In Plain Sight

Wrath:

[Long digits travel over the raised dots on the next in a snow hill of contracts and requests submitted for my review. Braille. Hard to believe I was finally convinced and damn if V’s female hadn’t helped me, Jodi had the patience of a goddamned saint when it came to teaching me to read with my fingers. There was only so much I could do to deny my impairment. Trying not to think too much about that was something that still needed some work, but there was no other choice. Especially if I was to successfully rule over our race with the same grace my father had. Sweet Virgin in the Fade, how he managed not to go completely insane I could not fathom. Thankfully, I had a wonderful mate that helped me get my shit straight. Lifting my head to look in her direction, Beth smiled gently and walked over to kiss me sweetly. All too soon, she excused herself and stepped away to retrieve another stack of documents Saxton had been preparing for me. Paperwork was starting to gather by the metric shit ton and I wasn’t making much headway. Now, if the looming headache would only stay away, I could get some work done tonight. Exhaling in frustration, I turned my attention back to the task at hand.]

V:

-As predicted, there was no rest to be had after I finished my research and knew my way around the murder cases that plagued downtown Caldwell to the tee. Last night, after I had polished the bottle off, I had chased my female out of the living room when the need for her grew too much to ignore, with barely a glance to the cop he knew something was doing and that I would fill him in later. Times like these, I was actually happy we didn't kill the cop when he first stumbled upon our world, we knew each other well enough to hold unspoken conversations without missing a beat. The minute my female and I had disappeared into our mated room, I had her pinned to the door and ravaged her in every possible way. Watching as time and again she screamed her throat raw, until she was blinded from pleasure and exhausted from a night filled with passion. Hours later I contemplated what to say to her when she woke up because I knew that my sudden assault, though hardly rare, would raise questions in those deep chocolate eyes I loved so much. There was really nothing I could hide from her, but my attention to her body had been enough of a distraction that exhaustion won over her curiosity. There was no rest for the wicked, I wouldn’t sleep until I knew what the fuck was up. Instead, there I stood guarding my family as only I could do. Come morning, I'd had enough.  Donning my leathers and wifebeater, I was once again in my office, picking at every last bit of the information the police had until the stats, names, faces, details, were firmly engraved in my grey matter. Then, the waiting game started. There's only so much a brother can take when it came to others disturbing down time. Especially now that the shellans were a factor. At a reasonable hour, I packed my shit and hauled ass to the mansion. The King had to know what was doing and by the Fade he would listen to what I had to say. Shitkickers squealing when I came to a stop at the lobby and wasting no more time, dematting to the hallway outside Wrath's study, I rap gloved knuckles sharply against the door before pushing it open to peer inside- My Lord?

Wrath:

[...Glymera... new order... attention. Words streaming in my head as I read page after page of whatever new problems had risen that those pompous asses thought needed my immediate attention. Sweet Fade. The pounding in my head grew as I got dangerously close to setting fire to my desk in order to escape the mounting pile of bullshit. Snapping when I heard someone at the door and the scent told me it wasn’t my Beth.] What? [The vein in the middle of my forehead was ready to pop. @JodisVishous voice drifted through. The brother had some timing. Taking a deep calming breath] This better be important, Vishous, I have a shit ton to do so [willing the door open to motion him in] on with it

V:

-unfazed by Wrath's pissed off growl, I walked in once he opened the door for me- My lord, you know that my interruptions have never been without good reason -even I could hear the tension in my voice, I guess the time with my female had changed my routine and with this much stress on my shoulders I was right on the edge. The King could fucking save it, we had another front coming in to merge with the shit storm we were already weathering- we have a problem and this one made The Courier -walking to the desk, I passed on the information I had, papers ruffling in my hand as I swung them around and placed them on Wrath's blotter.- Usually I wouldn't mess with Caldie's finest, but fuck if this doesn't get my attention, true -Reciting the names and dates off the top of my head for the known victims.- Sounds like any other murder around the slums -fanning out the documents until I had the pictures on display, even if he couldn't quite get all the details it was a show and tell kind of argument- except it's not -tapping on the different snapshots of the different crime scenes- females and males have been attacked in a way that screams a rogue, my Lord -seeing the tug of war in his expression, between what he had in front of him and what he couldn't afford to have on his plate right now.  His face distorted as his fingers flew over the pages. Dropping my voice to just above a whisper- I’ve got a bad feeling, Wrath. Whoever is behind this wants attention and he’s stopping just short of taking out a damned billboard.

Wrath:

[It was bad enough that I had the Glymera so far up my ass I could barely breathe, now it seemed a rogue had moved into my backyard without any of us noticing? Cursing under my breath when Vishous was done speaking. I've always put good money of V's sixth sense, even if it was dooming at the best of times. And they were enough to make Nostradamus’s apocalyptic visions look like hack meteorology. The headache that had been pushing its way in had exploded to life, throbbing between my ears and useless eyes. Slipping my fingers under my wraparounds, I massage them in a feeble attempt at pushing the ache away] Shit [Throwing the stack of articles down, I sat back in my chair.  The tension around the male was a thick fog that tickled at my reaching senses. V was rattled. V was never rattled. But then again, who wouldn't be when the females splashed all over the crime scene photos were dead ringers for his shellan. Emphasis on the ‘dead’. The thought of anyone doing something so low as to going for the females... I shook my head. Lowlifes.]Brother, trust me, I understand your frustration, but how can we be certain this isn't just a bad fucking coincidence? [fingers drumming on the desk] We've got so much shit on our plates we can't afford to take a freebie if it's out of our jurisdiction 

V:

-Gritting my teeth as my temper flared in outrage at Wrath's words. What more could I show him to make him see. This was just too fucking close to home to ignore. We had barely gotten over my little vacation in the Bastards’ Hotel Hell, which the brother's made known when they had me followed everywhere. Thanks to them, the term babysitting had and entirely different definition. Not that I blame them but, I could do without another reminder of my past. It was meant to be buried and forgotten, but this new case... it was blatantly clear that I still had unfinished business. Slamming my fists on Wrath's desk, earning me a growled response.- You've got to be fucking kidding me -leaning on the desk as I level my gaze with the King’s- how many ways do I have to spell it out before you realize this IS our business -my voice filled with hatred and anger fueled by years of ignoring a past that now seemed determined to haunt me- what part of castrated males doesn’t sound familiar? -pushing myself back- Do I need to drop trou to give you a refresher? -my words dripping with venom at the freshness of the memories-

Wrath:

[Narrowing my eyes in V's direction, lips peeled back over my extended fangs] You better watch your fucking mouth, Vishous [slamming my fist on the desk, sending papers everywhere as I stood] Don't you fucking think that after your little disappearing act we need to be more careful? [anger rolling off me in thick intoxicating waves] We can't afford another loss, it nearly broke us all down [clenching my jaw, it was taking a lot out of me to not jump over the desk and give the male more than a piece of my mind. The lack of physical activity was doing a number on my temper, Beth was right, I needed to find a way to drain this energy. Other than taking it out on her, of course.] There is no denying the facts and what they are telling us [slipping my fingers under my wraparounds to pinch the bridge of my nose] but we can't jump out there, guns blazing without something more to go on [the gentle massage was pitifully little balm to the massive headache I had] We can’t spend manpower hunting your ghosts, for fuck’s sake.

V:

-cursing in every language I knew as Wrath's words banged against my skull. He was right, I knew he was but, my first instinct had been to throw myself at it tonight. It would not be the smartest thing to do but going solo, but damn was it tempting. This whole situation reeked of the camp and there was absolutely no appeal in bringing the brothers in for something that had been mine for almost 300 years. Fucking hell. Shit. Pacing back and forth in front of the King's desk. Different approach. Different rationale. It was time to shove aside my emotions and everything else. Taking out a blunt from the stash I had in my leather jacket, I paused just in front of Wrath and lit it up- Time to tone it down then -letting the spices of my Turkish blend call my nerves enough for a plan to form in my head. Scratching my goatee I turned to face the King. The smartest thing to do was to get the brothers involved, as much as it pained me to have them sniffing around my past, we needed the united front. After the Xcor’s band of misfits had so moved into our turf, nothing could come as a shock now. Meeting Wrath's gaze, squaring my shoulders as my resolve solidifies- Call a meeting, we need to fill everyone in. -pausing as I take a drag from my cig- we have new objectives in our patrols -blowing out a cloud of smoke as I turn my eyes to the ceiling, a thought that would surely gnaw me later on occurred to me. I would pay dearly for this but... it was necessary- and for security reasons, we should enforce a lockdown –namely my female and young... but that went unsaid, the reasons need not to be explained. The pictures of the victims were enough to cover that front. The motion would pass, I was sure my brothers would see why.-

Wrath:

[Nodding in agreement, this was the cold and calculating V the Brotherhood knew, he would stay tight. That was what we needed, everyone with their heads on straight, flushing out this asshole before more humans or civilians were lost. Settling into my chair, I leaned back against the plush leather ] I'll call Tohr and set everyone to meet tonight after Z and Rhage get back, in the meantime you deal with the cop and doggen to arrange new security measures. [flipping my phone open to speed dial Tohr to make the necessary arrangements for the debriefing.]

V: 

-Nothing had gone as planned tonight, but perhaps Wrath had managed to kick some sense into me. I needed to jump back into the skin of the warrior I've always been, strategy and mind games were my thing. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, well fuck that. Bowing as I took my cue for my leave- My lord -Stopping by the door, I look over my shoulder at the King- And Wrath? -watching as the male looked up to meet my gaze- this isn’t your regular play, someone out there knows and knows too damn much for their own good, true -the male nodded stiffly, good, he knew just how seriously I would be taking on this new fight. He went back to his phone call. Closing the door behind me, I took a nice long drag to find my new zen as I walked back to the Pit. What was to come would not be pleasant, my female would be looking for answers I didn't have and that was not going to sit well. We all know just how much @VsDarkDreamer loved being told what to do, especially without a damn good reason. But how could I explain to my pregnant female that someone was coming after her? After me? And let's not forget I have no fucking idea who was behind this. One thing was clear, I was the glue that was holding all this together and I'll be damned if they catch me off my guard. ’Alright, asshole. Let’s dance.' I thought as I pushed past the security in the tunnels towards the Pit. With the Brotherhood on my six, it was on me to give them a target. After all, there's a reason why I once was the most sought after mercenary in the Old Country. I braced and took a heavy breath before pushing open the door of our mated room. A mercenary, who at this moment was shit scared of telling my shellan ’no’.-

Ghosts of the Past

Bloodletter:

That ‘un was a screamer, aye? [Sick humor twisted my lips into a sneer that would have sent the whelps at camp scurrying back to hide ‘neath their mahmens’ skirts. I paused over the sink to study my new reflection in the grime-smeared mirror, the water from the tap running crimson as I held my hands beneath. I’d not yet grown accustomed to the face staring back at me, though the eyes were still mine own.  I’d not bother with such trivialities but the constant searching eyes of the human population made it necessary to blend in as much as possible, lest my ‘messages’ be found ‘fore my quarry could receive them. “He wasn’t the only one…” I’d heard the Forelesser mumble though he stood well away from me, unable to yet stomach being close. Just as well, were he near me now, I’d have garroted him with his own entrails for his words. Eyes narrowing to pin him with a withering stare, I stalked across the room, smirking as he backed away until he flattened against the wall, his powdery stench stinging my nostrils. I towered over him, the not-so-subtle jab at the payment the Omega had taken out of this body forcing a shudder from me, nightmarish flashes of the rutting I’d endured raising bile into my throat. Swallowing back, I bared lethal canines at the pale abomination ‘fore me.] Perhaps ye’d have the stones to repeat yerself, ye’ rank bastard. [Pulling my dagger from its scabbard, I bring it under the Forelesser’s chin, digging into his flesh and tilting his dead eyes to mine.] I thought not. Let’s be clear here, ye’ dribble of horse piss. Ye’ may grab yer ankles for yer master as often as ye’d like but, until he returns, yer mine to command and make no mistake, I’ll bury my blade in yer empty heart in a second and not skip a step in my mission. Now, has the last been found? [He nodded, a small twitch of the head in acknowledgement as he cleared his throat and pushed the blade away with a disgusted look. “It has. Caldwell PD showed up before the body even cooled. Though I don’t understand the point of castrating him.” I grinned evilly at that, the cries of the male had warmed my heart as I’d used the pliers to tear away the delicate tissue ‘tween his legs and watching him bleed out onto the oil-slicked asphalt. The body count had risen, the slaughter of the human females unfortunate enough to bare semblance to my offspring’s beloved shellan now joined by the tattered remains of civilian males caught too easily while passing nights in the human taverns that lined Trade.] Tis’ the same favor I granted Vishous on his transformation. More than that, ye don’t need to understand, lesser. Ye’ need to do as yer told and wait. @JodisVishous will see it and he will come calling. [Satisfied with the way he slumped as I stepped back, I turned and plodded back to the window, staring through the splintered glass pane into the night. Vishous would soon start following the trail of carcasses to me and if he was as intelligent as rumors bade me believe, he’d come alone, without the Brotherhood at his flanks. When he found me, it would be on my terms and I would have my vengeance. Grinning to myself at the things I would do while my young cried out to his cursed mother, I slid my dagger back into place and spoke low, keenly watching the shadows dance in the streetlights below.] I’m comin’ fer ye’, Vishous. You and yours. And this time, I’ll not be stopped. 

Vishous:

The giggles and soft babbles of my young, Sahv, echoed through the tunnels of the mansion as four of us made our way back to the Pit to enjoy the last hours of the day with our mates. A cheerful Sahv smacked my cheek to get my attention with his tiny growls, “dadda’s” , and “mama’s” which earned him winning smiles at First Meal with the rest of the brotherhood and our family. Keeping my hand on the bouncy young I chuckled and softly set him on his feet, helping him walk the last few feet to the door of the Pit. After the gruesome find a few days ago in patrol with the cop I had finally started to relax, the Old Language symbol carved into the female’s skin was beyond weird but as far as I knew it could’ve been a slashing by a disturbed stalker, and, as shitty as it may sound, that was no more my jurisdiction than vampires were to Caldwell’s finest. Chaotic chatter filled the air until we passed security to settle into the living room of our place, the cop instantly parking his ass on the couch with Sahv hot on his heels to get some sorely needed uncle time, Jodi following after him to make sure nothing happened, I couldn’t help but grin. This was what I had been missing when I was tied up in hell, pun intended. Marissa joined the cop on the couch and I settled on the loveseat. Scratching my goatee, I contented myself with watching the scene before me until my female shoved today’s newspaper in my face to avoid having our boy eat it. Chuckling, I straightened the paper earning the evil eye of my female who was trying to hide her smile. Quite badly, if I may say so myself. My eyes fell on today’s headline and the humor drained from my features going unnoticed by everyone else still watching Sahv’s antics. Sitting up straight, I reread the headline one more time before I got into details. Clearing my throat, I looked around and masked the worry that had flared to life with this little revelation. Fuck. Me. Running. Excusing myself from the small gathering, I headed to my office, waving off the concerned stares from both my partner and my female. I didn’t have anything but a bad feeling that made my skin crawl and I wouldn’t worry them with gut instinct, no… this was just a very bad coincidence and there was no need to put them on alert. Especially not my very pregnant shellan. She’d been through enough and I was not risking her or the young she carried. Taking a deep breath I shoved the newspaper to one side of my desk as I parked my ass on the chair in front of my Four Toys. Firing the tower of circuits to life, I keyed my way through the back door I’d created in CPD’s security wall with a self-satisfied smile. They’re encryption was laughable, I should just set up my own password. The amusement was short lived and I sobered as the files popped open on the screen. This wasn’t good. In fact, this was Orwellian double-fucking-plus ungood. “STRANGE SERIES OF DEATHS CONTINUE…. The police have yet to release an official statement regarding the strange mass murders of victims of both sexes in the Caldwell area... The body count has risen in the Trade Street killings… With no visible correlation between the victims save the symbol cut into the bodies, the police are no closer to finding the perpetrator of these heinous crimes…” Reaching for one of my blunts, I lit it up and continue to study the uncut reports from the Caldwell police. Apparently, the cops have had a very busy past couple of weeks, this latest.. a prostitute I was sorry to say had serviced me in the past, had been number four in a rash of deaths that left the Caldy PD scratching their heads and locking their doors. Pictures of the corpses, their faces contorted in shock and horror, splashed over the files, their bodies dumped like garbage in the back alleys of the Caldwell bar district. Holding the blunt between my fingers, I went over the details of the first three murders, given that the first one I had a up-close-and-personal with the last victim, I wanted to familiarize myself with the others. Investigators had come to the conclusion that the victims had been used in a sort of ritual, given that all the bodies had been drained dry and used as a canvas, assuming that the mark cut into their graying flesh was the killer’s signature. Wrong, assholes. Blowing out a cloud of smoke, I studied each and every picture taken from each crime scene. Examining autopsy photos and the scant evidence the killer had left behind, It was clear as fucking day what the women had in common… I saw it every night when I woke up. All brunettes, dark eyed and fair-skinned, curvy and in their late twenties or early thirties. A sick feeling set in the pit stomach. Every one of them, so like my shellan and every one marred with a ‘V’. No other identifying factors, clothes ripped to shreds, and with rough gashes on the side of their necks. Fuck. This had all the earmarks of a civilian going around town with a taste of brunettes and yet, something nagged at me. We’d found lessers dumping that body, not a vamp. Or, perhaps we’d been wrong? Had they found a vampire feeding and hauled ass before they could take him out?? If so, how was he calm enough to dematerialize without me or Butch noticing? Had the lessers gotten rid of him before we caught up to them? For all we knew there could’ve been more around the area when we got those two fuckers a couple of blocks over. I pinched the bridge of my nose, head aching with the possibilities sparked by what was displayed on the screens. Something wasn’t fitting. The lessening Society was all over this and that settled it firmly in the “Shit WE have to deal with” side of the ledger. Fantastic, true. The family of those poor females would never get closure if this was passed on to our side of the law. Shaking my head, I flipped on through the files to find the other murders the article had been talking about, coming into a few dead ends with other minor crimes before I hit the big one. The slasher was apparently a believer in equal opportunity, males had been dropping like flies on this end too. Digging a little more, the details had my blood running cold in my veins, the shock enough to make me crush the bud of my blunt on the ashtray when my mouth went absolutely dry. Detectives had not seen any relation between these murders and those of the women, because although they held no similarities other than their timeframes being enough for the murderer to commit both. However, the men had been castrated and had their thighs savaged with sliced designs, probably while the victims had been alive.- Fuck. Me –hoarse words falling from my lips, I rubbed my knuckles against the inside thigh of my leathers. Way too close for comfort. As my female liked to say, shit just got real. I was reporting both of these to Wrath and with or without his permission I would keep an eye the streets around Trade. With a shaky hand I reached for the bottle of Goose, the only liquid allowed in my office, for emergencies such as this. The pieces were coming together and they pointed at one thing. The killer wanted me to see his handiwork. Uncapping the vodka, I took a swig and sighed at the burn I felt in my throat, resting the bottle against my leg and raking a gloved hand through my hair. Something worse than me was stalking Caldwell now. I had a bad feeling and we all know how well those pan out. Sweet Fade, there’s was no sleep written in my near future. Carrying the bottle with me, I stood and turned from the grisly reports and crossed to the window, looking out at the glowing aura that marked the lights of downtown. Something was out there trying to get my attention- You have it now, fucker.