Bureau Under Siege

by A. K. Michaels

  Celeste stared wide eyed at the Wolf as Starr turned to look at him. His face was angry, his breathing coming fast as he appeared to be fighting some inner battle. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so sharp with you, Celeste. But, honey, what you were going to say is private.”

  Her words were for the Witch but her eyes stayed on the Wolf, watching as he regained control. “Not so meek and mild when defending someone he obviously cares about,” she thought as his body relaxed slightly.

  Matthew’s voice was soft and low as he spoke, his eyes darting over to the young Witch. “Celeste is different to us, Starr, she doesn’t always seem able to think before she speaks. She doesn’t mean any harm.”

  “Of course not,” Starr stated and tried to defuse the situation. “I didn’t mean to imply that, only that some things that are private should remain private. Even if Celeste knows things others don’t, it doesn’t mean she should just say them aloud. Maybe you could help her with that, Matthew?”

  Celeste smiled up at Matthew, the look on her face one of love as he smiled back. “Yeah, I can do that. If you want me to, Celeste? We could maybe have a meal tonight and talk?”

  “That would be wonderful, but, Matthew, my mind gets kinda fuzzy at times. Could you call me later to remind me? So I don’t forget. I would hate to forget ‘cause I would love to have a meal with you and talk. Of course, talk…I’d love to talk more with you.”

  Starr watched as Matthew sat back down on the edge of the desk. “I’ll call you later, more than once, just to make sure you don’t forget. I’ll come pick you up here, if that’s okay?”

  Celeste nodded vigorously. “Yes, please.”

  Starr left them to it, knocking on Esther’s door then pushing it open and sticking her head in. “Come in, Starr,” Esther invited and she went in, closing the door and taking a seat.

  “Looks like a budding romance out there.” Starr motioned over her shoulder and saw Esther gazing at the door.

  “Possibly, for some reason I can’t ‘see’ if this is going to work out yet and I’m a little worried. Celeste, as we know, is special and quite hard work. I worry the lad isn’t up to the job.”

  Starr chuckled. “Well, if the way he just leapt to her defense is anything to go by, I’d say they had a fighting chance.”

  “I hope so. She deserves some happiness. Now, Starr, how are you, my dear?” Esther’s keen gaze locked with hers and she was certain the Witch knew.

  “I’m fine, why wouldn’t I be?” she quipped back, waiting to see if Esther would let slip anything.

  Esther sighed heavily. “Aww, now, Starr, I’m far too old to be playing games. You want to know if I know, about the baby. Correct?”

  Starr squinted at the old woman, obviously she knew about the baby and that rankled her a little. “How long have you known? Or did you know before I even became pregnant?”

  Turning around to lift a small tray with a clay teapot and two small, porcelain cups, Esther sighed again. “Always with the questions, what difference does it make? My knowing had no bearing on the outcome and I assume both you and Ronan are happy about the prospect of becoming parents?”

  As Esther poured out steaming liquid into the cups, Starr thought before answering. “I guess I just don’t like the fact that you know private things about us, before we do. It’s kinda…annoying.”

  “Here, try this,” Esther handed her one of the delicate cups. “Annoying? Well there’s not a lot I can do about what I know. I don’t set out to spy on people. The information comes to me in many ways, in a dream, a vision, as a flash in front of my eyes. I have no control over a lot of what I see.”

  Starr sipped the hot liquid. “This is nice, sweet but slightly tangy too. What is it?”

  “Oh, just an herbal tea of my own making. A little bit of this and a little bit of that and hey presto, it tastes rather good.” Esther took a sip of her own before carrying on. “I apologize if my knowing things upsets you. I think I’ll just feign ignorance in future.”

  Sipping the liquid, Starr, scrutinized the Witch. “Hmm, well, if it’s to do with personal stuff then maybe that’s best. Unless there’s a good reason for saying something, like warning someone of something or things like that. I can’t speak for others but I can for myself and I don’t like the thought of you knowing things about me before I even do. Especially about something so private.”

  “I understand that,” Esther gave her a smile, her old eyes twinkling as she went on. “How are you feeling? More importantly, how did Ronan take the news?”

  She laughed. “Shocked is the word I’d use. I don’t think he realized the power of a Dragon’s magic. I have to say I wasn’t expecting this to happen, even after Talon performed the binding spell. I’ve never heard of a Vampire and Dragon having children before so I have no idea what to expect.”

  “Aah, yes, a Dragon pregnancy always results in a Dragon being born, doesn’t it?”

  Starr nodded. “As far as I know, yes.”

  Esther raised an eyebrow as she continued to stare at Starr. After a moment or two Starr started to feel uncomfortable, then realization dawned. “Shit! You know something, don’t you?”

  The old Witch’s face didn’t change, “We’ve just had a conversation about me saying things that are ‘private.’”

  Starr placed her cup on the desk, none too gently. Her voice full of concern as she spat out words. “Is the baby in danger? Is something wrong with it?”

  Esther shook her head. “I don’t think so, not ‘wrong’ but I don’t think this child is going to be the norm. Which isn’t really surprising now, is it?”

  She kept her eyes on Esther’s as she stood up, pacing back and forth. “Shit! I knew I shouldn’t have come here and I sure as hell shouldn’t have started discussing my baby. But, I’m here, and we did, so, Esther, spill. What do you know about our child?”

  “Please, sit down,” Esther said and motioned to the chair with her hand. “I don’t want you getting distressed. I don’t know an awful lot, but I do sense this child will be…different. Yes, that’s the word I mean, the child will be different to a normal Dragon child.”

  Starr sat on the edge of the chair, her eyes never leaving Esther’s. “Different? Not damaged? Not ill?”

  “As far as I can sense the child is whole and healthy, but, it will be no normal Dragon.” Esther smiled. “Don’t worry, Starr, your child is safe.”

  “Okay, well, I’ll just have to take your word for that. I just hope I don’t worry myself sick wondering what ‘different’ means.”

  Esther gave her a small smile. “If you get too stressed please come and see me. I can give you some herbs that will help. Now, I have a question of my own…if I may?”

  As she looked at the Witch she saw a twinkle in her eyes, nodding to her to continue. “Well, is it true that you give birth in your Dragon form and that it’s an egg? I’ve heard this but thought it was a little far-fetched.”

  A snort escaped Starr before she could stop it. “Far-fetched? And Vampires, Werewolves and Witches aren’t?”

  “Touché, Starr. So it’s true?”

  She nodded. “Yes, it’s true and I have to go Dragon a lot more now too. Most evenings I’ll be changing for a few hours and the pregnancy is much shorter at only five months.”

  Starr watched as Esther stared at her, excitement clear in the old Witch’s eyes at the prospect of a Dragon child.

  “Do you require any medical checks? Medication?” Esther frowned, “I’m not sure our doctor here has any experience with a Dragon pregnancy.”

  “I didn’t expect him to have any, and no, I won’t be seeing a Doctor.” Starr stood up, “I’ve got to go, lots to do.”

  Esther got up, walking around. “I’m sorry if I upset you, sometimes I wish I knew how to stay quiet but I find that rather hard to do. If you ever need to talk then I’m here.”

  Starr wasn’t sure she would ever just shoot the breeze with Esther, but she thought it was nice of her to offer. “Thank
s, I’ll keep that in mind. Now, I really do need to go.”

  As she left the room she noticed Matthew was no longer in the outer office, Celeste sitting with a dreamy look on her face. Starr was sure the young woman didn’t even hear her “Goodbye.” As she left.

  Chapter 5

  Creed’s anger was growing and for the first time in a very long time he felt as if he was going to lose control. Something he no longer did. Not since his days working for Mikhail, where it had been an almost daily occurrence. Darya had changed him in so many ways, ways that he had been grateful for.

  With Mikhail and his men on their way he fought to keep control. The anger at the man so vast he wasn’t sure if he could contain it. Though he knew if he let his anger take over then all reason went flying out the door and that was never good on a mission. Any mission, but especially this one, which would be the most important one of his long life. Keeping everyone here safe from the psychotic Vampire was not going to be easy.

  Then again, Creed never shied away from the most difficult of cases. He almost reveled in the missions that everyone else thought too dangerous or impossible. His steely resolve, strength and downright craziness always having the same result…a successful mission.

  This time, however, was different, it wasn’t just him and his team that were at risk; it was everyone. Women and children lived within the attached apartment blocks and that was a lot of people to keep safe. He would do it, yes he would. He wanted nothing more than to annihilate Mikhail Karloff and his depraved men. Something he had wanted for so long that he could almost taste it.

  “I’ll get you this time, you bastard!” he thought with a steely resolve as he started organizing the Elite squads into shifts for guarding the offices and surrounding buildings.

  He looked at the guards in front of him, his face showing no emotion as he spoke. “I know you have the details of what we may be up against, but I’d just like to say…failure is not an option. If any of you shirk your assigned duties you will answer to me…on a one on one basis. Is that understood?”

  He didn’t expect anyone to answer and he wasn’t disappointed. A few heads moving in imperceptible nods being the only acknowledgement of his words. “Good, I’m glad we understand each other. Now, first shift of teams get to your appointed areas and make sure you have comms links tested before you start. I don’t want to be caught out because you didn’t make sure your equipment’s working.”

  Creed stood watching as they silently filed out, knowing his men would do their jobs and not only because of the consequences, but because they cared about their people as much as he. As the room emptied he shook his head, trying to regain control of the anger simmering under the surface that was trying it’s damndest to break free.

  A few deep breaths later he walked out, on his way to let Sam and Ronan know the guards were in place.

  *****

  Starr found Ronan in his office, hard at work coordinating things, Matthew standing waiting to be heard. She took a seat opposite him, waiting.

  Finally he looked to Matthew. “Yes?” he asked as the timid young man stepped forward.

  “My team’s been trying to track his plane. We’ve come to the conclusion that he’s changed the tags to try and stop anyone knowing his plans. However, there is a plane that landed not far from here, about a half hour or so ago, and the name and tags don’t add up. Smells off to me and I’m sure it’s him. I thought you would like the information.”

  Matthew handed over a folder and Ronan opened it, reading quickly. “Cac! If we had known we could’ve sent a force to ‘welcome’ them and take them out before they have a chance to do anything. That’s slipped us by so I guess we just have to rely on your cameras picking things up and alerting us.”

  Starr watched as a crestfallen look passed over Matthew’s face, his words stuttering a bit as he spoke. “I’m, ah, I’m sorry, boss. They hid things well.”

  Starr broke in, “It’s not your fault Matthew, why don’t you go and supervise the people who are keeping watch. Let us know as soon as you see anything suspect.”

  The young man blushed. “Hmm, about that, I guess we’re looking for vehicles with lots of guys in them? Or, what, exactly?”

  Ronan sighed. “Let your natural senses out and let them guide you. If you’re not certain what to look for you can ask for Creed’s advice.”

  Matthew almost jumped in the air as Creed spoke, none of them having heard his approach. “What do you need?”

  The young IT whiz spun around, his eyes wide as he stared at Creed. “Well…”

  Ronan interrupted, “Can you go and talk to the guys keeping watch on the city cameras, give them some idea of what to look out for?”

  Creed looked at the young Wolf. “Sure, come on.” And with that he about turned and walked down the hallway, Matthew stumbling to catch up.

  “That was hard to watch,” Starr said quietly as she drew her gaze from Matthew and focused on her mate.

  “I know, he’s shy and nervous about anything that’s not to do with computers and the tech side of things. Now, are you here for something in particular or could you just not stay away?” Ronan smirked as he finished, raising an eyebrow as he looked at her.

  She laughed as she flicked her hair out of her eyes. “Cocky, ain’t ya? But, I’m here to talk to you, privately.”

  Immediately his face sobered, sitting up straighter. “You okay, Puff?”

  “I’m fine, sort of, but…”

  “Doctor, do you need a doctor?” Ronan’s worry was clear in every syllable he spoke.

  “Ronan, calm down, I’m fine. But, I did have a rather interesting conversation with Esther. She told me she senses that the baby is somehow different. Whatever the hell that means and it just worried me a little.”

  Ronan scowled. “Sometimes she should just keep her thoughts to herself! She doesn’t stop to think what saying something like that could do. Like causing you to worry. I’ll have a word with her and let her know we’re not open to her thoughts or senses.”

  Starr was the one to smirk now. “Oh, I think she knows that now. I’m just freaking out a little bit trying to figure out what she meant though.”

  “I’ve no idea, but, you did say you hadn’t heard of a Vampire and Dragon bonding. So we’re kinda unique and it’s not too far a leap to think our child will be unique too. Try and not worry ‘bout it too much, baby. I don’t want you making yourself ill over this.”

  Ronan got up, coming around his desk and pulling her up from her chair. His arms holding her close, his scent invading her senses as his touch calmed her. “Puff, I’ll make sure you and our child are safe and well. Now, do you need to go for a lie down or something? We’ve had a long day so far and I’ve still got a hell of a lot to get through.”

  Starr held onto the front of his t-shirt, looking up at him through her lashes. “Or something would be kinda nice about now.”

  She reached up, trailing her fingers across his lips, a very cheeky smile on her face. “Can you take a quick break?”

  Her mate’s reaction was instant and she could feel it pressing against her! “I really shouldn’t, there’s so much to supervise, mo chroi. Tá tú go h-álainn, Starr.”

  “I even know what that one means now.” She smirked, at him calling her beautiful in his native Gaelic. Her reaction to his use of it, as usual, making her want him all the more.

  Standing on her tiptoes she pressed her lips to his, eliciting a groan from him in return. “Starr, baby, you’re killing me here.”

  “Take me home, just for a little while, I need you, Fang.”

  She saw his resolve weakening and pressed her advantage, placing her hand under his clothing to caress his skin. “A half hour, that’s all I can spare.”

  “That’s more than enough time for what I’ve got in mind.” She laughed up at him as she took his hand, leading him out of the office and down the hallway.

  As they reached Sam’s office door there was a huge noise, followed by th
e floor beneath their feet shaking, knocking Starr completely forward. Ronan cursed as he grabbed hold of her before she fell. Alarms ringing loudly all around as Sam’s voice could be heard shouting, “Char, baby, you okay?”

  Charmaine’s shocked voice coming a moment later, “I’m fine, just knocked off my seat. What was that? What the hell’s going on?”

  Ronan pulled her into Sam’s office. “Stay here with Charmaine. I’m going to find out what the fuck is going on.”

  Sam was looking Charmaine over, checking she was okay as he spat out, “Bomb, it was a bomb, Ronan. No other sound like it and I’ve heard a few in my time. Come on, we need to go see what damage has been done and who’s hurt.”

  “I’ll fucking rip his heart out!” Ronan shouted as he and Sam disappeared.

  Starr faced Charmaine, the Witch’s face pure white. “It’ll be okay, don’t worry.”

  Charmaine’s eyes widened. “Okay? With bombs going off, somehow I don’t think things are going to be okay. Shouldn’t we go and see if we can help?”

  That was something Starr was desperate to do, but she knew the folly of rushing headlong into dangerous situations. She had learned her lesson on that score. “I think we can go out to the main office, see if anyone was hurt there and try to help, but other than that we should stay here. We don’t know what’s going on or if there are any more of those bombs so it’s probably best we wait.”

  The frown that crossed Charmaine’s face told Starr what she thought of that!

  “Come on, we’ll see what we can do,” she said as they left the office.

  As it turned out there were a few injuries in the large open office area but nothing too serious. Some cuts and bruises appeared to be the worst of it and Starr let out a long breath that she didn’t realize she’d been holding. It was a little bit chaotic, with everyone wondering what the hell had happened. Some were already moving towards the elevators and stairway. She ran forward, raising her hands up.

  “Stop! Everyone stay where you are. We don’t know what’s happened and we don’t know if there’s any further danger. So, we’ll do as Ronan instructed…stay here until he gets the facts on what’s going on. Now, let’s get this place tidied up a bit, fix those desks ‘n chairs guys. If you’re worried about a loved one then you can try calling, or texting, but for now, we stay put.”