Taming the lion

Chapter 23

We arrived at Ethan's and made our way up the stairs to where his housekeeper was waiting to show us to the lounge. I had called Brax on the way, and he had agreed to stall Maree by telling her I had been called into town to assess our suitability for a delivery of a troop of colobus monkeys that had just been rescued from a poacher camp. This wasn't a total lie since I had gotten a phone call yesterday to do just that, and the monkeys would be arriving next week after they had spent some time in quarantine.

We were led into the lounge room, where sandwiches, coffee, and tea had been laid out between the massive leather couches on the mahogany coffee table. Taking a seat, I wasn't surprised to see Sylvia stayed right near me. She seemed extremely upset by Roberts presence. I knew they had a relationship, but I wasn't sure of the details, and I'd never thought to ask Ethan. Since Robert had appeared in human form, Sylvia had seemed more Tense and upset than she had at his lion form. I wish I understood the problem then maybe I would know what to do to help her, Then an idea came to me I hadn't tried this since the night we all had dinner at Ethan's, but if it worked, it could help Sylvia

<Sylvia> I concentrated and focused on pushing my thoughts in her direction.

Sylvia sat up straighter, looking shocked, then turning to me, I could see her suppress a giggle

< You don't have to frown and squint when you do it, Jacey think of me and then say what you wish to its quicker if you relax>

Leaning back in the comfortable and very deep lounge chairs, I let out a shaky breath and tried to relax. Heath sensing the tension in me, moved closer, placing his hand on my leg. This momentarily distracted me as I looked at him and smiled. It was so wonderful having him finally here, and I couldn't enjoy it thanks to the damn elders and their message.

<Now Jacey just think to me> 

Sylvia's voice interrupted the moment between Heath and me. Before I could tense up again or break eye contact with heath, I thought of Sylvia and then

< Can you hear me >?

< Yep, see it easy > came Sylvia's reply 

I could not help myself turning and grinning first at Sylvia and then at my mum. I had not realised the whole room had been watching the exchange. Robert seemed annoyed. The others appeared pleased.

< I don't know the deal between you and Robert, but you seem more upset by his human form. Why don't you shift and if you can't understand I can translate for you>

  I quickly continued the conversation with Sylvia making sure to keep my face blank this time so only we would know

< That's wow, Jacey thanks I will thank you>

Sylvia rose then and quickly exited the room just as Ethan was walking in.

"Robert, good to see you" Ethan's greeting to his brother was formal yet 

"Jacey Heath, everyone. "He sent a nod our way and then seated himself on the last spare chair in the room.

"So dear brother, don't leave these two love birds and the rest of us in suspense. Let's hear what the elders have decided, "Ethan declared.

"That's just...." Robert began to speak and then abruptly broke off as Sylvia re-entered the room in her lioness form and came to lounge at my feet.

"Robert," Ethan inquired, "Would you and Sylvia like a minute."

Robert, who had been staring at Sylvia for several seconds, glanced up at his brother and blushed.

" No, Thankyou Brother ", he continued. "As you know, the elders have been in discussion's for some weeks now about your arrival Jacey; I take it by Sylvia's presence at your feet and the obvious way you are able to calm her that you have begun to fully accept and make use of your talents" He paused waiting for a reply.