“We are the unseen, we are the unholy, we are the cursed, we are the damned, we are creatures of the dark, but anyway you put it, we are still the unwanted. We are what the humans call the dead, the undead. Zombies, walking corpses, vampires and other so-called undead creatures. The light and gentle warm touches shun us. We are robbed of warm and left with nothing but cold flesh. But we are not all that way, we are not undead as the humans say but we have only ceased to live a mortal life. Then again... what dose it matter? It’s not likely they’ll listen to the words of a lowly bloodsucker like me.”

                                -Daniel Renaguard

 

The Ruler of the Dead

Book I

By Claire Hoover

 

                When to start and where to end, that’s what I’m asking myself right now. What I’m about to tell you must not be taken lightly, or misunderstood. I’m still trying to understand every detail myself for everything that happened on that night still seems like a mere dream to me.

                I had met the ruler of the dead, as he called himself, on that night two or three years ago. He had watched me with his pale, lifeless eyes, and he had stripped me of my guns without ever touching me. He watched me carefully, searching for something in my soul I didn’t know what was. I had wanted to run away but something inside me told me it was all right, that he would not hurt me... physically at least. He rose from the throne made of living... undead bodies and stood, towering over me gazing into my eyes. I can’t describe what happened then, the next moment all I knew is that I would never be myself again. That something in me would change forever and I would never be able to fix it. He touched the side of my face softly and I shivered, his touch chilling me down to my very essence. I was very aware of him standing above me now, but I wasn’t afraid. He took my hand in his and led me over to the throne. I felt dead; there’s no other way to put it. I felt like I was the only one there but his presence blocked out that thought and wrapped me deep into the coldness that he was.

“You are the guiding light between the arrow and the bow; you are the heaven of darkness of the shadows.”

He spoke to me and I heard every word, but it was like hearing it from someone else’s point of view. I closed my eyes and felt his hands slide around my waist and he held me for one sweet second that seemed like forever. He suddenly let me go and it was all over. All of it. I watched him wither on the floor, blood pump out of the bullet wound on his forehead, and look up at me with true fear in his eyes. But I was untouched, and starred at him blankly. Back up had finally come and they shot the guy on site. But I was dead to the world, I didn’t know hurt nor pain and... I killed them all for what they had done. It was not merciful I took my damn time with each one of them, painfully sending them one by one to hell.

                I’ll skip the details of their murder to save my mind but afterwards more had come, but then their fire had turned on me. I remember being shot in three times, where I don’t know. I don’t even have any scars left from that. But when I woke up I was in a straight jacket and in a padded room. It took them seven months to get me sane enough to release me back into the public.

                Seven whole months I have no solid memory of. At least a year and five months later, I’m back on the job and officially sane. But as I said I am not myself, who I used to be and I will never be that way ever again. Being touched by the dead, the Ruler of the Dead nonetheless, always changes people in weird ways. Sometimes there’s nothing that can be done, but lucky for me there was. The Ruler of the Dead wasn’t killed, what? Did you think one small bullet wound would kill a guy like that? Damn... He was only wounded, but recovered quickly. After that, I don’t know what happened to him. But now that I think about it there is one thing that puzzles me, what he had said to me. What had he meant by all that nonsense? I had asked my chief, Lenny, about it but he told me it’s just nonsense and I shouldn’t pay any attention to it...Yeah right, I’m not a good little girl like Lenny thinks I am. I did some research earlier today and found out that the phrase he had said to me came from a book called “Amerada Desu: Dark Death” written by Daniel Renaguard I think. I only had enough time after to find out if there were any copies of the book left and there are exactly three books left.

               

                I watched Lenny lecture a rookie who had screwed up in the field, what happened? I don’t know, I don’t care. I yawned as loudly as I could and speared a glance at my computer screen. I’d been waiting for an email from a lady in New York who claimed to know the location of at least one of the books but I wasn’t hopeful, in fact I was rather doubtful but what other leads did I have? None. Lenny stomped up to me and I watched him with a lazy interest.  He opened his mouth, and the closed it, and did that two more times.

“You look like a fish.” I said as I got up and headed towards Sammy’s office.

I didn’t look back to see Lenny boil over and throw a fit, because I’ve seen it so many times before that it’s just not funny anymore. I knocked lightly on Sammy’s door with my knuckle and heard a muffled reply from behind the door. Pushing open the door just enough for me to slip in, I stood there looking around the neat little lab, or morgue.

“That you Dominno?”

Short for my full name, Dominniik De‘Clan.

“Yeah it’s me, so how is good ol’ John Doe doing?”

Sammy stepped out of behind a large computer and eyed me. She’s a short little thing, at least 4ft even, but she was a mean little bugger. She turned and waved me to follow her and led me over to an exam-table where a corpse lay, that I had so politely named John Doe.

“Same thing as before, the body is at least five hundred years old. I can’t do a DNA test because there’s nothing to work with. All the bodily fluids are missing, the mouth has been very carefully cleaned out, and every inch of this damned body was cleaned so damn carefully that I have nothing to work with!” Sammy grumbled out loudly while throwing her hands up in the air, how cute.

I walked up to the side of the body and looked down at him. He seemed a little too naturally still, call it woman intuition or what ever, something just didn’t seem right. Otherwise then the fact someone had obviously cleaned him so carefully that they wanted him to be found, something just seemed out of place. I reached out to touch him but stopped. The feeling suddenly left my hand and my arm went numb. I utter a small sound, I don’t know if Sammy heard it or not. She seemed to engrossed with her computer at the moment. I pulled my hand away and looked at it if it wasn’t my own hand. I looked back at John Doe and noticed something. He was very much alive.

               

                I  took a step back and cleared my throat trying to get Sammy’s attention but she was too preoccupied with her little toy to take notice. I watched him for a moment longer, titling my head to the side so I could get a level view of his chest. I saw the faintest movement, oh yeah. This guy is not a John Doe, he is defiantly alive or at least of the undead kind.

“You’re such a pervo, is this how you get your kicks?”

Sammy turned to me with anger written all over her face, yes Sammy I know. You’re a good girl unlike me, a very mean good girl, but yet we get along. I held up my hand trying to get her to stay quite and took a step back up to the table. I poked him on the nose and I thought I saw him twitch.

“The gig is up, I saw you breathing. Now sit up or speak before I cut it off. And trust me, I know ways that’ll stop it from ever-growing back.”

I grinned when the guy opened his eyes and frowned at me. He reached towards me to shove me away but I stepped back out of his reach and watched him sit up. Sammy just gawked at the guy and was stunned into silence only for a moment or two before she regained her composure. I was watching Sammy but his eyes were for me alone as he sat up. I didn’t like this but I’m not leaving Sammy in the same room with him alone. She reached for a clipboard and began asking him rather personal questions as she gave him the head to toe exam.

“Pervo...”I muttered and crossed my arms.

He flashed me a grin but yelped when Sammy poked him in a place that, I guess, hurt.

“If you’d stop wiggling it wouldn’t hurt.” Sammy resorted, becoming cold.

“If you must know, I like the attention but this is not how I get my kicks.” He said titling his head to the side, causing his bangs to fall into his face.

I looked him over casually, and noted two things. His eyes are different colors, one yellow the other pale blue, and his hair was a silver color. He was slightly muscled in his arms and legs and better defined in other areas. He shoved Sammy’s annoying hands away when he notices me looking him over and flexed his arm muscles for me. I blinked once and gave him a blank look.

“Not impressed. Let Sammy finish what she was doing and then I might talk to you if you behave.” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

He pouted and sat there answering Sammy’s questions and let her finish examining him. When she was done she turned and looked at me.

“He’s at least four hundred and twenty years old, where he came from I don’t know. I leave the rest of the questioning to you. I’m going home.” Sammy said shoving the clipboard into my arms and turning and walking away before I could say anything.

Sometimes I really hate that woman; other times... she’s the only friend I need to solve a case. Muttering cruses I glanced at the clock, it was midnight and her shift was over. Oh goody. I turned to the guy who was watching me with a playful smile on his lips and I wasn’t at all impressed.

“What are you?” I said bluntly, I don’t like playing games unless I’m the leader.

“A Vampire.” He answered, carefully noting my every move.

That got me in all of the wrong places all at once and I glared at him coldly. When did I let people push my buttons? Never.

“What’s your name?” I snapped at him and he actually cringed, that made me feel better.

“Ajason Fairwaters.” Ajason whimpered out.

“What exactly happened?” I asked, in a normal tone and he brightens almost immediately.

God, hello mister sunshine goodbye good mode.

“Attempted murder that didn’t work.” Ajason said touching his bare chest and letting his fingers wander.

Gee, isn’t that a turn on? I snorted gruffly and he pouted when I did. I wasn’t interested in something like that from him, and I don’t think I ever would be.

“Do you know who did this to you and why?” I asked, allowing my tone to be icy.

“I’m not quite sure. They smelled like piss, I couldn’t make out anything otherwise then that. And why? Why the hell not? What’s one less vampire wiped off the face of this earth to a person like you?” Ajason said, sounding slightly distant.

Now that stung slightly, but I shrugged it off and shock my head at the nude vampire in front of me.

“Yay, the bad guys are smart.” I sighed out and placed the clipboard down on a stainless steel counter near by.

They had covered up their smells and covered up their tracks. These guys knew what they were doing, they knew he wouldn’t die, and... I looked at Ajason and watched him watch me. His eyes flickered different shades of yellow and blue, then stopped. He stood and the sheet that had been on his lap fell to a pile at his feet. He leaned his head forward slightly and breathed in deeply. I watched him carefully as he exhaled slowly and looked at me again.

“You smell like power, anger and woman.” Ajason said, something dark clouded over his eyes for a second.

And somehow or another they knew we’d find him, I finished my thoughts and finally took a step away from Ajason.

“Do you have any idea what happened to you?” I asked, still letting ice fill my voice.

“None what so ever.” Ajason said, and touched himself above his heart.

“Do you have any idea why? I need the real answer not bullshit.” I snapped, but he didn’t cringe this time.

He stood proudly, hands balled at his sides in fists, his eyes watching me.

“No. Talk to the man named Reeflan. He might have more answers then I do.” Ajason said as he turned and walked towards the window.

I had an urge to stop Ajason and touch him above his heart, but I closed my eyes and refused to watch him leave. I opened my eyes when I heard the window shut and turned towards the clipboard and wrote down the name Reeflan. Attempted murder that was planed out against a vampire, and the murders knew he would survive to walk many more nights. I didn’t like what this was pointing to, this case may be beyond our hands, but I don’t give up that easily. Not until I’m almost dead.

 

                I glanced at the clock as I sipped at over cooked coffee at 3 a.m. in the morning. Any coffee during an all-nighter, I always say. Ajason disappeared last night and never came back. And that left me with reports to do. I received an email back from the lady in New York that said she had one of the original copies and I simply sent her an email that plainly said these words “I don’t believe you.” And now I was back to waiting, chasing my tail to say. But I’m a kind of person who runs around in circles for as long as necessary and then suddenly stop. I placed down that cup of coffee and turned to watch Lenny drone in. He grunted his best good morning grunt and I smiled wide at him.

“Dear Lenny, my chief, my leader. I have reports for you!” I almost sang-song out but I stopped myself from doing so.

 Lenny stopped walking and turned his head. He looked at me, seeming not all quite there but the flash of anger that glimmered in his chocolate brown eyes said otherwise.

“You are an evil woman.” Lenny said and continued to drone towards his office.

I trailed after him, basking in my enjoyment of making him almost as miserable as I am, following him into his office and placing the reports down on his desk. I moved over to a wall and leaned back against it and watched Lenny sluggishly move around his office. He took off his coat and tossed it over the back of his chair and then plopped down in the damn creaky thing. He picked up the reports for a second and then dropped them back onto his desk. I curled up my upper lip and let out my best snarl, and I was rewarded when Lenny flinched.

“Get some coffee first, I don’t care what kind. I just want some coffee and then I’ll read the damn reports.” Lenny mumbled out in a soft sigh.

I grinned and slinked out of his office. I move over towards the coffeepots and grabbed a mug, I only paused long enough to read it “This is just a warning, I kill over coffee.” I smiled and filled the mug and returned to Lenny’s office. I offered the mug to him and he took it from me greedily, I let him have his morning moment as I pick up his office room phone and dialed up a number.

“What?” Sammy’s grumpy voice finally answered after about the third ring.

“Good morning Sammy!” I said putting cheerfulness into my voice. “Is Roger there?”

I listened to Sammy utter cruses in my name and drop the phone. A few seconds later I got a hello yawn and I laughed a bit.

“Morning to you too Roger.” I said softly.

“Dominno?” Roger’s voice question sleepily.

“The one and only. Listen Roger, I need to ask you a favor.” I said as I sat down on the edge of Lenny’s desk with my back facing towards him.

“And what might that be?” Roger asked, already sounding fully awake.

“There’s a vampire out there by the name of Ajason Fairwaters; I need tabs kept on him.” I said placing the receiver in my lap so I could balance on one foot.

“I feel a ‘also’ coming on.” Roger said wearily.

“Yes, there’s a ‘also’. Also I need some information on someone or something named Reeflan.” I said looking over my shoulder at Lenny as he suddenly started choking of his coffee.

“Reeflan? Why the hell do you want to know anything about Reeflan?” Roger asked in almost a growl.

Lenny tried to say something between chokes but he only ended up coughing more. I decided to lend mercy on the guy and smacked him hard on the back a couple of time.

“What is it that you’re hiding from me Roger? If you don’t tell me I’ll torture the information out of Lenny. He seems to know something also.” I said, as I sat back where I was leaving Lenny to his coughing and failing of fists.

“You honestly don’t know you Reeflan is, do you?”

“I don’t Roger. I’ve never heard the name before until Ajason mentioned it.” I responded watching Lenny out of the corner of my eye.

“I’ll be over in about ten minutes, I’d rather talk to you face to face anyway.” Roger sighed out.

“Nah, you just want to drool over my bod.” I cooed out as I hung up, letting Roger go on that thought.

I slide off the desk and placed the phone down. Lenny had finally stopped coughing, but his face was all red and he had this angry expression about him. I simply regarded him with the same lazy interest I had earlier and walked out of his office. And that my friends, is how to push the wrong buttons on someone all at once.

 

                I sat behind my desk finishing off my cup of coffee from earlier, now cold. I glanced at my computer screen and turned the monitor off. The lady in New York was probably dead asleep by now, unlike me. I glanced up as I heard the front door open and listened to the footsteps coming down the short hall. Sounds like a man, I smiled as Roger walks in and looks around until he spots me. Roger is nice eye candy if you’re into the commando buff type, I personally thought Roger could do without the extra leg muscles but he wasn’t my man, problem solved. His forest green eyes watched me for a moment and then he moved towards me. I cocked an eyebrow and pressed my lips together. I noticed a little to late that Roger was planning on getting up close and personal until he had grabbed my upper arms and pulled me to my feet from behind my desk. He continued walking forward, forcing me to walk backward or fall on my butt until I bumped into the wall.

“I told you, you wanted to drool at my bod.” I said grinning, but the look of seriousness on Roger’s face drove that grin away.

I had dug a hole too deep to get out of, but I was willing to face the consequences even if Roger was the one dishing out the punishment.

“Well?” I asked, after Roger didn’t say anything.

Roger sighed softly and let me go. He sat his 6’4” frame down on a lanky bench nearby and held his face in his hands. Good grief, I wound down the good solider in his black combat boot, pants and shirt into practically nothing. Roger always loved getting in my face, but just now he backed down from a chance I had totally corned myself into. I decided that the bench couldn’t take my weight as well as Roger’s, so I put a hand on his board shoulder. Hell, if I was actually looking for someone instead of trying to save my own butt and Roger wasn’t married to Sammy, I’d date him.

“Roger? What’s going on?” I asked, loudly and clearly.

“Remember when Sally went nuts and disappeared?” Roger asked from behind his hands.

How could I not remember? I was the only who put Sally out of her misery, not fun, when she had reappeared on a conquest to kill all humankind.

“Sally didn’t disappear, Roger. You and I both know that.” I said pulling up a chair from a desk and sat down in front of Roger.

“I know, but to follow what was published in the newspapers...”Roger trailed off and I nodded vigorously.

I understood what he was getting at now, at least about Sally. I was still lost otherwise then that.

“She had mentioned Reeflan’s name several times. Saying he is the true Ruler of the Dead, and we would all fall under his rein no matter how long it took.” Roger said moving his hand away from his face, but he was looking at the floor.

“Shit. It had to have been before I plugged her. The last thing she said was “to hell, let’s all march to hell.” and then she keeled over.” I mumbled, mainly to myself but Roger made a sound of agreement, “So what Roger, she said his name. What dose that have to do with anything?”

“Sally was a walking corpse when she suddenly appeared again.” Roger stated, finally looking up at me.

“She couldn’t have been Roger, she didn’t look it. Walking corpse’s don’t bleed.” I said bluntly, sliding my hand into Roger’s and squeezed lightly.

Sally had been Roger’s girlfriend until she disappeared and then reappeared and died. I feel sorry for the guy but he and Sammy are happy. So he’s not getting any tears from me.

“I know it seems impossible but the med reports say she was.” Roger said weakly, not even attempting to hold my hand back.

I was getting ticked off now, I hated seeing Roger mope like this. It’s so...girly.

“Get to the damn point Roger and quit being a girly girl.” I said yanking my hand away from his.

Roger looked at me and opened his mouth to say something, who knows what, but wisely closed it He looked away from and at the ground again. I had the sudden urge to pat Roger on the head and say good doggie but he spoke up before I could.

“The point is there were exactly six more cases like Sally.” Roger said, glancing back up at me.

“I know Roger, you’re starting to confuse me now. What does this all have to do with Reeflan?” I asked pushing back my chair slightly.

“He’s connected.” Roger mumbled.

“So is Reeflan the real Ruler of the Dead or is he bluffing?” I asked, glancing at Lenny as he droned out of his office and towards the coffeepots.

“No one knows for sure, no one knows if Reeflan is real. But Ajason seems to think he is.” Lenny mumbled from where he stood.

I grabbed what ever was in hands reach and chucked it at Lenny. He made a weird sound as what ever it was hit him in the head, making him spill his coffee all over his shirt. I gave him a look of ice but he only returned the look double fold. I snorted at him and looked back at Roger whose shoulders were trembling. I blinked once and reached out to put a hand on his shoulder.

“Roger?” I asked, letting concern fill my voice.

Roger threw back his head and let out a rich roll of laughter that made my skin crawl. I jerked my hand away and wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling insecure. My eyes went wide at that and I wanted to bang my head on something hard many, many times. When did people like me need a teddy bear?

“Damn Roger. You need to quit hanging out with vampires.” I hissed out.

Roger stopped laughing and looked at me after wiping a tear from his eye.

“I don’t hang out with vampires, Sammy won’t allow it. And even if I could, I wouldn’t.” Roger said, flashing me a toothy grin.

I frowned and moved my arms down to my sides.

“Then how’d you do that?” I asked.

“Do what?” Roger questioned, looking lost.

I closed my eyes for a moment, it didn’t matter how he did that. Perhaps I’m the only one who felt it. I opened my eyes and glanced over at Lenny who was busy tending to a bump on his head with an icepack. I turned my attention back to Roger and looked into his eyes. I was getting off topic.

“Roger, Sally has nothing to do with this. She may have spent a night in Reeflan’s bed but she’s gone now. Now tell me about Reeflan.” I almost growled out.

Roger looked into my eyes and then suddenly got up. He towered above me, forcing me to crane my head upwards to look at his face. Push my buttons Roger, I’ll push yours. I frowned and pushed the chair back so I could stand up but the hand suddenly on my shoulder stopped me from moving.

“Reeflan is not the Ruler of the Dead. He has never made any claim to the title and he knows he doesn’t have enough power to. He loved Sally but she did not love him back. Reeflan left after he figured that out and that was when Sally disappeared.” Roger said, his voice dropping an octave.

“Are you saying you personally knew Reeflan?” I asked, gazing up at Roger.

“No, Sally told me all that.” Roger said in barely a whisper.

“Roger...” I mumbled, I was getting tired of being led in circles, “Just go home back to Sammy. You’re no good to me like this.”

I let the compassion I held for the big lug shine in my face and my eyes. I was trying to comfort him without hurting him any further... if I had hurt him at all.

“Dominno...”Roger sighed out and a strange look crossed his face. “I’m sorry, you’re right.”

Roger let his body fall back onto the bench and it groaned underneath him. I was almost afraid it would break but Roger only shrugged when I pointed to the bench.

“Reeflan is a master vampire, no one knows exactly how old he is. He came here a few years ago, seeking ... well... to put it bluntly, a new life. He became an artist in some pent house in New York and quickly became a renowned artist. He left when Sally disappeared, but people actually saw him leave.” Roger said, as if it explained it all.

I looked at Roger for a moment and then got up. I sighed and started pacing in front of Roger.

“That...didn’t help me very much Roger.” I said.

“I know.” Roger replied.

I froze in my tracks and looked at Roger, raising an eyebrow. He had a lopsided grin on his face and I snarled at him.

“Roger.” I growled out.

“Yes Dominno?” Roger cooed.

“I hate you.” I snapped.

“I love you too Dominno.” Roger said, a big smile playing it’s way across his lip.

I couldn’t be mad at him, no matter how hard I tried I just didn’t have the heart to. Instead I laughed, because I didn’t know what else to do. Roger reached out for me and wrapped his big arms around my waist. I yipped when he stood up and twirled us around before planting me firmly on the ground and then walked out singing some song I couldn’t figure out what was. I blinked once and looked over at Lenny as he moved to stand beside me.

“Good kid. He should be a cop.” Lenny said absent-mindedly.

“He is a cop, he just doesn’t work for you Lenny.” I stated, smiling at Roger as he turned and waved as he walked out the front door.

“Well he should. So where are you now?” Lenny asked offering me a cup of coffee that I gladly took.

“A rock and a very hard place.” I responded as I moved quickly back towards my desk.

 

                I grumbled, chewing on the end of my pen as I read more information of Reeflan Von for about the third hour or so. Reeflan had no last name, and was simply referred to by his first name, the information Roger had given me was of some use. I had been able to find out the address of the pent house Reeflan had stayed at. I glanced up when a pile of papers was dropped onto my desk. Sammy stood next to my desk with her arms crossed, and she gave me her best cold shoulder. It didn’t work, in fact I only smiled at her.

“What’s with all this paper work?” I asked, poking the pile of papers with my pen.

“Legalized documents about Ajason Fairwaters.” Sammy said as she pulled up a chair to sit down next to me.

I watched Sammy flip through the documents and place random ones in front of me. She seemed to know what she was doing so I didn’t interrupt. I picked up one of the papers in front of me and read it to myself.

“Blah blah blah....blah?” I squeaked out to myself.

“Yeah, that was my exact thoughts. Ajason Fairwaters was sired by Reeflan at least nine hundred years ago. Ajason Fairwaters was murdered six years ago and he was reported being mortal then. But according to was he told me last night, he is four hundred and twenty years old. Someone’s not telling us something.” Sammy said, placing three documents in front of me to confirm what she had said.

“Shit...” I uttered out, gawking as I did.

“Oh save it, it gets worse.” Sammy snapped.

Sammy rose from her chair and moved behind mine. I was about to look to see what she was doing back there but she turned my chair around before I could. She stepped out of the way and I blinked. It took me a few seconds to see what she was trying to get me to see. Ajason stood leaning against a wall near the front door in leather pants and standing next to him was a rather tall man in a tux. I looked back at Sammy as she sat back down.

“How long have they been here? It’s the frigin’ middle of the day.” I said.

“I don’t know how long they’ve been here or how they got here, but they’re both requesting to talk to you.” Sammy said shaking her head in what looked like discus.

“Double shit.” I mumbled as I rose from my desk.

What the hell have I gotten myself into? I started walking towards them and noticed Ajason’s face brighten when he noticed me walking towards them. I froze where I stood when the man with Ajason turned his gaze on me. He watched me for a moment and then smiled a smile that made me shudder. I hate vampires, did I ever mention that before?

“Dominniik De’Clan?” A voice called besides me.

I jumped when the smooth voice called to me. I whirled to face the person and starred, almost gawking at the man standing in front of me. His yellow eyes shimmered with amusement, his brown hair dribbled into his face as he laughed a bit, and the tux topped it off. I think I’m drooling. I made a rather weird sound when Ajason slid his arms around my waist and hugged me tightly to him. I socked him with the best right hook I could offer and he let me go reeling in mock pain...I think.

“Pervo! Cheap ass excuse for a feel job.” I hissed loudly at Ajason and grinned when he cringed almost all the way down to the floor.

“Excuse me, Dominniik?”

I turned my attention, more like swung, back to the handsome man.

“Dominno. “ I corrected him, “Reeflan, I presume?”

The man chuckled and smiled. Gah, I wish he’d stop doing that. What am I doing? I’m not allowed to date vampires...but then again I think I might be changing my mind here.

“Flattering, but no I am not Reeflan. I am, however, very flattered you think so. My name is Donovan.” Donovan said bowing almost to the floor for me.

I coked an eyebrow, suddenly finding Donovan almost as annoying as Ajason.

“What do you want?” I said, cutting down to the chase.

“I am here to clear up any questions you might have.” Donovan answered.

I nodded and moved towards Lenny’s office, I didn’t have to look back to know they were following me. I opened up the door and looked at Lenny as he blinked in surprise.

“If you gave me my own office, you wouldn’t have this problem.” I said angrily to Lenny as his own expression resorted to anger.

Lenny got up and left without saying a word but I knew I’d heard it later. I walked around Lenny’s desk and sat down in his chair, propping my feet up on the desk. Ajason romped in followed by Donovan who closed the door behind him. I gestured to the chairs in front of the desk and Ajason plopped down in one of them while Donovan remained standing. Donovan watched me for a moment and then looked out the window while Ajason watched me, looking like a lost and very hungry puppy dog.

“What exactly is Ajason’s story?” I asked, directing my question towards Donovan.

“What do you mean?” Donovan asked looking back at me.

“I’ve read some legalized documents on Ajason. Some of them claim him to be around nine hundred years old, while Ajason here told me he was four hundred and twenty years old. The documents also say he was murdered six years ago and he was still mortal then...explain.” I said, darting my gaze to Ajason as he sat stiffly in his chair and then I looked back at Donovan.

“Ajason is five hundred and thirty-nine years old, and he was indeed murdered six years ago, but survived. He was, however, not a mortal when this happened.” Donovan said watching me, eyes turning a dull yellow.

“And Reeflan is or isn’t his sire?” I asked.

“Isn’t.” Ajason answered, “Donovan is my stepfather, my sire was burnt at the stake five hundred and thirty-nine years ago.”

“The day you were sired...” I mumbled to myself.

“Yes, I don’t remember exactly what happened but I remember Donovan appearing in a haze of smoke telling me I must leave this place or die.” Ajason whispered softly but I still heard him.

“You do know you’re son is out of control, don’t you?” I said, glaring sharply over at Donovan.

Donovan stood straight, to his full height, and starred at me blankly, eyes narrowing. I think I offended him...Damnit. That’s not what I want right now, I want him to talk to me not stand there and fume.

“Ajason is a teen in my eyes. I do not see a reason to correct his behavior only because you find it disturbing that he wants you.” Donovan said darkly.

Now I’m offended. I let my feet slide off the desk and land on the floor with a dull thud. I sat forward in my chair and crossed my arms on the desk.

“Touché Donovan.” I muttered glaring at him.

“If you had offended me... I would have said or done something much worse.” Donovan said, voice returning back to a smooth level.

I turned a nasty glare on Ajason to make sure he wants enjoying this and he was politely looking at the floor. Good for him.

“Enough being nasty for now,” I said turning my gaze back to Donovan, “Why did these people, who ever they were, murder Ajason? They seemed to know that he would survive and they even went to the trouble of cleaning every inch of his body and even putting him where we would find him.”

Donovan turned a gaze on Ajason who slouched in his chair as far as he could, and I frowned slightly.

“I had no knowledge of this until now.” Donovan said looking back at me.

“That doesn’t help me any then.” I muttered leaning back in the chair a bit.

“What else do you know about this murder?” Donovan asked.

“They were very smart who ever they were. Very smart.” I said, getting up from the desk to pace in front of the windows.

“Attempted murder.” Donovan muttered.

“Not attempted murder, more like torture. Because Ajason survived murder charges can’t be pressed, perhaps attempted murder if we can actually find a bit of evidence leading somewhere.” I said, waving my hands in the air in a pointless gesture.

“You have nothing?” Donovan asked, actually sounding surprised.

“As I said, the bad guys are very smart and made sure nothing would be left behind. Not even Ajason’s DNA.” I said glancing at Ajason who was watching me again.

“What do you mean?” Donovan said taking a step towards me that stopped me from pacing.

“When we found Ajason, he was dry. All bodily fluids were missing.” I said, watching Donovan carefully for a moment.

“Something inside me fed off the power you have Dominno. It gave me enough time to wake up and feed or die trying. When I had woken up I was waiting for you to lean over me so I could rip your throat out and feed from you. But when I caught a peek at you, I couldn’t do it.” Ajason admitted rather quietly.

But I heard him, oh yes I heard him. I was discussed of Ajason now, and I looked at Donovan wearily. I didn’t say anything, though I wanted to, I only looked at Donovan blankly.

“He fed off the power I have... what dose that mean?” I asked Donovan, not trusting myself to talk to Ajason right now.

“The power that is your life force, he tapped into it and took enough to revive himself and feed.” Donovan said taking another step towards me, “but you seem to have a lot more power then that.”

“I’m not even going to ask...” I mumbled.

“Please do keep in mind, he is a vampire.” Donovan said, with almost a sharp edge in his voice.

I looked at Ajason, who was still slouched in his chair letting pointless blood lined tears slip down his cheeks. He’s a vampire...he’s a vampire. It sank in then, Ajason had fought himself to spear my life, I was grateful but yet somehow...not. I listened to my body for a moment and walked over to Ajason. He didn’t even bother to look up at me, instead he tried to slide down further into his chair. I reached down and touched him above his heart and I felt something very faint, it was my own heartbeat. I threw myself away from Ajason, suddenly afraid of something, and rather stupidly fell backwards onto the desk banging my head against it.

“OW!! Son of a...” I cursed loudly, cradling my head in my arms.

Donovan appeared above me and touched my forehead. I tried to smack his hand away but he caught my hand.

“Ajason took you life force, stole your heartbeat, and lived off of you for a moment. You wanted to touch him because in a sense he was you. But don’t worry, Ajason is not attracted to you because of that or your power.” Donovan said calmly.

That’s it, I’ve had enough of this bullshit about Ajason. I screamed, or tried to but someone clamped down their hand on my mouth before the scream ever escaped my lips. I glanced at Donovan and then at Ajason who held a hand over my mouth. I let a bored look cross my face as I starred up at the ceiling. Donovan watched me for a moment and then took a step back from me taking Ajason with him. I slowly sat up, reaching up to rub the back of my head.

“I don’t care about the bullshit about sharing life forces. Frankly, I don’t want to know about it or about Ajason infatuation with me. What I really want to know is if Reeflan is actually real.” I growled out lowering my hands to my sides.

The room filled with silence as Donovan gazed at me unblinkingly and Ajason watched me looking like he was trying hard not to laugh. I slid off the desk and resisted the urge to backhand Ajason across the face and moved towards Donovan. He watched me as I did, I found myself flushing when I noticed how carefully he was looking over every inch of me.

“That’s three thousand dollars a second for starring.” I said in a cold tone, “Now answer me, is Reeflan actually real?”

 “I am not sure for myself.” Donovan said, “I have never met him.”

“So he’s not real...” I mumbled.

“I did not say that. I just said I have not met Reeflan. Ajason’s sire had and she often talked about him fondly before she had ever met or thought of siring Ajason.” Donovan said, sniffing a little.

I stopped at least a foot in front of Donovan and looked at him as carefully as he had me. I closed my eyes when I noticed his eyes flood with something dark, and it wasn’t lust but I didn’t look long enough to figure out what it was about. I nearly screamed when I felt a brush of cold air across, eyes flying open my hands curling into tight fists without even thinking about it. I slowly turned my gaze around, Donovan and Ajason had fled. Apparently they had told me more then they wanted to, which meant I knew far too much. But I still found myself stuck between a rock and a hard place, I had information but it didn’t seem to be fitting into the jigsaw I had. I turned and looked over my shoulder when the door opened and Lenny walked in. He stopped, blinked a few times and then looked right at me.

“What?” I said, too nervously for my liking.

“Where... oh never mind. Get out of my office.” Lenny said, his voice going from surprise to coldness.

I walked past Lenny not having the energy to argue with him right now, I have other things to fry otherwise then Lenny’s ego. I strolled over to my desk and stood in front of it looking at my computer. I watched the new email icon flash on my computer screen for a few seconds. I reached for the shut down button and pressed it, I pulled my finger away and the button clicked just as something clicked in my mind. The Lady in New York and Reeflan...

“New York baby, here I come!” I said, grinning wide as I moved towards Lenny’s office.

 

                I took me over an hour to convince Lenny to pay for my ticket to New York. But on one condition, I took two people with me I could trust. The first person, as if there was any doubt, I phoned and asked was Roger. He sounded a little too egger but he agreed to go. With that done and out of the way I was out the door. I walked down the street, and towards a rather shaggy apartment building. I stood at the steps leading up to the building looking up at it.

“Be it ever so humble... there’s no place like home.” I mumbled to myself and headed up the stairs.

I pushed open the door and looked around inside, three people lay on the floor stoned as hell, but I wasn’t on duty so I just let them be. I did, however, kick one of them in the side as I walked past them as was rewarded with a slurred ‘ow man’ but I just kept on walking. I stopped in front of a plain black door and knocked on it only once.

“Who the hell is it?” A grumpy voice replied from the other side.

“Dominno, now open up or I’ll kick down the damn door.” I muttered loudly.

I heard cursing, someone stumbling over things, and someone else swearing from somewhere further back in the room. The door opened just a crack and I looked at the face that peered out at me. It was Jaimen, blond hair and blue-eyed guy, who had opened the door.

“What do you want?” Jaimen asked gruffly.

“I’m not on duty.” I said, smiling a bit in a teasing manner.

Jaimen’s face instantly became friendly and he flung open the door for me, after hollering it was alright over his shoulder. He smiled broadly at me and looked me over from head to toe whistling a single low note. I rolled my eyes and shoved past him but stumbled over someone laying on the floor. I barely caught myself but I managed too. I pulled myself up onto the table I had caught myself on and sat on it, facing toward Jaimen as he moved towards me placing his hands on the table on either side of me. He leaned forward so him well muscled stomach was touching my knees and his face was close to mine, but not touching.

“Why do you still hang out with these druggies?” I asked reaching up to swat some of his shoulder length blond hair out of his face.

“Don’t have anywhere else to be.” Jaimen said shrugging, daring to place one of his hand on my leg.

I gave Jaimen what he deserved, a smack upside the head but he didn’t move or flinch in the slightest.

“I know you can punch a lot harder then that. So punch me next time woman.” Jaimen said, growling with a glee I didn’t understand.

“You can find a better place then this to stay and you know it. Where’s Amon? I need to talk to him.” I asked, crossing my arms and glaring at him coldly.

Jaimen wandered away mumbling something about ‘cold bitch’ and I only snickered a bit. He was cute, but I had busted his ass once on a drug run. I don’t date guys like him, ‘cause there’s too much at risk for me. I looked around the room, looking more at the people in the room then anything else. I let my eyes settle on the still form, in a black silk nightie, huddled in a corner. Her name was Phair but I couldn’t make out her neon blue hair or her pansy blue green eyes with her head in between her legs. She usually made a habit of smiling at me at least once. I slowly slid off the table and moved towards her carefully. I knelt down next to her and blinked noticing that she had dyed her hair dark purple, that explains that. I knew she didn’t like me touching her unless she touched me first so I only sat there watching her for a while before I spoke up.

“Phair?” I called to her.

Phair’s body shivered, her muscles flexing as she slowly sat up straight, stretching her arms upwards and her legs out in front of her. She snapped her neck with two quick movements and looked over at me. I ‘oo’ed before I could stop myself as her eyes changed from wolf blue eyes back to her normal pansy blue green eyes. Phair smiled at me and moved forward so she could nuzzle her nose against the back of my neck. I hugged her and let her go while I stood up. Her eyes watched me for a moment and then she stood up as well and made a wobbly beeline for the couch, I followed in pursuit snickering all the way there. Phair let her body collapse ungracefully onto the couch and growled up at me. I sat down on her legs, she was laying across the couch, but it took her only a few seconds to wriggle her legs out of under me.

“Bitch.” Phair muttered.

“No ma’am, I’m not the bitch around here.” I said holding up my hands in a rather annoying gesture.

“Yeah, I literally am the bitch. Glad we got that all sorted out. “ Phair said, turning so she sat facing towards me with her legs pulled up to her chest.

“I don’t know, Candy might argue about who’s the top bitch around here.” I said as I noticed Candy’s tan eyes watching me from under she mousy brown hair.

Phair looked over at Candy and made a woofing sound at her that I almost didn’t hear. Candy yawned and untangled herself from the man who had his arms around her waist and walked into another room. She was dressed in an over sized t-shirt. Did I interrupt naptime, or what?

“Did I barge in on nappy time?” I asked, not looking at Phair but off to the side.

Phair growled and slugged me hard in the arm. I turned to examine my arm quickly and saw a bruise already forming. I looked up at Phair and gave her a rather unpleasant smile and she returned it, bearing her teeth as well. She titled her head to the side and looked at me for a moment. Her eyes wandered somewhere over my shoulder and I turned my head following her gaze. A tall, handsome black skinned man stood behind me, looking down at me, wearing black pants and wrap around ray-bands.

“Oh, hi Donnie.” I said, sounding bored.

“Oh hi Donnie my ass.” Donnie muttered as he leaned down and planted a quick kiss on my lips.

Donnie moved back quickly so I didn’t get to slap him... I‘ll get him later. I wrinkled my nose and snarled at Donnie loudly, as best I could. But Donnie grabbed me by the shoulders and snarled at me, a totally wolf snarl.

“That is how a wolf snarls. So work on it.” Donnie said grinning.

Donnie took a step back, pulled his shades down his nose until I could see his laser blue eye. He winked and walked into another room pushing his shades back up his nose. I swore loudly for a second or two and then I turned my attention back to Phair.

“You know what Phair?”

“I know lots of things Dominno, but what?” Phair said, smiling warmly in amusement.

“Donnie’s eyes don’t match with the rest of him.” I said blinking once, wanting to smack her but I decided not too.

“I know that.” Phair said, “He doesn’t wear contacts, though.”

“I know that you mutt.” I mumbled.

I felt something hit me hard in the jaw and stars filled my vision. I blinked a few times, trying to clear my vision and found myself looking up at the ceiling. I think I flew across the room, but I don’t remember flying anywhere. I slowly sat up as my head throbbed in pain and I moved my aching jaw around slowly. I looked up as a shadow fell upon me. Donnie stood over me offering me something but I only starred up at him.

“Don’t worry Dominno, it’s only aspirin.” Donnie said as he knelt down so I could see.

I took the pills from his hand and swallowed them dry, sticking out my tongue at the rather bland after taste. Phair appeared kneeling next to Donnie looking at me.

“You know how to send me over the edge Dominno.” Phair whispered for me alone.

“Yeah well.” I said, stopping to groan as my jaw ached, “Keep in mind your a werewolf and I’m not next time you jaw punch to me like that.”

“Sorry ‘bout that.” Phair said, looking sheepish.

“Alright, but you know...” I let my words trail off, giving Phair a nasty look.

“That you didn’t mean it. Yeah I know.” Phair said, giving up for a second.

“I live with you guys for over a half of a year. I thought you’d know me well enough by now.” I said standing up with Donnie’s help.

“But that was two years ago Dominno. I had kind of forgotten.” Phair said, standing up.

“So we’re both at fault, end of story.” I said, closing it just like that.

Phair’s right. I had lived when live two years ago, but I’ve changed so damn much sense then. They didn’t know me, they might get to know me again...maybe. Donnie helped me over to the couch though I didn’t need the help and made me sit down. I looked up at him and nodded, it hurt to smile right now so he’d have to make do with that. As he sat down on the floor in front of the couch, Phair walked into another room but didn’t leave before she smiled at me. Once again, I couldn’t smile back. I sighed in annoyance and wondered if they just wanted to torture me to death. Jaimen finally reappeared and stopped where he stood to stare at me. I looked up at him and frowned slightly, but damnit even that hurt.

“Did anyone ever tell you your sexy when you’re all beaten up?” Jaimen said, letting himself sound rather breathless.

I was going to get up and kick him or punch him, which ever happened first, but Donnie got up and punched Jaimen hard in the gut. Jaimen doubled over in actual pain and wheezed for breath.

“Hey, haven’t I told you not to hit on my woman?” Donnie asked Jaimen, talking like I wasn’t even there.

Oh gods, I was so going to kick both of their asses when my head stopped hurting. I groaned in anger but I was relieved when Phair walked back into the room. She shoved Jaimen and Donnie out of the way, sending them both into a heap on the floor. She sat down next to me.

“Amon wants to call the pack first and then we can go meet him at his apartment.” Phair said, kicking Jaimen in the arm before she got up.

“I was gonna tell her that.” Jaimen said crossing his arms across his board chest.

“Oh grow up you pup.” I said crossing my arms.

“HEY!!” Jaimen yelled.

 

                After everyone had gotten dressed in street clothes we all started out the door with Phair in lead and Nicholas standing next to me. My head was still hurting and I didn’t trust myself not to fall on my ass and humiliate myself. I glanced over at Nicholas as he linked his arm with mine; he had short sandy brown hair, and green eyes. He looked over at me and smiled, nothing special just a kind smile. I just didn’t want Jaimen or Donnie trying to grope me or something, which is why I had chosen Nicholas to help me. He had found out the hard way that I literally kick ass when provoked a while back when he tried something he shouldn’t have... I won’t go into details, let’s just say the end result landed him in the hospital despite his regenerative abilities. So I trusted him enough to behave, sure I knew everyone in the pack I just wasn’t that picky. And in all sad truth I just happen to lay my eyes upon Nicholas first, I would have had Phair help me but she was leading the way.

“You’ve grown up Dominno.” Nicholas said softly, putting a small amount of affection into his voice.

I shook my head at Nicholas as everyone stepped out onto the sidewalk and followed Phair to Amon’s apartment.

“You...”I said, pausing to look at Nicholas, “haven’t.”

Nicholas whimpered and tried to nuzzle the back of my neck in a sloppy attempt to ask for forgiveness, wolf style. I suddenly wished I had asked someone else for help, and as if I answer my wish Pandora wedged her way in between Nicholas and me forcing him to let go of my arm, and she linked both of her arms with my arm. She growled at Nicholas whom growled back. She snapped at him, baring her teeth and snarling, and he backed off into the group behind us. She turned her pale gray eyes on me and smiled, her short black dress accenting her short black hair. I smiled back weakly and flinched when I found out it still hurts to smile.

“Are you alright Cherie?”  Pandora asked, removing one of her arms from mine to lightly touch the bruise on my chin.

“I’m alright Pandora, in pain but alright.” I said, giving her the best smile I could at the moment even though it hurt.

Pandora was the mother figure to this pack, not lupa only mother figure. She cared about everyone in her own way, like they were family in her eyes, and even kept peace sometimes, like just a few seconds ago for instants. She moved her hand and lightly touched the bruise on my arm and I winced when she did.

“Ah, that ones gonna hurt in the morning.” I said, noticing Phair twitch slightly as if she had over heard.

“Cherie, I could give you something for that.” Pandora said, sliding her arm back where it was.

“Thanks but no thanks Pandora. What I need is to talk to Amon and then after I’m done talking with Amon I’ll let you poke and prod me until you’re satisfied I’ll live.” I said, almost wearily.

Pandora stared at me and then laughed, her rich voice ringing thickly with her French heritage. I like Pandora, really I do. It’s just sometimes she’s too motherly, even to me.

 

                The rest of the walk was continued in silence except for the occasional bickering coming from behind me somewhere but I didn’t even bother to look. When we reached a large building that looked like it needed to be condemned, I couldn’t stop myself.

“Amon lives in this trash heap?” I said titling my head to the side.

I was excepting to get smacked but instead everyone started laughing and now I was pissed, and I let everyone know I was pissed. I shoved Pandora away from me and stocked towards the building, I heard Pandora call after me and then someone making comment about my feelings being so easily hurt. That stopped me dead in my tracks.

“Cherie?” Pandora’s voice called, to me but my ears were deaf to her as I fought with my boiling anger.

They didn’t need this, I was being a spoiled brat when I felt I was being laughed at and I briefly wondered what had brought that on. I usually didn’t care about being laughed at... because well, no one really did laugh at me anymore. I jumped when strong arms slid around my waist.

“Dominno?” A rusty voice whispered into my ear, like it hadn’t been used in a while.

I slowly turned around and my eyes fell upon the man who held me. His unruly Irish red hair drifted into his forest green eyes that were gazing deep into my own pale violet eyes. I twitched and raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, but who are you?” I asked.

“No one.” He said cringing away from me as if I bit him or something.

Pandora was there whispering words of comfort to him in soft humming growls, and closed my eyes and rubbed the bridge of my nose.

“My damn day has just gotten worse... Dose anyone else want to make it worse while I’m still in a good mood?” I asked sarcasm filling my voice.

“Not exactly.” A smooth voice called to me.

I looked around until I spotted Amon standing at the door of the building. He was a breath taker I assure you, lean body, long black hair held in a pony tail, blue eyes randomly specked with silver, white tank top and black leather pants. Amon strode over, eyes on me and then they fell on the cowering man that Pandora was trying to comfort.

“Nathaniel, please get up.” Amon said, “You’re embarrassing yourself in front of the wrong lady.”

Nathaniel turned his forest green eyes on Amon and brushed his hair out of his face.

“But she said she was Dominno...” Nathaniel sniveled out.

“She is indeed Dominno, as if she was looking and willing I would be claiming her... not you Nathaniel.” Amon said, turning his gaze to me.

“Heeey...”I squeaked out while blushing in frustration.

“But then...” Nathaniel said pouting; it was almost sweetly sickening.

“You didn’t listen to me correctly Nathaniel. I said you might want to meet Dominno, but she may not like you.”  Amon said, holding his hands behind his back and walking towards me.

“I...I...uh...” Nathaniel sputtered out, eyes lighting with intelligence, “I guess I only heard what I wanted to hear.”

“Amon...” I warned crossing my arms as he came to a stop in front of me.

“He’s lonely, he wishes for a mate or even just a fun roll about. And he thought I had arranged for you to be with him.” Amon said.

“Oh good lord, remind me to never ask you to set me up on a date ever.” I said placing a hand on my forehead.

“If you did ask me, I wouldn’t look anywhere.” Amon said smiling warmly at me.

“Okay, will someone explain to me why almost every male in this werewolf pack seems to have an infatuation with me?” I said angrily.

Pandora only smiled as she walked towards Amon placing a hand gently on him bare forearm.

“I will admit Mon Cherie, the boys seem to be pawing at Dominno.” Pandora said softly to him.

Amon hung his head in mock shame and Pandora kissed him on the cheek. She walked up to me and linked her arms back with mine.

“Come Cherie, I’ll show you around Amon’s apartment and then we shall rejoin the others and hear what you have to say.” Pandora said to me as she led me into the building.

I was impressed the moment I had stepped into the doorway, large oak doors like those on the castles in England greeted us. Pandora pushed them open like they were nothing but it didn’t surprise me. What surprised me was that Amon’s place was huge, clean, livable, and seemed to emit a soft beauty.

“My complements.” I whispered out, not meaning to sound awed but I was.

Pandora only snickered softly besides me and led me from room to room, pointing out what she truly liked in Amon’s pent house... it’s just too damn big to be an apartment.

“You’re single, beautiful, powerful, tomboyish, and very proud of yourself. What’s not to like?” Pandora asked, holding me out at arms length to look at me.

I could name several things about myself that isn’t likable but I decided not to.

“But why the pack males?” I asked.

“Cherie, if I knew why I would tell you.” Pandora said, putting a motherly sympathy into her eye.

“Oh well, if worse comes to worse a little ass kicking will set them back in line.” I said gruffly, crossing my arms.

Pandora threw back her head and laughed whole-heartedly and I smiled wide despite the pain.

 

                Pandora led me into a large room where Amon’s pack sat around on the floor talking to one another. But once I had entered the room it fell silent and all eyes fell upon me. I didn’t mind, neither the silence nor the starring. I closed my eyes for a moment and then opened them as I walked towards Amon past Pandora as she sat down near the younger pups of the pack. I stood near Amon, looking down at him feeling that I should be exchanging insults with him right now but I wisely kept my mouth closed. He watched me for a moment and then stood up.

“And just to answer this way before you ever think about asking it, no I’m not going to offer you my neck.” I said crossing my arms and looking up into Amon’s eyes.

Amon looked angered and hurt at the same time as he sniffed at me. I wasn’t pack, and he knew I didn’t think much of the dominance wolf thing the pack dose... but most of the time I just play along. I just don’t feel like it right now.

“Sorry Amon... I’m not the mood, and yeah I do realize I’m insulting the pack but I’ll make it up to you later if you’ll just hear me out.” I said.

“I...understand.” Amon said, titling his head slightly to the side.

“I’m tired Amon, tired and in a lot of pain and walking around hasn’t helped that any.” I said, trying to explain.

Amon moved towards me and placed a hand on my shoulder. I allowed him to lead me over to where he had been sitting and sit down with him. I looked to Amon, he nodded and I began explaining what had happened that one night two years ago leaving out some details though, about Reeflan, and about my plans to go to New York.

“So then,” Amon said as he stood up, “which one of us do you want to go with you?”

I looked around the room and my mouth fell open a bit. I had forgotten there was about thirty werewolves in this pack... how can I only chose one of them?

 

                “Thanks Lenny, I knew you’d agree. Yeah, I‘ll keep that in mind. I‘ll give you a call when I get to New York, later.” I said as I hung up the phone.

I turned and looked at Amon who was sitting on the bed near me but not touching.

“Lenny’s paying for the other tickets.” I said as I got up, “Problem solved.”

Amon crawled towards me on all fours on the bed, and stopped when he was in arms reach of me.

“So Phair, Donnie, Pandora, Jaimen, Nicholas and I are going to New York with you?” Amon said as he pushed himself up into a kneeling position.

“Yeah,” I said, letting my voice turn ice cold “that’s right. And get away from me.”

I turned on my heel and marched out of the bedroom and back into the room where everyone else was sitting. They all looked up at me as I flopped down beside Pandora.

“Cherie?” Pandora called to me as she moved closer.

“What?” I snapped, letting annoyance shine in my voice.

“Is it that bothersome?” Pandora asked, leaning over me.

I looked up into the pale gray eyes and gave a small smile.

“You guys, bothersome? No. This whole trip, bothersome? No. Amon, Donnie and Jaimen bothersome? Yes.” I said, smiling more, “Ow.”

Pandora sat back and laughed, and a few others joined in her laughing. I, on the other-hand, was thinking deeply. This was going to be one hell of a trip... and I didn’t know what to expect.

 

                I stood behind my desk watching Lenny glare at me from his office; he had left the door wide open just so he could glare at me. Don’t I feel special... I looked over at the werewolves standing over in a corner, talking to one another but they had eyes for me. They would spear a glance at me once in a while but I didn’t care. I was waiting for Roger and I was about to yell at Lenny. But then again, Lenny wanted to yell at me.  I turned on my heel and moved away from my desk. The werewolves watched my every move as I moved over towards the lab. I slipped inside and slammed the door closed behind me letting out a loud sigh as I leaned back against the door.

“Sammy?” I called out, but got no answer.

“Where is that woman? She should be here by now.” I asked myself as I turned around in a circle, “Where’s Roger for...that...”

I closed my eyes tight and rubbed the bridge of my nose. They couldn’t be.... But they probably were. I scowled and suddenly hated Roger, but he was stuck going with us. I grabbed a near by phone and dialed a number and prayed to anyone who was listening that no one would pick up. I heaved a sigh of relief when the answering machine picked up and beeped at me.

“Roger, this is Dominno. I don’t care what you’re doing, hurry it up. We’re all waiting on you.” I said angrily and hung up.

I leaned against the stainless steel table behind me and closed my eyes. I opened my eyes and blinked a few times. I think I am at a point where I have no clue what I am going to do, in other words I’m lost... But I do know what must be done. I glared at the door and nodded as I walked towards it flinging it open. I quick paced it towards my desk and began digging through my drawer. I pulled out the morning star I had just in case and a sawed off barrel shot gun of emergencies. I stuffed the morning star in my pocket after making sure the safety was on and I tossed the shotgun to Amon.

“I’m going to my house to pack.” I said, remembering I hadn’t even done that yet, “If Roger gets here before we get back, send him to my place Lenny.”

Lenny nodded at me and I was out the door with the werewolves following me.

 

                I fumbled with the keys to my house and the morning star because they were in the same pocket. Scrapping the back of my hand on the morning star I managed to get the keys out and unlock the door. I walked inside the grabbed my leather coat hanging on a coat rack near the front door.

“Make yourselves comfy. Stay away from the desk with papers on it, it’s organized so I can find everything  and stay out of the kitchen.” I said to the werewolves as I ran up the stairs.

I opened the door to my room and moved over to the closet. I pulled out my best black jeans, the only pair of shorts and leather pants I owned, and a old jacket out of the closet throwing them into the middle of the room. I grunted as I stood on my tiptoes in order to reach the high shelf in the closet to get at my gun box.

“You have a nice house, Dominno.” Amon’s voice came from my doorway.

“It’s not actually my house. I’m only renting it. In a about a year I’ll be looking for another place.” I said gruffly as I pulled the heavy box off the shelf and moved over to the bed.

“You’re always welcome to move back in with the pack.” Amon said softly.

 I stopped what I was down and looking at Amon with the lid of my gun box in my hand.

“I don’t know Amon. I don’t know if I can do that.” I whispered.

“Why?” Amon asked, moving a step towards me.

“Because Amon.... Just because.” I answered, “I’ll give you better reason one of these days.”

I dropped the lid on the bed and sorted through the gun I kept in the box. I pulled out a couple of boxes of shotgun bullets and placed them on the bed. I pulled out a browning and a few clips for that. I had no extra clips for the morning star which is why it was for ’just in case’ use only.

“Dominno...” Amon called to me as he slid his arms around my waist.

I stiffened and blinked a few times. What in the hell dose he think he’s doing? Amon, I’m trying to not break down in tears but you’re not helping any! I screamed to myself but couldn’t say it out loud.

“Why?” Amon asked, whispering into my ear.

“Why what?” I whispered back.

“Why are you afraid?”

Afraid? Of what? This wasn’t making any sense...

“Of what?” I asked turning around in Amon’s arms.

“Of getting close to someone.” Amon whispered.

“WHAT?!?!” I yelled and kicked Amon in the shin, “GET OUT!!!”

Amon yipped and fled the room. What the hell brought that on? I fumed, gripping the browning so hard in my hand my knuckles were turning white but I didn’t notice. Oh, one of these days Amon. I’m going to have a gun in my hands and you’ll say something smart-ass like that again and I’ll shoot you in the balls!

 

                “Oh Mon Cherie, you must be Roger.” Pandora said as she opened the door to Roger’s smiling face.

“Yes ma’am. I’m Roger.” Roger said dumbly.

“Come on in then Cherie, and let me introduce you to the others.” Pandora said softly as she stepped aside to let Roger in.

Roger walked in and whistled softly to himself as he looked around. Pandora closed the door and linked her arm with Roger’s and led him into the living room.

“Cherie's, This is Roger. He’ll be coming along with us.” Pandora said as the werewolves looked over at Roger.

Roger nodded and smiled broadly at them all.

“Roger, I am Pandora and this is Phair, Jaimen, Donnie and... Where’s Amon?” Pandora said looking around.

“WHAT?!?! GET OUT!!!” A yell came from up stairs followed by Amon running down the stairs and into the living room.

“And this is Amon.” Pandora said smiling at Amon.

Roger blinked a few times and starred at Amon as he heaved a deep sigh. Amon brushed his hair out of his face and walked towards Roger holding out his hand. Roger took it and squeezed firmly.

“Pleasure... Roger?” Amon said raising an eyebrow and squeezing back.

“Yes, but can’t say it’s the same pleasure.” Roger said, still smiling.

“Understandable.” Amon said nodding and slipped his hand out of Rogers.

Pandora let go of Roger’s arm and ‘tsk’ed at Amon as she stood next to him.

“Did you piss Mon Dominno off again?” Pandora asked Amon disapprovingly.

“I think I did.” Amon said closed his eyes and crossing his arms across his chest.

Roger frowned and started up the stairs with Pandora looking after him questioningly.

 

                I muttered as I stuffed the must have ‘women’s things’ into my duffle bag on top of clothes and guns I had in there. I flung a pair of sneaker across the room back into the closet from whence they came and snorted as I thought of anything else that I might need.

“Dominno?” Roger’s voice called from behind me.

I turned around slowly and looked up at him with a scowl.

“What?” I snapped.

“I’m sorry.” Roger said, letting his head hang and true worry and sadness shine in his eyes.

My eyes went wide and I blinked in confusion. It’s so damn easy to be mad at someone and pretend they aren’t there, but when they show you that they really care it’s almost impossible to ignore them. I closed my eyes and turned back to what I was doing. I felt like I had to forgive him, but he and Sammy are married. So I shouldn’t care about what they do together at home.

“Dominno, please look at me.” Roger pleaded softly.

I turned around once more and looked at him.

“I don’t want you to be hurt.” Roger said softly.

“But it shouldn’t bother me when you do stuff like that.” I said shrugging.

“But it apparently dose. And if it makes you feel better Sammy was just making me a really big lunch.” Roger said smiling broadly.

I screamed out of embarrassment and grabbed a pillow off the bed and smacked Roger with it as hard as I could. Roger giggled girlishly and I blinked at him wide eyed and mouth hanging open.

“R-Roger? Did that just come from you?” I asked gawking.

Roger only grinned and grabbed a pillow off the bed and smacked me with it while I was still gawking at him. I grunted and smacked him back with my pillow; he smacked me back just as hard making my head shake a bit. Five minutes later, and a lot of pillow smacking later, my pillow broke open sending feathers all over my room and Roger collapsed gasping for breath on the floor while I flopped down on the bed.

“Dominno.” Roger gasped out, smiling happily.

“I know. I brought that on myself. Perhaps I should keep my mind out of the gutter, right?” I said, smiling and rubbing my chin slightly.

“Well... Maybe not.” Roger chuckled out.

I groaned and glared down at Roger. He smiled up at me and blew a feather out of his face.

“You helped me make this mess, so you’re going to help me clean it up.” I said as I got up and looking at myself in a long mirror on the wall, admiring the bruise on my chin.

“But why? Sammy makes me do stuff like that all the time at home.” Roger whined as he threw a fistful of feathers as me.

I grunted and wiped the feather clinging to my shirt away. I looked down at Roger and smiled a bit at him.

“Because the quicker we get this done, the quicker we can be on our way to New York.” I said as Roger smiled up at me.

“Alright you win.” Roger said.

 

                I carried my duffle bag down stairs and placed it by the front door. Roger came trudging do the stairs and sat down in a chair in the living room. I walked into the kitchen and stepped over and around the many boxes I had stored in there. I moved over to the phone, and yes sadly the only phone I have in the house is in the kitchen but I don’t get many calls except work related calls so it works out just fine. I dialed up my landowner’s number and got the answering machine. Oh Yay for me...

“Hi Sarah, it’s Dominno. I have a favor to ask of you. I’m going on a trip to New York and I have no idea when I’ll be back. Do you think you could watch the place for me? I’ll take you out to dinner when I get back, promise and I’ll even take you to your favorite restaurant that you can’t afford. But that’s only if you watch the house for me. See you when I get back Sarah. “ I said to the machine and hung up on that note.

I turned around and made my way out of the kitchen and stood in the front hall. I rubbed my chin thoughtfully and walked into the living room. I grabbed a silver cross out of my desk drawer and put it on.

“Do you really expect vampires to be there?” Jaimen asked, watching me.

“Frankly, yes. This is New York after all.” I answered shrugging.

“She has a point.” Phair muttered and yawned.

“You armed?” Donnie asked.

“Amon’s got my shot gun, I’ve got ammo, my morning star and my browning. So yes I’m armed.” I answered as I dug through the drawer looking for any extra crosses I might happen to have.

I found three more crosses. I turned around and leaned my back against the desk.

“What did you bring Roger?” I asked looking over at Roger.

“Basic Vampire slaying kit just in case. A shotgun, a clot magnum, and two handheld machine guns.” Roger said shrugging.

“You brought the Uzi didn’t you?” I asked, eyeing Roger.

Roger’s sheepish grin was all the answer I needed as he patted the leather strap across his chest.

“I’m fine with that, just don’t accidentally shoot me with it again.” I sighed out, smiling and shaking my head.

“He shoot you with an Uzi?” Donnie asked, sounding slightly mad and surprised.

“Yes, but it was an accident because I put myself in harm’s way.” I said looking over at Donnie as he slid his sunglasses down his nose so he could glare at me.

“Where did you get shot?” Donnie asked as he got up pushing his sunglasses back up his nose.

“Twice in my lower left leg and a bullet skimmed my right shoulder.” I said, “but that was a couple years ago. You can’t really see the scars except the one on my shoulder.”

Donnie snorted at me, and Pandora giggled at him. I smiled and batted my eyes at Donnie and he growled deeply in his throat.

“Oh, I’m scared. NOW! Let’s get this show on the road!” I exclaimed as I headed out the door.

“Amusing.” Donnie snorted as he followed me and everyone else out the door.

 

                I walked into the airport with a piece of paper in my hand. The writing was in French and I realized that when I walked up to the information booth.

“Pandora? Why is this in French? I mean these people must speak American or English.”                I asked.

Pandora peered over my shoulder and blinked a few times. She walked up to the information booth and began conversing with the lady there in French.

“Thanks for answering my question Pandora.” I scowled.

Amon chuckled from behind me and I glanced at him over my shoulder. He smiled at me, I only blinked at him and turned my attention back to Pandora and the lady she was talking to. Pandora nodded, smiled and thanked the woman as she turned back to me.

“It is in French because our Pilot, Louis, speaks only French and so the ladies at the information booth know we are the one’s waiting for him.” Pandora said to me and smiled at Phair who smiled back.

“Damn French speaking people. “I muttered and that sent Phair, Amon and Pandora into a laughing fit.

 

                When Louis did appear, the first thing he did was smile at me and kiss my hand. I blinked in surprise and looked over at Pandora.

“Don’t worry Mon Cherie.” Pandora assured.

“Oh I’m not. I’m just thinking he may eat my hand if he doesn’t stop kissing it soon.” I said, still looking dumbfounded.

Louis let go and laughed. He smiled at me again; his neon blue, believe it or not, eyes sparkled with amusement behind his short curly mousy brown hair and he wore a black suit with leather trench coat completed with old fashion pilot goggles on top of his head.

“I assure you Mon Cherie, I would not eat your hand. I could think of more interesting things to eat.” Louis said eyeing me suggestively.

“GAH!!!!” I yelped out as I ducked behind Roger, blushing bright red.

“Not only did you lie about only speaking French, but you are hitting on Dominno. Shame.” Pandora said, sounding rather disapproving.

“Are you alright Dominno?” Phair asked standing behind me.

“As soon as my heart stops beating so hard I’ll be okay.” I squeaked out.

Phair smiled at me and nuzzled the side of my neck before turning to Louis. She snorted at him and put her hands on her hips.

“Why do I have the feeling you wouldn’t say the same thing to me.” Phair muttered.

“Because I don’t date furry things.” Louis said crossing his arms.

Phair snarled and tried to lung at him but Donnie and Jaimen grabbed each of her arms holding her back.

“I should make Donnie and Jaimen let Phair go... But we still have use of you.” Amon said coldly glaring at Louis.

“Go ahead wolf boy. Somehow I doubt she could even harm me.” Louis said coldly back to Amon.

I decided that was my cue to jump in and prevent Amon from tearing this guy’s throat out. I stepped out of behind roger and touched Amon on the arm. That was all it took, Amon stood still while growling loudly.

“Louis, if you’re on this boat you treat my werewolves with respect or I’ll shoot you in the balls and let them eat you afterwards.” I said grimly, glaring at Louis whom shrugged.

“Be that as it may. I can come back.” Louis said.

“What exactly are you Louis?” I questioned.

“Shape shifter.” Louis said with another shrug.

I starred at Louis for a moment, and then looked at Amon urging him to step back without words and he did. He took Phair, Donnie and Jaimen with him.

“Shape shifter?” I asked blinking.

“Lycanthrope shape shifter.” Louis said smiling at me.

“He has limited forms, turn the red alter off.” I grumbled as I turned around.

“But Cherie.” Louis pleaded with me.

“If you were just a shape shifter I’d have to burn you at stake which would be so much fun.” I said, and Phair and Amon grinned in agreement, “but sense you’re a Lycanthrope shape shifter I’d have to shoot you full of silver and then let my werewolves eat you.”

Louis blinked at me and frowned slightly.

“You’re the pilot, that’s all. I have enough guys wanting to be on my plate as is so don’t get anymore ideas.” I snapped as I turned around and glared at Louis.

Louis sulked and nodded. He turned on his heel and walked outside with his hands in his pocket and we followed. I am so glad I have my weapons with me, but I’m so pissed off at myself that I forgot my silver ammo.

 

                I sat in a chair gazing out the window of the jet, watching the clouds fly by. Roger sat in a chair next to me snoring ever so softly that I couldn’t hear it but he was drooling so I took that as a sure sign he was asleep. The werewolves sat across from me and Roger on the floor, piled in one ceremonious heap and appeared to be settling down for a nap. I sighed softly as I looked at the werewolves and then at Roger. Apparently I’m the only one whose not going to nap because I’m too stressed out and worried to sleep. I find it slightly strange that I’m worried... I mean, I know these people will help me and I’ll help them anyway I can. But I just have this feeling in my gut that something is going to happen, again, and change me in one way or another. I closed my eyes and reached up to the cross dangling around my neck. I ran my fingers over and over again across the silver cross until I stopped... but the funny thing is I don’t remember ever stopping.

 

-End of Book I-

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