{Answers} Nothing New

Dia Rivera with Jenna Darrow and Carys Chase.

March 16 · 

*He was returning to his office from his meeting with Aine when he spied three females seated at a small table in the Bistro. There was no mistaken who they were. He recognized them as the unique mates of the Order's warriors. They frequented the shops at the dome and from the looks of the many bags around their feet they had spent the evening shopping. Each of them were bestowed with special genetic gifts, but it was the mocha skinned female known as Savannah the he was interested in talking to.* Well, well, look at who we have here. The lovely females from the Order. I see you've been busy spending your mates money. Do you mind if I joined you? * Not waiting for an answer he takes a seat*

Carys Chase * Carys looked the male up and down, scowling slightly as he sat between her and Savannah. Mentally she rolled her eyes and sat back in her chair.* Dia, Hello. *She gave him a sweet smile.* Have you met my auntSavannah and aunt Jenna? *Both women nodded to the well dressed male.Carys though, crossed her arms as she spoke to him.* Is there something we can do for you?

Savannah Dupree *Looking over as the breed male sat I too wondered what he was after. I nodded my hello as we all waited for him to answer the question.*

Jenna Darrow *I swallowed a laugh at Carys' greeting. We ALL knew who the Breed was, we didn't know what he wanted though. He made himself comfortable, never taking his eyes off Savannah. "Aaahhhhh" I thought, he wants something. No surprise there. I shifted in my seat, centering my gun for easy access. I decided to let this play out, see what he wanted. But if he made one threatening gesture toward Savannah or Carys I would happily empty my clip in his eye socket* We are just enjoying your shops. Although quaint, we did find a few things to buy. What can we do for you?

Dia Rivera *With a sly smile he nodded at each of the females. * Carys, I see mated life hasn't clipped that sharp tongue of yours. And dear Jenna, once a cop always a cop. *Reaching into he pocket he took note of the former officer's slight hand movement. Slowly removing the ornate box from his pocket he slides it in front of Savannah, his and Jenna's eyes locked* Don't worry Jenna, I mean no harm to any of you today. It's Savvanh's unique talent that I'm interested in.

Carys Chase *She snorted in his direction, all the things she dearly wanted to say to the male she kept to herself. She watched him set the ornate box in front of Savy and arched an eyebrow. So, he knew of her aunts gift. This should be interesting to say the least and, if anything went sideways, she knew that she and Jenna could protect Savannah. So, she said nothing and let Savy decide if she would help him.*

Savannah Dupree *I looked at the beautiful box and then back at him and smiled.* Well, not even a please or an offer to buy us coffee? *He smiled back as he raised his hand to signal a waitress. When the woman came over he spoke.* "Ladies?" *We placed our orders and I continued to look at the box. When I still hasn't touched it, Dia spoke again.* "I'm just looking for some information. Anything you can tell me about it's origins." *I pulled the box closer then removed one of my gloves. As I touched the box I saw a small hand rubbing it. Keeping my face expressionless, I lifted the lid and picked up the necklace. Closing my eyes, I dropped my head so my hair fell into my face. I didn't want to risk showing any kind of emotion. Slowly the necklace started to warm as a picture took shape. A woman was holding the box as she sat on the beach watching a young girl play in the water. The woman called the girl to her, hiding the box as she did so. When the girl came over she hugged the woman before sitting down next to the woman. They talked for a few moments before the woman kissed the girl and gave her the box. The little girl was very excited as she opened it and grinned as she picked up the necklace. The woman helped her put it on and the image faded. I lifted my head, opening my eyes and placed the necklace back in the box. I looked Dia in the eyes and shrugged.* I'm sorry but I didn't see anything. I thought by holding it longer maybe something would come to me, but nothing did. *I pushed the box back towards him and sat back in my seat.*

Jenna Darrow *I watched Savannah as she cradled the necklace in her hands and bent her head down. I waited, watching Dia watch Savannah. She sat up suddenly and looked at Dia "I'm sorry but I didn't see anything. She reached over to replace the necklace and I noticed the design for the first time. I gasped, then covered it with a cough when Dia looked sharply at me. That symbol, I had seen it before, many times. In my dreams. There was no way I was letting him know that though. I took a sip of my drink and cleared my throat* So sorry we couldn't help you Dia, but it's time for us to go. You would be very put out if our mates decided to storm the place if we don't arrive home promptly. *with an insincere smile I stood and began retrieving my bags from under the table. Savannah and Carys were quick to join me as we left behind enough cash to cover the bill and leave a healthy tip for our quick departure. Before we rounded the corner I glanced back and saw him, still staring, with a look on his face that made me shudder* Our "boys" are going to have a fit when they find out about this. And you, Savannah, have some explaining to do. I, on the other hand, have some research to do. Damn it, I just wanted a new pair of shoes!

Dia Rivera * He growled under his breath as he watched the females scurry out the door His gut feelings told him they knew something, But what? Pocketing the box he turned on his heel and continued his way to his office.*

{Answers} Another One Bites the Dust

Dia Riverato 

March 14 · 

*Shrugging into his suit jacket a card falls out of his pocket. Picking it up he fillips it over. It was Meison's business card. Without a second thought he stated to place it on his dresser when the he took a second look at the embossed card. Funny he had never noticed but Meison's business logo resembled his mother's necklace. Shaking his head he ran his thumb over it. It was probably pure coincidence. But then again... Dialing Aine's number he waits for her to answer.*

— with Aine Declain.

Aine Declain Thank you. I hope you enjoy the piece. Come again. *Hearing my phone ringing, I wave to the customer I had just rung up and pick up my cell to see who's calling. Smirking at the name, I push the button to answer* Why hello Mr. Rivera. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Dia Rivera *His phone sandwiched between his head and shoulder he straightens his tie.* I thought I'd come by the store have you look at something. Do you have the time?

Aine Declain *Not expecting the words that had just come out of his mouth, I look around the shop.* I have a few customers, but I should be able to look at what you have. When should I expect you?

Dia Rivera I'll be right up. *Taking the engraved box from the safe he makes his way though the evening crowd to Tear Drops from the Moon. The female was behind the counter helping a patron. Looking up she acknowledged his presence. Nodding his head he strolls towards the back corner. Taking a seat at the table he watches her with interest.*

Aine Declain *My fingers lightly trace around the rim of the elegant bowl setting on my sales counter as I see him walk in. Nodding my head before turning my attention back to my customer filling out her shipping info on a card* Don't worry about a thing, Mrs. Stapleton. I'll pack it myself and get it out on the morning delivery truck. Have a nice night. *Picking up the amethyst dish, I take it into my office and place the address card inside it. Closing the door behind me, I make my way over to where Dia is seated.* Good evening, Dia.

Dia Rivera *Straightening his posture he opened the engraved wooden box revealing his mother's necklace on a bed of sea blue velvet* Can you tell me the origin of this? *Slides it toward the female.*

Aine Declain *Watches as he opens the ornate box and slides it towards me. My breath catches at the sight of the necklace nestled in the velvet. Pulling it closer as I sit in the chair opposite him* Wh...where did you get this? It's...*swallows the lump forming in my throat* exquisite. *Reaches in to pick it up but stops* May I? *At his nod, I very gently pick up the necklace. The metal warm in my hands, nothing like I had expected. Lightly running my fingertips over every detail. My palm starting to warm as I touch it.* I've never seen anything like it before, Dia. *Looking up into his eyes, hoping he has answers that he just isn't sharing.*

Dia Rivera *Sitting back in his chair he watched with interest as she took the piece gently in her hand* It belonged to my mother. It's very old. I think it has been in her family for generations. Can you tell me anything about it?

Aine Declain I...*Stops before I can say anymore. It looked so like my father's mark, but I had never seen it anywhere but on our palms.* No, I dont. I'm sorry. *Places the necklace back into the box with the utmost care* I'd be happy to research it for you, though.

Dia Rivera *Snapping the box shut* You mean leave it with you?

Aine Declain OH! *Pulls my hand back as he almost snaps my fingers in the lid.* Well it would be preferable, but it isn't a necessity. *Rubs my thumb over the symbol on my palm.* You said that it was your mother's. What do you know about her? Where was she from? It'll help with my research if I know where to start.

Dia Rivera *Rubs his jaw in thought. Looking at her intently, She made no mention about the similarity between the necklace and the business logo. He wondered what she was hiding.. He wasn't sure how much he could trust her, but he needed to know the answers and to his knowledge the two people that could tell him were dead* I was 10 when she passed. So there is little that I know about her. She said she was from a small town on the Baltic.

Aine Declain *Swallows hard as I nod my head. It couldn't be. Atlantean's couldn't conceive from a Breed. Trying to think of what I could ask without sounding like I knew too much.* Were your parents bonded?

Dia Rivera Yes! Of course! With my kind once the exchange of blood happens it is until death do they part. *Growls under his breath* Love is not necessary

Aine Declain I wasn't...I didn't...I'm sorry. I don't know a lot about breed mating. *The harshness of his growled comment had me retreating. Not in fear of him, but of my heart. Standing, I turn my back, placing my hands over my stomach trying to slow my heartbeat. Looking up at my mother's picture for comfort* There's no need to leave the necklace. I'll do some research and get back to you when I know more.

Dia Rivera *Scooting back his chair he pockets the box.* I'll check back with you later this week. Thank you for your time.*Exits the store quickly*

Aine Declain *Watches him leave over my shoulder. My insides in knots not knowing what to do. Looking back at my mother's picture, I pull out my phone and send him a text ~I'm so glad that you've taken the doting boyfriend thing to heart. Have a wonderful night, dear~ Shaking my head as I pocket my phone and walk into my office to wrap the large dish and get it ready to be picked up in the morning*

{Answers} Memories

Dia Rivera

February 2

*He pulled the small wooden box from his desk drawer. Taking out his mother's necklace he looked at it intently. His father always hated the piece and after many threats by him to have it melted down he finally acted. At first he didn't understand why his mother did not beg and cry for his father to not destroy the necklace. He certainly wanted to save it from his sire and return it to his mother, but he dared not least both he and her suffer at his father's hands. It wasn't until a few weeks later he found out why. The piece was indestructible and according to rumors by the guards it was deadly. The men who were ordered to destroy it were turned to ash. He didn't know if the stories were true but he did know that his father never mentioned it again and his mother had possession of it shortly after the incident, wearing it in defiance of her mate until the day she died. Wrapping his hand around the cool metal and stone he felt a strange vibration, and saw a soft glow. Dropping it to the floor he rubbed his palm. {Damn, what the fuck is going on?} Bending down he gingerly picks it up and puts it back in the box. He wanted, no he needed answers. And he would start with Aine Declain.*

{Answers, Blood Moon Rising} Blood Moon

Aine Declain

November 2, 2015

* The next few weeks after the blood moon flew by. People had started their Christmas shopping, so business at the Dome had picked up considerably. There was still no word from or about my father and my heart grew more heavy each day. Dia was avoiding me every chance he got. I needed to corner him somehow. I needed to know the truth. Picking up my phone, I send him a message ~Urgent matter needing your IMMEDIATE attention. Come to Teardrops ASAP~ Letting out a deep sigh, I say quietly to myself* I really hope this works.

Dia Rivera * The phone vibrated on the wooden desk. Frowning he saw Aine name flash up on the screen. What the hell did she want? he thought. Picking up the phone he answered* What nail did you break this time, princess.

Aine Declain *Shaking my head as he calls me back* I didn't but I need your help. Please hurry! *Hanging up on him, I hope that he will show up quickly*

Dia Rivera *Entering the store he waits impatiently as she waits on a customer. Nothing looked a miss, so what the hell was her emergency. Nodding at the customers as he makes a hasty exit out he turns his attention to the female* What's the fucking 911?

Aine Declain *Rushing to the door after the customer, I flip the "Will return sign and lock the door. Pulling the shade down, I walk back to my office and turn on the security system, the glow from the uv lights filling the shop. Turning to see the look on Dia's face, I smile softly at him* I'm sorry, but we need to talk. I need to know what happened the night of the blood moon, Dia.

Dia Rivera *Shrugs* I have no idea. It was probably some reflection off one of your doo daads. *Tilting his head, wondering if she might know something* Why do you ask?

Aine Declain *Starts to pace the room, looking up at my mother's picture, whispering* I need your help, Momma. *Letting out a deep sigh, I hold out my hand to him, palm up. Holding very still, my eyes locked on my mother's*

Dia Rivera *Shifting his weight he stuffs his hands in his pocket.* Look Aine, you caught me in the middle of something. If you need a female to talk to I'll call Satora. Otherwise spit it out!

Aine Declain *Glares at him over my shoulder. Stomping around the counter, stopping in front of him. Pulling his hand from his pocket, I flip it over and smack his closed fingers* Open it. NOW!

Dia Rivera *Opening his empty hand he smirks*. If you need money come by my office. *Smiles wickedly*. Perhaps we can....

Aine Declain *Growls as my eyes lift to his* I'm not like your girls that expect payment for their...services. I only open my legs for someone that matters to me. *Looking back down at his hand, I trace my finger around looking for the barely there symbol on his palm. Scrunching my brow, not understanding what my eyes see* I can't believe...

Dia Rivera *Jerking his back* I wasn't implying you, me...and what can't you believe? Are you trying to be a palm reader and my future is hidden from your third eye?

Aine Declain *Dropping my hands to my sides, I walk back to my office and click off the security system, shaking my head* Nothing. I must have been mistaken or just really tired. I'm sorry to have bothered you. Walking over to my desk, I pull out my chair and sit. Not understanding what I had seen. Or thought I had seen*

Dia Rivera *Sitting on the corner of the desk he looks down at the female* Like I said Aine, it was probably a reflection of some kind. *Rubbing the palm of his hand the memory of the heat he felt that night still fresh* Now if you will excuse me I need to met up with some investors.

Aine Declain *Keeping my back to him, I wave him away. My mind going a hundred miles an hour trying to figure things iut. Wishing Meison was here so I could ask him for help* Daddy things are so screwed up. Where are you???