69. My One And Only

**Andrew**

**That same day**

The first of summer breeze threw his magenta curtains in all directions, but he didn't mind. It gave him something to keep his mind mind on while he completed his writings. Laid on his desk were photos and documents detailing the events of what went on that day on Valentine's day. After the meeting and so many people dead, Andrew took it upon himself to solve the case. Thankfully, the Kings agreed to let him have it. Having had another case to deal with at the time, he was fortunate enough to not be there when the attacks took place. However, looking at the information he had now, nothing made sense. Leonard was there, he saw what happen and could recall the exact order of how things took place.

The conference room was constructed with three different doors the rulers, leaders, chiefs, nobles and royals could come and go when needed. The doors were labelled with roman numerals, with *I*, *One*, being the main door. Leonard entered through Door *I* and chose a seat not far from there. He had informed Andrew that himself. The rogues had entered from Door *III*. Someone used their ability to control the wind, causing everyone there to be disoriented. A pretty rare gift since it wasn't often that a vampire could wield the raw element itself.

Problem was, that door was a dead end compared to the others. People could enter through it, yes, if they had a jewel called *Blueblood*, named such after its deep scarlet that gave off a blue sheen. Only a few people could travel through it because of their unique positions and schedules.

They got there and went back home through a portal engraved in the ground several meters from the door. The portal, however, could not keep away rogues, and others who weren't allowed to use them, away. Anyone could take advantage of them if they found out where the other portals were and acquired a Blueblood.

Leo said one of them had a wind ability, which was wrong. He might have forgotten when he brought it up, but rogues traded their gifts in exchange for speed and strength.

There was no way whoever started the attack was a rogue.

That meant someone was helping them, someone who had access to their own portal or-

"Andrew, darling!" A short woman, sporting long dirty blonde hair, burst open the bedroom door without knocking. Andrew refrained from answering her, choosing instead to take the time to breathe through his nose. Her eyes shot up to the window. "Honey, you need to either close those or tie the curtains up!"

Andrew leaned back in his chair and looked at her but didn't turn around. He turned his attention back to his desk and the computer in front of him. "I don't mind it," Andrew said.

As if she couldn't hear the disinterest in her voice, she strode right over and locked his window. Not only that but she also blocked the sunlight.

Satisfied, she smiled and looked at her son, then frowned.

"What is that?" She pointed at his desk, finger darting between his photos and open folder at lightening speed. "You don't have time for that. Come on Andrew, get ready."

"For what?"

"For the fitting in your bridegroom's outfit. I already called Coby, he'll be bringing out all the best stuff this evening. Oh, I can't wait to see my boy all dressed up!"

He flinched. "What fitting? We don't need to do a fitting. If we find a suit and it fits, it fits."

His mother, Justina Lyon, gasped and shook her head. She folded her arms as if she was put back. "Find a suit that fits? Really, Drew? Really? Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life. You should at least put some consideration into it."

Andrew's eyes narrowed.

"It's a fake wedding," he said in a cold, disinterested voice, before going back to typing on his computer.

Instead of being offended by his choice of tone, Justina simply walked up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Are you still upset about the marriage, lovely?"

Although he didn't mind his mother's touched, part of him felt annoyedbecause he knew where this was going.

"This arrangement is a soulless performance, so I'm just acting the part."

"Oh, darling, don't be so dramatic."

From there Justina held the bottom of his chin and caused him to stare into a small mirror above his desk.

He witnessed her reflection smile at him. "Look at the young man you've grown into. You've worked hard to get here. But we both know we can only go so far without a stable background. We have the backing of the King and Queen, yes, which says a lot! I mean look at you! The one that saved so many people from destruction all those years ago at such a young age. Yet still, we'll always be seen as less in the eyes of other members of nobility."

She kissed his head and slowly headed out the door. "I'll have Stephen bring the car around. And sweetheart?" Justina smiled, fingers clasped on the door. "I love you, my boy." She blew a kiss, closing the door behind her.

Regardless of whether or not he wanted to come, he knew he would go at the end of the day. Now here he was, sitting in the backseat of the car while Stephen drove them to their destination. His mom tapped away at her phone, probably informing everyone that they were on their way.

"Mariam and her cousin are going to be there," she said between texts. "It was so sweet of Coby Jacobs to squeeze us in when he had an event to host tonight. That's why it's good to have connections." She made a pointed glance towards Andrew.

And she didn't miss the way he rolled his eyes.

Justina sighed then turned her attention to her phone.

"Regardless, while you're there be sure to listen to what he's saying. And, this is very important, show interest."

While Justina went on and on about his mannerisms and composure, Andrew had long since switched his vision to the view outside.

They lived in a freshly developed community with new buildings always on the rise. People went in and out of storefronts, dressed up for the hot weather. There barely was a person here who was unfamilar with the Lyon name. To them, they were a family with connections to the government, as well as a son who worked in law enforcement. Thanks to him, the residents didn't have to worry about thieves, and, for those who knew who he truly was, rogues. Andrew Lyon had his own squad behind him, a hundred vampires strong. As well as his second in command, a man with more experience than him and two decades more of life. Wherever Andrew lacked in knowledge or experience, Stephen was there to help him through it. Even now, it felt like a waste for such a good man to be driving his car, although Stephen always joked about it.

He saw a blonde highschooler exit a butcher shop with her friends. Her shiny hair and bright attitude brought him to a memory from two years ago.

*On the night of the Christmas mascarade party, Andrew had taken the initiative to Warp Donya off the balcony before she could scream and cause a scene. The only place he could think of was the room he occupied in the palace so that's where he took her.*

*The moment they got there and Andrew let her go, she immediately slapped his face and ran to find a door after cutting below his right eye with her nails.*

*Andrew didn't mind since he knew such a shallow cut would heal within a few minutes. He also had no reason to be afraid of her escaping. Before to the party, he locked the door behind him. In doing so, there was no way to open it from the inside without the key.*

*Sure enough, when he caught up with her, Donya was still struggling to open the door. Once she realized he was standing behind her, she took off one of her heels and withdrew a small tin spray from her purse. Andrew help up his hands in surrender.*

*"Hold on, I don't want to hurt you. I brought you here because I didn't want you to make a fuss after what you saw and disturb the guests.*

*The girl pressed her back against the dark wooden door, her black heel still pointing at him. "I don't want to hear a thing you say," she muttered through gritted teeth. "Stay away, don't come near me unless you like having nothing to chew with."*

*Andrew kept his arms up, not moving a step closer. They were roughly seven feet apart. He took in her running mascara that dried up on her cheeks, as well as her youthful face. He figured she was one of the human teenagers that came down here after seeing the party flyer. She glanced worriedly to the bed.*

*"Don't worry," he said. "I have no intention of doing anything to you. Neither will my bro do anything to your friend. If he does, believe me, he would be in a whole lot of trouble."*

*There was a pause.*

*"What is your name and how old are you?"*

*"Sure, I'll be happy to tell you. First off, my name is, and listen clearly, none of your f-cking business."*

*Drew smiled and nodded. She doesn't trust him, and she had no reason to. He was basically a strange man that kidnapped her and brought her here, while her friend could be in some kind of danger. Later, he would have to kill Leonard for not handling his sh-t better. He knows he is upset but choosing to bite someone in an open balcony with so many unknown humans around? Not cool, and quite idiotic. But of course, Andrew knew he couldn't do anything other than scold him and keep potential witnesses locked up in his bedroom.*

*Anyways, in order for her to trust him, he needed to reach out to her first.*

*He took a seat in a nearby chair, not letting his hands drop. "My name is Andrew. I'm 20 going on 21 in January. I work here for that guy's parents. He's 18 and a little twerp."*

*He saw her smile but it disappeared within a flash. "What is he doing with Serene?" She asked.*

*"I don't know, but as I said, he wouldn't do anything extreme that would get him in trouble."*

*She scoffed, lowering the shoe but keeping her special spray on hand. "I saw him drag her away and they were talking to this couple on the upper floor. I doubt he did that for no reason."*

*Andrew shrugged but kept quiet.*

*That didn't seem to sit well with her.*

*"Listen, she better be okay or you'll never see the light of day once her mom comes looking for her."*

*Drew raised his brow. "Who is her mother?"*

*She hesitated before responding.*

*"Jenifer Depp. Well, that used to be her married name. I don't remember her maiden name."*

*He sat up straight in his chair. "Jenifer Depp?" I thought she only had two daughters and both of them are down there with her right now." He pointed to the floor.

*Donya shook her head. "She has three daughters. Serene has been her step daughter since she was six years old."*

*All of a sudden, Andrew felt the floor beneath him break apart and swallow him whole. She was alive? And after so long Jenifer had been lying to the Kings? But how did she mask the girl's scent? He looked into Donya's eyes. He doubted the girl was lying to him. If this was true it would change everything for the royals.*