Faline

I get all the booze put in the freezer while everyone else is busy at the coffee pots; the others getting made up by those who watched how I'd done it. Kerry and Joey get called to join me within the icebox once all boxes are stacked in the back. Walking back to them, I point them out.

"Those are the alcohols that Vampires should be able to drink at. I don't know how many submissives had been alcoholics before coming, so all need to be kept away from these. Kitchen crew should be the only ones coming in here, but once word gets out to the undead, I can see them getting pushy."

I glance back at the door before continuing.

"If they demand one, give it to them. If they barge in here to get it themselves - let them. It's not worth getting hurt over. If any submissives are caught sneaking in, let me know immediately. This is meant as a treat for those who have nothing else but I don't want it harming anyone. Depending on how things go will determine if we order any more. Alright?"

They both nod, and I tell them to be sure to let the others of the crew know as well. Motioning them out, I wait a few more moments before going out myself, grabbing several of the larger frozen birds. Damn things can be used as weapons just by themselves; being as hard as freakin' rocks.

They need to be taken out now to be thawed for tomorrow. Pretty sure many here have something to be thankful for, so traditional turkeys it is. As my aunt once said, 'It's time for some turdey'.

I smile at the memory. She'd been attempting to say one thing but ended up combining two words into one whole new one. Believe it was a combo of 'turkey' and 'ready', but not sure. Not a hundred percent sure she even knew, she's a bit loopy that way.

Memory, happy as it is, also sparks pain. Family gatherings. How is that even going to work now? Can it? Couldn't during the day, that's for sure. Can just imagine the panic at my bursting into flame because a cousin opened a curtain. Granted that's a bit dramatic, but not far from the truth. Shaking my head to be rid of anything family-related, I retrieve a few more turkeys.

Whoever does the shopping sure doesn't skimp, these aren't small birds, each being at least thirty pounds. May sound impressive, till you think about the fact that they get pumped full of water before getting frozen to make them heavier on purpose. Hence why I requested so many. Doubt it was Apex, I just can't see him 'shopping'. The thought alone just seems wrong somehow.

Just in case I'm not available to help, I write up the plans for tomorrow night. Going to need at least that amount of time for the birds to unfreeze, and they'll still have to be put in warm water to help them along. If I'd seen how big they were earlier, they'd already been out. Oh well. Doubt anyone here's going to care that it 'isn't on time'.

The courses get written up as well as how to prepare certain dishes. I call over both Trisha and Tasha to get their input and what they'd like to see being served. They'll be among the ones eating it after all. The older woman blinks, trying to remember just what she'd have on this holiday.

Pretty sad that she has to think so far back, but she does come up with a couple of dishes that she would like. Tasha as well looks almost excited, so I look at her closely when asking if she likes to cook.

"Sorta. Mostly just enjoy eatin’ the food more than the makin’."

I laugh, a couple of the dishes she names are ones I've never heard of, so I leave it to her to write it down. While she talks to Kerry about them, I move over to Leidolf and look for Thessily.

My body stiffens as I see Max watching her as she crouches in a corner. I'd forgotten all about her, and in doing so put her in even more danger.

"Thessily! Come here."

Sharp note in my voice has several looking at me. They get ignored as she bolts for me and away from the Vamp. When he moves to lunge for her, I step forward with a growl.

Ignoring me, he stalks her as she darts behind me, claws growing from my fingertips gets his attention though. Dark eyes flick upward to mine in annoyance. Metallic gold eyes flash at him in warning as I glare at him.

"Back off. She's not on the menu."

An eyebrow raises as he smirks.

"They're all on the menu, which is something you don't understand it seems."

"Oh I understand perfectly, and that they may be, but you seem to have forgotten to pay for what you want. Are you that cheap?"

His anger sparks as he steps closer.

"Back off Max, or we'll both be shedding blood right here. You that anxious to have your face ripped up again? I'm happy to oblige, but I really don't want your foul blood in my kitchen."

Soon as that comes out, I know I've made a mistake. I stick to it though, even after seeing the flicker in his eyes. I've just created a problem, and it's Lady who will be taking it from my hide.

This is hers, all of this, yet I called something out as mine. Claiming people is one thing, but claiming another’s home as your own can create all sorts of problems. Bid for dominance or leadership being a couple of them.

"Oh, your kitchen, huh? Are you challenging? Has the Mistress lost control of her own pet?"

My body stiffens, then jerks as another voice is heard from the doorway.

"I've lost control of nothing, Max. A claim to a room I have no part of is hardly a challenge. Unless it is you who is challenging my pet for it."

Those in that doorway had scattered as soon as she spoke up, so she's in clear view of everyone. I keep both her and Max in my view. A flash of panic crosses his face before he turns and pumps up his charm.

"Of course not Mistress. Just like you, I have nothing to do with this room."

She cocks her head as she watches him squirm, strange eyes intent and unblinking.

"Would seem you do, since you keep coming here to cause trouble. If you wish to fight the girl, do it away from my slaves, I do not want them marked."

My jaw clenches hard. It was this kind of talk from her that had me attacking her before. Granted I was 'under the influence', but still. My anger mixing with my sister’s is not a good mix.

"Forgive me, My Lady, but I'm not here for her. Was just looking at what was available."

I snort and cross my arms, glaring at him. Lady as well looks at him condescendingly. She's seen his attitude against me before, in her office of all places.

"If you want to know what is available, then go to the parlor and request something specific. You know the rules."

He dips his head, smirking back at me before his eyes fall on the small cat behind me.

"She's not available, to you or any other, but especially you."

My comment has anger sparking in his eyes, turning back to the Lady of the house.

"Does she keep all your slaves from their duties?"

The Mistress still hasn't blinked, her expression a cross between boredom and looking at him as if he were an idiot. Have to say, I agree. Wholeheartedly.

"The cat is useless, barely more than a pet on a leash. As for my slave's duties, would you like to become one and see just what they are? I've been looking for someone to break for a while now, you may do nicely."

His freaky hair moves as he shakes his head, bowing to her before sliding away and leaving the room altogether. Everyone goes back to what they were previously doing, albeit a lot quieter. When her eyes slide to me, I know I'm in for it.

Sighing, I turn and touch Thessily's head, telling her and Leidolf to stay here. He doesn't look happy but sits back down. Standing upright once more, I head over to the Mistress who's looking at me with annoyance.

When I reach her, she turns and walks away, so I follow. We go to the room I had previously chosen to use since it's so close to the kitchen. Lady motions me in and closes the door behind her.