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.

Burden of Payne

-1729, The year mine existence changed for an eternity- [For as long as I could recall the Sanctuary's seeing-pool had called unto me, and silently as any other Chosen I would watch over the only thing that warmed mine cold and bitter heart. Vishous. Mine blooded brother, my twin. From young unto fully developed male. I'd watched him grow, wishing I could share a life with him, away from both our unwitting circumstances. Together. We had shared the womb of our vampiric race's bitch of a mother, the Scribe Virgin. Our Mahmen. The term was not an endearment within my thoughts, but a curse spat upon the being who'd birthed us into this terrible existence. 

I felt Vishous' pain this night more acutely than ever before, and over the last two decades I had witnessed many atrocities within the BloodLetter's camp. Or more accurately, our sire's camp. The sadistic male showed no favor upon his only son, instead made a marked lesson of him to all within his savage troupe. Vishous. Verily, I could not help but wonder anew if the nomenclature of his birthed syllables were a reflection of the vicious actions wrought upon his being, and not an indication of the male he would some day grow into. 

My fists found a tight grip upon the edge of the seeing-pool, unable to look away from the horrific events unfolding therein. Thus far our sire had seen to the defiling of Vishous and, as if that was not enough for his perverse nature to visit upon mine brother, he had Vishous' skin permanently marked to warn others of his supposed evil ways. Once these acts were complete I hoped, prayed to the fates, that the Bloodletter was finished. The appearance of a filth covered tool gave answer. I wept openly as Vishous was held down and the device was clamped into place; fore his screams of agony became near unbearable to stomach. Oh fates, his screams, how mine ears wanted to bleed from them.

When Vishous' skin burst with a light so bright as to be blinding the luminance melted away the metal viced on his flesh and incinerated his captors within a blink. This last caused an growl to rumble up from inside my chest, approving of his swift vengeance. I watched mine beloved twin drag his large frame from the Bloodletter's camp, his blooded and thrashed skin becoming embedded with shards of sodium rich soil. And in that moment a vow formed in my thoughts. No matter how long it took, I would find our blooded sire and snuff him from existence. He would receive no mercy…. ]

-Present- [Memories shifted within my mind while my white robed form hung in suspended animation, hidden within the Scribe Virgin's Sanctuary. They were reminders of why I was in this current state and whom was responsible. One debt had been paid. Verily, the bastard Bloodletter was dead, his blood on mine own hands. And though it had taken nigh onto 30 years to hunt down the male harming mine brother, Vishous, I -had- found a way to escape this side and destroyed him. Verily the memories of that time were aught that kept me sane in this never-ending stillness forced upon my being…. ] 

-1761, the Old Country- The hunt for my sire, and the smaller band of soldiers he now preferred, was over. I had escaped Sanctuary and would taste vengeance this night. My blood teamed with adrenaline, ready to be release at the slightest mental command. Materializing outside a small village I saw the Bloodletter and his small horde battle a group of Lessers, the spawn of the Omega. None gave no care to the human habitants, slaughtering without hesitation. The Bloodletter, on his massive stead, galloped after a terrified human female. Leaning to the side he snatched her up with ease and viciously clamped fangs unto her neck despite her frantic struggles. 

Braced for battle I willed molecules to scatter upon the wind and reform within his horse's path. The male did not slow, but I could tell when he noticed my presence, fore he tossed the human like a piece of unfinished meat. With the ease of a practiced fighter my body lowered into an attack stance and when the Bloodletter drew near I vaulted onto the back of his horse, wrapping both arm around his waist and launching us clear to the side with a swiftness that belied my sex. The big male attempted to go for his blade but it was too late. The hatred I'd nursed inside burst out in the form of a battle cry fierce enough to cause the strongest warriors to take pause. I whispered one word.]  Vishous. 

[While the Bloodletter's grizzled face showed confusion my body began to glow with an unearthly inner fire. And, as Vishous' had done that night he'd been brutalized, my touch set our sire aflame almost instantly. I leapt off, but stood close enough to feel the heat, needing to witness his screams and his failed attempts to put out the fire until he lay still in death, leathery corpse burning. Pure satisfaction. My lips curved into a cruel smile and I looked up and into the half shadowed countenance of one of his band. Though He said nothing I could feel his need to strike out mingling with a healthy fear of being burned alive. Before he could do more I willed myself to dematerialize, slowly dissolving into molecules until disappeared…. ]

-Present- [At that moment I became aware of my surroundings and though mine eyes were closed I felt her presence surely as if she had placed hand upon mine skin. The Scribe Virgin. Rage, like that I had for the Bloodletter, rose to the surface. Verily, this bitch had left me to rot herein and I was ready to put her down as I had mine own sire. She did not speak but after a few moments passed I felt a warm rush of molecules wash over mine skin, causing a tingling sensation. As soon as I found I was able I opened diamond colored eyes, so like my twin Vishous's and latched upon our madmen.] "Daughter." [I replied with equal ease and forthrightness.] Fuck you.

Calling Card

Butch

I got him, V! Go for that other fucker! –Alright, maybe that was a little premature but I was damned if that pasty assbag was getting out of this alley. I glanced over my shoulder at you before turning my attention back to my prey. The lesser was a fairly new recruit, his hair retaining a little of the brown it had been when he’d still been human. But, Jesus he was quick. Was the Omega making buttboys out of last season’s prospective draft picks? Hand clenched around my dagger, shitkickers thundering on the cracked asphault, I rounded a dumpster and said a quick Hail Mary, darting through a service corridor and barreling right into the lesser as I came out the other end, tackling him to the ground and burying the blade in his shoulder- The fuck you goin’ in such a hurry, man? The party’s just starting.

Vishous

-Fuck, was it a night. At least when paired up with the cop, I had a sure thing going on with letting off some steam. We had been on patrol not more than an hour or so and the hound caught the goddamn powdery scent. In a second, all jokes were cast aside and we had our game on. A few blocks over, shit went down, like two bats out of hell the relatively new inductees bolted from whatever shithole they had crawled from. Who knows what was back there but it sure as hell wasn't a bake-sale. Diamond eyes focused on my target when Butch pointed in the direction of the Omega's bitch, I was in the zone. Shitkickers crunching on the pavement as we go in separate directions. With a last glance to my partner, I nodded and went down with the stinker. Rounding the corner, I got a good look where he was going and dematerialized just a few feet away from him. Pivoting on my feet, I slammed my shoulder into his ribs, making him lose his footing and crush him into the rotting brick wall lining the passage-

Butch

-pulling the dagger free, I jam it into the bone of fuckboy’s other shoulder, pinning him like a bug on a slide- I said… stop… squirming! –cranking the blade in place and smirking at his howl of pain as he finally drops his piece, knocking it under a pile of rank garbage bags- Where’s the fire, pal? You got a date grabbing your ankles for the bossman? -“Fuck off, freak!” He kicked out, nearly bucking me off and I shifted all my weight onto my knee, grinding down on his solar plexus, cracking his ribs with a satisfying crunch- He must have picked you for the looks, ‘cause he sure as hell didn’t do it for your brains. What were you and Tweedledumber back there doing? –Dead eyes trained on mine, lips blackened with blood curled into a sneer “Your mom. Think she liked it, too.” Eyes narrowing to slits, I wrenched the blade free and buried it in his gut- Yeah? You like that, fuckstick? No recycling bin for you this time, either. –leaning in almost nose to nose- Game over. –breathing deep until the fog of evil that animated him was gone, its rank essence filling my lungs and seeping out my pores until I sit back on the corpse, coughing and wiping the back of a hand over my mouth as I look around for V-

Vishous

-hearing the grunts and sounds of battle not too far from my place, but I was barely listening, my boy had this and I had my own problem to take care of. The pale one grunted and rolled to his side, making me miss my footing for a split second, but not enough to give him room for more fight. Growling I connect a few jabs on his already fucked up ribs, one-two-three... each blow making me breathe in the sickeningly sweet scent. Dodging the hit that was sure to make me see double, shifting my weight on my feet as I easily slide my blade out of my sheath in the same more. I manage to slice his wrist open, landing some of the oily blood on my shitkicker, making him lose the tube he had managed to grab on his way out of whatever place he had crawled out of. The incoherent string of curses that came from his lips didn't face me, if anything it only served to make my cool turned icy with calculation. Flashing a menacing grin just before I stab into his thigh and twist the blade until it hits bone. A very un-male yelp came from the gurgling sonofabitch which just made me laugh. Once again, the blade was out and dripping from the disgusting blood. I took a step back, only enough to kick his weapon aside and watching him fall on his ass- Not your fucking night, huh? –calculating the intent in his eyes I land a good hard kick to his stomach that had him gasping for air. Sure thing, he was seeing stars-

 Butch

-sitting back on my haunches and wiping the stained blade of the dagger on my thigh, I grab the lesser’s wallet from an oil slick of grime and rise to shaky feet, shoving it into my pocket and swallowing back the bile rising in my throat, scanning around for my partner- V? –neck cranking toward a gurgled scream, plowing through stagnant puddles back toward the fork I’d taken after the lesser, falling back when the mangled body crashes into my chest. Quickly catching him in a full nelson, I grin up at Vishous- You lose something, brother?

Vishous

-taking my time as I take a few steps into the direction the lesser was attempting on going. My smirk only growing when I see that he bashes into Butch who with quick movements turns the pathetic piece of shit into an oily punching bag. I laugh at Butch's taunt- Nah, this fucker -raising my oily blood stained dagger to the lesser you held, his attempts turning into pathetic little squirms while his eyes widen in fear- is right -the point of the blade pressed firmly right against the lesser's jugular- where he should be -barely letting him get another squeak out before I make a quick slash all the way through. The joker would be damn proud of the wide smile I had just scored on this fucker's neck. Taking a step back at the same time Butch lets the bleeding asshat fall face first on the pavement- fun times, true –wiping the dagger on the side of my thigh-

Butch

Yeah. Fucking laugh riot. –crouching down and flipping the lesser, flicking hazel eyes up to V’s for a second before dropping my head and inhaling, filth seeping through me until I nearly gagged but not stopping until all that was left of the pale nightmare was the fading stench of powder and decay, bobbing and weaving when I brace on the crumbling brick and push myself back up, sliding my dagger back into its holster and wincing at the strengthening waves of nausea and scenting the air, nostrils flaring at the tang of blood- You get nailed, man? Jodi’s gonna have my ass if it’s deep.

Vishous

-watching you go to work with what was left of the Omega's bitch, holstering my dagger slowly. Eyes wandering from you for mere seconds just to make sure we don't have a little party without notice around us. It seemed pretty clear, even of human scum that tended to roam the filthy back streets of Caldwell. Taking a step forward just in case, brows knitting together in concentration at the state in which you were left in after destroying our enemy. Good, huh? Dhestroyer going at it. I almost miss what you say and without thinking I let my eyes drift to my limbs.- Me?- now my senses registering what you meant... blood... and not the oily kind but the one that usually meant there was bad news to come to a poor unsuspecting family. My senses on full alert, I give you a once over and my head snaps in the direction the wind was coming - It's not me, cop, and from what I can see it's not you either- eyes flickering to yours for one of our wordless conversations. We both nod and head back to where this night begun-

Butch

-hackles still raised in expectation of more company, I follow a few paces behind you, trying not to puke at the mingled smells of dead lesser and restaurant waste, unable to shake the feeling that someone was still watching our trek back to the starting line, the coppery smell getting stronger with every step until we pushed through a makeshift cardboard shelter and I stopped cold- Oh, Christ. –the female lay in a puddle of deep maroon, steam rising from the blood left to cool in the frigid air. Kneeling down, I studied every detail, going from Dhestroyer to Cop in an instant- She’s not a vampire, brother. –brows furrowed, my focus draws to the wound on her throat- But, it looks like someone tore into her to feed –scrubs a hand over my face and looking back at you- 

Vishous

-aware of the small distance between us, I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand the closer we get to the blood that wafts through the air. Hidden to human senses but not to us. The scent lured us in and I had to slow my pace, letting you take the lead as I scan the area more closely, something about this didn't sit well with me. Messing with humans is not their usual MO I took a closer look from a different angle, her hair was wiped to the side, successfully covering most of her features. The blood had darkened her long hair, making it almost oily black, my brows drawn briefly at that- We gotta report this, be it our case or not, this female deserves to be identified -taking out my phone distractedly as I mumble that-

Butch

Yeah… -reaching out, I gently flip a lock of hair aside to see her face, jaw clenching to see her neck hadn’t been the only thing savaged, dried blood streaked around a symbol cut into the skin of her forehead, muttering under my breath- Maybe she cut herself when she fell… yeah, maybe I’m a Chinese jet pilot. –calling over my shoulder when I hear the phone snap shut, my gut knowing what I was seeing without needing to be told- Yo, V? Tell me that’s not what I think it is.

Vishous

-flipping my phone shut, still watching over you like a hawk with the knowledge that we had minutes before the first police car arrived on the scene. The cop staying true to his nature while I ponder what could possibly join our world with the human one. Taking another step to the side when you call for me and stiffening on sight. What I expected to see when Butch tried to show me what was doing, I don't know, but it sure as hell wasn't this. Blinking just to make sure that I wasn't just seeing things, crouching next to the cop to examine the gash even though I could see it from where I was just fucking fine. A symbol was carved on her forehead, much like in the movie "Inglorious Basterds", the victim was forever marked. Or at least until her body was an unrecognizable putrid skin and bones. Shit. However, the problem wasn't that... the problem was what the symbol was. V whispering at the cop, could it really fucking be? A "V" in the Old Language on the skin of this poor female... what in the fucking hell was going on here?- That's... Old Language

Butch

That’s a hell of a way to leave a calling card, my brother.  –the sound of sirens coming in the distance didn’t leave time to speculate- Caldie’s finest are on it for now, man. We gotta bail. –stepping around the body to stand next to you, clapping a hand on your shoulder to steady myself as much as break you loose from wherever your supercomputer cortex had traveled, the woman at our feet jarring memories of Janie that had never really left me, I glance down at her one last time, the glow of neon from Trade giving her hair a mahogany cast to stand out highlight her unseeing chocolate eyes- Holy. Shit. V, doesn’t she look just like…

Vishous

-the blaring sounds of the sirens almost dim to a buzz as I focus on the female's face, on the way her bloodied hair sticks to her face and the ground. Little by little the trickle of the blood formed a bigger pool of blood. The way her body was positioned she must've been restrained but... the moment your hand clasped my shoulder all thoughts disappeared and I was back right on the grim, lonely alley of Caldwell. Like a sharp blade your words sliced through me, touching base, too damn close to home for me to feel comfortable. Springing to my feet like suddenly the stench of the body was burning me, the alley seemed smaller and I had to take a deep breath that only filled my nostrils with death. In clipped words I said - Don't you fucking say it, cop-  diamond eyes focus on widened hazel ones that had just a shadow of the sickness that came with your Hoover impersonation. I shook my head slowly -don't even think it- after another look at the cold body that laid on the pavement, I clasped the cop's shoulder and nodded in the direction we’d come from, flashing red and blue from the arriving squad cars turning the female’s blood black on the concrete- Let's go- the night was young, we could still score a few more lessers before we had to go back to the compound. I would not allow this disturbing scene to fuck up with the Brotherhood's job. No. The crunching of cement under the heavy footfalls of our shitkickers rang in my ears, or was it the rush of blood that I could feel almost boiling at the scene I’d left behind me, a human female with an eerily familiar scar. No. Yet, in the back of my mind there it was. Butch's harsh whisper "Shit. V, doesn’t she look just like…" Jodi... my female. Fuck. Let this be a fucking mistake. Sweet Fade, just me overthinking. Please.

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.-