Beyond the Veil Mira- The Complete Series

by Trina Bates

  “Okay, okay. Get out of here hot stuff. Go babysit the new kid. Link me and let me know how it's going when you get a chance.”

  Lifting up on my toes, I give him a quick peck on the cheek. He leans down and gives me one back.

  “We’re not done talking about all of this. You training, though, I’m saying no right now. Plus, you have never wanted me to start before. I want to know why and we definitely aren’t done with what’s going to happen next with this baby.”

  “We’ll talk later, I promise. Now get that sweet ass outta here so I can get dressed without you ogling my ass the entire time.”

  He knows I love it when he does, but he can't be late to a new gig.

  “Love you, Bugs.”

  “Love you too, beefcake.”

  After he leaves the room, I start getting my uniform together, if you can even call it that. For fuck's sake, it’s black skinny jeans and a light pink sheer lace bone in corset. I hate the damn thing, and don’t get me going on these god awful shoes! I’m already tall enough and now I get to add on another four inches in these ridiculous heels. I love Blue, but she’s a twisted bitch.

  Mira:

  Doing my makeup I start with a little khol around the eyes. I look at my deep dark blue eyes, my fair skin, and long blond hair trying to envision what my little one will look like. Will they have my dark, almost black eyes, my blond hair, maybe even my heart shaped face and rosy cheeks? Will they take after Ebbin, or one of the other men? I shake my head trying to get those thoughts out of my mind and finish putting on some blue mascara and some nude lipstick. I run into the kitchen to grab a quick bite to eat.

  A lot of people would love to have the kitchen we do, but I really don’t like it. Hard angles, crude bright light, stark white appliances, and walls, the only thing to cut the harshness is the gunmetal grey countertops. The double door industrial fridge is stocked with everything you could want. Ice cream for me, potato salad, and lots of beer for Ebbin. You know, the essentials. There’s a giant island in the middle that’s never used, but nice to sit on, or get bent over.

  We’re never in here much. We keep saying we’ll get some paint, some new light fixtures, and a few frilly counter decorations, you know the glass bowls no one uses, maybe some of those canisters that hold coffee and sugar. No real use, they just sit there. Yeah, some of that stuff, but we never do. I would love to say it's because we forget or we just don’t have the time, but we’re just not motivated. We don’t want to come home and work on anything after we’ve worked all night. So, we’re just going to leave it and hate it.

  I'm bound to get hungry later, so I grab an apple and some leftovers from last night. Swiping up my key card and ID bracelet, I sling the straps of my heels around my wrist and slip on my favorite flats. They are a loud, bright, god awful, neon pink with silver gems covering them, but they are so me.

  The walk to work is amazing. We live beside a river, so for the few blocks I walk when it is this gorgeous and sunny out, I can hear the water rushing, the birds calling, animals rustling in the bushes, and the wind blowing through the trees. The sounds of nature that everyone takes for granted.

  We’re the only house for a bit. We own a good chunk of property, no neighbors, no one coming to sell shit, and the Hellhounds that monitor the Others generally stay away. They don’t concern themselves too much with Hollows, but if a Hollow breaks any rule against an Other, they’ll step in. Mostly we’re monitored by a few designated Martials. They’re Other, but weaker and don’t stand in society with their own kind.

  Rounding the corner to turn onto the first real road, I have two blocks to go, and I’m at my second home, Blue’s. Little shops line the street. Mostly catering to the Others but a few are for everyone of any race. Clothing stores, a small market, the little apothecary shop that sells the strangest things, but my favorite is the ice cream shop. Walking past the ice cream shop, I see my little Link buddy, Jeremy. Calling him little is a stretch, at just seventeen he is six foot eight and still growing. Last year he finally came into his ‘beast’ when his Alpha deemed him ready. No one knew he was going to be anything different than the rest of his people, they are mostly wolf.

  Again, not unusual. Guess they figured it out when his Alpha forced his shift. It’s the only way for a shifter to bond to their other half. The entire pack is present, I know there is a little blood magic twisted into it too. The Alpha that a shifter pledges to commands his animal out with a little help from the blood of his pack and a spell spun into it. Well, Jeremy happened to turn into a damn Pard. Half leopard, half lion. That is really strange. Since his mom is full wolf he should have inherited part of her. At least been able to dual shift, but he’s fully his dad.

  I know they searched for Jeremy’s dad to try and teach him more about his animal, but the man had vanished without a trace. Again, not uncommon. Others usually bone like bunnies to simply enjoy the act and feel another Supes mind and body, to bond for a few hours. Then they go. Jeremy though? His beast is a sight to see for sure and he is damn proud of who he is. He’s beautiful, baby soft, ebony fur adorns his entire body, with the normal spots. A mane so black, it shines blue. He’s the size of a horse, if not bigger, and the best kid I’ve ever met. He’s a damn riot when we game. Smiling from ear to ear, the kid is all lumberjack and no bite. Such an amazing heart for someone so young.

  Giving him a quick wave and a smile to match his, I open the door to say a quick hello.

  “Hey Mira, you going to be on tomorrow?”

  “Of course. You better make sure you are too. Got a bit to tell you! I gotta rush though, so make sure you tell your mom to Link in and give her a kiss for me,” blowing him a kiss, his ever shy nature peeks out and his cheeks burn red.

  “See you then! Tell Ebbin I’m about to pass his K/D.”

  “Later kid!” I say knowing damn well he hates it. He just shrugs his massive shoulders and waves.

  I’m going to love telling Ebbin his Kill to Death Ratio is about to be shattered by a seventeen-year-old.

  Rounding the corner, the familiar pink neon is lighting up the street. It's not even dark yet and that thing is a beacon! Come one, come all! Come to Blue’s!

  Damn sign sure has a way of making a statement and attracting people, with that ugly, ‘Blue’s Brew’ pink neon sign. Not only does she get shit for the sign color, but some patrons even go off on that fact that she named the bar after herself. One guy, a patron that still frequents the bar, says she is pretentious and the sign color makes no sense. With a devilish smile on her face, she watched as he took every sip of the drink she made him. Half way done with his cocktail, he shit himself on the stool from the spell she laced into the drink. Anyone who comes here knows what she is. A Witch with the power of Blood to fuel her Fae powers. It was his own ignorant fault. Needless to say, he apologized and has been a superb tipper ever since. I don’t know why he keeps coming back.

  Motorcycles of every kind are already lining up at the curb. They are the only vehicles we have that still run on fossil fuels. All the rest are now either solar powered, battery powered, or there’s even a few that are water powered. For me though, I love the bikes. The roar of the engine, the vibration between your thighs, the excitement when you pull the throttle, nothing compares. They’re not the fastest, but they’re definitely the most powerful and damn you can’t beat that rush. Your stomach flips and your heart pounds. The exhilaration makes your life appear so clear, fun, and simple. Ebbin and I both choose the power over the speed.

  Who wouldn’t? Maybe I should have ridden out today too. I haven’t gotten Betty out of the garage in a few weeks. Yup, totally named all of my vehicles. Sherlock is my little car. I may or may not have named Ebbin's too; it’s Jergens.

  We haven’t opened yet, but this is how it is. People standing by their bikes, some getting an early drink in, others trying to mooch off of those that brought their own liquor. Then we have our resident hoochies. Suckin‘ face and getting down and dirty in front of ever
yone. The atmosphere before we even open is amazing. Blue has yet to tell me if she has spelled the place so people are more likely to come here than to go somewhere else. I know it breaks codes to do so, but she hasn’t ever really played by anyone’s rules. She gets away with it for having cheap drinks, awesome music, and badass waitresses.

  If the bar isn’t spelled, then the people just come to see what Blue will spike their drinks with. Seems a bit crazy since she isn’t nice in all her spells. Some people will get a relaxer spell, maybe even a spell to give them better luck. If she is in a bad mood, they get spells that will make them shit themselves, or they are unable to feel the effects of the alcohol. The worst I have seen, was when she spelled a patron’s drink with self doubt. He tried to get handsy with me which is the worst thing you can do. She has always been my protector. He cried all night and even called into his job quitting. She can do a lot more but that’s part of the fun, from what I’m told by a few of the patrons, it's the risk of dealing with Blue and seeing what she will give you that night.

  Shaking my head, I make my way to the door. A few catcalls and ass smacks later, I’m standing in front of a very pissed off Blue. Shit, what the hell did I do now!?

  Standing at six foot two, slightly taller than me, she scares the hell out of me right now. Blue is rare in more ways than one. In a world where races stick mostly together, she doesn’t judge too much. Her loyalty knows no bounds. Her solid, unrelenting, and intense heart makes her an amazing Other that anyone is lucky to have.

  She’s my loveable dual blood. Her mom is a Blood Fae, they feed off the emotions in others blood and the life force in it as well. Much like the Vampires. Blue, the more blood she consumes, the more powerful she gets. Speed, strength, and with her mom’s ability that she gained, she can control the blood of anyone she feeds from. Only for a small time. Chick got another damn kick though, her dad is a High Witch so with his abilities added to her Fae side, she can cast spells, lay wards, make potions for most illnesses, and control air.

  She's also blessed with looks. Not all Others are nice to look at, some are downright scary, but Blue has golden skin that shines even in darkness. Dark auburn waves that fall endlessly down her long sinuous back. Her curves are that of a Grecian goddess with deep-set blood red eyes, shaped like almonds and wide plump lips. Bitch has the powers, the looks, and the attitude. She uses them all, and very well to suit her needs.

  “Who the fuck just touched my girl’s ass?” You can feel her anger rising in the air, it’s stagnant and filled with unease. Blue stands crossing her arms, her eyes boring holes in whoever was unfortunate enough to be caught in her glare. Her stare had me turning away. “Raise your hand like a good little boy and I won't fucking drain you. That or all you assholes can find somewhere else to drink for the night.”

  Oh shit, I thought, she isn’t mad at me! Ha-ha! Someone’s in trouble! A chorus of ‘oh fucks’ ring softly through the air. I turn around trying to hold back the smug smile that’s damn near breaking my face. The females around me are sending death glares my way. Oh how cute, the kitties think they have claws. And the males are kicking the ground with their toes, looking sheepish and meek.

  Everyone knows not to mess around with Blue. One guy, a Hollow through and through, standing at five foot six with long shaggy, dull brown hair and tattoos covering what could have been a cute face, looks at me with disgust and royally fucks up.

  “In that outfit? Shit, she likes the attention. Don’t you, tits?” the little Hollow says. I find him in the crowd with a smug look on his face winking at me. Raking his gaze over my body like he can see what’s underneath my clothes.

  I shiver at the disgust that is coursing through me. My eyes are closed and my face is scrunched with the disgust he caused.

  Before I know what’s happening, the guy is laid out flat on his ass. Out cold with blood pouring from his nose and lip. I look up to Blue who has the same confused look as I do.

  All at once, hoots and hollers coming from the crowd, drown out my ability to think. I hear a slap on clothing before I hear a gruff, gravelly, and unkind voice say, “Good shit. He deserved it, didn't want to go anywhere else. Thanks, man.” I turn my head trying to find the gravelly voice, but the crowd of people and Blue have me trapped, unable to go anywhere. I feel like I’m stuck in a vice as I try to wiggle free.

  I hear a voice so familiar, my stomach drops, and my heart quickens inside my chest in anticipation. I can’t be sure it’s him, I have to get a closer look. I try to stand on my tip toes, but it’s no use. I can’t see a damn thing even with my added height over these Hollows.

  “If he deserved it, why the fuck didn’t you defend her?” Silence.

  I turn to find that sexy deep baritone voice again, but before I can, Blue grabs my shoulders and hauls me inside.

  “Blue wait! I know that voice. Gimme a second,” I say trying to get out of her grasp. She might be strong, but I’m too excited. I keep jumping trying to look over her shoulder, but she keeps weaving in front of me. My hands are shaking and I start to sweat due to my nerves, anticipating seeing his face again.

  “Yeah Tatts, you know that voice, but I doubt you want to see him right now. Just get inside and let me get rid of this shit.”

  “No, Blue. You can't fight all my battles, it's fine. He can't be all that bad if he just knocked that douche into next week.”

  Blowing out her cheeks, she curtsies at me like the bitch she is and sweeps her arm out like I’m some princess she is courting. I hate it when she does this. She tries to embarrass me any chance she gets but it has yet to work. I blow her a kiss but only bring my middle finger to my mouth as I do.

  “Fuck off hooker, I got this. Love ya.”

  “Uh huh,” she says sarcastically with eyes glaring holes into my forehead, shaking her head before turning to go behind the bar.

  Walking back out the door I hold my head high, searching for someone familiar. Anything. Walking closer to the douche still laying on the ground, I get bumped in the side by a huge body. Looking up, my stomach drops and my jaw is hanging open. My eyes are wide open in surprise. Fuck it’s him, well one of them. It’s mister tall, dark, and fuck me right here delicious.

  Mira:

  “Rhydian,” I whisper, unable to find my voice at the shock of seeing him again. Especially with the secret I am holding.

  At six foot seven he towers over me, making me feel short even at my height. His ebony hair is covered by his backwards ball cap. I want to take the cap off and run my hands through his hair, he loved it when I did that to him the last time we were together. I try to take him in but his deep azure eyes are staring down at me, bright and lidded, filled with lust. Those full, wide lips, so close, I have the strongest urge to kiss him. His five o’clock shadow prominent and making him look even more rugged. He looked the same way the last time I saw him.

  A large tattooed hand goes to my waist and he pulls me closer. He cocks his head to the side like I’m a puzzle he’s trying to solve then he sniffs me. Wait, did he really just fucking sniff me? Oh god, I hope I smell good.

  He looks down to my face once again, but this time, it’s not a welcoming sight. His eyes are glazed over, he looks like he’s in a trance. His eyebrows furrow and his jaw ticks with whatever it is he’s feeling.

  “Mira. How far along are you?” He demands in his deep, sexy voice that makes my legs quiver.

  “Wha, what?” I stutter in disbelief.

  How the hell can he know?

  “Your estrogen levels are much higher than the last time I saw you. Plus, I can hear a second heartbeat.” His eyes like fire, bore angry holes into me while his grip tightens on my arm, causing my palms to sweat and my stomach to knot up. How do you go from one extreme to another in just a few seconds?

  “I just found out this morning that I’m two months and three days. Look, I gotta go. It's not yours, take care Rhydian,” I have no idea why I said that, but I don’t want anyone making a claim on what’s mine. I try to
twist out of his hand that still holds my waist, but his other hand grabs me and he holds me in place.

  “If you just found out, you don’t know that it’s not mine. The timeline is perfect.” His scowl deepens and I get more anxious. “Were you going to tell any of us?”

  “Let me go,” I demand, but the slight quiver in my voice and my wide eyes gave way to my false bravado. “I just fucking found out. I have no idea how to get in touch with any of you. Was I going to search? I have no idea. I haven’t gotten that far yet. All I know is, this is my child. No one will take it away from me.”

  “Shit, I don’t want to take it away from you! I don’t know if it’s mine, but if it is, I want to be there,” he’s getting as anxious as I feel, his voice was higher, and he got the words out quicker than needed. Switching from foot to foot and running his hands through his hair, I couldn’t help but smile.

  His words shock us both. He stops moving and his brows are drawn as he stares at the floor. We only had one night. Men in our world don’t really stick around, nor do they want to have a burden or weakness like a child to worry about.

  “Look, I know you’re a Hollow and I’m an Other. I’m the only one of my kind I’ve come across in a long time, besides my own family. I don’t know the risks between our kinds. I haven’t honestly ever cared. If you’re keeping this kid you need to find out if it's mixed, and with what.”

  Too much information, too soon. I didn't know he was an Other. I thought he was a Hollow. Yeah okay, he’s huge, but they like to show off! A little magic here, a shift of a body part there. We were all too drunk to really get into any of that. It was strictly, primal, carnal, hot fucking sex. I barely remember their names! Okay, that's a lie. I totally remember their names, and every sweet fucking inch of their bodies.