remarry makes more sense than I'd thought. I assume she's a vampire then?"

"Yes she is and, yes, she is determined," Roshad said, "But I do not wish to marry. At least not a human. I can't bare the loss again. If I ever remarry, it will be a woman that will live alongside me longer than thirty years before I lose her then our children within a century."

"I can understand that," Amber said. "I'd offer to introduce you to some young women in our family but….it's hard to explain. It's likely they'd know in an instant if they love you and they either do or they don't."

"No worries; do not burden yourself with marrying me off," Roshad smiled. "Maman has enough determination for the both of you."

"So I take it when you say you're self-made, that came largely through marriage?" Kevin asked.

"All the money I obtained legitimately," Roshad said which caught Kevin's attention.

"What do you mean 'legitimately'?" Kevin asked suspiciously.

Roshad chuckled a little and reached into a box moving his hand around until he finally found a silver knife. Once it was out, his left hand gripped the silver hilt while he rested the blade between his fingers. Then he dragged the blade between his fingers, changing the knife from silver to gold before their very eyes which he then presented once it was done.

"That is what I mean," Roshad said. "I discovered when I was a boy that I had this gift. I believe in English you would call it alchemy. I cannot make something out of nothing, but I can change things. I can turn silver into gold, brass, iron; whatever I wish. The only things I cannot change are anything living. Plants, animals and humans are immune from my power."

"So a portion of that fortune came from changing preexisting materials into gold?" Kevin asked, still stunned.

"Yes," Roshad said. "When maman conceived me, she of course did not know who my father was. She was raped and my grandparents had tried to keep the assault secret but once it was clear she was pregnant, she was cast from the home. My mother had nowhere to go and was found by vampires. Rashida and Bastet are their names. Rashida realized my maman was pregnant and abandoned and helped her find shelter. She stayed with maman until she delivered me and I was the one that bit her and changed her. Rashida and her mate Bastet more or less took maman and me in. Bastet is the closest to a father I've ever had, but we never had a place to call home. We just wandered around Tabriz where I was born. I think I was about two when I discovered my power and I used it to create Persian cold coins. I built us a giant home, I bought clothes for me, Bastet, Rashida and my maman and one of my first expensive gifts I ever bought for maman was a gown dyed Tyrian purple."

"What is Tyrian purple?" Amber asked.

"It's a dye produced from the Murex snail and it's extremely rare and expensive. To make a single robe would require 10,000 snails. The dress I purchased for my maman was a full dress and hijab that required no less than 15,000 snails to dye and it was lined with gold threaded patterns. Because the dye is so hard to produce, only the wealthiest could afford to buy it."

"So getting your mother that dress must have felt like you made it in life," Amber said.

"Exactly," Roshad said. "She wore that dress when she met my first wife and father-in-law and I think Aida's father was more impressed with maman's dress than any of the gifts I brought."

"So did you take over her father's business?" Kevin asked.

"I inherited a portion of it through marriage," Roshad said. "Some of my fortune was amassed through marriage and inheritance, some through my own hard work and some from my power. Now, Amber, seeing as my power is known to you, allow me to give you a more acceptable gift to accompany the saffron."

Amber didn't refuse simply because she was curious what he might do. Roshad took the golden knife and, with the knife held up with his palms, he slammed his hands together making Amber gasp but there was no blood spilled. Instead, Roshad turned his hands so they were facing up and down and began to form something in his hands. As his hands moved apart, there was what looked like a gold mount forming in his palm. Some of the gold formed into what looked like leaves and others looked like petals made from purple sapphire and inside the crocus flower were loops of gold and rubies.

"My God, that's stunning," Amber said when Roshad presented her with the finished product.

"I am pleased to hear it," Roshad smiled and offered the jeweled flower to Amber and she accepted it in a state of surprise.

"Watch it, Roshad; If I didn't know better I'd think you were flirting with my wife," Kevin said.

"Not at all," Roshad assured. "Forgive me; when one knows of my power, I can't help but show off sometimes."

"I would too were I you," Amber said. "Thank you so much for the flower, Roshad. It's absolutely beautiful."

"I'm happy you like it," Roshad said.

"Why don't you let Kevin and I help you unpack? You're given me $200 worth of saffron and a priceless jeweled flower; the least I can do to thank you is help you unpack."

"Amber, please, you are my guest. What kind of host would I be if I made you help me unpack?" Roshad said.

Kevin glanced at the clock and realized it was ten, "Damn, it's late. We should probably get back home. Clearly you're too polite to say it, but I'm sure you're extremely tired."

"I promise, I'm not," Roshad chuckled, "I'm just happy to meet my neighbors. I may invite the whole floor over if I can."

"You sure you want that many people at your place?" Kevin chuckled.

"Positive," Roshad smiled. "Everyone else is yet to be seen, but I will see you again tomorrow? 7:30?"

"We look forward to it," Amber replied.

Roshad showed them out and wished them a good night. Once the door was closed he locked it and walked to a couch at the back of the room. He plopped down sinking into the cushions with a sense of frustration. His thoughts drifted to what Kevin and Amber had said about their niece then his thoughts drifted to the dream he'd had in Chalus. A people far from Persia with wolves for ancestors. The relation being a coincidence was highly unlikely. If that's the case, then the woman from his dream was not free to pursue. He felt stupid and childish in that moment. He felt a chill on his neck but he ignored it. Feeling it only made him that much more irritated with himself. Perhaps Ashti had been right: it was silly to come halfway across the world because of a dream. Regardless, he'd come this far; he'd see things through. If he has to swallow his pride and return home accomplishing nothing, so be it but it would be after he at least tried. He looked around the living space of the apartment seeing the boxes labeled according to where they belonged.

To get his mind off things, he started unpacking and putting things away and was up until 1 in the morning before Roshad had the apartment comfortable. The enormous vibrant red Persian rug laid in the center of the living space taking up most of the floor. It had taken him forever to get that rug centered the way he wanted and all the other furniture positioned atop it the way he wanted. He had a long stretching dining table that could accommodate about 20 people which was certainly more than who lived on this floor, but he highly doubted there would be many people coming over. His bedroom was set up with silk bed sheets and a white comforter and all the boxes he'd used were folded and put away somewhere safe and out of sight. By then he'd been awake easily for 48 hours so when he got into bed and rested his head on the pillow, he fell asleep near instantly.

When they'd returned to their apartment, Amber found a place to put the flower Roshad had given her. She'd gushed over how polite and friendly Roshad had been and was excited to call Levi in the morning to invite him for dinner. Come the following morning, they got a hold of Levi and asked him if he wanted to come to dinner that night. He was hesitant at first until he was told dinner would be lamb which got him really excited and promised he'd be there. Next Amber called the number to the apartment Jaedynn was staying at, but a man answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hello," Amber said to who she assumed was Alex. "Is Jaedynn there?"

"Who is this?" Alex asked.

"This is her Aunt Amber," she answered, "Can I speak to Jaedynn please?"

"She's in the shower," Alex said.

"Oh, well, can you tell her I called and have her call me back?"

"Sure," Alex answered and before Amber could thank him, the phone disconnected and she pulled the phone away from her ear staring at it a moment before putting the phone back on the receiver.

"We'll call back in fifteen minutes," Kevin said, overhearing the conversation. Back at the apartment, Jaedynn stepped out of the bathroom drying her hair and wearing an oversized t-shirt.

"Who was that on the phone?" Jaedynn asked.

"What are you talking about?" Alex asked.

"I heard you answer the phone," Jaedynn said.

"I just got back inside; I didn't hear the phone ring," Alex shrugged. Jaedynn looked at him a moment a little confused but dropped it. Maybe it had been a neighbor's phone and she misheard it. As she was drying her hair, the phone rang again and Jaedynn went to get it.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Oh, thank God it's you," Amber said on the other end.

"Aunt Amber? What's wrong? What happened?"

"I'm just relieved to speak with you," Amber said. "I'd called earlier but Alex said you were in the shower." Jaedynn glanced at Alex who shook his head with a shrug.

"Sorry about that," Jaedynn answered calmly. "So what's up?"

"Well, we've discovered we have a new neighbor and he's really nice. Roshad Javadi is his name. Anyway, he's invited us to have dinner at his apartment tonight and he said we could invite you."

"Oh," Jaedynn said. "That sounds like fun. What's for dinner?"

"Lamb shank with saffron rice," Amber said.

"We have plans tonight," Alex said, taking Jaedynn by surprise.

"Aunt Amber, can you give me a moment?" Jaedynn asked then covered the phone. "What plans are you talking about?"

"We're going to a Jazz club tonight. I told you the other day," Alex said. Jaedynn kept staring at Alex for a moment racking her brain for the conversation he was referring to but she couldn't remember.

"When did you tell me?"

"The other day, Buttercup; I just told you," Alex said. "Come on, Jaedynn. We haven't been out together in a long time. Are you honestly saying you'd rather eat dinner at some dude's place you've never met than go out to the club with me?"

"I didn't say that, Alex. I'm only saying I don't remember you saying we were going out tonight. I have work tomorrow so it's not like I can stay out too late," Jaedynn said.

"What's the point of working for your uncle if you can't snub the rules here and there? Be late; big deal," Alex said. Jaedynn was about to say something but remembered Amber was still on the phone and brought it back to her ear.

"I'm really sorry, Aunt Amber, but Alex and I already have plans for tonight. Thank you for thinking of me, though," Jaedynn said.

"Are you sure?" Amber asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure. We're going out to a jazz club tonight," Jaedynn said.

"That does sound like fun," Amber said. "Well, have a good time, okay Jaedynn?"

"Thanks Aunt Amber," Jaedynn said, "You too. I'll talk to you later."

"We'll talk to you later, Jaedynn," Amber said and the two hung up.

"Alex, why did you tell me you didn't answer the phone?" Jaedynn asked.

"Because I didn't," Alex said. "I don't know what to tell you. Come on; we're going out to have a good time tonight. Don't start it off like this."

"Start it off how?" Jaedynn asked.

"By bitching," Alex said.

"Excuse me?" Jaedynn said. "How is me asking you a question 'bitching'?!"

"It's your tone," Alex said. "Just calm the fuck down and we'll go out tonight."

"Frankly, Alex, I think I'd rather not go to the Jazz club tonight," Jaedynn said and went to grab a fresh pair of panties then her jeans that she pulled on. "In fact, I'd rather go out on my own for a bit."

"Where the hell are you going?" Alex asked.

"Wherever I feel like going," Jaedynn said as she was pulling on a pair of sandals. "You can go to the club yourself tonight. I will be going to the park." Jaedynn unlocked and turned the doorknob but as she was opening it, Alex came up and slammed the door shut, shocking Jaedynn.

"Don't talk to me that way," Alex said. "If you don't want to go out tonight, fine, but you're not fucking running out in a huff like I did something wrong."

"I think I am," Jaedynn went to grab the doorknob again but Alex grabbed her and forced her back until she landed on the bed. Alex soon got on top of her pinning her down.

"No you're not," Alex said. For the first time, Jaedynn felt terror. He'd never behaved this way before and what was worse was he was overpowering her and she started shaking.

"Alex," Jaedynn said, her voice now calm, "you're scaring me." She'd hoped that her telling him that would shock him, he'd realize what he was doing and he'd let her go, but there was no such occurrence. Instead, he softened, but barely. He still appeared very cold.

"I don't like it when you talk to me that way, Buttercup. It makes me feel like you don't love me," Alex said, completely ignoring her prior statement. "Promise you won't talk to me that way again?"

"I promise," Jaedynn answered, if only to make sure he didn't snap again.

"Good," Alex finally smiled and pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that he quickly made passionate, but Jaedynn wasn't into it at all. As he was kissing her, she started to feel sick to her stomach.

"Alex," she pulled her lips away, "please, I don't feel good. I think I'm going to be sick."

Alex got off her and she ran to the bathroom and hovered her head above the toilet before proceeding to vomit moments later. She heard the door to the bathroom slam closed but was still heaving when it happened. It took a few minutes for her to get a hold of herself, but even when she had, she didn't leave the bathroom. She was still shaking all over and didn't want to leave to confront him about it. When she'd been quiet long enough, Alex knocked on the door.

"You feeling better, Buttercup?" he asked.

"Yeah," Jaedynn answered in a shaky voice.

She flushed and got onto her feet before slowly going to the sink so wash her hands. She was just going on muscle memory at the moment, still in shock from what just happened. She left the water going hoping to have just a few more minutes alone and occupied herself with brushing her teeth, again in the hopes of prolonging her time. When she finally turned the faucet off, the door opened and there was Alex. He reached over to take her wrist and pulled her to him so he could hug her.

"Alex, you really scared me," Jaedynn managed.

"Just remember what we talked about, okay? Don't talk to me the way you did and it won't happen again," Alex said and kissed her head as if what he'd said was not the most horrifying thing she'd ever heard him say. "I just love you so much, Jaedynn. I want us to spend more time together. Can you forgive me?" She didn't answer at first and when she was quiet too long, Alex's embrace tightened. "Can you?"

"I forgive you," Jaedynn answered as she trembled.

"Good," he said and, without warning, leaned his head down to take her lips in his again to continue what he'd initiated as if completely oblivious to the fact that he'd scared her.

That night, Roshad had everything prepared for his dinner party. He'd invited everyone on the floor that answered the door but only 10 had said they'd come and that was fine with him. Amber and Kevin were the first to arrive and Amber offered, again, to assist in any way she could but Roshad again refused. He welcomed Levi with a smile and a handshake but noticed he was the only addition.

"I take it your niece was not available?" Roshad asked.

"No, she and her boyfriend had other plans," Amber said. "I hope that's alright."

"That's perfectly fine; my party was a touch last minute," Roshad said and accepted the wine from Kevin. "I will get this open for you. I will get some wine glasses out for you and the other guests."

"Thank you," Kevin said. "Dinner smells fantastic."

"Thank you," Roshad said as he was trying to open the bottle with a corkscrew he'd bought that day, same with the wine glasses. "Hopefully you will like it and when you return home, Amber can make it for you better than I could."

"You're too sweet, Roshad," Amber smiled.

Roshad was disappointed with Jaedynn's absence but he didn't let it show as he entered Kevin, Amber, Levi and his other neighbors as they arrived. He'd made sure to make plenty of lamb so there would be enough for everyone and leftovers to take home should his guests choose. It was a lovely night of good food, wine for those that wanted it, tea and delicious desserts that more than one guest brought and after dinner, they all remained at the table and talked. The conversation, sadly, became heated when recent news became the topic.

"I don't care what you say. This business with abortion is just pure idiocy," one man argued. "The fact that it's gone to the Supreme Court is just nonsense."

"What's so 'idiotic' of a woman having the right to choose she does not want to be pregnant?" one of the guests, a woman that (while she did not work for Kevin's practice) was a well respected attorney of family law, asked.

"You want to choose not to be pregnant? Keep your legs closed 'til you're married. Problem solved," the man argued.

"What is the matter?" Roshad asked Kevin who was closest to him. The two guests continued to argue in the meantime.

"They're discussing a case that's being tried by the Supreme Court: Roe v. Wade. It's a hot button issue at the moment arguing whether states have the right to prevent women from having abortions."

"Abortion is to end a pregnancy, yes?" Roshad asked.

"Yes," Kevin said. "Personally, I'm on the fence about it if I'm honest. It's legal in the state of New York since 1970 but the defendant who's being called Roe is from Texas where getting an abortion is illegal."

"Ah," Roshad said. "You say you're on the fence?"

"Yes," Kevin said. "On the one hand, I agree that it's unconstitutional to infringe on a woman's right to choose but on the other, we are still referring to the beginnings of a human life that cannot defend itself. I can understand wanting an abortion when the circumstances that led to it were assault and rape. As to women having an abortion when the relationship was previously amicable and the father doesn't want to take responsibility, I would argue it's putting power in a man's hands that he really shouldn't have."

"How do you mean?" Roshad asked.

"Think of it this way," Kevin started, "Image that a young woman and a young man see one another and begin an intimate relationship but do not take precaution so the woman gets pregnant. If this man doesn't want to take responsibility, then he can just as easily demand she have an abortion whether she wants one or not."

"But why would she want a child with that man if that's how he feels?" the woman from before asked who'd overheard Kevin begin his argument.

"I would assume she wouldn't, but I would think that doesn't change that she'd pregnant and this is her baby. Sure the father's being an asshole, but why is it the baby's fault?" Kevin asked.

"No one's saying it's the baby's fault," she said. "What I'm saying is no one has a right to tell a woman what she can or cannot do with her body, be it a man, the state or otherwise. If she wants to keep the baby, that should be her decision. If she wants to terminate the pregnancy then that should be her decision as well."

"You keep saying 'terminate the pregnancy' like it's just getting rid of a mole at the doctor's office. This isn't a cut and dry matter like you're trying to portray it as. Whether a woman wanted it or not, she's carrying a child: end of discussion. If she aborts that child, it's murder," a guest argued.

"So if someone makes a mistake or worse she's raped, she's just supposed to suck it up and deal with being pregnant with a child she didn't ask for? That's completely unreasonable! Children are demanding and costly! You can't expect a woman to be saddled with a child when she either A) is in a bad financial situation and has no way to care for a child or B) was assaulted and shouldn't have to carry the child of the man that harmed her or, C) she doesn't want to be pregnant."

"So we should just let kids run around like a bunch of gypsies and tramps having affairs because abortion's legal, so who cares? They can just get an abortion anyway?" the other man argued.

"Oh, fuck off, Peter, that's not what I'm saying," the woman, Carol, answered back. "I would argue that perhaps it's about time we all accepted that teenagers are going to fuck and start teaching them about proper contraceptives instead of slamming a bible over their heads and telling them 'just don't do it'!"

"Personally, my mother always hit me over the head with the Quran, but it was generally for other reasons," Roshad said, trying to tell a joke and lighten the mood. It took everyone a moment to realize he was joking but it did get everyone to stop yelling at each other.

"What say you, Amber?" Carol asked seeing as Kevin had thus far argued pro-life.

"I mean…..I don't know if I could ever do it."

"No shame in that; just because it's legal doesn't mean you have to. The point is the option is available to you and that's the way it needs to be," Carol said. "I mean, try to imagine that you've been assaulted and now have the evidence under your sweater. How would that feel?" Amber didn't answer as her face went a little pale. "Are you alright, Amber?"

"Let's just drop Roe v. Wade for the night," Kevin said to the whole table. Everyone eventually agreed and moved on to other topics. Amber was still pale and Kevin held her hand in his to comfort her.

"Are you sure you're alright, Amber?" Roshad asked.

"I promise, I'm fine," Amber said.

"I think Carol's question just hit mom pretty low," Levi said to Roshad. "You know my mother's a survivor of Auschwitz and Dachau?"

"Yes, I'd heard she was a holocaust survivor," Roshad said.

"Well, mom's….let's say 'unusual durability' led the Nazis to think mom was worth experimenting and one officer in particular took an interest in her. Actually, I think there were two but-"

"Drop it, Levi," Kevin ordered in a harsh tone. Levi did as asked and stopped talking. Roshad looked at Amber, recalled that she had an elder son that was 27 and then put two and two together.

"I would argue it is indeed not the child's fault," Roshad finally said, "though perhaps my opinion suffers from bias."

"What do you mean?" Levi asked.

"I suppose, all things considered, I would take it personally," Roshad said. "I can understand how your brother Anatoli might feel is all I'm saying." There was still a degree of tension at the table and Roshad was desperate to break it. "So who wants cake and tea?"

"That would be lovely," one guest said and the others agreed, so Roshad retrieved the desserts, the tea and some coffee that one guest had brought and they discussed anything but the Supreme Court case. It took Amber a while to feel better and when Roshad was telling his guests goodbye, he came to Amber last so they could speak more privately.

"Are you alright, Amber? I hope you weren't offended tonight," Roshad said.

"No, not offended," Amber said, "it just hit a little too close to home. I completely understand what Carol was saying, but when she asked me to envision what a victim of assault would feel, all I could think about what how I'd felt. It's a very long story. Regardless of what happened to me, though, I wouldn't trade Anatoli for the world. Perhaps it's because I could get to know my son and see him as a person, but I can't picture doing such a thing."

"I promise, Amber, Carol wasn't trying to imply that," Kevin reassured. "She was just trying to make a point and didn't realize she was asking a personal question."

"I know," Amber said. "I'm not mad at her."

"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? I feel horrible," Roshad said.

"Roshad, you did nothing wrong; you have nothing to apologize for," Amber said with a kind smile. "I promise I'm alright. We have a wonderful time. We will let you know the next time we're in New York, okay?"

"Most definitely," Roshad said and then shook Levi's hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you and congratulations again."

"Thank you. It was good meeting you too," Levi replied and then left the apartment with his parents.

After they'd all left, Roshad checked the time: it was 11 at night. He called the front desk and, as Kevin predicted, they were aware of the restaurant Louis Ann's but also informed him the close at 10. She wouldn't be there. Regardless, he left the apartment and walked the path he remembered from the dream until he finally arrived at the restaurant in question. All the lights were off and the door was locked when he arrived. He didn't see her anywhere. Now that he at least knew where he was going for next time, he made the walk back, making sure to avoid large groups of people, staying in well lit areas and keeping a distance from allies until he made it back to his apartment. The next morning, Jaedynn woke up with a splitting headache and nausea and got out of bed just in time to run to the bathroom to vomit. When she finally came out, Alex was still in bed appearing sound asleep. Jaedynn washing her face and went to her dresser to find some clothes.

"Come back to bed," Alex said.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?" Jaedynn asked. She'd felt like she'd been walking on eggshells since yesterday.

"Yeah," Alex said and opened his eyes to look at her. "Come back to bed."

"I have to go to work," Jaedynn said.

"You're crazy," Alex said. "I heard you in the bathroom. You're sick. Tell work you're taking a sick day and come to bed."

"Really, Alex, I feel better already," Jaedynn said.

"Don't argue with me, Jaedynn," Alex said. "Call work, take a sick day and come back to bed."

This time, Jaedynn nodded, "Alright," and walked to the phone. She kept looking over her shoulder at Alex and when she reached the phone, she dialed the number to the front desk and ended up getting voicemail. "Hey, Liz, it's Jaedynn. I'm really sorry but I feel really sick this morning. I need to take a sick day. I promise I'll be into work tomorrow. And I'm sorry again." Jaedynn put the phone back on its mount and returned to bed where Alex was waiting. He took her in his arms once she was under the covers and kissed her head.

"That's it, Buttercup. You rest," Alex said and like that, he was asleep again, but Jaedynn couldn't sleep at all.

She called the office again at eight just to make sure Liz got her message and she confirmed she'd make sure management was aware so they could make sure she got sick pay. Later, Amber and Kevin made the drive to Connecticut to spend time with Evalynn and had a night out at The Marmalade Bar and enjoyed a full show where the Queens all dressed as celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Diana Ross and Mae West. It was a blast and the Mae West impersonator, once able to return to the floor, spent the majority of the evening sitting with Kevin, Amber and Evalynn. When Kevin found out he'd been a former employee, he was shocked. The returned to New York late in the evening and the next morning caught a flight back to Washington. Meanwhile, Jaedynn managed to keep herself together long enough to get out of the apartment so Alex wouldn't insist she stay home again because she was sick. He'd spent all of that Monday showering her with attention and affection, though she didn't know if it was his way of apologizing for his behavior on Sunday or if Alex was simply having one of his better moods. Regardless, she was still shaken up by it. When she got to the office, she no longer felt like she might throw up but she was extremely lightheaded and when she stepped out of the elevator and into the office, Liz noticed right away.

"My God, Jaedynn, you look so pale," Liz said.

"I know," Jaedynn said. "I just haven't been feeling well, but I'm well enough to work."

"Jaedynn, dear, if you need another sick day, that's no problem. I'd rather you miss a few days of work and return healthy than stay sick longer because you tried working," Liz said.

"Really, Liz, I promise I'm fine. I'm sure by this afternoon I'll be good as normal," Jaedynn insisted and sat at her desk. "Is there anything you need me to take over to get us caught up?"

"Can you get these witnesses scheduled for interviews?" Liz eventually asked.

"Sure," Jaedynn said and accepted the list from Liz and got to work.

She had to make sure she going between August and September as she placed the calls and got appoints set but as she was doing so, something occurred to her. She looked through the weeks of August and realized she'd not had a period that month. She'd started trembling when she realized it. She turned the page back to June and July remembering when her periods had been in those months and they'd been somewhere in the middle but once she returned to August, there had been nothing. No. No, no, no, no, oh dear God no, Jaedynn thought to herself.

"Jaedynn?" Liz said and took Jaedynn out of her train of thought. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm….I don't feel well," she said. It wasn't a lie.

"Do you need to take the day off?"

"Yes…..I'm really sorry," Jaedynn said.

"Don't apologize, Jaedynn. You look like you need a week in bed right about now," Liz said and took back the list from Jaedynn. "I'll tell management. You go home and get some sleep, okay?"

"Thank you," Jaedynn managed and got her things to leave. Once she was in the elevator, she was alone so she allowed herself a moment to basically hyperventilate. "Calm down," she said to herself after a moment. "Just calm down. You don't know anything yet."

It did nothing to ease her terror, though. When she made it to the ground floor, she left the building and got into a cab requesting to be taken to the nearest gynecologist's office. When she arrived and advised why she was there, she was penciled in and told a doctor would be with her soon. She sat there and waited. She kept staring at the clock and what had only been ten minutes felt like hours. It was thirty minutes before a nurse stepped out and called her name. She went through the motions of weighing in, her height measured and then the nurse brought her to an examination room and had her sit down while the nurse got out a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff.

"I'm just going to check your blood pressure really quick, Miss Black," the nurse said and wrapped the cuff around Jaedynn's arm and started adding pressure to it while her stethoscope was on her inner arm. Once it was as tight as possible, she held it a moment then released the pressure. "129 over 79," the nurse said. "So what brings you in, Miss Black?"

"I need a pregnancy test," Jaedynn said. The nurse caught Jaedynn's tone.

"Alright," the nurse answered and wrote something down. "What I'm going to have you do is go to the bathroom down the hall. There are cups that you will need to fill with a urine sample. You'll put it in this little cubby and our lab will check it for you."

"Will I have the results today?" Jaedynn asked.

"Our lab is on sight, so we can have it prepared in an hour," the nurse said.

"Okay. Thank you," Jaedynn said and left the room going to the bathroom down the hall. She did as instructed then returned to the exam room. Then she waited. She ended up pacing in the room as she waited for the results. She kept looking at the clock, but it felt as though it weren't moving at all. Finally, after two hours of waiting, there was a knock and the door before the doctor came inside, a man in his mid to late thirties with brown hair that was starting to gray.

"Good afternoon, Miss Black. I'm Dr. Walsh. You came in for a pregnancy test?"

"Yes," Jaedynn answered. She felt herself getting light headed already.

"Come on; sit down," Dr. Walsh said when he noticed she was clearly about to faint and helped her to the exam bed to help her sit. "Do you want some water?"

"No," Jaedynn said. "Am I?" Jaedynn asked.

"Yes, Miss Black, the test came back positive," Dr. Walsh said.

"Oh God," Jaedynn said and started crying with her head in her hands 'Oh dear God,' Jaedynn thought to herself, 'I'm stuck'. The doctor pulled up a seat so he was sitting across from her and gave Jaedynn a moment to cry and let it all out. It was several minutes before she was calm enough that the doctor could speak.

"I can offer you some resources," Dr. Walsh said. "I can either refer you to an adoption center and they'll pair you with a family that will adopt the baby, I can refer you to a clinic that can perform an abortion for you or we can set you up for a follow up appointment to monitor the baby."

"I…I don't know…" Jaedynn couldn't form a full sentence. She felt like the sky was falling.

"Do you want me to allow you some time and send a nurse in with those resources I told you about?" the doctor asked. Jaedynn could only nod and the doctor stood from his chair. "I'll have a nurse here in about thirty minutes with everything I mentioned. Let her know if there's anything at all you want to talk about. Regardless of what you decide, we'll help you through this Miss Black." Then the doctor left Jaedynn alone.

She had calmed down enough that she was only crying. What was she going to do? Should she even tell Alex or make an appointment to end it? If she told Alex, how would he react? Would he be angry or happy? She wasn't even sure which she would rather. Given what happened Sunday, she almost wanted him to be happy so he wouldn't hurt her, but if he was happy and wanted to keep it…..she felt herself getting sick and went to the garbage can and puked. Then she thought about her family. What would they say? It wasn't as though she could keep this a secret from them. When they were all wolves, they'd know. If she kept the baby, she'd have to tell them. If she had an abortion, they'd find out. If she gave the baby up for adoption…..she realized that wasn't possible. Between her and Alex, this child would not be completely normal. Thus far, it seemed like the baby was human enough that she would have a normal paced pregnancy, but that didn't change that this baby could…no, would become a wolf later in life. The baby would have no way to explain it and there was no telling what could happen. While she was lost in thought, there was a knock before a nurse stepped into the room with her clipboard and several folders.

"Miss Black?" she said and Jaedynn nodded. "Dr. Walsh said your pregnancy test came back positive and you wished to discuss your options."

"Yeah," Jaedynn managed. "I don't know what to do."

"Are you and the father together?" the nurse asked and all Jaedynn could do was nod her head weakly. "Do you know if he would want to keep the baby?"

"I don't know," Jaedynn said. "What do I do?"

"I can't make that decision for you, Miss Black," the nurse said sympathetically and then handed over two folders. "The top is all the information to an adoption agency. You'd only need to give them a call to schedule an appointment, they'll likely ask you to undergo a general check up to see how the baby is doing and they'll help pair the baby to a good family. The bottom folder is a clinic in Manhattan that will perform abortions. I believe the fee is $70 and it's a quick procedure. It should feel similar to receiving a pap smear, but they will need to confirm how far along you are. They'll allow it as late as 24 weeks. If you wish to keep the baby, we will need to schedule you for your first ultrasound and see how baby is doing."

"I…" she began but couldn't finish.

"I can absolutely give you a chance to think about it. You may want to talk to your partner so you can agree what to do," the nurse said. Jaedynn looked at the two folders in her hands.

"I'll think about it," Jaedynn finally answered.

"Alright, Miss Black," the nurse said and handed over a business card for the office. "This is our office number and the doctor that you saw today. Call us anytime Monday through Friday 8-7 and we'll help you any way we can."

"Thank you," Jaedynn managed.

Jaedynn ended up staying in that exam room for another hour after the nurse walked out. She was staring at the two folders the nurse had given her and the business card for the doctor's office she was currently in with Dr. Walsh's name listed. By the time she walked out of the office and promised she'd call them as soon as she'd made a decision, she still didn't know what that decision was. She ended up standing on the sidewalk just staring out into nothing while people walked by. She wasn't crying anymore but the magnitude of her situation had not reduced in its weight. Eventually she started walking down the sidewalk towards Harlem. She didn't want to take the train. She needed time to think. So she walked back home slowly enough that by the time she reached the neighborhood, kids had been released from school for the day and there were kids up and down the sidewalks going home, playing, etc. She made it to the apartment and let herself in, but she didn't go to the end of the hall. Instead, she glanced at Martha's front door and walked up to it to knock.

"Who is it?" she heard Martha on the other side, but she opened it after checking the peephole to see Jaedynn. "Jaedynn? What are you doing home so early?"

"I left work early," Jaedynn mumbled. "Martha…do you suppose I could come in? I need someone to talk to."

"Absolutely. Come right in," Martha said and stepped aside and Jaedynn went straight to Martha's table to take a seat all while Cole was barking. "Hush you," Martha said to Cole before closing the door and walking to her kitchen. "How about I make us some coffee? You look like you've had a rough day."

"No coffee for me," Jaedynn mumbled. Martha glanced at the folders Jaedynn was holding.

"You're pregnant?" she asked and Jaedynn looked up at her, then at her folders, and her shoulders slumped as she nodded. "I take it this is not a 'congratulations' moment?" Jaedynn shook her head. "Now, baby, you listen here," Martha said as she came to the table to sit beside Jaedynn. "I know this is scary, but you aren't in this alone. You talk to that man of yours, you tell him he's going to be a daddy and you two figure out what you're going to do. If you're hurting for a baby sitter, then you're looking at her."

"I don't know what to do," Jaedynn started sobbing despite Martha's attempt to soften the mood. She looked at Martha who was staying quiet to allow Jaedynn to talk. "I can't have a baby with Alex."

"You are, Jaedynn," Martha said.

"I can't," Jaedynn cried. "I don't know if I love him anymore. He's been controlling and mean and this weekend…..I tried to leave the apartment and he wouldn't let me. He pushed the door closed when I opened it and forced me into bed."

"Has he ever gotten physical with you like that before?" Martha asked and Jaedynn shook her head. She looked at the folders and rubbed Jaedynn's forearm comfortingly. "Jaedynn…..if that's the way he's treating you, that's not right. You don't deserve that treatment."

"I realized this weekend how scary he is," Jaedynn mumbled.

"Fear has no place in a loving relationship," Martha said and looked at the folders again. "You need to tell him that you're pregnant. The two of you can discuss shared custody or he can help pay for…..Lord Jesus, I can't even say it."

"I don't know what to do," Jaedynn repeated herself.

"I know, baby," Martha said comfortingly and moved her chair closer so she could rub Jaedynn's shoulders. "Talk to him as soon as he returns home. Tell him you're pregnant and figure out what to do. You can either discuss co-parenting or…you know. Either way, if you don't love him and you don't want to be with him, you need to leave. Do you have anywhere to go?" Jaedynn nodded. "Good. Do you want to stay here until he gets back?"

"No, I'll go back to our place," Jaedynn said and stood up slowly. "Thank you for your help, Martha."

"I'll show you out," Martha said and walked Jaedynn to the door. "And Jaedynn, if you ever need somewhere else to stay or you just need to escape for a moment, just knock on my door and I'll let you in okay?"

"Thank you, Martha," Jaedynn replied and said goodbye as she stepped out of the apartment. She went to the one she shared with Alex and was alone when she stepped inside. She sat on the edge of the bed staring at the folder for the clinic that she'd been referred. She opened it and looked over all the paperwork explaining the process and it also included numbers for councilors. She was still staring at everything when she heard the door unlock and Alex step inside.

"What's all that?" he asked as he closed the door and locked it. Jaedynn couldn't answer and when she was quiet for too long, Alex walked over and took the folder from her hand and looked through it. "An abortion clinic?"

"I found out this morning I'm pregnant," Jaedynn said quickly, noticing Alex's tone was getting harsh. "It took me by surprise and I'd started crying so the nurse gave me all my options and I told them I'd think about it."

"What is there to think about?" Alex asked and tossed the folder on the bed. She looked at him and realized he was smiling. He grabbed a hold of her in a hug and spun her around making her squeal in surprise. "We're having a baby!"

"Alex," Jaedynn said and patted his back to get him to stop. He finally put her back on her feet, grabbed her by the face and kissed her. "Alex, please," Jaedynn said after he stopped kissing her, "we need to talk about what we're going to do."

"The hell are you talking about? We have the baby; that's what we're going to do," Alex said.

"Alex," Jaedynn tried to continue. His reaction had taken her completely by surprise. "Please, I don't know if I want this baby."

"What do you mean you don't know if you want this baby?" Alex asked. "You weren't actually thinking about getting rid of it, were you?"

"Alex…" Jaedynn started and was beginning to cry, "You terrified me on Sunday. You've never behaved that way before and if that's the way you're going to keep behaving then-"

"Jaedynn," Alex interrupted her and his touch gentled. He lifted her head so she would look at him and he actually looked remorseful. "Buttercup, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I was hurt and I took that out on you and I'm sorry. Please," he continued and even got down on one knee in front of her, "don't leave me. Don't throw away what we've built together. We're going to be parents! This should be a happy time. I swear I'll be everything my father never was. I'll take care of you and our baby. I'll make everything right. I'll never scare you like I did again; I promise. Don't take my baby away from me."

"Alex," Jaedynn whimpered. She was so overwhelmed but nothing about it was positive; if anything, she felt trapped.

"Please Buttercup. Give me another chance. I'll make things right," Alex promised and then wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her.

"I…." Jaedynn started, "I need to think about this, Alex. I don't know if I can do this."

"Sure you can," Alex said and stood back up taking her face in his hands again so she was looking at him. "We're having a baby, Jaedynn. I'm going to be a daddy. Don't take that away from me, Jaedynn. I love you and I want a family with you."

"Alex, you're asking too much of me," Jaedynn said through tears that were forming and Alex pressed his lips to hers again. She stayed still while he kissed her and finally he pulled away so he could look at her and the intensity was unmistakable.

"I love you, Jaedynn. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" Alex asked. She couldn't speak. "Talk to me, Buttercup."

"Alex, I'm not ready," she finally answered. Whether she meant she wasn't ready to be a mother, ready to try to work things out, ready to leave…that she just didn't know.

"Just take a deep breath," Alex said. "I love you, Buttercup. We'll make this work, I swear. Just promise you won't hurt our baby." Jaedynn was quiet again so Alex said, "Promise me, Jaedynn."

"I promise," Jaedynn finally answered and Alex's smile returned and he hugged her tight.

"I love you, Buttercup," Alex said while he was kissing up and down her neck.

All the while Jaedynn felt like her head was spinning and having to tell everyone didn't even cross her mind again until that night after she and Alex had already gone to bed for the night. When she realized she needed to call home and tell them, she felt her blood run cold. She didn't want to. She was dreading it. When she finally managed to fall asleep, she was awake shortly after when her alarm went off. When she woke and sat up in bed, she realized the folders the nurse had given her were gone. Even the business card was gone. Alex wasn't in the apartment and when she realized everything the nurse had given her was gone, she just started crying. She cried and cried and cried losing all track of time when the phone to the apartment rang. She eventually walked over to it and answered.

"Hello?" Jaedynn said.

"Jaedynn?" Liz's voice came. "Have you been crying? What's wrong? I called to check on you; it's 8:30."

"No, I wasn't crying," Jaedynn lied. "Just….still feeling really sick. I'm so sorry. I think I need one more day."

"That's no problem. I'll let management know," Liz said. "Feel better, okay Jaedynn?"

"Thank you, Liz," Jaedynn said and they disconnected.

The phone call had knocked her out of her crying fit, but she didn't feel any better. She needed to get out of the house so she got dressed and started walking through the neighborhood until she made it to the River Park east of where the apartment was. There were really small kids on the playground with their moms and as she watched those kids play, she had this sinking feeling that this wouldn't be their life. Alex was happy about the baby, but how long would that last? For that matter, why was he so excited about this? They hadn't discussed children or even getting married. All they'd discussed was her living with him and what had followed was chaotic at best. Perhaps she could go to the Gynecologist's office to get the clinic's information and she'd make sure Alex never found it. She could say she'd lost the baby, right? How would he know the difference? But then, did that stand to reason he wouldn't still react the same way? Whether she lost the baby intentionally or by nature, would he react any differently? That's what had her scared: how he'd react. She couldn't read him and she never knew how he'd react to something. How could she raise a child with someone like that?

Being surrounded by all these children playing, giggling and being happy, she couldn't stand to be there anymore. She started walking back to her neighborhood and went to the Cajun restaurant, unsure where else to go. When she got there, she went to a corner table and sat down so she could be alone. Then she started crying again. She heard Gerome start to leave his post at the register but overheard his aunt tell him to leave Jaedynn be. She ignored everything and just cried. She heard the door open and close several times, she heard people place orders and wait or sit down for a late lunch, but she ignored all of them. She overheard people ask about her including a man with a rich voice with a thick accent she couldn't identify but she kept crying. Soon she felt a presence at her side.

"Miss?" Jaedynn didn't look up.

"I just need to be left alone," Jaedynn managed while never lifting her head.

"Is there anything I can get you? Water, tea, coffee, something to eat?" the man asked.

"No, I said I need-" Jaedynn finally looked up and into the eyes of a man with tan skin, thick black hair, a stubble of a beard under which he had a very strong angled jaw. He had full lips, a narrow straight nose and warm hazel eyes. She felt her world shift and almost as quickly, she felt sick again. Not from the baby, though. "No," Jaedynn finally said. "I don't feel very well."

"At least let me bring you some water?" the man asked. The way he spoke was so smooth and soothing. His accent seemed to make his voice more comforting.

Jaedynn finally nodded, "Thank you." The man walked away a moment and Jaedynn's eyes followed him. He wore dress pants and a t-shirt with tan leather shoes. She could still smell his cologne from where she sat and everything about him was clean and professional looking. He looked put together and very handsome. He finally returned, holding a large glass of water and a pitcher of more water that he brought back to her table. "Thank you," Jaedynn said again and accepted the glass.

"Is there anything else I can get you? Maybe some crackers at least?"

"No, no food," Jaedynn said. He seemed like he wanted to ask her something but was unsure whether or not he should.

"Would it be alright if I took a seat?" he finally asked. Jaedynn nodded but she wasn't enthused. In all her years of waiting and dreaming, she never thought she'd see her imprint at long last only to not want to talk to him. She didn't know what to say to him and anything she needed to say she felt so much shame over. The man took a seat across from her and extended his hand. "I'm Roshad Javadi."

Jaedynn accepted his hand after a brief hesitation, "Jaedynn Black."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he said with a kind and comforting smile. She felt her heart skip a beat at that smile and it almost made her cry all over again. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not particularly, no," Jaedynn said and dipped her fingers in the glass so she could rub water over her face. "You don't have to sit with me if you don't want to."

"Please, I want to," Roshad said. "What can we discuss? Get your mind off what's troubling you."

Jaedynn laughed without humor, "I don't think anything could get my mind off what's troubling me."

"Worth a try, yes?" he said and this time Jaedynn smiled genuinely for a moment.

"You're not from around here, are you?" Jaedynn said, deciding she may as well go along with his suggestion.

"I'm from Iran," Roshad said.

"That's in the Middle East, right?" Jaedynn asked and Roshad nodded. "What brings you to America?"

"I needed some space from family and work," Roshad said.

"How long are you here for?"

"The year," he answered.

"That's a long vacation," Jaedynn said.

"Yes, it is," the man chuckled a little and Jaedynn felt her heart flutter. "I'm fortunate to have people that can look after things while I'm away so an extended vacation like this isn't entirely out of the question."

"Are you a prince or something?" Jaedynn asked jokingly but her voice was still weak from crying.

"A merchant actually," Roshad answered. "I sell spices, but my favorite of them is Saffron. I own Saffron fields in Fars, Iran."

"Ah," Jaedynn said, "So you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth?" She realized it sounded like an insult. However he didn't take offense. Instead, he smiled kindly.

"Not in the least," he said. "I was born with nothing to my name; not even a roof over my head. When I was a boy, I always wished for more but I didn't know how to get it. Then I discovered something about myself?"

"You're a gifted salesman?" Jaedynn asked and this time Roshad laughed more jubilantly and she was able to laugh gently along with him.

"That came later," he said. "No, I mean I discovered a gift."

"What kind of gift?" Jaedynn asked.

"One moment," Roshad said and then stepped away to grab a paper napkin rolled around a fork and knife. Once he was seated, he looked at the register as if trying to determine that Gerome was properly occupied. "What is your favorite flower?" he asked once he knew Gerome wasn't looking at them.

"Um," Jaedynn started and then said, "I really like forget-me-nots."

"I'm not familiar with that flower," Roshad admitted. "What color are they?"

"They're usually blue with yellow centers and they're in clusters," Jaedynn said.

"Like lilacs?"

"No, they aren't as dense," Jaedynn said. "They have five petals per flower and there are usually three to six flowers on one stem," Jaedynn said.

"Okay," he said, "I think I've got it." Then he presented the butter knife to her like a magician.

He checked again to make sure no one was watching and then started to bring his hands together with the butter knife between his palms. When Jaedynn realized the butter knife was seemingly disappearing, her eyes went wide. Soon his palms were pressed together and then his knuckles rose up forming a ball with his hands so that whatever he held wasn't visible. He opened his hands and presented a stock of forget-me-nots made entirely from jade. The stem was a pale green color and there were six flowers extending from that stem that were a vibrant blue and yellow in the center. She couldn't believe her eyes and kept staring at the decorative piece as Roshad put it down on the table.

"How did you…"

"I can change things," Roshad said. "I can turn metals into gold or vice versa, I can turn rocks and stones into gems, I can change sand to marble or glass: so long as it's not a living thing like plants or animals, I can change it."

"Can you turn water into wine?" Jaedynn asked, joking but honestly curious.

"No," Roshad lamented. "That is made from grapes and yeast. Plants and germs. So I cannot change them. I'm afraid I am not the Messiah."

"You'd be a favorite at parties if you were," Jaedynn managed then looked up at him. "You're not human are you?"

"Half," Roshad answered. "You?"

"Mostly human," Jaedynn said, "But I can shift to a wolf."

"A remarkable gift in itself," Roshad answered. He kept looking at her studying her expression. "Are you sure you aren't hungry?"

"I'm sure," Jaedynn said. "I haven't had much of an appetite lately."

"Why is that?" Roshad asked. Jaedynn looked into Roshad's hazel eyes and wondered what to say. She was so disheartened. Finally she meets her imprint and she's pregnant with another man's child. But he needed to know the truth whether she wanted to say it or not.

"Yesterday, I found out I'm pregnant," Jaedynn said but took her eyes off Roshad. She didn't see the flash of emotions play across Roshad's face at the news. By the time Jaedynn finally looked at Roshad again, he was composed and calm leaving Jaedynn oblivious. "I told Alex yesterday; my boyfriend. He's thrilled about it but I'm not so sure."

"Why's that?" Roshad asked.

"Because he's changed since we first met. When we met, he was spontaneous, romantic and a lot of fun. Now I feel like I'm walking on eggshells and he has constant mood swings. One moment he's the man I fell in love with, the next he's irritable and mean. Regardless of which state he's in, he's become very controlling. When I found out I was pregnant, the first thing I thought was 'I'm stuck'. Now I don't know what to do."

"I wish I had an answer for you," Roshad said and she noticed his voice sounded so sad and when she looked at him, the same emotion was on his face. But when he realized she was looking at him, he returned to being straight faced. "You said his name is Alex?"

"Yeah," Jaedynn said.

"And he's excited about the baby?"

"Yeah," Jaedynn mumbled. "I was so shocked. I thought at best he'd be…I don't know. Alright with it or something. I wasn't expecting him to be so happy. He acted like we'd been trying."

"You weren't?"

"No," Jaedynn said but she was lost in thought. "I just don't understand how it happened. We were being careful. We were using protection."

"I guess nothing's completely certain," Roshad said.

"I guess not," Jaedynn said. Finally she took a drink of water and then looked at the jade forget-me-nots. "I guess we should change that back to a butter knife."

"It's yours if you want it," Roshad said.

"It's stunning, but we really should turn it back to a knife," Jaedynn said with a light smile.

"I suppose if we must," Roshad said and took the jade in his hands and changed it back using his hands then put it back on the table. "So how far along are you?" Roshad asked.

"I don't know," Jaedynn said. "I assume 4-5 weeks."

"Still early," Roshad said.

"I don't really want to talk about Alex or being pregnant," Jaedynn said. "Tell me about yourself."

"Me?"

"Yeah," Jaedynn said.

"What do you want to know?" Roshad asked.

"I guess let's start with when you were born," Jaedynn said.

"I don't know the exact date," Roshad said with a small, slightly embarrassed smirk. "It was March – I know that. Year was 1550."

"So you're an old man is what you're saying?" Jaedynn said jokingly and made Roshad chuckle.

"I'm afraid so," Roshad answered.

"So are you married?" Jaedynn asked nervously.

"Widowed," Roshad answered.

"I'm sorry," Jaedynn said. "When did your wife die?"

"A very long time ago," Roshad said. "I was married three times and my first two wives lived into old age and I had 9 sons between them. My third wife died in childbirth and gave me a daughter."

"Were you….you know…married to them all at the same time?" she asked and Roshad gave her a solemn smile then shook his head.

"When I marry, it's to one," Roshad said. "What you're suggesting was a much more 'royal family' thing to do. While my second wife was granddaughter to the Sultan, that did not make me a prince by anything except title. Even so, she was my only wife through that time."

"You actually married a member of royalty?"

"Yes, I did," Roshad said. "My first wife was Aida and her father was a very wealthy merchant. My second wife was Fatimeh and she was granddaughter to Abbas the Great. My third wife Miriam came from a good family, but I married her only for love. I loved Aida and Fatimeh dearly but Miriam was the one that I married only because we were in love and not because there was a monetary benefit to be had."

"And she died in childbirth?"

"Yes," Roshad said. "Losing her was only made bearable by our daughter by the same name. Maman always nagged that I spoiled Miriam, but she was my treasure."

"Maman?"

"My mother," Roshad said. "Most countries say 'mama' but in Iran it's maman or Maadar."

"Oh," Jaedynn said. "So Miriam was spoiled rotten?"

"Not rotten, but she was spoiled," Roshad smiled. "My sons used to joke that I loved their sister more than them which isn't true."

"I'm sure that girl never knew a day of sorrow in her life, though," Jaedynn smiled.

"Not if I could help it," Roshad chuckled. "She had the best education I could afford, the finest clothes and when the time came, I ensured she married well. My daughter didn't marry until she was 25, but that was entirely my fault."

"No one was good enough for her I take it?" Jaedynn teased.

"Not in the least," Roshad said. "One evening I apologized to her that finding a suitable match was taking so long and she just put her hand on mine and said to me, 'It's alright, baba; I know you will find me a good husband.' She ended up married to a young man set to inherit his father's shipping business. Good stable money and ensured she was well taken care of."

"I'm surprised you didn't see her married to a Sultan," Jaedynn said.

"One of the Sultan's sons did try to win my daughter's affections and while he could certainly afford to see her comfortable to my standards, Miriam said he was cold and pompous and would not marry him."

"Are your children still living?"

"No," Roshad said. "My children were more human than anything and all passed away. My eldest son Amir lived to be 123 and my other children all lived past 100 years of age, but they did eventually pass away."

"I'm so sorry," Jaedynn said. "At least they all lived long and happy lives, right?"

"Indeed they did," Roshad said.

"What were your children's names?"

"Amir was the eldest as I mentioned. Then Ishmael, Aladdin, Rasheed, Mohammad and Ibrahim were my sons with my first wife. With Fatimeh, our eldest was Kaseem, then Omar and finally Abbas after her grandfather. My daughter Miriam was the youngest. I confess I had wanted to give her a different name but when my wife died, only Miriam would do."

"What was her name originally going to be?"

"Scheherazade," Roshad said. "Either that or Arsinoe."

"I swear I've heard that name before," Jaedynn said.

"Specifically I'm referring to Arsinoe IV who was Cleopatra's sister. At the tender age of 12 she was able to outsmart Julius Caesar and she embarrassed Caesar further by escaping death. Julius Caesar brought her to Rome and was planning to have her killed at the Coliseum but the Roman people demanded she be spared. She served as a priestess until Cleopatra ordered Arsinoe's death in 41 B.C."

"Ah," Jaedynn smiled, "I remember her now." Jaedynn was quiet a moment and glanced down at her belly. Nothing showed of course, but it would soon. "Did you like being a father?"

"Of all my endeavors, being a father gave me the greatest satisfaction," Roshad answered. "Nothing brought me greater pride and joy as watching my children grow and achieve their own happiness."

Jaedynn smiled at him, that same flutter happening all over again, "That's really sweet."

"Being a father isn't for everyone, but I wouldn't change a thing," Roshad said. There was a pause between them as Jaedynn thought about what Roshad had said. Perhaps all hope wasn't lost.

"If you had another child, what would you name them?" Jaedynn asked.

"I wouldn't make a decision like that without talking to my child's mother first," Roshad answered. "You can always have a name in mind and your spouse could have a reason they don't like it or they may want a name that holds significance."

Jaedynn smiled pleasantly, "Can I admit something?"

"Of course," Roshad said.

"You're nothing like what I imagined a Middle Eastern man would be like. I guess I never really pictured it before, but what little I have heard, I just imagine oppressive women haters."

"I can assure you I do not hate women," Roshad said. "Every culture and creed has it's good and bad men. Muslim faith does guide women to be subservient to their husbands, but then so does Christianity and Judaism – such is the norm for all Abrahamic religions. I was not raised to see it that way, though. I never knew my birth father but I had a father figure: Bastet is his name. He is an Egyptian born during the Ptolemy Dynasty and married to a woman named Rashida. Rashida saved my mother's life when she was pregnant with me and they became as good as family to me. Bastet always told me when I was young, 'A good wife is not a servant. If you want a servant, you pay for one and keep things professional. A wife is your partner, your lover, mother to your children and your equal. If you cannot see your wife as your equal, than you either were not raised to be a man or you married unwell. In my experience, Roshad, it is likely the former.' So every woman I've married, I saw as my equal. She may have been the homemaker and I took care of things financially, but Aida, Fatimeh and Miriam were no less my partners in life."

Jaedynn nodded her head then said, "I'm sorry if I offended you."

"No offense taken," Roshad said. "I only hope you do not think ill of me."

"Not in the least," Jaedynn smiled. "So you're Muslim then?"

"By rearing on my mother's side, though to call myself devout would be a lie," Roshad answered. "I used to be, but things changed when I became older."

"Why is that?" Jaedynn asked. "If you don't mind my asking."

"It's no trouble," Roshad said. "When I was a boy, maman raised me Muslim but Bastet and Rashida still pray to the Ancient Gods of Egypt, so I was exposed to both. Bastet was also very diligent in my religious education. The man has been alive for over a millennia so he knows a thing or two. He taught me of the origins of many religions including Islam, how they formed and from what, he taught me of the Zarathustrians which was the first of the monotheistic religions as far as I've studied. A Persian religion no less found approximately 500 A.D. as I recall. It's still practiced today as a matter of fact. Anyway, regardless of my education, I was still a practicing Muslim, but some stories always bothered me. The moment things began to really change for me was when my sons Amir and Ishmael were very young. Aida was pregnant with Aladdin at the time and both Amir and Ishmael were less than four years old. The story of Ibrahim and is son Ishmael was told and the recounting of God telling Ibrahim he must kill his son in honor of God. I'd heard the story so many times, but only then did it actually bother me. I remember looking at my two sons and thinking, 'I would not kill them for God'. It all went downhill from there. I remained a practicing Muslim for the sake of appearances but that's all it was: appearance."

"Out of curiosity, does your mother know you feel this way?"

"She does. She hates it, but she knows. So long as I'm respectful she does the same for me," Roshad said. "Are you a woman of faith if I may ask?"

"No," Jaedynn said. "My grandmother is Catholic and my dad, uncles and Aunt are all baptized Catholic and my adoptive mother Ada is baptized Catholic, but we kids were never baptized. My parents raised all of us in the Church of Be a Good Person and Everything will be Fine. My Uncle Kevin is married to a Jewish woman and all their children are raised Jewish but everyone else is basically Catholic in name only."

"Would your Aunt and Uncle happen to be Amber and Kevin Black?" Roshad asked.

"How'd you know?" Jaedynn asked.

"I'm one of their neighbors," Roshad said. "I leased an apartment in the same building and we're on the same floor. They happened to return while I was moving in and I had the chance to speak with them."

"So you're the guy who's home I was invited to dinner for the other day?" Jaedynn asked, now wishing she could have gone.

"Yes," Roshad said. "It's a small world isn't it?"

"It certainly is," Jaedynn replied. "I'm so sorry I couldn't go."

"There will be other dinners," Roshad assured. "One of my neighbors has expressly said that if I do not invite her and her husband to dinner at least once a month, she will simply die."

Jaedynn giggled, "I'm sure she's exaggerating, but it's always nice to receive such high praise. Did you hire a chef or cook yourself?"

"I cooked myself," Roshad said. "I find it therapeutic."

"I don't cook as often as I should," Jaedynn said, "Although I at least can cook. My sister Ivory can't cook to save her life. Thank God Anatoli can."

"Anatoli is your cousin am I right?"

"By marriage only, technically," Jaedynn said. "Did my aunt tell you she was a holocaust survivor?"

"Yes, she did," Roshad said. "She didn't say so, but based on his age, I assume Anatoli's father was an SS Officer?"

"Yeah, he was," Jaedynn said. "He was taken away from her and ended up being raised in Lithuania. A good friend of his helped him escape the Soviet Union and he was able to find Aunt Amber and reconnect with her. My sister Ivory met him and was head over heels the moment she saw him."

"It sounds like he was very fortunate," Roshad said.

"He was in the end," Jaedynn said. "They've been married for about four years now."

"Do they have children?"

"Just their Pit Bull, Argo," Jaedynn said.

"I'm sorry?" Roshad asked, confused.

"Ivory doesn't want kids but she loves dogs. They have a Pit Bull named Argo and he's basically their son. He's a good boy. Absolutely massive and doesn't really understand that he's a 120 pound dog that doesn't fit in your lap."

"As dogs are known to do. I have never raised dogs. I've only had cats," Roshad said.

"Really?" Roshad nodded. "I love cats but I've never had one. We've always had dogs. The wolf in us I guess. Daddy's first pet was a wolf he named Roxanne that was separated from her mother and litter. Later when my sister Ivory was little, she convinced daddy to adopt a Pit Bull we named Cindy. Short for Cinderella."

"That's cute," Roshad smiled.

"Did you watch Disney as a kid?"

"It is available in some theatres, but it's a bit of a luxury for most that I haven't personally partaken in," Roshad said.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is my favorite," Jaedynn said. "My sister always called me Snow White when we were kids because I'm pale with black hair. I'm the only one that's pale. All my siblings are russet skinned like any other Native American, but I'm also the only one that's more than half white."

"I feel like there's a story behind all this," Roshad said.

"Indeed there is," Jaedynn said. "My dad has five children between three women. My sister Scarlet is the oldest and her mother was daddy's first wife Tomoeh. After she died of Ovarian cancer he and my sister went traveling and he met Ivory's mom Tamara and my brothers' mom Ada María who is my adoptive mother. My birth mother was a French journalist and advocate that my father had a one night stand with after getting really drunk one night after the Liberation of Paris and she agreed to have me and release me to my family if she could move to Canada."

"So you're half French?"

"Yes," Jaedynn said. "Daddy is Native American, Scottish and English. Scarlet's mom was Makka, Ivory's mom is Paiute and Ada is half Portuguese and half Inca."

"Quite a colorful bunch," Roshad smiled. "And here I'm only Persian."

"Hey, you had an empire once," Jaedynn said. "But then, didn't you have an emperor that underestimated the Greeks?"

"You're referring to Xerxes and yes, he made the mistake of assuming the Spartans were weak because a scout caught them adorning themselves in scented oils naked."

"Sounds like a good time to me," Jaedynn joked and Roshad laughed. "But then, they were preparing themselves for glorious deaths or something weren't they?"

"Indeed they were, but Xerxes didn't know that. He learned the hard way that the Spartans were more than oily boy lovers," Roshad said. "And no, that's not an unfair statements."

"No, I know. I studied Greek history too. Only reason the man won was because someone betrayed the Greeks," Jaedynn said. "Daddy used to say the Spartans were superior fighters and are up there with the Romans and Alexander the Great but there's a reason the saying goes 'The Greeks invented sex; the Romans invented sex with women'."

"Romans were no one to talk I'll have you know," Roshad smiled, "Although by the time I was alive, they were Italians and very, very Catholic. It's before my time, but most of the Middle East and Mediterranean was an Islamic Caliphate for centuries."

"The crusades were before your time too?"

"Yes," Roshad said. "The last crusade ended about 60 years before I was born and that's the time Persia was released from Arab rule. With the exception of a few loan words, the Persian language survived unharmed."

"So you don't speak Arabic?"

"No, I do, but my native language is Farsi. Or Persian," Roshad said. "Persian belongs to the Indo-European language branch while Arabic is a Semitic language."

"I did not know that," Jaedynn said. "But you speak Arabic?"

"Yes, I learned Arabic later in life for business purposes. Same reason I learned Tamil, Punjabi, English and some Urdu."

"Is it stupid to ask if you speak Egyptian?"

"You mean Ancient Egyptian? No, not fluently but I know a little," Roshad said. "Bastet and Rashida speak that language to one another but most of the time they will speak Farsi or Arabic. Bastet and Rashida are the ones that taught be Tamil, Punjabi and Arabic. Before I was born, they traveled between Egypt and India all the time."

"I guess those are the languages you want to know when you sell spices," Jaedynn said. "So I take it Bastet is basically a business partner?"

"Yes, he is," Roshad said. "Hence why I can afford to be away so long."

"Why did you really want to leave Iran? I know you said to escape from family and work. What do you mean?"

"Truthfully, maman has been determined to see me remarried. She thinks it will cure me of my melancholy."

"You don't think it will?"

"Not if I marry another human woman, lose her 30 years from now to death and then lose my children too," Roshad said. "I told maman if I remarry, it will be to a woman that I won't lose to old age."

"That's a tall order," Jaedynn mumbled.

"Yes, I realize it is," Roshad said, "but it's worth trying I suppose."

"I'd say so," Jaedynn said and there was a long moment where they were just looking into each other's eyes. He gave Jaedynn a kind and, dare she say, loving smile.

"How do you feel? Better?"

"Much better," Jaedynn said. "I still need to tell my family. About the baby I mean." Jaedynn was quiet again before continuing. "I haven't asked Alex about names. I'm only now starting to be alright with the idea of having a baby."

"Are there names you have in mind?"

"I've got Scheherazade stuck in my head now," Jaedynn said. "I could always call her Sherry."

"That's cute," Roshad chuckled, "Although I'll warn you that name might be a bit unusual."

"That's what I like about it," Jaedynn said. "For a boy I like Camron."

"How do you spell it?"

"C-A-M-R-O-N," Jaedynn said.

"Back home, we'd spell it K-A-M-R-A-N," Roshad said.

"I like the idea of spelling it with a K actually," Jaedynn smiled. "K-A-M-R-O-N? I like that."

"So Scheherazade for a girl – Sherry for short – and Kamron for a boy?"

"Yeah," Jaedynn smiled. "What do you think?"

"I like them," Roshad said. "What will their last names be?"

"Vayez I guess," Jaedynn said, the wind instantly falling from her sails. "Sherry or Kamron Vayez."

"You sound like you don't like the names anymore."

"It's not the names. It's the last name," Jaedynn said. "I'd rather give them my name if I'm honest."

"So Scheherazade or Kamron Black?"

"Yeah," Jaedynn said. Another silence passed for a moment in which Jaedynn had to remind herself she wasn't talking to her imprint about what they'd name their child; rather what she should name her child she was having with Alex. It soured the experience considerably.

"If I'm out of line asking you this, then please tell me to mind my own business," Roshad broke the silence, "But do you love him?"

"No," Jaedynn admitted. Saying it out loud felt like she was being hit by a bus. After everything that happened – them running off together without a word, her swearing she loved him and wanted to be with him, arguing with her father, her sister, everyone that ever said a single negative thing about Alex – for her to actually say she didn't love him anymore made her feel like a failure. She felt stupid. And then she started the cry again.

"Please forgive me. I did not mean to upset you," Roshad quickly said when Jaedynn began crying.

"It's not you," Jaedynn whimpered. "I'm so stupid. I threw away my whole life for him. I nearly ruined my relationship with my whole family for him."

"You're not stupid, Jaedynn," Roshad reassured and even took her hand in his to comfort her. "You know how they say the first step to solving a problem is admitting you have one? Well, the first step to becoming happy is admitting that right now you're not. Believe me: I know how it feels to be in love and be ready to throw everything away for it."

"I doubt you ever ran away with a girl without a word to her family or yours," Jaedynn said.

"It might not have been without a word, but it was certainly sudden," Roshad said and Jaedynn looked at him again. "I need to confess something to you."

"What?" Jaedynn asked.

"I meant it when I said I'd been unhappy for a long time and it was entirely due to my loss. I had just resolved it was going to be the way of things whether I liked it or not. Then one night, I dreamed of a white cow that led me down the streets of New York until I was brought here and I saw you crying. The cow changed to a woman and she told me there was an ache in your heart that echoed mine. In that dream, you looked at me and said my name. In that instant I knew. I packed most everything I could carry and went through the process of coming to New York so I could find you."

Jaedynn huffed, unsure how to even feel about that. "All that work only to find out the woman of your dreams is seeing someone and having his child."

"I will admit I was quite surprised," Roshad said, "But I would love nothing more than to see you again."

"Would you really?"

"Yes, I would," Roshad smiled. "Are you sure I can't treat you to dinner?"

"Not tonight," Jaedynn said. "If I'm honest, I would far rather you cooked for me."

"I would be glad to," Roshad answered. "I believe your uncle said you work at his law firm?"

"Yeah. I'm a receptionist for Heidelberg and Black Law," Jaedynn said. "Before that I was a dispatcher for my tribal police station."

"Have you always worked for the law one way or another?"

"Not really," Jaedynn said. "Right out of high school I worked for my grandpa helping build wood furniture but I was awful at it."

"If it's worth anything, I can't build wood furniture either," Roshad said and made Jaedynn giggle.

"Thank you for sitting down and talking with me. I really do feel much better," Jaedynn said.

"I'm happy to hear it," Roshad said. "It's very nice outside; how about we go for a walk?"

"I would like that," Jaedynn said. Roshad's smile was joyous and he stood from the table still holding her hand. She followed and the two of them walked out of the restaurant together. He released his hold once they were outside and they started walking down the street together at a slow pace. "So is this weather a shock compared to what you're used to?"

"Not as much as you would think," Roshad said. "Where I live, we're close to the Caspian Sea so it cools the area down. About this time of year, it usually reaches about 35 to 37°c."

"Can you put that in Fahrenheit for me?" Jaedynn asked with a small laugh.

"I think 90-100? I'm not proficient with Fahrenheit yet but I'm trying," Roshad replied. "It'll get down to about…..60..or so degrees Fahrenheit once fall comes."

"It sounds like Iran's weather forecast is very similar to New York's."

"Indeed it is," Roshad said. "I was surprised to find that out too. I used to think the Americas were very cold – at least the northern part. I came the New York late Summer of '46 after the war and was shocked to find the weather felt like home."

"So you've been to New York before," Jaedynn said. "Have you been here since then?"

"Only now," Roshad said. "When I travel, it is generally to countries that I sell to. So I've gone to Spain several times, Greece, Egypt, Iraq, and India."

"Any place in particular you like the most?"

"Egypt," Roshad said, "But only when I bring Bastet. We will be in Cairo for business then go to Alexandria before returning to Iran."

"I imagine it's very different than what he remembers?"

"Drastically, but he doesn't mind," Roshad said. "Every year in the winter, Bastet and Rashida go to Alexandria for a romantic getaway. An anniversary trip."

"So they were married as humans?"

"No, they were both changed by the time they met and fell in love," Roshad said.

"What is your mother's name?"

"Ashti," Roshad answered. "I'm told I look a lot like her but I have my father's nose."

"And you never knew your father?"

"No," Roshad said, "But Bastet took over as my father and I've never wanted for fatherly regard and Rashida was like a second mother to me."

"That's good. Too many like you don't get to have both or either parent," Jaedynn said. "Though I suppose half breeds were still rather uncommon then. Maybe they still are, but my family is full of half breeds so to me it seems normal."

"Is it?" Roshad asked.

"Yeah. You see, my great grandparents are part of the Cullen Coven," she said.

"Ah," Roshad said and nodded his head knowingly. "I know of your family."

"Do you?"

"Oh yes," Roshad said. "Bastet and Rashida were fortunate to not get mixed up in all this but then it's also fortunate Amon does not know of me. I'd heard rumors of a young girl that was accused of being an immortal child and the Volturi had gone into a rage over it. Amon told Bastet and Rashida all about it when they were passing through the following winter."

"Good thing Amon didn't tell the Volturi about you?"

"Amon didn't know about me. Still doesn't as far as I'm aware," Roshad chuckled. "Bastet and Rashida knew full well the Volturi did not take kindly to immortal children so it was best to keep me unmentioned as much as possible. When I discovered my power that became all the more imperative. What I've heard of the Volturi, if their leaders knew about me, they'd have had a field day."

"That's what I've gathered, but they were gone before I was born."

"I'd heard rumor the Volturi were dethroned but I'd not believed it until Bastet and Rashida confirmed it with Amon. I don't know the full story but I suppose some half breeds of their own were the cause."

"The abridged story is my Aunt Evalina fell in love with my uncle Kyle, she tried to rescue my Aunt Amber from the camps when Kyle told her about my Uncle Kevin trying to find her, Aunt Evalina was nearly captured herself, Aro got wind of Amber, then Evalina and her parents and brother fled to the Cullens for help, Aro brought the coven with to Washington to deal with it but we won the day."

"So the rumors were mostly true," Roshad said.

"It happened the same year I was born as the story goes," Jaedynn said. "The Cullens became an unofficial replacement for them, at least in the US. Last year we helped snuff out a newborn army."

"I've heard of those; never seen one for myself," Roshad said.

"Be glad for it. They're vicious," Jaedynn said. "We had the element of surprise to our advantage but it was still a tough fight."

"Aged vampires are a tough fight as it is," Roshad said. "I've spent my whole life surrounded by humans and their world. I never got mixed up with vampires and their world outside of Bastet, Rashida and maman."

"I'm surprised no one questioned you not aging," Jaedynn said.

"There are ways around that," Roshad said. "My sons took over a number of things for me when it was necessary. When my youngest son died, I passed myself off as a great grandson. After that, I would move or have associates that worked on my behalf and when I could, I'd come back once again as a great grandson. To those in my business, by this point, I'm Roshad Javadi V."

"So just keep passing yourself off as your own grandkid?" Jaedynn asked with a humored smile.

"Exactly," Roshad said. "It worked all these years. That's all that matters."

"True," Jaedynn said. "So you've always been involved in the spice business?"

"After Aida and I married, yes," Roshad said. "The saffron fields and contacts I inherited from our marriage and I've upheld it ever since. I like to think my father-in-law would be proud of what his business became."

"So when you were trying to marry Aida, what did you tell her father? I assume you couldn't exactly proclaim yourself as the Persian Rumpelstiltskin."

Roshad chuckled, "No, you're right. I made up a story about earning a fortune from jewelry trade and crafts. I was able to produce large chest's worth of gold and jewels, so he didn't question it."

"All of which you made yourself?"

"From grains of sand," Roshad affirmed.

"Oh wow," Jaedynn said. "So why didn't you just get into the jewelry business for real?"

"I did for a time," Roshad said. "I built a remote home for myself and my family and simply claimed the mines I obtained my materials from were either near me or traded to me but I didn't have the same joy."

"Why's that?"

"Jewelry always outlives its value," Roshad said. "At least for most it does. I knew many that were buried with their jewels and I hated that. It's just a waste. Spices are different. Spices and food bring people together where jewelry is shallow and only holds what meaning it's given. I never buy jewelry. I only create it myself because to me, that's worth more. It's really from me and not something produced for just anyone that can afford it."

"So Aida, Fatimeh and Miriam only wore jewelry you made for them?"

"That or what their fathers would give them," Roshad said.

"Did they know? About your power and immortality I mean," Jaedynn asked.

"Yes," Roshad said. "I had to tell them eventually, but it was always later. Miriam was the only one that didn't know and only because we were only married two years."

"Your children knew I assume?"

"Yes, my sons and daughter knew," Roshad said.

"Would you ever want children again?" Jaedynn asked.

"Only if I do not outlive them," Roshad said. "I've outlived three wives and ten children. I can't do it again."

"I can understand that," Jaedynn said. "I'm immortal as long as I hold onto my wolf. I should probably change soon. If I stop shifting, I'll lose my power."

"The power is hereditary, yes?"

"Yes," Jaedynn said. "The story goes Chief Taha Aki was the first of our tribe to become a wolf and it was to save his people, but his reign ended tragically."

"Did it?"

"Yeah," Jaedynn said and proceed to tell the story of Taha Aki. How he'd been betrayed, took the body of a wolf to save his people and regained his human form, the banishment of Utlapa's family after his death and how, centuries later, the tribe had reconnected with said ancestors and were now allies, the story of Taha Aki's third wife and her tragic death, then what little she knew of his son's subsequent reign and the controversy it brought.

"So no one knows what happened to his wife?"

"No," Jaedynn said. "Stories say that his wife disappeared and not days afterwards, Chief Suerro demanded a moon ceremony for himself and his imprint. Their moon ceremony produced a lunar marker and she gave him all his sons."

"So while there's no proof, it's almost certain he murdered his first wife?"

"I'd bet on it," Jaedynn said. "It's said that Chief Suerro became chief far too young and after witnessing his mother's death and his father abandoning him in a fit of grief. His reign was difficult and wrought with conflict and war."

"I can imagine," Roshad said, "though tumultuous family life doesn't always mean a bad ruler. Fatimeh's grandfather for instance was a great Sultan. The issue is he did not get along with any of his sons and gave his thrown to a grandson that hated him."

"So dinner with the family was always awkward?" Jaedynn joked.

"One son executed, another blinded and taken into hiding and another son partially blinded? Yes, 'awkward' is one way to put it," Roshad said. "Fatimeh's cousin who took the throne despised Abbas but Fatimeh loved him. She had fond memories of her grandfather hence why our youngest was named after him."

"I can't say our 'royal family' is nearly so dramatic, but we have our problems," Jaedynn said.

"Your grandfather never blinded your father or uncles?"

"No, he's not," Jaedynn giggled. "Hasn't had Uncle Kevin murdered either."

"I assume your father and uncles never attempted a coup, though."

"No, they haven't," Jaedynn said. "So why did he blind them? That seems like an odd thing to do."

"The law prohibited a Sultan from being blind," Roshad said.

"Oh," Jaedynn said and then became confused, "Wait, why?"

"If I'm honest I don't know," Roshad said. "So your grandfather is still chief of your tribe?"

"Yeah. At this point we figure Uncle Kevin will take over when grandpa feels like abdicating but Uncle Kevin's hardly chomping at the bit for the role. Truthfully, I think Uncle Kevin would be just as happy with grandpa remaining chief indefinitely and he'll remain the tribe's lawyer. Uncle Kevin's our lawyer, Uncle Kyle's our doctor and daddy is the police."

"Sounds like your grandfather produced a well-rounded society," Roshad joked.

"He certainly did," Jaedynn said.

"All that's left is your cousin Levi to become an accountant," Roshad said and Jaedynn laughed.

"I see Aunt Amber bragged about him getting into Princeton."

"Could not stop her from bragging," Roshad chuckled. "She's very proud of him; it's understandable. I remember that feeling of bragging about your children."

"I bet you bragged about your kids to anyone that would listen."

"Whether they listened or not was irrelevant," Roshad said and made Jaedynn laugh again. "My eldest had the most weight on his shoulders of all my sons, but Amir was a good man. I like to think I did well in raising him."

"I know you did," Jaedynn smiled and couldn't help glancing down at her belly again. "I guess I need to return to the doctor and schedule an appointment for an ultrasound."

"Ultrasound?"

"It's a machine that can look at the baby in the womb," Jaedynn said.

"You don't say?" Roshad said. "Certainly didn't have that when my children were produced."

"I wouldn't think so," Jaedynn said. She looked at him timidly, so tempted to ask if he wanted to come, but she was too embarrassed. "I'll have to tell work and call home to tell them."

"It'll be alright," Roshad promised, but Jaedynn wasn't so sure.

"I don't know," Jaedynn said. "I don't know what I'm going to do about Alex. Truthfully, he won't take too kindly to me not wanting to be with him anymore."

"Breakups are always hard," Roshad said, "but I'm sure so long as you're honest, he'll work with you." 'You don't know Alex,' Jaedynn almost said but she kept it to herself. Regardless, she needed to end things. "Jaedynn, I hope this is not rude or presumptuous of me, but I would love to take you on a proper date."

"I would love that too," Jaedynn smiled. "I'll give you my work number?"

"Wouldn't your home number be easier?"

"I don't want you to risk being on the phone with Alex," Jaedynn said.

"Ah," Roshad said, "I don't know if Kevin mentioned you live with him, but I guess that makes sense all things considered."

"Yeah," Jaedynn said. "I don't have my purse with me. Do you happen to have pen and paper?"

"I'm afraid not," Roshad said.

"There's a gas station. I'll get something to write on and with," Jaedynn said. Once they made it to the gas station, Jaedynn wrote down her office number on a little piece of paper and Roshad gave her the number to his place which she tucked away in her pocket, but as they exchanged numbers, she realized the time. "I should probably get back," Jaedynn said.

"Can I walk you home?"

"No, I should walk myself," Jaedynn said. "Thank you for your kindness this afternoon. I really needed it."

"It was my pleasure," Roshad said. "May I ask when I can see you again?"

"I don't know yet, but I'll call you soon at least. Once I know when I can get away, we can do something," Jaedynn said.

"Alright," Roshad said. "Well, I will see you again soon Jaedynn."

"You too, Roshad," Jaedynn replied with a smile.

Roshad stayed put as Jaedynn walked across the street and started walking down the sidewalk. She turned to wave at Roshad and he waved back before she continued to walk back to the apartment. As he watched her go, Roshad felt a strange combination of joy and sadness. When he saw her at the table, it had been just like in his dream and when their eyes met, the sensation of attraction was intensified tenfold. It had been so long since he'd felt love for anyone so to meet Jaedynn and feel such an instant and intense love for her was overwhelming. What saddened him were the obstacles. He'd already known going in that she was seeing someone. He'd been prepared to fight for her. However, to find out she was pregnant? That took him completely off guard and for a moment he'd not known what to do. It was bad enough he planned to pursue a woman that was already in a relationship. It was something he'd normally never do. Being in a relationship with a child on the way was all the more shocking for him, but she'd expressed she does not love him anymore. He only hoped things would work out. He wanted them to so badly. He stayed at that gas station until Jaedynn was no longer in sight before finally leaving to return to his own place.

When Jaedynn returned to the apartment, she was alone which was a great relief. She wasn't ready to face Alex yet. She instead used the time to call home, but she needed to steel herself beforehand. She sat on the edge of the bed taking several deep breaths. It was delusional to assume that Nathan wouldn't be upset. But he'd be more upset if she didn't tell him and talk to him. When she finally felt strong enough to do so, she walked to the phone on the wall and dialed the number to her home, but it went to voicemail. She left a message asking Nathan or Ada María to call her back and then she called the police station. Boris was there to take the call and promised he'd have Nathan call back as soon as possible. As a last ditch attempt to get a hold of someone, she called Ada María's office phone. It rang and rang and for a moment she thought she'd have to leave another message, but then she heard the phone pick up.

"This is Ada María," she heard and she felt her resolve start to wane. Ada María sounded professional with her accent smooth and sensual as it always was. Jaedynn wondered how she'd react to the news.

"Hey," Jaedynn said.

"Jaedynn?" Ada María asked. "Are you alright? You sound upset?"

"Not upset just….a little shocked is all," Jaedynn managed. "I need to tell you something. I tried calling daddy but I guess he's busy."

"You know you can talk to me," Ada María said. "What's wrong? Is there anything I can do?"

"I'm afraid not," Jaedynn said. "I…um…I found out yesterday that I'm pregnant."

"Oh God," Ada María replied, the upset apparent in her voice. Jaedynn couldn't blame her. "You're certain?"

"Yeah," Jaedynn said. "I'm sorry it took so long to call and tell you. I was in shock and still didn't know what I wanted to do."

"Do you know what you want to do?" Ada María asked hesitantly. Jaedynn hesitated to answer at first. She wasn't ready to bring up Roshad. The last thing she wanted was for everyone to have a bad opinion of him because she brought him up too soon. She was still with Alex after all. She needed to focus on changing that first.

"I'm keeping it," Jaedynn finally said.

"Jaedynn, Mija, are you absolutely sure about this?" Ada María said.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Jaedynn answered. At first, the other line was quiet. Ada María wasn't sure what to say.

"Jaedynn….." she couldn't continue at first. She wanted to give her two cents where Alex was concerned but she wasn't even sure where to start. "Have you told Alex?" she finally asked.

"Yes, I have," Jaedynn said.

"And?"

"He's thrilled," Jaedynn said, "more than I had expected honestly."

"You two weren't talking about having a child were you?"

"No, that's why I'm so shocked he's so happy about this," Jaedynn said. "Mom?" Jaedynn started hesitantly, "I think he planned it."

"Jaedynn, Mija, listen to me," Ada María said, "Just tell me what you need and we will help you. If you want to keep the baby, that's fine; we'll love this baby no matter what, but if you want out then tell me."

"I need to do this carefully, mom," Jaedynn said. "He's not going to be happy about me wanting to leave."

"That's his fucking problem," Ada María said. "Jaedynn, if you feel you're in danger, I need you to tell me. Your father will be on the next plane to New York in a heartbeat; you know that."

"I know," Jaedynn said. "I promise I can handle this. I don't want you to worry. I just wanted to make sure I told you I'm pregnant. I still have some things I need to sort out."

"Like what?"

"Like I said," Jaedynn said, "I need to handle this carefully. I'm going to reach out to Uncle Kevin and see if he'll let me stay at his place until I've got things figured out."

"Don't even worry about that, Jaedynn. You're already welcome. Just give them ID, let them know who you are and they'll let you in," Ada María assured. "Mija, you promise you'll be alright? Just say the word and I'll tell your father."

"I promise I'll be okay," Jaedynn said. Then she heard the line beep. "I think daddy's trying to call."

"I'll let you go. I'll talk to you later, Mija. If you need anything, just call," Ada María said.

"I will. Thank you, mom," Jaedynn said, "I love you."

"I love you too, Mija," Ada María said and finally disconnected and then once that line was off, she could hear Nathan on the other line.

"Jaedynn? Are you alright? Boris said you were trying to call me," Nathan said.

"Yeah, I was," Jaedynn said. "I need to tell you something."

"What did he do?" Nathan asked right off the bat.

"Don't be angry, daddy," Jaedynn began, getting nervous again. "I just spoke with Ada, so she knows. Yesterday I found out I'm pregnant." After that, the line was completely silent. She was certain she could hear a pin drop. "Daddy?" she said when a full minute passed of Nathan saying nothing.

"Just a minute, honey," Nathan finally said but all he did was groan. "I'm trying to gather my thoughts."

"I thought we were being careful," Jaedynn started then thought better of relaying her suspicions. Nathan was certainly angry enough without her relaying her concerns with no proof. Maybe the condom really had just broke and Alex was handling the news better than her. "I'm really sorry," she continued, feeling like she might start to cry. She could feel Nathan's frustration radiating from the phone.

"Don't cry, Jaedynn," Nathan finally said. "Everything will be okay. Have you told Alex yet?"

"Yeah, I told him."

"Shit," Nathan muttered. "What happened?"

"He was thrilled," Jaedynn said.

"Wait, he was?" Nathan asked.

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting that either," Jaedynn said. Nathan was quiet again for another moment but when he did speak, there was no mistaking his rage.

"That son of a bitch!" Nathan said, clearly coming to the same conclusion she had come to. "Jaedynn, I'm begging you: come home. We'll take care of this, but come home."

"I will daddy," Jaedynn said, "I just need to handle this situation carefully. Alex isn't going to-"

"If he lays a hand on you, you tell me immediately," Nathan said. "Has he?"

"He hasn't hurt me," Jaedynn worded carefully. "Please, daddy, just trust me: I will come home. If I leave, he'll follow."

"Then we'll deal with him," Nathan said. "Jaedynn, please, just come home."

"I promise I will," Jaedynn said. Just then, she heard the door start to unlock. "Daddy, I need to go. I'll talk to you later okay?"

"Jaedynn, don't hang up," Nathan said.

"It's okay, daddy. I'll talk to you as soon as I can," she said and then ended the call. "Hey Alex," Jaedynn said.

"I take it you called to tell everyone the news?" Alex asked.

"Yeah," Jaedynn said and then the phone started ringing again.

"I see daddy's not happy," Alex said but he was laughing a little.

"Hold on," Jaedynn said and answered the phone. "Daddy?"

"Jaedynn, get out of that house and come home now!"

"Daddy, please, I promise everything will be okay. Can you please trust me?"

"It's not you I don't trust," Nathan said.

"Let me talk to him," Alex said and then grabbed the phone from Jaedynn. "Hello, Nathan. I assume Jaedynn told you?"

"You put my daughter back on the phone," Nathan said.

"Don't see why you're being so uptight about this," Alex said. "We're having a baby; you're going to be a grandpa. Try to take a deep breath and be happy."

"I don't see anything to be fucking happy about," Nathan said. "You did this on purpose you little bastard."

"Hey, calm down. Condom broke; simple as that. No point in crying over something you can't change. Better to take responsibility for it wouldn't you say?"

"You haven't taken responsibility for a God damn thing in your whole life!"

"You been talking to Rita or something?" Alex joked, but Nathan was not amused.

"Put my daughter back on the fucking phone!"

"Alex, please let me talk to him," Jaedynn said and reached for the phone. Alex gave it over, but he stayed very close to her. She tried to walk away, but he stayed close. "Daddy, please; I need you to stay calm for me okay? I know that's a lot for me to ask, but please stay calm."

"How can I be calm?!"

"I know this is scary, daddy. Believe me, I'm terrified, but I promise everything will be okay. Please? Trust me?"

"Jaedynn," Nathan started then sighed heavily. "Call me after you've talked to Alex?"

"I will," Jaedynn promised.

"If I don't hear from you in an hour, I'll call back," Nathan said.

"Okay," Jaedynn answered, they said goodbye and finally she hung up the phone.

"Why's he asking you to call him back after we talk? We already have," Alex said.

"Not really, Alex," Jaedynn said and then she went to the bed and sat down. "Alex, I'm not happy."

"About what?"

"This. Us. Everything," Jaedynn said. "I'm not happy."

"Buttercup, I know news of this pregnancy is a shock, but it'll be okay," Alex said and he kneeled down in front of her. "I love you. We'll make this work."

"Alex, you're not listening to me; I'm not happy," Jaedynn said.

"No, Jaedynn, you're not listening," Alex snapped and stood up. "We're having a baby. So we weren't expecting it. Fine. But now we have to pull ourselves up and deal with it. If you think you're going to run off with my kid doing God knows what, you've got another thing coming."

"Alex, I'm trying to tell you I'm not happy!"

"Then fucking stop being unhappy!" Alex yelled.

"It's not that simple, Alex!"

"Sure it is," Alex said. "I don't know what your dad told you besides this ridiculous notion that I got you pregnant on purpose, but fucking drop it. We're having a baby. End of discussion."

"No Alex, not end of discussion!" Jaedynn said as she approached a little closer. "Look, Alex, I'll just come out and say it. If you want to talk about shared custody then-" she was silenced when Alex gripped her by her hair and tugged, forcing her to look at him.

"There will be no 'shared custody'," he said and then pushed her so she just barely landed on the bed. Then, as if he'd not just forcefully grabbed her, he sat down on the bed beside her. Jaedynn was shaking a little and stayed still so as to not provoke him. "I'll take care of you and the baby. That's all you need to be concerned with." Once again, Jaedynn stayed quiet. After the silence prolonged for a sufficient amount of time – at least in his mind – Alex smiled at her and placed his hand on her belly. She flinched when he touched her and Alex rolled his eyes. "Relax, Buttercup. I won't hurt you or the baby." He kept rubbing her belly affectionately and leaned down to put his ear over her belly to listen for a heartbeat. "I think I hear it."

"Possibly," Jaedynn said in a shaky voice.

"Boy or girl, baby's name is Alex. Alejandro or Alejandra. I want a junior," Alex said with a smile.

"I was actually thinking Sherry or Kamron," Jaedynn voiced but Alex shook his head.

"No," he said. "Boy or girl, Alex Vayez Jr. It has a good ring to it don't you think?" He looked up at Jaedynn and, for the sake of keeping the peace, she nodded her head. His smile brightened and Alex came up to press a kiss to her lips. "I love you, Buttercup. Don't you love me too?"

"Yes," Jaedynn lied, again to keep the peace.

"Then say it," he said.

"I love you, Alex," Jaedynn said. He smiled again, kissed her and didn't stop until Jaedynn pressed his shoulders. "I need to call daddy back or he'll call us."

"Fine. Make it quick," Alex said. Jaedynn got out from under him and went back to the phone. She dialed the number to the police station assuming that's where Nathan was and, thankfully, he answered.

"Hello?" Nathan's voice came from the other line.

"Hey, daddy," Jaedynn said and she heard Nathan sigh with relief.

"It's good to hear your voice, Jaedynn. So what's the plan? Do you need me to come to New York?"

"No," Jaedynn said and then looked over her shoulder at Alex. She'd been right about one thing: she needed to handle this very, very carefully. Alex would not let her go without a fight and she needed to avoid it if she was going to leave. "Daddy, Alex and I talked it out and….we're going to work things out."

"I'm sorry, what?" Nathan asked.

"Daddy, I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but the baby deserves for-"

"The baby deserves for you to be home! Not in the clutches of some psychopath!"

"Daddy, I promise. I have a plan. Everything will be okay. In fact, why don't you come visit for Thanksgiving? It'll be nice to get together," Jaedynn said. It would be her deadline. "I'm sure I'll be showing by then."

"Jaedynn, the only reason I'm going out there is to bring you home!"

"Daddy," Jaedynn said soothingly. "Daddy, I promise. Everything will be fine. Please believe me?"

"Jaedynn, no. Come home," Nathan said.

"Jaedynn, hang up," Alex ordered.

"Daddy, I promise everything will be fine. Alex and I are going to work things out. I'll see you Thanksgiving, okay?"

"Jaedynn, come home," Nathan said.

"Soon," Jaedynn said. "I love you, daddy."

Realizing she was framing her words carefully, Nathan finally said, "Okay. I'll talk to you later, Jaedynn. I love you too." Finally, Jaedynn ended the call and Alex came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

"We're not having Thanksgiving with them. I hope you know that," Alex said.

"I just wanted to reassure him," Jaedynn claimed. "I can always retract later."

"Good. Do that," Alex said and kissed her neck. "Now I don't mind telling you I've missed you."

Jaedynn went along with him and let him do what he wanted before they went to sleep for the night. Once Alex was off her and getting to sleep, Jaedynn took a mental inventory of all her things. She'd need to move everything a little at time so Alex wouldn't notice. She'd take a little at a time with her to work every day and drop it off at Kevin's apartment. Once she knew she had everything, she'd make arrangements to travel back to Washington. It would give her an opportunity to see Roshad every day too and to make sure he knew what she was doing. She didn't want to leave without telling him. She hoped that by the time she did leave, he would come with her or join her shortly thereafter. She determined it would begin that morning. However when she woke up to her alarm, Alex was still home and very much awake.

"Morning, Buttercup," Alex smiled and came to the bed to give her a kiss. "Listen, Jaedynn, I've been thinking."

"About?" Jaedynn asked.

"I think you should quit that job. You can't exactly work and raise out baby."

"Alex," she was about to argue but caught herself and instead said, "I was actually planning to, but I wanted to wait a while. You know? Save up more money first? Babies are really expensive, so the more we can save up for…Alex Jr. the better. Don't you think?" Alex looked contemplative then shrugged.

"I suppose that's true," Alex said and kissed her again before stepping away. "May as well milk your uncle for all the money he'll give you, right?"

"Exactly," Jaedynn laughed nervously. "So are you leaving for work soon?"

"Not today. I'm staying in," Alex said and Jaedynn felt herself deflate. "Why?"

"I was just curious," Jaedynn hurried. She swore at herself internally. This was going to take longer than she had hoped. "Well, I'm feeling alright, so I should get up for work. I've already missed two days. I've only got so much paid sick leave."

"True," Alex said.

So Jaedynn got ready for work like she normally would and Alex saw her off. As she walked to work and took the train, she reminded herself to stay positive. Just because Alex stayed home that morning didn't mean he'd do that every morning. Maybe it would only be for the week given they'd argued but as soon as he thought things were fine, he'd go back to business as usual. Yeah, she thought to herself. That's all she'd need, and then she'd start moving all her things out or at least her important things. So long as she was careful, she'd have her things out of there long before November. At least that was her hope.