章 20: Calista is in the house

Author's note: This is from Seraphina's point of view

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Calista arrived in a timely manner, and she was eager to get a tour of the mansion.

Duke went to deal with some of his business online, kids were outside, and Sergio was in his villa since our talk about the oath, preparing for the ceremony, so it was only me and Calista.

While I showed her the mansion, Calista had questions about the oath, "Why do you need witnesses? And is there a need for an oath? They are your assistants. That's a job. Normally, people sign a contract and that's enough."

I only told her that it's an oath, but I didn't give her details. I was grateful that Calista came without much information, but I guessed that she was curious about the mansion.

"This is more serious than just a job. You are a Mezzanotte, and you should know that as our assistants, Zoe, Luca, and Ash will be exposed to certain things. In time, they will learn our secrets and we don't want to risk them betraying us."

Calista rolled her eyes dramatically. "Why do you sound like Aldi? He always suspects everyone. If you don't trust them, don't hire them."

"It's not that simple. I trust them, but the situation can change."

Calista frowned. "I knew it. Aldi managed to corrupt your pure soul and now you are doubting everyone. I love my brother, but I don't want you to turn into a solitary lab rat like him."

"I don't think he is exaggerating.", I said honestly. "Three months ago, I nearly lost Drago." And I lost Aldus also. "I don't want to risk anyone endangering my loved ones. Besides, it's not a big deal. There are many creatures who establish relationships based on oaths…"

Calista waved at me to stop talking. "Fine, fine. It's not like I'm not familiar with oaths. It's similar to how vampires create familiars, right? But let's not talk about it. It's your business and the kids are getting into that willingly so it's not mine to meddle. I see you are getting serious and killing my mood. Let's continue with the tour. You have an indoor pool, right?"

"No. But there is a lake nearby."

"Is it heated?", Calista asked sarcastically.

I burst into laughter. She was not looking just for a swim, but for swimming in comfort. That's Calista.

"I see your point, but no. There is no pool.", I said, and Calista frowned in disapproval.

Sometime later…

"This is massive!", Calista exclaimed. "I love the finishes, it has a majestic feel like royalty lives here. I can't believe that you don't have a pool. Did you design this? Why is it in the middle of nowhere?"

"Yes, it's massive.", I confirmed. "Actually, this is Drago's home, where he grew up, and we only fixed it up since no one lived here for more than a decade."

"Wow!", Calista exclaimed. "So, you found yourself a rich kid. Ah?"

I knew that the topic of Duke's past will come sooner or later, so I wanted to start breaking the ice. "Cali, Duke's father was a werewolf. An Alpha."

Calista paused. "I see. This was a packhouse. No wonder it's so big and surrounded by nothing but forest. You said that no one lived here for a decade, so I assume that's because of the war that happened. I guess that dead city on the way here was part of the pack."

I was impressed. She connected the clues quickly.

"Correct.", I confirmed, relieved that Calista didn't call Duke a dog or some other derogatory name she uses for werewolves. "We plan to revive the town. We will start with office space for Drago's company to open a branch, and we will have a hotel also. In that way, our home will not be in the middle of nowhere."

"He doesn't smell like a werewolf."

"His mother was human, and he took after her. Drago doesn't have a wolf. He is stronger and faster than a regular human, but he is human." Well, it was the truth.

"Hmm…", Calista hummed. "And what does Aldi say about this?"

I felt a pang in my chest. "He is supportive."

"Really?" Calista didn't believe me. "If he is supportive, how come he is not here?"

"He wants me to deal with this on my own, to show that I can be responsible. But I know that his people are watching me just in case if I can't handle it."

Calista regarded me suspiciously for a few long seconds before nodding faintly. "That's just like Aldi. Always testing everyone. For him, everything is an experiment."

I couldn't believe this. I dodged the bullet!

A massive wave of relief washed over me because I managed to convince Calista (for now) and hopefully she won't ask more about Aldus's whereabouts. Yes, I'm a coward, but she will skin me alive if she finds out that Aldus is in eternal sleep, and the longer I delay telling her the truth the more furious Calista will be when she finds out, but maybe, just maybe, I manage to wake him up before she finds out and then I will survive.

Fearing that she will talk about Aldus again, I quickly decided to change the topic. "Cali, what's the situation between you and Sergio?"

Calista cocked an eyebrow at me. "Drago's assistant? What makes you think there is any situation between us?"

Oh, Sergio… she just labeled him as 'Drago's assistant' and that can't be good.

I couldn't mention mates, because it was not mine to say, but there are other things I can do to see how Calista feels about Sergio (if she feels anything at all).

I shrugged. "He will be the one in charge of the oath ceremony." No reaction from Calista. "I know that you met in Paris. I was there. His first impression was horrible so there is no way you forgot."

"Yes. I remember him. What about it?", Calista asked nonchalantly.

"Sergio told me that he tried contacting you, but you never returned his calls."

This time, Calista shrugged. "I get many calls and texts. If I don't recognize the number, I don't respond. Why would he try to contact me?"

"I don't know. You can ask him."

Calista snorted. "You just said that he wants to contact me. Why would I ask him anything?"

I rolled my eyes. "Don't make it awkward. It's not like the guy wants to propose marriage."

I eagerly waited for Calista's reaction and her response was shocking.

"Well, if it's marriage, he can stand in line."

"You have suitors who want to marry you?"

"Mhm…", Calista hummed in confirmation and gestured toward herself. "Don't you see this hot stuff? I tell them to stand in line and one by one they can open the door and step through it and fall into the cliff of oblivion because a man who can tie me up was still not born."

I covered my mouth to suppress the sudden attack of giggles.

"What's funny?", Calista asked suspiciously.

When I refused to answer, she pinched my arm harshly.

"Aw!", I protested before admitting my thoughts, "You said that the man you will marry was still not born. Considering your age... I didn't know you like dealing with kids."

Calista's face darkened. "Is that a way to talk to your aunt? Where is respect?"

"I don't know if I can respect an aunt who wants to marry a child.", I swiftly moved a few steps away from her before saying teasingly, "Pedophile."

Calista narrowed her eyes at me. "You are lucky I like you, or you would feel my wrath. Now show me my room. I want to pick one that will be dedicated for me. This mansion is so huge; I'm sure you can spare one for me. I don't like sharing rooms and feeling other scents."

I didn't expect this, but I liked the idea of Calista having a room in my and Duke's home. Aldus should have his room as well. That will truly make them part of our family.

"There are rooms and suites on the second floor. Three are reserved for Ash, Luca, and Zoe, but the rest is yours to pick from. One room is ready for you now, but that doesn't need to be permanent. Not all of the rooms are set up, but you can see the size, location, and view, and it will be ready for the next time. If you want, you can give a request for color and décor…"

Calista followed me to the second floor, and I was thinking about how I can find out her opinion about Sergio. Is it really hopeless? I needed more information! But one thing stood out, Calista didn't call him a dog or make a disgusted expression, how she usually does when werewolves are mentioned. That should be a good thing. I think.

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