My Champion(75)

"There have been too many changes lately, Prince Magnus, and much too quickly," Ivan observed.

"I disagree. If given a choice, the city would never change. Look how quickly they adapted to the wolves and Wi-Fi," Magnus pointed out.

"You are changing our way of life." Ivan protested.

"Ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the interruption, but dinner is now being served," Sebastian said bowing and indicating the dining room.

They filed in and sat down. Kari was relieved to be seated between Declan and Law. Across the table, she kept an eye on Meryn. Magnus lifted his spoon for the soup entrée. "You keep saying our way of life, but never have we had arranged matings before."

DeLaFontaine shrugged. "They are consenting adults; it is their choice."

Magnus turned to Kari. "Is this true?"

Kari knew that Magnus was asking for the results even though they had discussed it earlier to make a point with DeLaFontaine. She nodded. "In all of the interviews, everyone we spoke to was willing, however, most did point out that in the event that they found their true mate, they would dissolve their arranged mating immediately. If more citizens find their mates among the wolves, having the trust fund will go a long way to help those that may need to break away from their arranged matings if they are feeling trapped." Kari deliberately mentioned the trust fund. Ivan's eyes tightened at the word.

Kari's attention turned to Meryn when she began to rub her temples. Tarragon stepped from the corner where he stood next to Tarak and placed a hand on her shoulder. He frowned then looked around the table to Law.

Law stood, walked around the table, and laid a hand on her back; he whispered something, and Meryn's face began to clear.

"I say, is the human okay?" DeLaFontaine asked.

Meryn nodded. "Yes, I've been getting really bad sinus headaches lately. Tarragon and Law have been helping," she explained fibbing her butt off.

"That is kind of them," DeLaFontaine stared at Meryn, and then his eyes took on a different light. "Let us get an outside perspective. Meryn, what do you think of our way of life and the way we do things here in Noctem Falls?"

Kari could tell that she wasn't the only one holding their breath for Meryn's response. Bethy looked green around the gills.

Meryn shrugged. "It's a bit old-fashioned, but I think it's part of the city's charm."

Ivan nodded graciously. "Go on."

"But it could be better," Meryn continued. "In Lycaonia, there are people of all four races, so it's almost like we get the best of the four cities. Maybe a little bit of diversity would go a long way in helping people with changes."

Ivan took a sip of soup. "That is very forward thinking of you."

Meryn played with her spoon. "I just like my creature comforts."

"Like your Wi-Fi?" he asked. She nodded. "But not all races are the same," Ivan protested. "For example, take humans, they have very little to offer," he said, a smarmy look on his face. He was clearly baiting Meryn.

To everyone's astonishment, Meryn nodded her agreement. "Before I found Lycaonia, I pretty much stayed to myself. I didn't get along with those around me. I found them to be manipulative, greedy liars. I've found more friends amongst paranormals in the last six months than any humans in my entire life."

Kari could see the calculating look in Ivan's eyes. He looked too pleased. "I am pleasantly surprised to find that you are a very intelligent and objective young woman. We may have gotten off on the wrong foot earlier, when we had our little 'episode'. But I do believe you are a very fitting mate to one in power, like our Unit Commander."

Meryn smiled. Her acquiescent behavior had everyone wondering if a bomb was ticking in the corner. Kari found herself concerned about Meryn's statements. Did she really hate humans? Under the table, Declan gave her hand a squeeze. He met her eyes, and he gave a slight shake of his head. Kari began to relax. Of course, he was right, Meryn was not like DeLaFontaine at all.

Between Kari and Bethy, they managed to keep the topics neutral, and slowly and painfully, the dinner came to an end. In the antechamber, as they were saying goodbyes, DeLaFontaine shook hands with Magnus, who winced, and then Aiden.

Aiden frowned looking down. "You may want to get your cufflinks checked." He rubbed his hand.

Ivan shook his head "I told my squire to get that looked at, my apologies. My efforts to entice Sebastian to my home have failed, I have to make do with who I have." He looked over at Meryn. "This is been a most productive dinner."

Aiden stepped closer to his mate. With a final wave DeLaFontaine left and Sebastian closed the door firmly behind him.