At First Sight (Persephonii Waters Book 1)

by Melanie Brown

  Autumn Donovan, Harker’s younger sister looked to be around eighteen or so. She was quite and tended to stay in the middle of the group, protected by her pack. It appeared that whatever had happened had affected her strongly. The shy, soft spoken young woman would need her pack around her, and a safe haven to get her confidence back. With the one in process, Persephonii hoped she could provide the other.

  Lindsey Payne was young as well, she would say just around twenty, with a strange mix of exuberance and caution. From his aura, Persephonii could make out a good deal of trauma, though not too recent, it still clung to him, breaking his aura. He tended to be blunt, but it was more a hesitant outburst than conversation. However, he did seem to be the most talkative of the group. Whether due to their personalities or her presence, she did not know. Wyr tended to have their own ways of communication often relying on scent, but really focused on eye contact and body language.

  Maxwell Darrow appeared to be Harker’s Prime, his right hand man and successor should he fall or relinquish his position. Darrow’s quite words and calm demeanor spoke of confidence in his Alpha along with a deep loyalty to his friend.

  The large behemoth known simply as North, was a powerful Enforcer. He had yet to speak in her presence, but doubted it was anything to do with her.

  Cain Rutherford had tried to charm Persephonii before he had left to search out information. The Scout of the pack, he would skirt their old territory and look for clues, allies and enemies. She hoped he found many of the first and second and none of the later. Without at least one member to get him out of trouble, he was a lone wolf, easy prey if others were watching.

  That left Blake Taggart, the taller blonde haired woman looked to be about the same age if not a little younger than Persephonii. Though the Waters, like their Para counter parts, tended to age slowly, very slowly. However, she was sure that Blake had designs on becoming Harker’s mate and all that it entailed. Blake knew something, whether about the case, about the reasons behind the manhunt for Harker, or something else, she wasn’t sure. But it was clear that the knowledge weighted on her.

  Pushing the tiered rolling cart toward the service door located on the side of the business section of the first floor, she was waiting for the delivery man to arrive, pile the many large containers on the cart and head back up. Just thinking about the food made her stomach ache in hunger. She was contemplating nabbing a few egg rolls for the ride up in the elevator, when an arm touched her back. Training and instinct kicked into high gear, she caught the arm, pulling the unknown assailant closer, she turned and ducked before wrenching it behind their back. She heard a grunt as she used her left leg to take the man down to one knee, looking over her shoulder in confusion as she heard a muffled laugh.

  Harker’s shocked face looked back at her as she held her defensive stance. Glancing down to the unlucky person who had caught her off guard, she noticed Maxwell’s dark head bent back at her, expression somewhere between a smile and a grimace.

  Letting up on the tight grip and hold on his arm, “I apologize for the rough treatment, you caught me off guard.” She picked up Maxwell’s phone which had been flung from his pocket by her self-defense move. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to come up behind me.”

  “I can tell.” Maxwell rotated his shoulder cuff. It would take a lot more force to bruise anything but the maneuver had him on his knees, arm immobilized despite their mismatched size and strength; he was rather impressed.

  “We thought you might need some help getting all the food back up.” Harker’s eyes nearly glowed with laughter. “But I see you have a system.” He motioned to the wheeled, two-tiered cart.

  She laughed. “This isn’t the first time I’ve had to order out for a large group, no.”

  The food arrived as they were talking, Persephonii paid the total, which had even Maxwell raising an eyebrow. They walked back up to the top floors, Harker pushing the cart back up to the freight elevator. At the dining table she quickly started opening the bags, laying out utensils and plates on the long dark, twelve seat table, where the food took up a good deal of its length. Brought down by the smell of food, her six guests loitered around the kitchen. Motioning them to sit down, she pulled a large jug of iced tea from the fridge, really the only thing she could make, while they settled in. She grabbed her own seat at the edge of the nearest bench and started grabbing containers, forking out chow mien, egg rolls and the like onto her plate.

  “So Ms. Waters, what do you do exactly?” Harker seemed interested in her work, or perhaps merely wanted more information on their hostess. Persephonii’s chopsticks paused midway to her mouth. Looking over at Harker’s interested gaze, she nodded at the question.

  “I’m a Paranormal Consultant and Private Investigator.” It was said matter-of-factly, with all the media coverage in the last decade the generally populace had come to know the few Paranormal Consultant firms.

  “I’ve read the newspaper, and seen some of the coverage but...What exactly does a paranormal consultant do?” This question was from Maxwell, whose quizzical expression said that her answer wasn't really an answer at all.

  “Well...I mostly help clients with “all things Paranormal.” At this she received a few amused stares. Both Harker and Maxwell were still looking at her expectantly, so she elaborated for them.

  “As part of a Paranormal Consultant and Investigation firm, we help our clients actively pursue answers, evidence and criminals, just with a paranormal twist. We pit our knowledge and skills against those seeking to out run the law. And make complex scientific and paranormal information understandable for our clients, be they private or institutional.” After all that she took a big bite of an egg roll, trying to gage the expressions of the others.

  “So...what does that mean for us?” Lindsey appeared just as interested at the others. Especially for a description of how her role would either help or hinder their predicament.

  “Well, at the moment, I’m not, specifically, on your case so there isn’t any clash of interest. I was brought in to examine Mr. Lawrence, the rest will be decided in the next few days. Right now; we finish dinner, get a good night's sleep and see what tomorrow brings.” She refilled her and North’s glass of iced tea, the large man merely nodded at her in thanks, she nodded back.

  “If we hire you... how much would you charge? We..” Harker started down a line of questioning, that she knew she couldn't let him continue.

  “Uhhh-nuuhh.” Shaking her head she put down her chop sticks.

  “What?” Maxwell looked confused.

  “Other than that being an even bigger breech of protocol, not to mention ethics that I can’t over look. Hiring me isn't going to be an option since I offered to help you and am already researching the case. We could talk about 'what if's' and 'plans' all night but it won't do any good without more information, evidence and proof. All of which we are very short on at the moment. I will discuss things with you, as you will with me, but trust me when I say now is NOT the time." Harker looked ready to argue with her, but she tried to nip that in the bud.

  "Especially since one of the biggest house rules is; no business talk at the dining table. It’s time for food and getting to know one another, not talking shop. I know you aren’t killers, we have a lot of research and talking to do tomorrow, but tonight is for rest, the specifics can wait until the morning.” Looking up and down the table, she smiled despite the looks of confusion. Even North seemed to like this rule as he dug into the moo-shoo pork.

  “That’s it?” Lindsey asked, seeming unsure, as if it sounded too good to be true. His expression clearly asked the others 'who was this person?'

  “That’s it.” She took another sip.

  “Any other rules we should know about?” Harker asked in amused concern.

  “The basics really...you're responsible for your own area, so clean up after yourself. I can cook... but it would probably be best to not rely on me... or wait on me for pretty much anything. I maintain odd hours and will b
e going in and out throughout the day. So if you want to make something add it to the list of groceries. If you end up needing anything specific for a recipe that we don't have, the jar in the pantry has additional grocery money. As for anything odd you find laying around, if you don’t know what it is, don’t touch it....And finally, if in doubt, ask. Those are the most important.”

  Dinner finished quickly as it was getting late. What little was left over was wrapped up and put in the fridge, where the group got a firsthand look at how empty it really was. There was a part of Harker and the others that wanted to discuss their situation with the strange Ms. Waters, who continued to seem unconcerned with the fact that she was harboring wanted suspects. In fact, Harker wanted to argue, the passage of time was keenly felt and he wanted nothing more than to get on things....and sleep. How could the small consultant confuse and comfort them so thoroughly? He was sure the others were just as exhausted as he was; shaking his head as he kicked off his shoes, he fell into bed, and was asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.

  Chapter 6: Instinct:

  The catch all term for the unexplainable driving force behind Para behavior. Each species has its own set of Instincts that motivates actions, sometimes beyond thought or reason.

  Persephonii's Apartment, Lakewood, WA. 7:45am PST.

  For Persephonii the morning dawned clear and early. Up and dressed before the others, she was in the process of making some herbal tea, about the only thing left in her pantry, when she looked up to see Lindsey. Though he looked like he had merely rolled out of bed, dressed in what he wore last night, she smiled at the young man, unsure why he was up so early.

  “You look like you could use a few more hours of sleep. Any reason in particular you are up?” It was a somewhat rhetorical question. With his current bedraggled state, he could have come down to eat the last of the Chinese food. Though he wouldn't need shoes to eat breakfast.

  “You're going to the farmer’s market this morning.” It wasn’t exactly a question, but she nodded anyway.

  “I’ve got to call for a car...” she started, but paused as Lindsey’s expression was clearly taken aback.

  “You don’t have a car? Do you know how to drive?” She smiled, at his incredulous expression. Light brown hair thoroughly mussed, only one eye was visible through his bangs and it was wide in shock. She had gotten a lot of flak for her car habit over the years, so she took no offense at his tone.

  “I work a lot, out of the state or country for a week or so at a time. I started using a driving service after I was in an accident. Since then I’ve just continued to use them, leaves me time to research and use the drive time to prepare for cases.” He nodded his head in understanding, but still looked unsure why a grown woman would not have her own car, sometimes she wondered as well.

  “A lot of the time my partner Chase will come and pick me up...He makes that face too.” Though she was not in short supply of rides, or understanding friends, she had recently begun to wonder if it wasn't time to get back behind the wheel.

  “Why don’t we take the van? It will save time waiting for the car and have more room for groceries.” Lindsey seemed to think a moment and then offered up the suggestion. It was the best solution, but Persephonii hadn't wanted to assume, or force anyone to go with her.

  “I think that’s a great idea.” Harker's deep voice floated down from the stairs, he was shaved and looking almost unrecognizable in dark jeans and a navy pullover sweater. As he cleared the last of the steps, he made his way to the island, where he poured himself a cup of tea. Setting the pot back down, he looked over at Persephonii, smiling at the fact that her mere presence seemed to bring Lindsey out of his recent shyness and gloom.

  Nodding Persephonii finished the cuppa, quickly washing it out and setting it in the dishwasher, she turned with an intent look in her eye.

  “You two didn’t happen to be up so bright and early to go with me?” As she asked, Harker just smiled, while Lindsey nodded rather enthusiastically.

  “Why Ms. Waters I detect a tone in your voice.” Harker's own tone was teasing.

  “Persephonii.” She offered, not liking the formality given that they would be in close quarters for the foreseeable future.

  “What?” Harker seemed slightly confused for a moment.

  “Ms. Waters is for business, if you're staying with me, then it's just Persephonii, or Percy as Chase and my family calls me.” Though she did like to be polite and tried to refer to people, even in her head as; Mr., Ms., or Mrs., there was a time and place for formalities and this wasn't it.

  “Percy?” The two men clearly questioned the use of the nickname.

  “Yes. Percy.” It wasn't exactly gender neutral, but it was her nickname. Giving them permission to use it was like giving them insight into her personal life. It was strange but another step towards forging a relationship, forging trust between them. Harker and Lindsey seemed to understand the significance and nodded. Rinsing out their own cups, they put them in the dishwasher and signaled they were ready to start their journey.

  With that they headed to the garage, where they piled into the white, windowless utility van, Harker driving, Lindsey perched at the front of one of the two bench seats running the length of the van and Persephonii giving directions. In-between directions, she asked what they liked to eat while discussing what was in season.

  The farmer’s market excursion turned into a farmer’s market, Super Market, Target, and finally Good Will, trip. The trio had picked up everything from; whole chickens, a large turkey, beef steaks, a wide assortment of vegetables fresh and frozen, additional toiletries, a few pairs of shoes, the latest movie and lastly a stack of magazines, which Lindsey swore would keep the ‘girls’ occupied for a few days. All in all, Persephonii felt like she was shopping after hearing her family planned on staying with her for more than a day.

  The morning gone to shopping, the three grabbed some lunch, sandwiches for everyone and headed back to the warehouse where the other four were waiting in the garage to help unload, but mostly to be near the food. Everyone was hungry enough that the groceries were put away in no time and they found themselves eating their foot-longs, chips and a drink wondering what was next.

  Small talk kept up a nice stream of conversation, but given the 'no business at the table' rule, they kept to the weather and the trip to the markets.

  “You were gone longer than expected, I was beginning to worry.” Maxwell looked pointedly at Harker, whose idea it had been to get the majority of the shopping done while they were out. He gave what she supposed was an apologetic smile.

  She had been apprehensive with the Alpha, the only one of the group that was currently wanted by authorities, deciding to be out and about. Apparently she hadn't been the only one, questioning his decision. Though he looked different with the beard gone, she was sure Mason would have given out a few photos of Harker. At least one, more than likely, would show him sans beard.

  Finishing chewing, Harker responded. “Sorry, I meant to call, but we got side tracked.”

  “Do you have a cell phone?” Harker shook his head, as she looked down the table, everyone but Maxwell shook their heads, while he seemed to eye his pocket. Having picked it up earlier, she knew the small basic cell was their only means to talk with Cain. It was his life line in case he needed help.

  “Cell signals are the first things they check. We ditched our phones after Blake called a friend and some enforcers showed up not half an hour later.” At this Autumn looked deeply troubled.

  “While I can’t say that calling family or friends would be safe at the moment. I can help with the lack of communication issue.” Dusting off her space at the table, she grabbed her drink and headed into the study, beckoning the others, already done eating to follow.

  Opening the hefty, solid wood, carved double sliding doors, revealed a large nearly thirty foot expanse of space. Similar to the atrium at the front of the living space, the larger area opened up to the second floor
by a balcony and spiral stairs. The study was a large room consisting of the wide open area including her desk, a sitting and research area, with high ceilings and black iron multi-pane windows, its perimeter was lined with book and display shelves that housed a diverse collection of artifacts.

  Heading over into a side room, she opened the door and began riffling through the drawers in what essentially was a storage-utility room. One bin contained nothing but burner cell phones and prepaid phone cards. She grabbed a few heading out to the group who were standing in the middle of the room, gawking at the myriad shelves filled with Paranormal and Investigative paraphernalia.

  “I’m afraid you’ll have to share.” Catching their attention, she handed out the phones, one each to Donovan, Maxwell and Lindsey.

  “This is great!” Lindsey’s voice held excitement that he was included in the phone distribution. As she handed them out she paused, thinking.

  “They are not registered to any name, so that can’t be traced. Simply call the number on the phone labeled 'PAY', follow the instructions as they ask you to put in the pin on the back of the card. It’s not unlimited, so you will have to keep aware of the minutes, texts and data you use. Remember that logging into any Wi-Fi will leave a signature.”