by KD Bond
“Get some rest and make yourself at home when you wake up.” Luke leaned down to kiss her lips. “I have my phone on me so call if you need anything.”
Kat nodded, gradually closing her eyes. The harpy heard the door shut a few seconds later. And her last thought before sleep reclaimed her, was of home. She finally felt she was home.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Stepping out of the wooden cabin, in the heart of the forest, Zafrina stood on the porch and breathed in the fresh dawn air. She had been tracking a particular rouge wolf for some time now, and she was finally able to follow him to this cabin. And he was not alone. The war between the vamps and wolves continued to thrive; however, the Knights had been victorious in keeping the fight out of the human realm. Mostly. This wolf was part of the most.
In the process of killing a vampire, he also took out two innocent human children, without a care in the world. The perp could’ve attempted to avoid the death, of those sweet little girls. However, the wolf chose to favor vengeance over stealth. His anger clouded his judgment, which ended in two human parents burying their children.
Zafrina was the Knight called in on clean up after one of her fellow warriors came across the smell of blood. The parents must have gone because only a single young teen had been in the house, trying to protect the children from the paranormal intruders.
The young girl had just been released from the hospital a few nights ago. However, the kids later died due to their significant injuries. Zafrina had staged it to look like a home invasion, one a sick sociopath would concoct. Her power to manipulate the mind helped her persuade the police force and news reporters to believe their elaborate ruse. She used mind manipulation to plant the assailants in the memory of the baby sitter. Criminals that committed similar crimes but were still at large. Once that was complete, she told her leader she needed some time to herself. And so, the hunt began.
Zafrina was known to her colleagues as calm and docile, as opposed to Sky’s impatience and quick temper. And it was true; however, she was just as deadly as all the other Knights. She possessed a power that could only be rivaled by her leaders, with a temper to match; only she knew how to control her rage. She rarely lost control of that temper. The last time she could remember losing her anger, a once beautiful building became permanently tilted. The Torre Pendente di Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, in Italy was supposed to be a freestanding building. However, she caused a mild earthquake which caused the tilt during construction. Since then, Zafrina tried to retain steady control of anger. Dreadful things happened when she lost her temper, so she did everything in her power to reel it in until today.
Sky materialize directly beside her as she continued to take in the morning sun, attempting to quell her anger. It was easier for her to calm the emotions of others, yet when it came to her own, it took more control and focus. Z could feel her friends stare leveled in her direction, yet she did not turn to her leader, nor did she comment as Sky walked into the cabin silently behind her. Z knew what her comrade would find.
It wasn’t just Casper, the wolf she was after, body in the cabin, but also those of his followers. The Knight had given them the opportunity to flee; however, they choose to stay and fight with their master, as opposed to continued life. Only two cunning wolves, finally realized continuing to follow Casper would eventually lead them to their graves. So they left their leader without so much as a backward glance. Leaving a total of six bodies scattered around the cabin.
Four of them stood up to her bravely, and Z awarded them with a swift and painless death. Casper and his beta did not. Once they discovered they would lose this battle, after four of their minions quickly met their demise, they tried to escape through the back door of the cabin. She figured she’d help them stay in place by rapidly cutting off their legs, then their arms. Saving their heads for last. Knowing they would be able to feel the pain as long as their heads were attached. It’s what the humans deserved. She couldn’t bring their children back, but she could give them this.
Z felt Sky’s presence behind her once again. Knowing the female observed, blood splattered on the walls and varies body parts thrown throughout the living area. The scene was grotesque. She hadn’t used a weapon for the dismemberments, and the evidence of her lost control was all over her teeth and claws. Zafrina’s long jet-black hair was wet with the liquid. And she knew her face was no better. Thank Goddess, they wore black.
Z closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh, crisp air once more before she turned to face Sky. She had lost her temper, and she knew better. With powers like their own, they required more restraint.
“At least you tracked him here. We don’t need more heat on us in this day in age.” Sky responded.
“Yes, I would have to agree.”
Sky took a moment to study her features, coming over to cup her chin and wipe some of the blood of her face. “Do you feel better?”
Z took a hesitant breath for reassurance before she answered. “Yes.” “Did I cause any other disturbance?”
“No, well, a few trees fell when you unleashed some of your powers but other than that nothing. I’m surprised the house didn’t fall,” Sky pointed at the structure behind her.
“Wolves tend to build sturdy homes.”
“I suppose they do.” The silence stretched between them before Sky backed up and spoke again. “We must speak to Luther, soon Z.”
“Yes. I will go to him personally and tell him I have slain six of his brethren.”
“Need me to go with you?”
“No, I am much better now. But thank you.”
“Good. I knew seeing those kids like that would mess you up, but I didn’t think you’d go nuclear.”
“Yes, and for that, I am truly sorry. I should have used the week it took to locate Casper to suppress my feelings.”
“It’s straight Z.” Sky came closer, turning her back to the porch rail leaning up against it. She shrugged, “shit happens, not like they didn’t deserve this ending.”
Zafrina took a moment to study her friends face. All she saw was mild contempt. “Very well then, I should be going.”
Sky nodded, “before you go, how about you stop at home and shower. I’ll take care of the cabin.”
“But of course,” Z looked down at herself, “it would be disheartening and cruel to arrive as I am. I know Casper was rogue, but I’m sure losing any member of your pack would be difficult.”
Sky looked at her deadpan and replied. “The male understands our place in this war. He knows what happens when the rules are broken.”
“Indeed.”
“Go.”
Z bowed a little, then teleported out of the area. She went home to shower and change before Z dematerializes again. Once she resurfaced, she strolled along the Alphas border.
Out of respect, they never teleported into another’s domain, unless necessary. Knowing a soldier would find her shortly, bringing her to his alpha, Z took that time to regain the last of her composure. Even though she was going into the wolves’ den alone, she was unafraid. They may have the numbers, however many of them would fall before they finally got the best of her. Luther would never risk his people unless the Knights betrayed their alliance. She knew she was justified in her killings. But out of curtsy Sky and the others agreed to notify the Alpha and new vampire king of each slaying they were involved in. So here she stood.
Stopping her repetitive pacing, she turned her head west and listened to the young soldier’s approach. The wolves were evolving in the talent of masking their arrival. Soon it would take her undivided attention and concentration to sense their advance, which was quite impressive.
The wolf emerged through the trees and barked a greeting. She returned the reception with a smile of her own. Zafrina fully extended her lips, showing her full set of pearly whites, as the familiar calming sensation coursed through her body. Finally, she was once again the tranquil, docile Knight. And just in time. Looking up, she lost her bright, welcoming smile
. Luther had also come to greet her arrival.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Kat was once again sitting atop the roof, of what was becoming her new favorite building. She swung her legs back and forth over the edge, against the wind. Kat had just sent Luke a message, letting him know they were still on for their afternoon brunch across the street. A lunch date that was starting to become routine.
Her feelings for the human were starting to enter the danger zone, but she couldn’t seem to stay away. They’d been together nearly every day since their pretend run-in at the track and even that time didn’t seem enough. She wanted more of him. And the realization should have scared the hell out of her. It didn’t.
Phantom leaders continued to send their best warriors to try to take them out. Yet that thrill wasn’t nearly as exhilarating as being with Luke. Kat even started to dispatch the fighters their masters would send, quickly. So she could get back in enough time to see Luke. Kat knew what she was doing was reckless, but she didn’t care.
They’d spent their off morning and afternoon together running or using the gym in his complex, to either swim or rock climb. Luke told Kat he’d like to take her a little further up north close to Canada. So they could mountain climb. She’d agreed to the trip without quale. It sounded exciting, and with the way they’d been besting the phantoms lately Sky would give her the time off, hopefully.
Swinging her feet with glee, Kat started typing Luke a naughty text when she heard a voice from behind.
"Thought I’d find you up here." Kat jumped suddenly, nearly falling off the roof. She did, however, watch her phone sail down the side of the building. Not again.
"Shit!"
"You see little sister. Had you not been so caught up in your dreamy fantasy you’d have known you weren’t alone." Sia declared behind her.
Swiveling around, Kat swung her legs over the ledge, to face her big sis. "Sia hi. What…What are you doing up here?"
"I came to talk to you," Sia replied pointedly.
"Oh yeah,” she tilted her head in inquiry, “sure, what’s up?"
"Sky called."
"She always does.” Kat started to massage her temple in exasperation, “what the hell did I do now?"
Sia shrugged, "nothing. She wanted to thank me for bringing you back around. For turning you back into the focused killer, you use to be." Sia narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Huh," Kat plopped back down on the ledge, get the hell out.
"Yeah... You’re coming back to meetings, not taunting, well not taunting as much, with the shadows. It’s like you did a total one-eighty and she thinks I’m the cause."
"Well, that’s great. Always good to get bonus points with the boss lady…." "
But I’m not," her sister cut in, "am I."
"Not what?" Kat played dumb, rising both eyebrows up in confusion.
"The cause of your change."
"Listen, Sia..."
"It’s the human," not stated in a question, but fact.
"Sia..."
"You’re playing a dangerous game, Kat."
"I can take care of myself," Kat threw her legs up on the ledge and laid down. Crossing her arms behind her head, then overlapping her ankles.
"And what of him? What if your enemies find him and break him, to break you?"
"I can take care of him too."
"Can you Katrina? You’re just learning to take care of yourself."
That did it. She was over in her sister’s face in the blink of an eye.
"Back the fuck off Sia."
"You can’t do this, Kat. You have to stop seeing him, please."
"No," this wasn’t her place to tell her what to do.
"What are you going to do if he finds out about you about us? It’s only a matter of time before your power slips. What then?... Or worse,” Sia walked up meeting her nose to nose, “what happens if Sky finds out?"
Kat recoiled, as her sisters’ words sank in. No. Sky would kill him, and there wouldn’t be a damn thing she could do about it. Sky was the one foe she didn’t want to face, not because she was afraid, but because Kat knew she couldn’t win. Fighting her, though noble, would be futile.
"Sky’s not going to find out now, is she Sia?" Kat gritted out.
"Kat, please listen…"
"No, you listen, I’ll be careful, okay. I promise. And if I see it getting out of hand I’ll end it, I swear." Kat didn’t like this feeling of desperation, and Sia didn’t look convinced. So she grabbed her upper arms and pulled her close. "Sia C’mon please, don’t take this away from me. I’m going to have to let him go soon anyway. I know he’s human. I know it can’t go anywhere. Just let me hold on a little while longer, he’s... he’s just different. He’s funny, smart, caring, not something I would expect out of humankind. And he’s a great lay.”
Kat smiled. Even Sia could understand that last part.
Sia let out a breath and lagged, "fine. But if you fall for him any more than you already have...," she raised her hand to stop Kat’s denial with a lie, definitely a lie, "don’t bother, I’m your twin I know you. And I’m pulling the plug if this gets out of hand. And it’s not a matter of if, but when it gets out of hand. Understood?"
Yes, she did. Sia always wanted the best for her, their relationship was strained in the past, but she knew the love between them would never change. They were twins. Kat straightened her body, clicking her black booted heels together, and saluted her sister. Sia shook her head and left.
Walking back over to the edge of the building, she hopped up to stand on the corner, peering down. Kat had a million and one things to be concerned with. Sky finding out about Luke, the other world salivating on the fact that she had a weakness, the price on their heads. So many obstacles, yet all she could think about was her shattered phone below.
∞∞∞
When the boss is away, the kids will play. And play they did. Someone had turned the radio on, and everyone was milling around Fall Heights. It was Friday. Roman had left early for D.C on business, so needless to say, no work was getting done today. Luke was sure they could probably leave early, which a few of them did, but others wanted to stay and clock in their required hours.
Lukes numbers were up. Fall Heights was doing great, relieving some of the pressure off his shoulders. Luke was taking a leisurely day right along with the others; they deserved it.
Most of them were working themselves rigid these past few weeks. Trying to make sure their boss continued to come out on top. Things were finally starting to turn around for him. After losing his family, Luke never thought he’d feel this kind of happiness again. And the woman he was meeting later for lunch was a big part of that change.
Luke was sitting on the top of his desk with his feet in his chair, talking to Justin. Who leaned against his office cubicle. The two were busy talking about their weekend plans when Casey walked over.
"Hi, guys, what we are talking about?"
"Nothing," they both replied in unison, as they peeked towards the unwelcome intrusion.
"Oh, okay,” Casey paused as they continued to stare at her but not speak. “Well, Justin, you mind if I talk to Luke for a minute, alone?"
Luke’s ex-best friend got up from his relaxed position against his wall. Casting Luke a look of amusement, throwing his hands out as if to say "sorry" as he walked away. Narrowing his eyes at his enemies back, Luke looked back towards Casey and mustered a smile.
The woman hadn’t said anything to him in a few weeks. Electing to ignore his good morning greetings. So it was surprising she had anything to say to him, considering they were supposed to be “friends.” It was astonishing how quickly he realized how shallow and narcissistic the beauty was. Casey knew she was attractive, and the woman used her looks to get what she wanted. Luke was a puppet. Now he had no strings.
Taking a resigned breath, he addressed his former crush, "what’s up, Casey?"
"Nothing,” she smiled her best seductive smile and leaned into
him, putting her breast on display. “I was just wondering if you had any plans this weekend, like maybe Saturday?"
In fact, he did, Luke was planning to take Kat on the trip to the mountains they’d discussed. She mentioned she had the weekend off, so he was going to take advantage. And hopefully, take advantage of her — all weekend. Casey, however, didn’t need to know all the details. They probably could’ve remained friends if he didn’t recognize how much she used him and when he was no longer a commodity. She ignored him, as she has done so many.
“Yeah sorry, actually I do. I can’t club this weekend." Luke pushed his glasses off the bridge of his nose. He really needed to get them readjusted.
"Oh, I see you’re starting to wear your glasses again. You looked better without them."
Yeah maybe he did, to her, but it turned out a certain redhead was turned on when he wore them. So clearly, he opted for his glasses rather than his contacts.
"Was there anything else I can do for you, Casey?"
"Oh umm, no, I guess not. I was kinda hoping that you’d be free for dinner Saturday night. Like you know, for a date."
"I don’t need you to set me up Case, I’m good, thanks."
"No,” she placed her hand on his leg “it’s not a setup. I was hoping you’d like to go on a date with me?"
Luke paused and gaped. He was about to remove her hand from his knee before she spoke. But now he couldn’t remember what he was about to do. After all this time. Why now? She’d never once showed any interest in him on a romantic level, so he didn’t understand what she was asking.
"You’re asking me out?" Luke looked at her with confusion.
"Yes, silly,” Casey flipped her long golden locks over her shoulder dramatically. “I started to miss spending time with you. And I thought, you know, we could maybe take our friendship to another level. I knew you had a crush on me, but I didn’t want to risk our friendship, but now, I don’t care." She ran her hand further up his thigh, “so what do you say?”
