At First Sight (Persephonii Waters Book 1)

by Melanie Brown

  “Officially no... not yet.” They looked at her with varying degrees of skepticism. “I was brought in on the case to ascertain if the death of Mr. Lawrence was natural, accidental or intentional.” Now expectant faces were firmly turned in her direction.

  “Though the means of death was 'natural' in nature, the cause has yet to be fully determined, but I can say with some certainty that it was not necessarily accidental.”

  “I’m innocent.” Donovan strode forward before halting at the edge of the circle of light from the lamp hanging over head, his voice held no small amount of anger edged with pain.

  “I just wanted to make sure you knew that.” Persephonii’s response seemed to take him by surprise. His aura said that he was telling the truth, murdering someone tended to leave a discernible mark on the murderer. She could easily see that Harker Donovan had some pretty deep scars having seen his fair share of death and now recent betrayal, but he wasn’t a cold blooded killer. Though she could say that Mr. Lawrence's death wouldn’t have left too much of a mark on his killer, as their seemed to be no physical act of violence. However, none of the group showed any signs of hatred or ill will, such strong or prolonged emotions tended to leave visible changes in a person's aura.

  Chase often said she relied on her gifts too much, especially when, “I felt it” and “I saw it,” or “their aura told me,” tended to not go over so well with the courts. But in this case she knew she was jumping in head first with her mismatched 'Gifts' and gut feelings. She had many ways of being able to tell when someone was lying. Persephonii could tell that Mason Donovan had more to do with Mr. Lawrence's death than this group did. Tipping her head down again to take a longer look over her glasses, she watched his aura holding steady with deep blues and mild oranges' Harker Donovan was very distraught and mildly worried, as well he should be, so she continued.

  “I’m sure that there is a long rather interesting story behind the events that have landed you among your cousin's enemies and thus, now one of those wanted by our states law enforcement, Mr. Donovan.” She paused as her gaze traveled over his small group of loyal wolves, “and how you got to where you are." Again she paused, considering their and now her options. The next steps they took would mean either a swift conviction or somehow biding their time to prove their innocence in the matter.

  "But for now, you need to lay low, with someone you trust.” It was something that the wolves where, no doubt, in short supply of. Though Harker was the only one currently wanted for questioning, she doubt Mason would wait long to add his fellow 'conspirators' to the list of suspects.

  The others shifted uncomfortably, eyes looking at Donovan, out the windows at the forests edge but not at her. There was guilt and sadness in the myriad blues of the others, a few sparked magenta with irritation. One member in particular, Ms. Blake Taggart stood out with arms wrapped around nearly hugging Ms. Donovan; half turned away, her back nearly facing the others. Her body language spoke of tension in her muscles as if something was on her mind. Her stance away from the others denoted strain with her fellow wolves, with them but not wholly a part of them.

  Glancing out of the side of her glasses, Persephonii watched Ms. Taggart’s aura with interest. Large eddies of yellow and orange were swirling up, but not the lighter shades of surprise or confusion. No the mid-tones tended to represent apprehension or fear and anxiousness. For some reason she didn’t feel that the younger woman was worrying about the same things as her companions.

  It was clear from the looks being exchanged and the level of dejection that seemed to permeate amongst the group that they had no place to lay low. Before she could change her mind she spoke up.

  “You can stay at my place.” It was really the only offer she could give. Though she knew Kyr and the others would not blink at her bringing in Wyr, even wolves, to the bear compound. It was something else to ask them to house someone wanted for questioning.

  “What?” Echoed throughout the barn, coming from quite a few of them as the quieter wolves looked over at her as well.

  “Did you have somewhere else you could go?" Perhaps she was assuming to much restorability towards them, too quickly? She tended to work swiftly and once deciding on a course of action, took it.

  "I mean your photo will be all over... the pack will be watching for you in your old haunts...the safest place is with someone, where no one would think to look.” North was slowly nodding his head, while Autumn looked hopefully towards her brother.

  “Your offering your home to someone being hunted down for murder?” Maxwell’s voice rang over the space, he was definitely the second in command.

  “Well at this point, he’s just wanted for questioning. And I’d like to point out it was a murder he didn’t commit...that’s a pretty big difference there.” Shrugging, she looked around at the piles of drying lumber, letting them have their time. She couldn't help but listen to their banter as they talked things over. Finally agreeing, they gathered an assortment of backpacks and bags, turning to look at her.

  “There is just one thing.” They seemed to stiffen a bit, as if finally the other shoe had dropped.

  “What?” Mr. Donovan’s voice was hesitant as if not sure he would agree with any terms she set.

  “My ride has deserted me... so... if you're going to take me up on my offer... could you, please... take me with you?” Swinging her bag over one shoulder, Persephonii gave them a lop sided smile. Chase had already headed home, leaving her to her folly for the night. It would have been nice to get a ride, but now it seemed that she would be taking in some strays. Luckily they were strays with a van.

  Chapter 5: Pack:

  The Term used to refer to a Wyr-wolf group. Usually those who choose to band together under the leadership of an Alpha.

  Persephonii’s Warehouse, Lakewood, Washington.

  11: 32pm PST.

  When the top two floors of the warehouse had been converted into living space, Persephonii had wanted enough rooms to adequately house her family when they visited. Their large numbers had her building congregational areas that doubled as study or entertainment spaces, and included multiple guest rooms with full baths. Six in all, not including a large den-like room at the far back, off of which housed a two story tower that acted as a bunk room, sleeping two sets of four, all located up the stairs and down the hall behind the master bedroom.

  Each room housed an assortment of items, including a king sized bed, made with clean sheets and ready for company. Along with the traditional furniture, was some form of a large trunk or chest that housed the additional bedding for colder weather, which seemed to be nearly constant in the chilly, wet climate of the Pacific North West. A desk and chair of some sort, along with an assortment of furnishings she had picked up on her travels. She provided items that visitors might have forgotten, like toiletries, a few extra pairs of P.J.s, socks. And kept a bin in the closets that housed forgotten items that any number of her siblings or cousins had left behind over the last year. Which included a surprising number of shirts, pants, and the odd bra, were all kept for their owners return, eternally hopeful at the chance of being reunited.

  Her large family consisted of her Father’s side; the Waters. Her Mother’s side; the Blackwoods and her adoptive family the Havereaux clans. Along with a few odd people, like Madison and Chase, who they tended to pick up on their frequent travels around the globe. The Waters were based on the East Coast, the Blackwoods the Northern middle states and Persephonii had moved to the West Coast with the Havereaux clan after suffering a personal tragedy, and deciding a change of pace and place was in order. Kyr’s mother, Olivia, was also her Godmother, who had been widowed fairly young, and had become Mrs. Havereaux when she remarried and moved the family to her new husband’s property backing the large Washington forests. As the only Waters on the West Coast, she had quickly found herself the outpost when family needed some place to stay. She was tempted to move into something larger, but as of yet liked her high rise apartment, atop the ware
house district.

  “I apologize for the temperature, the heating system is new... newer, and I haven’t got the bugs worked out quite yet.” The building with the added insulation did a good job of regulating the temperatures, once cold it stayed cold and once warm it stayed warm. Given that the majority of the time Persephonii found herself battling a deep inner cold and usually bundled in multiple layers of cotton or wool, she was more than likely to add on additional fabrics rather than turn on the heat as she was also regularly on the move. And as she was usually the only one in her high rise apartment this worked well for her, but the occasional long term guest was unintentionally given the cold shoulder, literally.

  Murmurs of understanding echoed back from her down the hall, as the group stood in-front of the freight elevator. The lower back half of the first floor of the warehouse was the garage which housed the larger elevator, which they had used to reach the main floor. Ushering them in, Persephonii hung up her coat, placing her hat and gloves in its pockets and motioned for the others to do the same.

  Standing in-front of the A.C./heating hub she pushed the controls, kicking on the heating for the upper floors, and stared at her kitchen as the group slowly came towards her. Up until that point she had completely forgotten that there was no food in the house. As winter was one of the more busy seasons, she had emptied her cupboards and fridge of food, donating it to the local shelter before she had left for her last case.

  She'd been saved by Kyr bringing breakfast that morning, and had grabbed takeout throughout the day. Her schedule had been packed, pushing the grocery situation to the back of her mind and leaving her cupboards as bare as when she had arrived home.

  “We can leave if you have changed your mind.” Mr. Donovan's voice unexpectedly came from right beside her, causing her to turn.

  “What?” It was her turn to be confused.

  “Your expression looks a bit sour.” Lindsey’s voice held an uncertain note to it, as if not sure he should have said anything.

  “What? Oh?..no. I haven’t changed my mind.” She stepped into the kitchen grabbing a note pad and pen from the counter. “But I just realized I don’t have any food in the house, whatsoever.” She clicked the pen and looked at them expectantly. “I’ll need to do some shopping. Any requests on groceries?”

  “Ummm.” Seemed to be the general response.

  “Well, please think about it while we get you settled in.” Setting down the pen, she walked around the large island.

  “I’ll have to put in the order at least two hours before closing time, which...” she looked at her watch shoulders slumping a bit, “gives us ten minutes.” She thought about going another night with little food, or on her stash of protein bars. Neither sounded appealing, not to mention she would consider herself a horrible hostess as these were the first non-family guests she would be housing.

  “We can order in some take out for tonight, and maybe make it to the farmers market tomorrow morning.” Trying to figure out what exactly they would need, given that all of them had only a bag of clothes to their name, and a friend of a friend's utility van, it looked like she was going to need some supplies and soon.

  “You're making that weird expression again.” Lindsey spoke up from the edges of the group.

  “It’s just my face,” shrugging again, what more could she say? Not sure what expression exactly she was making but the wolves were strung so tightly they seemed to expect rejection at any moment.

  Instead she turned trying to wipe whatever expression it was clean and lead them up the staircase, passing the large indoor window that lead to the sitting area off her bedroom.

  “This place is beautiful.” A quite comment came from the middle of the group, all of which had stopped at the top of the stairs to look back out over the landing. Persephonii took a moment to look at the space as well. The upper floor was recessed, opening up to over thirty foot ceilings, the few large steel beams holding up the roof and rafters were painted a grey blue that often matched the sky. Speaking of which, the stars were out in full force as three fourths of the living room/dining/kitchen space had been extended out transforming from white washed brick to a large black steel and glass atrium like structure. It let in the light and brightened the space despite the nearly year round clouds. From its domed glass peak hung an odd collection of star shaped lights, some Moroccan in style, some more contemporary, no two matching in size or style. The cluster of star lights reflected on the glass, mimicking those over head. From so high up, you could see both the water stretching out to the islands in The Bay and the forest, in the distance. Smiling back at the reserved Autumn Donovan, she sincerely thanked the young woman and moved on with the tour.

  “The top levels are backwards from the rest of the ware house. Which means the front main living areas are to the back, while the working areas are to the front.”

  “I’ll ask you to be careful if you go into my work area. There are some more...exotic things in there that could get you into trouble.” She looked over, trying to see if anyone seemed affronted. Maxwell and Harker gave the impression that they were interested in what that might mean, mostly everyone looked tired.

  Persephonii walked down the hall pointed to the doors, as she went.

  “You can take your pick, there are six rooms, toiletries and towels are in the cupboard in each bathroom.”

  “Wait, each room has their own bathroom?” Autumn asked, at her nod, Blake commented, “I’m in heaven.”

  “If there’s anything you need to wash, there are a double set of washers and dryers in the laundry room at the end of the hall, behind the blue door. Further down is the den, on the left is a two piece and on the right is the rookery. The double doors at the end lead to the top floors of my study and work space.” She left them to explore, returning back to the beginning of the hall, when she called back

  “How does Chinese sound? I will order while you settle in and get cleaned up. Oh! Don’t worry about hot water, you can all take showers at the same time; we won’t run out.” Autumns sighs and giddiness echoed down the corridor as she chose the second door on her left, the others laughed at her behavior.

  Harker chose the first door, pausing to look back at Persephonii, “You may never get her to leave.” He chuckled at the girl's antics.

  “Chinese is fine.” Maxwell spoke up as he entered the last bed room, taking up the watch at the other end of the hall.

  “Remember were carnivores.” Lindsey's voice echoed from inside the last bedroom on the right. Blake sighed, nodding what Persephonii took as thanks, as she headed into the middle bedroom, and North who had yet to speak, took the first bedroom, behind hers.

  “I didn’t forget.” She headed back downstairs to order the food, unaware that Harker watched her, listening to her move about until she began to place the order over the phone.

  Harker Donovan was not a man of many words. He felt that he was a good balance of thinker and doer, which left him somewhat stumped with Ms. Persephonii Waters, who had asked very little questions of them as they piled into the unmarked van. Claiming the front seat by calling out ‘shotgun,’ she had proceeded to give Maxwell directions to, of all places, a converted warehouse. He had initially been worried about disrupting her neighbors, when she had assured him that she didn’t have any and that they would be fine.

  He wasn’t sure if she was treating this like some sort of sleep over, or was generally worried about a group of strangers that she had simply invited home for the unforeseeable future. The Waters family was known to be friends of the Wyr; he supposed that housing the occasional wanted man was not off their résumé, but he was having trouble reconciling Ms. Waters with the stories he had heard about the powerful family.

  In any case, his wolf side was enjoying being so close to her, getting a lung full of her unique scent which was a mix of some sort of pleasant soap made from honey and oatmeal, the forest at night after a cleansing rain, and an enticing flare that he couldn’t name; it was something u
nique that he had never scented before. And for a wolf that was hard to say. There was something about her that calmed him, he could tell the others felt it too. Was it the first sign of safety in over a month of turmoil? The possibility of true help? Or the unassuming woman herself, he couldn't say. He would, however, still keep an eye out; his blind trust had been a key factor in getting them into this mess.

  He was determined to be wary of someone who simply accepted their innocence at face value and opened up her home to them, it was unheard of outside of Pack. Given the horrible reception, far from the help they had expected, for a stranger to offer where the pack had failed was confusing to say the least. All seven had been on edge, hurt by the flying accusations and wary of those who had once been friends. It didn’t help that Cain was out trying to get information, away from his now smaller Pack. Harker hated to rely on someone, especially an outsider, but Persephonii had been right. They had nowhere to go, no one to turn to. The law enforcement wanted them for questioning and blamed him for things he could not explain. Feeling as if he had not only failed his Pack but his blood, he went inside the room once he was sure the younger woman wasn’t about to turn them in. Desperately needing a shower and a change of clothes, he headed inside ‘his’ room, wondering what other punches life was about to throw at them.

  Thinking about the group she had invited to stay with her until they figured out what exactly was going on, Persephonii mentally examined each member while waiting for the large order of Chinese food to arrive. Her thoughts turned deep as she made her way down the freight elevator to the service entrance door to wait out the delivery man.

  Though Harker Donovan hadn’t out right said he was the Alpha of the pack, his energy and aura distinctly signified him as one. It appeared something had happened to usurp his official place as Alpha and leader of the large pack. And Persephonii was sure it was large, the energy and power an Alpha acquired as leader of a pack increased the more members it had and the longer they were in control. Harker’s energies suggested he had been a leader for over a decade and the pack was a good sized one, very good sized by the number of loiterers at the scene. He showed no signs of weakness or divergent tendencies, so something big must have happened. It was rare to see someone lose their Alpha status, even in age Alpha’s tended to keep a prestigious position within the pack, often as Advisors or Regents, even if they didn’t retain the Alpha title, only losing to death or the rare challenge. If Harker’s leadership was challenged, she was wary to see who had taken his place, she had a bad feeling it was his cousin Mason. Harker Donovan added more questions to her growing list of concerns.