SWNOVELS Chapter 5
The following morning, Leonus sprinted toward the manor from the Lycynian dwelling. Entering through the doors, he stomped across the foyer then paused at the stairs, taking notice it had been chained off, with a sign that read:
DO NOT ENTER.
UPPER LEVEL IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE CALL AND MAKE NECESSARY APPOINTMENTS, UNDER THE KEEPER’S STRICT ORDERS.
THANK YOU!
Sneering, Leonus swung his legs over the chain that rattled from his movements. Climbing the steps, skipping one or two in large strides, he paused, noticing Yzavela standing on the wide landing between the curved stairs.
“After you.” he mocked, gesturing upward.
“Oh no, please…” I stepped aside, “after you.” I mocked in return.
Squinting his blue eyes, he bit his lip, holding back his words. As he swept past her petite frame, he clenched his fists. Approaching the door, he turned, waiting for her to open it, and listening as her hands fiddled loudly with the keys, deliberately taking her time to search for the key, he grunted.
Leering at him, the door unlocked. Pushing it open, I entered, then turned to the Scotsman, gesturing inside toward the chairs. Watching as his bulk entered, I left the door open as I turned, approaching the desk.
Watching as she veered around him sitting in the chair, Leonus’ blue eyes studied her mannerisms, wondering if at any moment, her Aura would reappear.
“Let’s get to it, shall we?” I urged, then caught a repulsive scent. As I frowned, I complained bluntly, “Ugh, your stench is disgusting.”
“You should be used to the scent, no?” the Scotsman mocked as he leaned back against the chair, spreading his legs for a more reasonable comfort, “You’re f*cking one of us, aren’t you?”
“Ah, but you see, there’s a difference between you and Anthony.” I mocked, “He’s a gentleman, you’re not. Now we didn’t come here to talk about how bad you smell.”
“No, we did not, because you don’t smell any better.” he growled.
Sighing, I reached into the right upper drawer, retrieving a single key on its own ring. Tossing it to him, he caught it, then examined it.
“What’s this?” he wondered, “Am I going somewhere?”
“That’s a key to one of the trucks that we confiscated from Scotland.” I announced.
“Yeah, so? Am I going somewhere?!” he demanded once more.
“Yes, you are, and you’re going to love it.” I muttered sarcastically. As I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk, I revealed what I had planned for him, “Consider it a good gesture to the Wraiths.” I continued, “I think it’s only fair, since you f*cked up everything in the first place, don’t you think?!”
“What’re you blabberin’ about?!” he barked, leaning forward.
“You’re going to travel to the mainland, and retrieve the three month worth of blood supply that you didn’t bother to order, and bring it back here. Pretty much like…how a dog fetches a bone.” I snapped.
“You’ve got to be kidding?!” he yelled, standing from his seat.
Sitting back in the chair, listening as he gave further flack about my instructions, I watched as he began pacing, waving his arms around in dramatic gestures before he turned, arguing once more, rolling all of the Scottish syllables, while squinting his eyes in a piercing gaze.
“You expect ME, to travel across the Irish sea and feed all of these mother f*cking bloodsuckers?!” he growled.
“See?! We’re on the same page.” I sarcastically slapped, “But yes, that is exactly what I’m saying, not expecting. And you won’t be going by yourself, no-no…” I chuckled, “I wouldn’t make it that easy for you.”
“Easy?! How is anything that YOU do, considered easy?!” his large hands gestured at her.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” I grinned, ignoring his comment.
“I’m guessing you’re sending someone with me, who?!”
“You’ll find out in…” I glanced at the clock, “two hours when you meet me by the garage. Surely, the big and great Leonus Lancaster can do that.” I slowly stood.
“There’s no way in hell I am doing this.” he tossed the key at her, “Do you hear me, no way in Val…”
“There’s no way in Valhalla you’re going to do this, yada-yada…” I waved my hands around, then reached for the key, “seriously Leonus, get some new argument material.” I walked around the desk, “Now, you are going to do this because you made this mess, and your big a** if going to fix it!” I smacked the key against his chest of which he caught before it fell to the ground, “Garage, two hours, and don’t be late because if you are, I’ll have you dragged there.” I leered at up his 6’6 bulk that could easily snap my neck like a twig, “And if this little act of KINDNESS isn’t seen through, how does spending an entire year in the cells sound, hmm?” I warned, “Being fed like a dog locked in a kennel all the time, and to shift in those cramped cells too. After all, you spend more time there than you do at home with your family, and it’s such a shame too, you have such a lovely family.”
“Don’t you dare…talk about my family.” he growled, “You don’t…” he scanned her up and down, “know a bloody thing about my family.”
“I know more than you realize.” I stood up to him.
Knowing that he lost the argument, he huffed. Taking steps back, he turned, storming out of the study, noticing the change in her, and it infuriated him even more. She wasn’t the whiny little girl that he had originally thoughts she was, she was something more and deep down, he was afraid of her, but at the same time, he respected the strength she showed, standing up to a Viking alpha Lycynian who could just tear her apart in a matter of a few swipes of his claws. Pushing past residents that came and went from the dining hall or lounge, he made his way outside back toward the dwelling.
Two hours passed and I paced, standing outside the garage, glancing at my watch, with Wyatt pacing nearby.
“Hey…” he called out to her, “look.” he gestured his head toward the dwelling.
As I turned, following his gaze, there he was, Leonus shuffling along the path toward the garage.
“Right on time.” I smiled sarcastically.
“Bite me.” Leonus growled.
“No thanks, don’t like the taste of dog meat.” I snapped, then turned to Wyatt, “Leonus, say hello to your travel buddy. Surely, you two are acquainted.” I grinned, knowing the history between them, which is why this was the perfect punishment for the Scotsman.
“Bloody hell…” Leonus mocked, placing his hands on his hips, “you can’t be serious?!”
“How many times are you going to say that? Does it look, or sound like, I’m joking?!” I huffed.
Leonus leered at her, then over at Wyatt, who stood with his strong, muscular arms folded. Knowing the Demon was a level 5 and a great warrior, his stature could easily compete against his own, if ever in a heated confrontation.
“I don’t need a bloody baby sitter, now I’ve had enough of you and your sassy-bossy little mouth and attitude!” Leonus growled, flashing his red eyes at her, “Just because you’re the Keeper, it doesn’t make you my boss, you don’t own me, no one does, and I won’t take these orders from a little girl!”
“I’m not a little girl!” I answered bluntly, beginning to steam, which caused the Scotsman to back away, “And you’re right, I don’t own you, but I do own this god damn island and I do reinforce that rules that Marxus had put in place. Besides…” I held out my arms before clasping my hands together, “this little adventure might help some with your reputation here on the island just a bit, don’t you think?! I mean…” I looked at Wyatt, who shrugged, then glanced back at the bulk of a man, “you could use all the help in that department, so you really have no choice in the matter. You f*cked up, you pick up after yourself!” I finished firmly.
Grimacing with a displeasing frown, Leonus clenched his fists, then watched as the Demon placed his hands on the hilts of his axes and dart gun.
“Please make a move Leonus, I beg you.” Wyatt groaned, sensing the tension between the Lycynian and half-breed, itching to put the dog before him down, “Make my day, because I’d love to finish what I had started days ago, but this time I won’t stop. So please…make the move.” he lowered his hands that faintly glowed in a dark orange hue.
“When I return…” Leonus barked, “this isn’t over, I promise you!” he pointed toward the young man and woman, “And you…” his eyes leered at her, “will pay for this, Demon-b*tch! The world around you is a big place but yet, it’s so small, anything can happen, anywhere at any time. So watch your back, Keeper and you too, magic fingers!” he mocked, leering at the level 5 Demon with disgust.
“Wouldn’t expect anything less from you.” I replied bluntly.
“This is going to be quite the adventure.” Wyatt muttered with his faint Swedish accent, “After you, Lancaster.” he gestured toward the truck parked nearby. Watching as the Scotsman turned, Wyatt’s eyes quickly looked down at her, offering a respectful nod then followed after Leonus toward the truck that the Demon would be driving.
“You want me to take this trek and I’m not even drivin’ the bloody truck?!” Leonus complained, “F*cking hell, this is bullsh*t.”
Continuing to listen to Leonus’ Scottish slurs as he climbed into the truck, I walked around to the passenger side where he sat, whispering in a sinister tone that made the Scotsman pull away from the window.
“The world around you is a big place but yet, it’s so small, anything can happen, anywhere at any time. So watch your back, Leonus, and Wyatt?” I veered past Leonus’ bulk, “You have my permission to do whatever it takes if the dog gets out of hand.” I nodded, then took a step back, tapping the truck.
“Absolutely.” Wyatt hollered, then turned on the truck, allowing the engine to warm up before turning the wheel, driving down the path.
Standing there watching the truck drive through the gates, I smiled for I knew I had won this round, but prepared myself for Leonus’ retaliation, and it worried me. My confidence level started at 100% but watching as the truck disappeared through the tunnel, it bumped down to at least 40% which left me with chills. And it wasn’t because of the Winter winds that swept across the island either. I knew my limits and I think I pushed them over the cliffs. Sighing softly, I turned, returning to the manor.
The van arrived at RP&V’s harbor, where Demons stood waiting to open a portal that would take Wyatt and Leonus to the mainland.
“You’re not driving through that!” Leonus complained, watching as the large portal opened near the dock’s ledge before running off into the sea, “Tell me you’re not?!” he looked at the Demon next to him.
“Fine, then I won’t tell you.” Wyatt mocked, then drove forward.
The Demons standing nearby watched as the truck disappeared into the center of the portal, then waited a few minutes, knowing that due to the distance between the Isle and the mainland would take seconds.
Once the truck drove up the dock in Heysham, the portal quickly closed behind the vehicle that came to an abrupt halt, screeching its tires along the dock.
Leonus pushed the passenger door open, then lept off the seat as he buckled over, vomiting nearby into a large trash can. A dizziness had rushed over him, with the sensation of pins and needles stabbing all throughout his body, for this was the first time he had ever travelled via portal.
Wyatt leaned against the seat, grinning as he watched the Scotsman. He gave him a few minutes to catch his bearings and focus, knowing it was different for each individual and he didn’t blame him for his reaction. Glancing at his watch, time was being wasted so honking on the horn loudly, startling Leonus who jumped from the loud, sudden horn, he whistled, summoning the Scotsman to get his bulk back into the truck. Watching as he climbed back into his seat, slamming the door, Wyatt mocked sarcastically,
“Do you want me to leave the window down you can stick your head out like a good little dog?” he pushed the button, doing just that.
“Bite me, Demon!” Leonus barked with an underlying growl, as he wiped the corners of his mouth.
Wyatt scoffed, remaining composed, starting a difficult 5 hour drive.
It was bad enough for Leonus catching Wraith and Demon scents on the island, but being in proximity of one made him nauseous. Along the way, he kept giving Wyatt flack, ordering and demanding him to stop the truck for he needed air and an occasional relief.
Saying nothing, Wyatt adhered to each outburst, stopping the truck with hard jerks forward, after slamming his foot hard on the breaks, causing Leonus to bump his hands and knees against the dashboard.
The drive progressed until reaching Penrith. Driving down the quiet streets, Wyatt stopped the truck with another rough jerk for in the street, blocking their path, stood two men.
“What the bloody hell is wrong with ye, huh?!” Leonus barked, as he peeked his head out the window, “Get out of the way!” he waved his hand toward them.
“Shut up!” Wyatt groaned, leering at him then turned to one of the men that approached, “Hey, Nik.” he shared a handshake with the Hungarian, then watched as the other man, Steven, sped around to the other side.
“Bloody hell…” Leonus pulled away, retreating into the truck.
Steven hissed, folding his arms, intimidating the Lycynian.
“Go ahead and park outside the clinic, we’ll make sure that we have the inventory brought out and packed.” Nikolaas advised firmly.
“Thanks man.” Wyatt nodded. Rolling up the window, he continued the drive down the streets, then making a right, the truck approached the clinic that was on the right hand side of the street.
Approaching closer, Leonus veered through the windshield, taking in the facade of the establishment in black, red and white paint with its name written in Gothic lettering with an animated vampire logo that was drawn beneath it, representing the Wraith community with light humor:
“You’ve got to be kidding?!” Leonus mocked, then mumbled under his breath, “Bloodsucking son-of-a-b*tches, abominations all of them, all of you!” he side eyed the Demon next to him.
Grunting, Wyatt glanced at the clinic.
“You’re up, mutt…make it quick!”
“The faster I’m out of here, the better!” Leonus groaned, climbing out of the truck, huffing with anger as he slammed the door. As he entered the clinic, he searched for someone to speak with then took notice of the same Wraith that stood on the street, standing behind a desk up ahead. Grimacing in disgust as adults sat in chairs for either physical exams or donating their blood for a good cause, they cared for, and fed, their Wraiths for many were married to some. Moving forward, he approached the desk, listening as the Wraith spoke on the phone.
“If he’s the tall red Sasquatch, yes I’m looking at him.” Steven stated with distaste, “They just arrived.” he nodded, leering at the bulk of a man that huffed heavily, pounding a hand against his fist impatiently, “Yes, of course Yzavela.” he finished, then laid the phone down, “I know who you are Leonus Lancaster, and the reason why you’re here.” he sneered, “I’m surprised to see your kind around here, especially in a town where my kind can easily tear you apart, did you know that?”
“I didn’t come here to chat, bloodsucker.” Leonus barked, leering at the Wraith, “Just pack the blood so I get the f*ck out of here, you stink.”
“So do you.” Steven hissed, then took steps back away from the desk, “I do have explicit instructions from the Keeper herself, that I will be accompanying you on the way back. Just to make sure it’s delivered.” he grinned, “Following directly behind you, of course.”
“Of course.” Leonus mocked smugly, “I can’t believe this, you are tellin’ me that I was sent there, escorted by a Demon just to be guided back by a bloodsucker?! What kind of idiotic nonsense is this, that f*cking girl doesn’t know what she’s doing!” he shook his head with disbelief.
“Apparently she knows exactly what she’s doing.” Steven hissed, “It just seems she has trust issues with you, and I don’t blame her. Now, go wait outside like a well trained dog.” he gave the Scotsman one of his piercing blue eyed stares, followed by a low hiss of annoyance, then turned, walking out back to see the van loaded with the supply.
Huffing, Leonus turned, storming out of the clinic in fast strides. As he approached the truck, swinging open the door, he climbed in.
Wyatt felt the truck sway from Leonus’ awkward movements.
“Are you done?” he snapped, turning in his seat.
“I’ll take as much time as I would like!” Leonus argued, “This is all a bloody waste of time, and all of them can take that blood and…” he continued, in his Scottish Gaelic, stating that the Wraiths can shove it up their bloodsucking a**es and then after that, they can go f*ck themselves, “chrath e suas na h-asailean fala aca agus an uairsin às deidh sin, faodaidh iad falbh leotha fhèin!”
Biting his lip, wanting to just shred the Lycynian apart, Wyatt kept his composure with much control, remembering the Keeper’s words and orders to handle things as he saw fit. Gripping the wheel, he then turned on the engine. Turning around, driving back the way they had come, a white van followed behind the truck.
Once reaching the borders of Penrith, leaving the town behind them, Leonus couldn’t contain his temperament as he leaned over, trying to grab the wheel, veering off the road.
Steven, driving behind them, watched as the truck ahead of him had momentarily swerved off the road before making an abrupt halt. As he parked, the Wraith sped out of the van, listening as muffled and gurgling moans erupted from the truck before an unsettling silence. Appearing on the driver’s side of the vehicle, Steven watched as the Demon wiped blood from his lip while flexing his right hand in and out of a firm fist.
Wyatt groaned, leering to his left where an unconscious Scotsman sat.
“What happened?!” Steven hissed in concern, and not for Leonus.
“Nothing, just the dog became a bit too wild for his own good.” the Demon muttered, “With a good knock to the head and twist of his innards, he’ll be taking a long nap.” he huffed with frustration, “For a few hours actually.” he flexed his fists that glowed with lingering arcane sigils that twinkled before dissipating.
Glancing past Wyatt, observing the Lycynian hunched forward, the man’s head leaned against the dashboard before being pulled backwards, revealing a bruise that covered half of the Lycynian’s face, concealing cuts on his lip and above his right eye. Silver shackles had been bound around his bulky wrists that kept his hands lying limp in his lap.
“He’s not dead, is he?” Steven wondered, then caught the sound of his steady heartbeat.
“No, he’s alive. Unfortunately.” Wyatt slurred bluntly, “We should get going before he wakes, because I don’t think I’ll be able to keep my promise to Yzavela if he does.” he frowned, “But I think he’ll be awake in just enough time for the best part of this field trip and you, Steven…” he looked at the Wraith, “don’t want to miss this.”
Steven tilted his head, wondering what the Demons meant. Backing away, returning to the van, he followed the truck.
Wyatt smiled, listening to music that played on the radio. Bobbing his head to the beat, knowing his friend Caleb would have loved the long, dramatic drum solo, he also tapped his hands on the wheel.
The five and a half hour return drive, presented a problem.
“Sh*t.” Wyatt complained, climbing out of the truck.
“Wyatt, you’re late.” one of the Guardian greeted.
“Yeah, I know.” the Demon huffed, “Had a set back on the way.” he glanced at the truck.
“What’s going on?” Steven appeared.
“Because of Leonus, it delayed the return and now…” Wyatt turned to the Wraith, placing his hands on his hips, “because of the damn Boar-wolves that are…” he glanced at his watch, “yep, it’s about time for them now.” he looked at the Guardians.
“You have to get that supply into a freezer before the load is wasted.” Steven hissed, glancing back at the van.
“Don’t worry Steven, we’ve got this.” Wyatt turned to him, “Just get the van ready to drive through the portal and once it open, hit a hard foot on the gas and get through, all right?”
“All right.” Steven nodded, “What about Leonus?”
“Don’t worry about him, I’ll handle it.” Wyatt affirmed, “Go…”
Steven shook the Demons’ hand then sped toward the van, climbing into the driver’s seat, keeping the engine revving in place with a foot ready to pound on the gas pedal.
Wyatt turned to the other Guardians, instructing the Demons to open a portal to the Isle. Retreating to the truck, he climbed into the seat, watching as the Guardians approached the dock, following his instructions; a large portal opened. Once he and Steven drove through, the two vehicles appeared in RP&V, screeching their tires before driving in opposite directions; the van drove toward the grand hospital while the truck arrived at the Inn. Removing his phone, the Demon made a call, contacting Yzavela alerting her of their return.
“You’re late, what the f*ck happened?!” I argued over the screen.
“Leonus, what else?!” Wyatt complained looking at her face, “But it doesn’t matter, Steven’s delivering the blood to the hospital now, and I’m at the Inn taking care of Leonus.”
“Mm…” I grumbled, “just make sure everything is taken care of at the hospital when you’re done.”
“I will.” Wyatt nodded.
“Good. Meet me in the village tomorrow morning and tell Steven that he’s more than welcome to spend the night at the Inn, a room had already been reserved.”
“Will do.”
“Wyatt, wait…” I called out before the call ended, “not that I care, but is Leonus still alive?”
“Unfortunately.” the Demons groaned, “Barely.”
“Right, gotcha.” I nodded, then ended the call.
“Sh*t.” Wyatt cursed, tucking his phone back into his pocket.
The following morning, the fog glided across the waters and the vast island landscape. Once the Boar-wolves had retreated, the Isle came to life, as did the village where a massive crowd gathered around the hospital full of Wraiths that anxiously waited for the blood supply to be handed out accordingly.
Having my personal chauffeur Anthony drive me to the village, with my mom and companions in the back row of seats, we arrived and parked outside the gate.
“It’s going to be a glorious morning.” I smiled.
“You’re still not going to tell me what you have planned?” Anthony rasped, walking with her.
“It’s definitely better if you see it with your own eyes.” I announced.
“Cryptic.” Lady D grinned, “Well, I’ll be around. I’ve been wanting to inspect the new occult shopkeepers that arrived, the others haven’t been able to stop talking about it.”
“I think you’ll like it, definitely something for everyone and that says a lot.” Anthony offered his opinion that was accepted.
Greeted by Wraith Guardians that greeted us by the gates, they held up their bags of blood, before turning away to consume the portions. As Anthony, my mom and I strolled through RP&V, it looked like Christmas morning, with all of the Wraiths, including Nick, Caleb and Justin, standing around, ripping at the spouts of the bags, before they slurped the red fluids in a matter of seconds.
I smiled, pleased to see that all my Wraiths were being taken care of. However, glancing across the village, standing on the wide ledge of the fountain, was Leonus, Nathan and several other Lycynians that I had not recognized. Frowning, I watched as they mocked all of the supernatural beings, then took notice of Leonus’ swollen lip and bruised eye that were still visible. I listened to his loud, boisterous voice, criticizing the Wraiths and the decisions I had made, especially forcing him to retrieve the blood supply in the first place. Watching as my mom ventured in another direction with a Guardian accompanying her, I turned to Anthony, holding onto his arm.
“You’re going to love this.” I grinned.
“Tell me.” Anthony urged.
“Just watch.” I teased, then began pushing my way through the thick crowd, while continuing to keep Leonus within my line of sight. As I grew a sinister grin, the thought ran through my mind, “HE WHO LAUGHS FAST, LAUGHS LAST LEONUS.” but before I could make my way to the front, where Matthews continued dispersing the blood, I felt a hand gently pulling me aside out of the crowd, leaving Anthony and my companions worried for I had disappeared from their protective sight. Gently pulling away, I turned to see Steven.
“I’m sorry.” he apologized, holding his hands up.
“Next time, call my name.” I adjusted my jacket, “I don’t like being man handled like that, but it’s good that you’re here.”
“About that…why am I here?” the Wraith wondered, “The supply has been delivered so…is everything all right?”
“Everything is fine, and it’s about to get better.” I smiled, then heard Anthony’s voice shouting my name. As I turned, the Italian pushed his way through with Abraxas flying above, and Zanzabarr clearing a path ahead of him.
“Are you all right?” Anthony worried, “One moment you were there, then the next you were gone.” he glanced at Steven, “Who’s this?” he became protective.
“This is Steven, one of the Wraiths from Penrith.” I announced as I gestured at the man in question, “It’s all right Anthony, he’s a friend.”
Anthony grunted softly, but loud enough for her hear as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
“I meant no harm, really.” Steven apologized, “I’m sorry.” he looked at the Italian, taking in his scent, “Another Lycynian?”
”Another Wraith.” Anthony snapped back.
“Uh-uh…” I looked up at Anthony, “don’t do the macho thing, it’s not necessary.” I admired his protective nature, knowing that it was part of his paranormal, and natural, temperament, plus…I was his, “Anyway, I’ve got to go, excuse me.” I nodded “Will you two be all right?”
“Yes.” Anthony grinned, looking down at her.
“Nothing to worry about.” Steven nodded.
“Right.” I squinted, then turned. Once making my way toward the front of the crowd, I stood next to Matthews, putting the events on hold, “Excuse me, listen to me please!” I announced loudly, catching the attention of the masses gathered, “Thank you.” I gestured at the crowd, “Now, since our resident Lycynian alpha over there, Leonus Lancaster…” I gestured toward the fountain, “was eager to retrieve your blood supply, I think it’s only fair that he should also step up and volunteer to hand it out to you. Isn’t that right, Leonus?!” I sent my voice in his direction, while a smug grin crept across my face.
Nathan nudged the Scotsman, alerting him that all eyes were gazing upon him.
Looking around, Leonus was confused.
“You’re in deep f*cking sh*t.” Nathan slurred, smoking his cigarette.
“Zip it, boy!” Leonus growled. Jumping off the ledge, pushing his bulk through the crowd, the look on his face could easily kill. Once he stood alongside her, he growled as he leaned in, “What the f*ck are you doing? There’s no way in hell I’m doing this.”
“Here he is everyone!” I announced, deliberately ignoring him, “He’ll be doing the honors today.” I slapped his back, “Isn’t that right, big alpha?!” and as my hand slapped his back once more, I watched as he flinched, feeling a powerful heat knowing what it was. Taking steps back, I left him standing there in his own sh*t.
“Don’t f*cking touch me, Demon-b*tch.” he whispered after her.
“And don’t f*ck with me, Lycyn-mutt!” I answered telepathically.
Standing there defiantly, Leonus looked around, knowing that he was put on the spot with no way out of it. Reaching for the bags that had been handed to him by Matthews, he turned, handing them out in a rough manner that at times, looked as if he threw the bags into the crowd toward the eager Wraiths. Cursing, he tossed handfuls, that in a moment, was a hilarious sight, receiving laughter from mortals and Lycynians, because he was, a man that some respected, disliked, even feared, being forced to feed the species that he hated most, and all at the hands of just a half-breed.
Standing in the crowd, laughing with a proud smile, the moment was perfect, and the humiliation was priceless! Gathering close with Anthony and my mom, the three of us laughed, pointing at the scene.
“Oh now that’s good…” Lady D looked at her daughter.
“Too good.” Anthony added, “Well done, my love.”
“Thank you, I think so too.” I smiled, then watched as Anthony and my mom shared a high-five, offering their praises, “All right, come on that’s enough.”
“Excuse me.” a male interrupted.
Turning around, there stood Steven yet again.
“Ah, hello Steven.” Lady D greeted, “How are you?”
“I am well, thank you.” he answered, bowing his head toward her.
“That’s wonderful.” she smiled, then looked around, “Excuse me…” she turned, finishing her shopping nearby, knowing that her presence wasn’t necessary in the conversation that was going to take place.
“I’ll be over here.” Anthony muttered, then placed a kiss on Yzavela’s cheek, “Steven.” he nodded toward the Wraith.
“I’m sorry if I interrupted anything.” Steven spoke softly.
“Not at all, and listen…thank you again for getting the supply ready so quickly. I know it was short notice but…”
“It’s fine, really. Nikolaas and I were wondering when someone was coming for it.” Steven looked around, watching as the Wraiths sped off, feeling refreshed and revitalized, “Dare I ask what happened?” he finished.
“Um, there was a complication but it’s been resolved.”
“Perfectly, I might add.” Steven grinned, “This is something that I know both Nikolaas and Roberto would love to hear about for sure.” he leered through the crowd toward the Lycynian, wanting to release his Wraith temper and rip him apart, it was a hunger that he wanted to quench.
I smiled, taking a moment to study Steven closely. He was very handsome, with medium-to-dark blonde hair styled just above the collar. He had unusual blue eyes that were warm but stern and piercing, perhaps more of a reserved expression. His steampunk attire complimented his 6 foot slender, but muscular frame. He appeared to be somewhere in his late 30s but in reality, because of his Wraith nature, he was far older, 238 years to be exact. His full name was Steven Morough, according the manifest that was delivered and signed, and although I didn’t know much about his background, he was elegant and the perfect gentleman.
“Or perhaps maybe you can return to the Penrith and tell the tale yourself.” Steven finished with deep, elegant English voice.
“Oh, um…” I felt awkward.
“I didn’t mean it like that, I only meant that if you ever pass through Penrith again, it would be best to…” he paused, knowing that wasn’t helping his case any, “that’s not helping is it?” he grinned.
“No, unfortunately not.” I laughed softly, “And uh, I’m flattered but I have other duties here.” I handled the moment respectfully then my eyes glanced past his shoulder toward Anthony who stood nearby with Thomas and Jonathan.
Following her gaze, Steven understood clearly.
“If you ever need anything, just let me or Nikolaas know.” he turned, finishing professionally, “We will be more than happy to help, and it was still a brilliant touch making Leonus hand out the blood. I don’t think I could have done it better myself.” he watched as the bulk of a man finished dispersing the blood, pushing his way through, “Must have really hurt his ego.” he shook his head, then glanced back at her, “Have a pleasant rest of your day, love.” he winked then removed his phone, hearing a beep, “Yes, this is Steven.” he answered.
Turning away, moments before searching for my mom or Anthony, I shrieked loudly as Nick and Caleb suddenly appeared, frightening me.
“Don’t…do that!” I joked, catching my breath, after squeaking softly.
“Sorry, but…we just feel much better and energetic!” Caleb smiled.
“We can see that, mate.” Erik’s voice added as he approached, then looked down at me, “Hey, Keeps.”
“Hey.” I grinned, then glanced back at the two Wraiths, “It’s good to see those shadows are going away…” I observed them beginning to slowly vanish, “I don’t like seeing my vamps looking like that.”
“Your vamps?” Caleb gushed.
“Yes, Caleb…my vamps.” I teased.
“Awe, shucks.” Nick joked, blinking his brown eyes, “We’re yours.”
I laughed, shaking my head.
“That was a nice touch by the way.” Erik added, referring to Leonus.
“I did what I had to do.” I looked at him, then glanced at Nick and Caleb, “Listen, do me a favor, tell the other Wraiths that they can take the rest of the day off, it’s early morning so that should be more than enough time to replenish your strengths and just be.” I smiled.
“Really?” Caleb’s dark eyes widened.
“Caleb.” I raised an eyebrow.
“He accepts.” Nick’s voice interrupted, then pinching his friends’ arm he stuttered through his smile, “Don’t you, Caleb.”
“Um, yeah…yeah, of course. Thank you.” the Englishman flashed another charming smile.
“Get out of here, tall dark and charming.” I teasingly patted his arm. Watching as the Wraiths vanished, I turned to Erik shaking my head, “Those two, I swear.”
“Yeah, they’re crazy blokes.” Erik grinned, “Listen, can we talk?”
“About what, honestly?” I fretted.
“I don’t know, I just…” he looked around, “about things in general.”
“As friends or something more?” I wondered bluntly.
“Just friends.” Erik reassured, then glanced around, “Before Anthony interrupts. Again.”
“Erik?” I argued, “Don’t.”
“You’re right.” he held his hands up, “Arrogance in check, I’m sorry.”
“Your arrogance is never in check, just like my sarcasm never is. But I wouldn’t expect anything less from my…”
“From your?” Erik’s gray eyes widened.
“I was going to say jacka** but I feel like we’re past that now.”
“Damn, and here I was going to call you a piss ant moments ago.” he snapped his fingers teasingly.
“Mm-hmm.” I managed to chuckle, feeling like the friendship was in a good place.
“Anyway, I was going to…” Erik muttered then paused, widening his gray eyes as he scanned the crowd, “oh no.” he complained, hearing the shrill of a woman’s annoying voice in a nasal tone calling out his name.
“What’s wrong?” I wondered, studying him.
“Nothing, I’ll tell you later.” Erik turned to her, then rushing off.
“W-wait!” I called out after him, then listened to the woman’s voice. Trying to locate her in the mass that began dispersing, my eyes then widened; a severely stout and overweight woman wearing a pink dress, and a blonde page-boy haircut with bangs framing her round face, was Betsy, a female Lycynian.
“Little Yza?” Anthony gently tapped her shoulder.
“Hmm?” I quickly glanced up at him, “Yeah, sorry.”
“What’s the matter?” Anthony followed her gaze, then gulped, “Ah.”
“Ah? What’s…ah?”
“Betsy.” Anthony complained nervously.
“You know her?”
“The pig in the wig? No.” Anthony joked.
“That’s not very nice.” I smiled, then glanced back at her once more, and unfortunately, he was right, she did look like a pig in a wig.
“She’s been following all of the men, doesn’t matter if they’re mortal, Demon or Wraith. That woman is quite vulgar and disgusting, to be honest.” he grimaced with distaste.
“Hmm.” I frowned, wondering if she was going to be another issue I would have on my long list, “Well, I’ll deal with it later, right now…” I looked around, taking notice that all of the Wraiths looked healthy and rejuvenated, almost on a blood high, “let’s just enjoy the day.”