The Magic of the Full Moon

Chapter 9

Tyson was in his office waiting for everyone to arrive for the initial meeting to discuss the possible collaboration between Emery Technologies, Dark Moon Industries, and The Stone Corporation. William Stone had approached Tyson and Nick to be a part of a joint effort to completely overhaul the water supply system for a small, isolated community that was off the grid. This was the type of project that he and Nick both enjoyed. The goal was to make it as ecologically friendly and advanced as possible to ensure the town had safe, reliable water.

Tyson was studying Amelia's self-portrait on his office wall. It hung beside a photo Olivia had taken of their favorite waterfall in Obsidian. He could not stop the smile that spread across his face as he thought of Amelia's idea for her future and his conversation with his architect, Jonah, that morning. Jonah loved the idea and took notes and sketched ideas as they spoke. Tyson had sent him to his house to talk to Olvia and Amelia as soon as they had concluded their meeting. He clarified that Amelia was in charge of the art center's design. Whatever she wanted or needed, it was Jonah's job to make it happen.

"Are you still smiling after meeting with Jonah?" Devon asked as he walked in. He was the chief financial officer of Emery Technologies and second in command of the Obsidian Clan. He dropped onto the sofa against the wall and made himself comfortable.

"I am," Tyson admitted. "I'm looking at Olivia's photo and Amelia's drawing, and I could not be more proud of those two. Especially Amelia coming to us last night with her idea. I want her to learn a few basics about business like her mother did when she started out, but nothing advanced. People go to school for that, and those are the people we will hire to handle that side of it."

"Word has already spread, and Bree wants to schedule something called a Pinot and Paint Party or something like that. From what she explained, the ladies get together and drink copious amounts of wine while they try to paint something. I personally think Brews, Bourbon, and Brushes might be fun for a night. It would be even better if I could think of a name that would include hot wings," Devon mused.

"That's actually a good idea, except I'm not sure I want my daughter around a bunch of drunk men," Tyson pointed out.

"I doubt there would ever be a problem, but I understand. That is why Logan, Ben, or Julian would act as security to keep everyone in check."

"I'll mention that to Lia and Livie and see what they think of the idea. As long as no one bothers them, I'm good with it," Tyson said.

"Good with what?" Nick asked as he walked into the office and sat in a chair across from Tyson.

"Devon suggested that Lia not only do girls' nights at the studio called Pinot and Paint but also do guys' nights called something like Brews, Bourbon, and Brushes, which is a good idea. It would be an even better idea if it weren't our eighteen-year-old daughter giving those classes," Tyson told him.

"Thanks for leaving out that I said to have Logan, Ben, or Julian there to make sure there are no issues," Devon pointed out.

Nick laughed, "Do you really think she couldn't handle it on her own? The last time she was at Dark Moon. Lia, Emma, and Darla went out for the day. One of the top warriors in the pack said something inappropriate about Emma and Darla. Lia knocked him off his feet with her Alpha aura and held him on the ground with it until he was sobbing like a baby and apologized. She does not need a bodyguard. Our daughter is quite capable."

"So, Papa Nick, how do you feel about the whole art studio thing?" Devon smirked as he called Nick the name Amelia had called him when she was little.

"I love it! I can not think of anything more perfect for Lia. I only wish I had thought of it first so I could take credit," Nick answered.

Tyson smiled and said, "It was all Lia. She and Julian had one of their heart-to-heart talks, and she worked everything out."

"Julian is a good man. Never tell Lia this, but a little part of me was hoping she would scent him as her mate on her birthday. He is already her best friend. It would have made it easier on me to know her mate would treat her right," Nick said.

"She will find her mate when it is the right time. I hope she has a few years to find herself like her mom did. When she does find him, if he doesn't treat her right, the two of us, along with Kevin, Julian, Logan, and Damian, will take care of the problem," Tyson grinned.

"I don't get to go with you to end Amelia's nonexistent mate? I'm hurt!" Devon exclaimed as he put his hand over his heart.

"You have to stay here to run the company and clan while I'm gone," Tyson told him.

"And provide a believable alibi if we need it," Nick added, leading Tyson to point at him in agreement.

A light tap came from Tyson's open door. All three men looked to see William Stone standing in the doorway, holding a few file folders. William was tall and lean, with slicked-back dark brown hair and bright green eyes. He was tall and athletic, and while he was muscular, he was thinner than the dragons in the room.

William joked, "I don't know why the two of you need an alibi, but if it will help, I will swear that you were with me last night."

"Come on in, Will," Tyson chuckled as he waved him in and motioned to the empty chair beside Nick. "Thanks for offering an alibi, but we are good for now. We are making plans on what to do if our daughter's future mate ever mistreats her."

"Hearing that sounds so odd. I know the relationship between the two of you and your mate, Tyson. The story of the three of you and your daughter has formed into a legend of its own. Especially as a warning about the malicious use of magic against others," Will said with a smile.

"I told them they needed to have someone write it as a fairytale and have their daughter do the illustrations," Devon smirked.

"Is she that good of an artist?" Will asked.

Tyson pointed to Amelia's drawing that was hanging on the wall. "That, my friend, is a self-portrait that Amelia did from a picture my mate had taken of her. She did it about six months ago."

Will turned to look at the picture and was instantly awe-struck. Not only was the drawing done masterfully, but the young woman in it was stunning.

"Do you mind if I have a closer look?" Will asked.

"Be my guest," Tyson smiled. He would never turn down a chance to brag about one of his children, and this was the perfect chance to brag about Amelia and her idea for an art center.

Will stood and walked to the portrait. He was captivated by it. It was so detailed that it looked like each hair had been drawn in individually. The shading and subtle color changes gave it such depth and texture that it could nearly be mistaken for a photograph. What drew him in most were the eyes. They were a deep, stormy gray with ocean-blue flecks that seemed to glow against the dark gray.

"Your daughter's talent is beyond words. My mother is an artist, and I was raised to appreciate it. This is magnificent. I would love to meet her sometime. It is rare for me to have a physical response to a piece of art, but this has succeeded," Will told them, never taking his eyes off the drawing.

"If you don't meet her while you're here, you should visit after Amelia opens her art center and studio. She plans on giving classes and lessons to individuals and groups of all ages," Tyson told him.

"We are suggesting some ideas for groups like Pinot and Paint, or Brews, Bourbon, and Brushes. It would give the adults a chance to have some drinks and socialize along with learning to paint," Nick explained.

"I like that idea. May I suggest Canvas and Cocktails as an option? Many can be made alcohol-free, making it suitable for all ages and drawing in those who don't care for alcohol," Will suggested.

"That is a great idea! I will tell her about that," Tyson said.

"Glad I could be of assistance," Will chuckled. "I would also like to volunteer my services as a vampire if her mate ever mistreats her. I do not particularly enjoy feeding live, but I would make an exception for anyone who mistreats your daughter. Anyone who can draw like that has a beautiful soul, and it should never be darkened."

"Thank you, but I doubt any of us have to worry about that any time soon. She turned eighteen only yesterday, which is why Nick is here for the next week or so. We wanted plenty of time for our children to spend time together," Tyson said.

"Well, since I am also here for the week, perhaps I will get lucky and have the chance to meet your daughter. Kevin has already assigned a guest house to me and given me a map to find it. I think he plans on keeping me close," Will smiled. "Not that I mind. I have always been fond of Obsidian."

"You are welcome anytime you want to visit. You would be surprised by how many business associates come here for a vacation," Tyson said. "Now tell us more about what you need so we know who to include in the official meeting to make everything formal with this deal."

"I will not only tell you," Will said as he handed each man in the room a file folder. "I will show you."