4. A Life-changing Suggestion

After the much unexpected turn of events at the werewolf party, the princess decided to head home, and Ace and Aiden were only too pleased to agree. Jeff and Peter, being simply bodyguards, had no say in the matter.

Being in the same car as two mates who had been reunited after a week’s separation wasn’t Aiden’s idea of fun, but he couldn’t help it. The oracle did say: Follow Anastasia.

Ace pleaded with Anastasia to behave, and she did with obvious reluctance.

Aiden, on the other hand, tried to make small talk with the princess’ mate. When the vampire princess tried to kiss her mate and he stopped her for the second time that evening, one could almost feel her hurt and anger.

“You just awakened,” the raven-haired vampire explained softly, “it just doesn’t seem right.”

“Listen to your mate,” Aiden chimed in, almost as if he couldn’t help himself. “I don’t think your dad would appreciate it very much if you two… you know.”

That seemed to snap the princess’ attention back to something else. In place of love and desire, came anger and ire.

Oh, the tantrum she threw at her father when they reached the house!

If it had been Aiden acting out like this with his parents, he was sure the alpha ultra that was his father would teach him a good lesson about where he stood.

As it was, Blake the Troublemaker merely observed his daughter’s behavior with an amused expression, up until the point where she disrespected her mother, his mate, and clouds started to gather threateningly in the sky. That was when he decided to stop her, using his persuasion ability.

“Anastasia,” her dad started in a detached tone, “Calm down.”

When she did, the renowned troublemaker couldn’t help but ask flippantly, “Better now?”

His daughter’s only reply was a growl.

“Well, at least we now know your special ability,” he added softly and Anastasia stared at him skeptically. “You can control the weather.” He clarified, addressing no one in particular.

After that, he merely suggested that she went to take a shower, to cool down a little bit.

While Anastasia went upstairs, to heed her father’s advice, Blake the Troublemaker, his mate, Ace and Aiden went to the living room, to “discuss a few things,” the former said.

It was agreed upon that the princess would go to the vampire academy and that Ace would enroll as well. As for Aiden, Blake said he would figure out how to make him attend for who knew where his mate might be? She may very well be in England, where Fate was taking Anastasia next. And the oracle did say to Follow Anastasia.

The shower seemed to work greatly on the young vampire princess for when she emerged, she was all smiles.

After an awkward moment in the living room, with Aiden freaking out over Ace’s pet which was a panther that went by the name of Zina, and his discovering that the princess’ mate was able to talk to animals, Aiden decided to call it a night and head upstairs to start packing.

** ** ** **

Two days later, everyone had already packed their things, and they were excited to head off to London for a new adventure.

I think I’ll miss America, and Jacksonville, Aiden thought, as he sat in the kitchen where everyone had their breakfast on a daily basis.

He greeted the princess upon her entering the kitchen while stifling a yawn.

Why again had he thought it would be a good idea to play a game with a renowned gamer and serial hacker - the hacker being Ace ? It was impossible to explain.

While eating her breakfast, Anastasia suggested that they all head out. “Since we’re all ready, why don’t we go out today?” she said while looking at everyone.

“Yeah, you guys have fun,” Maria, her mom immediately agreed. “You’re only this young once.”

“All of us, I mean,” the princess added with a pleading tone.

“You want me and your dad to tag along?” her mom asked, sounding bewildered.

“Yeah,” was Anastasia’s shy reply.

“Sure, if you’re okay with that.”

And that –a simple suggestion out of a capricious little vampire princess– was how his life was to change irrevocably… for on that small trip to the neighboring town, he found his mate.

Her name was Karen, and she worked at the diner they had decided to stop at.

Follow Anastasia, The Oracle had said, he mused. I never thought I’d find her so quickly.