After the meeting ended, the bill was paid, and Angel had seen everyone out except Uncle Andros, he breathed a soft sigh of relief.

"Are you going back to work, Angelique?" asked my uncle, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Yes, sir." Angel smiled, dipping his head in a polite nod.

"And is Anwyll going with you?"

"Yes, he is accompanying me today."

Uncle Andros hummed. "I do believe the meeting was fated, so perhaps I will call my brother tomorrow to see if he would let me borrow Anwyll for the day."

Angel squeezed me out of concern, but I could tell my uncle held no ill will against me, so I hugged his neck and nosed his throat for him to calm down.

"Would you like to get to know me, Anwyll?" asked Uncle Andros, so I grinned.

"I love learning about family, so of course."

"Then I will see to it that you will spend a day with me, Anwyll. Farewell, Angelique, I look forward to working with you relatively soon." Uncle Andros shook Angel's hand once more, then left the room.

Angel sagged against the wall. "Ugh, Anwyll, thank the heavens you were with me today. All of it would have been awful, and I would have acted like such a spazz in front of the Lucaon of Business."

I pushed my fingers through his hair, rubbing his scalp. Angel sighed with relief and rested his forehead against my shoulder, his horn going straight behind me.

"I'm guessing that when you said he's important, you really meant it."

Angel groaned into my chest, making me giggle. "Yeah, sweetheart. He's the guy at the very top across the Americas. There's even talk of him having successful business in Europe and several other continents, too."

"Well, I'm sure he had time, since he's Daddy's elder brother."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Mm, I asked Daddy about dragons' long lifespans."

Angel grunted. "And?"

"Daddy is turning three hundred and ten this coming May."

Angel froze. "Seriously? He doesn't look a day over thirty!"

"And think of it this way. Uncle Andros is Daddy's older brother, so that means he had quite a bit of time to create all those business and make himself successful."

"Ah, I understand now."

"So you worked really hard to get his attention and it worked out. I'm so happy for you, Angel."

Angel snorted. "I think that's because you were here."

I shook my head and rubbed his shoulders. "I was watching, Angel. He was genuinely curious and intrigued about the design plans. That was you, Angel, not me. Me being here was merely a bonus for him."

Angel laughed and lifted his head, gently kissing my cheek. "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Angel." I giggled, hugging his neck. "Back to work?"

"Yes, and meetings. If you need anything, let me know. We still have the gala in the early evening."

"Mm, well, I just want to stay in your arms as long as possible."

"Easily done, my precious wolf." he chuckled, pecking my cheeks before leaving the room.

__________________________

Hours had passed since the lunch meeting, and Angel was currently having me straddle him while he fixed my hair. The gala was already underway, and apparently it was Angel's duty to arrive fashionably late.

Clyde was irritable. He kept tapping the steering wheel, portraying the obvious impatience to enter the gala. It looked like he had gone home to get a good suit. When I complimented him, Clyde ignored me and continued talking to Angel. I calmed down my sexy unicorn, easing his anger with soft words and discreet kisses.

Angel was pleased, but his face formed a neutral expression when Clyde nearly spat on me after Angel got out out of the vehicle. "I need to have a word with you, Mr. Graham, before the gala ends later tonight."

Clyde's eyes glazed over and his face paled. He stiffly nodded, bowing his head. Angel picked me up again, cuddling my small body into his side.

"Keep the clock in mind, Mr. Graham. I will speak to you at eight on the dot."

Clyde bowed his head. "Yes, sir."

Angel strode into the hotel, then walked down the right hall. It was quite grand inside, but the ballroom was even more so. There were several crystal chandeliers, and many women in floor-length gowns of various colors and styles. The men in suits were quite regal as well, but I think Angel outshone them all.

He went around and greeted guests, and eventually had to put me down, but Angel was loathe to do so. I pecked his cheek, which made the women coo in awe of some adorable moment between us. Angel said it was okay to wander around, so I did. My facial features and height made everyone think I was a kid, so that made it a bit easier to get along with some people I met.

I wandered over to the table with various finger foods and beverages, but saw nothing that looked interesting. I reached for a glass of water, but someone grabbed the one I was touching.

I glanced up, my eyebrows furrowing when I saw a young woman in her mid-twenties gulping down the water. She slammed the empty down on the tray.

"Shit-faced bullshitter." she cursed, "How dare he try to butter me up to grab my ass and think he can get away with it."

I reached for another glass, but she snatched it before my fingertips could touch it. I quirked my lips to the side, then snatched the next one before she could take it. I sipped at the water, staring at the woman in a stunning crimson dress. She had a really nice figure. I didn't quite understand what she was muttering and cursing about, but I could also feel unwarrantedly cruel stares.

"Um, Miss?" I inquired.

The woman paused, then lowered her mint green eyes to meet my violet orbs. Her reddish-gold hair shone, making something click. A similar feeling hit me like with Uncle Andros.

"Aw, what a cute little boy!" she exclaimed, moving to kneel in front of me. "Did you get separated from your mommy and daddy?"

I stared into her face. "Do you know Andros and Alexandre DeLuca?"

Her eyes widened. "How do you know those names?"

"Then you're my auntie," I giggled with a broad smile. "Alexandre is my daddy."

The woman cupped my cheeks, tilting my head around a bit. "My word, so you are my older brother's son! He's supposed to be eighteen, though."

"I am," I smiled, putting down my glass on the floor to hold her hands. "I'm just really small."

My ears perked and my tail wagged when she chuckled. "Daddy told me that I have an aunt and uncle yesterday, so I met Uncle Andros earlier today by coincidence."

"Are they here?"

I shook my head. "I don't know about Uncle Andros, but Daddy is not here. Angelique Michaels brought me."

Her eyes lit up with surprise. "The host of the gala?"

"Mmhm," I beamed. "I love him a lot."

My aunt frowned. "I'm not sure I understand."

"He's family." I explained a bit, but that made her only more confused.

I had her lean towards me, so I whispered in her ear, "You know the home Daddy made for unwanted and abused Emerged? We live there. I was sent there by my mom five days ago, so I'm really having a great time with my new family members. I love them all a lot, except one."

I drew back and she held understanding in her eyes as well as some curiosity. "Why one?"

My face formed a scowl. "He hurt one family member really badly. Daddy is still punishing him."

Her mint green eyes widened again. "R-really?"

"Mhm," I responded, then my ears perked up again. "What's your name, Auntie?"

She smiled, chuckling when my tail whirled. "Athena DeLuca, at your service. And your name again? Because it has been awhile since I've heard it."

"My name is Anwyll." I grinned, then held out my hands. "May I have a hug, Auntie Athena?"

My aunt Athena laughed as she gathered me into her arms. I hugged her neck. "I'm glad I got to meet you today, Auntie."

"And I'm glad to have met you too, little Anwyll." she said, as she drew away. I smiled back at her in response.

I picked up my glass and sipped at my water again. "So what got you so upset, Auntie Athena?"

My aunt's happy demeanor faded. "That shitty bastard, I should just go burn him!"

I blinked. "Mm, 'cause he groped your butt?"

She blushed. "You heard?"

"Everyone within a ten-foot radius could hear you cursing some guy who did that to you."

Aunt Athena sighed and got to her feet, dusting off her knees. "I guess it comes with the job."

"Don't think like that, Auntie. He's just a jerk." I said, holding out my hand.

She grasped it and I placed my empty glass back onto the table. "Come with me, Auntie. Angel is probably looking for me."

Aunt Athena muffled her giggles behind one hand. "Does he love you, too?"

I grinned up at her, my tail a blur. "Yup, he does. I'm so happy."

"That's wonderful, Anwyll. How will you find him, though?"

I spotted a small glimpse of Angel's horn, then gently tugged my aunt towards him. He looked anxious as I approached, but nearly collapsed to his knees with relief when he saw me.

"Sweetheart, you had me so worried. Where did you go?" he asked, holding out his arms, so I dropped my aunt's hand and hopped into his embrace.

He lifted me and kissed my cheek, snuggling my form into his arms. I nuzzled his throat before I started answering him.

"I talked to a few people about their business and got some cards. Here you go," I said, fishing out the business cards. "I think these will be of more use to you than me."

Angel tucked my form into his left side, then looked at the cards in his right hand. His breath hitched. "What in the world? How in the world?"

"What's wrong?" I asked, then cocked my head to the side. "And oh, Angel, look who I found!"

He finally turned his attention to my aunt. "May I ask who you are?"

"Athena Lucaon DeLuca, at your service." she did a gently curtsy, then looked up at Angel with a smirk. "So my nephew seems to be well-loved."

Angel gaped. "What? And of course he is, because it's about damn time. Besides, what's not to love about this cute little wolf?"

Aunt Athena muffled her laughter behind one hand. "I'm glad, and here's my business card as well. I was already interested in your work, but meeting my nephew here must have been fated." she chuckled, fishing a business card out from her long wallet thing.

Angel gently grasped the business card, then tucked them all away into his own wallet. I hugged his neck, my tail lazily swishing back and forth.

"Thank you for your interest and hopeful support in the most recent project, as well as the ones in the future." said Angel, his smile infectious.

Aunt Athena smiled back. "Well, this has certainly returned my good mood. If you don't mind, I will return to mingle with others. Thank you for inviting us, Mr. Michaels, and thank you for loving my nephew as you do."

Angel dipped his head, then watched her sashay away. He sighed and retired to a lonely corner in the room. "My little wolf, how did you manage to get the cards of several of the most well-known men and women in this industry?"

I giggled, pressing kisses to his throat and jaw. My tail whirled with happiness.

"I just conversed about their businesses, and they asked me a few questions that I answered to the best of my abilities. They seemed happy, and insisted that I have their business cards for some reason. I took them with a smile, so they looked to be in cheerier spirits when I walked away."

Angel sighed as he rested his chin on my shoulder. "You never cease to amaze me, sweetheart."

"I guess that's a good thing. Have you eaten, Angel?"

"No, I have been a bit too busy with entertaining. Have you?"

"Nope, but I did get some water."

Angel hummed. "Do you want to eat with me?"

I beamed. "Yup!"

He chuckled and petted my head. "Then it's a plan, my precious wolf."

__________________________

"Stay here, sweetheart. I am going to speak with Clyde about his behavior, so I won't be too long."

I nodded while I sat on one of the available chairs. "Okay, Angel. Stay safe."

He ruffled my hair, then kissed my head. "Thank you, sweetheart. You, too."

I smiled, and watched him leave. I hoped Clyde wouldn't cause any problems. I yawned a bit, then clutched the back of the chair and closed my eyes for a moment.

"Oh? Whose kid is this?" I heard a woman ask.

"I have seen him with Angelique Michaels." said an older man. "He has mingled with others."

"Who? The kid?"

"Yes, I believe I saw Annalise Fractal give him her card."

The woman gasped. "I cannot believe it! That pissy old woman? She never gives out her card."

The older man chuckled. "Oh, but she did. I watched her do it. He's cute. Angelique Michaels likely brought the kid to butter up the naive people here."

I peeked open one eye. "You know I can hear you, right?"

The older man's smirk fell. "Don't tell your father anything." he started to plead, but I raised an eyebrow.

"And who exactly is my father?"

The woman sneered. "Your mother must have been ugly."

"Yeah, in personality." I said simply, watching the woman's sneer twist into a shocked and irritated expression. "Kind of like you."

She raised her hand, but I glanced up to see a massive hand wrap around the woman's wrist. But instead of Angel, it was my uncle Andros.

"And what were you about to do, Francine Hemingway?" asked my uncle with a furious growl. "Were you about to hit a child?"

Francine's face paled. "Mr. Lucaon, I swear it wasn't my fault! He insulted me!"

Uncle Andros didn't look at me, but left his steely gaze on the fake-crying woman. "Oh? And was that not before you and your husband not only insulted the host of the gala, but also the child's mother. The comeback was deserved."

Her husband quickly hung onto his wife. "Sir, please, don't do anything to us."

"Do anything to you? Well, I am not going to do anything physical, but be prepared when I withdraw my funding from your company. You were wasting the funds, though, so this is a good chance to cut off the gangrenous flesh now."

The tone and facial expression of my uncle must have looked horrifically terrifying and akin to a demon to them from their fearful expressions, but he only looked angry to me. He dropped Francine's wrist, then called someone. In less than a minute, two big guys were hauling away the husband and wife duo.

Uncle Andros sighed, then looked down at me. "Are you all right, Anwyll?"

"Mhm, thank you." I murmured, closing my eyes. "But the woman was right about my mom, and so was I."

He took a seat next to me, but his size made the chair look like it belonged to a kid like me. His emerald green eyes bore into the side of my head, so I turned my head to look at him with a small smile. I opened my eyes again.

"What did you mean by that?" he asked.

"When Daddy left me with my mom, it was the worst decision he had ever made. Although in some ways, I am happy with what he did after he was forced to leave. He created a home for people like me."

Uncle Andros leaned forward, his forearms on his knees. "And what does that mean, my little nephew?"

"My mother violently abused me; physically, mentally, emotionally. I slept in the basement closet on a thin blanket, and my mother made sure to lock me inside every night. I would have to breathe with the stale air through the crack at the bottom of the door. When all the chores were done before and after school, I would be kicked outside in the backyard and locked out. She would do that in thunderstorms if she thought beating me wasn't enough.

"I only got to eat once a day, and that luxurious meal consisted of a small slice of stale bread, a bowl of water, a piece of moldy cheese, and a partially rotten apple. Sometimes she would just give me the water and bread, though. And until five days ago, I was never allowed to look at my reflection. She used every chance she got to tell me that I was the ugliest creature on Earth and that no one would ever love me. If I was held back at school, she would beat me for being late and force me to clean up my blood, before tasking me with more chores.

"If she thought I was ever enjoying myself while cooking, she would push my hands into the hot pans or into boiling water. If that wasn't enough for her, she would threaten me with the garbage disposal in the sink by turning it on and forcing my hand towards it. That always scared me into submission." I weakly chuckled, then realized I was talking too long.

When I opened my eyes to look at Uncle Andros, he had his head between his knees and his hands were on the back of his head. He was taking many slow deep breaths. I reached out to touch his hair, but he grasped my hand and inhaled deeply once more before lifting his head. He didn't look at me, still staring at the floor.

He started muttering something, then fished out his phone. He got up, leaned down as he began to talk, hugged me firmly and kissed my head, then left me alone. His posture was rigid and I could tell the fury emanating from his body was a bad sign. I can only hope that he won't get in trouble.

Angel petted my hair, so I turned my head with a smile. "Hugs?"

His eyes were filled with tears. "You are so strong, my precious wolf."

My smile faltered. "Not really, Angel. You saw me earlier today. She can invoke such a powerful reaction from just a mere picture. I can only say that I'm here thanks to Daddy's flyer, and the welcome I received from you and the rest. I wanted to die so badly in that damned house! I hated it, hated her, and hated my own self because I couldn't stand up to her! I'm weak!"

Angel picked me up and used both arms to hold me firmly against to his front. I buried my face in his neck and sniffled a bit.

"You're not weak, Anwyll. If anything, you are strong; the strongest person I know. You survived, and now you're still standing even after the trauma and suffering you went through. Others might have stayed in their room and cursed the world, but you're so beautiful, loving, cheerful, and cuddly."

I giggled, wiping my eyes. "You're too kind, Angel. I can say all that about you, too."

He chuckled and kissed my head. "And that's another amazing thing about you. You can see the good in people, and calm their worries and fears with a simple kiss or smile, and even a hug can do the trick. You are an amazing, wonderful, sweet, thoughtful, kind little wolf. I feel honored to be able to love you, my little Anwyll."

I let the tears fall, but a broad smile was quickly widening my cheeks. "I feel the same way about you, Angel. Thank you for letting me love you."

Angel rubbed the base of my skull, and I grew limp with a happy mewl of pleasure. He chuckled. "Sleep, my little wolf. I will awaken you for the final part of out night."

"Mm, okay. Thank you, Angel." I mumbled, then remembered Clyde. "Um, what about—?"

"It went as well as I expected. Your method worked. Thank you, sweetheart. Now sleep."

I nuzzled his throat, then closed my eyes and fell asleep again.