Isha Blaaker as Roman Saris

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The man that just evaporated in front of Salim and I was a beautiful specimen. He had dark green eyes that sparkled at his outrage. Black hair with a hint of grey at the edges, that begged to be touched. Traces of dual dimples on a soft angular shaped face. He was my height at six feet, and a bit slimmer than me.

"That was your father?" I ask Esme.

"That's dear old daddy, also known as El Dargon," Esme gleefully replies.

"Why would he just disappear?" Salim asks.

"He tends to not handle confrontations or things out of the norm very well, I'm learning."

"Well, that will have to change he's our mate for goddess sake."

"Good luck tying him down."

"Not so fast witch, you will help me. You promised." Salim says.

"I promised to get you 'closer' to your mate, I never said anything about making he or she accept you."

"I don't care. You will help me, help us."

"Esme, you promised," Cal reminds her.

"Fine. What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing for now. Our mate is like a caged bird. And how do you settle a caged bird?" Salim asks with a scary look on his face.

"How?" I ask a little scared for my other mate.

"I leave our little bird alone and let him run around in circles in his cage as much as he wants to. I will not chase him right now. I will open the cage and give him faux freedom, but I will always have a way to bring him back into the cage. We can always find him through our favorite witch, right Esme?"

"That's kinda mean," I tell him.

"Mean? Never. Strategic, yes. Be aware my dear Roman, where you and Dargon are concerned, all bets are off. I will do anything; I repeat anything to mate with the two of you."

"Oh shit! Your Moon goddess has created a monster," Esme whispers to Cole.

"Now that I know my mates and where I can find them, I can work on this Nebraska project. And Roman?"

"Yes," I answer still a bit wary of my mate, "what?"

"If you don't want to stay in my suite, that's fine. You can stay in one of the bungalows on pack land. Always let me know when you travel, okay?"

"Ohkay."

To be honest, Salim just got hotter with this new plan of his and I am wavering. Damn it!

Alpha Salim has been unbelievably quiet about his mates. I can't imagine what he's thinking or going through. An elemental for a mate? Thank the Sun god that's not me. Those ruling council members are a bunch of pompous a-holes, to quote my dear Esme. At least he has been giving us frequent updates on the project.

When Salim goes haywire, he goes freaky fast. He has been bombarding us with frequent updates. First, he built a mini lodge for him and his workers on the land. After testing the soil and confirming the building plans with us, he has been going full throttle. I never thought I will be at the point of telling him to slow down but I'm getting there. I decide to leave the building part to Rafe and Darric, while Esme and I deal with the student portion.

Finally finished my first semester, onto my second. Raul was right time flies and not only when you're having fun, to be honest. Teleporting has made attending my onsite classes and labs easier. Esme and I have been helping each other learn and perfect our powers. I am overwhelmed by the amount and range of these powers. We wisely decided not to solicit El Dargon's help any longer. I mean it will be foolish of us.

Esme and I are waiting for Minerva, Lars, Luka Smith, Freddy to join us at Mama Bella's, Maie Tumblelake's restaurant. All were recommended as co-administrators with Minerva of the school. Luka Smith was a recommendation that I didn't see coming but Alpha Salim seems to think that he has the much needed 'people' skill to help with the human population.

"Thank you, Maie for allowing us to meet in your restaurant. This is my friend Esme Wood."

"You're welcome, Cal. And nice to meet you, Esme, I've heard so much about you."

"Nice to meet you too. And believe every word of what you heard and multiply it by ten. So, are you assigned to my coven?" Esme asks.

"Yes, I am but you've never used my services, why?"

"No need for your services. I handle my own deliveries..."

"...Don't like anyone aware of your secrets?" Maie smirks

"She's not only cute but smart, Cal. She just might work out."

"Work out? I am older than you Esme, so cut out the 'cute' label."

"Older doesn't necessarily mean wiser now does it?"

"They are right. You are one rude ass witch."

"And proud of it."

"Cal, I have the best waiter assigned to your room. Whatever you need ask. I have a message to deliver and must leave. My regards to Rafe and Darric. Bye witch." Maie marches out the door.

"Run along, twinkle dust, don't cut your wings on your trip," Esme waves her fingers at Maie.

"What was that all about, Esme? You two went at it like rivals. Did you two date the same man or something?"

"Not in this lifetime. I don't know why but she rubs me the wrong way. Not evil or anything just an aggravation."

"I'll wager you do the same to her."

"Hello, my name is David and I'll be your waiter tonight. What may I get you both to drink? And are we expecting anyone else?"

He puts a basket of breadsticks on the table with a small bowl of garlic sauce. Yummy.

"Hi, David. I'm Cal and this is Esme and five more people will be joining us. We'll wait to place our orders when they arrive. Thanks."

"You're welcome," he leaves, closing the door behind him.

"I know everyone but who on earth is PA Seaspark?" Esme asks as she munches on breadsticks.

"Maie recommended her to Rafe as the representative for the Fates."

"You mean the 'others'?"

"Actually, Maie told me that they don't like to be called the 'others'. They prefer to be called 'fates'. Kinda makes sense since they are helpers of our fates."

"Others, Fates whatever. Salim still on a rampage?"

"Boy is he ever. I have relinquished him over to my mates. His daily updates were killing me. But I'll give him his props, he is way ahead of schedule. Admin offices up in a month, phew!"

"How many weres does he have working on this project?"

"A lot per Darric. Darric asked him to slow down but Alpha Salim said he wants to get this off the ground and concentrate on his mating."

"Dear old dad may have just met his match," Esme laughs out loud.

"You are enjoying this too much," I grab a breadstick and munch on it.

"Cal life is short and I for one plan to enjoy it as much as I can even if it is at the expense of a ne'er do well sperm donor like my father."

The door opens and David leads the way with Lars Crane, Luka Smith, Minerva and an older lady I have never seen before in tow.

"Hi Lars, Luka, Minerva. You must be PA? I'm Cal Yorke and this is Esme Wood. Nice to meet you. Please, everyone, sit down."

"Hi, Cal," Lars replies and moves to sit by Esme. "Hey, you. You've been off the radar lately, where have you been? You canceled our last two meetings, what's up?" He hugs her.

"I've been here and there. Let just say, I was offered a job I couldn't and dare not turn down."

"Hi Cal, Esme." Minerva greets.

She gives me a hesitant hug and the suddenness of the hug shocks me into a frozen stance. She releases me, smiles and nods. Conciliatorily, I seat her beside me. Luka sits next to her and then PA Seaspark.

PA is about five feet three inches tall, slim, with a short shaggy haircut. Her skin is pale with a face that is impeccably made up with dark brown eyeliner and lipstick. A pouty mouth set on a face with a permanent smirk. I liked her instantly.

"Thank you for accepting our invitation to lunch guys. We're still expecting Freddy Klyne-Winters any minute now. While we wait, David will take our lunch orders."

We all place our drink and lunch orders.

"Just so we all know each other, next to me is my sister Minerva Yorke from Blood Rose Pack, Luka Smith Crimson River Pack, PA Seaspark, and Lars Crane from the Aurora coven."

"A mishmash of races I see. Hello everyone, I'm Freddy, teenage vampire in da house!" And she sashays to the remaining empty chair between Lars and PA.

David walks in with our array of drinks, placing a glass of V8 in front of Freddy.

"Cal, just what I needed. A glass of filtered blood."

"Blood?" splutters David.

"She's joking." I glare at Freddy who smiles and winks at me in return.

"I'll be back with your lunch in a few minutes."

"Will someone please tell me why I'm here? I came as a favor to Maie, so what's with the mishmash of races according to the latecomer all about?" PA asks, running her forefinger slowly across the rim of her wine glass.

"Ah yes, well we need your help. Before we explain, PA which gathering do you belong to?"

"Risen Star Gathering."

"Unri Persimmon Seaspark is your leader, right? Is he your husband?" Esme asks.

"My father. How do you know about us? We're so low on the totem pole that not many know of our existence."

"I've met Percy on my infrequent meetings at the ruling council," Esme tells her.

"Who are you?" PA asks her.

"High Priestess Esme Wood, Phoenix coven."

"Oh. Again, why am I, a pixie, here?"

"You, in addition to everyone else has been nominated to help launch a school for all supernatural. Maie believes you will be a great representative for the Fates. As Lars is for the witches, Minerva the werewolves, Luka werecats, and Freddy vampires."

"And whose bright idea was it to nominate me?" Freddy asks.

"Rafe."

"Why that sneaky, conniving, controlling..."

"Watch it that's my mate you're talking about."

"He thinks this 'job' will stop me, doesn't he, Esme?"

"We can only hope. Though I believe you might be valuable to this team," Esme tells her.

"Just for your information, Esme nominated you, Lars. Alpha Salim you Luka and I nominated you, Minerva."

"You did? Why? I mean, why?"

"Because one thing I know of your character is your work ethic. You are not a slacker. Besides, you have said you want to change, and this is an opportunity to do that. We want you to be the head administrator."

"That's all good and dandy but I am not a teacher, Esme. You know that! What am I doing working in a school?" Lars asks.

"You will not be teaching. For this school to work and be fair to all we need representatives of the races as co-administrators. Silent ones to be exact but willing to work together to run the school. The school itself will be daily run by Minerva Yorke if she's agreeable?" Esme turns to Minerva.

"Is that okay with you Cal?" Minerva asks.

"It's his idea," Esme tells her.

"Then I accept," she replies in a teary voice.

"One thing we all know is that we will not be daily attendees so to speak. That's one good thing from my point of view. Now tell us more about this school," Luka says.

"Well, the school will be in Nebraska. We have a name for the school, 'P.E.A.R.L'."

"PEARL?" Minerva asks.

"Promote. Equality. Accessibility. Relationship. Leadership. for all. The point is this: we are on a mission. We are building a school for all supernatural. A place for them to learn about each other, live with each other and most importantly put to rest all their preconceived notions about each other. Who says an Alpha has the right to abuse an Omega simply because his status says he can? Who says a High Lord or Lady can abuse his soldier or a High Priest or Priestess can maim or kill just for more powers?" Esme rants.

"Preach on, sister," I yell.

"Cal!"

"Sorry."

"What we're saying is that the old ways were not and are not working. We all know that. Let's try something new. And if it doesn't work, we'll all go back to the drawing board and start over. We need your help. As much as we want a place for all, we need you to also teach us things we or Minerva may not know about your race. Things that will make the school home for everyone."

"An Alpha in training will have to obey the rules just like anyone else?" Minerva asks.

"Yes, he or she will. Again, in this school, they are simply weres. The titles will be left outside the school. The school is a haven. Everyone matters. Everyone counts. Everyone will have a voice."

I repeat looking everyone at the table in the eye.

"This idea sounds too naïve to me. Which High Lord will willingly rub elbows with soldiers or hybrids?" Freddy asks.

"Naïve, no. Difficult, heck yeah! That's why you all were chosen. We hope that you are on the same page as us and willing to help us build this school. Let me ask you all a question. Are you okay with the divisions, abuse, neglect in your packs, clans, covens, and gatherings? If you okay with the status quo, then you are free to leave. No one will be forced to participate. You were all nominated but Esme and I will not coerce anyone."

I finish and lean back in my chair for discerning views. Will Esme and I continue to explain what we're doing to people? Looks like it. I sit up and start to eat my lunch, giving our guests some time to maul over all the information we just laid at their feet.

A few minutes later after everyone is halfway through their lunch, Luka asks the question that must have been on everyone's mind.

"The Ruling Council? Do they know?"

"Yes, they know. We met with them in persons to solicit their permission and we got it."

"Solicit? That's not how I'll put it," Esme mind links me.

"Shush! The less they know about that the better."

"Just so we're clear, every race regardless of title and status can attend this school?" PA asks.

"Yes."

"Even 'mixrels' like me," asks Luka.

"Another thing we plan to strongly discourage is using disparaging names for anyone. To answer your question, every werecat is welcomed."

"When do I start?" Lars ask. Esme gives him a hug.

"Cole won't like that hug, bitchy witch."

"Shut up, fur coat."

"Thank you, Lars. Welcome aboard. Anyone else?"

"Again, I'm in," Minerva says.

"I'm in, as long as I can keep my day job," Luka says.

"I'm in, or my uncle will sauté my ass," Freddy sighs.

"I'm in," PA rounds up the group acceptance.

"Wonderful. Before we tell you more about the plans and the next time we plan to meet, why don't we get to know each other? We will be working together so tell us a little bit about yourselves."

I know Luka works construction for Alpha Salim and is a 'tigard'. I didn't know he is a certified teacher but prefers working outside hence the construction deal. And Lars is a paralegal?

"Lars is a paralegal? You never told me."

"You didn't ask," Esme replies.

Minerva tells them what we already know, she's a former gamma, currently working at the Pack school. PA tells us she owns a hair salon close to Mama Bella restaurant. Everyone learned a thing or two about each other. It was a good first meeting and I am pleased.

"Minerva, I already spoke to Darric and he's aware that we hope to 'steal' you away from him. He says that will be your decision. I'm glad you agreed. There's a lot to do administration-wise to get this academy up and ready to go in about a year. Lars, will you refer us to an Education lawyer to assist us with all the necessary paperwork?"

"Information on things like choosing a school structure, profit or nonprofit, creating a Business Plan and hiring and training staff. A lot to do. What about funding for the school? This will run in the millions, won't it?" Minerva asks.

"We have some funding from generous contributors, no worries."

"And here are two of our generous donors right now," Esme says as my mates walk into the room.

"Hi guys, Cal are you ready? Family dinner night, remember?" Darric walks over and kisses me.

"Almost done, give us a few minutes? Hi Rafe."

"Cal, do you mind?" Rafe takes my unfinished lunch and perches himself on the windowsill to eat. "Missed lunch. Hello everyone, PA? I see Maie made a good recommendation."

"Good afternoon Lord Klyne," PA replies.

"You two know each other?" I ask.

"Lord Klyne was my one and only investor when I started my business ten years ago and he has been very supportive ever since."

I learn new things about Rafe every day. The man never ceases to amaze me.

"Unh unh. Anyway, Minerva please stay on top of Lars for his contact and we can get to work."

"Minerva, you're on board? Cal stop poaching my people, please?" Daric tells me jokingly.

"And a big thank you for allowing her to head this school."

My other mate, very giving as I am learning every day. He walks over to Rafe and sits beside him on the windowsill. Rafe offers him a bite and he turns it down. Darric turn down food? Something is wrong. I take another look at him and I notice his frown. I refuse to read my mates' minds unless asked to or in dire circumstances. I'm just going to wait and find out what has my mate out of sorts.

"I want to thank you all and Esme, Minerva and I will reach out to you with updates."

"Great, see you all later. I need to get my ass back to Nebraska to continue building the school," Luka says as he leaves.

PA simply bows to Rafe and nods to the rest of us and leaves. I like that woman.

"Lars, may I walk out with you? We will need to exchange contact information." Minerva says.

"Sure, no problem. Esme, see you later?"

"Of course. Well, I'm out. I need a vacation." And she disappears.

"See you at the family dinner, Freddy?"

"No can do. I have a date...with my mate."

"MATE?" Rafe yells.

"Who's your mate? Freddy?" I ask excitedly.

"And I thought you were the smart one, Cal. All my visits to Crimson River Pack was not for the ambiance, you know. See you later."

"Freddy, Freddy, wait..." Teleporting vampires can be aggravating.

"Darric what's wrong?" I walk over to him, hold his face in my hands, looking him square in the eyes.

"Maybe you can get him to tell you," Rafe says.

"Vagabond Keepers Pack informed me that my mother and brother died today."

"How?"

"They tried to escape. Once caught the punishment is death. They were beheaded."

"I'm sorry," Rafe says.

"So am I."

"I must tell my father and Katreena. How will Katreena take this? She's just getting back to her old self, guys."

"She'll be fine. We'll be there for her," I reassure him.

Personally, I don't feel an ounce of sadness at their passing, but I will not say that to my mate. They were his family. But beheading? Ouch! Vagabond Keepers don't play.

Beheading? Damn! These places for wayward the supernaturals don't play!

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