"Of course, sir. I'll take some men out there later today." Aiden gave a half bow. Meryn debated on asking her question, but she figured that she wouldn't find anything out if she kept her mouth shut. She'd take the chance of putting her foot in it for a chance to help.
"Um sirs, your excellencies?" Meryn hoped that she didn't sound as nervous as she felt.
"What is it child?" Elder Vi'Ailean asked, his voice soft and gentle.
"If you have any information about the missing couples I could try to track their last known movements and whereabouts using my laptop." Meryn stared at the tops of her scuffed up Converse.
"You can do that?" Elder Airgead sounded shocked. She lifted her head up and nodded.
"I can track their credit cards, purchases, parking tickets, just about anything electronic." She explained.
"All from your laptop?" Elder Airgead asked.
"Yup. Child's play."
"Are all humans so well versed with technology?" Byron asked sounding impressed.
"No, though most can do the basics. I'm just very, very good." She couldn't keep the trace of pride out of her voice. She felt Aiden's warm hand on her lower back. He was showing her that he had her back, literally. Feeling braver she continued.
"I can also compile both couples' information to look for anything that ties them together, to establish a pattern. If we can find the pattern, we can establish a motive and narrow down the search to find the perpetrators." Meryn clenched and unclenched her hands at her sides. Years of watching CSI were starting to pay off.
"Impressive. I had no idea my new, little daughter was so talented." Byron bragged.
"We don't interact with humans enough to keep up with their technology." The fae Elder admitted.
"I don't know why we even care what happens outside the city. The paranormals living outside of Lycaonia know the risks of trying to fit in with humans. If they really wanted to stay safe they would be behind the city walls." René said disdainfully. Beside her Meryn felt Aiden tense.
"With all due repeat Elder Evreux, there are more paranormals now than there were even one hundred years ago, despite our declining birth rate. With fewer and fewer pack and pride wars and established feeding centers for the vampires, older generations are living longer. It's extremely expensive for the average paranormal to live in one of our cities. It has become necessary for larger families to make their way in the human world." Aiden explained. From his slightly condescending tone, Meryn had a feeling it wasn't the first time Aiden had presented this argument.
"Paranormals do not belong amongst humans. They are nothing but insects." Elder Evreux sneered looking right at Meryn.
"René, you will take back those words about my daughter at once. Before I make you!" Byron stood to his full height as his eyes shifted to black. Meryn's eyes widened. She glanced over at Aiden to see what they should do to see that his eyes too had also shifted and his canines had extended past his lips. In response Elder Evreux stood hissing baring his fangs.
"Byron! René! Stop this at once." Elder Airgead moved between the two men, both of his hands glowing a faint blue color. Both men stood on either side of the witch breathing heavily and glaring at each other.
"I meant no insult to your daughter." Elder Evreux bit off each word. Byron gave a curt nod and sat back down.
"Holy shit balls! Papa bear is freaking awesome!" Meryn whispered. Five sets of eyes immediately went to her. She stepped behind Aiden. She heard guffaws and peeked out to see that the fae Elder was laughing and wiping tears.
"Meryn you are an absolute treasure. First Weeping Angels and now this." He took a deep breath and met her eyes.
"Finally! Someone who's intelligent!" Meryn exploded.
"I'm going to pretend you meant to exclude me." Aide's voice was flat.
"Sure. If that helps you sleep at night." Meryn bumped his hip with hers. He gazed down at her, affection in his eyes.
Meryn was no longer intimidated by these men. They may be all powerful and could shift into large predator animals and cast spells, but at the end of the day they were just men. Men she could handle.
"Aiden, please feel free to bring your mate over for tea one afternoon. I would love to see her reactions to Vivian's garden." Elder Vi'Ailean said standing. He then turned to Meryn.
"My mate is also human, so don't let some people's old fashioned prejudices get to you my dear." He then turned and walked past Elder Evreux.
"Be thankful I wasn't the one who took exception to your words René. It would have taken more than Rowan's spells to get me to back down." With a regal nod, he swept past René and left the room.
"I swear you guys will drive me to drink. I should be allowed to sedate you three for meetings." Elder Airgead sat back looking tired.
"Where's the fun in that Rowan?" Byron joked.
"With your permission? I owe my mate a tour of Lycaonia." Aiden bowed.
"Of course Commander. Meryn my dear, I hope that our display hasn't soured you towards the city and our people. I think you will find some of the city's sites to be amazing. Maybe you can blogger it on your laptop." Elder Airgead suggested. Meryn smiled.
"You mean blog. Maybe. Do you have the information on the missing couples?" She asked. Elder Airgead nodded and handed her a stack of papers. Meryn stepped forward and accepted them. She opened the flap to her backpack and shoved them inside.