Page 139 of He Who Sleeps

“Oh. Well, our moms were matrons in a sense, they didn’t handle housing or taking care of the girls, but once they got pregnant they came to their respective compounds. I’m sorry to say they are all dead. Matron Elise, she’s the one that took over in Ohio for Matron Verna, she gave me the files. Mine, Fi’s and Carlee’s died in childbirth, complications, and they chose for each of us to live. Vic, your mother passed when you were three, she had been traveling, looking for others of the blood, and contracted something in South America. She died at the compound in Peru. I’m sorry. But I do know where they are buried, and I want the four of us to visit each, together.”

"Oh." Victoria's face crumpled for a moment before she managed to pull herself together. "I was hoping...but never mind. It's not like I knew her to lose her, I guess."

Fiona put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed her close. "It's still a loss," she said. "But now at least we know we're all actual family and not just heart-sisters. That's pretty cool."

"And the compounds aren't in hiding anymore," Easton said. "They're open to all the medical technology and care that the rest of us have. No more women will die in childbirth if modern medicine can save them. You don't have to worry about it happening to you."

“Exactly. My guys made sure we would all be safe. I think it’s about time you meet them...” She grinned “I know you lunatics are listening...get in here.”

She stood as they poured into the room, Jack and Leo falling over themselves, causing her to laugh. “Guys, these are my sisters, Fiona, Victoria and Carlee. Girls, these are the loves of my life, Leo, Jack, Emerson, Carter, Fin and Kendrix. You guys met East already.”

“Oh, that’s not fair,” Carlee said. “You do not deserve seven gorgeous men!”

"Rude," Victoria said, elbowing her in the side. "Sometimes you should pause before you blurt out whatever is in your head."

"Why wouldn't she deserve us?" Leo asked. "She's awesome!"

“Yes, I am. Pay no mind to Carlee, she’s just sour cuz she doesn’t have seven men that love her.”

“Yet.” Carlee grinned. “And it’s fabulous to meet you guys.” She got up and went, hugging each.

Fiona was more reserved, still reeling, but she gave each of them a smile and hello. Victoria was hugging like Carlee, obviously overwhelmed with meeting something akin to family for the first time in her life.

“We were listening,” Emerson said as they all settled down, Petra in Finn’s lap. “And we understand your apprehension. Just know that we never meant to freak you guys out, and neither did Petra. She’s been agonizing about this for days. Do you guys have any questions for us?”

"I guess what I've been wondering while all this is going on, is whether or not we'll be able to carry on with our own lives," Victoria said. "If I'm going to join, do I have to go and live in one of these compounds Petra told us about or can I carry on with my studies?"

“Not at all, your life won’t change...well, unless you take on a devotion position, and even then it’s nominal. It would depend on the group you connected with, and how they want to work...though I can tell you, many are interested in a devotion, and will move heaven and earth for her to commit to them.” Emerson winked at her. “But you can still do everything you do, I mean does being Catholic mean you have to be a nun?”

"I guess we just don't know enough about it all yet," Victoria said thoughtfully. "It sounded like all the women live in compounds, but if that's not the case then I need to know more."

Emerson nodded. “Before we put a stop to it, they were in hiding, because of what the assholes that seized power did.” He told them of what their fathers went through, and what happened, that they know of, to the different compounds, and Petra had interjected with how they, the four of them, got to Ohio. They listened, and were rightfully horrified with some of it.

Jack picked up the story with, “Originally, from what we saw, many grew up in the compounds but they went out into the world. Many went to boarding school like you guys did. Hell, we did.”

"Well then, it would be an honor to be part of the rebuilding," Fiona said quietly. "We shall be the last out of hiding and the first of the new Order."

Petra smiled at her friend. Whatever Easton said to her had changed her mind quickly. She would have to ask him later.

Carlee nodded. “I’m not going to lie, this is trippy as hell, but...fuck it. We have always been searching for something...and it appears we were right.”

"Do you finance student loans?" Victoria teased, not really expecting them to say yes, but Finn nodded.

"Part of what we're aiming to do is build the financial empire the way it was always supposed to be built," he said. "Part of that is making sure that every generation is well-educated to the best of their abilities. The God is generous with His gifts, but they're wasted on those that don't know how to use them. So no, we won't finance a loan. We'll pay off your tuition as an investment in your future as a productive member of The Order."

Petra grinned. “And housing, like ours, will be handled, too. As well as other things. The Order wasn’t supposed to be for the few, but for all of us. Our people are good, well now they are and He? He’s wonderfully generous, and happy...well, now He’s happy.” She looked to Easton.

"He's happier every day," Easton confirmed. "Even more so now that the children of Estra's line are rejoining the fold."

“So, what do you guys do?” Carlee asked. “I mean I know Easton is an artist...”

“I run a few businesses that keep money rolling in,” Emerson said. “Jack owns a small holistic company, specializing in goods ethically made and subsidized in communities that need the income.”

Jack nodded. “It’s pretty awesome to be able to help.”

“And you guys are okay with Petra still working?” Carlee asked.

"You ever tried to make her do something she didn't want to?" Leo laughed. "Ain't worth your life. If she wants to work, she works. If she wants to be a spoiled princess, that's cool with us, too."

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