by L. C. Son
Maybe if I don’t answer they will go away.
And just when I think the offender on the other end has given up—they call again!
“This better be important,” I answer, my voice raspy with the morning and my eyes still closed.
“One hundred and forty-three,” Braelyn replies coolly.
“Am I supposed to know what that means, Braelyn?”
“I just thought you should know your body count last night.” Her matter-of-fact tone irritates me, but her statement sends my eyes wide open. The hexagon ceiling tiles above me create a dizzying effect as I work hard to get my bearings.
Crap! I’m at Razors. As I try to recall when and why I came to the club last night horrid images flood my mind. My bouncer, Crawley, had just rang the dinner bell and the feeding began as I arrived. While it’s a normal practice to lure humans to the club in hopes of feeding on them, the goal is never to take life. Drink from the vein and compel them to go home and forget our faces. That’s what we’ve done for centuries and it’s worked.
But last night was different. I was in rare form. Filled with rage from my bouts with Decaux, Brian, and Jerrica’s incessance, I became more than what was necessary—I became him again. The red beast. That is not what I wanted. I only needed to blow off a little steam. A flurry of panic swarms my mind as I think on the damage I’ve likely inflicted.
“Any humans?” My voice now just as cold as the marbled stone beneath me.
“Yep. Roughly thirty-eight from Titan and Cedric’s count. The rest Skull and Scourge.”
“Have they already begun clean up?”
“Well of course sunshine! They started working behind the scenes the minute you flew out of the mansion like a banshee on a tirade. I wouldn’t worry though. Tolu and Baron have already pushed the narrative to the community that it was all Decaux’s handiwork. Meanwhile, the humans that can be compelled have been, and they’re working on a spin for the press. Faulty gas leak or something like that.”
“That all sounds good, but I don’t want people thinking it happened at Razors. Be sure they point it in the direction of the abandoned warehouse down the street. College kids have been partying there a lot lately. I want all suspicion off me!”
“Dude! You know I have your back! I’ll make certain to redirect traffic where necessary. I mean really, that should go without saying by now. Come on, D, what gives? What’s gotten into you?”
“Look Braelyn, I’m not really in the mood for your chastising right now!”
“Well lucky for you that’s not why I called.”
“Oh?” I reply surprised. It’s not normal for her to give up so easily.
“Nope. I’m just calling on behalf of Jerrica.”
“Now Braelyn, if you’ve called to talk about my heart and true love again—”
“No, no. Stop right there, death stroke—”
Death stroke?
“Listen, D, I learned my lesson. I’m staying as far from that track as I possibly can. Jerrica just asked me to tell you not to come back to the mansion.”
“What! You both understand that place is technically mine, right?”
“Duh! No one has forgotten that I assure you. It’s just that Jerrica told Brian and Charlotte they could host the vigil for Abahana and the other fallen ones there tonight,” Braelyn’s tone is cool but cautious.
“Oh did she?” The fact that Jerrica didn’t call herself lets me know she’s pretty upset with me. Still.
Braelyn breathes out a huge sigh, refusing to allow silence to part us. “Look, it’s the least you can do, D!”
“Braelyn, are you blaming me for what happened in the Tremé?”
“No, I’m not blaming you at all. It’s just that with everything going on, just the gesture could help soften the air a bit, don’t you think?” Braelyn thrusts her request forward, but her parting words trail. She’s worried.
“I suppose. How is she?” We both know if I allow this, it’s only for Jerrica’s benefit. Not Brian.
“She’s Jerrica. Just peachy. All about business with her mind set on all things mansion revitalization.”
“Good. Throwing herself into work has always made her happy.”
“Well, I didn’t say she was happy.”
“What does that mean?”
“Look, I know I said I wouldn’t bring it up—least of all to you of all people but—”
“But what?”
“Apparently even though she got confirmation that the woman she wanted you to meet signed for the letter, she hasn’t gotten a reply on whether she’ll accept. Jerrica’s pretty ticked about it though she’s not trying to let on that she is.”
“Hmm…sounds familiar. You know the whole getting your hopes up on true love thing.”
“Whatever dude!”
“I won’t say I told you so.”
“And you’ve just said it.”
“Oh, that I did!”
“Whatever, D, just make sure you don’t come back anytime soon tonight.”
“No worries, I’ll keep my distance.” Until I get my rage in control it’s not a good idea to be around Brian.
Silence spans the space of the time and I start getting twitchy. Quiet is never a good sign with Braelyn.
“Well is that everything, Braelyn?” I need to find a way to end this call. I can still feel the beast churning within me.
“Dalcour, are you sure you’re okay?”
“Wow, you’re being more formal than usual. No Big D or anything.”
“I’m trying to be genuinely serious here, Mr. Darkside!”
“There she goes!” Good. Braelyn’s cynical snarkiness is part of her charm.
“Death stroke. Darkside. It’s all the same. Just tell me the truth, are you okay?” Braelyn snaps back.
“Look, I know I spent the last twenty-four hours in a bit of a tailspin. And I know I’ve got a lot to answer for because of it. But I assure you, I’m just fine,” I respond in a low soft tone hoping to assure her.
“Good!” Braelyn’s bubbly tone returns and I’m not sure this is necessarily a good sign. “Well, to show you how good a sport I am—and because you didn’t outright say I told you so, I’m doing you a solid. But listen here, this is just a one-time thing—don’t go getting any ideas that I’m your goth-pimp or anything.”
“What? You’re not making any sense.”
“I’ve arranged for those grizzlies I saw with Titan the other day to come and um, keep you company at the club. Now, however you choose to entertain yourself is completely up to you.”
“Why Braelyn, you shouldn’t have.”
“Oh I know I’ll probably pay for it later. Just because true love is off the table for us doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time, right D?”
“Or is it perhaps you’d rather these grizzlies spend their time with me instead of Titan?”
“I could care less who Titan spends his time with! I just figured you could find better ways to redirect all that pinned up energy instead of a slaughter fest. They should arrive just after sunset. So, go clean yourself up and be on your best behavior.”
“Thank you, Braelyn. And not to worry, I have every intention on being my absolute best. I have a good feeling about tonight.”
Chapter 9
Jackson
Horror and disbelief fill my soul as Gregory recounts the last twenty-four hours back to me. Learning that I was in wolfen form since Friday is beyond puzzling. That has never happened to me or any of our kind before. I almost don’t know what’s more heart-wrenching, the fact that I phased straight through my wedding day or that Damina has left and no one knows where.
I’m sure it’s the latter.
“There’s more,” Gregory says in a throaty tone, as if he gulped in too much air. I gaze back at him, eyes glowing, fearful of his nex
t words. What could be worse than Damina missing? I’m not sure how much more bad news I can take in one sitting.
Gregory keeps his eyes on the road before us as he drives, inching cautiously to the yellow light preparing to stop just before it turns red. He takes in a deep breath, swallowing the hard air in his throat as he leans toward me.
“You were different, Jack.”
“What do you mean? Different?”
“Well when you first phased in the street in front of her place you looked like your normal wolf. I followed you to the edge of the woods and Shawn took your things back to your place. When I got there you started howling and growling like you were in some sort of pain. Then you started.”
“Started what?”
“Phasing again.”
“That’s impossible, Gregory!”
“I swear if I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. The silver of your coat shed to the ground and your fur became a thick and creamy white.”
“Maybe you saw another wolf. There’s no way we can just change like that!”
“I’m telling you what I saw, Jackson! The only thing that stayed the same were your eyes and your howl. Except your howl was deeper and seemed to reverberate off the trees. But more than all of that was your size. If I didn’t see it happen in front of me, I would have thought I was imagining things. You looked like the Dire Wolf of old.”
“The Dire? Now you’re just exaggerating! Gregory, please, they’ve been extinct well since the ice-age!”
Gregory keeps his eyes fixed on me and I see there is no pretense to his tone. He means every word. Only the sound of a honking horn behind us breaks his gaze as the light turns green.
“Didn’t you say that Delia was at Damina’s place?” I say breaking the forming silence between us, shrugging off Gregory’s grisly depiction of my wolfen form.
Gregory parts his lips and pauses before speaking and only nods in affirmation. I can tell he wants to continue our discussion but knows to back off.
“Good, take me there.”
I am thankful the remainder of our ride is quiet as we drive to Damina’s condo. Gregory stares back and forth at me often, likely wanting to say more, but keeps his budding thoughts to himself. While I’m glad he’s holding back, I also know this won’t last long.
As soon as he parks the car, I race up the steps, grimly hopeful Damina has returned. Although I know better.
Bursting through the door, my heart falls when Delia’s sorrow-filled face is the first I see. Tears immediately erupt from her eyes at my entrance, and she runs to me, throwing herself on my shoulder and sobs. To date I’ve never seen Delia display emotions like this. The only time I’ve ever seen her cry was when I proposed to Damina and those were happy tears.
Seeing her lose it like this in my arms is new territory for me. I’ve never been one for public hugs. It just makes me feel awkward.
I try wrapping my hands around her, patting her arms softly.
“It’s okay, Delia, we’ll get her back. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll get her back.” I whisper in her ear.
Delia pulls away from me, wiping her cheeks with a wad of tissue crumbled in her hands. She sniffles a little, narrowing her eyes as she takes a few steps back.
“How could you let it come to this, Jackson? You promised me you’d keep her safe. You promised her father—the Order!” She snaps. Her voice is hoarse, likely from continuous crying. But it is the Jekyll and Hyde vibe emitting from her that is throwing me off.
“You’re not seriously blaming me! Sophie said she told you everything. You know I would never do anything to harm Damina!” I shout back.
“And the woman, Jackson? Who was she?”
“She is my ex. But she’s inconsequential. They used a changeling, Delia! A changeling! It could’ve been anyone and I wouldn’t have known the difference!”
“But you promised! You had one job! Keep Damina safe!”
“How dare you! You’re as much to blame as me! I’m not the only one who kept things from her! If you had told her the truth of her lineage—I would be married to her right now.”
“Hey now! Everyone calm down!” Gregory says, positioned between me and Delia. “I’m sure there’s more than enough blame to go around. None of it will help get Damina back.”
Delia continues her venomous glare, squaring her shoulders. Her alpha is showing. She’s not backing down. Neither am I. Although I want to relent and assure her we are on the same side, I keep my stance strong as the will of my wolf keeps my feet bolted in place.
Gregory shifts his posture between Delia and I, relaxing his shoulders. I am equally surprised and impressed he is keeping his wits about him. He’s never let up on a fight before, but this time something’s different.
He’s different.
“What we need to do is find Kyra and Tye. We’ve got to understand why they teamed together to break up you and Damina,” Gregory says, pressing through the awkward silence.
“Well that answer is clear.” Sophie’s sullen, yet crisp voice whispers at the entry of Damina’s bedroom. I didn’t know she was here. Her tear-filled eyes are puffy, but it’s her unkempt appearance that’s more disturbing. With a messy bun, untucked blouse, and jeans she barely resembles my typically posh aunt. “It’s Keiron. This whole situation wreaks of his involvement,” Sophie adds.
“What? So your brother is behind this?” Delia lashes.
“We don’t know that for sure, Delia,” Gregory calmly replies.
“No, Gregory. Sophie’s right. This has my brother written all over it,” I answer.
“Jack, how can you be certain? I mean, your brother is a lot of things—but he’s still your brother.” Gregory’s eyes are wide with disbelief as he watches Sophie and I exchange knowing glances.
“He called here, Gregory!” I shout, reluctant to reveal the truth. A sharp pain rivets through me. It burns me inside to think of not only my brother’s involvement, but his betrayal.
“What?” Gregory whispers back, lowering his shoulders stunned by my admission.
“Yes, he called when we came looking for Damina. He called her home phone—so that means he was close enough to see we were here. He just wanted to taunt me—telling me there’s more going on than even I understand. Said there were more players on the board.” My voice trails as I recount the callous, unforgivable manner by which he spoke to me. He didn’t seem like my brother at all.
He was someone else.
“Then hear me well when I tell you this, Jackie,” Sophie begins, her strengthening demeanor returning. “You do whatever you must to see to it that Damina is found well. It is not just your responsibility as her fiancé, but as Prime Alpha.”
“Of course, dear aunt. I’ll go to whatever end to bring her back where she belongs.”
“Good then. Do what you must nephew. Even if it means putting an end to your brother’s schemes. Even if it means taking his life.”
Dalcour
Braelyn did good for a change. The girls aren’t as grisly as she made them out to be either. Though I’m sure Braelyn’s sentiment was more aimed at Titan and his unquenchable desire for new partners night after night. Her strategy of keeping these three lovelies far from Titan’s lure isn’t lost on me.
So I suppose I should do my best to be a good sport.
All three of the ladies are easy on the eyes. But it’s the sound of their cringy, whining voices that is driving me crazy! I tried turning the music up at Razors as they danced around on the stage entertaining me from the poles and it’s still not enough to drown their nasally tones. While it’s tempting to just compel them to quietness, I fear the red beast’s return should my lust take over. I’d surely hate for these women to succumb to such a fate. They’re far too young.
Thankfully, Braelyn knew I needed a distraction and that’s exact
ly what they are.
Nothing more.
As I spy the last of the sun’s light pass beneath the doors of the club, I immediately rush the girls out of the building. My staff will arrive soon and the last thing I need is to entice them with the smell of youthful blood. It’s almost too much for me to bear. Besides its Sunday or what we like to call rehab night at Razors. We only open the club to vampires who have been rehabilitated from their Scourge-like state to come here after they survive the taming wells of the Civility Center. It’s their first test to see if they can be out in a public setting.
They have one goal. Feed and release. We keep the mature vampires or Altrinion vampires around to compel the humans as they exit or stop one of the rehabs from going too far. And now that Jerrica is using the mansion for Abahana’s memorial service, I have nothing else to do but keep my mind off my wicked brother.
“So Mr. Merchant, where are you taking us?” I keep my eyes on the dangling cleavage of the bubble gum-popping, strawberry blonde in front of me. It’s better I keep my eyes lowered, lest the glowing hue of my irises betray my dislike of her voice and the mispronunciation of my name.
Names are sacred for Altrinions. Hearing it pronounced incorrectly stings like a hornet’s nest in my ear. Thankfully, her bouncing boobs are far more interesting than anything coming out of her mouth.
“It’s Marchand,” I answer gruffly, tugging the least nasally brunette closer to my side. I let out a faux chuckle. I need to let them think they are entertaining me.
“To Bossier’s,” I say to the Hitch driver. Taking them to the one place that’s sure to mask their pitch enough for me to just enjoy their company is the best thing I can think of. It is also the safest.
Everyone, human or otherwise, is welcome at Bossier’s Tavern. Even me. Melvina took me off the naughty list years ago. Sure, Calvin will likely never forgive me for taking his leg before he and Bessie were married, but he knows he provoked matters. It’s not my fault he couldn’t control his lady. Bessie and I had our mutually satisfying relationship long before he came on the scene. But even when she chose her lycanthropy over her Altrinion lineage, it didn’t stop her advances toward me.
