《The Mortal Seven Sins》 Chapter 01: “When the dawn breaks...” Hey readers, re-works for the first four chapters are in-progress right now, so i hope you can bear with the next couple chapters being hard to read. I looked through the first couple chapters and noticed my bad habit when i first started this novel, and it seems to die down mostly by the beginning of chapter five. Anywho, here''s the re-worked Prologue+Chapter one. Hope you enjoy, and feel free to leave a comment and suggestions on it! --- Blood red pupils reflected in the puddle of black blood, its source fallen limp at the mans feet. The black liquid slowly dripped from the blade''s tip into the liquid, echoed as the only noise within the large hall. A hushed crowd, fangs bared and faces veiled, dared not go near the man. His hand swept over his wine colored hair, and the black blood left streaks within it. His mouth heaved and his shoulders drooped, fatigue visible in his stature. A slow clap from up high brought the attention of the crowd that surrounded him, and the hushed dead grew ever stiller. His own eyes caught sight of a throne on the far side of the room, a woman seated with her legs crossed. He walked her direction slowly, the crowd in front of him parted to let him through. The blood red eyes swept over the woman seated on the throne before him, voluptuous yet dangerous at the same time. The air about the woman seemed heavy and domineering, which set the man on edge and guarded. Welcome, my dear friend. The woman stated, her hand waving outward toward the crowd. It is good to finally meet you. Do you like my welcoming party? The man chuckled slightly, the display a joke to him. No. Oh, well thats too bad. Its not every day you get to meet another Sin in such a big world, now is it? The woman questioned, her hand playing with a crystal ball fashioned to the throne. I will have to do better next time, then. The womans hand swept to the attendant beside her, lopping the head off in one slow motion. Dark blood spilled onto the floor as the head rolled, landing at the mans feet. He grimaced at the sight, not expecting the sudden action. Cant have my pride being hurt too much, now can i? The woman stated as she licked her fingers clean. I always aim to please with what i offer, so its a sad day when its not up to par. Who are you? The man asked as the grip on the blade tightened in his hand. Oh? The womans brow shot up in wonder, her back arched as she pushed off the throne. Someone who does not know of me? Just answer the question. The man stated, anger building in his gut. Ah, where are my manners. The woman motioned for a servant waiting nearby. Fetch the man something to drink. I dont want anything to drink. I want answers. --and you will get them, Alexander of the Rosemary lineage. The woman stated in a harsh and demanding tone. --But we must first toast to your awakening. Its not every day that we get another Sin that is a male. ...What does that mean? Alexander asked, his curiosity had won over his risen temper. Oh, its such a bore the way things work with this. Did you know that most of the Sins are almost always female? The woman scoffed in annoyance at the thought. Its almost like some god out there is playing tricks on the world and laughing at us women. Men sin just as much, if not more- I was told youd have answers for me, not this shit! Alexander yelled, his temper had finally reached its peak. The blade in his hand stabbed toward the woman, her demeanor unchanged. One finger was raised as she looked at the crystal ball, and the blade flew out of Alexander''s hands and into the wall across the room. An invisible force pressed against his body that pushed him backwards, landed next to the severed head again. His chest heaved in anger as his eyes pierced the woman with a cold glare, impatience further solidified. We have all the time in the world to talk, Alexander. The woman stated solemnly. Id prefer you dont throw that away just for your answers. Alexander stood silently as he calmed his temper, knowing full well anger wasnt the answer to his problem. His chest heaved a sigh once again, the fatigue setting back in. Fine. He stated as he looked the woman in the eyes. Ill play your little game for now. An elegant smile spread across the womans face, her eyes barely peeling from the crystal ball to take notice of the man. Good. Then where should i begin? --- A small pair of eyes looked out over the garden behind the glass, with an undeniably curious glint. The eyes darted back and forth between the garden and the figure next to it, seemingly unable to hold its attention on one or the other. The mouth of the figure, obscured by a strange black film, moved silently as it spoke. The eyes caught a glimpse of a boy in the glass world, a reflection of his own obsidian colored pupils within them. A silhouette caught the boy''s attention as it danced amongst the flowers in the garden, beautiful wings fluttered in an array of hues hed never seen. Small particles of dust flew off the wings that changed every flower it touched, the colors mixing and the flowers blooming rapidly. The world outside the glass was magical and colorful to the boy, a stark contrast to the dark and dead one he lived in. His hand lifted again and again to grasp at the glass, but it seemed to warp and bend just out of reach. An endless abyss of black, was all he could call his own. The silhouette stopped its dance on the other side as a tear streamed down the boys face. Its hair flowed beautifully down its back that faced the boy, a divine white that blinded him just to look at it. It turned its head slowly toward the boy; but all he could see past the colorful wings, and the beautiful hair. Was a hole as black as night, where its face should have been. --- Alex awoke to a pool of his own drool on his office desk, seeping into some of the case papers beneath him. His mind was still half asleep as he peeled his arms off it, but a few of them held on in protest. He shook them off with groggy gestures, his motor functions not quite ready to handle precise movement. Not this dream again The dream had been a recurring one for some time now, one that always left him with questions. Was his brain trying to tell him something important? Regardless, he felt hed never know the answer to the strange dream. Hed sooner move on with his life than ponder on it like a monk from some temple in the mountains. A shuffle could be heard in the cubicle to his left, through the thin foam walls that separated each worker. Several curses at a stapler floated by as he wiped the drool from his mouth, which now had a smirk on it as he listened to the man next door. Alex had gotten to know the man by the name of Griev that was currently cursing up a storm at the stapler, though only slightly. The short and stubby man had as foul a mouth as a sailor in the old tv shows from ages past, curse spewing every chance he got. Alex found it rather entertaining as he listened to the rather diverse plethora of curses Griev knew; many of which hed never heard from another mouth before. The deep baritone voice of Grievs belied his small and innocent looking figure, which only amused Alex all the more. Rosemary, have you seen my case files anywhere? Griev asked suddenly over the cubicle wall, his voice with a hint of anger. Alex sat several seconds wondering if he should respond, but mostly hoped Griev would just continue his work without the want to bother him. His hopes were dashed when Grievs head popped up over the wall, a full on scowl on the baby faced man. Rosemary. Hm? Rosemary! Griev yelled, which snapped Alex out of the groggy comma he had pretended to slip into. Yea? Alex asked, eyes half open as arms dangled to the side sloppily. This part of his act was real, as he had indeed only just woken up. Have you seen the Slasher case file twenty-two-seventy-three of mine anywhere? Griev asked as he heaved. No, not seen em. Alex stated, barely more audible than a whisper as he wiped the sleep from his eyes. Griev stared at Alex for several seconds, but seemed to give up his train of thought and turned around. Glass shattered on the linoleum floor, which brought upon the surroundings another plethora of curses form Grievs already worked up state. Griev was always an angry man in Alexs view, but never one that intimidated him. That was most likely due to the fact the man had the body of a ten year old boy. Alex stopped his mind from its wonder and focused on the papers before him, his eyes adjusted to the light. A file, plain and simple in all black, was labeled with a single word. Ruby was written across it in bold, golden cursive; it was likely the chief''s daughter had practiced art and decided to make the cover, as it looked too professional for his line of work. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The case files never had more than numbers or scribbles on them. Alex~ A seductive voice assaulted his ears with his name as he flipped the cover open, which prompted him to close it again. He slowly twirled the chair around to find Maya, posed seductively as best she could against the flimsy door. She looked more awkward against it with the heavy lab coat that was about to fall off her shoulders though, so he only sighed and twirled back around. He wanted to ignore her, but that wouldnt be so easy; she always made sure of that. Long, curled hair fell over Alexs shoulders as she leaned into the back of his seat. The scent off the jade colored hair smelled of peaches, which made Alex realize he couldnt remember the last time he ate. Your monthly physical needs to be done by tomorrow. She whispered, her lips an inch from his ear. ...No, wait, today is tomorrow. She lifted her body off his chair as he looked at the clock on his computer, almost seven in the morning. The sun would come up soon, and that was usually when he went home to get some sleep. Alex remembered when he first started being a night owl, back when he lived with his aunt in the countryside. The memories flooded back, of the times her and uncle Rick would cookout on the back porch; it was a fun eight years, a time he missed every now and then. Oh, but if you want... Maya stated in thought, which brought Alex out of his own. ...I could come to your apartment and we could have our own physical there. Alex heard Maya giggle as she walked away, and knew the wide smile on her face was there even with his back turned. No, Maya. Alex stated, annoyance in his voice. Go back to work. Too bad. Maya stated, her voice on the other side of the wall. I look forward to the day i can. Alexs face blushed, and had to admit the thought of her in bed enticed him a little. Hed even take her up on that offer, if it wasnt for the fact hed be taking advantage of her. She was a zombie, as the internet liked to label her race, and took medication to calm the hunger. The best researches could do so far was to change it into a messed up lust, and even then, there was no way to tell if they would never eat you after they were satisfied in bed; It was too big a risk for him to take. Maybe he was backed up after going to the sperm donor clinic so often, and wanted a change of pace. In the end, he didnt have a choice of whether to go or not; a life literally depended on his sperm now, something he hadnt had a hand in happening. It embarrassed him just to think about the incident, and left a bit of anger in his stomach. Oh! Griev, what happened to your office? Nothing, vile woman. Alex heard Griev shove Maya aside. Leave me be. Hmph. How rude. He heard Maya state a she stomped off in her high heels. The click against the linoleum no longer audible meant her exit from the vicinity, which gave Alex room to breath again. He opened the case file for Ruby and went over it to look for any missing files, but everything was there and in the order he left them. He cleaned his desk up a bit as best he could, and then threw his jacket on to leave. He contemplated if he should head to the break room for a donut, but that was a big no; Maya had somehow sensed him in the break room and sat down with him to talk all the time. He timed it, and forty minutes was the shortest time he found a way to get away from her ramblings and sexual innuendos. He shook the thought away and headed toward the scanners up front, the latest technology in civil protection; or so they say. The woman at the desk was half asleep and waved Alex through easily, the employee door used rather than the scanners themselves. Wouldnt this place be easily infiltrated if they tried hard enough? Alex would think every time he left through the employee door, but the woman at the desk usually smiled at him every time he thought that. It was like she could read minds, which made him feel awkward whenever he entered or left the building. His car, the beat up piece of shit it was, waited in the spot he left it. The old maroon dinosaur, as he liked to call it, was still mostly intact; mostly, as in missing several inside pieces that didnt hurt the function he used it for. He unlocked the car as the cold morning air sent a shiver up his spine. He got into the car and quickly started it up, the heater turned on to warm up. The morning drives home were always boring and uneventful, but he didnt feel in the mood for the radio; so quiet driving it would be. --- The car sputtered to a stop as he parked in his usual parking spot, number seventy-two, which was also the apartment number. He liked the coincidence, and tried to take this spot every time he got the chance; unfortunately, a giant black truck found its way there half the time before he got there. He fumbled with the keys as he slowly ascended the metal stairs to the second floor, where his apartment was currently located. Sixty-nine...heh...seventy, seventy-one... Alex thought, a smirk across his face at the first number. He knew it was childish, but the internet had scarred his young mind with idiotic knowledge when he was younger. He didnt have much time to surf it as he used to anymore, but his life wasnt a bad one. He found his apartment door and checked for any new mail, even when he knew the mail didnt arrive till about midday. He placed the key into the lock and twisted, only to find no resistance from it. ...Did i leave it unlocked? He thought, but quickly dismissed that. Hed been at the office for two days straight, and even slept there on his desk, but he could have sworn he always locked up. A pit was created in his stomach at the slight chance he really did leave it open to anyone and anything. He turned around and scanned the area, the cars quiet and the highway nearby sparse with activity. Pattys place across the street, Pattys Pub and Grub, had several cars as well, but there wasn''t a soul in sight. He breathed a heavy sigh at his incompetent memory, and readied his gun to fight off anything that would be ready for him. He turned the handle and pushed the door open; it creaked as it slid to a stop, a slight echo reverberated from it into the apartment. Whatever was in the apartment likely knew he was there now as well. He entered the small shoe area and noticed a new pair, one he hadnt seen before. He wouldnt be so on edge if it was a pair he had seen, as he knew of one such person that loved to enter uninvited. This pair of shoes, however, were not the ones she wore. He closed the door behind him and chose not to turn the light on, his eyes better adjusted to the low light. It was one of the perks of a vampiric lineage, even if he was mostly human due to a strange birth defect. He hated that word. He walked slowly through the small hallway, hugged up against the wall on his left. It was better positioned for being less visible from the kitchen, a likely area the homeless or hungry would be if they rummaged through his sparse cabinets. He peaked around the corner as he reached it, surprised there wasnt a light on in the apartment. There were very few races that could see in the dark, and even less that would live in it. He listened for any noises from other areas of the house, but there didnt seem to be anyone there after waiting for a while. He soon gave up and lowered the gun in a sigh, the culprit likely someone he knew that left the shoes in the hallway. She could have left on a mission, or gone to the grocery store, but it was very likely her. He walked toward the bathroom door after he realized he had to go. His eyes scanned the island counter in the middle of the kitchen as he passed, his feet slowed to a stop after he noticed the shadow. It was only slightly visible through the moonlight that entered through the window, but it was distinct enough to give him pause. He turned slowly toward the living room, and his eyes quickly met another pair on the ceiling. They were big, amethyst colored pupils that stared into his soul, and watched his every move. He brought the gun up as fast as he could to fire, but the figure was on top of him before he realized it. A playful smile crossed the figure in the dark, likely where its face should be. Well, arent you home late? Chapter 02: "One mystery solved..." Re-edit is now complete, so here you go! took far longer than i thought it would, and real life got in the way too... i will admit i got too into another game again though, which slowed me down considerably. Anyone who had read the original chapter, feel free to tell me if it''s any better or worse! Any new readers are free to comment as well, always happy to get that notification! Enjoy!~ ---- Alex vaguely recognized the voice, but it sounded different than he was used to. He had heard she had sisters, and that one or two of them were very protective of her; Then again, by the rumors he had heard a lot of those that wanted her held a grudge with him. Ive been waiting forever, you know~ He felt the intruder slowly crawl up his legs similar to a cat''s waltz, while it''s violet eyes amusingly watched his every twitch. Whatever the assailant had done to him, it had paralyzed his movements and left him defenseless. The small comfort of having held the gun had dissipated, as the useless metal object laid under the table several feet away. Plop~ The voice sounded out in a childish manner as it sat on his stomach. It wasnt hard like he had expected it to be, strangely, but their race rarely were nothing but bones. They were built to seduce men, and if he knew at least one thing, she had been very good at it. Too good, in fact, that she had all but forced him into a marriage; a racial one, anyways. He still held some anger in regards to that one. He felt the warm body above him lean over slowly, its weight leaned against him plastered on the floor. He could hear its breath in his ear, steady yet excited, and he had to admit it turned him on. He just hoped this wasnt a male of the family; he had seen some of them that he wouldnt be able to tell were men, unless he saw the part that was between their legs. He always shivered when he remembered his high school days, and the one or two boys in the locker room that scarred his young innocent mind. Lets just say, it had made him wary of cute girls with small chests. This one didnt seem that way, but plastic surgery could fix a lot nowadays. So, popsicle. Whats for dinner, hm~? His attacker purred. I wouldnt mind if it was you~ Wait Alex had felt a surge of hope run through his chest, a happy insight into his would-be assailant. ...only one person calls me popsicle when excited. He breathed a sigh of relief at the thought it was her; at the very least, he wouldnt be attacked by a stranger today. Now he just had to deal with the woman that was currently biting his lower lip too hard. Victoria, gut uff me. Alex spoke, his speech a bit hindered by his lower lip being occupied. Dun wanna. Victoria said as she bit at his lower lip. Im hungry. She separated her teeth from his lip, but then dug into his neck playfully. Victoria, im not in the mood for that. Alex stated as he grew agitated. Go find something from the cupboards. No. Yes. Alex stated, slightly exhausted from his tense state earlier. Now. Nuh-uh. Alex felt the heat rise in his chest, and his forehead grew hotter. Get off. Nyo. ...Get off me now, or i swear ill stop going to the clinic. No you- Damn it, i said get off me now! Alex roared, which caused Victoria to jump a bit. She eased her chest off his own slowly with the face of a scolded child, but he stared back with a lowered brow. ...fine. She stated, barely an audible whisper. The next second, she was gone in a poof of black smoke. Alex heard the light switch flip on and felt himself gain control of his body again. He released the tension built into his shoulders and stayed sprawled on the floor to catch his breath again. He knew her kind were capable of chemically-induced arousal, but he wasnt sure if it was saliva or just pheromones; Either way, it always worked him into an excited state that would take a while to calm down. He caught his breath and sat up slowly as his eyes scanned the kitchen for Victoria. He could only see a part of her arm from where he sat thanks to the island counter, but at least he knew she wasnt angry about being told off. She was very difficult to deal with when in an enraged state, though hed only dealt with that one or two times. Shed yell at him about all of her problems, how she felt, and then run off for several days before she showed up again; and every time she came back, shed act like the incident never happened. Alex stood up sluggishly and sauntered over to the table where his gun had been thrown. He had to push two of the chairs out of the way, but afterwards he able to fish it out. He dusted it off a bit as it had some dust on it, and then holstered and locked it in place; His attention then turned to Victoria now, who had been searching through his cupboards ever since she left him on the floor. He eased himself into the bar stool Victoria had installed some time ago, and his body cried out in relief. She originally installed it to watch him in the kitchen when they had been together, but he rarely felt the need to cook anymore. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. She still intruded on his life as if they had never broken up, which had been one of the worst things he had ever had to experience; but after she had done something so permanent behind his back, he hadnt felt the same with her since. Betrayed was a close word to how he felt, though not the one he wanted to label it as. Wheres your bread? Alex heard Victoria ask, which brought him back to reality. He looked up to find the woman with her hand still stuck in the cupboard searching. Dont know. He stated lazily as his line of sight traced her body. He wouldnt state it out loud, but she had the type of figure that would make any man with human tastes drool. Her hourglass shaped body was accentuating, but her stomach wasnt overly skinny to be strange to look at. When his eyes trailed to her lower area, he noticed she had put yoga pants on. Victoria had definitely learned all of his fetishes, since she had never worn them when they first got together. Hmph, nothing here. Victoria stated, the cupboard snapped shut in her annoyance. She grabbed for the jar of peanut butter left on the counter in front of her and turned around to face Alex. She opened the lid and dipped her finger in, and lifted the scoop to her lips. What are you doing? Alex asked, annoyed that she hadnt grabbed a spoon out of the drawer. Eating. She stated, then stuck her finger in her mouth with a cocked brow. She pulled it out slowly and licked her lip, a small purr released from her throat. She brought her finger back down to the jar when Alex spoke up. Dont stick your wet finger in the jar. Alex stated. Use a spoon, theyre right there next to you. Really? Victoria asked with a huff. Yes. Alright, alright. Victoria mused as she opened the drawer. Still, i dont see why we cant go back to before. You know why. Alex stated as he placed his face in his hands. He had grown tired of the constant barrage of attacks by Victoria to get back with him. The memory of being told she had placed her life into his hands, solely by the fluid from his loins, still haunted him. He had no say in the decision, and it had broken all real trust he had with her since then. ...Whatever. Victoria sulked, her eyes focused on the peanut butter jar placed against her chest. Well, im tired. Alex stated as he stood up. Im going to be- His phone began to play the tune to an older cop cartoon he used to watch when he was younger, Bad Boys if he recalled right. He opened the phone and checked the message left, which was sent by the B.R.E. office. Ugh. Alex stated in exhaustion. Forgot what day it was... He pocketed the phone again and began to head for the door when Victoria stopped him. Ah, Alex, its gonna rain today. She stated, and pointed to what looked to be a brown coat. A friend gave me that coat but i dont want it, so you can have it. Alex mused for second and then grabbed the coat that hung from the couch. It was light brown and looked like an older jacket that was well kept. It reminded him of the jackets human detectives used to wear in old tv shows, eons ago. Hed pondered before on how a lot of the old information still existed, but he had guessed a vampire or similar long lived race kept the information intact. He had a more important question that needed answers, now that he thought about it. Victoria. Alex stated as he threw the coat on. How did you get in? What do you mean? I thought i took the key back from you. Oh, yea. Victoria stated in an amused tone as she rummaged in the fridge. I dont need it to get in. ...Did you break my- No, i didnt break anything this time. She stated, her tone condescending. I vick-vocked ut. ...You what it? Blugh, gross! Victoria yelled as an apple hit the kitchen floor as she spit something out of her mouth. You need to clean the fridge out, Alex. Theres so many dirty things in here. Sure, ill go ahead and do that with all the free time ive had lately. Alex stated sarcastically. Could you answer the question now? Oh, i pick-pocketed it. Victoria stated matter of factly as she threw the apple into the trash. ...Thats not a word. Yes it is. She stated as she threw another item into the trash. Alex sighed at her refusely to answer seriously. Fine,whatever. He stated as he headed for the door. Just promise me youll lock up before you go to bed. Victorias phone began to play a tune she immediately started to hum along to. The song sounded familiar to Alex, but he wasnt quite sure what it was. Will do. She stated as she pulled her phone out to check it. Alex caught one final glimpse of her as he shut the door behind him, her phone to her ear. He shook his head and then proceeded toward his car, too tired to deal with a crime scene without any sleep. The Ruby killer had struck again. Chapter 03: "More Questions than Answers..." Hey again, back for more! This novel has a slow start, sorry about that! I swear the mystery and action does pile up eventually, but the set-up is oh-so-important that i needed to write it out this way. My apologies, and i hope you can enjoy all the same! EDIT: Chapters 3,4,5,7, and any others i look into will be edited eventually, so sorry to all the new readers about the clogged read! Chapter 3 should be done in two weeks time, but no promises. New chapters come first! ---------------------------- So what do you think it is, Rosemary? ...Huh? What? Not listening? I asked you if you had any idea what had made this...mess. The lab tech gestured to what lay before him as he asked, who Alex had yet to remember the name of. The tech was a giant of a man, hovering at eight feet tall in his lab coat as he jotted down notes onto a tiny clipboard; Well, tiny to the man himself. His skin looked to be made of dark brown stone, and his wide and flat face was almost always in a frown. Thankfully, there was no hair to speak of on his head, as otherwise it would be a strange sight. No, ive been combing through all the possibilities...but this... Alex stated somberly, as he looked at the gory mess before him. He scanned around at the location he was now at, a lone park next to the river that separated the city, with nothing but benches and water faucets to speak of besides the trees. Then there was this random section of a wall erected in the dead center facing the water, crumbling from the weather that had hit it so many times. This wall, the park, all of it; he knew it all down to what lay beneath the dirt. It was the location of the Ruby killer, after all. All i can tell you is ive looked into everything and its still a mystery... Alex stated, sighing at how inept this killer made him feel. Every week, the Ruby killer strikes at the same spot every time, this wall. No matter how many people watch the spot, or even if they cover it up with a tarp, Ruby always gets past it all to set this scene up. The dead body, unidentifiable; the blood on the walls and in pools, changed into an unknown substance. It had been a thorn in his side since he got the case, and in the departments for an even longer period of time. He was all but fed up with the headaches it induced. Well, yea. Everything about it is a damn mystery. Everyone watching this place twenty four seven, and can still set the same scene up in almost the exact same way? Gives me chills, Rosemary. The giant stated, his head shaking slightly. Gives me chills. I hear you, big guy. Its not pretty at all. Alex stated, staring at the wall before him in contemplation. He noticed something slightly strange on the victim''s arm, so he motioned to the big guy for gloves. He felt the gloves in his hand without even having to ask for them, so he put them on quickly and walked over to the body carefully. Bending down to get a better look at the disfigured bodies arm gave him a view of what caught his eye peeking out of the sleeve. He pulled a pen out of his pocket and lifted the sleeve slowly, revealing a gold watch with engraved vines along its length. He grunted and leaned down on one knee as he pulled the watch off, and brought it up to look at it closer while it dangled from his fingers. The middle section that told time has the small and large hands that ended in the same place, what he guessed was either midnight or six thirty depending on what sides the top. The glass covering had shattered form a violent impact, and the gold vine embroidery had been shaved off a bit from a struggle of some kind; scratched off by another metal most likely. The thick chain links that held the golden vines were rather untouched, besides the blood of the victim smeared on them. Alex took a glance at the wrist of the dead, noticing the lines on the skin form long-term wear of the watch always being worn. Alex sighed, knowing the victims likely gender and wealth now at the very least; though it brought a worry to his mind as well. A grunt nearby brought him out of his stupor, and the chief''s eyes met his own. He coughed a bit, leaning back up out of his crouched position to give the chief of police, Harold Ruger, a salute with his empty hand. The chief motioned lazily back, eyeing the scene of the crime. His eyes returned to Alex and the watch in his hand, an inquiring look in his eyes. What have you got? Most likely male... Alex stated solemnly, giving himself a pause at his worries. ...Also likely very wealthy. The chief cocked an eyebrow at him, then look at the gold watch dangling from his left hand. Your evidence? Yes, chief. Watches this old are usually family heirlooms, and passed down amongst the males in the family. In this day and age, it would take a special kind of woman with special circumstances to ever wear this all the time. Alex stated, bringing his thoughts to light. The reason they are likely wealthy is by how much it would cost to fix such an antique, as the chain to it looks brand new for such an old thing. Its likely real gold. The chief grunted again, eyeing the unrecognizable body before him. Howd you know all that so easily? The giant lab tech asked behind the chief, his eyebrows crooked in what Alex hoped was surprise. He stopped for a second to think if he wanted to say something, but decided it best to get it off his chest and just speak. ...My dad wears the same watch all the time. Was all he said, looking down at it now resting in the palm of his hand. He thought of the times he saw the watch on his father''s wrist, the times he asked to wear it; All the memories came flooding back of the time before he turned ten. Fond memories as they were, they sprouted a seed of doubt in his mind if his father was still alive. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Alex. A calm and serene voice close by lightened his heavy thoughts, but brought more questions to his mind almost immediately. He look up in the chief''s direction to see him walking away, likely to check on something, and the lab tech was scratching his face with the pen while eyeing his notes. Alex turned to the new figure next to him, Victoria, and could only heave a sigh. What are you doing here, Victoria? He asked, eyeing her new getup that seemed to cause the lights around them to dim. Tight fitted, black clothing wrapped her body while her hair danced in the wind untamed. Her face was set in a serious mood in contrast to her earlier look, the upbeat and happy girl he was so used to. He felt a chill at the drastic change, knowing she was in business mode for a client at the moment. Im here for my new client. She knew the dead, and wants information. She stated emotionlessly, staring at the dead clump of flesh against the wall. Nothing i can give you that you dont already know. Alex stated just as emotionless, not in the mood for this charade. He gestured to the corpse nearby. ...But feel free to try. If you think you can get through all the officers here. She looked at him with her dead eyes, now black in color, and then turned and disappeared as Alex blinked. He sighed in relief, not very good with stressful situations. He always felt the need to reflexively attack back when pressure was put on him, something he tried to suppress to no avail; a bad habit of his he needed to work on containing. His eyes drifted past the crowd of officers to find a limousine parked in the lot, with Victoria now standing by its back window. The window was rolled down just enough to see a pair of eyes meet his own, sending a chill up his spine. Whoever it was, they had been watching him; Setting his instincts on edge ever since Victoria suddenly appeared. Rosemary, theres a call for you. The chief called in his direction, which ended the staring contest between him and the unknown observer. He scratched his neck as he glanced back at Victoria one more time, before walking over and picking up the phone from the nearby car. Hello? Was all that escaped his throat, which caused him to notice he hadnt had any sleep in a while. He was far more tired than he thought he was. The other person on the line sighed, and soon Alex found out why. Alex, honey. Why do you never call me? Was all he had to hear before confirming it was his mother on the phone. He hadnt talked to her since he was ten, practically half his life, but he figured vampires were long-lived and wouldnt care about that short a time. His parents had to be nearing their second millennium in age, at the very least. Its nice to hear your voice too, mother. He stated, hoping his voice wasnt shaky from the sudden reintroduction back into his life she had just made. He heard a pause on the line for a moment before she continued. ...Yes, its nice to know your alive dear. How...How have you been lately? She asked him, and he could hear some concern leak through her voice a bit. Living. Was all the escaped his mouth. Smooth, he thought, really smooth. Good, good. Was all she said, the line going dead again. He sat for a full minute waiting for her to say something. Alex, dear. Now that you''re back in town... His thoughts went to please, no, don''t invite me back to the house. ...W-Would you like to meet up with me and your father and get to know each other again? Was all she asked, the line going quiet. Alex sighed in relief with the mystery of his father''s life or undeath now settled. He was very much alive by how his mother was speaking. He thought over what she asked, and that it hadnt been an immediate push to come back to the family. They seemed more like strangers to his memories now, so he knew itd be awkward, but the desperation in her voice He couldnt bring himself to say no. His mom had been the softer side of his family to him, keeping him mostly sane in that brand of hell he lived as a child. Yea, mom. Where do you need me to go? Really!? Oh, i mean okay. Could you come to the mansion''s gate and wait for us there? No need to go inside, just wait outside of it. She stated in a hurry, most likely scared hed throw a fit and end the call. ...Yea, thats fine. I know where its at already. He stated, with the knowledge hed been avoiding that area in his work as much as possible. Okay, great! Ill see you tonight, dear. Yea, see you. He stated as he heard the call end. His only thought was on how busy she used to be, and how much time she had just taken to call him at his own work. He hoped that it showed how much she loved him as well, so it did warm his heart a little. She was the head of the Rosemary family, one of the seven most powerful in the city. That should go to show how little free time she had to spend with him as a child. Alex looked around at the scene and sighed, knowing there wasn''t much more to be done here. Not that he could do, as it was just evidence retrieval, eyewitness statements, and pictures to be taken of the scene. So he told the chief he had some family business to take care of while they clean up, got in his car, and started off toward the mansion he so dreaded going near again. Chapter 04: "The Past and Present..." Well, i originally thought that this chapter would only be enough for half of it, but turns out it filled the gap of a full chapter! So now you get more world building and relationship building and all that... and still no action. /rant I want to get to the action already! /endrant Well, hope you enjoy it all the same! ----------------------------------------- Alex sat in the car for a good minute, cooling his head off with the AC on full blast. The nights recently had been cold, but the headache that was coming on had caused his body to heat up more than he liked. After cooling himself down, he turned on the radio to listen to the local news, and decided it best to go home and change clothes for the supposed outing with his parents. Arriving at the parking lot, he noticed his usual spot taken by a large truck. He grew slightly annoyed as he liked the spot for its view from his apartment, not to mention assigned to him by the apartment complex itself. He decided it wasnt worth the hassle to call down to the main office this late at night, as well as the fact he was going to be out of the place all night anyways. After ascending the flight of stairs to the second floor, he heard a peculiar sound coming from near his apartment. When he turned around from the stairs and walked toward it, he saw his next door neighbor Patricia leaning out of her door to get the mail. Leaning, as in through the door itself. Evening, Patricia. Alex called out as he fiddled with his keys for the mailbox key, remembering he hadnt grabbed the mail last night. Patricia looked up at Alex for a brief moment through her long black hair that covered her eyes and just groaned, before leaning back into her apartment. She was a beautiful woman, and one of the intangible races at that, so he wasnt sure if she was groaning from old age or if she just didnt like talking much. It didnt matter to him either way, as he had only ever given her a passing hello. Pleasantries always helped make yourself look friendly though, so he decided to use them when he could with people he barely knew; Most of the time, anyways. The usual mail was about a new tv he could win, something for victoria about lingerie, and even something from the college to most likely pay back the loan. It caused a sigh to escape his lips as he closed the door behind him, knowing there was more money coming out of his bank account. His current apartment, thankfully, was free thanks to the B.R.E he worked for; though being human had made him special enough for that privilege. Bureau of Racial Equality, The B.R.E. A lot of information on its history could simply be gleaned from its name; Racial problems, something humanity didnt seem to understand how to get rid of easily. It wasnt as much of a problem what with the hundreds of unique and different races spread throughout the world, but still a touchy subject even in this melting pot of a city. Not finding much else of importance in the mail, he grabbed a clean white shirt,new boxers, and a pair of black jeans and jumped into the shower to wash the filth off. After the shower, he attached the pistol to the shoulder holster and threw his favourite black jacket over it on the bed. He glanced into the mirror at the blue veins peeking out under his eyes, and at the bad haircut he had given himself that was short and uneven. He hated the cowlick that pushed the right side of his hairline back that made his forehead look bigger than it was, but there was nothing to be done on that; besides grow his hair out, which made him look like he was in an old western movie. He could remember the annoying laugh Victoria had made when she saw an old photo of him with long hair. The teasing lasted for weeks. Tidied up as best he could, he left out of the door with his jacket and holster on and was back in his car. He contemplated to just say fuck it and go get some much needed rest, but the idea wasnt a very good one. His mother had noticeably been looking forward to his visit, and hed feel like he betrayed her if he just gave up at this point. The car flickered on after a couple unsuccessful startups, and onto the interstate he was once again. Coming to you live from West Ageless, the new hit single of the week is- Alex hit the switch on the radio, changing it to the local news. -In what appears to be yet another killing by the ruby eyed killer has happened, again, this week tonight. The victim was unidentified as of the latest comment, but we will bring you the latest news on the most notorious killer weve had here in Ageless, when more comes to light. Back to you, Ve- Alex shut the radio off, not in the mood to hear of the case that was agonizing him. He already had enough of it as it was, without the news shoving it in his face. The only thing good about it at the moment, was that the news outlets didnt know he was the current inspector being hazed with this case. It had been going on for a year, and was so mysterious and difficult of a case, that it was being used to haze new cadets into the force; to show them they cant win them all. It was doing a damn good job at it, too, he would add in an interview if they ever gave him one. That was fine with him, he only had the case for three more weeks and then that''s it. Hed do his best to catch the perpetrator, but his hopes werent high on being the one to solve it. Shutting the car down as he pulled up across the street from the gate with a guard in the post, he finally saw the old mansion in full view. It was a humongous piece of land, with the wall that protects it stretching at least a mile long. It was in the wealthiest part of the city, the northern part, and quite a ways away from his apartment in the western side. If he drove the full city length, itd take him a third of the day driving just to get to the other side. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. He took the gun out of his holster and placed it into his glove box, knowing how touchy some of these guards could be about weapons on him; especially the kind that hated him, as he recognized the guard up front. Bad enough as it was that he came near the place again, seeing one of his old tormentors now on guard duty just made it worse. He could do nothing but suck it up, and walk to the guard post across the unlit street. The man guarding the mansion at the gate had a scar down the right side of his face, and his figure could be called beastly; Burns as well, lined the right side of his body as far as Alex could see. Looking like a mixture of human and bat, he looked rather grotesque to Alex who was a full human inside and out. The man, Dominic, used to be the head guard for his mother until that fateful day on his tenth birthday. The man chose Alex as his scapegoat to the pain, beating his ten year old self in a fit of rage. Alex gave him his payback via the scar on his face, and was sure the man had been through a lot of struggles just to get hired back on for the door watch. How could Alex have known his sister couldnt step into the light like he could? He was just a child. Dominic looked up at Alex for a brief moment, looked back toward the security cameras, and then turned back to Alex with a scowl on his face. Something you need? Dominic asked, acid in his voice at the unexpected visitor at this time of night. Alex let out a puff of air from his nose that drifted like smoke in the cold night, not ready for this. Names Alexander Rosemary. Here to meet my parents. Alex stated, keeping his voice level and he stared back into Dominic''s eyes. He saw a flash of surprise lift the mans brow up, but he soon was back to his emotionless soldier look as usual. Silently, Dominic pushed a red button on the side of the terminal in front of him, a buzz ringing out. Silence enveloped the area as the two silently sat waiting for the response from the other end. The buzzer soon went off, signaling the other end picking up the phone. What is it? His mothers voice drifted into his ears from the other side, deeper and seemingly angry at the sudden interruption. It was a rare sight to see his mother angry when he was a child, but it just made it scarier when it did happen. He could hear Dominic gulp from behind the glass as sweat trickled down his brow. T-Theres a man here calling himself by the name of Alexander Rosemary. Oh! He could hear the surprise in her voice, most likely having been in a meeting and forgot about the promise earlier that day. Ill be right out, dear! He heard the buzzer go off again and silence enveloped the two men again, with Alex standing there awkwardly. A minute went by with nothing being said, so Alex just turned around and walked away from the guard post without a word. Surprisingly, that went way better than he thought it would. He got to his car rather quickly, and leaned against the door to it as he noticed how shaky his legs had been. Having regular human capabilities amongst all of these super capable races made him feel weak. Without his gun on him, he was easy pickings for just about anything in the city. The new bullets designed some time ago were made of hundreds of different materials, capable of causing lethal damage to just about every race out there. What good it did with its limited use, he pondered, as his shaking legs steadied a bit. His phone rang out with a single beep, notifying him of a new text message. Pulling the old dinosaur phone from his pant pocket, he opened it to find a new text from an old high school friend. Matthew, or Matt to Alex, was a purebred werewolf from one of the lesser clans. Nothing too special, but could pack a mean punch with his over excess of muscles. The text was rather simple, reading Whats up?. Alex scoffed a bit at the basic question after not seeing each other for years, but gave up asking something stupid to someone not very bright like Matt. Hed get a text back of Whats up your ass? Or something equally stupid back. So all he did was reply with Waiting on parents. And shut the phone. A minute later he got a text back with Thats cool. Followed immediately by another one reading We should hang out sometime.. Alex just replied back Yea, soon as i get a day off. And then shut the phone again, putting it back in his pocket. Matt didnt like technology, preferring to talk to others in person. So going by his past habits, he wouldnt reply until he wanted to hang out, or alex wanted to. While lost in thought, a buzzer rang out for longer than the one for calls, signaling that the gate was likely opening for a vehicle. When Alex looked up, he was right; a limousine was pulling out of the gate to stop on the sidewalk across from him, his parents stepping out to greet him. His mother was beaming ear to ear with a full smile on as she walked toward him, arm in arm with his father; who, by Alexs thoughts, was quietly sizing him up after having grown so much the last thirteen years. He had an aching feeling in the back of his mind that had been growing since the time he left the crime scene, and it felt like it was only getting worse. Chapter 05: "What Glitters in Gold..." Hey readers, last chapter of my ''start'' week, and most likely the last binge writing i can do till my next days off. I can already tell i need to get better at pacing, as one chapter has now become three! Hope you enjoy!~ -------------------- Alex sat in the seat that was far too comfy to actually be comfortable. His butt began to hurt every two or three minutes, which caused him to shift awkwardly into different positions while staring out the window. His parents had made some slight chat now and then, but the ride to wherever they were going was extremely uncomfortable in every sense of the word; worse still, his eyelids were beginning to grow heavy at the lack of stimulus. His eyes almost closed at one point, before his fathers cough woke him back up. Alex, i hear you graduated college recently. Tell me, what was it that you majored in? His father asked, which caused Alex to turn and finally look at him in the eyes. Strangely, Alex couldnt remember his name for the life of him. ...Criminal Justice, focused on the Criminal Minds Division. Was all he could get out, the line he had repeated the most of when he talked of his college days when asked; it seemed to have become a reflex in his sleep deprived state. Oh, really? So you are an officer of the law? His father asked, a hint of surprise in his voice. Technically. I went the detective route. Really, dear? So what was it they taught you in college that helped best for this job? His mother asked, nudging his father in the ribs with her elbow. He had to think on his mothers name, but he believed he was close with Elise; he wasnt sure, but knew it wasnt a basic sounding name. ...To get in the mind of the criminal yourself. Become one to find one. He stated, repeating his Mentors favourite line. O-Oh. So did you... We didnt actually become criminals, so im innocent. Ok, good. Wouldnt want to tarnish the name o-Ugh. Victor! His father began to say, his mother elbowing him again in the rib. She sent him a harsh glare before smiling at Alex, beginning her next question. Alex at least knew his father''s name now, which was good. So, Alex dear. Hows life been for you recently? ...Fine. More sleep would be... nice. He said, a yawn stretching the last word out as he reflexively stretched a bit. He had to force himself to stop for fear of having looked too much of a slob. It wasnt a lie that he was begging for sleep now. Oh, so the force has been keeping you busy then? Elise, what was that mans name from the force we met several days ago? His Father asked, trying to not be the odd man out; At least, Alex hoped thats why he was asking such basic questions. He had remembered his dad wasnt this...boring, before he left. He was beginning to think he remembered a lot of things wrong now. Im not sure, Victor. Has the force been too hard on you, dear? No, ive just been really busy the last few days. Ended up not getting much sleep. Alex stated groggily, his eyes cast back out of the window. It had begun raining now, The slow pitter-patter Alex liked to sleep forever cooped in his apartment with. He was beginning to think the universe was giving him a hint. The limousine went silent again, but Alex didnt care; he was too sleepy to worry about others thoughts on him. His eyes began to slowly close as he watched the rain slide down the window. --- Alex! Alex dear! A voice called to him in the pitch black behind his eyes, which woke him from the nap he had somehow taken. Embarrassment instantly hit him as he opened his eyes, finding Elise with her hand on his shoulder shaking him. She sighed and sat down next to him as she looked worried, eyeing what he thought was the blue veins under his eyes. ...Were almost at the restaurant. I figured youd want us to wake you up before you had to leave the limo, so i woke you early. Im sorry. No, no its fine, i hadn''t planned on sleeping anyways. Alex spoke in his broken sentences, with the hope there wasnt any drool on his mouth; Thankfully, he was safe in his quick check of his mouth. How long was i out? Around an hour or so. Right, Elise? Victor replied back as he looked out his own window at the sidewalk and stores nearby. Alex could guess by their different positions in the vehicle that they must have talked about something while he was out; That, or just had a very quiet fight amongst themselves. Elise glared at Victor for a moment and then shook her head. Alex sat quietly for some more time as the silence lingered, and waited for the limo to stop at their destination. It seemed they were close too, judging by his parents tidying up their clothing and hair to be presentable. Elise even reached over without much thought and brushed his stray hairs down with her hand, only realizing she had done something awkward until after she took her hand away satisfied. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The limo finally stopped completely, and the three of them exited the limousine with Alex being the last one out. The lights in the surrounding buildings blinded him for a bit, but the blur quickly faded to a gorgeous section of the city thriving with people. The rain had stopped, and every direction he looked as they walked the red carpet had all kinds of shapes and sizes of people in their high class clothing; not to mention the rather eccentric types with the strange frills and weird eyelashes stuck on like peacocks. That, he believed, was the banshees, sirens, succubus, vampires, mermaids, and other similar races dressed up to attract the opposite sex. He could safely mock the peacock effect, as some of these women were gorgeous enough to turn his head just by wearing plain clothes. Alex and his family soon arrived at the door to the restaurant, a humongous building several stories tall. When he entered the building itself, everything seemed made of black and gold upon every surface in the building; strangely enough, there was only one floor in the extremely tall building, which caused the ceiling of humongous chandeliers to feel extremely intimidating. There also didnt seem to be any huge walls separating the dining tables and the reception area, making it a wide open space with a full view of the floor. He guessed to himself that the chandeliers were either made of pure glass, or of a very refined diamond, but both versions would take forever to create with a lot of skill and talent. His eyes wandered back to the floor, where he eyed the many races and upper class denizens of the city had decided to eat here tonight; wherever, and whatever, here was. ...Where are we? He asked as he looked as his clothes uncomfortably, feeling extremely out of place in his black jacket and pants. He hadnt shaved in a couple days either, so his face must look extremely haggard and dirty to the surrounding people. Victor simply patted Alexs shoulder with his right hand as they walked the golden carpet, which led up to the receptionist desk before them. The receptionist, a woman in a black dress with layers of gold, bowed to the family as they walked up to her. Alex got a good look at the woman''s face, and she all but appeared to be human; asian in appearance as well. He figured at this point, however, that the truth was usually that people he met werent human, but human-ish. How may i help the esteemed Rosemary family this evening? Table for three, please. My son recently returned to the city, and id like to celebrate that. Elise stated as she gestured to Alex beside her. Alex gave an awkward nod at the woman as their eyes met briefly, the woman the first to break eye contact. Alex didnt much care of her lack of interest in him, but was slightly annoyed at her ignoring his existence as if he was a pole between Victor and Elise. The receptionist nodded, and motioned for the three of them to follow behind her. Alex stepped out behind the three he was following, the last to walk around the tiny wall behind the reception area. The ambience that hit him felt like a refined but playful one, with many people quietly talking and laughing joyfully with each other seated at their tables. He walked along behind the others, or maybe staggered as he wasnt sure how he looked to them, as best he could while trying not to look awkward. He felt it wasnt hard to overhear any conversations as the surrounding tables all went quiet when Victor and Elise passed them; His own wandering gaze caught eyes with several people as they whispered amongst each other, most likely wondering who he was. Finally arriving at the table furthest in the back, he saw that it had a small oriental looking divider covering it from the others view. He hoped he could take the furthest seat, the one that put his back to the wall and hid him from most of the floor. Thankfully, his parents chose the two closest seats and began to sit down as Alex walked around the table. He heard Elise thank the receptionist as he reached the golden seat with black cushions, and sat down into it as quickly as he could. When his gaze went up to his parents, he caught a glimpse of the receptionist as she looked back in his direction. He had hoped that wasnt a look of disgust in her eyes, but he had seen it enough that he just knew what it was. Chapter 06: "Refusing to see..." Hey readers, Here''s the new chapter. I had planned on writing another one today, but looks like i won''t be able to. Hope you enjoy it all the same! --- Alex immediately noticed a man that watched the table he and his family were currently seated. While suspicious as the man seemed, he wore the colors of the restaurant judging from the black and gold clothes; which meant, he couldnt just readily accuse the man of keeping an eye on them. His parents, as if without a care at being watched, chatted up the Ginling waitress that had walked up to take their orders. He tried to forget about the man, even as the feeling of being on edge made him forget what he had ordered. The lack of sleep may have also done its part on that though, so it could just be baseless blaming. The man walked away as their drinks were brought to the table, carried by the Ginling woman that didnt seem quite used to wearing a short skirt. Her build, like most Ginling women, was rather tall at seven or so feet; The contours of her body werent perfect by any standard, but they werent unpleasing to look at. The only thing slightly strange about Ginling women was that they always had well toned muscles from rigorous physical training. Even with Alexs completely average score at hand-to-hand back in college, he could tell the woman was trained more in the field of battle than of serving. The woman placed the tray on the table while the glasses almost tipped over, saved only by her quick reflexes. Her face and skin, like all Ginling women, were of the same slightly beautiful looking woman with some battle hardened traits to her; a thick jawline, straight nose, and hardened eyes that made it hard to tell their current emotions. The cracks upon this woman''s skin, however, seemed less in extent than even Griev, who Alex had noticed a bottle of very expensive skin cream on his desk. The bottle had to be over a thousand for a thumb sized container, and he was sure he had seen them in ads for plenty of models. He shook the thought away as his imagination drifted, and noticed his mother sipping on her drink while she looked his way. The drink was a deep red in the strangely shaped glass, most likely a very expensive and old wine aged thousands of years. So, Alex. Now that we have the time to chat, please. Tell me more about what you do at your job. Elise inquired, setting the glass down and laid her head upon her hands. She seemed ready to listen to a long story, like a child at bedtime, judging by the light in her eyes. Victor cocked an eyebrow to show his curiosity while drinking from his own wine glass. Alex sighed as he put his thoughts in order, and hoped what he gathered was long enough to be satisfying. Okay, well First off, i check in at the front desk as most other places do. B.R.E, however, utilizes everything within the law to ensure the safety of everyone. To do this, they have a scanner to ensure no weapons are being brought onto the premise. Alex spoke quickly, thinking on how useless it was with how easy he can leave the building through the side doors; Not to mention all the races with ''natural'' weapons. Those that work there though, specifically the employees with a carry license, need to hand their gun over for inspection at this point. Alexs head bobbed slightly, his voice droning out the information he had been given when he first arrived at the precinct. Roselyne, his mentor, had jammed the information into his head during his first week, that he could now literally quote it in his sleep; which, in this case, might have indeed been what was happening. After arriving at work, most of my days are filled with paperwork with the occasional distress call. Whenever i get a call, i usually... He trailed off as he finally remembered the Ruby case was something he wasnt suppose to talk about. ...Get in my car, drive to the scene of whatever ive been called to, and settle or investigate it. Thats about it. Elise seemed surprised at the lack of...suspense in his job. Oh, well I guess you need some down time now and again between the suspenseful parts of any job. Your job seems rather boring though, ill admit. Victor stated as he looked for the waiter to bring the food out; At least, Alex hoped it was the food he was looking restless for. Uh-! Victor! Elise yelled, smacking his arm with her golden napkin. Alex, dear, your job sounds uneventful most of the time, im sure. It surely doesnt sound like a normal job, but if its what Alex wants to do; Who are we to say any different? Victor chimed in, likely bored of waiting and just saying whatever came to mind. Alex wasnt in a mood to listen to what a normal job could possibly be to one of the richest couples in the entire city; Hell, the mansion they lived in was bigger than a small town, for crying out loud. He was sure it would take forever to find an ounce of normal in their vastly different lifestyles. Alex tuned Victor out as his mind went slightly blank, partially from being bored and partly from the severe lack of a good night''s rest. Alex now noticed the glass of wine in front of him, and wondered what it actually tasted like. Surely, if the two of them could drink it with ease, then it must not be that strong. He himself had had several strong shots of beer before with Matt when the two got into a festive mood in high school, but never any wine; Roselyne, his mentor, had stated it turned her into a completely different person, but drank beer like water just fine. Then again, she was a Ginling who had been through several wars herself. He felt nothing could faze the battle-scarred woman in any way anymore; except spiders, she was deathly afraid of them for some odd reason. Alex sipped on the Wine as he was lost in thought, before realizing the extremely strange copper taste to it. He blinked several times trying to identify the taste, but couldnt quite put his finger on it. Curious, he brought the glass to his mouth again with his mind focused on it, and poured it to his tongue. As soon as the drink touched his tongue, he almost gagged and spewed the liquid out of his mouth in disgust; The action caused Victor to be half covered in the liquid as it met his face and shoulders. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Victor stopped midsentence with his eyes now closed, the surroundings seemingly going dead silent for a moment. Alex couldnt help but cough and gag at what he had just consumed, having realized it was human blood the restaurant had fed him. When Alex finally gained control of his reflexes enough to not be on the verge of puking, he noticed the waitress and the strange man were bowing profusely to Elise while Victor had disappeared. Elise noticed he was fine and shooed the two people away, handing Alex over a glass of water. One look into her eyes was all it took to see the worry, likely in her mother mode. Dear, are you okay? Nothing wrong? Y-Yea, im fine. It was just...unexpected. Alex said through slight coughs, while thinking that it was also extremely disgusting. Ill be fine. Alex brought the water to his mouth and drank till it was half empty; He also felt a rush of energy, as if his body really needed the water right now. Good, good... but we should have you checked at a doctors before you head home, regardless. With you being human, im sure there can be a high chance of any number of unknown diseases that could be transferred if you''re not careful. Elsie stated grimly, grabbing her purse from beside her he hadnt noticed before and digging through it. She rummaged for a moment before stopping dead in her tracks, as if seeing something she couldn''t believe. That reminds me, dear. Whatever happened to that cute girl you used to date? She asked, her eyes and attention still on her bag. Alex thought to answer for a moment before realizing he had never told her about Victoria, or any part of his love life yet. ...When did i ever mention someone like that? Elise twitched, grabbed what she was looking for, and then put the bag down on the floor. In her hand was now a mirror, which she used to begin applying makeup for some random unknown reason to him. Alex now had a suspicious feeling his mom knew way more than she let on about himself. Oh, uh Sometime before you went to sleep? ...No, i didnt... Have you been watching me ever since i came back to the city? Wh-Why would i do that!? You know i love you, dear. Elise spoke in a hurry, applying her makeup faster than before. Alex hadnt noticed it before, but it seemed like some drops of blood had landed on her face when he spat all over Victor. ...Fine, lets say i mentioned her. What is it you want to hear? Oh, you know... Elise stated while shutting the makeup case, turning back to Alex to speak face to face again. She seemed to have noticed his scowl, as she paused and then sighed instead of continuing her previous thought. ...Okay, fine. I have been keeping tabs on you since your return; But only for your safety! Elise opened the makeup mirror again, but Alex noticed her eyes focused behind her. He looked in the direction her gaze should be focused, only to find the reason for the spontaneous question. Across the giant building, in the other private corner, was a familiar face hed hoped not to see. Victoria, dolled up in a white dress with lots of frills, was dining with some unknown raven haired girl. Her eyes seemed halfway into business mode, but softer than they were when he met her at the crime scene earlier. His eyes focused back onto Elise, who he could swear was visibly sweating now. ...This is about my cancelled engagement to the Cahrneth Family, isnt it. Alex stated firmly, a hint of anger noticeably leaking from his voice. His mother sighed as she patted her napkin to her forehead, stressed over the turn of events. ...Yes, dear. I just dont understand how the two of you were so good together and yet separated like you did. Her eyes focused on his, a stubborn look growing in them. I mean, shes practically already married to you after the ritual you both- -That SHE did in secret, not US! Alex yelled, cutting Elise off. The two went silent as Alexs chest heaved, the anger reaching its boiling point far quicker than it had in a long time. Alex. Shes a succubus, and performed the ritual. Elise stated solemnly. She is bound to your lifeforce for the rest of her life, whether you like that or not. Only YOU can feed her now. Alex began driving daggers into Elise with his stare, his head feeling like it was about to burst. He could have sworn he wasnt this ill-tempered or bipolar before, but the subject she had suddenly brought to the table was a touchy one for him. Victor arrived at the table leisurely, and began talking as if he had never left. You also cant deny that as the third daughter of the Cahrneth family, one of the seven largest in the city, that her background fits well for the Rosemary Lineag- Dont you DARE-! Alex began, before his phone cut him off as Bad Boys began to play. Alexs body shook violently for several seconds while he closed his eyes, trying his hardest to remove the anger that was exploding within his chest. He pulled the phone out and stood up silently, putting his jacket on with his eyes closed; He then opened them and gave his parents one last look, before walking off toward the entrance as hundreds of judging eyes watched him leave. The restaurant had grown deathly silent, as his boots echoed with each footfall. Chapter 07: "Decaying conscience..." Hey readers, new chapter here. I like to put in subtle(ok, maybe not so subtle) hints into the story at what the story leads to, or what will happen next;and then there are times i''ll throw a curveball,because life does not always work in a straight line or as expected. I''m hoping to make the story feel organic and alive, but i can''t really judge it as such as i know too much. :p Enjoy! --- Alex stepped out onto the red carpet, feeling the soft cloth even with his boots in between them. He passed by a tall man with a scar down his closed left eye, dressed in a business suit, with several women crowding around him. The two met eyes briefly, but they passed each other without incident. He opened his phone while walking toward the street, doing his best to get as far away as possible from the place. The phone had stopped ringing when he had left the table, so he pulled up the missed calls and dialed the number. Matts voice carried over after the first ring. Hey, man! Whats up? Alex could just imagine Matts hand come up in his iconic gesture when he greeted him. ...You called me, didnt you? Oh, yea! Derp, completely forgot. Listen, i just got a call in near you that needs a checking out. Think you could do me this favor, man? ...Is there really no one else nearby? Surely, there has to be one of the task force from Matts precinct nearby. The real police force, which Matt works for, are the grunt workers that deal with a lot of the small stuff. How could there be no one else near where he needs them? Oh, there are several people, but they all have their hands full searching for the perpetrator. I had to call your precinct and they said you''re the only one who might be able to help right now. Alex thought over it for a moment, wondering if it would be best to help out. On the one hand, the B.R.E. currently had their hands full finishing up the Ruby killing that happened tonight; which meant he really was one of the few people with their hands free as he had gone to meet the family again. On the other hand, he had a severe lack of sleep to contend with. If the case was anything other than investigating something, hed likely not be of much use. The anger as well, was starting to subside and be replaced with fatigue. ...I havent had much sleep lately Matt. Im not sure i could be of much help. Oh, come on dude! All i need is for an area to be scanned over quickly that has no one in it searching till a few hours from now. Thats all i need, man. Matt pleaded, who Alex felt likely wanted to get out into the field himself right now judging by his impatient tone. Alex could only sigh at how gullible he could be for the people he actually cared about. ...Fine. But only checking it out. I dont have my car where im at, so ill need to rent one. Oh, thats all you need? Just take my car in front of my apartment, no biggie. ...Are you sure? Yea, man. Its near where you''re at as well, so it shouldnt be too far even in a cab. The place is on twenty-third street in the northern district, about a mile from where you are. Apartment complex is called Roger Dans next to a mechanic shop, my car is the sleek silver one. Yea, i know the area. Sleek silver car, huh? Seems like the type youd drive. Hell yea, man! Fucking beautiful car, dude, youll love it when you see it. Alex heard another voice on the line in the background, followed by some rustling. Alright, man. I gotta get off here, but ill text you the location i need checked out. Alex heard the call end and closed the phone, reminiscing about old times with Matt in high school. He hailed a cab that was about to drive by, which pulled over to pick him up. --- Well, he wasnt lying. It is a nice car. Alex stated while looking at the interior to the car, which looked brand new judging by no signs of wear. The middle console where the radio should be was replaced by a giant touch screen, and was currently playing the news from channel ten on mute. Alex would glance at it now and then, only using it really to keep him awake to prevent himself from crashing. The mechanic right next to Matts apartment complex handed the keys over without a word, so it was likely Matt had called ahead and explained the situation. Hed feel bad about using this new car in case it was broken, but Matt would probably just tell him he had insurance on it and laugh it off. He also couldnt use his own hunk of junk as it was currently parked in front of his parents mansion several hours away; which would do him no good to go get, as it would defeat the purpose of filling in for this area. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Alex glanced down at his phone, which read the house number and street name Matt had given him. He pulled up to the street rather quickly, this quiet and normal housing location rather lifeless at this time of night. More likely than not, this was the area a lot of the daylight citizens were living in. Most of the houses had no lights on whatsoever, and the street lamps were few and far between. He pulled up and stopped the car across the street from the house, pulling up short of where he aimed to park from not being used to a car that had such good brakes. He stepped out into the cold night, eyeing the house in question Matt wanted checked out first. The house was dark and rather dreary looking with no street lamp nearby, and Matt had stated for Alex to update him when nothing looked suspicious to him; which he did, pulling his phone out and texting to Matt nothing seemed weird about the place. He closed and pushed the phone back into his jacket pocket as he shook from the slight chill in the air. Alex leaned against the car as he felt light-headed, likely from the lack of sleep. He cursed at himself as he shook his head quickly, but it only made him dizzier and didnt wake him at all. If not for the cold, Alex would likely have already fallen asleep just leaning against the car waiting. He heard his phone ring out that someone, most likely Matt, had messaged him. When he opened the phone, a noise across the street pulled his attention away before he could read the text. When his eyes came up to look at what the noise was, his mind stopped for a moment. Time seemed to slow down as his head began pounding again, watching the scene in front of him unfold. Something, or someone, had sent a large green dumpster flying straight at Alex against Matts car. Alex slowly walked out toward the street out of the way of the dumpster, in a daze as he watched it slowly arrive at Matts car. When the dumpster touched the car, time seemed to move again as the dumpster and car flew into the front of the house right behind it. His ears ringing, Alex looked toward the direction the dumpster came from as blood red eyes met his from the shadows. One moment he was staring at the eyes, and the next the eyes were cast in a silhouette in the sky as they flew toward him menacingly. Time seemed to slow again as the headache grew stronger, his feet moving on their own again as he dodged out of the way. His shoulder met the pavement hard, and he could hear concrete cracking behind him where he used to be. Buzzing began ringing out in Alexs head as he turned his head back at the silhouette, getting a better look at what it was. A massive figure, feral looking and hunched over like a beast, had its hand lodged in the concrete as its red eye watched Alex unmoving. The beastly man looked down at his other hand that dripped blood down onto the pavement below, hunger in its eyes. Alex noticed his right side hurt, and felt a sharp pain as he touched it that affirmed it was his blood on the beast''s hand. He stumbled to his feet as the beast tore its hand from the ground, turning its body around and standing as well. Alex noticed the creature had the physique of an adult male, but was at least three feet taller than him who was just over six feet. The muscles on the man bulged to an enormous size, like a bodybuilder that had trained themselves most of their life in competitions. Scars lined the barren chest of the man, some fresh and bleeding from what he hoped was a recent fight and not self inflicted. What Alex found the strangest part though, was how the mans face was always hidden in shadow, obscuring everything but the feral red eyes that watched Alex like a predator. The beastly man brought his bloody hand to his mouth, a tongue snaking out as it licked the blood off. It''s eyes bulged in reaction, and it''s body shook for a moment. Now that...That tastes heavenly. The man said in bliss, as a huge and creepy grin spread across his face; A cackling laugh echoed in the empty streets, sending chills up Alexs spine. Chapter 08: "Cat and mouse..." Hey readers, sorry for the late(-ish) chapter. I''ve been sick lately, and only recently recovered enough to not sleep for prolonged periods of time. I had thought to myself to get a chapter out once every two days, but already broke that... Should be another chapter tomorrow though, and then i should be back on that whole two days per chapter thing. Also, i''m not sure on my writing style or if i''m making the story ''engaging'' enough. Just a thought. Anyhow, hope you enjoy! --- Alex reached for his gun, or where it should have been, but realized he had left it in his car halfway across the city. He regretted his forgetfulness, knowing he was now completely defenseless against a creature that was capable of smashing concrete with its bare hands. Who he really wanted to curse though, was the Ruby killer for having given him an all-nighter that currently caused his vision to blur; All of this was making the situation the worst one Alex had been in since joining the B.R.E. The creature flicked its hand down from its face, the last bit of blood painting the concrete with drops of red. It eyed Alexs side who was cradling it with his hand, blood dripping slowly from the wound. The creature''s teeth appeared again from the shadow hovering over its face, baring them in what Alex felt was a smirk. The condescending look the red bloodshot eyes gave him caused the unruly anger to resurface again, but in a calmer way than at dinner; in a sense, it felt more like the anger of being looked at as a piece of meat, nothing but food for the creature. He didnt like that. The gears started to turn in Alexs mind, the pain in his side waking him from the sleep-deprived weariness. His mind went into fight-or-flight mode, scanning the surroundings using his memories of them. Plan after plan raced through his mind as the obscured face of the creature stopped smirking, watching him closely. The creature fell to all fours like a panther, its pale skin bulging as it pranced slowly around where Alex stood. The eyes never left Alexs body, which meant there wasnt any use in surprise attacks. Judging by the massive muscles, neither was attacking outright. Hed sooner be dead than when he fought if he tried to just up and run, so that was no good either. Calling for help in the dead of night, especially when none of the houses lit up with the commotion already, meant help would not be here soon. The knife in his back pocket was useless, and his fists wouldnt be any better. His only hope was that the creature felt so above him that it would make a mistake. Now, food. Stand still and let me feast. The creature spoke, and then all but disappeared right before Alexs eyes. He felt the creature''s breath on his neck as he jumped forward on reflex, its claws cutting into his jacket and ripping it off his back. When Alex turned to look at the creature again, it was standing calmly as it watched him. The smirk on its face was beginning to be burned into Alexs memories as it disappeared again, this time without any sound. Nothing happened as Alex looked around frantically, feeling helpless and alone. His right leg tensed in place, ready to fight back should it attack again. Boo. The creature appeared again in the same way, as Alex had predicted, from his back. He turned and pivoted his foot as hard as possible, bringing it into what he hoped was the creature''s face. He watched its smirk slowly disappeared as his foot joined it, having made contact. His muscles bulged and ached at the sudden push, infused from strength not his own as he screamed. The creature took it, but the hit was stronger than it had expected it to be and sent it into a daze for several seconds. That was all Alex needed. His feet reacted quickly as the creature stumbled slightly, and he was already over a fence and in a backyard right by the highway by the time the creature roared to life. He had traveled roughly over seventy feet somehow in two seconds, his muscles crying out for every bit of oxygen as he continued to run. Behind Alex, wood splintered and crack open as if it was hit by a wrecking ball as the creature pursued furiously. The loud noise caused Alex to slip on wet grass he hadn''t noticed, and the creature blew past him and through the metal fence onto the highway. Its arm had caught him by the shoulder somehow, tossing him onto the highway as well. Alex cried out as his newly injured shoulder scraped the worn pavement of the highway; A car horn blared as it swerved away from where he lay. It gave Alex something new to worry about as he now noticed the headlights of another car headed right for him, which he barely dodged as he rolled to the median strip in the middle. He stood quickly and looked for the creature, finding it lodged into a car that had been tossed off the road by its own weight. It pulled the car apart quickly to get out, blood spraying from the unfortunate driver and passenger of the vehicle. He mourned for the unneeded deaths, but it wasnt the time to care for other lives with his own in danger. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The creature seemed to sniff the air as its eyes locked onto Alex where he stood behind the waist high concrete wall. They stared at each other for a moment, and he took the chance to run in the direction his side was driving when a semi suddenly obscured the creatures view. It didnt do much though, as the creature leaped over it and embedded its hands into the pavement right in the middle of two cars. One of the cars swerved and hit the other, sending them both off the highway and into the ditch. He continued to run as he looked back, watching the creature as it yanked its hands from the ground and began running after him slowly. It seemed to be enjoying the hunt for Alex, while he obviously hated it. His heart raced as he pushed himself further, cars slowly passing him as his speed picked up. His body began to feel not his own at how fast he was running. The loud beat of a helicopter slowly arrived above the highway in the direction he was running, its high beam light pointed in his direction as it blinded him. He looked back with his arms over his face, and saw the creature had lunged at him and the shadow over its face had almost faded. The lower half of its face was visible, unmistakeable vampiric canines bared at the blinding light. Alex tried to dodge out of the way from the creature, but its body hit him full force and sent him flying. He flew up and over the concrete separation, and braced himself as he landed shoulder first into a car''s windshield. His mind faded for a moment before the pain racked his body, waking him back up in agony; it was the same shoulder the creature had hit before, and it was now likely broken. He felt as if one or two of his ribs might be broken as well, but he didnt really have the chance to check. The car below him had actually begun speeding up, and Alex noticed that the driver had died from a glass shard that had been lodged in his eye. His stomach jumped at the thought he inadvertently killed someone, and burned the man''s face into his memory to apologize later. He looked over the hood of the car and noticed the creature toss a truck toward the helicopter, that now chased them, as if they were footballs. Alex reached for the glovebox of the car, hoping to find a gun inside, as he watched the creature slowly gain on him. The light of the helicopter followed both of them relentlessly, and a man hung from the side holding what Alex thought to be a camera; one usually used to film for the news. Fuck. He cursed, both from a glass shard embedding itself into his thigh and for being the new center of attention for the city. This whole situation, should he live through it, was bound to throw a whole lot of trouble his way he could do without. His parents would definitely catch wind of this, and he could see his mother immediately find an excuse to talk to him again so soon. A car flew by as he searched for the glove box, indicating that the creature was getting close. Alex grew agitated and pulled his head and shoulder into the car and pulled the glove box open quickly, his eye catching sight of a handgun. He grabbed for it quickly as any ranged weapon was better than nothing, and pulled his upper body out of the passenger side as the creature''s arm tore through the door where his head had just been. He readied the handgun and fired at the spot he hoped the creature''s legs were as it tore its arm away, hoping to buy some time. The gun fired, but came up empty from the chamber. He cursed, opening the old six shooter to check for any ammo in the chamber. Two bullets lined the chamber in different spots, which caused Alex to lecture in his mind at the dead man for his poor upkeep for a weapon used for protection. He moved one of the bullets next to the other as the creature climbed onto the hood of the car, right above where Alex was. Now youve pissed me off, you chunk of meat! Its time to eat! The creature roared as it lunged at Alex, who shut the chamber to the gun and slid into the passenger side seat. He turned around quickly as the creature landed on the hood, and fired at its ankles in the hopes of causing it to slip. He succeeded, the creature howling in pain as it slipped on its own blood. Its body fell in front of the car, which caused it to rear up and out of control as it ran the creature over. The vehicle suddenly braked hard as its tires locked, turning sideways and beginning to tumble quickly. Alex watched as the car threw him up and out of the windshield, the ground somehow far below him. He soared through the air as he watched the world spin, and his reality slipped away as his body met the ground. Chapter 09: "Plans, Answers,Questions,Patience..." Hello readers! Nothing much to say here. just filling in the space. Hope you enjoy! --- Alex woke to blistering pain coursing through his body like a wildfire. His bones ached, his blood felt like it was boiling, and his mind felt clouded from the pain. His eyes shot open as a bright light illuminated his figure, the helicopter noisily hovering over the scene. He sat up while cradling his right side, even more ribs likely broken from the long fall. He was unsure if he was lucky since he was alive from the high fall, or unlucky for the car to have thrown him so high in the first place. He looked around him as the blinding light agitated him, getting a feel for the current situation. The car was sitting a ways away on the road, turned upside on the hood and currently leaking oil onto the pavement. He searched for the creature as well, but couldnt see a body anywhere he looked. A line of headlights lined the horizon, likely other drivers stopped some ways away to avoid getting caught in the pursuit. Alex pulled the side of his shirt apart, examining his side as best he could. Three large gashes lined his ribcage, slowly leaking blood that had covered half his black shirt in blood; though it looked more like a wet shirt from the rain, since his shirt was blacker than the blood itself. The pavement cracked on the other side of the overpass, as something hurled itself into the ground, which caused Alex to look up from his wound. The creature stood hunched over and heaving, the whites of its eyes now as red as its pupils. Its usual smile through the shadow was now opposite in its anger, and steam rhythmically plumed from it quickly. The creature growled as it stepped forward once, the pavement breaking under its foot with little resistance. Little insignificant rat! Ill snap your limbs like twigs! The creature snapped, drool frothing from its mouth and dropping onto the pavement. Alex tried to stand but felt a sharp pain through his leg, which he thought likely that the bone had broken. He was stuck in the middle of the highway, watched by cameras as he stared at the creature looming toward him. It took it steps slowly, a slight limp in its gait as it shambled forward. The damage of being shot in the ankles and ran over by a speeding car seemed to have taken all of the speed form it, leaving it with just its strength. It was regretful he couldnt move, as this would probably have been his only opportunity to get away. The creature arrived just outside of the spotlight that illuminated Alex as both their blood painted the concrete, Alexs red and the creatures an eerie black. It looked up at the helicopter hovering in the air, and then back down at Alex. The flies today are annoying. Was all it said, as it lifted its bleeding hand up and toward the helicopter. The blood began to release smoke slowly, and Alex was unsure of what the creature had planned. Its hand suddenly burst into flames, and at the same time, the helicopter burst open. The blades slowed as a black fire began collecting on the cockpit, the driver and cameraman screaming in agony as it descended. It collided with the overpass and burst into a ball of red flames, sending shrapnel flying everywhere and lodging some of the debris Alexs way. When the dust settled, all that resounded in the night was a cackling laugh and roaring flames. It continued laughing at the chaos as it spread its arms wide, pointing its face to the sky in its joy. When the laughter died, it looked back down at Alex in his injured state and smirked again, like a spider to the insect in its web. You. The creature said as it pointed at Alex, beginning another slow limp toward him. I was gonna kill you quickly before all this. Just feast, enjoy it all, and then silently leave. But no, not now. All this pain you brought me should be paid back ten fold. It stopped as it hovered over Alex, who had scooted back several feet as he left a trail of blood behind him. The creature looked at the trail and scooped up a bit of it with its finger, looking at it curiously. The pain i will make you feel now will be far worse than any hell you could ever begin to imagine, little creature. Alex watched the creature as it licked the blood from its finger, spitting out the bit of rubble that was mixed in. Alex knew he wouldnt last much longer, and it would be a some time before help arrived. He had to buy as much of it as possible, even if he asked stupid questions to get it to talk. ...Why? Hm? The creature looked confused, not sure at the basic question he had asked. Why do you take pleasure in all this? How can you enjoy living off of these...inhuman desires? The creature looked at Alex for a moment in a blank stare, before breaking out into a roaring laugh. When he quieted down, he kicked a pebble near his feet away as he stood up straight again. Alex noticed him wince from the pain. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. You have a lot to learn in this world, kid. Your kind, the humans, they died off long ago. You are the animals now, and we are the owners. The creature stated, looking around leisurely. Just look at the world around you, boy. The inhuman desires are what makes this world tick now, not your own ideal sense of humanity. The creature locked eyes with Alex. The look it gave him was like a lion playing with a gazelle before eating it. He crouched down and smirked again, shaking his head in a playful manner. Your peoples religion, their ideals, their past. It is all gone now. What is left of them are you and a handful of others. The dying breed of your kind. The creature stood again and looked at the sky. It stared at nothing for a moment before looking back at Alex. ...and its also why we met. Alex felt the pieces of the puzzle clicking into place. Why he was there, what he hadnt thought of till now. The scene behind the scenes, one he was supposed to know well yet knew nothing of. ...What are you talking about? Think about it, boy. REALLY think about it. The creature''s body gestures were getting more and more exaggerated and playful, which was good; it meant more time for help to arrive. He hoped it would arrive sooner rather than later though. This isnt the whole finding a needle in a haystack type of thing. Its about finding the needle after burning the haystack away. cause, you see. It gestured at him with its hand. You humans are really easy to find. I mean, how could you not be? The city keeps constant surveillance on you, all the people that know you can''t trust you, and you practically stink of human a mile away. It waved its hand playfully over its nose, as if a stench was somehow present. Do you know what you are? You are the finest meal in the city. The cream of the crop, something my kind will kill for to feast on; and they want you to live amongst us peacefully? The creature scoffed, throwing a rock behind it in the process. Your kind are not safe in this city. Not from me and my family, at least. I''ve already had several of you, and they were all... The creature closed its eyes and tilted its head, likely reminiscing at the memory. Alexs stomach was starting to turn at the images running through his head. ...like the blood of a god, really. At least how i imagined it would be, if such idiotic beings really existed. Alex was starting to think his plan had worked, as the creature was speaking as much as his own mind wandered when not faced with death. The creature drew another breath to speak when a howl in the distance stopped it, causing the both of them to look in its direction. A lone figure was bounding toward the pair, pure white hair gleaming from the fire nearby; a small pack lay on its pack, fastened tightly as it hugged the beasts body. It stopped on all fours, looking between Alex and the creature as it snarled, obviously hostile to both of them. Well, well. The hounds of the police force finally show up. The creature stated, still slightly in a playful mood it seemed. It stood up and eyed the new figure closely. ...A wolf? Ah, you must be one of the lycans from the Einar lineage. Bunch of mongrels you are, judging by this sheep in wolves clothing. The creature spat at the ground in front of the wolf, which growled deeper at him for the provocation. Yet, it did not move. It growled at Alex as well when he tried to move further from the creature, which caused the hairs on his neck to stand on end. How about we find out which one of us is the sheep. A deep, gravelly voice sounded out near the creature as an enormous figure appeared beside it. It was a figure of a half man, half wolf being known as a lycan, capable of shifting between the form of wolf and man freely on most nights. This one, Alex knew very well, simply for the scar on its right shoulder and the massive muscles that contracted beneath the fur. Not to mention the iconic snow white fur his family all shared. It was Matt, who was probably here to take over for Alexs search in the area. Alex couldnt help but relax at the big lug finally there to help out. Matt lunged at the creature, catching it off guard and tossing the both of them into the wooded area behind Alex. He looked back and listened at the chaotic battle erupting behind the trees, and saw tree tops disappear as wood cracked and cries rang out. The noises grew further and further away until Alex could barely hear them, before he returned to his senses. He looked back in the direction of the white furred wolf, only to find Matts sister stark naked and looking down at him with an upturned nose. He couldnt help but admit the view was enticing, but covered his eyes with his free arm while blushing slightly, and looked away. Hello, Siri. You, uh, should probably get dressed. Chapter 10: "Just the beginning..." Hey, readers. My bad at taking so long for this chapter, i was honestly being lazy... Well, that and Dark Souls III released... But i will say, that if anything, one chapter a week is the lowest release amount unless something happens. Anyways, enough of that. Hope you enjoy the chapter! --- ...Siri, is this position really necessary? Siri had taken the chance to cuddle up to his back, and began fixing Alex up with all different kinds of strange salves. He didn''t feel the concoctions were dangerous, as they were most likely made by grandma Belinda, but he was wondering if the current position was very useful in fixing his wounds. The situation wasnt helped either by her silent treatment or that her face never gave away what emotions she felt. She had always been this way since they were children, and was one of the reasons he had stopped visiting their house as a young child. ...Stay still. Siri stated, nudging his unhurt side and pushing him back into what she likely felt was a comfortable position. The only thing Alex could be grateful about in the whole charade, aside from the uncomfortably lose contact, was the fact that his pain was dissipating. ...You, are weak. I am stronger, so you do as i say. ...Fine. Alex watched as her hands pulled a variety of different bottles and cloth from the bag she had been wearing, that also had held the clothes she was wearing now. He actually felt it was strange that she had yelled at him after the comment he made, stating he was weak and couldn''t tell her what to do; and yet, here she was tending to his wounds like an older sister regardless. Her way of doing things was probably from the same person that taught her how to heal, her grandmother, who also looked down on those weaker. He couldnt blame her for looking up to her grandmother, as he had looked up to his father at one point, and decided to not fight it. That, and the braless breasts in contact with his back were taking a lot of his attention. Siri seemed satisfied with the treatment after several more minutes, and stood up and sniffed the air. Alex noticed the gesture and sniffed as well, the smell of blood permeating it slightly with the battle in the forest. A tree cracked in the distance, likely felled by the battle that was still going on in the woods. Alex was beginning to think the fight would never end, when the sounds got closer and the two fighters appeared in full view. He stood as the two fighters landed on the concrete nearby, facing each other and breathing heavily. This fight is pointless. The creature said, one eye closed as blood dripped down the side of his face. Alex wondered how the black fog that hid his face was still active, but he didnt really know how a lot of supernatural powers worked. Then you shouldnt have attacked my friend. Matt said while growling, clearly still raring to go even with the cuts and bruises lining his arms and legs. He began circling the creature in a predator like motion, waiting for the creature to lower his guard. You wont help? Alex asked Siri, noticing her hands balled into fist and clenched tight. ...No, brother is strong. No need. Was all she stated, watching the fight intently. Matt suddenly charged, swiping at the creature''s face as it barely dodged. It counterattacked, hitting Matt right in the gut and pushing him back several feet. The creature jumped in pursuit, while matt slid to a stop and pushed off the ground. He ducked under the creature''s arm and swiped at its chest, spewing blood across his own back that sizzled and caused him to cry out. The two stood opposite each other again, watching one another. Matts muscles gave off heat as he readied himself for the next bout, and the creature pulled its left arm behind it and a black light began shining. The two sat in silence as they readied themselves, but the creature noticed the wolven ears on Matt''s head twitch. It spoke in a low voice, and then looked off down the interstate behind Matt in understanding. Well, looks like this is the end of the line here for me. The creature stated, glancing at Alex and stepping backwards. Ill see you again, food. Oh, and you can just call me The Lord''s Shadow. Ta-ta! The creature jumped backwards and disappeared, putting everyone on edge at its next move in case it was lying at what it had said. Alex could now hear sirens blaring in the distance, heading toward them as it signalled the police and ambulance had finally arrived. Alex let out his held breath, happy to be rid of the threat to his life;for now, at least. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. --- Alex sat in the back of the ambulance, eyes closed and thinking about the day''s events. Mostly, he was pondering on what he had been told by the so called Lord''s Shadow. Some nonsensical thoughts creeped in, like how Lord''s Shadow was such a cringe-worthy title, but mostly about the new threat the man brought to his life. He could no longer roam the city alone in his detective duties, likely assigned a partner to ride along with him from now on when he went back for active duty. The chief had called him, and given him several days off the force to rest up. He was very thankful for that, as hed likely go home and sleep for three days straight after it all. He breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back into the seat, listening to the commotion outside the vehicle. A knock on the door to the ambulance caused him to open his eyes, wondering who it was now that wanted to talk. Yea, come in. The door opened quickly and Matt and his sister slipped in and sat down. Matt sat across from Alex near the driver''s side of the vehicle away from the door. Siri sat a foot away from Alex on the same seat, pulling a book out and quietly reading. The covering was worn, so Alex couldnt tell what it was. Hey Alex, sorry about all this. Its all my fault. Matt stated solemnly, removing a bandage wrapped around his wrist. The scar that used to be there had all but healed already, which Alex was a little jealous of since half his own body was wrapped in bandages. Its fine, and it wasnt your fault. Its not as if you knew this was gonna happen, right? Was all Alex said, leaning back again and closing his eyes. He twitched a bit when his side stung, but the pain faded as quickly as it hit. No, i mean.. Matt, stop. You have nothing to apologize for. In fact... Alex began, pausing for a breath. ...Your car was totaled, so i should be the one saying sorry. Nah, man. I got insurance on it, so its covered. I just feel bad for putting you in this position. Alex opened his left eye slightly, locking eyes with Matt. He closed it again, understanding why Matt was apologizing so much. ...They want you to get an apology accepted from me, dont they? Yea... Matt said, sighing as he wringed the back of his neck. ...The boss chewed my ass out, and is forcing me to apologize. So he knows im from the Rosemary family, yea? ...Yea...in fact... Oh, no. Seriously? Alexs brow creased, an ominous feeling surfacing. Why cant they just leave me alone? Because i care about you, Alex dear. Elises voice drifted into his ears as the door to the ambulance opened. Even if we fight, you ARE my only son. She stepped into the ambulance and sat next to Matt, nodding at him as he scooted to the side awkwardly to make room. Siri looked up from the book at the door, where two figures entered from and sat down. The first figure was a face he hadnt seen in a long time, who sat next to his mother. The other figure was one he had seen a lot more recently, far more than since they broke up. The last figure closed the door slowly, sitting next to the first figure. He also now knew who had hired his ex-fiance, his older sister. The raven black hair, with a tinge of red, was undeniably familiar; everyone in his close family had the same color hair, after all. Hey Alex. Victoria said, eyeing the bandages covering Alexs body. Her brow twitched when she saw the blood staining the injury on the side of his stomach. His sister sat quietly, looking at the bandages as well. Her eyes lingered on the bloody spot a lot longer than the rest of them. So, Alex. After the fight we had, and you left, i and your father went home. Elise stated, crossing her legs under the blood red skirt. After that, i sat down and began writing up on my paperwork when a servant entered my study hurriedly. And do you know what he said? She asked,cocking an eyebrow as her brow lowered. He said my son, who was a human, was caught on camera for the morning news running at the speed of a car on the interstate. Chapter 11: "Cat fight..." Hey readers, added in a tag i took out to not confuse people. Needed to introduce the characters and such first or it''d be a boring read to some people who don''t see any of that certain tag yet in the story. It''s a rather slow story, i''ll admit, but it will eventually add up into a fleshed out work; and also, help me write better! On another note, i''ve set myself a one chapter a week deadline that will probably be fulfilled every end of the week.(My time) Anyways, enjoy! ----- Alex scratched at his cheek awkwardly, when the video on the phone in front of him played what was caught from the helicopter earlier that night. He had to admit, that him running at the time was far faster than anything hed ever done. That wasnt to say he hadnt experienced things not normal for a human, but he hadnt been capable of this before. He looked his mother in the eyes after he paused the video, not sure what to say. What could he say? There wasnt really an answer he could give her himself. He mulled over it a moment but sighed, shrugged half-heartedly, and gave up. You were right, its best i go get myself checked out. Was all he said, leaning back and staring at the ceiling. Good. Elise stated, bobbed her head approvingly, and then started typing away on her phone. Matt, along with Siri, were quiet in the vehicle in the presence of Alexs mother. He didnt notice, but sweat flowed down their brows. Victoria sighed in relief, for she knew just how stubborn Alex could be sometimes. Isnt that great, Zue? Victoria asked the girl next to her, which caused Alexs forgetful mind to place a name with a face once more. His older sister, by a millennium or so, was named Zurie. He was told by his father a family friend had chosen the name, but he hadnt really cared enough to pry further into its origin. He also hated saying the full name, hence why he had given her the Zue nickname as a child; it seemed it had stuck. Yes, it is. The pale girl, Zue, stated with a hint of a smile on her lips. Alex realized everyone in his family had black hair with a tinge of red in it; well, all except him. His hair was a plain black, the odd one out as always. A knock broke the melancholy in the vehicle, which caused Elise to wave her hand at Victoria to open the door. Alex didnt notice the head that popped into the vehicle while lost in thought, oblivious to the newcomer. It didnt stop the cold shiver that went up his spine when he heard the voice, though. I am here for the promised check-up, Alex. The voice stated which caused Alex to flinch. Matt hadnt missed the movement, his brow raised slightly in curiosity. The woman, dressed in a lab coat, stepped into the vehicle with Elises wave inwards. The vehicle was getting rather cramped with all the people in it, numbered at six with the newest addition. ...Maya? Yes? The zombie woman, Maya, looked up at the question Alex had spoken in confusion. Why are you the lead medic here? Ah, the chief gave me the go ahead to leave the facility. Itll be fine as long as i don''t sit outside too long. Maya parked her rear in between Siri and Alex, which caused Siri to growl a bit involuntarily. She quickly stopped and buried her head deeper into the book, but Alex could see her piercing glare from the corner of his eye still. Aw, worried about me? My cars still running the AC nice and cool, so no worries. Alex shrugged his shoulders, ready to be over and done with the whole test. One thing he was happy for was that the constant flirting she did with him would be far less than it usually was; at least, he hoped for his own sanity, that she wouldnt flirt with so many others around them. Maya pulled a bag from her side and sat it down on her lap, going through it silently. Alex almost sighed in relief until Matt spoke up, ignited with curiosity. So, are you two? Hm? Maya looked up with a lowered brow, seemingly annoyed at her concentration taken from her tools. The question clicked in her mind a second later, her brow rising again as an amused smirk crossed her face. Big guy, thats all up to mister grumpy over here. Maya gestured her thumb at Alex, who listened silently with a blank face. Ive tried many ways to jump his bones, but nothing works. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Wait, what!? Victoria, who had been watching the scene outside quietly, turned around and pushed her upper body toward Maya quickly. Her eyes looked as if theyd pop out of their sockets at any moment. The book in Siris hands slid off and landed with a thunk on the metal flooring, her eyes with a hint of dangerous light in them. Matts back was against the ambulance wall behind him, his arms braced in front of him at the possible cat fight about to erupt. Alex eyed his mother and sister, who didnt seem to really care about the current strange situation; he might not have believed it before either, that three women would be fighting over him. Sadly, he knew at least two of them that were only in it for his familys power, while the other was only a placebo effect from drugs to keep her from eating him. He had heard of Siris case long ago, and the reason he had stopped visiting Matt to play long ago in his childhood. Victoria''s case was found out after they had gotten together, and the whole ritual incident had already occurred. It pressed a couple buttons of his that they didnt care about his own personal feelings, and instead focused on what he was; or worse, what they desired from him. He felt like a giant slab of the world''s best steak being fought over, and it was making him sick. Stop. His mothers voice hit everyone there with an oppressive force, which stopped them all in their seats. Alex felt, for that brief moment, as if a lion sleeping in the vehicle had woken up angrily. He looked at the others as they sat frozen, noticing they were in a far worse position as some looked slightly blue in the face. Mayas shoulders twitched after he waited several moments, and quickly reached into her bag on her lap. She found what she looked for quickly, pulling strange tubes, needles, and even a touch screen computer out of the bag. Alex hadnt seen this style of check up equipment before, but he hadnt missed a facility checkup since they started. He felt a free checkup to see if everything was fine was worth dodging the dead womans advances. Maya gestured for Alexs arm, so he rolled the sleeve up and stuck the arm out as he was used to. Maya grabbed it with her right hand and squeezed a bit, likely checking for the veins in his arm. Victoria could be heard grumpily murmuring while Siri growled a bit under her breath at the action. Alex noticed the smug look Matt gave him, and felt that the man needed a good punch in the face right now. Unfortunately, his own arm was currently receiving a needle that needed him to stay still. Maya picked up several stethoscope like patches and gestured for Alex to raise his shirt, which he had to do awkwardly. Matt made annoying whistling noises in the background. Victoria was the one who most likely gulped loudly, but he couldn''t be sure as his eyes were focused angrily on Matt. Alex noticed the dead womans fevered breathing as she placed the patches over his heart and stomach, and then one on his arm above the needle. He shivered a bit at the cold feeling, and felt as if he was back in the hospital like he was in the incident that revealed his humanity; it was also where he had met Victoria the first time when she was a nurse, which he learned after they broke up was just a cover job. His mood had turned sour as the machine in Mayas hands whirred to life, projecting all different kinds of information on it. Mayas brow furrowed while she looked at the screen, which caused Elise to uncross her legs and lean closer. What did you find? Huh. Thats weird. Maya said in a half unbelieving tone. ...Theres nothing wrong with him according to the readings. Wait, how is that possible? Victoria cut in, having not believed he could be fine with what she had seen in the video. Alex watched them bicker along at not believing the readings, having known they would turn up normal. He had, secretly, found out that human blood accelerated the vampiric genes in his blood when he was out in the countryside. He had kept it hidden for as long as he could, and it was a temporary effect anyways; if there was no harm done, what good would it be to worry those around him? The problem now, was that the cat was out of the bag. He had a choice, to say nothing and wait or to fess up and get it over with. Chapter 12: "Day off...?" Hey readers, newest chapter up and at ''em! Just wanted to state that i''ll be going back and working on the ''prologue'' and chapter one, hopefully fixing it to be a better hook and foreshadowing the future to the story a bit. Hope you enjoy! --- The sun crept across the carpet, cascading onto a bed positioned just below the window. Birds chirped amongst the morning light, and an arm raised the covers to reveal a figure beneath them. The hair shone with a faded glint of charcoal, and the eyes much the same color slowly opened. The figure muttered slowly to itself as it sat upright, the body aching far too much from the night before. Eyes trailed over another figure hidden in the covers, not there when it went to sleep the night before. Hands slowly lifted to reveal the figure beneath it, the other sighing deeply. Victoria, out. The figure muttered to the one lying down, one of her eyes opening to meet the others. But Its so warm Alex. Victoria stated seductively, before pulling the cover back over her head. Five more minutes. No. Alex stated, his voice low but groggy after waking. Out. Alex sat for a moment waiting for the woman to move, but gave up and decided to shower. He locked the door behind him to make sure the vixen wouldnt have an even easier way into the bathroom, not that she could get in there regardless. His boxers were stripped and the water turned on as lukewarm as he could possibly get it. The sleep was slowly drifting off his warming skin, when he heard a knock nearby. Go away, Victoria. Alex stated, but the knock happened again several seconds later. This knock was much closer though, right beside his face. He peered through the soap filled view only to find Patricias ghostly arm phasing in, aimed at the bottle of body soap. The ghostly limb disappeared just as quick as it came, leaving Alex still uncomfortable at how easily she had access to his apartment. The only good part of that was that she had no sex drive, and thus did not care for his nude figure. Both of these women near him seemed to have access to his apartment, yet he felt theyd easily break any more expensive equipment hed install to counteract them. Victoria had already broken several on her own, going so far as to even come over more to test her skills out against the defences. Hed given up on having them installed, though thankfully was reimbursed by her when she broke them. He knew she was loaded enough from her jobs to afford her own place, yet she always tried to stay over at his. Whether it was to get in his bed, which she was successful at, or to get into his family was the real question. Very likely both. His mind trailed of again to the night before, at whether or not he should tell them of his capability. He had chosen to keep silently and let it all play out, which worked quite well as everything had been quickly wrapped up. A quick toweling off and new boxers on was all Alex could manage before Victoria barged through the bathroom door. Her eyes were childlike and mischievous, but were soon filled with horror at missing the opportunity to catch him showering. The small and curvy woman stomped angrily out of the bathroom, and Alex finished changing shortly after. He opted for just deodorant and a quick brushing through his hair for personal hygiene upkeep, not feeling up to fixing the dead eyes or dry skin of his. When he entered the kitchen, Victoria was rummaging through his cupboards with items he didnt remember being there before. Victoria, what is all this? Huh? The small girls head twirled in his direction, which caused her hair to catch on a can of uh-ohs. It bumped her forehead on the way down, bouncing off of her chest in a funny way. Ow! Alex chuckled at the strange comedy act she was playing out, hoping it wasnt actually an act to lower his guard around her. You had it coming to you. Alex stated as he picked the rolling can off the floor, placing it on the island counter and sitting down. I told you you''re not allowed to stay here. Victoria turned her attention to Alex, her body swaying playfully toward him. I bought a lot of tasty food, though. Victoria stated, leaning into the counter across from him. Besides, you need someone here to watch for anything bad. Alex grimaced at the flashbacks he was experiencing of the night before, and of the strange man. The black mist that had obscured his face set his teeth on edge, and reminded him of the recurring dream he had been having now and then. It didnt help that many vampires wore black veils during the day, which was likely the direct cause of said dreams. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Alex returned to reality only to have a puppy eyed Victoria shoving her own face into his. He pushed her back to her side of the counter, and stood up with a scowl. Fine, you can stay. He could see the delight in her eyes the moment he said that. -but you sleep on the couch. Any funny business, and your gone. Clear? Yup! Victoria yelled, leaping up and into his chest. He peeled her off just as quick, but she didnt seem to mind as she started humming a tune. He sighed and headed for the door, ready to get his inspection over and done with at the lab at work. --- The B.R.E. building was far more alive than he was used to at night, that it sent his mind reeling. Big and small, round and skinny, there were all kinds of different shapes and sizes of people outside the building as he pulled up. He drove around the block several times, only finding a place after cutting into a spot that was just freed before another car took it. The big man seemingly made of stone eyed Alex menacingly as he drove away, but he just shrugged it off and walked on toward the building. The check in station was filled to the brim with too long a line for Alex to wait patiently in it. He pulled out his badge as several people in the line scowled at him walking past. He showed the badge to the woman at the counter, who scanned him quickly and let him through. Alex arrived quickly at the ward that was set up for medical purposes, but here too was full of way more bodies than he was comfortable with. His eyes scanned through the crowd as he walked toward Mayas room, the only person he really knew in this area. He found the door cracked and slipped into the room quickly, his heart racing being surrounded by so many strangers. He scanned the room but didnt see anyone here, so he sat down at the desk and waited for Maya to come back to her office. He waited for long enough to doze off to sleep from the boredom. The seductive chuckle from Maya woke him quickly, giving him enough time to jump out of the way before she sat on his lap. Maya landed on the chair hard, a grunt escaping her lips at the unexpected seat. She pouted for a moment before chuckling at Alexs position sprawled against the wall. He walked over and grabbed the chair on the other side of the desk, sitting down hurriedly. Here for the follow up, i assume. She stated, her eyes flying over a sheet on a clipboard on the desk. ...Or were you here for little ol me? The follow up. Alex stated unamused, ready to leave as soon as possible and back into bed. Ok, but the chief wants a word first. Maya gestured to the door, where the chief entered from as if on cue. Alex felt the day get a lot longer than he was expecting it to be. Alex, good to have you back and on your feet. The chief stated, gesturing to the door as another figure entered. This is your mentor, Roselyne, yes? Roselyne smiled at Alex where he sat, nodding her head toward him in greeting. He nodded back, unsure why she was here. Yes, she is. Is there a reason you brought Roselyne along, chief? Ah, yes. Well. The chief fidgeted slightly, only continuing after Roselyn nudged him. You see, the events recently have opened my eyes to a much bigger picture. Alex hated where this was going, but had guessed it would happen seeing the circumstances. So to make sure theres no more attacks as this on you, we decided it best to give you a partner. Rose grabbed out the door and pulled a slightly smaller version of herself into the room. This Ginling, though, had blood red hair instead of the normal black all Ginling women had. It was also cut almost as short as his own, but flying in every different direction in a chaotic way. The womans innocent looking eyes met Alexs, but moved to the wall beside him as a blush crossed her face. This is my daughter, Rose. Roselyn stated, Rose saluting in a military manner almost on reflex. Shes new, but shes gone through basic training and can handle most weapons quite well. Take good care of her for me Alex. ...Will do. Alex stated, the enthusiasm nonexistent in his voice. Chapter 13: "Persistent..." Hey readers, new chapter here. Not sure if i went too far with Maya scene... or not far enough... Ah well, she is how she is. Also, new prologue + chapter one up tomorrow or day after, should be done with the editing by then. Cheers! ---------- Alright then, lets leave the poor boy alone. The chief stated as he gestured the Ginling family out the door. Maya, i want a full review of the tests when your done. Will do chief! Maya saluted, her arm raised to her forehead as she continued to peruse her clipboard. The chief shook his head as he closed the office door behind him, the room silent again except for the pages being flipped. Alex turned back around in his chair and sat in the awkward silence, and mulled over his new partner. She seemed fresh out of training, and worse yet, he was to mentor her if he was to judge the situation. It did peeve him a bit that Roselyne went out of her way to set this up though, since there had to be far better teachers than him in the force. He felt there were definitely a lot better teachers that could protect her, not send her off into the clusterfuck he was now in after the recent incident. The best bet would have been Roselyne herself, but family members were immediately removed from the pool of trainers for obvious reasons. Worse still, as icing on the cake, was his current assignment; The unsolvable case that still plagued him. Hed all but forgotten he had it till now. Too many things to deal with at the moment. Was all he could think, and shrugged the thoughts away. Alright, take your shirt off. Maya stated as she jumped up off the chair. The clipboard slammed against the desk and threw the pen holder off from the force. Wait...what? Shirt. Off. Maya stated playfully as she headed toward the cupboards behind the exam table. She looked back at Alex with a bewitching smile. Now, hurry. Dont keep a girl waiting. Alex sighed at what was to come, and prepped himself for the sexual harassment. --- So, whats the diagnosis? Alex asked Maya, who had a needle in his arm again. ...stop rubbing my nipple. Aw, sensitive much? Maya asked as she slowed her finger to a crawl. ...Yes, i am. He stated as his brow cocked toward her. His body lurched a bit when she flicked him. ...and we are at work, so please restrain yourself. Maya gasped, her free hand lifted off his body and onto her mouth playfully. Is that an invitation i hear? No. Alex stated, his eyes shut in annoyance. Its not. Maya giggled and looked at the syringe, the tube almost completely red. With the tube filled with blood, more than enough for the test, Alex breathed a sigh of relief. He hated his blood being taken, since it always left him woozy. Okay, big lug. Maya stated as she patted his shoulder. Now we just have the physical test to do. ...Yea. Dont do it...Don''t do it... Here. Maya stated, plopped into her chair, and spread her legs. Alex kept his eyes on the wall, to make sure he wouldnt fall for the same old trick again. She had done this on every physical, and the first time it caught him off guard. The image still hadnt left his mind, since she hadnt worn anything under her skirt that day. It was likely she hadnt even known she forgot to wear anything, which was the worst part. It was surprisingly bare. He was only slightly ashamed to have used the image at the sperm donor facility. Alex heard Maya mutter The joke never works... under her breath, then heard her jump up off the chair enthusiastically. He heard the treadmill whirr to life, finally relieved the joke was over. He looked over at the machine only find Mayas large butt bent right in front of him, which prompted a flush across his face. He quickly looked up and away as she found what she had dropped. Hm? Whats wrong? Maya asked, as a dangerous smile creeped into the corner of her mouth. She knew what she had done, and it was on purpose at that. She still got me... Alex walked over to the machine annoyed and stepped onto the belt. Maya sat down and ogled Alex like she always did, and jotted in her clipboard she had picked up earlier. He had become used to this part, and it was usually the last of the tests she would do. Alex thought to himself that it would only get worse if he accepted her advances. Not to mention, the fact that she only felt lust for him due to a biologically want to feast on his flesh. He would feel horribly guilty afterwards if he had used her like Victoria had used him in the past. The machine nearby beeped its signal that the blood test was done, and Maya checked on it as he finished the jog in a sweat. Blood told far more than it used to; and rightfully so, as some races depended solely on it to survive. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Nothing wrong it seems, everything''s the same as always. Maya stated, then frowned in thought. ...still doesnt explain the sudden burst in speed though. She threw the clipboard down on the exam table, her hands in the air. Whatever, not my place to question the readings. She stated. The big-wigs can figure it all out. You''re free to go hun. Alex threw his shirt back on and headed for the door; Maya followed after as she tried to get his personal address out of him, only for the door to close in her face. He passed by the chiefs office, and noticed Rose seated stiffly beside Roselyne as they watched an introduction video. It was the one all new employees watched when they joined the B.R.E., or the police force for that matter. It affirmed his suspicions that she was brand new, which only made the matter worse. He shook his head and got back into his car, ready to be home and asleep already. --- While on the road home and bored out of his mind, Alex lost himself in thought. The tests were mostly for abnormalities, but all things considered He had ran as fast as a car, so there would definitely still be questioning. It wasnt as easy to play off when they had caught it all on camera. Luckily, his family seemed to have tied down loose ends and made this whole thing hushed. The Rosemary family were at least useful to keep him under the radar and out of sight; Then again, he knew it was likely his uncle Ricks doing, as the guy seemed to have a soft spot for Alex. He had some problems though, like being too rowdy and very cocky; two things that didnt mix well. The alcohol didnt help. Elise likely had a hand in the instigation for Rick to hide as much as possible in the first place, so he had to go thank her as well. Too many people had a hand in his life at the moment, and it didnt make him feel comfortable at all. Alex pulled into his usual spot at the apartment, turned the car off, and hopped out quickly. He fumbled with his keys as he skipped up the steps, in front of the door before he found the right one. It was here that he finally noticed a strange black bar that lined the doorway, not there when he had left. ...Did Victoria do something? Was all he could think as he unlocked the door and proceeded in. He looked around the apartment for any changes, and sure enough, the strange black bars lined some of the walls and ceiling as well. The only change to the items about the apartment was both a toothbrush and TV remote moved from where he left them, and a half empty glass of water on the island counter. He found Victoria passed out in his bed, her head sunk into the pillow and the covers thrown about. She was wearing lingerie that revealed a lot of skin, and a strange smile was spread across her sloppy face. Drool slid down from her mouth that soaked the pillow beneath her, and strange giggling escaped her throat every now and then. Alex threw his hands in the air and decided it wasnt worth it to wake her up, so he left the room and shut the door quietly. He sat on the couch and turned the TV on, which was tuned to a sappy romance channel that made Alex roll his eyes. He flipped through them silently, the TV on mute, until he settled on a cartoon he used to watch when he was a child. Satisfied with the choice, he placed the remote on the table and laid down sluggishly. He enjoyed two episodes before his mind started to doze off, ready to finally sleep. -- Alex jumped awake suddenly when he heard glass break nearby. He lifted his body sluggishly to find the source, which was on the kitchen floor in pieces. It was the same glass that had been on the counter when he got home, though it was nowhere near enough to the edge to fall off. Alex leaned down to clean up the glass pieces, only to fall sideways as the apartment abruptly shook. Confused, he tried to stand up; only to fall backwards and hit his head when the apartment shook violently once more. The pain shot through his neck as he laid still, not ready for his head to split open against the linoleum again. He was now very confused as to what was going on. The last recorded earthquake was hundreds of years ago in this city, and he remembered that most natural disasters were known long before they happened. He hoped, and preferred, that this was an earthquake; otherwise, the situation would be a lot worse than just a glass or two broken by the end. Chapter 13.5: "Attack..." Hey readers, a bit small of a chapter this time. I wanted to make it the same size as the rest, but i''ve been sick the past several days sadly. Not to mention, it flows better if the perspective changes are done separately. Too many views in one chapter can be disorienting. I do hope it''s still a good read though, as i always hope for it! Enjoy~ --- --- Focus: Victoria --- You little pest, stay the fuck out of this! The stupid woman stated, whom Victoria had to deal with now on a consistent basis; which infuriated her to no end after several days of similar repeated fights. It also annoyed her that the stupid woman was tall, something Alex had a preference for in women. She had come to notice his eyes lingered a bit longer on women taller than him. Would you be quiet? Victoria stated in an annoyed tone, and rolled her eyes as she dodged the giant blade aimed for her neck. What were you saying, Elder Sister? Uh, shouldnt you deal with that first? The woman on the other end asked, perplexion in her tone. No, its fine. The stupid woman swung again, her blade just out of reach of a single strand of hair. Victoria had learned every move she made, and believed she could now dodge it as if against a child with a stick. So, what was it you said? Oh, uh...Yea. The Elder Sisters voice went a tone higher, uncertainty in the pitch. Wh-What was it you asked? Oh, for the love of- Victoria disappeared from the stupid womans sight, and appeared behind her in the shadow of the next building over. She made her presence known to the stupid woman with a dagger made of shadow to the back of her head. The dagger caused the stupid woman to be dazed, which bought Victoria some time to talk. I asked you what i should do with Alex next. Oh, right... The Elder Sister stated, before she continued. What have you done so far? Hm Well, ive tried the no place to stay excuse, and it kinda worked, but everything else has failed. Victoria spoke unhurried, and then breathed in deeply to prepare for the long winded statement. Tripping into his arms, slipping under the covers at night, no clothes on when he enters the room, trying to bathe together, and wearing lingerie while i pretended to sleep. None of those have worked. She surmised. Im pretty much out of ideas. Oh, wow. The Elder Sister paused for several seconds. M-Maybe hes gay then? What!? A vein could be seen on Victorias forehead from the sudden outburst of anger. Th-there''s no way hes gay! His eyes trail to all my exposed spots when he thinks im not looking, so hes definitely into women! Well, if he can fend off all of those attacks... Ive had sex with Alex before, Elder Sister. Her cheeks and ears turned a shade pinker at the statement. I-I know he likes women... Well you could... Victoria didn''t have the chance to hear more of what she said as the stupid womans charge reached where Victoria stood. Victoria slipped to the side and out of the large blades way, a large gash opened into the shingled wall. Her palm landed cleanly on the stupid womans chin, which threw her into the side of a car in the parking lot. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Could we not do this now? Victoria asked the stupid woman, in the hope that shed just walk away. Nah, im just getting started. The stupid woman stated as she rubbed the blood off her lip with her tongue. Victoria rolled her eyes and jumped to the roof of the building behind her; The stupid woman dislodged her body from the side of the car and jumped after her as she shoved her hands into the building to climb after Victoria stubbornly. -oh, you could also try to pretend to be hurt and have him carry you to the bed! The Elder Sister stated excitedly, which Victoria had only now noticed had talked during that entire exchange. The Elder Sister had now started to pant, which caused Victoria to cringe a bit. Elder sister? She called out as she dodged another swing of the blade; It landed on the roof instead, which threw shrapnel of the shingles in every direction. Um, the panting is... ''Oh, excuse me.'' The Elder Sister stated as she coughed. ''-but yes, showing him your injured figure may do something; Or rather, any of the options i stated could possibly work.'' ...I think ill just go with pretending to be injured. Victoria stated, unsure how long this talk would continue if she said she hadnt heard the other choices. The stupid woman swung again, but this time it threw her off her balance as the giant blade was swung too wide. Victoria took this chance to aim at the back of her neck to knock her out; but the woman surprised Victoria when she used the swings momentum to twirl back around and struck her in the abdomen. Ugh! Victoria called out as she crashed through the roof and crushed a table beneath her. Her mind went hazy after the blunt hit to her stomach, and writhed as the pain suddenly hit her. She looked for the stupid womans figure through the hole in the roof, but instead heard the womans blade as it scraped the ground nearby. Victoria realized this was Alexs apartment after she saw the island counter, but was horrified to find the stupid woman crouched on top of it as she looked at the linoleum floor. Victoria noticed Alexs feet stick out from the end of the counter, which caused her heartbeat to suddenly quicken. The stupid woman had finally come close enough to see Alex for herself, and a smile stretched from ear to ear as she raised the large sword. Finally found whats mine to take. The stupid woman stated, as the giant blade in her hand turned red. No...I wont let you kill him! Victoria yelled in her mind, as the memories of their time together flooded her thoughts. She clenched her teeth through the pain, and her eyes began to glow in a light that lit the room in a pale violet. "Hes not yours...Hes mine!" Chapter 14: "Too high level..." Hey readers, chapter 14 here and ready to read!~ I''ve found this chapter went by a lot smoother than any other i''ve written, and i hope it reads better than the others too. That would mean writing this story paid off, as i would be getting better at it! Go ahead and leave a comment stating if its better or worse, i''d love to hear your opinion! Enjoy!~ --- When the dust settled around him, Alex couldn''t help but feel he had bad luck; who else would experience this much chaos in the span of several days? He laid prone on the floor, gun held haphazardly in front of his chest. His heart beat wildly at the thought of what could have possibly made that much destruction so quickly, yet he feared to lift himself to check. He looked slowly toward the new opening in his ceiling, ready to marvel at the destruction and maybe catch a glimpse of the perpetrator. What he found, was a large body hunched on the counter above him. The slim yet muscular figure could easily be eight feet tall, yet it seemed to have the contours of a predator built for speed; it entranced him, but also gave him warning that this new presence was one that trained its body for something. He had a bad feeling it was built to hunt. Finally found whats mine to take. The figure stated, its voice feminine but deeper than he was used to hearing. The line set his mind into overdrive, but the pearly white teeth sent shivers down his spine; They shone through the moonlit shadow that covered the figures body. The woman, he guessed it to be, lifted a thick and long sword that seemed impossibly heavy; The thing was longer than Alexs own height, and the thickness to it made it more of a bludgeoning weapon than a cutting one. A sinister, red light crept up the large blade slowly, like death itself ready to take him. The gun below him was ready to fire as soon as she swung, and his legs were poised to dodge as quickly as he could muster; a limb or two gone wouldnt matter much if he was still alive. Who knows, maybe his vampiric powers enabled limb regrowth; hed heard the stories of some of the older vampires capable enough to sew it back on and walk it off like it was nothing. Hes not yours...Hes mine! Alex heard the scream as violet light began to shine from behind the counter. The woman that stood poised and ready to strike reacted, but only quick enough to catch a violet streak of light that hurled her through Alexs fridge. The ball of light soon followed after the woman into where his bedroom used to be, and out into the parking lot. He lifted his body enough to look through the new hole in his wall, but could only catch glimpses of blinding violet light. It moved too quickly for even his own enhanced eyes, not to mention the hole was only large enough for him to stand in. He wasnt sure, but the scream sounded eerily similar to Victorias voice; It was slightly lower though, and had a strange echo about it. Alex placed the gun in his holster as he knew it was useless at this point. He stood up as his back ached, and walked toward the hole as flashes of violet splashed his sight. His bedroom had been torn to bits by that one hit, his bed thrown against the wall and the drawer on the floor and broken. He arrived at the hole and noticed something immediately; none of the street lights or apartments gave light to the surroundings. Even the moonlight, unclouded in the sky, seemed much dimmer than normal. Was it the violet light that took the light from the surroundings? ...Its the only thing i know of that could. Alex thought, his mind reeling from the capabilities this power seemed to have. Alex remembered everything about victoria was always purple in color; so it was very likely she was the one that currently pushed the woman around like a ragdoll. He had never truly seen her capabilities in action, but this was against what the rumors had stated. Hed heard the title Shadow of Death, and even the title Shadows Keeper; but none that mentioned this violet light her body seemed to give off. The speed alone she exhibited in this form was incredibly fast, and was likely only visible to Alex as afterimages. The woman that had attacked them had flown around like a ragdoll without even touching the pavement below her since he began to watch the scene. Alex sat at the new opening and focused on his eyes, and hoped to see more of the battle currently taking place; He felt just a tinge of guilt that this fight was about him, yet he was incapable of doing anything with his powerless human body. So hed watch the one that decided to protect the weak him. With his eyes focused, he could now see Victoria better. Her form was of a pure violet light, but it was definitely hers; He looked at it enough to notice it anywhere, but hed never state that out loud. He noticed two blades of the same color in both of her hands, that she swung each time she passed by the woman. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. It looked to him like Victoria had toyed with the woman, as she hadnt let her feet touch the ground to get a foothold even once. Well, shes always had a strange temper when it dealt with me... Alex thought as Victoria swiped the greatsword again, while the blade in her other hand left a scar across the womans arm. The woman had begun to get frustrated, her brow scrunched and her teeth bared in anger. A red light gathered near her chest and expanded quickly, which knocked the violet covered Victoria back several feet. It was only for a moment, but it was all the woman needed to get a foot back on the ground. She swung at Victoria who had charged again, but the blade whizzed by several inches above her; but from this, Victoria couldnt get close enough to deal any damage. She stopped her rush, and the violet light that shone from her body seemed to disappear into a black hole. She was soon only a black silhouette, hardly noticeable even to Alexs slightly enhanced eyes; even stranger, the wisps of black that lept off her body messed with his concentration. Cursed child, what a fitting title that is for you! The tall woman yelled, and then stabbed her greatsword into the ground. Red light expanded from the center of her stomach outward until it was a full circle around her body. Alex couldnt help but blink in surprise,not at the power itself butThat she looked alarmingly like a very tall human woman. Her body was thin yet muscular, tattoos lined her dark skin, and her dark brown hair met her waist. He recognized the common features to this particular race easily, mainly because they had fascinated him as a child. She was an Amazonian, a thought to be long extinct cousin to the human race. Victorias figure blurred into view in front of the Amazonian while Alex had ogled her. She struck it with black daggers several times in quick succession, but only small cuts appeared. The cuts dissipated after several seconds while the two stared at each other, and then Victorias figure vanished from sight again. Several shard of black appeared around the orb and struck it, but they bounced off with only the same small damage as before. Everything went quiet, neither of the fighters moved from where they were; or at least Alex thought so, as he hadnt seen Victoria anywhere in his view. He felt a tap on his shoulder suddenly, which startled him out of his concentration. He turned around to find Victoria as she stood limply behind him, her arm cradled over her stomach. We need to leave. She stated, and pulled Alexs arm with enough strength to send him onto his feet easily. She cringed a bit and held her side tighter, but continued to pull him away from the hole. He looked back at the Amazonian, who faced away from them and still prepared for battle. He wondered at what point she would figure out they had left, and hoped it would be enough time to get away. He grabbed the keys thrown onto the floor near the untouched couch, and followed Victoria''s shadow like figure out the door and down the metal stairs outside. You little shit! Where are you!? The Amazonian screamed loudly, which caused Alex to drop the keys he had prepared to put into the car door. Victoria grabbed his arm and yanked him over the fence in front of his car. She pushed him behind a dumpster in the alleyway of two buildings, and poised herself on guard. The Amazonian fell from the sky just as Alex peeked out of the corner, and crushed his car beneath her feet. It sent a shiver down his spine as her sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, and he ducked back behind it just as she swept her sight over where he was. He sat motionless for a good minute, until the sirens blared in the distance. The sirens always seemed to be his safety card nowadays, though he was unsure if that was a good or bad thing. He heard the Amazonian howl ferociously like a werewolf and peeked out to see her jump away toward his apartment and out of sight. He waited for Victoria to move, as she had more knowledge in fights than he did, but she stood still. ...Victoria? Alex called out, and noticed she had begun to tip forward. He caught her before she hit the ground, and checked her breathing as the black shadow dissipated from her body. She seemed to be breathing harshly, which was a bad sign right after she used those powers. Guess i better find a place to get you checked out...and call the chief so he knows im alive. Alex thought as he picked her up into a bridal carry. He took one final look at his apartment and the destroyed car, shook his head, and then turned around and walked off into the dark alley. Chapter 015: "low-key hideaway..." Edit #1: Family member doing fine, thankfully only needed a blood transfusion. More tests being done, yada yada, the whole shabang. Thanks for all the support though, means a lot! Here''s the full chapter up now, more mysterious stuff in the background at work! Enjoy! ---- Matt! Alex yelled as his foot tapped against the apartment door. Matt! Alex waited for an answer after he yelled, and could only hope Matt was even home at this time. Alex wasnt in bad shape, but Victorias weight had begun to weigh his arms down considerably. He walked here barefoot too, which was a pain hed not felt before. Broken glass bottles and hidden boards with nails in the grass be damned. Hed hoped shed wake up on the way here and be just fine, but that never happened. She was still breathing harshly, and her forehead felt like a hot stove to the touch. Alex was ready to hit the door again with his bare feet, but stopped when he heard the lock being moved around from behind the door. The door opened slowly to reveal Siri in pajamas, small kitten faces stitched into them across the cloth. Her chest was also slightly revealed, which drew Alexs eyes toward it inadvertently. Muh. Siri stated with eyes half closed. Brother? Uh no, its Alex. He stated as her figure swayed slightly. Can i come in? Muh. She turned and walked away from the door, which Alex hoped meant go ahead. He entered the apartment and closed the door behind him awkwardly, and sat Victoria down on the couch in the living room nearby. He turned around to look for Siri, unsure as to where she had run off to. He decided to wait near the couch and checked on Victoria every now and then. Her state hadnt become much worse than it had been till now, which at least wasnt a bad sign. When she took a turn for the worse would be when hed freak out. Siri arrived from the back of the apartment from what was likely her bedroom. She was fully dressed in her usual long black skirt and frilly white shirt, but her face was tinged with a blush. She seemed embarrassed about something, but he didn''t have time for any small talk. Is grandma Belinda here? Alex asked Siri as soon as she was in the same room. Victorias in a weird state. Siri walked over to the couch and leaned in to look at Victoria. The blush across her face faded and her eyes hardened, which Alex hoped wasnt a bad sign. Not here. Siri stated. -but can call her. She walked toward the back again and arrived back with a phone to her ear, the dial tone barely audible in the quiet apartment. Grandma. Is urgent. Need you here. Was all she stated, and then hung up the phone after the other side said something he couldnt catch. Hed ask how that was all she needed to say, but knew both her and Belinda were the eccentric type. Siri moved over to the couch and crouched on one knee. She looked at Victorias face closely, placed her hand on her forehead, and then huffed. She stood back up and walked over to Alex, and began to push his back toward the door. What are you- Need space. She stated. Get naked. Check for wounds. Siri slammed the door behind Alex and locked it, likely ready to strip Victoria. Uh, ok then... Alex stated to himself. Guess ill just go outside with no shoes on. He heard some rustling from inside the apartment and then saw two pairs of house shoes fall out of the mail slot. He sat down and cleaned his feet off, and removed a shard of glass from his left foot that bled a bit. When the bleeding calmed down, he slipped on the house shoes with a cringe from the pain, but was thankful just to not feel the rough carpet of the hallway anymore. He sighed as he walked back out of the apartment hallway, and into the cool morning air. Every exhale sent a plume of smoke into the night air, and for once he thought to pick up smoking as a hobby. The stress of recent events had begun to take a toll on his body, and he needed an outlet of relief. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. --- Alex had gone back to the door to check on the situation several times, but Siri seemed too occupied to answer it; either that, or it could be worse than he thought. The morning air had started to annoy Alex now as his body shivered with every new breath. The sun had begun to light the surroundings by the time a black van pulled up into the parking lot. It hadnt been that long of a wait as he had felt it was, as his phone displayed that only thirty minutes had passed. A large man with a scar across his forehead left the vehicle first, followed by another man and a woman. The scar man opened the remaining door and out hopped Belinda, her back hunched and a cane in hand. Her wrinkled face broke into a smile as Alex met her eyes, and she began to saunter over to him slowly. My, my. She stated as she looked Alex up and down. How much youve grown, child. How long has it been, ten- no, eleven years? She opened her frail arms in a hug, which Alex stepped forward awkwardly and received. She was stronger than he originally thought she was as the hug squeezed the breath out of him. Th-Thirteen, actually. Alex stated as belinda let go of him. I think. Thirteen years... She stated, her eyes glazed over in reminiscence. How the time flies... and you''ve gotten so tall and toned, as well. Alex waited awkwardly for Belinda to move, but she seemed a little out of it. Her security detail just stood there with shades over their eyes, so Alex couldnt tell if they were even alive. Grandma. Alex stated. Id like for this to be a better time, but Victorias health isnt that good. Oh, sorry. She stated, and then her eyebrow cocked in question. Who? Grandma. Need help. He heard Siri state nearby, and realized she had come out of the apartment when she heard the van pull up. Her breath was haggard and several scars lined her face, and a strange black liquid seemed to be splattered on her clothes. Belinda went quiet for a bit and then sauntered toward the apartment behind Siri, who rushed back toward it as well. Only the scarred man stayed behind with Alex, who was left by the group that entered the apartment. Alex hadnt seen him before, but it had been thirteen or more years since hed been at the Einar mansion. He eyed the scarred man that hadnt moved, and then decided to get out of the cold and into the apartment. When he reached the apartment door, he noticed that the scarred man had followed him in silently and stood guard at the only exit out of the hallway. Alex felt it awkward to just stand next to the apartment door, so instead he sat down and leaned against the wall, his ears focused for any sounds he could catch. My, my. He heard Belindas voice, muffled by the door and hard to make out. She really pushed herself, hm? Yes. needle in leg. He heard Siri state. Hm She was poisoned by it then? He heard Belinda muse. Her clan should have taught her better than to move with such a thing affecting her. Wait...she was poisoned this whole time? Alex thought to himself, and cursed at his own inability. ...I knew i should''ve taken her to the hospital, even if we are being hunted. Ah, ive seen this before. She stated, and he heard a small clank of metal on metal. Ranged dart used for killing the target silently. Seems she fought one of the Orb-Weavers. Wait...what? Alex couldnt tell how that was possible, or even what an Orb-Weaver was. I could''ve sworn she fought an Amazonian though... Hm, dangerous sorts they are. The poison itself usually kills the target quickly, so shes quite lucky to have survived this long. ...What the hell? Chapter 015.5: "Dogged Thoughts..." Hey readers, shorter chapter this time. Had a lot more wrote down, but a lot of it was scrapped and redone because it didn''t fit well... I seem to have hit the writers block point... Chapter was originally Alex''s view again, but i changed it up to peer into Siri''s mind. Also trying first person view for the other characters. I''ll probably rework Victoria''s chapter with the Amazonian fight in this same way if people enjoy the first person view better. Enjoy, and as always, let me know what you think! More detailed, the better! --- Focus: Siri View: First Person --- Grandma had pulled the needle from Vickys leg, so she should live. Grandma can do anything, after all. Grandma. Help? I speak, still in my bad habit of broken sentences. It is how i am, so i cant help it. She began to pull things from the bag she brought, and would not answer my question to her. It seems shes gotten into serious mode, so i will leave. I nod to the two branch members that guard her, and then proceed toward the door. I can smell Alex outside the door. I know its him by the extremely warm smell, as few others are so warm to the nose. His mother is so cold, it scared me to speak to her. I feel i would die if i spoke out of line. The door creaked behind me as i shut it, yet Alex had not looked up to notice me. I wished he would look at me more, but maybe hes as awkward as i am? ...Or just maybe, Maybe he was deep in thought of me... as much as i think of him? Yes. That must be it. It was the spirit of the moon that brought us together, after all. Mm, lets sit next to him and find whats wrong. I sat down rather quietly, but he noticed me and looked up anyways. He hadnt seen me walk around him though, so he was indeed deep in thought. ...but something seemed to have bothered him. Whats wrong? I forced out, in my gentlest tone. I must have sounded like a mother, yes. In no way had i just picture us with children. ...Nothing. Alex said as his mouth frowned. He looked so cute when he sulked. Oh, im embarrassed at the thought he saw me in my pajamas. He must have thought i was weird, but kittens are just so No, keep it together! If he sees you blush, itll just be even more awkward afterwards! ...Its just... He continued his earlier thought before i could speak, so lets quietly listen. ...Had i known Victoria had been poisoned... Oh, so hes worried about her. What interests me more, though, is that he didnt know? ...in no way am i pretending hes not thinking of her more. None. You didnt know? I asked him, unsure if he could understand what i wanted to know. This is hard, this talking thing. No. He stated, his brow scrunched in anger. His angry face is handsome, yes. She fought an Amazonian, not the Orb-Weaver or whatever Grandma Belinda said. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Oh, so he could hear us through the door? Well, they arent that thick anyways, and Grandma didnt care for him to hear. Im sure hes also not entirely human, as many people have stated. The video alone is proof hes more than capable of running away from danger. If he does get into trouble though, i will always be ready to help. Its what a woman whose future husband in danger would do, yes. What he said of Vicky though That means something more is going on than we know. Even Alex couldnt tell something was horribly wrong until it got to this point, and he was there with her. Neither of them are professionals though, even if Vicky is known in the Underground as an upcoming star. Im not allowed near that world, Grandma says. Im fine with being an officer of the law anyways. Alex seemed to prefer the law as well, so it made me happy when he became a detective. Wait, ive lost track of what i was doing. Ill be back. I stated succinctly to Alex, and then walked back into the apartment. Grandma had been cleaning her hands off as i entered the living room again, and saw Vicky on the table. Damn her body. No wonder Alex lost. I want a body like that. Nevermind, back on topic. Grandma... I heard. Right, I forgot how good her ears were. This is more of a problem than i thought, then... She stated, her eyes glued to Victoria''s leg. The poison is gone now, but black lines will remain on the wound for several days. What a horrible thing to do to a woman who takes care of her looks. Well have to take Alex back with us to the mansion, along with this girl here. Grandma stated, her mouth in a frown. Its not as cute as when Alex does it. That, or take them to his familys mansion but hes not gotten along well with them since that incident. Mm, then our house it is. Grandma suddenly looked toward the hallways where he is, then back at me. Her ears twitch. Go check on him for me, something feels off about him right now. Ill check. I told grandma, and puffed my chest in pride. Its best he hears it from me, as i know him more than the rest here. Vickys unconscious, she doesn''t count. He probably already heard us talk anyways, so he should already know. I leave back through the apartment door and look for Alex, but hes not where he was before. I sniff the air and a strange smell is here than there once was. Its a dangerous smell, one that sets my tail on edge. I must find Alex quickly. I find the body of the guard uncle lying face down outside the door to the hallway. Good, hes still breathing. I scan the surroundings with my nose, ears, and eyes, and i find it quickly. In the distance, i see a tall woman with red hair leaping through the air. Alex is unconscious. Must save him. Wont let you get away. Chapter 016 : {Restrained and Lost} Hey netizens, sorry about the absence. honestly, the only thing i can say, is that the drive to write left me completely... I think, though, that i''ll probably put up a chapter every two weeks or so, though no promises. I was absent for several months, and quit writing altogether during that time, but it''s not like i''ve quit completely. I''m just really bad at watching myself to write consistently, as i can be lazy a lot of the time... Enough rambling, here''s the short teaser for the chapter that should be up in a few days. Sorry i don''t have more, work and a bad sleep schedule from recent events has made it even harder to focus on stuff like this... Edit 1: Full chapter up now, may add more to it later if i feel it''s not enough...though it never is, honestly. ------ -- -- -- -- ------ Alex awoke to the sound of wind in his ears, which he found strange. The last thing he could remember was that he told Siri it was an Amazonian that attacked them. Then, next thing he knew, he had blacked out. His stomach was pressed against something hard, and whatever he rode seemed to move sporadically. He couldnt hear very well, and his limbs felt bound and heavy. This doesnt seem right... He thought to himself while he vied for control of his eyelids. They felt glued together like he hadnt opened them in years, and the hard item pressed to his stomach made it hard to breath. Muffled voices entered his ears as he fought with his body, too indecipherable to tell what they had said. He gained slight control of his right arm and tried to lift his body with it, but instead grasped at air. It felt like he was dangling off a fence that rode down the interstate. More muffled voices were heard before his mind suddenly blanked, and a fatigue overwhelmed him. --- Agh Alex woke again to a groggy feeling, his back against something cold and hard. He found his eyes were bound in cloth as he had tried to open them. More muffled voices could be heard nearby, still indecipherable in what they said. No matter how much he tried to understand them, it did him no good. He lay against the cold and hard surface he had found himself at. He tried to move his arms, but they were bound to his chest with metal chains that scraped against his skin. His legs were chained around the ankles with a metal cuff that scraped the floor. His movement sealed, and his senses suppressed to such an extent alarmed him. Whoever had grabbed him under the noses of werewolves, and without a sound no less, had to be an exceptionally skilled kidnapper. His thoughts ceased as he heard a metal door creak open. His breathing slowed to a whisper as his mind concentrated on his ears, the only sense he could rely on to get a feel of his surroundings now. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Strange sounds of metal being hit in rapid succession came across the floor toward him, and his heartbeat grew quicker the louder it became. He heard metal clack against the floor when the unknown entity stopped before him, and words were spun he still did not understand. Silence followed for several moments where he could not ascertain its location. He sniffed the air, his only other sense, but only dust and dirt entered his nostrils. When he gave up his search for the person and was about to feel for the metal clang he heard hit the floor, the heavy clack against the metal sounded out again close to the entrance it had come from. The metal door slammed loudly as the entity left, which left Alex confused and scared at what had been in the room with him. His mind won out against his hunger while lost in thought, and hoped the sound was of his meal. There should be no way a kidnapper would starve him to death, right? So he felt for the metal object from earlier with his feet slowly. His left leg hit a small metal object, which was close enough for him to scuffle over to with his bound arms. His chin met the cold metal rim and he immediately sniffed, in hope that the food was something at least edible for humans. It smelled like sliced bananas, and as his tongue felt around the contents, were cut into slices small enough to easily consume. He ate them quickly, his hunger slightly sated, and then search for anything they left to drink. Sadly, he couldnt find anything else nearby in the area the chains on his ankles allowed him. He scooted back to the wall and placed his back against it again. He contemplated the meal and what it meant, as well as the strange metallic sounds that he heard scuffle toward him. Whoever had kidnapped him, was definitely not human. It definitely had more than two legs, if you could even call them that, and were hard enough to cause the metal to vibrate with each step. The race was still hazy though, as there were plenty that it could be, so he gave up his guesses for now. The food, though, was a good indicator of the gender that fed him. Bananas, sliced into bite sized pieces, would be a strange sight indeed if a huge burly man was seen cutting them. It wasnt impossible it wasnt a man anyways, but it was far more likely to be a woman. He had a feeling it was though, what with his luck lately with women. Alex scoffed at his thoughts, as they were only conjecture, and decided to sleep; after all, there wasnt much else to do until his enemy entered the prison cell again. Chapter 017: ~Teaser~ Hey again, netizens~ Chapter 16 was finished today and re-edited for the full chapter up, so here''s the *(very small) teaser for Chapter 17! * my apologies for the small chapters, getting back into the story is harder than i thought... so much information i have to remind myself of as i write on the fly! In unrelated news, did anyone else know that Spirited Away was wrote as whatever Miyazaki thought as he wrote it? Was a cool bit of information, as my story is ''mostly'' the same way, with the main over-arching story being the only planned part. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Anyways, enjoy the tiny teaser!~ --- Alex woke to his feet in pain, and a horrible itch to them that he couldnt scratch with his arms bound. He remembered the glass that he had stepped in when he ran from his now destroyed apartment, and could only smirk at his misfortune. He tried to scratch them against his pants, but small shards of glass he hadnt found before sent acute pains up his spines. He gave up and decided to just endure the annoying itch, which was worse than the pain to him. You seem uncomfortable... ~~~