Gypsy Designs

I'm sorry for the delay. A house full of sick people has made writing and editing a chaotic experience to say the least.

Lucien stood in the darkness a skilled sentential able to mask his existence so well, even someone as talented as Caydn wasn't able to sense his presence. He'd restrained himself from acting as a voyeur. The sounds and breathing he'd heard while sitting casually on the top of the rock wall surrounding Caydn's property had painted a visual image for him of what was happening so viewing wasn't needed.

His heart tightened hearing the sharp gasp that had escaped Gypsy, knowing the purr that followed could've only been created by the pleasure of teeth sinking deep into soft yielding flesh. The erotic sensations that overwhelmed the senses, created that distinctive purr when someone gave themselves during such an exchange. He hoped Caydn knew what he was doing and more so that Gypsy understood what she'd offered and the consequences she'd experience in return.

Protector and guardian was his place in this intricately woven web. One he took seriously and bound his life to its completion and success. Having heard them go inside he stepped through the gate, removing all traces of the lovers tryst, covering the hot tub, gathering forgotten clothing. Hesitating he felt the chill of evil lurking somewhere in the tree line, launching himself to the top of the wall he looked out prepared to meet anything, Damone or the mere mortal Barton sent to harm Gypsy or Caydn either one.

Throwing his head back he released a silent roar, only heard by those of his kind and by those who dabbled in the evil arts. Those of his race would smile knowing a guardian was present. The evil ones would shutter in their skin, understanding he now stood in position ready to face them and remove them from this plane of life to another.

Giving the walled in area one last look Lucien found himself shaking his head. Unlike Caydn, Phillip and Christian he'd chosen his path in life as that of a solitary being. He had the ability to live and walk among each race that lived but he'd not adapted himself to their life styles in order to remain among them.

His time was spent high in the mountains of Romania when he was not doing what ever was possible to assure the safety of one of his own or someone connected to them. From time to time he would come down and join the local people or a gathering of those he'd known for centuries. For the most part he was a loner now. Being one of the elders allowed him this luxury. He thrived in his solitude.

Leaping into the air he planned his surveillance of the surrounding area before retiring to Christian's for the coming day. Chuckling to himself he wondered how the sleek sports car he knew Cadyn kept would respond to his touch. It had been some time since he'd used his friends' adapted mode of travel as opposed to his own.

***************************************

Gypsy sat back on the floor looking at the wild chaotic assortment of colors and textures surrounding her. Laughing she glanced at Sophie sitting in a chair frantically writing notes before tossing the paper and pen to the table beside her.

"Can you believe all this?" Gypsy said shaking her head. "I've got to figure out where to put it," she closed her eyes. "It would be so much easier using the shop, but hell I hadn't even had time to have the shelves built there to hold fabric bolts," she fell back on the floor staring at the ceiling.

Sophie glanced at her watch, "You were going to use that young man Vince gave you the number for weren't you?" she asked, smiling when Gypsy nodded yes. "Call him dear. Tell him there has been a change in plans. Have he and some of his crew come out today, and see what he says," she explained.

"Who ever heard of a guest house having three bedrooms anyway," Sophie rolled her eyes, standing up walking to each door. "Have one room for fabric, I'm sure once they moved the furniture out, this room would work wonderfully with the racks you need lining the walls." She smiled, going to the next room, "this one a changing room for your clients."

"Sophie what would Caydn say if I remodeled his guest house?" she asked sitting up. Watching her aunt with her paper and pen, making notes as she walked to each room, "I also have the shop I rented. And it comes with a years lease, leaning heavily on the option to purchase. What would I do with that space when I'm finally free to move around and not be locked behind the gates of the estate?" She made a face, giggling when Sophie frowned at her.

"You know this is for your protection Gypsy. It's not meant to make you a prisoner or anything of those sorts. Surely you understand it's easier to maintain and contain one safe area than it would be two, especially with them so far apart," she explained.

Gypsy stood up, walking over she squeezed Sophie's shoulder before walking to each door. Mentally visualizing what it would look like as she suggested. "I know, but I still can't help but feel that all this disruption is my fault," she sighed leaning against a door frame. "Do you really think Caydn wouldn't mind?" she smiled. "I can see this being where I'd do exclusive work. Maybe some time soon setting the shop up for everyday clothing, like a boutique of my own designs."

"As I said, call the young man now and see if he can come out immediately. Tell him the work's for Vince. I'm sure you'll get a quick response since he's done many repair jobs over the past few years here for us," Sophie laughed when Gypsy pulled her cell phone out and dialed.

"Well it'll be first thing in the morning before they can get here," Gypsy sighed. "But he said he'd bring three or four men with him and they'd be able to get started right then," she laughed. Stopping suddenly, noticing someone standing at the door of the guest house. Glancing at Sophie she nodded to the door, only to gasp when she looked back, the man was gone.

She felt a chill move down her arms, the hair on her neck stood up when Sophie looked back at her questioningly. "I thought I saw someone's all," she said, casually running her hand up and down her arms trying to rub the chill away. "Lets go back to the house, take these lists you've made and see if Vince can help us with some designs for the shelves." She grinned, looping her arm in her aunt's walking toward the main house, her eyes surveying the grounds and tree line around them.

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Gypsy grabbed the car keys, assuring Vince she'd only go to Christian and Megan's coming back immediately with Jaz and Phillip in tow. Caydn laughed at her expression before nodding for Lucien to follow him, glancing at Vince and Sophie he noted their concerned expressions.

Pulling up the drive of the massive estate she smiled when she saw the lights glowing in the darkness. She hadn't left Cadyn's since the last visit from Barton at the shop. Looking around slowly, she chuckled realizing she was acting as if Barton would jump out from behind each bush to confront her.

Jaz met her at the door, "Come in," she smiled. "I have to see if Phillip is off the phone, then we'll be ready to leave," she said starting up the stone staircase. "Micah and Sam went to grab some pizza of all things," she laughed, "they said they'd meet us all there."

"I think Christian and Megan are in the music room," Jaz said over her shoulder. "Just follow the sad classical music and I'm sure you'll find them. Megan should be about ready to strangle him again for trying to 'broaden her horizons' musically," she laughed, turning the corner toward the office Phillip was using.

Gypsy followed the loud mellow music, stopping outside the open doors she decided to peek in first, making sure she wouldn't be in the line of fire if Megan was throwing things. Seeing Christian and Megan on the couch she opened her mouth to ask if it was safe to enter, but hesitated, stepping back quickly.

Christian ran his hand down Megan's side, glancing toward the door, knowing Gypsy was right outside. His eyes closed briefly when Megan's mouth caressed his throat as she fed, sensing his distraction she was drawing him back to her mind and body.

Pulling back slightly, Megan slid her tongue over the small wounds along Christian's neck, sealing them instantly. Sighing she leaned her body against his, feeling the rush of desire that went hand in hand with feeding from her mate.

Turning suddenly toward the door, Megan's eyes locked with Gypsy's. Hearing Christian's chuckle she pushed back from him. "I decided that I might as well make use of the time he and I had, since he was going to make me listen to this boring music anyway," she laughed, motioning for Gypsy to come in.

Gypsy looked at the back of the chair across from the small couch where they sat as she walked around it to take a seat. "I didn't want to disturb you, but Jaz is getting Phillip so we can go back to Caydn's. He and Lucien are meeting right now," she explained looking up quickly, meeting Christian's glance with a blush.

Christian stood up, walking over turning the stereo off. "Why don't Phillip and Jaz ride with you, Megan and I will follow. I have a few things I need to do in town this evening," he said smoothly.

"Not a problem," Gypsy stuttered as she stood quickly, avoiding meeting their questioning looks. "I should've called to see if you had plans, but I was in a hurry to escape even for a few minutes," she laughed nervously stopping at the door. "I'll just get Phillip and Jaz and we'll be gone," she almost whispered.

Christian laughed quietly as they heard Gypsy telling Jaz she'd be in the car when they got ready, the door closing loudly as she went out.

"What was that all about?" Megan said with a glance at Christian. "I've never seen her act like that. Wait!" she said turning to face him.

"That's why I felt you pull back from me?" she asked, shaking her head. "Why in the hell didn't you tell me?" she demanded.

Christian pulled Megan against him, brushing her hair back from her ear before nibbling seductively at the smooth skin directly beneath it. "How was I to know that living with Caydn and obviously more, she'd never seen someone feeding?" she asked innocently.

Megan ground the toe of her boot onto the top of his foot, smiling in satisfaction when he groaned and jumped back. "You ass, you knew the other night was the first time she'd ever been around anything like that," she said accusingly. "I suggest you get your ass ready, let's get over to Caydn's so I can talk to her," she said turning, walking out of the room sharply.

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Closing the door to his private study, walking to the bar pouring himself a drink, silently offering one to the large man watching Caydn's every move.

"Was there a reason for not telling me you'd been sent here as a guardian for Gypsy?" Caydn asked, turning to meet the silver eyes of his long time friend. "You knew I'd hear the call you sent out last night. The warning to any and all, that you'd taken your place, and were prepared for anything that comes," he said quietly, his voice deadly calm. Sitting behind his desk, he motioned toward a chair if Lucien should decide to take it.

"Caydn we've known one another a long time. We've spent many years with one another. Did you think I wouldn't know your first reaction would be anger?" Lucien asked taking the offered seat. "I knew you'd feel as if someone, Victor mainly. Didn't think you capable of protecting her, but that isn't the case," he said firmly.

Getting up he began pacing the room, "I've been in the area for a few days, feeling things out. Getting a lay of the land, also testing to see what does reside here, and what's foreign to the area," he explained. "I didn't want to walk in and simply announce why I'd been sent, and make you or anyone else feel you were thought beneath the skills needed to face and defeat this," he tossed back the drink he held.

Caydn nodded, understanding what he was saying, appreciating the candor in which Lucien offered the truth to him. "What I don't understand is why all of the secrecy? Is there more of a threat then we've seen toward her? Is she in grave danger and we only think this is a game? Please explain it to me."

Lucien sat down brushing his hair back from his face, since he'd not bound it back as was the practice of most, the lose flowing locks added to the menacing appearance, it was helpful in deterring the minions used as pawns by men who thought themselves above the rule and judgment of others.

"It seems Barton found out Victor's taken the offered gift, that he'll now live on. From that day many have felt Barton's not above using the skills he learned from Damone to gain that gift for him self. His plan has been, or so the elders think, to use Gypsy. He thinks since she's had so many unexplained talents, that she'd been born as one of us." He explained meeting Caydn's eyes. "We know this is false, but the man's demented. There doesn't seem to be anything that will convince him other wise."

Caydn looked into his glass thinking for a minute before looking back to Lucien. "My bond with you has grown stronger," he said quietly, knowing the man would understand his meaning.

Nodding Lucien laughed, "Did you think I wouldn't hear her cries and not know? They were those of passion on a level only experienced with the sharing of blood," he chuckled. "I wasn't out there as a spy, but the situation just lended itself to more information being sent to me then either of us planned," he smiled at his friend who was rubbing his hand over his face shaking his head.

"She's not taken from me, only I from her," Caydn said his tone grime. "It worries me how much more she'd know, and feel if we were to ever make the exchange mutual."

"Would you deny her if she wanted more though?" Lucien asked. Already knowing Caydn was beyond being able to deny the long legged woman, nick named after the wild Romanians that roamed their country, anything. "She's strong willed, and equally strong minded. If she demands and you refuse, you know that doesn't bode well for peace in your life," he laughed at the pained expression on Caydn's face.

"I've never been one to demand, I don't see myself starting now," Gypsy said stepping into the room, shocking both men. Neither had sensed her being there.

"I seem to be a fast learner when I want to move undetected in a house full of security detection devices," she laughed walking over to stand at the edge of Caydn's desk. "When you told me last night about you and my father I decided to look inside and do some digging I guess you could call it. I found there's a slight path directly to you," she grinned at Lucien while Caydn growled slightly.

Caydn noticed the look of concentration on her face, wondering also at the fact that her blocks were up more solidly than he'd experienced so far. "Is something wrong Gypsy?" He asked watching her closely, "Any problems on your trip next door to pick up the traveling circus participants?"

She shook her head, not meeting his eyes, "Phillip and Jaz are in the kitchen visiting. Christian and Megan will be along in a bit. Christian said he had some business in town this evening," she explained. "Sam and Micah were pulling in as I walked down the hall."

Lucien sat forward in the chair looking at Gypsy then Caydn, "I told you neither of us knew exactly how intelligent this woman was. But does she normally tip toe around without you even being aware she's there?" he laughed at Caydn's pained expression. Seeing his subtle nod, he knew he'd successfully changed the subject.

"Normally it's done with the subtlety of a bull in a china shop," Caydn laughed when she huffed turning her back toward him.

"It's been years since I've been around people who heard what was rattling around in my mind." She said looking at Lucien, "it took me a while to remember everything Grandpa Victor had taught me so I didn't have people ducking and grabbing their heads to block me out." She cut her eyes over her shoulder at Caydn while she intentionally slammed her blocks up against him to keep him out.

"That doesn't work as well anymore," he grinned, making her realize he hadn't said a word out loud. Having pushed slightly he'd slipped in hearing soft whispers she'd been trying to keep back. The expression on her face kept him from searching out what was bothering her, preferring her to tell him on her own.

Lucien leaned his head back laughing, seeing the shocked expression on her face and knowing what had taken place.

"Before the two of you get into that discussion, tell me about the man you saw in the door of the guest house today Gypsy." He asked, seeing Caydn stiffen visibly, chuckling when Gypsy's mouth fell open. "I placed a few, lets just call them veils of protection and sentinels, around the places I knew you'd be today to help give me an idea of who or when things might be happening," he met Caydn's eyes.

"Did you weave the names of those here into those? Or will we all have to wonder where the booby traps are?" Caydn laughed when Lucien rolled his eyes.

"Would one of you explain what the hell you're talking about?" She snapped looking from one to the other, "I'd like to know what's going on especially since it's because of me its happening."

"Why don't we take this discussion in and share it with the others, so I only have to go through it once?" Lucien said standing up walking to the door, "I'll meet the two of you in the kitchen since I can smell that wonderful coffee Sophie has made." He grinned, walking out closing the door behind him.

"Gypsy, don't apologize to me again for 'disrupting my life' as you're so fond of saying," he chuckled. Getting up moving around the desk to stand in front of her, he looked down meeting her eyes, "if you haven't noticed, I'm enjoying this particular 'disruption' quite well." He said dropping his lips to hers, kissing her until he could feel her heart racing, her breathe coming in short pants.

"Let's go in the kitchen and let Lucien fill us all in now that his position of guardian has been established and known to all here," he said taking her hand leading her into the kitchen.

********************************

Everyone was sitting in the kitchen as Lucien explained of the protection spells he'd placed around different areas of the estate. Not only there but also at Christian's mansion, to prevent anyone from trying to use Megan against Gypsy.

Megan kept glancing at Gypsy, glaring at Christian when ever Gypsy refused to meet her eyes.

Vince stood up, clearing his throat as he walked carefully to the sink. "I've requested Micah take Samantha, and return to England immediately," he said filling his glass before turning the meet scowl on Micah's face.

"I told you, I was just as capable of protecting Samantha and the baby here as I was at home," Micah snapped, staring at Vince who didn't waver under the stare.

Everyone's eyes snapped to Samantha while she shook her head. "Well so much for being able to make the announcement as a happy occurrence, but one where my husband and mate is foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog," she reached over pinching Micah making his yell.

"Vince I agree, not as much for my own protection. The last thing anyone needs to be doing is adding me to the list of things to worry about," she said, taking Vince's hand when he came back to the table. "I know Micah would like to stay and help his brother and everyone protect Gypsy. I myself would love to be here, but I think we'd be an added burden. So with or without Micah I intend to leave tonight after I've had a chance to say my good byes," she said turning her eyes to Micah daring him to disagree.

Gypsy smiled grabbing Samantha's hand, pulling her toward her room for a quick measuring session. Jaz and Megan followed her so they could talk before Samantha and Micah would be leaving.