Rebirth

Simpering fool. [I snorted a vaporous growl, watching Hhavoc with steely eyes. I’d stalked this miserable whelp for more than a century and he had yet to grow a backbone. I’d found some small amusement in his dreams, nocturnal forays into a past that still haunted him.] That’s not all that’s haunting ye, is it boy? [My voice registered with the male to prick his ears and snap his head around, searching the darkness like a prey animal. The pop and crackle of skyborne explosives had him on edge already, skittering around his filth-strewn apartment like a cockroach. With a scornful laugh, I wave off the foggy form of a nearly depleted spirit, a young male, Stephan, I’d heard his mahmen wail once. He’d refused to leave her side in death and find his peace in the Fade, reducing him a barely visible column of smoke hovering at my shoulder.] Begone from me ye pathetic half-wit, I’ve no more use for ye that I’ve use for tits on a boar. [‘Twas true, I’d no interest in these milling wisps that roamed the InBetween and the Other Side as ghosts. A fruitless growl built in my chest. I’d had life. Purpose. Power. Respected and feared by the males who’d trained under the iron fist of my command. And many had reason to fear. Like this sniveling bastard. Hhavoc had been a favorite whipping boy amongst the others, who taunted him mercilessly. I’d encouraged the brutal ridicule in the dim hope of hardening him into a worthy soldier. Until he’d been bested in his first fight out of transition by the creature I’d sired on the Virgin Scribe. Little maggot had rolled over like a bitch in heat for Vishous upon his loss, the consent of his defeat too willingly given while I’d watched him mounted and taken like the females.  The white-eyed devil I’d begotten on the bitch had been my last thought when the female appeared, she who was so like him as to be none but his twin, speaking aloud that single word. His name. Vishous. The years since my end had festered outrage to murderous calculation, honed to single minded purpose. Vengeance. Watching and waiting, I’d conserved my strength and sought a way out. A path back to garner retribution on the creatures I’d seeded in the Scribe’s conniving womb. The rising growl burst free, once more frightening Hhavoc into a jerked turn of his body toward the sound, the motion sending the contents of his rat-eaten nightstand to the floor and scattering them across the yellowed linoleum, my gaze pinpointing on the glinting tip of a dagger, half-hidden my an empty bottle of cheap liquor. That was why I’d found him. Though he’d cowered from me in life, the male had still kept the burnt remains of my blade from that night, the only thing that seemed to have survived being razed by the she-demon’s unholy fire. Hhavoc scrambled to grab the dagger and stood, tucking it into his jacket and running out the door of his rathole apartment like his hair was on fire and his ass was catching, not slowing until he’d reached the buzzing neon lights of Trade Street. I followed close by, my smoky voice a buzzing drone in his ear] Aye, boy. Get back to yer tavern and try to drink me away again. That’s done well by ye’ so far. [laughing darkly, I kept on his heel as he rounded a corner, nearly colliding with what I could only assume was a female. My time shadowing this pissant had gifted me sights I’d not imagined in the Old Country, the line between male and female amongst the humans blended in a blur of slashed crimson lips and darkened eyes. Painted whores, the lot of them.] But, yer not lookin’ at them, are ye? It’s the males yer after. Always were. I should have had you tending the fires with the females, not wielding iron, ye’ sad waste of flesh. [My own senses hovering on a razor’s edge, I mapped the alley, marking shadows and alcoves instinctively as cover while the booming thunder of fireworks filled the air. Hhavoc gripped the hilt of my dagger beneath his jacket and kept moving, my ruthless barbs silenced at a change in the air, raucous laughter and drunken fights silenced as the rows of taverns were lost to damp alleys nestled between the great monoliths that made up this city. Hackles raised at the close quarters, I barked a string of curses at the male’s back.] Yer set fer an ambush, ye’ damned fool! [I’d no sooner gotten the words out when the stench of powder filled the alley and Hhavoc ran like a spooked horse, bolting at the thunder of boots echoing off of the crumbling brick. Gliding noiselessly through the garbage piles he tripped through, I scanned his path, centuries of instinct untamped by death as my eyes lifted skyward.] Aye, boy! They’ve got the high ground! [“Wrong way, asswipe.” It was too late. The male was beyond hearing me, his chin cranking up at the lesser who’d spoken, stumbling to pull the dagger free when the two flanking him darted out of the shadows, pale monsters of muscle launched at the hapless moron. I searched through the slashing limbs for sight of my dagger, having no care for the fate of its current owner until I moved closer to the fight and the glow of my arm dimmed, drained by something that had me instantly on alert. “Wait.” The word was greasy smoke on entrails, the voice the stuff of nightmares. I crouch back into the shadows, translucent fangs bared at the hooded evil approaching. “Not yet.” The Omega stopped short of the trio, hovering above the darkening puddle of Hhavoc’s blood, turning to face me, the showering sparks overhead lighting him in a grotesque rainbow. “You’re known to me, vampire. My sister’s stud horse, I believe? Come.” Boney finger crooked to coax me into the alley way, my gaze darting between the daemon and the gore-streaked glint of my dagger holding me in place. “Come. I’ve use for you.”] I’ve none for ye’, ye’ rancid bastard! [He laughed, a sound that would have made my skin crawl were it still covering me and I swore, searching the alley for a way out. With my body.. my blade, my horse and my soldiers, I could fight but, like this? I was helpless as a babe and the idea sent my fury boiling over. “I can offer you that which you’ve wanted for years, Bloodletter.”] What know ye’ of my wants, daemon? Get back to your sickly minions. I’ve no more to say. [“Revenge, vampire. You want revenge and I’m offering it.” He grinned, extending a finger to the male on the filthy concrete, Hhavoc’s breaths shallowing by the second as thick crimson bubbled up from his wounds. “But, my offer is on a timer. I’d say he’s got perhaps three minutes.” The lessers watched terrified and transfixed as I thought it over. Already dead, I had no purpose…no reason not to fade into nothing as I’d watched so many others do… save retribution. In that instant, an eternity of penance in Dhund was fair barter for a chance to complete a task that my own bastards had failed, blind vengeance winning over centuries of defending the race in that single moment.] I’m listenin’. [Floating out of the shadows, I force myself nearer even as I felt the energy leeched from me. “I’ll give you his body.” The enunciated ‘s’ sounded like the hiss of escaping steam and I could hear the disgust as the Omega went on. “A chance to rid me of the abominations you helped her bring about. Your answer now, vampire. Going once.. going twice…”] Aye! Fuck, aye, I’ll do it. [The lessers were yet retreating and I was certain if it were possible they’d have melted into the brickwork.] What would ye’ have me do? [In a fluid rush of robes, the Omega punched into Hhavoc’s chest and drew back, the male’s heart still swelling in his boney hand with the ebbing pulse of life at the moment I’m sucked into a sickening vortex of black and slammed into the ground, peeling open my eyes and squinting against the gap-toothed light of broken street lanterns. “Get off your ass and go kill your young, vampire. That’s what I’d have you do. Failure will reap.. unpleasant consequences.” He turned toward the cowering lessers, the stilled heart now encased in a porcelain jar, skeletal hand stretching out to thrust it toward his minions. “Obey him. And do not fail me in this. My sister’s offspring must die.” Gone in an instant, I got to my feet, trembling limbs moving with coltish awkwardness to raise Havoc’s body from the floor, a plan already coming into place as I stooped to retrieve my dagger from the gore-splattered concrete and dragging it over my thigh to clean the blade, scowling in distaste at the cheap denim coverings. They would offer no armor. That had to be remedied. Hearing the shouts and blaring horns from the taverns heralding the coming of midnight, I took a breath of frigid air and let out a self-satisfied growl. A new year, a new body… a new opportunity to take back the reins and shift the axis of power in my favor. I move my gaze to the lessers still huddled against the wall.] Come, ye’ pasty bastards. I’ve work for ye’. [A dark grin twisted the lips of my new face, steel grey eyes glinting with the rain of light overhead. Shoulders squared, I tested my grip around the hilt of my blade.] Yer to tell me all ye know of the brotherhood. And of the warrior Vishous.

Powder Keg: After the Fire

Jodi

*the warm span of leather over my belly anchored me against the hysteria finally beginning to subside, the foul remnants of Zypher's blood replaced by the rich essence of my hellren, a mewl of protest lost to the intensity of your eyes when you offered your wrist, I drank deeply and settle against you, the warmth of your battered body seeping through me to loosen fear-bound muscles, eyes squeezed tight against the brimming flow threatening to spill at the slightest sound, the males in the front were silent, relief at my male's return slowly chipping away at the tension that had nearly become visible as the Escalade plowed through the smoke billowing from the warehouse*

Vishous

-sounds were muffled under the blood rushing through my ears. Although the adrenaline had been lost the moment Butch had saved me from making a huge mistake just so I could take my revenge on the male that had dared... I had to stop the thought right there or I would be growling from this moment until I could have my female under my body and screaming my name to keep that bastard and the thoughts of him far away from our reach. No matter, the danger was past behind us. Not that I would let this go, after all I do have a knack for grudges. My diamond eyes were still gaining momentum in the internal glow that is always triggered with feelings of my female. I could at least feel my brothers and I knew  Butch would cover me. Yet, another secret that would forever binds us beyond the ties of brotherhood. I tightened my arms around my female and heard the leather creak in protest to the movement. Yes, even though I was weak, the blood I took from the aristobrat served to give me the strength to be with my female. My brothers will just have to wait.-

Jodi

*not having the strength to argue the vising grip of your arms, I tear my lips free of your wrist as the flow slows to a trickle and finally stops, tongue rasping over the punctures and hesitantly lifting my eyes to yours, icy beacons in the dark of the SUV's cabin, almost afraid to speak for the aggression radiating from you even beneath the heavy leather of Rhage's trench, not drawing a full breath until I heard the whirring mechanisms that marked the opening of the compound's gate, shifting in your lap when the Escalade bounces going over the tracks holding the heavy iron in place* home... *the word spoken with a rush of relieved breath, not realizing until that moment that it hadn't truly been home since you'd been taken from me... I'd come to think of it as a tomb, my final resting place if you'd not been returned to me* Nallum.. Vishous? We're home.

Vishous

-tearing my eyes from some unseen spot, somewhere far away from the place I was when your voice filters through. Something that has kept me alive for the weeks that I was held prisoner by the band of Bastards. I lift my hand to trace over the features of your face as the Escalade comes to a stop close to the Pit.- Home -repeating the word as I cling to the idea of being back with my female, I had either died or this was really happening. Everyone stayed where they were, my eyes flickered to Butch who had turned as if expecting instructions.- Tell the brothers I'm back, I'll see you all tomorrow when -my eyes back to you- I've spent some time with my shellan, true? -he nods and we all start to shuffle out of the Escalade-

Jodi

*the break of your voice was the only crack in the wall of rage that was gaining height around you when you looked at me, swiping a tear from my cheek and tracing the line of your jaw with my thumb, streaking through the grime that covered your thickened beard, the weakness of my near starvation slowly abating.. as much as I hated the idea.. in some part to the wealth of blood I'd been given, the pull of our bond running like lava in my veins, cursing at the circumstances but bonded was bonded and I needed my male, the flashing memory of the bastard's lewd sneer feeling like a layer of filth on my skin, getting to my feet and stepping out into the drive, my eyes widening when I get my first clear look at you since you'd been freed* Oh, fuck.. nallum... ?

Powder Keg

Vishous:

-Time was ticking, I knew what was doing around me and what it meant the longer I waited for an opportunity to escape. The seconds turned into minutes and minutes into hours, my strength was slowly draining out which meant I had one good shot at hauling ass from this place with minimum use of my strength… and it all came down to just the right time. Saving what was left of my energy to pull a trick from George’s hand playing dead for the assholes in the room. “… he’s out cold…” “Ye’d better be sure, Throe.” “Just move your arse before he does come to.” “I need to be able to mark his wrists. Take that… off his hand.” “Not until he’s locked back down…” the voices fade in and out…two I’d come to know well joined by a third new voice, hanging in my iron prison, diamond eyes darting behind closed lids as I strained to listen to the movement around me, stretched limbs screaming at being freed after so long when I feel the first of the bands holding my arms open with a clang, my hand dropping like a lead weight, jarring my shoulder until I had to swallow back a yelp of pain that would have given me away. My whole escape plan depended on the seconds when I would be freed from the cage and moved for the vermin that Ione had hired to brand me with slave bands. Gametime. My head rolling on my shoulders, I went limp when the second band sprang open and the two bastards lifted me out, feet dragging loosely over the dusty floor to the makeshift table, letting them hoist me onto its surface, falling back with a heavy thud. My stellar performance earning me the distance I needed from the males that have grown to make a sport out of bleeding me almost to death. There was movement to the side of the table… counting the footsteps…the clock of Throe and Zypher’s boots circling me, straining to hear the softer steps to my right, punctuated by the hushed tear of paper and the metallic clink of needles. “I think it’s safe.” The voice of the tattoo artist shook, in spite of his words. “He might look like a side of beef now, Cael but, don’t ever fucking assume you’re safe with this one. Unconscious or no, he’s still the Bloodletter’s son.” That’s right, assholes… and you’re going to see how much like him I really am. There was more than one reason for me to survive this shit, not only do I have my brothers but now… fucking father of two youngs and mated to the strongest and sexiest female I have ever known. Once again thanking my shitty past for giving me the self-control required to live through this and much more with a minimum movement and emotion. Fueled by the image of my female and our son, I’d held on this long, conserving my waning strength for this one moment… feeling my arms moved into place, picturing the juxtaposition of the table and its own iron bands… crucified… seems to be the fate of the young of deities, tamping down on the bitter laugh rising, I snapped to focus when cold iron closed over my forearm, securing one and then the other, an eternity passing while the males argued over who would free my cursed hand for the artist’s needle. “Just do it, for chrissake. And make it fast.” With a loud exhale, the lucky contestant stepped around, keys jingling and sliding into the lock that held the lead ball closed, the click of the tumblers and then the weight was gone, listening to the retreating steps. That’s it… back up… peering through slitted lids, to watch the males through blood-crusted lashes, ignoring the pain in my weakened arm as I pulled back, millimeter by millimeter, snagging the cuff of my glove on the band and beginning to work it down my palm, trying to peel the leather back from my skin. It was now or never.-

Borrowed Time

Jodi:

*I slipped back into the pit, exhausted, my heart aching with another day of fruitless searching. I don’t know what I hoped to do that the brothers weren’t. What I did know was that I couldn’t sit home night after night waiting for the worst. Kicking off my shoes, I hurried down the hall to the nursery where Kassandra would be waiting with Sahvage, as she’d faithfully done for the last week. That doggen was truly a godsend, tight-lipped and loyal when I’d made my request of her. The disapproval was evident in the way her face turned hard but, she’d nodded and agreed to tend my young while I joined the search for his father…their father. I dropped a hand to my stomach as pain spiked through me, the all too familiar pang of hunger that had grown with the passing weeks. I padded down the hall and pushed the door open.  Stopping inside the door, wanting only to hold my son in the few moments before sickness and fatigue forced me to sleep, my eyes snapping up at Butch’s voice.*

Butch:

What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Jodi? –watching warily from my place in the corner, Sahv snuffling softly in my arms as she stepped through the door. I eyed Vishous’s shellan as she shuffled through the door, her usual tawny skin pallid, her face drawn and gaunt. Her stubborn refusal of any attempt to feed her had me near panic, though I’d never stopped trying to convince her. She’d lost weight, her curves shrinking around the growing swell of her belly. Fuck, if V came back and saw her this way… not if. When. When V came back.- You can’t keep going out there. If I let anything happen to you, Vishous would rip me apart. –shakes head- Jesus, you can barely get out of bed on your best day. Stop being so fucking unreasonable. Think of the baby!

Jodi:

I am thinking of our babies, Butch! *striding across the room, I pulled my son from your hands and folded him into my arms, pressing my nose to the top of his head as his fingers curl around the pendant at my throat* They need their father. Do you want me to tell them that I sat on my ass and did nothing to bring him home? That I hid in the mansion and try not to notice the way the other shellans look at me? I know I’m sick and I don’t want or need their pity. I need my hellren home!

Butch:

You need to eat! –I winced at Sahv’s startled cry, my frustration raising the volume of my voice- If you die, he won’t have anything to come home to, Jodi. Fuck’s sake! –shaking my head, I crossed the room and loomed down at her. So small. She’d gotten so fucking small, her eyes dark with uncountable sleepless nights.- I talked to Marissa and she agrees, just let me do that much for you. For V. You need to feed before it’s too late.

Jodi:

*lifting my chin, I looked up to meet your hazel eyes* I will feed. When Vishous comes home. *it was the same argument. As the anemia raged to gnaw at my withering body, one by one, each of the brothers had offered their own blood to sustain our growing young but, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Someone else feeding our young… I shook my head at the thought… it was too close to admitting that Vishous was gone. I would not.. could not ever believe that. Singing quietly, I dropped my lips to my son’s head in a hushed whisper* We’ll bring papa, home, Sahv. I swear we will.

Butch:

-heaving a deep sigh, I fell back to lean against the wall, watching Sahv pull the tiny dagger charm into his mouth and gnawing anxiously. Fucking hard-headed female. Christ, she’d have to be to get through to Vishous. The way he’d been before her.. I’d nearly lost him. Vishous was my best friend but Jodi was the glue that held him together. Without her, he wouldn’t just fall apart, he would shatter and leave nothing behind- I can’t let you go out there again.

Jodi:

I don’t remember asking your permission, O’Neal. *reaching for the pacifier clipped to his onesie, I push it between Sahv’s bowed lips, smiling when his lashes droop over his crystalline eyes*

Wrath:

[Taking off my wraparounds, I squeeze my eyes shut against the pain of a building headache. Beth had been quietly listening to me rage about the Glymera bullshit taking me away from a far more important matter. My brother. Her distinct scent of night blooming roses laced with my bonding scent wafting through my nostrils when she starting pacing in front of the pansy ass desk. I threw the wraparounds on top of the stack of bureaucratic bullshit piled in front of me. The absence of the tech-wiz pressed heavily on the Brotherhood’s collective back. All our efforts divided between the war with the Lessening Society, tracking the Bastards and now finding our brother, we were all walking a thin line of adrenaline and exhaustion. On top of that, the insulated Glymera bastards were on my ass about the constant attacks on our civilians and the none-too-subtle ‘advice’ on how I should rule. Not that it made any difference; pleasing those pompous asses was at the bottom of my list right now. The old ways were slowly dying and I would like to keep it that way, bringing us into a new era of our race. Evolution was necessary to survival and the Glymera sure as fuck wasn’t willing to evolve. My inner rant was cut short by the high-pitched ring of my cell,  guided by the sound, I tentatively searched over snowdrifts of beurocratic BS until I found the smartphone. Bracing for whatever the fuck news I picked up on the third ring] This better be worth the interruption [Brows shooting up when I hear the familiar voice at the end of the line, the half-assed humor in the voice surprising the hell out of me] Well symphath… same applies to you. This better be fucking good.  [“It is. I think someone made an impression with Donall’s daughter. She’s making plans to get the fuck out of dodge.” My fingers tightened on the phone until it creaked.] Ione? The fuck are you talking about? [“She met with me through…channels. Wanted help getting her and a package back to the Old Country tomorrow night. Female looked like the cat who’d gotten into the fucking cream and the whole time she was playing with a gold zippo.  I’d know that lighter anywhere, Wrath. I’ve threatened to shove it up his ass enough. She was playing with it like she was stroking his cock. Might be nothing but, it might not.” [moss green eyes narrowing to cat-like slits, I growled a single word into the receiver.] Where. Beth’s hand tightened on my shoulder for a moment, leaning in to write down the address I was repeating. This could be the break we needed and there was one brother that needed to know ASAFP. Speed dialing the cop I put the receiver back against my ear]

Butch:

God damnit, Jodi, you can't just… -the argument stopped when my phone rang and I dug in my leathers for the phone, snapping the Razr open without looking and barking a coarse greeting- What.

Wrath:

[The cop was as jumpy as the rest of us and you could hear it in the tension of his voice, but I had no time to chastise him about proper way to address the King] Cop, I just received some intel. I think this could be the real fucking deal so listen up.

Butch:

-I snapped to attention, hazel eyes locking with Jodi’s as I step out of the nursery to avoid waking the now sleeping young, shitkickers thumping on the hardwood until I reached the end of the hall- Did we find him? Tell me we fucking found him.

Wrath:

[leaning on my elbows on the frilly desk as I chuckle humorlessly at your words] Not yet, my brother, but we're one step closer. The sineater had some useful information and again I'm thankful the bastard is on our side [rubbing at my useless eyes in an attempt to dispel the tall-tale signs of an upcoming headache] apparently one of the civilians…Ione… asked to meet up with Rehv given his.... extracurricular activities. Turns out she needs cargo transportation out of the country. Not that I give a flying fuck if the whole Glymera population leaves this side of the pond for good ~but~ Rehv said she had V's lighter. [taking a small pause to let that bit of information sink in] Said she was in a real hurry to close the deal. Sundown tonight. The Industrial Street warehouses.

Jodi:

*my heart raced hearing Butch answer, hope lighting darkened eyes watching him storm out of the room as I clutched Sahv to my chest until he mewled a sleepy complaint, leaning over to nestle him back into his crib and padding to the door, straining to hear what I could as the cop growled into the phone, catching enough to fill in the blanks. Ione. Tonight. I glanced over at the shutters still closed tight against the late afternoon sun. The brothers were still bound by daylight but, I’d be damned if I’d be held back when my hellren was within reach. Pressing a kiss to the top of my my son’s head and stroking a knuckle over his cheek, I hurried out of the nursery and down the hall, stepping out into the hazy sunlight and jumping into my truck, the engine firing to life, tires squealing as I floored it down the winding drive*

Butch:

That. Fucking. Bitch. –a growl rumbled in my chest, spewing acid-laced curses under my breath, fingers already flying over the keypad to dial Rhage and Z, I headed back down the hall, rage raising my voice into the air – Jodi, we might have something. Jodi? –calling around the pit to no answer, I stalk past the wide-eyed doggen and back into the nursery with the phone clenched in my fist, heart pumping with the news.- We leave at sundown, we have a lead on… -the words fall on empty space and I stride across the carpet to find Sahvage peacefully sleeping in his crib, the screech of tires piercing through the drawn shutters- Jodi, what have you done?

Against the Clock

Vishous:

-The rustling midnight sheets tease me awake in more than one way, the light breath of my female brushing against my heated. My lips curl into a wide smirk and I refuse to open my eyes just yet for I knew what was to come, her lips would touch every inch of my shoulder then up to my neck where she would suck over the vein that lay just under the skin. Almost as if she could feel, taste my blood. I always loved that coming from her, the soft swells of her breasts brush against my arm before I curl it around her body to pull her closer to me earning a delighted squeal from her lips. “I love my alarm clock, leelan” she laughed, so carefree and loving, with that little undertone that told me exactly what she was thinking while her hand roams down my stomach and… still moves lower. I bury my nose in her hair to catch a her scent mingling with the my own dark spice and I smile as I kiss the top of her head. Soon, her delicate hands close around my length while the scent of my bond fills the air and I open my eyes to look at the female I love. Her dark chocolate eyes churning with the depth of her love even after all this time together and I tilt her chin up so I can capture those luscious lips in a passionate kiss. Our breathing starting to change as the heat between us increases, the soft innocent turning eager, seeking more than we would ever say, joining us in an ultimate act of carnal union that would join two incomplete pieces into a perfect whole. Then, something changed. Her moans of pleasure turned to whimpers of pain, instantly the bonded male in me panicked and I pulled back with terror clouding my diamond eyes. The sight was enough to drain the blood from my face. My female’s skin turned ashen, stretched taut over her gaunt face,  reaching for me with a weak hand as pale fingers gripped her shoulder. “I have to go.”  Terrified, I searched the space behind her,  my gaze widening on someone I never believed I’d see again pulled my shellan from my arms, a lithe form in white, red hair billowing like flames around her, a cerub-faced young folded into the crook of her arm. Wellsie… no… NO! Frantic, my hand reached to take Jodi back and found nothing but air. –I don’t want you to go.- Tears glistened in her sunken eyes. “I don’t want to leave you.” Eerily familiar words lingered in my ears as Tohr’s shellan pulled my reason for being toward the door, heavy oak swinging open letting daylight spill into our mated room. “Please, leelan, I can’t… I won’t live in a world without you” Desperate, I leaped from the bed to stop them as the door is thrown wide and the full force of the cursed fucking fireball hits me, and I drop to my knees on a guttural scream, the stench of my smoldering skin filling my nose, the pain of my searing flesh nothing compared to the spearing agony that cleaved at my heart, my anguished bellow snapping me awake to a fresh world of agony-

Zypher

-He grinned smugly as he watched from across the room. Xcor had a way with things, the branding iron was no exception. Absently he rubbed a long healed salt rubbed scar across his chest..a present from their leader. A reminder of who he was and what he was put here for.- You've got him on his knees mine commander...now..make the son of a bitch beg. I bet 'es too proud t' do it.

Xcor

-The screams wrought from the white eyed Brother brought him neither satisfaction, nor enlightenment. He'd divulged nary a scrap regarding the demanding questioning undertaken thus far. He turned to the fiery coals once more, thrusting the iron back through the blistering heat to begin anew. Returning to the bound warrior. Bent, but nay, not broken. Not yet. His hand shot out, twisting into the Brother's sweat dampened hair to pull his head back with a snap. Baring his own set of lethal fangs, scarred face twisted in disgust as he lowered to come face to face with his captive.- It's said ye can read minds, listen in where no other belongs. -He grinned darkly as his eyes bore deep into the warrior's own glowing irises as he spat...- Read mine, Brother. Know well ye won't be findin' escape inta the Fade. Ye'll be callin' fer yer mahmen long b'fore we be through 'ere. -Releasing the hair, shoving the Brother's head back with a jarring motion, he bypassed the irons in favor of running his rough hand over the rudimentary table of items procured for this mission. Hovering over each, thick fingers close around a razor sharp, wickedly thin skinning blade. Lifting it to catch the light, turning it this way and that, he nodded once to Zypher.- We'll be seein' if he values what's left of his manhood, 'nuff t'find his way to the words we be seekin'.

Ione

What is this? [my voice barely contained as I pushed open the door, lavender eyes narrowing at the scene before me. I surveyed the males, rage rising up to constrict my chest as much as my corset did] I told you he was to be left undamaged! [stepping in, the door slammed behind me with a metallic clang and I stalked over to the battered warrior, shoving Xcor and his minion aside and reaching through the bars to touch the charred wound on his chest] Your connection within the Glymera is already in place for my departure as agreed. Destroying my property was not part of that arrangement so, I trust you have an explanation for this or I’ll be collecting my payment now, information or no. [touching my fingertips to Vishous’s jaw and turning his head to survey the damage, weeks of growth darkening his goatee into a full beard streaked with blood and grime, talking over my shoulder to the two males] These wounds had better not be permanent. [turning his chin, breath catching when his icy eyes open to pin me with a lethal gaze] So you’re awake...slave.

Vishous

-Reality hits like a ton of bricks, pushing away the dream-haze with searing agony. The scent of burning flesh filled my nostrils at the same time the pain registered through my battered body. I was a roadmap of seeping wounds and blackened bruises that had quieted to dull throbs as I tried save as much of my waning strength reserves as I could, not even reacting to the blade gleaming in Xcor’s hand, his already ruined face twisting in impatient anger. Then I heard her. Growling low in my chest, I could barely rein in the instinct to rip her apart.  Even her name had me seething, her sadistic self-indulgence had put the whole race at risk. And for what? So she could get into my leathers? Frigid bitch. Without conscious thought I flinched at her touch, a barely noticeable move but her voice… I opened my eyes to level a look of pure hated at her, her word holding an undertone of delusional puppy-love. She actually prized her possession. Well, la dee daa. My eyes glowing murderous fury, acid-dipped words flying from bloodied lips- I've seen females go to serious trouble to get fucked but this one goes in the record books, bitch .– despite an attempt at indifference, her face fell in hurt. A low chuckle coming from beside her momentarily distracted me from the offended aristobrat, the Bastard holding the branding iron amused by the exchange while Zypher’s lecherous gaze roamed over Ione, jerking my head toward him. – Something funny, dick weed? I’m not sure what’s hurting me more right now, Xcor’s face or your stench.  –my throat burned the hoarsely barked words-

Zypher

-Growling silently, he slid the bowl of salt behind a box, hidden from the female's view- of course he will heal...eventually. -Zypher watched as the Princess assessed the brother and laughed darkly at the title she gave him.- He's stubborn..prideful..and in need of more beating but we can both be satisfied here soon I believe if you'll just leave us -he looked to Xcor- to our devices and trust the males you've hired. We won't let you down..highness. -He didn't stop his gaze from rolling up her long legs and over her rounded arse- 

Xcor

-Bristling as the tiny female's hands pushed him aside, a black growl rolled through his broad chest as her words ricocheted around the room as sharply as a thousand poison tipped arrowheads. His hands curled into meaty fists as thick arms drove them into the table, cutting off the pacifying words of his Bastard- Ye've delivered upon yer word, Princess. We will deliver on ours, given ye find yerself clear o'this place t'allow us t'find the answers we seek. Aye, your pet appears damaged... -waving a hand dismissively- all will be well, and healed, by the time he's delivered unto you.

Ione

[ignoring the narrowly hidden barb of Xcor’s tongue, I stepped back from my caged prize, my eyes searching his with a dark smile] You could end your suffering, Vishous. Give these soldiers what they want and the pain will end. You have little to live for anyway. Why do you resist? The Brotherhood? They have ceased looking for you. They believe the Lessoning Society has taken your life. Your female? You needn’t worry for her, she’s not long for this world. I’ve seen her with mine own eyes, warrior. Your female is with young, and dying. It is over and you are mine. I need only have you branded with the bands of a blood slave and we will take our leave of this tiresome place. [my fangs drop down, barely concealed behind my lips at the idea] I always get what I want. [still watching Vishous, I speak over my shoulder at the two hovering behind me.] My patience wears thin, Xcor. I am sending someone to mark him. You have until tomorrow evening to get the answers you seek. You will have him prepared and restrained.

Vishous

You fucks must get off at the sound of your own voices.  –my voice gravelly, wincing at the hunger pangs gnawing my gut, my diamond eyes flick up to Xcor- With your face, it’s probably as close as you get to the real thing, huh? –laughing darkly, the sound cut off at Ione’s words, my blood running cold in my veins. It was the nightmare all over again, realization prickling the hair on the back of my neck. The sting of the Brotherhood barely registered for I knew better, with my brothers believing that my ass was on the line there would be no rest. It was just not fucking happening, as much as they knew I wouldn’t open my trap I knew they wouldn’t give up. But my female, my female… fuck. The nightmare had left me too raw for a comment like that and with the flickering handle I had on my curse I played back the image of Wellsie leading Jodi away. Ione wasn’t lying, my female was pregnant. And I knew what that meant. The feedings, the hunger, the weakness. Fuck, I had to get out of here. Fucking. Yesterday.

Zypher

-Zypher crossed his arms over his chest, determined to keep his damn mouth shut. It didn't take two times for Xcor to remind him who was in charge and he had learned from experience that silence could save your life. He couldn't stop the smirk however as the wounded brother flinched at the mention of his pregnant shellan, perhaps that was the way in. He would use this if he could..as he was sure Xcor would-

Xcor

-He nodded once to the female, rolling his shoulders, itching to return to the questioning before the diamond eyed warrior'd had any further recovery time- T'will give us ample time t'garner what we be needin'. He shall be cleaned and trussed fer your takin', princess. -He stepped forward, towering over her. His scarred face barely concealing the expression of contained impatience and irritation as his chin kicked toward the door.- Now, ye'll be excusin' us so we may get back to the task at hand.

Ione

Until tomorrow. [holding my ground, I looked up with barely checked annoyance and returned the curt nod.  I straightened my shoulders and turned toward the exit, Louboutins clicking across the filth-covered floor.] Intact, Xcor. He is of no use to me broken. Physically anyway. [ I had waiting this long. One more night was of little consequence compared to the lifetime I would enjoy with Vishous as my possession. Casting a last glance at the male in the cage and the two brutes circling him, I stepped over the threshold and let the door ease closed behind me.]

Vishous

-With a longing look, the bitch queen left, the possession ringing in her stoking a burning rage in me. I’d be her fuck toy when the Omega sprouted wings and a halo. My diamond gaze fell on the two males that circled like vultures, hooded eyes burning with the promise of much pain to come. I let my head hang between my shoulders, bracing for the torment to come…a seemingly endless cycle of agony and repetitive questions that I’d managed to tune out so far by reciting the Sox line-up beginning with 1901. This time, however, as the routine began anew, my focus was on the words of the aristobrat. Her lackey would be here tomorrow and that would be my one shot before I was on a boat back to the Old Country as a carnival ride for Ione. I was getting the fuck out of here. For my female and our family. I flexed my gloved hand in its iron prison. And God fucking help them all when I did -

Flesh and Blood

Jodi
*Three weeks. Nearly three weeks since anyone had seen my hellren. I’d neither slept nor eaten, the fear churning in my stomach leaving me too nauseous for food and the little I did eat left my stomach long before check out time. I fought to keep myself together for Sahv but even his new fascination with crawling did little to keep him engaged. The lack of sleep was taking its toll, though I hung on every word, every ring of the phone, my heart shriveled a little more every time I saw Butch’s worry worn face peer into the nursery to give me an anguished shake of his head when he returned from the night’s search. Inevitably, the sun chased all the brothers back to the compound and like always, Butch was the last one to come home, waiting until the first orange rays peeked over the horizon before giving in and even then Rhage often had to haul him through the door by force. My empty stare settled on the pillows that marked Vishous’s place in our mated bed, the dark silk covers tear-stained and wrinkled from endless nights of clutching it in place of my male in a frail attempt at soothing my fears with his lingering scent. My eyes snapped up from the bed at a sharp cry, Sahv’s wail piercing the oppressive silence of the pit. I took the few steps to his bassinet in an instant, his face flushed, satiny skin gleaming with a cold sweat. Scooping him up from the blanket, I instantly felt the heat radiating from him. Fever. “Jodi, I just came to check on…” Rhage froze in the doorway, aqua eyes widening at the panic written all over my face. “What’s wrong with him?”* I don’t know. He’s hot…fuck, he’s burning up. I have to get him to Havers. *Rhage nodded once and checked his phone, fingers flying over the keypad. “I’ll take you.” He stormed down the hall, trench billowing behind him as I hurriedly dressed my squalling young and gathered his bag, following Hollywood’s hulking form out to the GTO to find he’d already moved the car seat from the Escalade. Ducking into the back, I made quick work of snapping him in, crawling into the seat next to him, leaning in to croon softly, stroking his damp hair back from diamond eyes that had reddened with tears. Nervously watching Rhage in the rearview, his face drawn and stern with worry, the engine of the GTO roaring as if in complaint at having to be reined in for the safety of the young within. After an eternity, the wheels screeched to a halt in the parking lot of the clinic and I fumbled with the button to release the belt on the car seat, Sahv’s cries now quieted to a heart-wrenching keening as Rhage plowed through the front door sending nurses scattering in his wake. Nearly running to keep up with his powerful stride, I finally stepped around him to reach the registration window, my voice half-plea, half-demand* Please, tell Dr. Havers that Vishous’s shellan must see him. *my voice cracked even saying his name, his absence still leaving a raw-edged hole in my heart* Our son is sick. Please…  *I must have looked nightmarish, my presence having garnered the attention of all in the nurses’ station, including that of what I assumed to be another patient waiting at the far side of the counter, her lavender gaze intently fixed on me and my young, the payload of jewelry adorning her flawless skin screaming Glymera. Assured that care was coming, I glanced a final time at the female and let Rhage guide us to a seat, grateful for the brother while he stood over us, a living Greek statue of powerful perfection standing barrier between my son and anything that would harm us. Nervously running my dagger pendant along its chain as I watched the other patients, not allowing myself a full breath until another nurse motioned us into the back, my legs feeling like lead carrying Sahv into a bland gray exam room and laying him on the table to begin undressing him as she’d instructed, just finishing when Havers entered.*

Ione

[That was Vishous’s shellan? Only breeding kept me from laughing out loud, though the more I looked at she and the young in her arms, the less like laughing I felt, incredulous amusement quickly replaced with bitter jealously as my gaze wandered to the child’s face to linger on eyes that were a perfect reproduction of Vishous’s own. These two were why he’d refused me? And still did, despite being caged and beaten like a fighting dog by Xcor’s thugs? My fingers curled into claws under the edge of the counter watching the nurse escort them through the corridor of examination rooms, tucking a file under my arm I paused a moment and followed, not so close as to be suspect but wanting to know more of this female that the warrior had chosen over me. My pride demanded it.]

Jodi

*worriedly watching Havers look over my son, while Rhage barricaded the door with his hulking form, Sahv’s cheeks puffed red and streaked with tears while he wriggled under the pokes and prods of a strange hand and squeaking faintly when the cold chestpiece of Havers’s stethoscope finally pressed to his feverish skin. “Heart rate is normal and his lungs appear clear.” Poking a finger into Sahv’s bowed lips, he winced slightly when his effort was rewarded with a sharp bite. “Ah, his upper central incisors have broken the gum line.” Pulling his finger back, he shook it absently. “It is not uncommon for youngs to develop fevers with emerging teeth. Occasionally, the temperature can be quite high. It is nothing of concern. The nurse will provide you with something to control the fever until it passes.” His eyes narrowed thoughtfully behind his spectacles. “Forgive me for saying but, you look unwell yourself.” “She has for weeks.” The silent brother finally spoke from his corner of the exam room.* I told you, I’m fine. *Scowling at Rhage for holding me in place, my temper soothed only by the now calming young in my arms, his fever dropping with the minutes that passed since an overly pleasant nurse had come in loaded down with liquid ibuprofen for Sahvage.  “You’re not fine, Jodi. Far fucking from it. You’re not holding down food, you’re white as a sheet and your eyes are so sunk in you look like you went 5 rounds with Joe Louis.” Rhage jerked his head toward Havers, his trench crinkling at the elbows as he folded his massive arms over his chest. “Let the good doctor see what’s doing. Vishous would never forgive me for not looking after you while he’s gone. The cop either, for that matter and I don’t want my balls in a vise.” Narrowing my eyes up at him, I gave a curt nod to both males, sending Havers darting out into the hall.*

Ione

[My fangs glinted in a grin of sadistic delight. The subcreature was ill. How sad. I hoped it was serious. Chronic, painful and fatal would be wonderful. I could already picture the defeat in Vishous’s diamond gaze when I told him that all the reason he had to deny me was rotting in damp earth. Laughing behind my hand, I leaned into the door, glaring lavender daggers at passing staff that stared too long at me as I strained to listen to the voices on the other side, heels clicking on the vinyl flooring as I duck into the neighboring exam room when Havers stepped out into the hall, calling for a nurse. “Ehlena? Could you come in here with a blood draw kit? We’ll run some tests just to be sure. Please, wait a…” The door closed again, just to open when the strawberry blonde nurse hurried inside and emerged a few moments later with the crimson-filled vials.]

Jodi

*watching the clock as the minutes ticked by, irritation rising with the sweep of its hands until the nurse returned and handed Havers a folder, presumably containing the results.* Let me guess, nothing there. Exhaustion, anxiety… My hellren is missing, I’m sure you’re aware so I would believe both of those are normal under the circumstances.  Can I go now? *Saying the words out loud was a knife to the heart, each syllable another turn of the blade. I was anxious to return to the pit, to resume my vigil in the nursery where I would wait for news of Vishous from his brothers as they checked in for the night. He adjusted his glasses on his nose and scanned the forms, his brows arching as he looked pointedly up at me. “I’m afraid your condition is not so simple, Jodi. It is understandable that you should be thinking little for yourself, but show some concern for the young you’re carrying.” I blinked. And blinked again.* Something’s wrong with Sahvage? You said he was fine. *my heart hammered in my chest as my stomach rolled, looking fearfully down at my son, now fast asleep.* “Sahvage is well, Jodi. I refer to the young in your womb. You’re pregnant.” He eyed me warily and I could almost hear the disdain in his voice. “About seven weeks I’d say. You’re also anemic. Your last pregnancy came with… cravings, did it not? You fed from your hellren?” I nodded slowly, shifting Sahv in my arms and absently fingering the pendant at my collar.* I.. yes, I did. *wincing, I remembered the cravings with painful clarity. And I meant that literally, I’d put off feeding from V as long as I could, until I was doubled over with cramping hunger, every time earning a scolding from my male for fighting the new biology of my pregnancy.* But, Vishous isn’t here, Doctor. Can’t you just give me pills or…? *The question trailed off there. What was I expecting him to do? “I will prescribe an iron supplement. Assuming this pregnancy is as your last, you will have to feed. For your young. You must make arrangements with another male…” Shaking my head, I backed toward the door, my tightening grip earning me a squeak from my snoring son.* No. You’ve lost your fucking mind, doctor. I won’t have someone else feeding me, or our child. *Rhage stopped me at the door, pinning my shoulders with two giant hands. “You have to think of the young, Jodi. Listen to him. We’ll find someone. Fuck, I can talk to Mary…” My eyes prickled with tears at what he offered, he and his shellan’s desire for children manifest in the concern marring his perfect features.* Rhage, I can’t. I just.. can’t. There has to be another way. *shoving past him, I opened the door in time to see the violet eyed female scrambling into an empty office, prepared to make a dramatic exit when Havers’ voice called over my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks. “He may not come back, Jodi. Not in time. You have to prepare for that. I am speaking as your physician when I say that if you do not find an alternate blood source, Vishous could lose you. And your young.”