by V L Peters
‘’What can I do for you Scarlett?’’ I questioned her easing back into the chair, crossing my ankles while taking another sip of my drink. I had a feeling that she had heard of the meeting. I had no doubt she wanted to be at it along with her sisters. I couldn’t allow it. It was bad enough that it was going around my own people. If there was even a whiff that I had witches living freely in my territory, all hell would break loose. There would be panic. Every single natural and human would be under suspicion, and there were enough problems to deal with, without another added on.
‘’If I hadn’t happened to come upon what was bloody happening last night, you wouldn’t have even told me, would you? What the hell is going on?’ she replied, sauntering over towards him the swaying of her hips, drawing his attention, ‘’Are there any updates? Have you found that soul keeper yet?’’ she paused a look of suspicion forming on her face. Standing directly in front of my desk, she leaned forward, placing both of her hands on to the desk and leaning forwards, ‘’your men…… were fucking attracted, killed, and injured. What else are you holding back on Mm?
What kind of protection will my family have when the do arrive?’’ she fired the questions, not giving me a chance to open my mouth to answer her.
I sat there, sipping my drink, taking in the woman in front of me. I knew the longer it took for me to reply to any of her questions, the easier it would be for her to lose her temper. Her green eyes narrowed in irritation; I could see her trying to hold on to her anger. I wondered what it would be like to see her explode, no doubt it would Light up those green of her eyes as if a fire was blazing inside her. They seemed to see deep down into my soul as if she could see my demon. If she thought I would let her get away with how she talked to me, she had another think coming. If I had to put her in her place, I would do so. New Intel was now in. Information about the soul keeper. After what had happened to my men, I hadn’t yet gone in search of her to give her any information.
Standing up from my chair, placing my hands onto the desk in front of me. My fingertips almost touching her own. I leaned towards her, my breath fanning her face, telling her through gritted teeth, ‘’as you helped to tend to my men’s injurers, I’ll overlook your insolence. Don’t think you can come in here throwing out your demands,’’
‘’I’m not throwing out any so-called demands as you put it. What the hell happened to your men? Hell, do you even know who even bloody attacked them?’’ she spat out, Standing her ground. Not showing once ounce of fear. For that reason alone, my respect for her grew. Though there was a ‘cat in hells chance’ in me ever telling her
‘’My sisters will be arriving soon,’’ she pointed out, as if I needed to be reminded that I Lucien Sinclair was allowing fucking witches not only to carry on living in safely and secret to be in my territory, but here in my club. Word would eventually get out someone would let slip about the witch I was letting live and stay. That she was under my protection. I had no doubt there would be shockwaves and a hell of a lot of trouble upon the news. ‘’So, there had better be some sort of extra protection in place. They will want to be updated. If there is even a whiff that you are not being honest, our agreement will be null and void!!!’’
‘’Watch that mouth of yours Scarlett,’’ I tell her, I felt the stirring of my beast. I could feel his excitement building, rising once again until it became part of me. My demon wanted to play. I give in ever so slightly, letting her see a flash of my beast. My black eyes flashed red, my voice changing. Deeping, rising from within me. I felt my skin flicker, the texture changing.
I saw the flash of shock in her beautiful eyes, her mouth hanging open, the shocking surprise causing her to stumble backward. From the corner of my eye, I saw Alex step towards her, my demon growled, sending him a warning to stay away. My beast wasn’t going to harm her, nor was I. It was the last thing either of us would do. ‘’Don’t overstep boundaries. I will only let you go so far before I retaliate,’’ I warned her, I mustn’t show any weakness. If I did, it would be a disaster for everyone, especially for Scarlett, ‘’your sisters will be safe while they are in …… my care. What happens to them outside of that I have no power over,’’ I tell her with a shrug easing back down into the seat behind me. My beast was still near, I pushed him back, fighting my control. I turned my attention to Alex, who had been standing there the whole time watching and listening. ‘’Alex, Jacob is coming to the meeting. As you personally know him, I’m leaving the meet and greet to you. Make sure that all weapons they carry are left in the store next to the meeting room. They can collect them when they leave, ‘’He did not show once ounce of surprise. I didn’t expect him to I had told my men that a meeting had been called and when it was taking place. ‘’Jaden will be dealing with Nathan and Ben the Fae if they accept the invitations. Also, both councils had requested to attend the meeting. Six from each council will also be attending, along with some of the smaller region’s leaders,’’ yes if you hadn’t got it yet. I ran one of the more significant territories. With my permission they ran smaller regions within mine. Aria was one. They still answered to me, and you see that region that they held. I could take back with a click of my fingers. Nathan, Jacob, Gil-Galad and Reid had a similar ruling. Archer was another matter entirely.
I again turned my attention to Scarlett, who was sitting in the chair that stood in front of the desk. She’s looking between myself and Alex. As if trying to gauge Alex’s reaction. She wasn’t showing any real emotion on her face about the news of the meeting I could tell she was trying to take everything in. I made up my mind there and then that she and her sisters would have to be at the meeting whether anyone else agreed. Yes, it will cause a lot of issues if they found out. After the shock of finding out that witches were still in existence, they would not be welcome. There would be a lot of questions, demands, and threats from all sides. I had to see if they could hold their own, it was something I heavily doubted! She still looked irate but had calmed down somewhat. Good, I know the shock of hearing about the meeting taking place had seemed to render her speechless. She had to put that bit of information I had revealed to her to one side. I needed to talk to her about the information I had gathered about the Soul Keeper. I now know where he might be holding up. Though I had, had second thoughts. I’d decided to allow a small group of my men to gather the little shit and bring him back. They had all been informed of the danger they would be in, that the Natural they would be seeking out was a Soul Keeper. They all knew what was at stake and had to be on their guard at all times. I had given them a choice, and they had volunteered. I wanted him to be captured and taken back to base. I needed him here to be questioned. For them to be able to so. He’d need to be knocked out for their own safety. If he got his hands on any of them, then the outcome for them personally would be disastrous. It would be nearly impossible to be able to require their souls and place them back into their bodies. The same Soul Keeper had to do it, or I’d have to find another Soul Keeper willing to do it, or someone who had the power to carry out the task. Even though my men knew the score as did I. I didn’t want any of them injured or dead. I had lost enough of my people in the last twenty-four hours. I did not want to lose anymore.
‘’Alex,’’ I call over to him, while at the same time not taking my eyes off Scarlett, gaging her reaction, ‘’go to Damien. Let him know I have given you the duty of arranging the storage room for our visitor’s weapons. He should be arranging the room next door for the meeting. Make sure the storeroom is ready and that everything is in place for their arrival.’’ From the corner of my eye, I see him if possible taller. He knows this is unusual, that I would not usually give so important over to him ‘’choose a couple of men that you trust. You will oversee them. Get them to help you with any weapons that are handed over and the scanning system. If you need any help, ask Damien,’’
He looked at me then Scarlett. I can see the hesitation in his eyes. He wanted to stay and if need be protect Scarlett. Even against me. Th
e one person who could kill him with one flick of a finger. There was not any need, I had no intention of harming her. Of course, he didn’t know that. I knew he can’t believe his luck that I have given him another position. There are questions in his eyes. Hovering on his lips. Trying to gain the courage to ask. I wonder, what the questions he is longing to ask me are. I could see the questions running through his mind. Is she safe? Here, alone in this room. Will I hurt her?
‘’Alex. You have my word, she’ll be safe,’’ I tell him, hoping it reassures him enough to do as I instructed him and leave. Usually I’d just order him to leave, this time I’ve given him some leeway. This time I’ll take into account that he's grown some sort attachment to her, and if I’m right, it goes both ways. I’ll let it pass for now as long as he doesn’t think it’s going any further than a friendship. I wouldn’t be so generous next time. I knew I had given him the undertaking of keeping her safe as it were, but he was going above and beyond his duties. I still see the hesitation in his eyes even as he made the decision. He would not dare go against my orders, though he wanted to. As long as he understood who was in charge, I didn’t give a shit.
‘’Scarlett,’’ he called out to grab her attention, saying with a smile, ’I’ll see you later,’’ he reassures her, before looking back at me, leaving the room.
I watched as he left the room, turning my full attention to Scarlett. She had questions she wanted answered, I knew that, and I’d answer them as honestly as possible.
I knew the minute he left, the questions would start and not only on her part. I knew she was still hiding information, and I had every intention to find out what it was.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
SCARLETT
Same day
I'd come seeking him out, demanding answers.
I was getting more than I expected. I could see Lucien was fighting his demon. I didn't know why it didn't frighten me, as I expected it to. Deep down, I just knew that neither of them wanted to hurt me. I wondered if his demon had a name, I didn't know why, but I could tell when it was close to the surface. His dark eyes would flash red you would miss it if you weren't watching closely enough, I'm sure his skin moved as if changing its appearance. As if someone or thing was pushing up against his flesh. It was defiantly his demon. From the look upon Alex's face, I could tell he wasn't too sure about leaving me here in Lucien's care. He didn't have to worry; if need be, I would and could defend myself. Yes, I knew if he chose to, he could harm me, maybe even kill me, but I would put up one hell of a fight!
I listened to their conversation well, Lucien basically ordering him to seek out Damien and get some room really. He expected Alex to obey. Leave me here alone with Lucien. With a start, I realised Alex was talking to me.
"Scarlett, I'll see you later," he reassures her, a smile on his face before shooting a look at Lucien before leaving the room.
We sat there in silence. Just looking at each other how long for I don't know. It was as if time itself just seemed to stand still. I watched as Lucien poured himself a shot of whiskey, indicating if I wanted any. I shook my head; I wasn't a drinker, never had been, and that would get me as drunk as a skunk. He signed, then stood taking off his suit jacket, then laying it across the back of the chair he'd been sitting on before sitting back down and easing himself back into the chair, taking a sip of the drink he'd just pored himself. His muscles rippled under his shirt. I longed to run my hands over them and press my body into his. I wanted to feel those strong arms around me and to feel his breath on my body. I cough nervously, shaking away the lustful thoughts. He sat there staring at me with those dark predatory eyes as if I was his next meal, sending delicious shivers down my spine. He watches me silently his face void of any emotion. My heart hammers in my chest, where the hell had my Witch gone. It was as if she'd all but disappeared. I could tell she thought I should deal with him without her help. Shit! I needed to focus on the reason that I'm here and not allow myself to fall for this man who is sending me into flames of desire. I perch on the chair and listen to what he told me.
"……. I don't want any more disagreements. It's not getting us anywhere. We've got to work together and find out what's going on. You have questions," it wasn't an inquiry; it was more like a statement, "so do I," he told me, taking another sip.
He looked down at the glass in his hand, deep in thought, swirling the alcohol around the glass. "News has come in about the soul keeper. My men have been sent out to bring him in for questioning …." he stopped talking for a brief moment, looking back at me and gauging my reaction. I sat there; I didn't know how to react to this new information. Yes, I was happy, I mean come on at long last it seemed he was finally willing to join forces, but after what I'd witnessed last night. It led me to think that if it was going to be risky and put his men in danger. I scoffed to myself. Stop being stupid Scarlett it's a Soul Keeper, of course, they'd be in danger. If he managed to get their hands on even one Natural or Human, then they were buggered. It is near impossible to get their soul placed back inside their body. Fuck!!
"They will be in danger," I whispered my concern, biting into my bottom lip.
Signing, he agreed, "Yes, they will," he sat there, head to one side as if mentally observing me. This beast of a man has such power inside that it surrounds the air lingering around him. He is menacing, forbidding, hard, and so damn sexy, it makes my heartbeat faster, 'if it makes you feel any better they volunteered for the mission. They know what's at stake and the danger they will be in,"
"That doesn't make it any better," I replied, I knew he was trying for some reason to ease my concern, which I was grateful for, but it didn't help. I might not know any of those men, but I didn't want anyone to get injured or end up dead. Not on I or my family's account.
"I agree. They know what to expect and what they are walking into and not to put themselves in unnecessary danger." He reassured me. Placing his empty glass onto the desk in front of him. "How did you know what was happening last night?" he asked, changing the subject. He was giving me whiplash.
I think of what to say. I wasn't surprised to be asked the question again. What could I say? Absolutely Nothing! I mean, I woke up and made my way downstairs into chaos. He wanted an answer, I didn't blame him. I'd be asking the same question. I shook my head. "Something woke me up. What? I don't know. Something told me I had to go downstairs, so I followed my intuition and ran into …. Well chaos,"
"Why did you help my men? That is something you didn't have to do," he questioned me, never taking those dark eyes off my face. Watching every expression that passed over it. Looking for any lies, I might be telling him. OH shit!! I started praying. Please don't tell me that he'd realised I was helping to speed his men's healing. Yes, it was a chance, but it was one I was willing to take and one I'd do again. I knew after tending to the vampire Jaden, and after that little bombshell, he'd delivered that he had known what I was. I'd been in so much shock I haven't really said a word to him. I couldn't get away from him fast enough. The rest of the night, I'd been waiting for heavy hands to land on my shoulder and drag me away. To my shock, it hadn't happened. I had healed as many men as I could without anyone noticing and then exhausted, I'd dragged myself to bed.
I tried to keep my face free of any emotion that would let him know much I was panicking. I couldn't let him know; it would be a complete disaster. I sat there with a shrug as if I hadn't a worry in the world. I'm not going to lie about why I did it, what's the point. As far as I'm aware, I didn't do any harm. I'm just going to leave out the bit of helping them heal. "I don't care who that person is. Human or Natural personally, I don't give a damn. They needed help, which I could give. I'm not going to leave men, women, or children who have been injured lying on the floor bleeding out. If I can help, I will," I hold my breath, waiting for his reaction.
Lucien silently sits there for a few minutes, just staring at me. Considering me for a moment. The silence was choking. As if weighing up his options and then coming to a de
cision. "It was appreciated," he tells me, "more of my men could have died if you hadn't stepped in,"
"I'd do it again. Although I hope that never happens," I reply with a small smile, a sense of relief coming over me.
"So, the Soul Keeper," he tells me, running his inked hand over his dark hair, 'from what I've gathered from the Intel that's already come in. It definitely doesn't seem that he's working on his own, I'll know more when my men bring him in, and he's questioned," he paused as if thinking about how to word what he wants to tell me, "you'll be updated as much as possible, you can inform your sisters on what's happening. As you've heard about the meeting already, which intrigues me on how you found out. It's taking place in the next few days. I've decided its best that you all attend. The leaders of the other territories will be attending as well as both councils. I'm warning you now, it won't be pleasant. Especially if they get even a whiff of the fact that you're witches."
Go to the meeting! Surround by other naturals. Everyone knew who the leaders of the territories were. It wasn't a secret. It would be bad enough to be in Lucien's company without the rest of them being there. If any of them even got a clue of what we were. Shit would hit the fan. It would be a complete disaster, was the first thought that popped into my head. I sink back into the chair, trying to take everything in "I don't know if they'll agree on this meeting. We have managed to stay hidden for so many years. I can't see them saying yes." I was telling him the truth, coming here thinking they would only be in Lucien's company was one thing, and they were not happy about that, but other naturals. I couldn't see them agreeing to it, the thought of it even made me shit scared." I can't see them agreeing to it. The very thought …." I say to him shaking my head, "I'll speak to them. I can only see one way that they would agree to be there. You'd have to be willing for us to use some sort of concealment spell. Hopefully, it will stop any of them sensing what we really are,"
