"Okay, ready to go."
Colton swung her around and guided her onto the dance floor. Meryn realized that if she stopped thinking about where her feet was supposed to go and just kept up with Colton it was a lot easier. Pretty soon she was getting the hang of the turns and bows.
"May I have the next dance?" Darian bowed at the waist. Colton handed her off to the fae.
"You didn't have to dance with me." Meryn blushed furiously.
"The pleasure is all mine. In fact, the Alpha Unit has dibs on the dances with you tonight. The other units were very upset with us. We all wanted to dance with our Commander's lady." He winked at her.
The dance with Darian was no less graceful or fun than with Colton. By the third time around, she was getting thirsty.
"I believe it is my turn." A silvery voice interrupted. Darian bowed in favor of Gavriel.
"I believe I will pass on my turn to dance, let's find you something to drink." He guided her over to one of the festively decorated tables.
"Here you go Meryn, mineral water." Gavriel handed her a wine goblet.
"Thank you." With little thought or care on how it would be perceived she downed the whole glass. She smiled at Gavriel.
"Much better."
"I'm so glad I could help." Meryn looked around the room. She watched as small groups of people merged to become larger groups, or how two or three people would leave a group to talk amongst themselves. It was then that she remembered that tonight was also about wheeling and dealing. She stood on tiptoe and didn't see a thing.
"Gavriel do you see Adam anywhere?" Gavriel looked around.
"Yes, I believe, he is talking to the Public Works Commissioner and a group of city businessmen."
"He must be trying to drum up support for the clinic."
"More than likely." Gavriel agreed.
"Can you escort me over there? Maybe I can help." Gavriel offered his arm.
"You will be good, right?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" By this time they were already walking up to the small group.
"Hello, Adam." Adam's formidable frown disappeared when he saw Meryn.
"Hello, little sister. What do you think of your first ball?"
"I like the dancing." She said honestly. Her gaze fell to the other men.
"Meryn forgive me, let me introduce you." He turned to the group.
"Gentlemen, this is my new little sister, Meryn Evans. Meryn, this is Cecil Adams, our Public Works Commissioner, Peter Dawning and Jacob Lewiston. Peter and Jacob own two of Lycaonia's most successful import businesses." Adam completed the introductions.
Showtime. Meryn put on her most vapid expression and clapped her hands together enthusiastically.
"You gentleman must be talking about your support for Adam's clinic." Even Meryn thought her voice sounded young and innocent.
"Not exactly." Cecil said.
"Have you been to the clinic? I know that you as the Public Works Commissioner must be helping Adam raise the funds needed for upgrades. You look so important, no wonder Adam trusts you." She beamed up at him. A scarlet flush worked up the man's neck and ended up setting the tips of his ears ablaze.
"I have reviewed Adam's proposal. Very well written." He conceded. Meryn turned to the two businessmen.
"And how much have the two of you donated?" She asked practically bouncing on her feet. They regarded each other nervously. Peter took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow.
"We haven't really discussed it." Jacob informed her. Meryn covered her mouth with both of her hands and assumed a tragic expression.
"I haven't interrupted your numbers discussion have I?" She let real tears fill her eyes. All three men fell over each other to assure her that she hadn't.
"Thank goodness. Adam had to treat me at the clinic, and I can tell you firsthand that it does not represent the level of sophistication that I have seen elsewhere in the city. It desperately needs modernization."
"You were treated there?" Jacob asked stunned. Meryn swayed a little and felt Gavriel's hand on her back.
"It's okay Meryn you're safe now." He said. Meryn could have kissed him, he was playing along.
"I was brutally attacked by that monster that is out there stalking people. If it hadn't been for Adam, I don't know what would have happened to me." She turned her face into Gavriel's chest. He ran a hand over her hair.
"We never even considered that human mates might need to be treated there." Cecil ran a hand over his chin. Meryn turned to Jacob and Peter.
"You will donate, won't you?" She let her voice crack.
"Of course we will." Both men agreed almost immediately.
"I'll let Adam continue this discussion. Talking about my ordeal has left me shaken. Maybe another dance or two will help me forget." She looked up pleadingly at Gavriel.
"Of course, gentlemen, if you'll excuse us?" Gavriel led her away from the group of men, and towards a group of unit members. Without slowing down he grabbed Keelan by the arm and kept going until they were on the balcony.
"Keelan, a silencing spell." Gavriel choked the words out. Quickly Keelan cast the spell. The second he was done Gavriel threw his head back and laughed.
"What'd she do?" Keelan begged. Gavriel recounted the entire scene. By the end of it Keelan was slapping his leg and howling.