Family Matters

Wrath

[I sat hunched over the massive desk, fist clenching the newest stack of Glymera forms. Mother fucker. I was a king.. a warrior, not a damned secretary. A swipe of my arm sent the stacks of paper flying, fangs bared at the litter scattering over the rug like falling snow. How was I supposed to answer their sniveling requests when war raged outside the door? Slumping back into my chair, I rubbed my thumbs into my useless eyes, tension knotting my shoulders into tight coils. Fuck. But, blind or not, I once patrolled these streets with my brothers and that male inside me that lived for the fight was ready to rip some heads off. This wasn’t the future I’d pictured for myself the night I’d been left the sole survivor of the royal family. What irked me the most was the fact that even if this wasn't my duty as ruler, I would still be forced into retirement within the compound walls. I dared any of my brothers to say those words, though. Eyes or no, I could still throw a beat down on any of them and they well fucking knew it but, my blindness was a perceived weakness that could put them and with the shifting political climate, I couldn’t risk anyone using my disability against me, be it lesser or Glymera fuckstick. Still, there was no escaping the responsibilities that were mine by birthright, decreed by the Scribe Virgin. The fact that I had accepted my role in her design didn't mean I was completely over being taken off the playing field. There was only so much you could do when beating a punching bag. But, that had changed, a slender and quick miracle had come to me on one of the visits to the Other Side. Payne. A female that was nothing like the females Phury had taken in when he had assumed the role of Primale. She had muscle, much like I remembered seeing on Xhex, hard and honed like a warrior with the power to match punch for punch. A shift in the chair reminded me just how well trained the female was, a wince came when my body protested at the movement. Bruised ribs, to name one of the affected areas, that could be much worse had I not fed from my leelan as soon as I put a foot on one of Darius' expensive rugs, the injuries could be ten times worse.  The sparring bouts weren’t something I was willing to give up though, I didn't quite know or understand how there was such a female in the Far Side, much less how to explain it to someone else. And if I was being completely honest, I didn't want to know. Finally, there was someone else that would give just as good as I gave without fear of repercussion... and as selfish as it seemed... I needed it. To be a Brother again and not just a king. To fight, to shed blood, to blow off some steam. Especially now that the new threat was getting closer and closer to home. My thumb ran absently over the sterling letter opener, imagining it as the weight of a dagger in my palm. It was the Bastards all over again, only this time there was something eluding us all. Some vital piece of information that we were missing, setting the entire household on edge. Again. That didn't bode well for any of the brothers, especially not @JodisVishous who was taking it personally, and if I was being honest, the stack of marked bodies sure as hell looked to be a big “Fuck-You-Very-Much-V”. The only way the killer could have made it clearer was to put it on a billboard. The brother seemed to be under a lot of heat lately, thank fuck his female was there for him. Knowing the brother as well as I did, she was the only reason V hadn't pulled an 'AWOL' kind of situation to deal with this shit on his own. Once a mercenary, always a mercenary and the genius brother with a nuclear reactor for a hand wasn’t exactly the person you wanted going all vigilante but, that driving force that made you want to be all out there to defend what was yours and fuck the consequences was a bitch to get rid of. I knew this well, had firsthand experience. Although, thanks to my new job description I was limited to snapping and taking it out on anyone that decided it was okay to act like a five-year-old. Thankfully no one really made a BFD about it, too many years had done the trick for me. Beth would have his ass if I ever went snapping at her, not that it happened... a lot... but in those rare cases he had his... let's just say... there were techniques to distract her and melt her anger away. Still, she understood, to a fault, what I went through and happily helped, taking her position as the queen very seriously. How I ever got so lucky, well, perhaps I still owed my fallen brother Darius for this one. Sighing as I lean my  head back on the chair, thanking whatever power brought me to Payne. For that rush I would do much, the freedom of dropping the rein for a while. In fact, I was overdue for another few rounds with the chosen. A situation that didn't need reasons. Uncomplicated. It just was]

Jodi

*After hours of soothing, I’d finally quieted a mewling Sahv and settled him onto my shoulder, loathe to go back to my room and lay him down. My room. The hell it was. My room was in the gate house at the edge of the property. Or it had been. The last I’d seen of my hellren was his back as he walked out our bedroom door. Pacing the halls was accomplishing fuck all besides wearing out the Persian under my feet. I’d fought texting or calling Vishous, my pride refusing to let me dial the number and end this stupid stalemate. I played back our last conversation in my head on a loop, poring over every horrible detail. “the pets knew when to obey…” Stroking my hand over the tightened dome of my stomach, I swallowed back a hot welling of angry tears to keep from waking the snoring young in my arms. Son of a bitch. I wasn’t obedient. Hell, on my best days I was barely agreeable. And still, he’d mated me. It was my name scarred across his back and that of our young beneath. Sighing shakily, I blinked the droplets away, spilling them down my cheeks. Our mating had been surreal, a night I kept treasured close to my heart. They night we became each other’s. Now we were so far away, the closest I’d gotten to him in days was hearing his name in murmurs as his brothers reported in for debriefing. Hearing a doggen at the landing of the grand staircase, I peer over the banister hoping my male had returned and finding only Fritz greeting what could only be a Chosen. It wasn’t Layla or Naima whom I’d come to recognize with their coming and going to tend the brothers’ blood needs. Her hair was wrong, the wound braid that crowned this female was black as a raven’s wing. I sighed my disappointment and adjusted Sahv in my arms, taking up my pseudo patrol of the corridor, watching them ascend the grand staircase head for the king’s study. My milling around the mansion for news was now so standard that I must be blending into the wallpaper for the warriors as they come and go through Wrath’s door. That damned door. I stopped my endless sentry impersonation to scowl at it after the doggen and his guest passed through, wiping absently at my face and wincing at a tightening in my stomach. It seemed like the only person who could tell me what the hell was going on with my hellren was on the other side. I straightened my shoulders and strode down the hall, finding the door still slightly open and pushing my way in, frowning down at Fritz stacking the drift of forms at my feet,  lifting my eyes to the hulking form of Wrath behind his desk* My lord?

Wrath

[The distraction proved to get the better of me when my finger caught on the tip of the letter opener, making my nostrils flare at the scent of spilled blood. Even if it was my own. The little spike, however, brought my thoughts back to the reality of files and letters now blanketing the Persian. Exhaling a growl I dropped the letter opener and groped for the phone, resigned to call Fritz to help collect the mess back into their piles when a quick fist rapped at the door.] WHAT? [My roar of irritation was answered with a softly spoken “Sire?” Fritz. I am an asshole.] Enter. [Dropping back into my chair, I listened for the muffled creak that marked the door’s swing and he shuffled inside. I bristled, hearing more than one pair of feet gingerly nudging sheets of paper out of their path. “Sire, the Chosen Payne has arrived as requested.”] Payne? Requested? [A ripple of guilt settled in my chest, imagining my secret hadn’t stayed so secret after all. The chosen’s voice drifted in, strong and clear. “My lord, Wrath, the Scribe Virgin has sent me to serve.”] None of my brothers have informed me they have need of a Chosen, Payne. Unless, Vishous.. his female is damned close to the end of her pregnancy. [It was true. To hear Beth tell it, Jodi was going to pop and it had all of the females nervous enough to keep her in sight just in case the young decided to join the party right on the foyer floor. For my shellan’s sake, it was a good thing V’s female had moved into a guest room down the hall but, damn if it hadn’t made Vishous a dick to deal with lately. Who’d have thought that brother would… “Vishous? Vishous lives?” Payne’s voice shook, and she stepped closer to the desk, her nails scraping the wood as she caught herself on the corner.] Well, I haven’t killed his ass yet, so, yeah. [brows cranking down behind my wraparounds, I turned toward the door, answering Vishous's shellan] You can come in, Jodi. Hey, has V called for a chosen?

Jodi

*shaking my head, I stepped inside, distracted by the female’s face as she turned towards me.* I don’t think so but, I haven’t talked to him in days… *my answer was broken, distant, my eyes held by the chosen when she turned to face me and I chuckled softly, swallowing down the all too familiar pang of jealousy when my male needed to feed and shifting Sahv’s weight onto my other shoulder* I’m sorry, you just look so much like my…* ”You are Vishous’s shellan? Mine brother is alive..and has young?” She edged closer, her crystalline eyes dropping to the toddler in my arms, her fingers curling into her robes as if she wanted to reach for him.* Brother? V has a sister? *I looked, wide-eyed at Wrath, the word coming from both of us at once and I had the crazy notion to call jinx on him. “Indeed, the warrior Vishous is mine twin. I believed him lost at our father’s hand. I would see him, if he is here?” Her voice was shaky with hope and my jealousy faded, stolen on a sharp gasp at a tightening spear of pain in my stomach. Doubling over, Payne’s arm shot to steady me, her other catching Sahvage and deftly tucking him onto her hip. “Female? Jodi?” Payne’s voice raised in alarm, her eyes darting between me and Wrath as he jumped to his feet. “Jodi! Fritz, get V’s ass in here NOW!” Sinking onto the plush carpet, I panted through another wave of agony* Perfect fucking timing…

Vishous

-Complete and utter hell. That had been my life for the past few days, if I ever thought that before I knew the hell I could go through in this life I was sadly mistaken. Being away from my female was worse than walking with a dagger in your gut. I'd give anything to make this pain disappear, and I was doing my damn best to keep myself occupied. If I wasn't glued to my Four Toys, I was out there maiming lessers left and right. The Bastards weren't completely off the map but they have been too busy, probably kissing ass somewhere, making their presence known to both us, the Brotherhood, and the Glymera bitches. Fuck, what I wouldn't give to have a one on one with any of them. Bastards or Glymera assholes, take your damn pick. Aside from my messed up personal life, who would've thought I would have one of those, the search for the ghost of my past was baiting me with more than just corpses left and right. It was hard enough to go in blind, but feeling that my enemy knew more about my past than I’d told anyone outside the brotherhood had my hackles up in a major fucking way. Even the cop was starting to complain about my behavior around him, according to him I was just as irritable as Z was... past tense. Fuck that. Staring out the window, I watched the city zoom by while the cop drove quietly back to the compound. This time around had been another disappointing round with nothing more than a few lessers to take down, not one had information on their ranking officer, or so they said. The Lessening Society was getting smarter or dumber, either way it was seriously fucking up my plans. So, the next step was to take what we had been able to from the lessers, examine them and use the one phone we retrieved for some tracking. Gritting my teeth I closed my eyes, what the fuck was I going to do? The longer I took to figure shit out the more it would put a strain between me and my female... and that wasn't flying with me. I wanted blood for this... badly. Whoever was playing Hannibal would pay, with interest. The phone ringing broke my reverie and I answered almost robotically, expecting it to be Tohr or Wrath with another lecture on my ass pulling too many hours out there.. blah blah.- What? -the small but frantic voice on the receiving end had me sitting straighter “Sire... sire we need you here at the mansion. Mistress Jodi... she's...” all the words drowned into a dull buzz, my eyes going to Butch who had a panicked expression on his face. Clipping the phone shut I uttered one word to the cop- Jodi -his face cleared and he nodded, he would haul ass as fast as he could but... in one second I was outside of the compound, breaking in through the main door.- Fritz! Where is she? Where's my female? -seeing the rush of motion around the foyer had me on high alert, my diamond eyes focused on the railing of the second floor and that was all I needed. Dematerializing on that floor, I made my way to Wrath’s study where all the bodies laden with towels and pillows were heading- Leelan! -my voice was desperate, our separation had only fueled my fear and there was one thing that I was dreading from this time apart. Storming in I found my shellan sprawled on the expensive carpet of the King's study, labor pains etching agony across her face. Perfect fucking timing. I shoved through the wall of doggen and dropped to my knees at her side, taking her sweat-drenched hand- Leelan? I’m here… I’m right here… -“Brother mine?” The two words registered through my rushing pulse and I cranked my head up to look to their source, a chosen, holding my shellan’s other hand, her crystalline eyes widening and welling with tears- Brother..what? –a scream from my female cranked my head around and I reached for a towel that one of the doggen had offered to wipe her face, taking the seconds to lock my fear up behind a wall of “bad-timing-you-candy-ass” and bring my medical training to the forefront-

Jodi

V…? Oh, fuck! *crying out through another contraction, I squeezed both hands in mine and panted for breath, lifting my eyes to his, a tight smile offered in reassurance I didn’t really feel* Your sister, Payne. Payne, your brother, Vishous. Now that we’re all introduced… *sarcasm gave way to a grunt of pain when the tightening dome of my stomach took my breath again, followed by a hot gush that soaked blood onto the carpet under my hips. Fuck, didn’t I just do this? Sahvage’s birth wasn’t so fun that I’d had any illusions about this time around but, at least then, I’d been in a hospital. I anxiously looked toward Wrath who had gone stone still, his face contorted in a way that made me wonder if he was feeling sick* I’m sorry… about the rug… *he waved it off and clutched Beth tighter to him. I hadn’t noticed her come in and I groaned, half in pain and half in realization, finding that a crowd had gathered of doggen and family alike. Turning back to find my male’s face, I licked my dry lips and croaked* I’m getting a little performance anxiety here, my warrior… Ah, fuck! *I squeezed my eyes shut and curled around another blast of white-hot agony, opening my eyes to find Payne leaning close to rest a palm on my forehead, her voice deep and soothing despite her face being etched with worry as she glanced at the crimson pool growing beneath me. “Brother… Vishous… the healer has been called but…” The ‘but’ could have been anything. Bad hair day. Act of God. No clean tighty whities. I gave a hysterical laugh at the image that conjured, head spinning from the lack of blood. Give-a-fuck had just left the building and this young had decided it wasn’t waiting for Doctor Personality to get here. Screaming through a sickening tear that felt as if I was being cleaved in two, I clenched my fingers around my male’s in a death grip* You have to do it… he’s coming…

Vishous

-This was not the kind of surprise I’d hoped for on my homecoming.. Nothing but gloves and heels, I’m all for that shit... this? Lucky I wasn’t passing out as soon as I saw the deathly look on my female’s face. My breathing had picked up as if I was trying to take the pain with my female. And my sister... SISTER?! Who the fuck drops a bomb like that at a time like this? Yeah, there were definitely issues we needed to solve but... another scream from leelan broke my train of thought, thank fuck, pushing my feelings and sensations to the side. The calm and collected brother came slamming front and center. My face went void of emotion, my brows creased as I examined the situation with new eyes, trained eyes- Payne -that name, shit, and to think the shitstorm that was waiting for me next- hold her, I need to check her -my head snapped back to look at the doggen- we are not waiting for Doctor Tight Ass to get here, my son is coming...- as soon as I said that, I barked a list of supplies to a terrified doggen and got right to work, cleaning my hands as much as I could with the water Fritz had brought in- As for the rest of you -diamond eyes blazing as I focus on every face around the room in turn, my voice booming with authority- unless you’re an OB,  get the fuck out. Now! -turning back to my female as soon as I made that clear, no one needed to see more than absolutely necessary-

Jodi

*watching the others dart out the door like their hair was on fire and their asses were catching, I bit down on my lip to stop another cry when the contractions started coming hard and heavy, leaving me little room to breathe in between the waves of agony, my eyes dulled with pain widening as my male dismissed even his king from the male’s own office. My vision blurred and the world tilted, darkness creeping into my periphery, barely registering wide palms easing my knees apart with a hiss. Voices drifted in and out of my reality as Vishous and Payne spoke over each other, their urgency hidden by the calm cadence of their words... something about hemorrhaging...? and it was gone, my attempt at listening abandoned while Vishous worked, my emptied hand raking at the fibers of the rug and curling into a fist at my side, pried loose by Payne’s deft fingers so she could take them again. “Be of ease, sister mine. All will be well.” Her eyes told a different story, darting between me and my hellren. “Brother? Tell me what you require to deliver your female of the young.”* Vishous? *my voice wavered, my throat too dry to allow me to be heard*

Vishous

-Vitals were all over the place, the heartbeat erratic and the blood pressure was way too high. And I hadn’t even checked Jodi’s yet. Fuck. Kneeling on the blood-stained Persian, the lavish study filled with chaos, it all seemed surreal. The life of my young and shellan were on the line and I had to suppress my body’s first reaction to what was going on when I felt the fear holding my heart in an icy fist. Head in the game, asshole. If she dies, you’re right behind her. I glanced up at my sister, wincing when my head filled in that word for me.- Payne? You’re gonna have to assist. Just do what I say, when I say, true. -she nodded in understanding and I started prepping to deliver my young. Fritz had brought in everything but the damned kitchen sink. Too bad the old doggen didn’t drag Havers in here along with it. I growled under my breath, clenching my fist until the leather creaked as I clenched my hands, preparing myself for what I was about to do. Yes, this was a dire situation but I had no intention of giving up easily. With a heavy heart and cold determination I got back to work. My nostrils flared at the tang of copper in the air and I shifted Jodi to settle between her knees, closing out anything that wouldn’t help me save my family. My focus solely on the heartbeats of my female, I lift my icy gaze to meet her eyes as if for a moment that alone could save us both. Holding her gaze I nod. - It’s alright, leelan. You can do this.

Jodi

*I blinked the sweat from my eyes and nodded, stilled by the insistence in my male’s voice, the room around us disappearing until a spearing shock of pain yanks me back into the present* JESUS FUCK! *I was cleaved by agony, brutally gripping Payne’s hand through the waves until the urge to push took hold, barely registering their reassuring murmurs while the Chosen helped me to sit up and force the pressure out on a ragged breath.... once... then again... until a last strangled cry dissolved into the mewling of a tiny voice as the weight was pulled free and I was granted a respite, falling back onto the rug, the chandelier above me swimming in and out of focus, Payne’s voice drifting to me through the darkening haze. “..the young is a boy, brother mine....”*

Vishous

-my own pulse began to thud against my ribcage, eyes shooting to a very pale shellan. Screaming with more intensity that I had meant to- Jodi! Don’t you dare, you hear me? Don’t you fucking dare! -Payne’s head shot up from where she was busy wiping our son clean, quickly bundling him into a towel and settling him into a nest of blankets beside her, the pristine white of her robe now stained by the deep crimson of my shellan’s blood. Too much.. fuck, there was too much... feeling for a pulse, panic clenched in my throat finding a beat so weak I wasn’t entirely sure it wasn’t just wishful thinking, frantic eyes searching for the rise and fall of my female’s chest. But there was nothing.- NO! -the word came out as a roar and I scrambled onto my knees, leaning over and covering Jodi’s mouth with mine and forcing air into her lungs. Growling panted breaths as I counted out the seconds, I shrugged off the hand that touched my shoulder with a snarl and leaned over my female again even as our son’s wailing grew louder, as if even the young knew something was very, very wrong. “Brother mine, mayhap I can...” I was beyond reason, my own life slipping away with Jodi’s, there was nothing to do but keep moving until I made damn sure she came back.. my female. Payne pulled at me again and I bared wicked fangs in her direction, why the fuck did she keep trying to tear me away from my reason for living? Out of nowhere I was rocked from my frantic thoughts by a jolt of reality. Reality fucking hurt. A punch that could very well have been delivered by any of my brothers brought stars to my eyes and sent pain radiating from my chin to the back of my skull. Covering the spot with my hand, I tried to focus, scrambled circuits straining to source the jolt. I blinked and saw my... sister jerking back her hand as if she had just received a hard smack. It hit me then. Rather, she had hit me. The chosen had one wicked left hook. Before I could say anything she shoved her way closer to my shellan and I gathered myself, snapping back to the present and beginning the rescue breathing again. The chosen had earned my respect but unless she could perform miracles, I didn’t have time for niceties. Determined, Payne leaned over my shellan, Jodi’s lashes fluttering as if caught in a dream as she spoke. “Female, you must stay with him...” Payne’s voice was pleading, diamond eyes that mirrored my own welling with the plea, the room beginning to light with a gauzy glow that spread from Payne’s hands. I wasn’t firing on all cylinders but basic logic was still trying to make a connection. Twin... glowing hands... like mine... jesusHFUCKINGCHRI... - DON’T TOUCH HER! DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH HER! -Too late, I was going to be too late. Lunging to stop the chosen’s glowing hands, my life flashing away from me inside that radiating glare. Still trying to force the murderous chosen from my shellan, I shifting at my side took my attention, stopping me cold when Jodi’s fingers curled around my wrist, her eyes slowly blinking open again. The young’s cries slowed, Payne’s silent vigil unbreaking as her light filled the room, I turned to cup my female’s face in my bloodied hands. - Leelan? Leelan, can you hear me? -my jaw clenched, refusing to acknowledge the brimming of my eyes, every second only existing to count Jodi’s heartbeats.. each stronger than the last.- Leelan? Jodi?

Jodi

...Hear... you... *Actually. I was convinced the dead could hear Vishous. His voice seemed to be rising in volume but I clung to every word, heart fluttering until it could find a steady beat. I managed a weak smile, and looked between my male and his twin, then finally past them, seeking out the source of the mewling behind them, gaze flashing up to Vishous’s face* He’s okay? The baby is o... FUCK! *lips twisting into a grimace when my stomach clenched into a searing dome of fresh agony, the door of the study opened but I was well past giving a fuck who wanted an up close and personal with the finer points of human gestation. My main concern was why I was still hurting, and it was getting worse. “Forgive my tardiness, warrior. I was...” Havers. Well, better late than never. My teeth ground together when he took my male’s position on the rug, quickly opening his kit and  assessing my progress.* I don’t care if you were busy at a crossdressing gig, make this stop! *He leaned in, his face matter-of-fact and turned to mutter something to my hellren* Hey, doc. Want to share with the class. *my voice was still shaky, thready, but I felt stronger. At least strong enough that my sarcasm cells still plentiful*

Vishous

-There were no words. But whatever my...sister... had done, had saved Jodi’s life. I opened my mouth to say something when Jodi cried out and dug her nails into my forearm, my eyes widening, turning back to my female,  to find her suffering had merely been paused, Payne’s healing touch restoring her only to continue the torment, my fangs dropped to lethal points when the door opened and a flash of immaculate white coat flanked me, swallowing back to urge to rip out the good doctor’s throat for being fashionably late. Grudgingly, Payne’s hand on my shoulder urged me to let him take my place and he reached into his bag, snapping on a pair of gloves with a crack that resounded even past my young’s cries. I looked for my son, assuring myself he was still huddled into the linen nest that the chosen had laid him in, hissing when Jodi’s nails drew fresh blood from my forearm. I cut a glare to Havers, the growl rolling in my throat to find him closer to my shellan than any male should be and live. His shoulders went rigid at the sound but, his tone held as much inflection as if he was ordering at Starbucks. “She’s crowning, another is coming.” The contractions were quickly gathering again and she writhed under their relentless torture, my own voice quaking with disbelief- We’re not done yet, leelan...

Jodi

We’re... what? *Not done? That was not computing, I’d been drifting, peace creeping in to pull me from the constant pain and weakness until I was wrenched back into the study with my male, greeted by the mewling cries of our son. But, if he was crying, he was out...why was I still... “Jodi, you’re going to push. One.. two.. three... NOW. * Oh, FUCK! *the hours of strain had worn away my capacity for logical thought, but, I did as I was told, my efforts earning me a moment’s respite. “One last time. On three.” As soon as I got up, I was going to kick the little doctor right in his Armani slacks. I might even give him a three count first but, the instinct to push took hold again and I curled around the pain, forcing my breath out and baring down one last time, letting out a rush of relieved breath with the weight lifted from me and falling back onto the rug in exhaustion, my panting drowned out as a second cry joined the first. I struggled to sit up, whimpering when Payne took my arm, helping me up enough to see the two tiny forms cradled in their father’s arms.  I smiled weakly, watching Vishous look intently at the Chosen at my side before I finally sink back to the floor, murmuring as my strength finally fails and exhaustion takes me into soothing darkness* ...a twin... he has a sister...

Domestic Dispute

Jodi:

You can’t be serious. *deadpanning an incredulous look at my hellren, I struggled to keep hold of an overly bouncy Sahv* Vishous, I can’t stay locked in the compound twenty four-seven. I’m starting to feel like I’m in a cult and the FBI is going to have to get us out by tear-gassing the place. We’ve been planning this trip for weeks and you can’t avoid my family forever. *breathing an exasperated sigh, I shift the toddler on my hip, for once grateful for the swell of my stomach taking some of his weight, the young was growing like a weed. Well, both of them were and the progression of my pregnancy had done little for my mood* We need this.

Vishous

-The news had gone as well as I had hoped for. Of course, I realized my female was going to blow up on me for saying no trips. If this was the response I was getting for a ban on travel, I can only guess how well the "lockdown" part was going to go. Crossing my arms as I stare into my female's eyes with a confidence and determination I didn't quite feel. This was non-negotiable and she would just have to understand. I was tired of getting out-smarted by the enemy and now that the intended target appeared to be my female there was no room for mistakes. My Jodi. And my son at risk... hell if I was taking any chances.- The orders come from above and quite frankly, there's no need for me to argue the point -shaking my head. The increasing tension in the room was even affecting our young who grew unease the more we argued, apparently our young was smarter than we gave him credit for. Or mother nature really knows how to get her kicks out of situations like this.- And I'm not avoiding it, I'm not saying no just not right now. We can do this after the Brotherhood has handled the situation and secure the area.

Jodi

What situation? *frowning, I soothe a hand down Sahv’s back* What the hell is going on, Vishous? Is it the bastards again? I already agreed to the escorts when I leave and getting out of Caldwell for a few days would be good for Sahv. And us. I’m going nuts here and I love you but this security thing is getting old. Fast.

Vishous

-My expression grew cold, if I had to fight my female to get her to listen to me so be it. You had motives to question the actions taken for a situation like this which would completely change what you've grown used to calling daily life, but what answer could I give when I didn't have the slightest idea of what the hell was going on in our own backyard? Not to mention how delicate and vulnerable was my female. The first pregnancy had been hard, knowledge told me this would be harder. Now it was up to me to make sure you were in the right place at the right time when the medical emergencies started.- No, leelan, it's not them -or at least I hoped, for as much as I wanted to gut the bastards out one by one. Upside down. With one or more of my torture tools out to draw out the pain, slowly.- we have some inconsistencies in behaviors around the area and until that is controlled we cannot let the females out of the complex. Guards or no, that is not enough -gritting my teeth at the thought of leaving my female's security in the hands of someone else. Fuck. That.- The security measures are there for a reason, true. 

Jodi

Then tell me the reason. *my temper was flaring, stepping closer to you to make sure I was heard as I cradle our young’s head to my shoulder in an attempt at muffling my voice* You cannot hide things from me, Vishous. You want me to stay here, you’re going to have to explain what the fuck has you so up in arms. And don’t give me the alpha male “for your own good” bullshit. If this isn’t about you avoiding my family and it isn’t about the bastards, then tell me what it IS about. I’m a big girl, in case you hadn’t noticed. And in rare instances, I’ve been told I can be reasonable. I have to be honest though. Reasonability is packing its shit and getting ready to head to my Dad’s house.

Vishous

-nostrils flaring as your temper fuels my own to push me closer to the edge of exploding, although my blowing up had little to do with you a lot to do with the uncertainty of this new situation. Signs thrown here and there and yet I was still out of the loop. Rolling my eyes at my female's words, I decide to turn around and walk away from my shellan to stand by the window, wanting some space between us.- What the hell is wrong with me wanting to protect you, huh? Or is it that you doubt my ability to do so and so you think I'm channeling a bunch of bullshit to keep you trapped in this unGODly place? Oh yes, I do enjoy a good little housewife -gloved hand disappearing inside my jacket to retrieve a blunt- I don't do things for shits and giggles, leelan, I do what's necessary to protect what's mine 

Jodi

Damn it, Vishous, don’t turn your back on me. *stepping over to put a whimpering Sahv into his playpen, closing the distance between us in angry strides and gripping your shoulder, trying to spin you back to face me* I know you want to keep us safe. And you always do. You want to impose a lockdown, fine. You know I can’t fight that. But, you can damn sure tell me why. I’m tired of all this brotherhood “cloak and dagger” shit. *my brows furrow over eyes swirling with rising anger* Christ, I’m not made of glass and you can’t keep me on this fucking pedestal. I’m your shellan and I know you. Something big is doing, so stop walking away and talk to me.

Vishous

-narrowing diamond eyes as your words, like finely sharpened daggers, slice my skin, leaving me bare and vulnerable under your knowing gaze. Shrugging your hand off when the words catch in my throat. Eloquence had clearly left the building a long time ago.- Nothing big is doing, leelan, weird shit is going on and I don't need you out there as a clear target for the loons -lighting up the Turkish blend as a desperate attempt to calm my nerves. Soon, the icy calm seeps into my veins for the clear separation I needed to deal with the one I loved the most. Dealing with my brothers? Fucking fine by me. Holding my female back? Not something I enjoy doing, she had me by the balls.... ball... but I just can't give in. Not this time.- When you mated me, you knew what you were getting yourself into and the easiest way to get to us is through our weak spots -the eerie glow of my diamond eyes blaze with barely checked emotions- you are my weakness, leelan, my pyrocant. I need you were I can keep an eye on you.

Jodi

Nothing big and yet all the shellans are forbidden to leave? So this is just family bonding time? Right. And I’m a Chinese jet pilot. *stiffening at being cast off, I cross my arms over my chest, glancing over at a fussing Sahv and lowering my voice again, leveling my gaze to yours * And as for what I got into, Vishous, it was love. I love you. And I trust you. But, I don’t think a little explanation is too much to ask here. You know that ‘no’ doesn’t sit well with me and you can’t keep me locked up like one of your pets. *I clapped a hand over my mouth as soon as the words were out, the reminder that there had been others before me making my stomach clench* Fuck, I didn’t mean…

Vishous

-my lips almost curl into a smile at the jet pilot comment.... and dropped as soon as you finished your train of thought. My eyes widen ever so slightly before all the color drained from my face and my expression grows stoic and cold. Letting silence fill the air as the uncomfortable feeling sets in the air between us, when I answer my voice barely holds any emotion.- No, you're right -turning around to walk out of the room, needing the space to think- the pets knew when to listen to their Master -shaking my head, regretting the words the instant they left my lips, but nothing like a wounded pride to fuck with your 'shut-up' filter. Stopping when I get to the door, looking over my shoulder at you- I've never asked you to do anything, Jodi, maybe you should trust the fucked-up warrior just this once.... think of you, the unborn young, and our Sahv -with that I walked away. There was only one place I knew that could help with all the doubts that plagued my mind.-

Jodi

*blinking in disbelief when you stalk down the hallway, I start to follow when our young lets out a cry, welling eyes peering up at me from the wall of his crib, scrubbing a hand over my face I take a shaky breath to stop my own tears and lean over to lift him into my arms, crooning softly as I folded him against my hip* It’s alright, little monster. Shhh.. *thinking on going back to our mated room, I kissed Sahv’s temple and straightened my shoulders* Come on, Sahv. We’re going to be staying in the mansion for awhile. *calling out for Kassandra, I walked to our room like I was walking to my own execution. I hated every part of what had just happened but, Vishous wasn’t the only one needing some space*

Vishous

-Pride and all, walking away from my family was by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Necessary but still painful. But I knew, deep down, that if I stayed any longer the fight would be much worse. I already regretted most of what I said, I didn't need more. Making my way out of the Pit, I take my phone out for a quick text to the cop, letting him know where I was headed. Maybe the answers I seek would be hidden with my long gone brothers. Turning to look at the dark skies, I took a deep drag of Turkish tobacco just as my molecules dissipated into the eerily quiet night. The rustling of dead flora caught my attention when I materialize at the site, the sacred vault hidden to the naked eye but, called to me like a bright beacon as I recall the years upon years of my return to the site for different ceremonies. My steps echoed through the dank halls of the Tomb as I made my way inside, passing by walls lined with jars that held the hearts of thousands of lessers that fell at the hand of the Brotherhood. Thoughts bouncing back and forth, pushing the thoughts of my problems with my female aside to concentrate on the problems we were all facing. Although it was a hard thing to do, I managed to detach myself from my feelings so I could go back to working on the case. Numbers, names, details, and other important facts shuffled around my skull as I mull over the possibilities of what could be. What could be stalking the dark alleys of downtown Caldie? Who could be roaming around that new details that I've never really made public? Running my gloved hand over my face, as much information as I had there should be more answers than those I was able to retrieve from the police site. However, there were more questions than answers at this point and I was sure I was going to get a stroke if I didn't get some answers asa-fucking-p. My feet stopped a few feet away from the massive wall that held the names of our fallen from the beginning. Time itself seemed to be ingrained into the history of names that had been carved here long ago, forbidden to forget. Standing there, the heavy weight of our jobs settled between my shoulders and my diamond eyes soften ever so slightly as they ran over the names. Looking for something here among my brothers. Thinking that maybe, just maybe, my brothers would talk to me.- Brothers, help me out here -running my hand through my hair, my voice straining with desperation- I need to protect my family, my brothers, our race.... what am I missing? –shoulders tensing when an aura seemed to light the dim caver and I growled, turning to a voice over my shoulder to see the robed form of the Scribe Virgin at the base of the stairs. “The knowledge you seek is not on those walls, my son, and your enemy in this is known to you.” Just what I needed, Mommy dearest and her riddles-

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?