by D N Simmons
“That is true, we are all in this together,” I repeated then smiled slightly. I climbed out of the car and walked through the frosted glass double doors of the hotel towards the receptionists counter. The two female receptionists looked up as I approached.
“May I help you?” one of the receptionists asked. Her brown eyes tracing over my attire. One of her eyebrows arched as she calculated my status by the appearance of my clothes. Well I'll have her know that I do not plan to stay at this ritzy hotel! I'm just picking up a package. This hotel has shitty room service anyway!
“Hello, my name is Natasha Hemingway, I called this morning, I'm here to pick up the package that arrived.” I said as I fished through my wallet for my ID.
The receptionist waited until I produced the little plastic card. She inspected my photo and information then she looked at me to confirm that the person in the photo was the same person looking at her. She handed back my ID and rose from her seat. She walked through a dark wood door and returned carrying a medium size brown box. I signed for the package and left. Sergio took the box from me as I climbed back into the car.
“Is this it?” he asked curiously. “I expected a bigger box.”
“This is it, come on, I don't want to be caught riding around in a stolen car,” I pointed out.
Sergio smirked then started the engine and we headed back to the cabin. We were still driving when my cell phone began to vibrate. I pulled it out of my pocket and looked at my caller ID. It was Warren, I clicked on the talk button.
“Hey Warren, what's up?” I asked.
“Great, I finally reached you!” Warren said excitedly.
“Yeah, yeah! What's up, is there something wrong!?” his manner was making me nervous.
“I thought you were going to have your cell phone on?” he sounded slightly upset.
“I did have it on,” I said in my defense. “But somehow I must have accidentally set it on vibrate, I didn't know, I'm sorry. What is going on, you sound upset.”
“Someone tried to kill Darian early this morning while he was sleeping!” Warren said, he sounded extremely troubled by this and rightfully so. I could not believe my ears, I felt my mouth drop open in shock.
“They must be worried that Darian will get out of jail.” Sergio said as he listened to our conversation with his excellent hearing.
“It seems that way,” Warren said, responding to Sergio's analysis.
I was finally able to regain my senses after a few short moments. “Did they catch the hitman...person?” I asked, not quite sure what to call him, I suppose a vampire assassin.
“No, can you believe that, he killed two officers and wounded three more in his escape!” Warren growled angrily over the receiver.
“Does Darian know someone tried to kill him? Is he okay?” I asked, concerned for Darian's well-being.
“He is doing fine. An officer saw the man who tried to kill Darian and from what they told me, Darian woke up in time to see the man for himself. So I'm guessing he knows someone wants him dead. This mafia must know about your ties to Darian, they must fear you in some way because they want Darian dead. I suppose they suspect he might break out and search for them.” Warren speculated.
“Why do you suspect they know we have ties to Darian?” I asked, genuinely intrigued by Warren's suspicions.
“Because, he has been here for four days going on five and just now, he has someone attempting to kill him. You must be sniffing around the right tree, I think they sent someone to murder Darian just as I fear they might send someone to murder you. I want you guys to be careful.” Warren said in a serious tone, I decided to fill him in on the events of last night.
“Warren, it might be a little too late for that. They tried to kill us twice yesterday. The first hit was at a restaurant but that was not a direct attack at us. We were spying on a meeting hoping to get more information...we did. Then at our hotel room, they shot at us from the building across the street as well as the hitman who pretended to be room service in order to gain entrance into our room. They had silver bullets,” I said. I heard Warren gasp, but he remained silent as he waited for me to go on.
“We were taken to the police station, but Xavier hypnotized the cops and they let us go. We were hit a second time, they attacked again while we were driving to a bed and breakfast inn. They shot up our cabs, both cab drivers were killed. One, I know for sure was working for the mafia and Devin was kidnapped. I was able to make a connection with Devin, so I know that he is still alive, but we don't know for how long.” When I said this, I heard Sergio groan. “However, we do have an idea where he might be.” I added. We pulled in front of the cabin and I climbed out, Sergio grabbed the box and we walked inside the cabin.
“Well, this is some fucking disturbing news!” Warren groaned I couldn't blame him. “Look, don't tell me where you're at, just in case. I want to take all precautions. Matthew and I are taking turns and extra shifts watching over Darian as long as the job will allow without people suspecting anything. For instance, today is my off day, but I'm here pretending I'm catching up on paperwork. I hate it, but I feel that it is necessary. Did you get the package?” he asked.
“Yeah, I just picked it up a while ago.”
“Good, listen, I have to go, please keep me informed.” Warren requested.
“Will do.” I said then I hung up the cell phone. I looked at Sergio, he had opened the box and was going through all the contents. Elise walked over to him and inspected the gadgets as well.
“You'll need these, not us.” She stated, referring to the night vision goggles. I walked over to the box and looked inside.
“Does anyone here know how to use any of this stuff?” I asked, Elise shook her head and Sergio chuckled softly as he nodded his head.
“I do, but it was your little boyfriend that requested this,” Sergio stated.
I put the goggles back into the box and walked towards the bedroom. I was feeling a little tired, plus I wanted to catch a nap, hopefully I would be able to tune into Devin's visions.
“I'm going to take a nap now.” I said informing the others as I closed the bedroom door behind me. I climbed into the comfortable bed and covered up in the warm comforter. I drifted off to sleep a few moments later and was surrounded by darkness for a while, then my visions came rushing to me. I saw Warren as he checked in on Darian. It was late night hours in Chicago, and Darian was drinking the Synblood, just as he had promised. Warren was telling Darian about our situation and I could see Darian's composure, he appeared to be unaffected by our combined situations, but behind his blank expression, his eyes held concern and anger. Darian thanked Warren for the information. When I was satisfied with my update on Darian and Warren, I searched for Devin's vision.
Looking through Devin's eyes, I could see a white cement ceiling above me. I could hear the groans and wails of the other supernaturals in the room with me. Devin's body from head to toe was contained by silver bindings which stung his skin whenever he moved. I now knew that Devin felt weakness and pain throughout his limbs, every piece of Devin’s flesh that had been exposed to the silver was puffy with blisters and was taking longer to heal. Tears ran down the sides of Devin's cheeks as I felt him bite his bottom lip, trying to fight the urge to scream out in pain. Devin's captors entered the room and stood over him. I saw one, he was a shape-shifter, his scent told me that he was a wolf. His hands trailed down Devin's naked form to his genitals and he began to stroke Devin's flaccid penis.
“Don't fucking touch me!” Devin shouted and spat at him. The shifter wiped the glob of spit from his shirt front and took Devin's jaw in his palm, pressing his face against the silver strap over his head. An agonizing scream ripped from Devin's throat and the wolf laughed harshly.
“You're not in any position to command anyone, leopard!” he said, his Russian accent was extremely thick, his voice was deep like a growl.
He leaned closer to Devin and sniffed his genitals then worked his way to his neck. Devin wanted
to squirm, but didn't want to risk more contact with the silver bindings. The shape-shifter's tongue darted out and licked blood off Devin's nipple. He rose and peered into Devin's eyes. I focused on his golden tanned face, etching every curve and detail into my memory. He was huge, six-feet-nine-inches! A natural born. His dark brown eyes bored into Devin's, his long black hair was tied in a ponytail behind his back. He laughed once more then turned to walk towards one of the other captives. I could not see what he was doing, I could only smell through Devin, the other shape-shifters in the room. I could hear through Devin's ears the cries of pain and protests of the others that were being held captive.
My vision clouded, I was being shaken by strong hands. I opened my eyes to see John standing over me. I blinked a few times to clear my sight, then I slowly sat up. My body felt relaxed, I looked around the room then back at John.
“How long have I been asleep?” I asked.
He shrugged. “I don't know.” He sat down on the edge of the bed, he was weak, I could tell he had not fed yet. He looked lo be in pain.
“We have some Synblood for you in the kitchen, I suppose you could heat it up.” I suggested lightly, he chuckled.
“If you knew how unsatisfactory that shit is, trust me, you would not suggest it. It's like drinking vegetable oil!” he patted me lightly on the thigh and smiled. “Thanks, but Xavier doesn't want me to feed, he wants this mobster I have to turn tonight to be as weak as possible. So whatever blood I take from him, will be the only blood he'll get back.”
I thought about it and had to admit it did make sense. I rose from the bed and walked into the bathroom. I closed the door, but before I did my business, I peeked my head out of the door and looked at John sitting on the edge of the bed, his forehead resting on one hand and his other hand was caressing his stomach. I almost hated to bother him, but it was necessary.
“John?” I asked softly.
He looked up. “Yeah?”
“Can you step outside please?” I asked.
He snickered, a devious expression crept across his face. “Okay, I suppose you don't want me to hear anything. I'll go,” he laughed once more as he left the room.
I could feel my cheeks blush...the little bastard, I smirked, then grinned as he closed the door behind him. After I finished my business and brushed my teeth, I walked out of the bedroom and was stopped in my tracks by Sergio arguing with Elise...again. Well, they weren't really arguing per se, but there was a disagreement.
“Look, I brought them this blood shit so that we won't have lo feed them!” Sergio said as he held up a bottle of Synblood.
“Oh, for crying out loud Sergio, no respectable blood-drinker drinks that stuff!” Elise stated. She must have taken a shower, because her hair was still damp and plastered down the front of her pale pink bathrobe with the pink feather cuffs and trim.
“Really, it's not a problem, I'll drink it,” Xavier said. “I don't like it, but it will do in a pinch,” he said calmly trying to de-escalate the situation.
“That's not the point! Look,” Elise snapped, then she looked at Sergio. “Look, Sergio we need them to be in their best condition for what has to happen, they are going to need a powerful sustenance. I will no longer discuss this!” she said as she walked over to Xavier. Sergio placed the bottle of synthetic blood on the table and stepped in front of her in a move so fast there was no way I could have caught it. It was as if he had teleported in her path. She stopped and looked at him, her hands going to her waist.
“What's it going to be Sergio?” she asked.
“You are my Queen, I can not let you do such a thing, I will do it,” Sergio said. I think everyone in the room must have taken in a deep breath of amazement, I know I did!
“You don't have to.” Elise said, her green eyes softening as she looked into Sergio's grey eyes.
“I know, but it is my duty and I want to.” He said, then he turned around to face Xavier.
I looked at Xavier and from his appearance, he looked to be uncomfortable, his expression told me that he felt awkward about feeding from Sergio.
“Okay Xavier, let's not make this shit any more gayer than it already is. Just get on with it!” he said as he stood in front of Xavier. “And you better not make me cum!” he warned. That comment seemed to brighten Xavier's mood. I watched his lips tightened as he fought the urge to laugh.
“I'll try my best to adhere to your most elaborately expressed wishes,” Xavier chuckled. Then he began to kneel down in front of Sergio and Sergio tensed.
“Hey! What the fuck are you doing!?” he asked nervously.
Elise covered her mouth to hide her smile and John turned away as he laughed silently. I too had began to giggle, I had no idea just how uncomfortable this was making Sergio, but his reactions were still comical. Xavier erected himself and looked at Sergio.
“I was going to drain you from the artery in your wrist.” Xavier informed him, faking innocence.
Sergio shook his head and raised his wrist towards Xavier. “You don't need to go down there to reach my wrist.”
“Oh Sergio, you're carrying on badly!” Elise stated with a chuckled.
Sergio looked at her and smirked. Xavier smiled, then he bit into Sergio's wrist without warning, it was like watching a snake at tack. The speed in which it was done was highly comparable. Sergio inhaled sharply and bit his bottom lip. After a few seconds. I could see that Sergio was beginning to feel the effects of the bite, his eyes closed slowly and he began to pant softly. His eyebrows creased as his breathing became more rapid, his mouth opened and a soft moan escaped his throat. I thought Xavier was going lo bring him to the point of climax, but Xavier released him before the moment came. Sergio's eyes shot opened and he appeared to focus his vision on Xavier. He removed his hand from Xavier's hold and walked to the sofa, collapsing onto the cushions. Elise went over to him, she looked at the bite marks in his wrist and watched them as they healed.
Xavier appeared to be floating, his flesh seemed to become more colorful, more human. I could see the blood under his skin. I walked over to him and hugged him, relishing his warmth. John groaned in the corner then stood up and began to pace the room. This must be torture for him, I felt sorry for John. I wished there was something I could do to help him. Xavier watched John walk back and forth, but said nothing. I figured this was the perfect time to tell everyone what I saw in my visions.
“I had a vision about Devin,” everyone looked at me when I mentioned Devin's name. “He's being held somewhere, along with other captives of the supernatural race. There are other shape-shifters there, but I don't know why. They have Devin strapped to a table of some sort with silver bindings and this guy, this shape-shifter, he's kind of molesting him...I think.” As soon as I said that I wished I hadn't, because Sergio jumped up from the sofa and stormed towards me. Xavier stepped in front of me and he stopped in his tracks and glared at Xavier.
“I'm not going to fucking hurt her, I just want clearer details!” he said through clenched teeth. I stepped in front of Xavier and looked at Sergio, I could see the pain and anger in his eyes.
“This shape-shifter only fingered Devin's crotch, that is all I saw in the vision. I know what he looks like, he's Caucasian, about six-feet-nine-inches in height, long black hair, he's Russian also.” I watched Sergio's expression as his mind search for the man matching those descriptions. I assumed that Sergio might have an idea who the shape-shifter was, possibly that this was the shape-shifter who kidnapped Devin.
Sergio turned and walked away from me, he stormed outside, slamming the door behind him. Elise looked visibly upset by this new information and she followed behind Sergio. I turned to face Xavier, I hated being the bearer of bad news. I really liked Devin, I found him to be kind and sweet, he reminded me a lot of Annette and I did not want anything bad to happen to him. Xavier took my chin in his hand and lifted my face to his.
“Don't be sad, Tasha. This is unfortunate, I know. But it is not the end. The guilty parties will not
get away with any of this, I promise you,” he whispered.
I put my arms around his strong shoulders and he held on to me. Sergio and Elise walked back into the cabin, Sergio was still fuming, but I could tell that Elise managed to calm him down, somewhat.
“Your company is here.” Elise announced as she sat on the sofa. Sergio plopped down next to her, his arms crossed over his chest.
John groaned when Xavier walked towards the door to greet the mobsters. Xavier stepped out of the cabin for a few minutes, then he came back in, opening the door wider for two men to carry a large crate into the cabin. They put the crate on the floor, and left only to return a few seconds later with another large crate. They placed the second crate on the floor next to the first with a heavy thud. Xavier stood beside the door looking outside, I wondered what he was looking at? Then I saw a man, about six feet tall, with thick, wavy, short-cropped jet-black hair and brown eyes walk into the cabin. He was dressed head to toe in black, Xavier closed the door behind him. The mobster removed his long trench coat revealing an expensive looking black business suit and handed it to one of the men that accompanied him.
He looked around the cabin, his gaze fell on the rest of us. He glanced at me, then his gaze trailed over Elise, approvingly. He smiled at Elise and winked. Sergio uncrossed his arms and scooted closer to the edge of the sofa. Elise put her hand on his shoulder and he settled back into the cushions. The mobster snorted then turned around to face Xavier.
“Well,” he held his arms out from his sides. “I've upheld my end of the bargain.” The mobster stated arrogantly then he let his arms drop back to his sides.
He removed his black leather gloves and gestured for his two men to open the crates. Both men walked over to the crates and opened one each, revealing a small arsenal. I had never seen so many guns in my life, especially not the kind of guns that were used in combat. Xavier walked over to the guns and picked one up. It looked like one of those M-16's I've seen in a lot of action films. Xavier checked over the gun like a pro, even ejecting the clip.
