vampires of san francisco 08 - merry sucking christmas by Jessica McBrayer

oui!”
    Annie beats me to the fridge and gets Mattie’s blood ready. I give Aidan a cross look and he just laughs at me. Dammit, I can’t stay mad at him.
    “Does Mattie understand the security?” I ask him.
    “Yes, she does. She’s excited to use it so expect me popping in at all hours so she can try it.”
    “I’m sorry, Aidan. I’ll talk to her about it,” I offer.
    “You will not. I don’t want her to hesitate to use it. And I’ll get to have some one on one time with her. Haven’t had that in a while.”
    “Thank you, Aidan.” Bast claps him on the back. “Get home to your wife and son. We’ll hopefully not see you until morning. Remember, Lily has us all serving dinner at the mission tomorrow evening.”
    “I couldn’t forget. What with the texts, emails, and face timing she has been doing to everyone to make sure they are not late. Oomph! You don’t have to hit me.”
    I laugh because I know he’s not hurt at all.
    “It’s important, Aidan. I’m just nervous about it. It will be the first time I’ve tried something like this and I really want it to work.” I cover my mouth. “Oh, no. What are we going to do with Doxie and Celine?”
    “Let’s talk to Diel and Hannah tomorrow. Maybe he can stay home with the kids and cater to his dad while Hannah helps out?” Sebastian offers.
    “What do you have to do with us? We can go sightseeing. Ce-Ce wants to see the Golden Gate Bridge and seals,” Doxie says interrupting everyone as he walks into the kitchen. Celine is staring around the kitchen in awe. Yep, Aidan and Sebastian spoiled me. It’s decked out with everything. And I mean everything. It’s a shame that I can’t eat. I have been taking cooking lessons from Julian and Helena because I want to be able to cook for my god children. 
    “I’m sure Diel would love to go with you. You can take the babies too,” Sebastian says. Celine frowns at that. Hmm.
    “I would like to spend some time with my boy and the little ones. Never really got a chance to see them. I’ll call him now.”
    Celine out and out pouts. Lip stuck out and eyes narrowed at Doxie. For once he is oblivious. I think it’s pissing her off the longer he goes without doting on her. She is fake and plastic on a good day and when she pouts she’s just ugly.
    “Pooksie, why don’t we just go by ourselves?”
    “What…? No, I have Diel on the phone right now.” Doxie walks out into the dining room to talk in privacy. Celine scowls.
    “Celine, would you like a glass of wine?” Sebastian offers, wielding his charms. Celine simpers.
    “Yes, thank you. This is a lovely home, Sebastian. It’s not quite as glam as our place down under but it’s nice for its size.” She runs her fingers along Bast’s arm and he looks pointedly at her hand but she doesn’t pull it away. In fact she winks at him. When she rubs up against him, like I am not standing across the room, I lose it. 
    Aidan grabs me in an instant, knowing I’ve had enough.
    “Love, let it go. You know he loves you more than anything save Mathilda. He’s uncomfortable, look at him.”
    “All the more reason to rescue him or maybe kill her… not sure if I could take on Doxie, though.” Aidan chuckles and pulls me into a hug. Poor Bast is looking at us, pleading with his eyes.
    Finally, Celine leaves Sebastian’s side as we hear Doxie come closer. 
    “Sounds good, son. Look forward to seeing you in the morning.” Celine’s shoulders sag along with her fake boobs when she hears they have plans with Diel.
    “So what is the happy family doing tomorrow?” I ask. I don’t miss the glare Celine sends my way as I stifle a chuckle. Payback and all that.
    “Diel will pick us up at ten. Then we’re going to Fisherman’s Wharf and over the bridge. He promised some excellent seafood. Can’t wait. Everything down under is frozen and then shipped. Nothing fresh. Eh, Ce-Ce? Won’t that be a nice treat?” Doxie gathers Celine into his arms. She runs her