Chapter 42: Beings may not be as They Appear

The office was quiet as the small group filed in and settled into business. “Fine. Now what’s so important that it’ll change everything? What do you believe is true?” Gregory put his morning coffee on the desk. He reviewed the faces in the room.

“As asked. I started looking for supernatural creatures that exhibit the empathic traits. The list isn’t long.

I found that there are patterns to the empathic traits. There’re records of Fae who could read and manipulate emotions. Or experiences and memories. But other than that. Nothing. Then I looked for records on twins and abilities. Gregory, Alpha. Chances are both have some skill. So, if the twins are together their abilities are whole and stronger. This happens. There’re records for it.”

“Wait. Fae? I don’t see any Fae features in them.”

“Well, the amount of Fae blood in them may be small. A distant ancestor’s all it takes. I’m sure if they were full blood Fae, they would be much stronger. Jaxon reads emotions and people’s intents through that. Hal, I suspect can influence emotions. He’s a natural mediator. Finding information and data to settle conflict and control a person’s viewpoint to further prevent that conflict. His computer skills developed to manipulate the situation and emotions of people involved follow suit. It’s how his power flows from him. We’re just lucky they aren’t liars and cheats. They would make perfect scam artists if they weren’t so honest.”

“But how does that benefit us? I’m sorry I’m not following you.”

“Fae magic doesn’t work on other Fae. Meaning if the blood is potent enough in them. Not only will they live longer. They have a chance of being immune to charms and magical attacks from Fae.”

Dead silence reigned for several minutes before Doctor Graves spoke up. “That’s why you wanted me here. If they agree. You want me to test them and find out if they display Fae DNA. I’m not sure I can.

We don’t have any records of their DNA.”

“Yes, well that’s coming. We’ve kept a few preserved specimens. I just hope that the preservation hasn’t destroyed the DNA.”

“That is the issue. Human preservation of living tissues in formaldehyde destroys the DNA. Things caught in amber have a chance of being viable. We’ll see when it gets here. Whether the men will consent. When the specimens get here. We’ll find out for sure whether they’re useable.” Doctor Graves stood near a darkened window watching the others as he explained the complications that may occur.

“Once you find out. We can ask their permission. But you didn’t wait to do that on my mate. Why can’t you use a sample you took earlier?”

“I didn’t take any extra blood. I took enough to make sure they’re healthy. We used all the samples.

There’s nothing left of them.” Various heads nodded. It made sense to them now.

“When will the samples get here?”

“We’ve a portal arranged for later this morning. I’ll have them take the samples directly to Doctor Graves. They can help with any research he may need if any questions crop up.”

“Good. That would change everything. But we need to confirm the DNA. Then find out if they’re in fact immune to the magic. I won’t let anyone go on a one-way mission. Do we have any information on their biological parentage?”

“Hal admitted that he’s been looking for years for his biological parents. But the names they gave him amounted to nothing. No one with that name during that time-period. He’s sent off his DNA to some companies that use it to build family trees. No luck there either. They always claimed that his DNA sample was not viable.”

“Well, if it has Fae DNA in it of course it would not appear within normal parameters of acceptable human DNA.”

“Fine verify that you can test. Then we’ll talk to them about all this. It’s unbelievable and I can’t see them putting themselves in danger. There’s no way of knowing until they’re attacked whether they are immune or not. I’m hesitant to bring any plan foreword that would have them as a lynchpin.” Gregory watched drank his coffee and watched the sky lighten outside. “I don’t care I want people patrolling the local area. People on the phones. Dealing with email, and all types of media. We’ll offer protection here for those that need the safety. Petrols of the dream realm. I don’t want these creatures just popping in on us. Get me something to work with before these creatures stumble upon unsuspecting humans.”

“We’re on it.”

“Then let’s get this day started. Mother, you take over communications. Have Yolanda organize the dream realm patrols. The humans can continue to help. Send Ian with the patrols. I’ll accept and read reports. I’ll update everyone as needed. Jeff continues with what you are doing. Dean we may need your people to move people out of the area for their safety. Mom see if you can get a few vampires loaned to us. Just in case we need to fix a few human’s memories. Doctor Graves you have a lot of prep work and verifying this theory. We’ve done this before. Let’s pull it off one more time.” The office cleared out with a lot of promises. Gregory directed the series of people he needed to see including Yolanda and the humans.

This will be a long day. He knew that because he’d already finished this cup. His mate’s scent proceeded her into the office along with coffee. She’d that knack. The woman didn’t drink coffee. So, he knew that it was for him and he could bless for it.

“Better already?”

“Good morning to you too. Yes, the medicine Doctor Graves gave me is beginning to work. I’m fine.

Now here’s a refill. Give me your mug and I’ll coordinate with Hilda and the general pack. Make sure everyone is onboard. Also, ready things for those coming in. We’ll get snacks and lunch in the main lobby. Conference rooms will be halved. With half for sleeping and the rest for team meetings. You get the reports together. Turn the ballroom into the communications room. We have this.”

“You shouldn’t be stressed like this. The pups…”

“Are strong and if I am helping, I’m not stressing over things I can’t change. I’ll see you at lunch. Love you.” She stretched up and dropped a kiss on his lips before nipping at his lower lip. He blinks and she was disappearing through the door she’s come through.

Shaking his head, he looked down at his desk. Gregory waited for his next meeting.

It didn’t take long for Yolanda, Jeff, and the humans entered. Yolanda brought her breakfast with you.

“Thank you for being so prompt. I need to switch your responsibilities up a bit. We need to increase our patrols in both realms. There’ll be an influx of people starting today. I need you to deal with it and needs change. Yolanda it’s your job to handle all patrols. I know Ian you can’t follow Yolanda into the Dream realm. But with your training. Your team. You can help with patrols in this realm. When the refugees start filing in, I’ll need help with recording who they are, where they will stay, their needs, and if they’re transported from here. Where were they transported, too? Be mindful please. When you record this.

We can’t let it fall into the Fae hands if they take over. You will oversee destroying those lists. Am I understood?” Nods all around. “Now are you willing to patrol?” A series of yes sir rang in the quiet office. “Ian make sure your paperwork gets updated with your superiors. I’ll get to the staffing changes this afternoon when I get a chance. I’m sorry but it won’t be overnight. But I will get it into motion. My mother will have some excuse and reasonable report for you to hand in. She’s an expert at lying like a rug for a living.”

“Thank you.”

“Alright and don’t forget I need reports. Electronic otherwise I will drown in paper in here again. I’ll need to know as soon as possible. Yolanda outfit them with proper gear and phones that will work in this area.”

“Will do.”

“Now one last thing. Jaxon, Hal. They have brought it to my attention that the experts believe you are not fully human. Doctor Graves and Dean are looking into identifying what supernatural race. An ancestor of yours came from. If Doctor Graves can set up a testing method. He maybe able to figure out where you fit within this world.”

“I thought Dean was shitting me with all that talk.”

“Afraid not. Ian’s the minority here it seems. Sorry.”

“No offense taken. So, I’ve been running with monsters all this time? Did I miss something?”

“No, I think fate can be cruel. However, since you’re mated to Yolanda now. Well, by our laws you are under our protection and for all legal documents you are a wolf shifter of the Black River Pack. I have thing to do. And so do you. Off with you.” They all stood to leave when Jaxon piped up.

“Sir what aren’t you telling us?”

Gregory looked up to the ceiling. “I will not spread rumors. Be careful around people that aren’t wolf shifters of this pack.”