It Flows in her Veins

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

She was dozing in the tub until she heard banging in her head. Eyes popped open as the door swung open.

Her aunt Nerida walked in; short, plump, and as irrespective of privacy as ever.

Ayreth lazily glared at her as she asked, "What's up?"

Nerida's stare was solemn as she crossed her arms.

"Something you want to tell me?"

She shook her head no. "Why?"

She straightened her frame as she prepared herself for what Nerida was about to say, making sure Saros's healing concoction healed her properly before she revealed the rest of her-the man might be a nerd, but he sure as hell was useful when it came to "lending" her the healing potion she dumped in the tub right before she threw her own ass into it.

"Master Tanzin of the Lupine guard is here with some heavy questions."

Ayreth's jaw dropped open in shock as she cursed her very rotten egged luck.

Nerida continued to stare at her and Ayreth just sighed as she prepared to get out of the tub, finally feeling the chill.

"Can't you just tell him to fuck off."

Nerida just shook her head and snapped, "Yeah, sure. I'll tell him you're not here so he could come back and bring those infernal wolves to confirm you were actually here at the time and then I'll have to deal with a fine. No. Whatever mess you made you better the hell fix right now."

Ayreth stomped past her and sighed in defeat.

"Tell that leach of a mofo I'll be there in a few minutes."

Nerida came up to her face as she whispered, "Listen to me young lady. That leach can not only hear us but can make our lives very difficult. So I suggest you remain respectful."

Ayreth nodded her head and then shook it with a smile as she noticed Nerida reflecting that movement after the words "the leach" were uttered. Despite Aunt Nerida's iron fist, there was a reason she was Ayreth's favorite aunt. She was both respectful and had a sense of humor. They both knew the second Master Tanzin left they would be laughing about him and the stick in his ass.

But the light heartedness soon turned to worry as Ayreth got ready to face The Master. There were many things he could talk to her about; trespassing night after night, bad behavior, or just fucking with him the night before. Ayreth promised herself that if she asked about the stranger, she would be honest. There was no point in digging herself into a deeper hole for a criminal hybrid. The very thought scared her. No, she would be forthcoming and honest because she couldn't have that secret hanging over her head any longer than it had to.

With her resolve making her stand tall and a deep breath that checked her nerves, she glided down the stairs into the main shop where the entrance was. Ayreth was glad no one saw her when she came in, but she so greatly wished she could have had a few more hours of sleep before she had to face everything. But, Master Tanzin was known for his abruptness and bullshit. More than once their paths crossed by pure "coincidence", the kind that got Ayreth in trouble more than she cared to admit. She was stealthy. But she was also not perfect.

"Do you want more tea, Master Tanzin?"

"No, thank you, Nerida."

Ayreth gagged at the use of her aunt's real name. Tanzin was an asshole and blatantly called a married woman by her first name, in her own home, while she made it clear where their relationship stood when she called him by his title. Ayreth took a breath and schooled her features. She knew how to play nice. Sometimes.