Faline

Ever notice it takes less time to get back then it does when first going out? After an hour or so, I open my eyes to see we're entering the outskirts of a town. I recognize it from when Orion had driven through it.

About fifteen minutes later we're pulling up on the wetlands that hold the Mistress's abode. A different road than the ones I know is chosen further in and circles around. Got all my attention now as I look out at the newer scenery. Less wild along this road, yet the trees and other assorted plant life are still dark and spooky looking. I look over to Lady in question, her heated focus once more on me.

"The new arrivals are taken in through the back. There is a bathhouse for them to use and Trisha was told to be on standby if needed. More pain will have to be caused for the removal of the brands. They will be given a few days to heal and go through the removal of the drugs in their systems."

Not too happy about the ‘causing them more pain’ part, but I see the need for it, for both them and their new Mistress. Going to try my best to make it that they haven't traded one monster in for another.

I watch the building come into view as we keep going, the thickness of the foliage thins out drastically as we get closer. The back entrance is nowhere near as 'posh' as the front, which I'm glad to see. The double doors are still larger, but nothing fancy. Don't see the van, so we got here first. As soon as Apex stops, I'm hopping out, leaving the car in a rush; Lady making me nervous with the look in her eyes.

Walking around, I realize that what I'm looking at is the courtyard. We'd pulled up inside it to get close to the doors. Nothing overly extravagant; several large gardens with pathways leading through them, different kinds of trees had been brought in and placed around, and what looks to be a water fountain is spread out in the middle.

It isn't snowing here, so the scattered piles on the ground are older. Past the gardens is open land scattered with statues. There are a few in the gardens themselves, but the larger ones are further out. I'm getting the vibe of a 'trophy room' is what's displayed out here.

Even with the statues though, what I'm wanting to do will still be possible. Guess now is a good a time as any while we wait for the van. The woman comes up beside me to look over the land as well.

"I want to suggest something but I don't want you freaking out at me. Hear me out first before you give an automatic no?"

She smirks at me, an arched brow raising, but she gives a small nod. Not sure where all her paperwork, files, and box went to, as she isn't holding any of it. Her hands are in her pants pockets and the case is nowhere around.

"One of the big things that will help all your subs is to be able to see the sun, for the animals to shift and be able to stretch out their limbs. Pretty sure it's way too cold for the humans out here, so something else for them. Allow the animals to come out when they have free time, and open the windows in one of the outer facing rooms for the others."

I'm not looking at her as I ask - I don't want to see her expression.

"It doesn't have to be done right now, but soon. From what I gather of them all, they have no interest in trying to run away, so you won't have to worry about that. There are several shaded sitting areas where I'm sure many will spend most of their time till they get reacquainted with the brightness anyway."

My hands are twisting in front of me, and when I notice, I stop. Shoving them into my own pockets.

"You told me once that it's my job to care for them, so that's what I'm trying to do. They need sunlight to help bring life back into them. I'm sure you'll notice quite a change in overall attitude since they won't be so depressed looking all the time. When you brought them here, you told them they would be cared for. Let me help you with that so you can focus on other things. Like better security."

I bite my tongue hard at that last remark, body tensing. Last time that had gotten brought up things didn't go well, so here's to hoping all that stress release she got from killing something will carry over. With a blank face, I look over at her.

Same exact expression from when I started, her face doesn't look like it's moved at all. Have to keep from scowling at her but I don't think I succeed too well. Lady looks out over her dead gardens, either ignoring me or thinking. Can go either way.

"I told you that you are free to make any changes you like. Just be wary of those you cross while doing so."

The breath escapes me in a rush as I hear what I'd wanted to. Her continued gazing off has me a little nervous but I'll deal with whatever when it comes up.

"Do you have records written for any of them? Files or a ledger to keep track of them all?"

I know she doesn't exactly care for them but they are what brings in her money.

"I did at one point, didn't bother keeping up with it over the years."

Now I scowl at her openly. Granted her animals will have long life spans as long as nothing drastic happens to them, but they, as well as her humans, need to be accounted for.

"So you're telling me that some of them could have been taken right out from under your nose and you wouldn't know? And you got pissy at me. Think you need to rearrange your priorities there."

Eyes slide to me, glinting. I take a step back before halting, heart thumping painfully while her earlier threat starts playing in my head again.

"As of right now, I do not need to. It is now your job to keep track of them all. You will be responsible for all of them since you want to change things ‘for the good of the people.' While you do that, I can take others to task, yes."

Just hope one of those taken to task isn't me, but I have a sinking feeling it is. Keeping my eyes on one of the garden plots, I give her a list of things I'll need. Asking if she has a printer since two to three lists will need to be made; one for me and whoever is up front coordinating events.

Then either one for her or just an extra to be put up so if anyone tampers with mine, it will be figured out quickly. I can't tell what she's doing but I know she's listening. The awkwardness lasts until the van finally pulls in.

I'd been asking for this, but now it really sinks in that I went from protecting a few to caring for all of them. Not even sure just how many there are...but twelve more just got added.

"Have you ever met a Changeling before?"

The out of the blue question startles both me and Apex, who's standing nearby. I blink at her, uncomprehending.

"A what?"

She smiles, her head tipping towards the van.

"The male that watches you, he is a Changeling."