The Stars Lie {Myrnin, Morganville Vampires}

Pink Ponies

Chapter 44 –Claire's POV– Pink Ponies

Claire was stunned as she knelt next to her best friend and whispered assurances and comfort to her. Who would do this? She tried to make sense of it in her mind and couldn't.

She listened as Myrnin spoke to Amelie behind her, "Did you get a sufficient look at their faces?"

Amelie murmured, "Yes", before lapsing into to silent contemplation again.

Claire didn't understand. How could Amelie have seen them? Claire stood and gently stretched her stiff leg muscles after sitting for so long on the floor. She positioned herself in a chair next to Myrnin at the table. He took her hand and answered the unspoken question in her eyes as he explained quietly, "She accessed the transfer between Michael and me."

Claire was trying to keep her surprise under control. She had known Myrnin could read her emotions and he had power to compel. Her Myrnin had even spoken directly into her mind when they were lost in 1409. However, she had no idea his skills were at a level where he could freely trespass into someone's brain and 'see' images that even the person wasn't aware of. And if that were not enough, he could then 'float' those same images to others in the room.

Claire remembered that fateful day in 2015 – when her entire world was irrevocably changed. She sighed. It felt like an eternity ago, but she still recalled every detail with crystal clear clarity – the day he told her that he had lost yesterday. She remembered walking to the lab and considering his talents of mind control. She had suspected then that his true skill went beyond her understanding, but she never imagined this. Why hadn't he told her? Now, she would never know the answer....because he was gone to her forever. A wave of sorrow flowed through her.

Myrnin looked intently at her but she avoided his gaze. She knew he was feeling her emotions, and was most likely alarmed by the sudden spike of sadness in her.

Amelie spoke, "We will search for the men and the building. Can you determine how they breached the border security unnoticed?"

Myrnin nodded, "I will find the answer."

"Do you have any initial theories?"

"...there haven't been any obvious signs. There was an anomaly with gravity...but the equipment did not reveal anything out of the ordinary. It will take more research...but I will find the answer," Myrnin's tone was hard with determination.

"I have no doubts, old friend," Amelie spoke so quietly that Claire wasn't even sure if she spoke at all.

"What about Eve?" Michael asked; his voice threadbare with anxiety.

"Of course, she will have added protection. You both will." Amelie looked down at Eve, "You will have a driver and you are not to go anywhere unattended."

"What about work?" Eve whispered.

"Common Grounds will have added security under Oliver's direction."

Oliver's eyes flashed red as he spoke, "They will not be able to get anywhere near you again."

Amelie stood; a clear dismissal that the meeting was over.

Claire hugged Eve and Michael, before following Myrnin out to the car. She sat in contemplative silence on the ride home. Myrnin didn't interrupt her reverie until they walked through the door of the lab. He gently picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, setting her on her feet as he gently undid the buttons on her shirt.

Claire watched his eyes. There was no sexual intent, just loving concern and care. He knew what her mind and her body needed right then – rest. He finished undressing her and tucked her under the soft sheet, before pulling a light blanket over her. Claire could barely keep her eyes open; she was spent both physically and emotionally.