Damon (The Protectors #1)(29)
Nicole grinned knowing Damon probably had that effect on all the women he came in contact with. He sure had with her and still did. “So how are things going, Betty?” Nicole looked around with a keen eye seeing a well kept home. Nothing raised red flags. Austin was now chasing the dog around.
“They couldn't be better Nicole.” Betty lead them to the kitchen table where they all three sat down. “Greg got the promotion at work he has been working so hard for and I gave my two weeks notice so I could spend more time with Austin. They didn't have any part-time work, so I already have a job set up that will allow me to be home when Austin is out of school.”
Nicole had pulled their file from her briefcase setting it on the table. “That's wonderful Betty. How is Austin adjusting to school?” Nicole wrote a few notes.
“Like a fish to water. He gets along well with the other kids and is doing good in his school work. The teacher has nothing but good to say about him.” Betty beamed like a proud parent.
Nicole made a few more notes then turned looking for Austin. “Hey Munchkin, want to take me to check out your room?”
Austin jumped from where he was playing with the dog. “Yep.” He ran over grabbing her hand pulling her along behind him, talking a mile a minute.
“He sure loves Nicole.” Betty smiled watching them disappear into his room. “We owe her so much.”
Damon also watched them disappear before turning his attention back to the woman seated across from him. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure, but first would you like something to drink?” Betty offered.
“No thank you. I'm fine.” He smiled. “My question is a little personal, so if you don't want to answer that's fine.”
“Mr. DeMaster's....”
“Damon.”
She blushed again. “Damon, my husband and I have been asked so many personal questions since we decided to adopt that I seriously doubt you've come up with one we haven't heard.”
“Yes, I guess you have, especially if Nicole has been on your case from the beginning.” Damon chuckled.
“I see you know her well. Yes, she has been our case manager from the beginning and it has been a pleasure.” Betty chuckled. “I remember once having to call her at three in the morning because Austin was throwing up constantly and we didn't know what was wrong. I mean all kids get sick, but we didn't have any understanding about vampire children. We didn't think they could or would get sick. Nicole came right over and sat up with us until he was feeling better. We still don't know what it was, but she thought it could have been a side effect from being turned.”
“That could be, but the truth of it is, this is even new to us. I have lived a long time and have only now been around vampire children since we cannot have them, they can only be turned.” Damon glanced back toward the room Nicole had disappeared into. “What made you decide to adopt a vampire child?”
“To be honest we were against it.” Betty glanced up at him hesitant. “I mean who in their right might would want to adopt a child who would always be six years old. A year ago your kind didn't exist to us. When we first met with Nicole we never dreamed of adopting a vampire and she didn't ask. Instead she gave us files on children she felt would fit well with us. Little did we know there were human and vampire children in the files she gave us. We picked two we wanted to meet with and Austin was one of them. As soon as I laid eyes on him I was in love and so was my husband.”
“And when you found out he was a vampire?” Damon asked beyond curious.
Betty shrugged her shoulders and smiled with love. “It didn't matter. I saw him playing in a room full of kids, he looked up and came walking over to me and my husband. As big as you please he grinned the biggest grin I had ever seen showing his little fangs, grabbed my hand and said, 'I'm Austin. You want to see my toys?' and that was it for me.”
He could hear Nicole's husky laughter coming from Austin's room. “It seems he is very lucky to have found someone like you and your husband.”
“We're the lucky ones.” Betty glanced back at the room hearing more giggling. “Nicole has set us up with someone to help us understand more about your race and we have learned so much. I now understand that even though Austin will always look six years old, his mentality will mature as he ages. It is just so cruel for someone to do something like this to a child.”
Damon nodded and stood when Austin and Nicole came back. “Well Betty, everything looks great here and this little guy is a joy.” Nicole gave Austin a high five. “I think we can go to yearly visits from here on out. If you need anything at all you have all my numbers so don't hesitate to call.” Nicole wrapped up her paperwork and put it away.
“We will never be able to thank you, Nicole.” Betty walked over to her when she stood and hugged her warmly.
“Just seeing that little guy happy is enough.” Nicole picked up her brief case. “Also don't forget to report any unusual activity, such as anyone contacting you about Austin that is not from my office.”
“I won't forget.” Betty frowned. “That is so awful what people are doing. Using these poor children for their blood just to get a high. Sickening.”
“Yes it is.” Nicole nodded. “So call me if anyone ever approaches you.”