Girls' Night

“The rogue vampires have become a bigger problem than we expected.”

“What do you mean? We haven’t seen any lone vampires in the area in years.” Jack stated. He glared at the Council members.

The office was shrouded in darkness, except for the light beaming from a computer screen.  The video conference had multiple frames illuminated. Each one a member of the Council: Dragon, Vampire, Siren, Fairy, Werewolf, Witch, and Human. 

Jack glared at the dragon leader as he spoke. “These rogue vampires are heading towards your territory. It’s a small group,five or so. But they are unnecessarily killing humans in their path. The humans are noticing. It is your job to enforce our laws and to end this before they become a bigger problem. Now do it!” The dragon slammed his fist on his desk in anger.

“Calm down Nathaniel. He knows what to do. A few rogues are always around. Nothing to have an aneurysm over. On another note: Jack, how is your daughter doing? It’s been a few years since we’ve last checked in on her. Still training to be a Guardian? Has she decided on her course?”, asked Allen, the human counselor. His pudgy red face filled his frame on the screen.

“Claire is doing great. She is focused on her training and school work. But since she is human, I'm still not going to pressure her into anything. She will make her own decisions regarding her future. You are all more than welcome to try to sway her. It would be a spectacle to watch for sure. She’s even more stubborn than me.” A smirk crossed Jack’s face.

A few of the council leaders chuckled, except for the dragon and vampire leaders.

“Can we bring our attention back to the rogues?” Council Nathaniel asked. “I say we have Malachy stop in to see how you and your Guardians are prepared for them. What do you all say?” he asked the Council.

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

“By all means, we will welcome him with open arms. It’s been a long overdue visit.” Jack joked.

“Then it’s settled. Malachy will come to observe and try to gauge the decision of the human girl’s future. Meeting adjourned.” Allen stated.

One by one, the frames went black, and they left Jack alone in the dark room. 

I hate those meetings. Those assholes don’t know what they are doing.

Keeping the peace between the supernatural world and the human world was part of his job as a Guardian, but the Council did not know how things were handled outside their palaces and mansions; How hard it was to keep up appearances with the humans, how it is to watch friends pass, move from place to place, not having a “home”.

Claire gave Jack that sense of stability, of normalcy. He only hoped that he wouldn’t have to watch her perish. He wanted her to have a future, a family. Something that he didn’t have, at least until he adopted her. After begging the council and coming up with the idea that one day humans could knowingly co-exist peacefully along with other creatures, they decided to grant his request to adopt Claire. She was the glue to their “family”; she kept their humanity alive.

Jack wanted to keep Claire safe and close, but The Council had other plans for her. Time was ticking, and Jack was worried about his daughter’s future.

************************************************************************************************************

*beep *beep *beep

The smell of cinnamon and brown sugar wafted through the air. It was too intoxicating to Claire.  “Get into my mouth!” She took a huge bite of the cinnamon roll without waiting for it to cool. “ Fhafhafhafahfafa”.

“Jeez sis, can’t you wait for it to cool a bit?” Zach teased, holding out his hand.  Claire set a roll on a plate and handed it to him.

“Hell no.  You can’t let the icing go to waste. I’d rather burn my mouth and not be able to taste anything else all day if it means these bad boys are mine. You buttholes always take the good food. Shouldn’t you just stick to blood?” Claire joked.  She knew that the vampires could eat food even though it didn’t taste the greatest to them.  As she made her way to the kitchen table, Steph glided into the room.

“Ugh...You know if you keep eating those, they’re gonna go straight to your ass…” as she grabbed the last roll from Claire’s plate and plopped in a chair. “ Mhmm…..soooooo goooood. By the way, Claire, thanks for the clothes.”  Claire knew she would look amazing in the outfit for her date.  

Her phone buzzed with a text message.

Quinn: “What is going on tonight? It’s boring as hell here.”  Quinn always had a way with words. 

Claire: “Come over for pizza and movies?"

Quinn: “Deal! Be over after 5, bitch.”

Claire only shook her head. How could her best friend be so vulgar? 

That’s why you love her.  She balances you out.

The siblings all sat around the table teasing each other while eating their breakfasts.  Laughter was abundant and deafening as Jack entered the room.  

“What’s all the hub-bub about?” he asked.

“Just shooting the shit. Steph is going on a date tonight, Claire is staying in, and I’m undecided on my plans.  How about you?  Any lucky ladies out there to enjoy your company tonight Pops?” Zach wiggled his eyebrows at his father.

“If Claire is staying in, then I’ll be home with one of my favorite girls,” he replied with a wink towards Claire.

“Jeez dad.  That’s just depressing. Quinn is coming over for a movie night...soooooo, two of your favorite girls,” Claire joked.  She knew her father didn’t really care too much for Quinn’s loud and foul mouth, but she was the only human friend Claire had since elementary school, so he tolerated her for Claire’s sake. After all, it kept their humanity in check. 

“I’m gonna need a few beers then,” Jack chuckled.  “She’ll need to leave first thing in the morning because we will be having another guest join us for a few days.”

“Who is that?” Zach inquired.

“Malachy.  The Council is sending him to do a routine check on us along with the other Guardian families.  Apparently there’s a group of rogues heading this way that we will need to take care of.  So Zach, cancel your plans for tonight. Steph you too.”

“Ugh NOOOOO!!!  I can’t cancel on Brad!” Steph interjected.

“Well you spent last night with him and the Lockwoods are coming with us, so you’ll still be on a date. Just with a little more blood. So load up and be ready in 30.” Steph stormed out of the room.

“Claire, you’re in charge of the house.  Keep her safe while we’re gone,” he commanded.  “”Shouldn’t be more than a few hours. But Marian is going to be over later to check in with you.” 

This wasn’t the first time that Claire was left behind while her family went off to fight.  She knew that one day she’d be able to go with them, but for now since she was still a young human, she needed to “protect the house.” 

“That’s ok.  Just promise one day, you’ll eventually take me with you?  I can’t be worth a damn in a fight if I only spar with my siblings.” she retaliated.  She pulled her chair in front of Jack, stood on it, hands on her hips, trying to be intimidating at eye level with him.  “I need an actual challenge, Pops.” Her green eyes were piercing as she looked at him.

“I promise. One day, you’ll be in an actual fight.  Lord help us.” Jack replied while closing his eyes. “Until then...You will focus on training, school, and being a teenager.  Got it?”

“Got it.”  Claire hopped down from her chair, scooted it back to the table, and plopped back down to finish her breakfast.  She stuffed the last of her cinnamon roll into her mouth, chugged her orange juice, and kissed her brother and dad on their cheeks.  “I’ll go check on Steph.”

She raced down the dimly lit hall towards Steph’s room.  When she got to the dark wood door, she rapt softly, “hey chickie, can I pop in?”

The door slowly opened so Claire peeped in to see her sister sitting cross-legged on her window sill, staring outside, the rain pattering.  A lone tear was falling down her cheek. Stephanie hardly let her guard down except when she was with Claire.  Walking up behind her, Claire wrapped her arms around Steph to hug her from behind, resting her chin on the top of Steph’s head. 

“You do know that the sooner you kick ass, the sooner you and Brad will get to go on your ‘date’. And Pops will be too tired and preoccupied with Quinn and me being in the house to notice if you’re gone longer than normal…..”

This brought a smile to Stephanie’s lips. She turned her head to look at her younger sister. “You know, you’re conniving when you wanna be. It’s always the quiet ones you gotta watch out for.”  

Claire giggled, “I’m not THAT quiet….the rest of y’all are just too damn loud.”

“Yes we are. You balance us out...for now.” Steph replied with a sweet smile.  “Until then, just keep being the sweet little sister and let me handle the drama, k?” She grabbed her little sister and pulled her into a big hug.  

“What if I don’t want to be the sweet little sister?” Claire asked. “What if I want to be something different, the one that boys notice?”

Steph’s eyebrow raised questioningly.  “One day, within the next few years, you’re going to meet a man, not a boy, who will appreciate all of you. Not just the beauty that you are, but the amazing, most stubborn little shit I know. Just give it time.  And if not, I’ll beat the shit out of him. Don’t worry about the future. Yours is bright, even if you don’t know it yet. Now get out.  I have to prepare to kick some rogue ass.” She swatted Claire on her ass as she turned back to look out the window. 

Claire walked to the doorway, stopped to look back at Steph, “I love you too, sis. Be safe out there.” She softly closed the door and headed to her room. Her book nook, favorite chunky knit blanket, and a good book were calling her name.

Claire stepped into her room and just took a deep breath. The light gray walls with the white furniture helped open up the small space and the two floor-to-ceiling windows helped bring in the natural light from outside. She loved the clean and crisp feel of her room, it was relaxing. Her “book nook” was just a spot in front of the windows and a massive gray bean bag chair. She grabbed her latest book obsession, her white chunky knit blanket, and plopped into her spot.

*buzz *buzz *buzz

She pulled her phone from her pocket.

Quinn: “HEY BITCH!! OMW!”

Claire: “Yeah yeah. Calm your tits.”.

A slight knock on her door made Claire look up.

Jack poked his head into the doorway. “Hey kiddo.  We’re gonna head out.  Keep your phone on you and Marian will be downstairs.”

It was no secret that Marian and Jack had a “thing” going on between them.  But Jack was too afraid of a commitment to anyone, let alone with a werewolf.  “We will be back pretty late, so I have no clue.  Don’t look at me like that!” Claire wiggled her eyebrows at her father, if he had the ability, she could’ve sworn he was starting to blush.

She liked Marian,and since the Lockwoods were also fellow Guardians and Enforcers, there was this understanding that they could depend on each other and be there when needed.  The Mythical community wasn’t too large in their territory, so having allies was necessary.  The “vampire vs werewolf” feud was stupid in Claire’s opinion since she never experienced or witnessed any of it.

*ding *dong *ding

“That’ll be Marian.  Don’t get too crazy with her and Quinn, k? Love ya.”

“DUH….Marian will reel us in.  Love ya too, Pops. Be safe and kick ass.” With a heavy sigh, Claire watched her father leave her room to let Marian in the house.

Claire knew she’d be up in a bit, but all she really wanted to do was relax and read her book.  She heard Marian walk up and smiled when she saw the wolf.  “I'll just be downstairs in the living room.  Holler if you need anything.”  Marian was the best. She kept to herself and knew Claire wanted peace while reading.

The rain was starting to come down harder.  This kind of weather made reading easier and more relaxing. She snuggled in and sighed in contentment. 

*********************************************************************************************************

Enraptured by her book, Claire barely registered the vibrations of her phone.

Quinn: “Little pig little pig. Let my ass in!!”

Claire: “Not by the hairs on my chinny chin chin”

Quinn:”Come on!!  It’s still raining”

 Claire chuckled to herself. She slowly got up, stretched her arms above her head and headed downstairs.  Marian had already beaten her to the door and let Quinn in.

“Thanks Marian!  At least SOMEONE here knows how to open a door!” Quinn teased. “I even brought snacks!”

“That’s just being a good guest.” Marian said jokingly.    The three of them headed towards the kitchen to start digging into the snacks.  Cooler Ranch Doritos, Chex Mix and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were dumped onto the kitchen island.

“Goddess I love you!” Claire fluttered her eyelashes at Quinn.

“I know.  I also brought a movie we can all enjoy: Magic Mike.  Marian, you down to hang with us tonight?” Quinn asked.

“Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey?  Hell yeah!  Count me in!!” Marian exclaimed.

They all giggled and grabbed some sodas and headed out to the living room. Claire put the dvd in and turned the lights off.  They each grabbed a soda, a handful of snacks and settled in for a fun-filled night.

“They definitely don’t make them like that around here.  What I wouldn’t do to have a guy like that.” Quinn declared with an exaggerated sigh while fanning herself.

Pointing at the TV, Claire asked, "And what exactly would you do with a guy like THAT?” 

“Anything I freaking wanted!!”

The girls were cackling and having a great time. Hanging out like this made Claire feel like a normal teenager.  No training, no fighting, just relaxing with her best friend and gossiping about boys, school, and whatever else they could come up with. Only one thing would make it better…she thought.

“You girls wanna order a pizza? My treat?” Marian already had her phone out, ordering online.

“I didn’t think I could love you anymore, but you proved me wrong. I am DYING for some cheesy deliciousness.” Claire was all but drooling at the thought of pizza.

Marian’s phone started to ring, as she looked at it, concern crossed her face. “Sorry gals, I gotta take this.” She hopped up and headed towards the hallway. 

That’s not a good sign.  Please let everyone be ok.

“Does that mean no pizza? Where is everyone else by the way?  I’d kill to take a look at Zach if he’s here.” Quinn wiggled her eyebrows.

“Gross. Don’t talk like that.” Claire acted like she was about to vomit. “He’s out and about with Pops and Steph.  Bonding time I think. I didn’t really feel like going out.” Claire lied.  She hates having to hide her family’s life from her best friend.  But Quinn can’t know about the Mythicals. 

She wasn’t sure why, but she knew the repercussions would be catastrophic. The Council would most likely kill Quinn. Maybe even have the Taylors be the ones to do it.  And that would be the absolute worst thing Claire could think of happening to her best friend and her family.  Quinn was her “sister” and she loved her.

“Can we just get back to the movie?” she pointed towards the TV.  She needed the conversation to keep away the uneasiness in her chest.

“Yeah. Pass the candy.  Your brother is gonna be mine one day though.”Quinn teased.

Marian walked back into the room, “I hate to do this girlies, but Quinn, I’ll have to run you home. Something has come up and Jack wants to speak to Claire alone.” She turned to Claire, “go ahead and start to clean up and they will be back shortly.”

Rolling her eyes, Quinn turned away from the tv to Claire.“Great.  Your family is a bit of a buzzkill, you know that?”

“Yeah, but you know how Pops is.  If it’s something serious, we gotta have a talk about it.  Text me when you get home and I’ll talk to you later.”

The girls hugged goodbye then Quinn ran out to Marian’s silver sports car.  “I’ll get her home and I’ll be back right away. They are already on their way back and apparently have a guest. So try to clean up a bit?” Marian quickly kissed Claire on her forehead and walked out the door.

So much for a relaxing night.

She gathered all of the snacks, empty soda cans, and made her way to the kitchen. She threw out the trash and put the sodas in the fridge.  She grabbed three bags of blood from the crisper pan and set them on the counter. 

They’ll probably be thirsty when they get back.  Is the “guest” also a vampire? Better set another one out just in case.

Making her way back to the living room, she gathered her extra blankets and pillows, and placed them on the couch.

She started to turn the TV off when in stormed Steph.  

“Fuck this noise!! Fuck you, fuck them all!!” She ran up the stairs towards the bedrooms.

“Calm down Steph.  It’s not like we can really do anything against them. Quit being dramatic.” Zach stepped in and yelled.

They were covered in dirt, with only a few bruises, so Claire knew the rogues were handled.

“Where’s Pops?”

“Outside talking to Malachy. Sorry, your girls’ night was ruined. I’m sure you’ll make it up to Quinn. How...is she, by the way…?”

“Don’t.  Just don’t.” Claire warned. 

Zach held up his hands in surrender, “Ok. Ok. No need to get testy.”

The front door opened, and the air automatically thickened. Claire’s heart started racing. 

What in the hell is going on?  

Jack walked in, looking disheveled and tired. “Welcome to our home.  It’s long overdue. And here is Claire. Claire, I would like for you to meet Malachy Williams.”

Only one thought crossed her mind: Oh,sweet seven-pound baby Jesus.