Bureau Under Siege

by A. K. Michaels

  “I think I should leave you to think on things.” He gave her a small smile, tracing a finger along her bottom lip. “I’ll come back tomorrow evening, if that’s okay? We can talk some more then.”

  “Whatever,” she whispered, her face closing down as he stepped back.

  “Don’t think for one minute you’re getting away from me. I just think you need some time to digest this and I will be back tomorrow.”

  Turning quickly Creed strode away towards a long SEB SUV still parked in the clearing. Stopping halfway to stop and check if Veronica was still there. She was, but her arms were again crossed over her body as she watched him. “Tomorrow,” he said before continuing to the vehicle.

  Creed took several deep breaths before finally starting up the car and driving away. His eyes on the rearview mirror to catch the last glimpse possible of his She-Wolf.

  *****

  Sam held Charmaine tight within his arms as she fell asleep after their lovemaking. Her soft skin felt so good beneath his palms that were stroking gently up and down her naked back. Her mood had been very low when they returned, hardly speaking on the return journey, telling him she was upset.

  He tried to explain that Wolf funerals always got to him too and he thought he had gotten through to her. That was until she burst into tears as soon as they were behind closed doors. Her words hitting him deep within his soul.

  “I’ve never seen such sorrow before and the way everyone was there to show their support brought it home to me.”

  His questioning look had her continuing on. “You all care about each other. There was so much caring and love today that it showed me just how close you all are. It’s like a very large family. A family that takes care of each other. Not like the one I’m used to. What kind of father sells his daughter just to get some power?”

  Her sobs almost breaking his heart as he lifted her tear streaked face. “Yes, we do take care of each other and you’re now a part of that, baby. We always look after our own and I promise you will be taken care of and I’ll always love you, Charmaine. Always.”

  “I love you too, Sam. So much it scares me.”

  Taking her into his arms and consoling her. “I know, babe, I know. It scared the shit outta me at first too. Now I can’t wait to make it official and let everyone know how much I love you.”

  Tears continued to fall down her pale cheeks, his mouth moving to kiss them away, before he finally took her to bed where he was determined to make her feel good before she fell asleep.

  He was pretty sure he had fulfilled his brief as she screamed his name like a banshee as she came around him. Charmaine’s body quivered for several minutes as she came down from the high that he delivered for his mate with his body and his Vampire bite.

  He could still taste the remnants of her blood in his mouth, savoring the last hints of her unique flavor before his own eyes closed. Sam’s body staying wrapped around hers as he too fell into sleep.

  *****

  Kyra’s Wolf ran just behind her mate’s. Serge’s great beast leading one of the Wolf hunting parties. They had been out for hours and her Wolf had worried for her mate as his anger and grief almost overwhelmed her senses. It wasn’t until they had caught and brought down a large deer that his mood started to lift. That deer would probably be back at the Pack land by now, along with the other two they had managed to get.

  Now they were on the trail of a large wild boar. Already they had caught sight of it, big mean and angry, but Serge’s Wolf was determined to catch it and Kyra was right there with him. There was nothing like the taste of slow cooked wild boar. She could almost taste it as they ran on, getting closer and closer.

  Serge’s beast was no longer drenched in sorrow as their hunt progressed. Kyra’s own beast letting out a huff of relief as her mate’s pain lessened the further they ran. She could now understand the wisdom of a hunt to honor the dead. Not like her old Pack where folks just got drunk and depressed.

  This was the perfect way to honor a fallen Wolf. Running wild and chasing down meat for the Pack. Her own unease at joining the Pack already disappearing as her Wolf ran with her mate in the elevated position right at his rear. A position that was far higher than the one she held in her previous Pack.

  Not that she cared about any of the pecking order nonsense. All she cared about was Serge, her truemate and her heart. Kyra couldn’t help herself as her love for her mate assailed her beast, throwing her head up and letting out a long, blood-curdling howl.

  As soon as she was finished another howl sounded, then another, then another. Soon, every last Wolf that was out in the vast forest howled to the sky, the haunting sound carrying for many miles. She couldn’t wait to get back and fall into Serge’s arms as she did her best to help him to heal from the loss of his best friend.

  Maybe tonight she could tell him of her suspicions. That might help him. If he knew she thought she was pregnant it may help him to think of the future. Yes. She decided she would definitely let him know later.

  Another howl escaped her throat, this time one of excitement as she carried on running. Her large paws eating up the forest floor as she stayed right next to her mate. One she knew would make the perfect father to her cubs.

  Chapter 16

  Matthew woke up thrilled, as excited as he had ever been in his life. After the previous day when everyone had left for the funerals he stayed at work, as usual. Running wild with the Pack wasn’t his idea of fun, never had been. Reaching for his phone he sent a quick text, “I’ll see you later and I’ll make sure I’ve got popcorn and soda.”

  While almost everyone was absent he had taken time to visit with Celeste again and their plans for a movie night were sealed. Tonight was the night and he couldn’t wait. His Wolf was howling loudly in his head and he again felt strange at that occurrence. His beast normally so placid he sometimes forgot it was even there.

  The last few weeks were bringing a change in his Wolf that surprised him and even scared him just a little. Matthew was desperate not to scare the fragile Witch. He would die rather than hurt her in any way, shape, or form. His heart sped up as he saw her face, clear as day, in his mind. He focused on her eyes that usually looked sad or distant then dropped down to her soft lips.

  Matthew was shocked as his reaction hit him, causing a hardness he was sure he hadn’t felt before. Although a Wolf, he didn’t seem to have their voracious appetites, whether that be hunting, eating, drinking, or having sex. But he sure as hell was experiencing one of those appetites now and he wondered how her lips would feel against his.

  His phone vibrated in his hand and he grew even more excited when he saw Celeste’s name pop up. Opening the text and reading it quickly, “I remembered! I really did! I didn’t forget, Matthew, and I’m so looking forward to seeing you later.”

  Matthew’s heart thudded almost out of his chest, just as surprised as Celeste appeared to be that she hadn’t forgotten. He knew she was “unique” and sometimes had a memory span like a goldfish, so, for her to remember their plans felt very special to him. Very special indeed.

  Once again his beast roared in his head and he clearly felt it prancing around like a young cub. Matthew smiled as he jumped up and went to shower. The sooner he got to work the sooner the day would be over and he could go and collect Celeste for their date.

  “A date?” he thought as he stepped into the shower, pondering on his thoughts of the coming evening. “Yup, most definitely a date! Hopefully the first of many!”

  “Yes!” he shouted loudly as he showered quickly. His mood the lightest and happiest he could ever remember being. “Tonight is just the start. I’m going to make her mine!”

  His movements were quick, sure, and determined as he readied for work. The Wolf in his head was wagging its tail like a puppy as he left his apartment, totally forgetting to eat breakfast.

  *****

  “How are you feeling?” Ronan asked as Starr wakened in his arms. She had had a restless night and he was worried.
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  “I’m kinda tired and already my Dragon is impatient to get out.”

  As Starr yawned, he made a decision. “Okay, that’s my mind made up. We’re relocating to Vegas until after the birth.”

  Starr sat up quickly causing the covers to fall to her waist. Ronan’s eyes were drawn to her pert breasts. “What? Hey, stop checking out my boobs, Fang! What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Sorry,” Ronan muttered and forced his eyes higher. “I’m taking us to the Ranch. We can stay there and you can go Dragon far more often without the chance of being seen and I can work in the Vegas office until after the birth.”

  He watched as her eyes widened. “Really? You can do that?”

  “Hell, I’m the Director,” Ronan said with a laugh, “I can do whatever the hell I want and what I want is for my mate and baby to be happy and healthy. If that means we relocate for a few months then that’s what we’ll do.”

  “What ‘bout your work? Won’t it cause problems being out of the office for so long?”

  Starr’s frown was causing little puckers of skin between her eyebrows so Ronan pulled her into his arms. “We live in the age of technology. I can talk with Sam and anyone else who needs me on the phone or via live video conference calls so don’t worry.”

  Starr relaxed in his arms, her head on his shoulder. “You sure, Fang?”

  “Yes, I’m sure.” Ronan placed a small kiss on the top of her head. “Though, can we wait until after Sam and Charmaine’s party? I wouldn’t want to miss seeing that straip getting hitched!”

  “Of course! I need to get the ring organized anyway. I told Sam I’d do that for him.” Starr giggled. “You know what he did? He used a piece of string to measure her finger while she was sleeping.”

  Ronan snorted. “Yeah, that’s Sam for you. Wouldn’t enter his head to actually go and get a ring sizer thingie. Anyway, the party is all set for this coming Saturday so we can go to the Ranch on Sunday. Guess I better call and make sure it’s okay with Josef.”

  Starr pulled away. “What? You haven’t even asked him yet?”

  “Well I know he’ll say yes.” Ronan smirked. “He’s in awe of Dragons, mo chroi, so he’s not gonna say no. He’s changed so much since mating Peri that I don’t think he’d say no even if you weren’t a Dragon.”

  “Hmm, well you better go call him ‘cause I’m not making any plans until I know he’s said yes. Oh yes, there’s something else.”

  Ronan already had his phone in his hand. “What?” he asked as he retrieved Josef’s number.

  “Will we be safe?” Starr looked worried, “I’m carrying a Dragon child, Ronan. Will we be safe on the Ranch?”

  His finger stopped, just before pressing send to make the call. “Why wouldn’t you be safe? We’ve all but destroyed Na Cúnant Dorcha and Quintas Crane is locked up tight with no access to the outside world.”

  “I’m not so sure. I guess I’m just worried for the baby.”

  Ronan pressed send, bringing his phone to his ear. “We’ll be fine but I’ll get some extra security just in case.”

  Starr got out of bed, Ronan’s eyes following her naked body as she disappeared into the bathroom. He started moving towards her just as Josef answered.

  “Good morning, Ronan. Can I help you with anything?”

  “Morning, Josef.” Ronan smiled at the relaxed tone of his Sire. “I have a little personal problem and I’m hoping you can help.”

  Josef shouted to Gabe to stop doing something or other before replying, “What’s the problem?”

  “Starr, she’s pregnant and...”

  Josef stopped him. “What? She is going to have your baby?”

  Ronan grinned. “Yup, it’s a long story but basically in the cavern when Talon did whatever he did his magic affected us and she’s going to have a baby.”

  “Magnificent! Wonderful! I’m very happy for you both. Now, what is the problem?”

  “Apparently when Dragons are pregnant they stay Dragon more often than normal and living here in the city isn’t ideal. Sooner or later she’s going to be seen.” Ronan’s head turned back to the bathroom as he heard the shower come on. “So I was thinking that I would work out of the Vegas offices and we could stay at the Ranch, if that’s okay with you? It’s not that long. Dragon pregnancies are only five months and she’ll already be through her first month by the time we can move.”

  Josef answered immediately, “Of course, now, we have to ensure the safety of both Starr and the child so I’ll have some extra men on hand to keep watch around the property and if there’s anything else you need just let me know.”

  “Thank you, Josef. For letting us stay and for the extra security. Starr is a little anxious about keeping the baby safe so that’ll help her.” Ronan heard Starr calling him. “It’ll be next Sunday when we arrive but I’ll call you just to go through security details beforehand. If I use some of my men and yours then we should have her covered twenty-four-seven. Now, I’ve got to run, thanks again.”

  Josef said a quick, “You’re welcome.” Before Ronan hung up, darting towards the bathroom to find Starr naked, wet and soaped up in the shower with a very cheeky smile on her face.

  It took them another hour before they made it to the office!

  *****

  Sam made his way back to his office after a meeting with Esther. One that surprised him and at the same time made him very happy. Her words still ringing in his ears as he walked.

  “I know Charmaine is still scared and who can blame her after what she went through. However, Sam, she is far more powerful than she knows and I just wanted to let you know. I’m going to work with her closely to train her and soon she’ll be capable of protecting herself and others.”

  Sam had frowned. “Others? What do you mean?”

  Esther inclined her head to the side. “I have to advise Ronan of Charmaine’s capabilities, Sam. She could be a great asset to the Bureau, but I wanted to let you know first.”

  “Really? She’s that powerful?”

  He knew their oldest and most powerful Witch wouldn’t speak to Ronan unless she felt it was necessary but he didn’t want Charmaine getting spooked. Not with him just getting her settled.

  “Yes, she’s had her magic contained for so long that it is just now flourishing. The depth of it is quite staggering, Sam. She’s not as powerful as, say, Peri, but she is still very strong in magic and you may want to broach the subject of her helping out when the need arises.”

  Sam had been shocked, his little Witch seemed so…fragile. To see her as powerful a being as Esther was saying would take him time to come to terms with. However, he was happy, very happy. Maybe this would make her feel even more secure. To not only rely on him and the rest of the Bureau to keep her safe but to know she could keep herself safe and others, if the need arose, then he thought that would be a very good thing for her. A very good thing indeed.

  Passing his own office he carried on, straight down the hall towards Ronan’s. He would tell him this news himself, plus he needed to speak to Starr about the ring he was planning on getting for Charmaine. He couldn’t wait to see his mate’s face as he gave her the custom made creation.

  *****

  Creed sat impatiently waiting in Ronan’s office, willing himself to stay seated and not get up to pace back and forth. His jaw ached with clenching his teeth, checking his watch for the hundredth time and seeing that his boss was at least a half hour late.

  His thoughts were drifting again and again to Veronica, or Ronnie as she preferred. Their encounter the day before had affected him greatly and instead of going to visit her this evening, as planned, he was taking things forward in a more direct manner.

  For the first time in so long that he couldn’t actually remember, he was taking leave. Creed was going to ask, no, tell, Ronan that he needed time off and if needs be he would even tell him why. Whatever it took to get the time to go back to the Pack land and convince Ronnie she was his and bring her back here with him. />
  The thought that she may not agree didn’t even enter his head.

  Creed turned his head, hearing footsteps coming towards him, hoping it was Ronan, finally. However, as the steps neared he knew it wasn’t Ronan, the footsteps far too light for the large Vampire.

  Sam pushed the door, stopping when he saw Creed. “Oh,” he said as he looked around, “Ronan not here?”

  Creed sneered, “Apparently not. I’m waiting on him.”

  “Right, well, in that case I’ll come back later.”

  Sam disappeared and Creed shook his head as he turned back around, checking his watch again. Huffing his impatience as he pulled his phone out, deliberating whether to call Ronan and see where the hell he was.

  Just as he retrieved the number he heard Ronan’s distinct footfalls coming his way, fast. Creed stood up and waited on his boss.

  *****

  Ronan almost barreled into Creed as he entered his office, hurrying as he was late so his forward momentum almost causing them to collide. His Vampire abilities averted the disaster as he dodged to the side and round his desk to his seat.

  “Morning,” he welcomed Creed, “you need me for something?”

  Creed stared at him with an imperceptible twitch at the side of his right eye. One of the “tells” that Ronan had come to know so well. His Elite Guard was upset, angry, or uptight about something.

  “I need some time off, leave, vacation, whatever, but I need time off.”

  Ronan sat down, motioning for Creed to take the seat opposite. “Of course, it’s been a rough week. I understand that you may need time to sort through everything that’s happened.”

  Creed almost smiled, almost but not quite, “It’s nothing like that. I’m fine. It’s, well, it’s…”

  Ronan watched as Creed seemed to struggle before the guard continued. “I became aware of someone as we drew closer to the Pack land yesterday and when we arrived I sensed them and scented them immediately. I need time to sort it out.”