Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Derek was introduced to everyone,also June who was the second oldest and Jude,the oldest of Sean’s kids.Then everyone but the adults started the evening routine and Sean,Rider,and Derek were left in the living room.

“So….”Derek prompted.He didn’t feel threatened or uneasy,other than a little confused on why he’d been summoned here.

“I wanted to talk to you,because I’ve been in Italy too,and Nicolas grew up adjacent to the Council,”Rider said evenly.

This was certainly news to Derek.“Oh…?”

“Yes,see,you probably know Anna Estelle?”

Derek got it in one.“She’s his mother?”He chuckled.“It’s been a while since I saw Nicolas so I didn’t recognize him.He must’ve been ten when I last saw him.”

Rider grinned.“Yeah,well,she’s been our ear on the inside since I came to live here.”

“And that’s something that got us thinking,”Sean said thoughtfully.“She had no idea about you and Cal,of course.I guess you kept that part under wraps?”