by Vera Sparks
“We both can, we’ll start by going back to your office. If Percy can’t help, we can. We’ll track the scent for you and check out the warehouse, all the while helping you keep your emotions in check,” Shane grinned.
“Really?” I sat up in delight. So they could help me. Finally, I’d get this murderer found.
“I doubt it’s worth going to the warehouse until tonight though when the vamps are out. What’s the place like?” Shane asked.
“There’s a bar at one end, at the other is the cages where they fight,” I stated, pulling the memory of the place to the forefront of my mind.
“Well, we’ll just act like your usual fight watchers I guess. Keep a nose out for that particular scent,” Shane gave Rose a quick look to confirm she agreed with his plan, which she nodded at.
“Well, we’ve got about four hours to kill here before we should head out to get there around six-ish. You can come chill at Dylan’s and my place if you’d like?” Rose offered.
“Got any beer there?” Shane’s face lit up.
“Do you even have to ask that,” Rose smirked. Werewolves were apparently avid drinkers.
“We can focus on trying to piss you off then calm you down?” Shane suggested as he turned back to me.
“Honestly, I think I’d like a drink and to just forget about all this for a while,” I said. I didn’t want to think about Alena’s murder, or Percy, or the fact that Jasmine had gone weird, and that I was more than human all along. My parents knew something, but I had no idea of how to even start looking for my father. It wasn’t like he’d left me a forwarding address when he’d taken off.
“We can help you with that too,” Shane slapped the table with affirmation as he stood up.
“He’s still exactly the same as you remember, right?” Rose winked at me.
“He definitely is.”
4
I spent the next two hours sharing stories and downing beers with Shane and Rose as we reminisced about our childhood.
“Remember Adrian, the boy in 8th grade who had a crush on you?” Rose giggled as she took a swig from her beer.
“Yeah, what about him?” I asked, holding my glass of rum and coke close.
“He was a goblin,” Rose sniggered and Shane laughed.
“No way, he didn’t look like one,” I gaped in astonishment.
“Witch potions. Goblins use them to look human while young, but as they grow older, they can wield their own magic to shift the way humans see them. They appear human to most,” Rose informed me.
“I had a goblin client at work once, Alex told me what he was. The only thing that made me think about it was that long hooked nose,” I scrunched up my nose as I used my finger to recreate the nose on my own face.
“Oh lord,” Rose cackled.
“Sometimes their magic isn’t perfect,” Shane shook his head with a smirk. “They sometimes need to still use potions as adults.”
“Hey, what was Samantha? That blonde girl who hung out with us during our freshman year?” I took a gulp of my rum and coke as Rose closed her eyes to focus. I wasn’t a fan of beer, so Rose had pulled out the rum for me.
“A witch, I think,” Rose shrugged. “Just a potions witch.”
“Why does there seem to be different witches?” I asked.
“There are ones with low-level magic and then high-level magic. Low level is potions, mid-range is psychic and minor spells. Then there’s high-range stuff. The powerful guys. They can work some real magic and spells. Most witches will dabble in things lesser than their known rank level. Like your friend Maria, I’d say she was mid-range, but dabbles in potions just because she can. Low level is your most common, then mid-range. High-range is quite rare, and the Council keeps a record of them all and a watchful eye on them due to their power. Some of them are even stronger than Fae. But unlike the Fae, they spend the majority of their time in the human world, not in their ‘Paradise’, therefore they’re more of a potential threat,” Rose said with air quotes.
“Huh, interesting,” I said as I pursed my lips. So there were differing levels.
“Can men be witches?” I queried.
“Yes. You have male witches, and then you have warlocks. The witches are ranked as I said, but male witches are rather rare. The gene only seems to activate in women, males can carry it and pass it on but it rarely activates in them. Then you have warlocks. Stronger than even high-level witches. Those guys are badass and very few and far between. There was a time when the Council actually put out a kill order, centuries ago, to destroy the warlock lines.” Rose’s face hardened as she stared hard at her bottle of beer.
“As if they can choose who lives and who dies, they murdered children,” Shane spat.
“Some lived though,” Rose murmured.
“Wow, that’s brutal,” I said as I looked at my half empty glass. “I also thought warlocks were only men?”
“They are. If a warlock has a female relative with the same level of abilities, they call them a sorceress. But that’s even more rare than a warlock. I think there’s only two of them in existence. As for warlocks, not even thirty worldwide,” Shane informed me.
“Wow, that’s incredible.”
“I think there’s even a warlock in Portland, come to think of it,” Shane said as he raised his bottle to his lips.
“Do you think a warlock could help with what I am?” I asked as the thought came to mind.
“Dunno, and personally, I wouldn’t want to try to find one to ask,” Shane frowned.
“Are they really that powerful and dangerous?”
“Stories float around,” Rose murmured. “Best not to even cross paths with one if you can help it.”
Damn. There goes that idea.
“What are sprites? You mentioned them earlier?” I turned back to Shane.
“They’re part-fae beings. They have less concentration of fae blood than half-fae. I think it’s anything under half-blood and more than 1/16 fae. Any less than that and they’re practically human,” Shane said.
I leaned back on the brown couch, it’s soft plush cushions pressed against my back. Rose’s place was a stylish modern home with a cozy feel. The fireplace was the centerpiece, while the two couches and lone armchair were placed to favor the heat when the fire was lit. The room was not sparse like Heather’s and Gene’s, there were bookcases filled with books, dvd’s and cd’s. A pile of magazines was propped up against the edge of the armchair, and a few bills were pushed to the side of the coffee table to make way for the beers.
It reminded me of many days spent in their childhood home, set-up in a similar fashion. Not too tidy, but not too cluttered either. Just a nice balance that made it feel welcoming and lived it. It felt homey.
“Hey, Percy said that car fumes can be overwhelming on the nose, and yet Dylan is a mechanic. Doesn’t that cause him issues?” I asked.
“He enjoys the smell of it. Most ‘wolves don’t. It’s interesting actually; he’s got a knack for it. Sometimes he can actually smell what’s wrong. If something has been burnt out or there’s been an oil leak or something. It’s pretty cool,” Rose smiled as she pulled her legs up under her on the couch opposite me. Shane took the armchair happily as soon as we’d arrived.
“Does it bother you? Working for a vampire? After what happened?” Shane asked.
“No, not really. No one can hurt me anymore, and I was working for Alex before it happened anyway,” I took a gulp of my rum and coke. None of the ‘wolves knew that it had been Alex himself. I didn’t need them going after him. It hadn’t been his fault, he’d had to feed after being lit on fire. I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Well, it’s nearly four, I guess we should get ready to head off. I should change into something more, thuggish, I guess. You too, Shane,” Rose flicked her head at him and he scowled.
“I look fine. Ivy, were they dressed in any particular way?” Shane asked, intent to prove his sister than he could wear his casual jea
ns and short-sleeved tee.
“Well, most of them had leather jackets on, but that’s about it. You actually both look fine, from memory, most of the ‘wolves were dressed pretty normally,” I shrugged.
“But we’re investigating!” Rose threw her hands up and huffed as she stood up.
“Well, hurry up and get changed,” Shane waved her off.
Rose pulled a face before heading off down the hall, and I shared a cheeky grin with Shane. They hadn’t changed over the years, still the same close siblings I remembered.
“So, got yourself a girl yet?” I placed my now empty glass on the table.
“Yep, Allison. She’s from a neighboring pack. I’m hoping she’ll come into my pack one day. She’s amazing. She’s a professional photographer, does mostly nature shots but will do weddings and stuff. We’ve been together just over a year now,” Shane’s eyes lit up as he spoke of her. “She’s amazing, loves coming to my football games. I still play, nothing big, just local games on weekends. We’re going to start looking for a place together soon.”
“Wow, you’re finally settling down,” I said as I just stared at his nervously excited expression. He really did love this girl. I’d never seen him like that when we were younger.
“She’s perfect. So caring and sweet, we love the same TV shows and both love sports. She’s even been trying to teach me how to be a photographer,” Shane grinned.
I just shook my head in amazement. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks,” Shane grinned down at his beer before setting it on the table. “So, you and Percy are having a bit of a moment?”
“He just annoyed me, that’s all. I’m sure we’ll be fine,” I sighed. I kinda did feel bad now for just vanishing on him. Surely he’d just gone home by now? I knew I should call him back, considering I had two missed calls from him. But I wanted him to know he’d upset me. It was childish and mean, but I couldn’t help it.
“I hope so. I know Rose would love to have you around more.”
“Even if anything happened, I’d still stay in touch. It’s not like I have to make the 2 hour drive here,” I said, pleased with my abilities for once.
“True, that’s a pretty epic power to have.”
“Alex sends me all across the country for client issues, be it gathering information in person or delivering news in person. I get paid extra because he doesn’t have to fly around himself and try to work around the night flights,” I giggled. Airlines had done their best to accommodate vampires more so, even offering special day flights in their coffins. That’s right, there was a whole business now of couriers for coffins with vampires in them. Incredible stuff really.
“Damn, he must love you now,” Shane shook his head.
“Yeah,” I laughed softly. Shane didn’t know how close he was to being right. Alex did still have feelings for me. We’d dated before our unfortunate episode, and he still had feelings for me. Thankfully, he seemed to be keeping his distance now that Percy and I were together.
“I’m sure Mom and Dad would love to see you again too, we should throw a family lunch and have you over soon, they’d be thrilled,” Shane grinned.
“That’d be great,” I murmured.
“I’m ready!”
We both turned to stare at Rose, who now wore a leather jacket.
“It took you that long to put on a jacket?” Shane said, baffled.
“No, I changed my jeans and put make-up on to look the part,” Rose pouted.
“You changed your jeans to a darker set of jeans?” Shane scoffed as he shook his head.
“You look perfect,” I jumped in before Rose ripped into him. We needed to get a move on. We had to stop at the office first before everyone started their shift at 8pm.
“Thanks, at least someone notices the work I put into looking good,” Rose stuck her tongue out like a five-year-old.
“Whatever, let’s just get this car trip over. I’m driving,” Shane stated.
“Well, who designated you?” Rose growled.
This was going to be a fun car ride.
I made sure to give Maurice a quick call and ask if she could keep an eye on Axle tonight. She had a spare key to access my apartment. She was more than happy to take him on after her afternoon tea and book reading, which she wanted to tell me about when she saw me.
I ignored the sibling squabble as we headed out to the car.
We got to the office a little before 7pm, and I quickly ushered them in after unlocking the building.
“So this is where you work,” Rose murmured as she took in the reception room.
“Yeah, it pays the bills,” I said, eager to get them moving faster.
“Which office is it?” Shane asked as he got straight to business.
“The last one on the left.”
Shane moved with purpose as he headed down the hall, and we followed after him, Rose finding it necessary to peek into the open doorways of the other offices.
“Someone’s cleaned in here,” Shane’s voice rang out.
My heart dropped as I hurried forward.
“What do you mean?!” I snapped as I reached the end office.
“I smell all sorts of cleaning products,” he said as he scrunched his nose up. “I can just barely make out some vampires too.”
“It’s the oldest smelling one. The vampire is older than Alex. The other two vampires who’ve been in here since are younger than him,” I blurted, desperate for him to find a scent. Had Alex had the place cleaned after Percy had come by? Shit. Double shit.
“I’ve got… something, I think,” Shane frowned as he sniffed the air.
Rose drew in a deep breath as she closed her eyes from her position behind me.
“I smell it too, barely, but I’ve got it,” Rose said as she opened her eyes with a cocky smile.
“It’s not the greatest scent to track, but we can work with this,” Shane nodded.
“Good, I’ll take what I can get,” I breathed, relief washing over me. This hadn’t been for nothing then.
I stared up at the looming warehouse and shuddered. Rose and Shane were stepping before the bouncer at the door, their eyes flashing yellow to allow them entry inside. I’d explained I’d follow them inside, and that they could see me but no one else could. Something that they found amusing and intriguing.
But the memory of Percy almost being executed here crept into my mind, the way his companion had his neck snapped with ease.
I pulled myself from my thoughts as Rose and Shane were allowed entry, and I followed along after them, stepping through the closed door and feeling the sensation of moving through a solid object. Still not something I was used to. I doubted I’d ever be.
“Wow,” Rose breathed as she twitched her nose.
“Guess this is the nicer bar end,” Shane murmured as he looked over at the bar and the couple of tables and stools scattered around. It was like a nightclub atmosphere at this end.
I scowled as vamps and weres’ walked through me, and Rose gave me a mortified look as a bulky vamp stomped through me.
“Damn, that’s some funky stuff to see,” Shane muttered as he followed her gaze.
“Any luck on the scent?” I asked as I moved to place myself near a lone table and stools to avoid being walked through.
“It’s faint here,” Shane said softly as he tested the air.
“We’ll look around, maybe the fight end might be more useful,” Rose shrugged, her leather jacket blending in well, although she was one of only a few women inside.
“Meet back here in five to ten minutes?” Shane checked.
“Right,” Rose nodded.
“I’ll be right here,” I sighed. I was useless right now with my mortal nose. All I could do was wait. Wait for them to do what they did best.
I watched as vamps wandered past me, chatting and baring their fangs for the world to see. If I focused hard, I could distinguish the ‘wolves and vamps apart. The vamps always appeared to be more highly dressed and clean
looking. A lot of them went for a clean shave or some stubble. Maybe it had something to with drinking blood, who knows? The one female vamp was dressed in a high-end couture dress despite the fact that this was a place for cage fights. I didn’t consider it a high class environment, but whatever. The weres’ on the other hand looked more wild, not too stressed about their hair or clothing. They moved with an animalistic gait, almost like their walk was a gentle lope. The vampires moved with an air of grace and power, and they barely mingled.
I had to hand it to Philip, he’d brought the two species together for these fights. Alex had told me of the rules. No fighting, respect the other species, if you have a problem with one of them, take it to the cages. You might as well win some money while trying to knock your opponent out or kill him. Kill matches. Apparently they were more common than one would have thought.
“I’ve got something.”
I jumped as Shane popped up beside me. He looked rather peeved and on edge.
“What’d you find?” I asked, searching around us to see if Rose was returning as well.
“The scent is stronger over the back near a doorway. It’s guarded though.”
I chewed my lip. I bet it was the doorway leading downstairs to the basement where Percy was when I found him.
“Here comes Rose,” Shane jutted his chin out and I turned as Rose came towards us, her brisk walk uneasy.
“This place is weird, those fights are awful. Did you know there’s a death-match going on? Apparently some werewolf looked at a vampire wrong so he wants to kill him. These ‘wolves,” Rose shook her head in disgust. “Where are their packs? Why are they even here? We have pack laws to keep these types of things from happening. You only pick fights for dominance, and never to the death. Death is a punishment reserved only for horrendous crimes against the pack,” Rose’s lips were pulled tight into a snarl.
“I’m guessing most of them are lone ‘wolves, cast from their packs or packs of males who’re just made up of a bunch of lone ‘wolves and don’t follow any pack laws,” Shane eyed the large room carefully.