by Susan Reid
Undefeatable. We had thought we were too until the invasion. I didn’t have many memories about it, just stories and flashes here and there. Both Cole and I were too young at the time to understand what happened and all we were left with was a chest of supplies, a letter from our parents and other family members, photos, and our own crest of tigers.
“If I knew where to start, I’d do some digging on my own too.”
Fin smiled big. “Now either he did something bad and pissed you off…or you have a serious crush.”
“Neither.” I lied.
She didn’t believe me, I already knew that. It was written all over my face anyway.
“Right. Well, so catch me up to speed. What all have I missed since I was last out there?” her eyes lit up when she asked.
“Well, you haven’t missed that much. Isis has been practicing her gravity magic… never volunteer and run while you can if she asks. And I just found out today that Clee and Cole are expecting.” I began to rattle off.
Fin beamed and then laughed.
“Thanks for the advice. I’ll have to send a gift and pay a visit soon now. I’ll bet you’re excited.”
“Very.” I nodded. “Also, there’s been Nocturnas running around lately and a few human corpses have already been discovered by the human authorities, so I’d advise you guys to be alert and cautious. We caught one stalking the island a couple of days ago.”
I was going to leave out my ordeal and the results for now.
She frowned. “On the island? How the hell did it manage to find it?”
“There was an accidental gateway opened there but we got it closed.”
Fin’s brows rose. “Accidental, huh? Bullshit, no such thing as an accidental gateway. That’s not a good sign. Did you guys get an imprint of the caster before closing it?”
“I’m sure Clee and Elvie did but as to any leads, nothing.”
“Hmm. I wonder what motivated the sudden surge.”
“Your guess is as good as ours. There’s no telling where or when another one will be opened.”
“Don’t worry, we’re taking all precautions and if you guys need any help, just ask. James went overboard making sure to mark everything both here and at the shop with wards and protective runes. Even the girls and I are sporting permanent inking.” Fin laughed.
I smiled. “That’s good. That makes me feel better.”
I continued to skim through the old clippings.
“Do you mind if I borrow some of these to read on my own time? I promise, I’ll take good care of them.”
“Sure, take your time and don’t worry about it. It’ll give me an excuse to finally head out to the bar and see everyone when you want me to get them. Let me get a water tight container for you.” She offered, getting up and heading out of the den.
I gently flipped through several of the pages in Fin’s absence when Gage’s name caught my eye.
His full name. How coincidental was this? I smiled to myself when I read it.
Del Croix. His last name was Del Croix and the only reason it was even listed was because his family — ruled Aldeur.
Fascinated, I read on. Apparently, his family had ruled Aldeur for many centuries and he was the last one to inherit the throne, but he disappeared and was assumed dead over twenty two years ago according to the date of the article. There was no other information as to why that was the case though.
Disappeared? Dead?
The thrill of knowing just that wee bit more about him was exciting, if this was him. I didn’t doubt that it wasn’t though.
It had to be because everything was adding up.
His wealth and his sub-domina, and he did say that he was from the Shields of the Citadel. I remembering him saying that he had exiled himself shortly after he had been bitten and began to change.
He disappeared over twenty two years ago and his daughter was already a grown young woman. He didn’t even get the chance to bond with her at all. That was horrible.
Thinking about his tragedy made me think of my own to come. I too would be frozen at twenty four. Even though most of us had lifespans of nearly two hundred years, I’d be watching Cole and all of my other friends, even my niece or nephew grow old and eventually die while I still lived on.
That consequence was a harsh one to accept but it was inevitable. Imagining all of it brought on a welling of tears to my eyes that completely caught me off guard.
Chapter 22
The sharp, sweet tang of a Nocturna hit me on my way back to my docked Quadski about a quarter of a mile from the Los Muertos port. The scent was slightly different in aroma though and it made me stop abruptly. I turned to follow the scent in the breeze, inhaling deeply, only to be tortured again by my growing hunger. Even among the large crowd of humans, I knew where it was coming from. I took two steps in that direction, adrenaline beginning to take over my logical senses. I was a different kind of hunter on the hunt this time but I couldn’t risk it with so many humans milling around.
If I killed and fed tonight then I could possibly prevent several human deaths too.
There!
My eyes snapped to lock on my food source but all I could make out was a petite female with jet black hair before she ducked and darted into the crowd. Switching into my infrared vision, I followed her blue signature until she merged into a crowd of humans and disappeared with them into a night club a few blocks away.
I should have chased after her or even waited her out, but there were far too many eyes out here and in there, both locals and authorities. Besides, it would have been a challenge to avoid making a scene and showing my fangs, feeling them at full length already.
I waited for about fifteen minutes before reluctantly and with much aggravation, deciding to just head home.
Gage was right. Not feeding was making me feel violent and weaker by the minute even after the huge meal that I devoured at Fin’s place. My body was on fire, filled with a combination of bestial hunger and desire.
It was close to closing time, thank goodness but Erian was still at the bar. He was all-set and about to pack up and head home though by the time I got back. Both he and Isis noted my sweating and trembling with concern but I told him it was because I was starving…for food.
I wasn’t much into being social tonight, heading straight up to my apartment when he was done. The two vials of blood that he had taken felt like half of my body weight. Now, I was nauseous, hungry, weak, and going insane with the need to fight and kill.
Once the patrons and kitchen staff had cleared out, I took that moment of privacy to lean into the industrial fridge in the main kitchen. The cool air was exquisite on my bare skin and it helped a little. I debated for a long time what drinking blood from the meat packs would do for me. Something was better than nothing, right?
Cole was the last to leave and I know he was lingering on purpose. I wished he would just go already because I didn’t want him to see me create a blood cocktail for myself and then watch me toss it back.
“I’m about to head home. Everything good here?” Cole peeped his head into the kitchen.
I nodded and mumbled without turning around, still half inside the freezer and still eyeballing all of the red meat.
“Yeah. G’night.”
It was hard to sound normal through my fangs while shaking insatiably.
“I called a meeting with just the usual gang tomorrow night but if you’re not ready to introduce him or reveal anything yet, I’ll cancel.”
“No. It’s fine. Tomorrow is good.” I quickly agreed.
I heard Cole’s footsteps slowly approaching me.
“What are you looking for?” He asked.
“Nothing.” I said, spying a value sized box of popsicles with little interest.
“Are you sure you’re alright? You’re shaking and you look a little pale and sweaty.” He commented and then he paused when I turned to face him. His eyes were immediately drawn to my fangs.
My brows furrowed in agitation
. “Stop looking at me like that!” I snapped, quickly turning away from him.
He chuckled teasingly though wonder and curiosity sparkled in his eyes.
“Sorry. I haven’t seen them yet. You don’t look bad at all, it’s cute. In fact, you look like an authentic Tiger now…sort of. But I’m gonna assume that because they’re out right now…” He began, staring at me intently as if I were some sort of deadly weirdo.
“Damnit, Cole. I said I was alright!” I cut him off with a heavy sigh of irritation, quickly shutting the freezer door but not before grabbing a Popsicle for myself.
It would do nothing for me except to keep me cool, maybe.
Cole paused, silent and observing me when I crossed the kitchen, tearing open the wrapper forcefully, jamming the Popsicle into my mouth, and heading back out into the main bar room.
“Okay then. Call me if something comes up.” Cole gave up, not wanting to deal with my growing attitude and finally leaving.
After locking up behind him, I sunk down onto a barstool with my head in my hands in despair, wondering what I was going to do.
This was the second negative consequence of this new, supposedly elevated metamorphosis. I never had to worry about becoming weak or feeling a fierce hunger like this as a regular Hybrid Hunter. I was always ready both mentally and physically to fight and simply function. Having to hunt for sustenance was a huge risk in itself each and every time and not because of the physical danger. It was the danger of being remembered and later recognized if any got away, just like what happened to Gage. The Nocturna fearing him, fearing us as a threat and as cannibals, was not enough.
And what happens when the supply runs out and there are no more around?
I sighed heavily. I had no idea what to do and how to do it.
My plan had been to have a drink or two and some cheesecake, give Marq a call for an all-nighter, and then look over the papers on Aldeur and the Phantom Jaguars that Fin gave me afterwards —not necessarily all in that order. It would have been a great late night if I were still normal.
Fuck it.
I was going out to hunt. I had no other choice. This hunger was going to literally kill me if I didn’t do something about it soon. But would I have enough strength to go up against one or more Nocturna? Only one way to find out.
I headed back up to my apartment to change and gear up.
Twinkie watched me from the window sill in my living room. He finally ceased his hissing and growling whenever I got too close to him once he realized that I was still in charge of his food and of course, that I was obviously still myself.
I left the overhead light on in my kitchen and headed back downstairs…slowing down when I hit the third to the last step.
I actually began to scent Gage before I saw him. Nevertheless, seeing him again managed to stop me dead in my tracks. My heart began to pound faster.
God, how does he keep getting hotter and hotter every time I laid eyes on him? He was sharp, clean, and model-worthy in his casual black slacks and burgundy red button down shirt, left untucked with the sleeves rolled up his forearms partway.
Did he ever just wear baggy or torn jeans and a casual t-shirt with the exception of when he hunted?
The expression on his gorgeous face was a reprimanding one. He seemed both upset and glad to see me at the same time, leaning back in one of the chairs as if he’d been patiently waiting on me to come back down. A gallon-sized black jug sat in the middle of the table next to him.
My mouth instantly watered at the sight before the smell and realization of what it was hit me. My muscles twitched, wanting to make a dive for it in desperation.
Did he come out here just to bring me some Nocturna blood?
I was beyond grateful with relief at the gesture and I was sure that he expected me to be shocked. Even though I felt it, I forced myself to hide my genuine pleasant surprise at his unexpected appearance.
“How long have you been here?” I asked first.
“I just arrived. Going hunting?” He was smiling as he took in my entire ensemble.
I crossed the room towards him slowly.
“Maybe.”
“Find out what you were looking for?” he then asked in an accusatory tone.
My brows furrowed, wondering what he was talking about until it dawned on me. The chagrin that almost began to settle on me was quickly replaced by anger and annoyance.
“How long have you been following and watching me?”
He sat forward, a cocky grin on his face.
“Not long after you rudely left without a word to anyone.”
“I figured it was best. Speaking of rude, have you been spying on me this whole time?” I scowled, stomping as I took the last few strides that brought me right in front of him with my fist on my hip.
“That’s hypocritical of you considering the documents in your current possession.” He calmly countered, remaining seated and looking up at me.
Flustered and growing angry with him, I began to stumble over my words at first.
Then I smiled confidently.
“That’s public information.” I calmed a bit, still feeling as if I’d been caught doing something wrong
He held up his hand with something pinched between his fingers but his eyes never left mine. The glittering object drew my eyes to it and I felt a knot of tension begin to twist in my gut.
“And this…is a sacred symbol.”
He was holding the mock Phantom Jaguar crest pin that Fin gave to me.
I struggled for words, quickly growing infuriated at his audacity and wanting to lunge for and snatch it away from him. I had a feeling that I wasn’t going to get it back.
“Sacred? It isn’t even real! How dare you rifle through my private things!” I defended. I was livid.
He raised a brow and stood up, leaving barely a foot in between us, and gazed down at me. Irritation was clearly forming on his face now but I could care less.
“I didn’t rifle through anything. It was out in plain sight and I should be the one who’s offended here. This cheap knock-off is blasphemous. This crest is not a novelty piece to be replicated for profit let alone in the hands of anyone who doesn’t belong to the Phantom Jaguars. I won’t even ask where you got it…I don’t care.” He said flatly, squeezing it into his fist and crushing the pin into nothing more than glitter and dust right in front of me.
He let it sift from between his fingers like falling salt, completely destroyed, and then his eyes were burning into mine with the heat of a looming confrontation.
He probably already knew where I got it and if he even so much as thought about approaching Fin for any reason, he was going to have to deal with me personally.
Anger instantly rippled through me like rushing magma and I swear that daggers could have shot straight out of my eyes. I was pissed and appalled at his nerve.
“Replication and imitation happens to be one of the most common means of flattery, haven’t you ever heard of that?”
“You can’t replicate honor and greatness.” He stated firmly and then narrowed his eyes at me.
I gaped at him.
“You arrogant son of a bitch! Who the fuck are you to be stalking me, going through the shit in my apartment, and telling me what I can and can’t have?”
His eyes began to swirl and change colors but it didn’t scare me in the least. The way I was feeling right now, I could totally kick his ass, weak from hunger or not.
“You can have anything you want, however, I consider that piece of costume jewelry to be a blatant insult and mockery.”
His tone never rose above the calm octave that it had been in the beginning despite his expression. I was the only one who was yelling and I didn’t give a damn at this point. I couldn’t believe him!
“Well I don’t! Sneaking around and going through people’s personal belongings is something that can get your ass severely kicked real fast around here! You’re not in Aldeur anymore, Gage Del Croix.” I pointed a finger at him and
I meant to sound vindictive.
The level-headed cockiness and all neutrality quickly faded from his face.
I think I had touched a very sensitive nerve with that one — that much was obvious as a sharp glimmer of light flashed abruptly in his eyes. More than likely it was the Mage blood in him. That would explain his ability to also hypnotize and control as well as teleport.
He stepped right up on me, closing that last foot between us and towering over me at about six foot two to my five four. I braced myself, despite my weakening state and the torture of being so close yet unable to consume the blood he brought.
I swiftly reached up and over my shoulder for the handle of my katana behind me but Gage’s reaction was superfast and his hands were nothing more than a blur.
Before I even realized what happened, my katana was skidding across the cement floor with a clatter, and he was subduing me with an arm across my chest and neck, my back pressed against him in a restraining hold.
If I wasn’t so weak right now, I could have taken him easily.
“Do you really think I’d fight you at all let alone in the condition that you’re in? You’re trembling like a frightened Chihuahua.” He whispered sharply into my ear.
The heat and feel of his body against mine and his lips nearly brushing my ear when he spoke sent sparks of arousal shooting off in all directions like fireworks inside of me, just like last night.
Gripping onto the arm that he had locked across my upper chest, and throat in a sorry attempt to wrestle myself away from him, I cursed and huffed angrily, annoyed that he was right.
“It isn’t fright and I didn’t plan to fight you until you stepped up to and bucked at me first!”
“Provocation was obviously your intent.”
“Provocation? Because I know your name and I had a much wanted copy of your sacred crest? Or because you’re still holding a grudge from last night?”
He loosened his hold on me slightly.
“A grudge? Beautiful and pretentious, aren’t we? A little bit of respect is all I ask. Though there are some things that are none of your business, if there’s something that you want to know about me then ask me directly. That’s usually how two people get to know one another.” He spoke close to my ear again.
