Right then, Ramon sensed anger rising from Jonah and Thorn because no one told them before that they'd literally wind up in the future. They'd obviously not planned on the scenario. With Rose's entering the room, there was no doubt an explosion would occur. Much to his surprise, the two men suppressed their anger and merely inclined their heads in acknowledgement of her appearance. It looked as though he would have to deal with the situation.
"I just informed them that they were now in the future." Ramon gave Rose a frown. "You didn't mention to them that you two impersonated your ancestors to pull this stunt off?"
Rose shrugged. "No, how likely were they going to believe me and Jessie?" She didn't know what all they'd told Thorn and Jonah, Ramon knew she wasn't going to apologize either.
Ramon sighed. "I'm sorry they didn't bother to inform you of what they'd done."
Jonah grunted. "I knew something was odd about them, I just couldn't put my finger on what." He leveled a stark stare at Rose and Jessie. "Was Eleanor from the future as well?" That clearly bothered him if she was.
"No." Jessie vehemently denied. "She was the one who remained original." She grimaced. "None of her family came forward." She glanced at the babies. "We brought them forward because they deserved a better future than what lay ahead of them had they remained in the past."
Jonah glanced at her with a frown. "They survived?"
"Yes." Rose confirmed. "However, they were horribly deformed due to the fact that Eleanor hadn't died but tried poisoning herself with something and they were badly affected." She hesitated. "They had stunted wings and claws for hands and feet."
The brothers exchanged glances. Jonah sighed. Thorn shook his head. Neither of them knew what to say other than that. "What I'm going to show you will indicate whether or not I'm the sire for certain." Jonah grunted. "Please do not take offense when I disrobe." He walked behind a screen to preserve the girls' chastity and sparked Ramon's curiosity.
They all winced when a muttered growl, curse, and saw Thorn turn white from shock. Minutes later, Jonah appeared.
His appearance was vastly altered. He walked unsteadily since he had mutated claws on his feet and hands. Still muscular and much taller, his body had the fur of a lion and his face remained somewhat human. Golden and dark brown fur covered his entire body and a tail swung behind him before wrapping around his waist and hips. He only came part way to where they sat. he remained somewhat in the shadows. "I trust that you'll keep this to yourself." His voice was gravelly and distorted. After a few seconds he returned behind the screen and returned to his human form. When he came back, fully dressed, his hair was loose and almost if Eduard's had been. "Thorn, a hair tie please."
Thorn tossed one to him. Jonah tied his hair back. It was glossy with no gray in it at all. His brown eyes regarded them very politely. "So, what do you think of me now, other than a freak of nature that shouldn't even exist?"
Ramon blinked. He'd yet to digest what he just saw. It made him understand that Jonah had something unusual. "Do you develop wings?" Since he hadn't seen them, he didn't quite know what else to ask.
Jonah's mouth twitched. "Too big to fit here. My other form is that of a griffin." He spread his hands slightly. "I would potentially destroy the room if I became that."
Ramon appreciated Jonah's desire not to destroy the abode he and the girls shared. This put a whole new twist on their situation though. "I hope neither of you wish to return to the past. I don't think that would be advisable." He watched them closely and monitored the two girls under his supervision. It didn't take Ramon long to realize neither of them bothered with dealing with the two young men's fates. They obviously had taken the most expeditious path to completing their mission.
Ramon frowned at Jessie and Rose as he admonished harshly. "You girls will need to reflect on your actions later." He saw shocked comprehension cross Rose and Jessie's faces. Evidently neither of them took into consideration what might happen to the young sirs' offspring or affairs if they left without any warning. Foolish girls, they were too impulsive.
Thorn closed his eyes. Briefly despair chased across his face. He shook his head. "I suspected something drastic would occur." He glowered when Jonah snorted, and continued. "Therefore, I made preparations including a letter that would dictate disposal of my estate, such as it was." He shrugged in resignation. "I'm glad I never indicated preference for a particular lady of acquaintance." Dull sadness crossed his features. "I'm aware that she preferred Eduard anyhow."
After making a second rude noise in his throat, Jonah made a sour face. "If you're referring to Melinda Delaney. She had several preferences but only led them a merry dance." He folded his arms. "You had a narrow escape. Her antics and craziness made Eleanor look average." He warded off Thorn's fist thrown in his direction. "You know it is true, brother."
Ramon grimaced as tempers began flaring. "Stop it you two." He warned them. "We've yet to finish the reason why you two were allowed to remain here."
Immediately Thorn and Jonah quit bickering. They focused their attention on him. "How can we assist?" Jonah's bewildered expression satisfied Ramon.
"I'm not actually related to this clown." Thorn glowered at Jonah. "So how will I be useful in this venture?" He obviously didn't care to participate.
That was problematic. Ramon exhaled. "I'll need to transfuse the potions through blood into the children." If he wasn't mistaken, one of them shared blood with Jonah, while the other had Thorn's and therefore Eduard's blood as well. "That requires blood donors." Overall, it was a risky venture. He needed to know what their blood types were.
He took a sample from both males and then from the babies. As a result, Ramon was pleased that he came with the correct assumption. He made immediate preparations and the children's' lives were saved through the blood transfusion.
"These youngsters will grow fast, faster than normal." In about three years' time, he estimated they would resemble young teens.
"Hmm, well I suppose it wouldn't hurt to remain while helping them." Thorn grumbled.
Jonah shrugged. "I'll also need time to transition from the old world to the new." He hesitated. "Perhaps during that time, we can help search for clues as to finding Eduard."
Surprised and pleased with their immediate decision to acclimate to the future rather than demanding return to the past, Ramon nodded with satisfaction. "Fine. This shouldn't take too long." Fortunately, he had sets of identification prepared just in case for any unprepared individuals that would allow them to move about in the present without problems.
He glanced at Rose and Jessie who'd carried the children to the nursery and returned. "How are the babies?"
Jessie smiled. "Asleep. Which I will be soon after eating something. I'm exhausted." She glanced at Thorn and Jonah. Have they made their decision?"
Before Ramon or the two males could respond, Rose yawned, and appeared. "I'm assuming they said yes to remaining in the future." She addressed Ramon politely. "I'm bushed. I'm not going to eat anything, I'm just going to bed." She paused. "I already set up two temporary beds in the nursery. They can sleep in there." She waved negligently. "Good night." Then she left the room.
Ramon's mouth tightened in disbelief at Rose's rude and arbitrary actions. However, before he could reprimand her, Jonah smiled. "I confess that I'm rather sleepy, but if possible, could I bath?" He grimaced. "I stink of smoke and other unpleasant odors." Meaning he didn't want to make the room of the infants stink due to rank uncleanliness.
Jessie smiled. "I can show you how to operate the various knobs." She offered.
As he assessed their reactions, Ramon realized he didn't really know the caliber of the two men. What he learned, they cared for their appearances. He saw Thorn discreetly sniff at his shirt and his nose wrinkled in acute disgust.
He addressed Ramon politely. "I have the same request, but I'll wait until Jonah is finished." Obviously, he wasn't of mind to remain in an unwashed and smelly state. He hesitated at Jessie's offer. " Err, I don't know if that is appropriate or not."
In this case, it wasn't. Ramon shook his head at Jessie. "I'll do it this time." When she frowned, rather insulted, he frowned at her. "Remember the time from which they just came from." He cautioned.
"Oh right, I'm sorry I forgot." Jessie heaved a sigh. "You all better acclimate fast if there is to be no further problems." She advised and exited the room.
"Come with me." Ramon shrugged. "I'll show you to the bathroom that you two can use for the time being." He had a feeling they would remain in the abode until the acclimated. He also felt it would take longer than what Jessie expected. These two young men clearly knew nothing about the future. However, they showed determination to succeed no matter what the circumstances dictated.