The Black Rose Chronicles: Deceit and Lies

by Michaels, A K

  “This scrotum here did a job for me.” Basilius pointed at the cowering beast. “A very secret one. One that nobody can know about.” He looked over at Orthon. “Now, what do you think, can he keep it quiet? Or, as I suspect, will he spill his guts if he’s ever caught?”

  Orthon came nearer, poking the quivering Demon with his pen as he walked around it. “He’ll talk.”

  “No! I won’t say a word to anyone. I promise.”

  Basilius laughed as Orthon poked it again, snarling. “You will. You’re weak willed and not much more than a simpleton. You’ll talk the first time anyone questions you. Or,” Orthon nodded, “you’ll boast about it to make yourself look more important than you are.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Basilius concurred, stepping forward, he grabbed the Demon by its throat, hauling it off its feet. “But, as you carried out your mission as you were supposed to, I’ll show you kindness.”

  The Demon now struggled violently, kicking out and trying to dislodge the fingers that dug into his throat. Basilius laughed again. “I won’t take my time with you for my own pleasure,” he said as his fingers lengthened and wrapped all the way around the neck in his grasp. “Thank you for your service.” He grinned as his grip tightened, an audible crack breaking the silence as he dispensed with the being as easily as tossing scrap paper into the garbage.

  Releasing his fingers, the body thudded to the floor. “Take out the trash,” he said as he made his way to his room and the fresh female who awaited him.

  “Certainly, Master,” Orthon replied quietly as he did Basilius’ bidding.

  Brendan O’Connell slipped through the dark alleyway, alert and aware of the threats all around. It was one of the most dangerous places he’d had the misfortune of encountering, but it would be worth it if his tip paid off. He’d do anything, go anywhere, if it meant he got answers that could keep his daughter safe. He longed for the day he could visit her without the fear of him being tracked and his little Rose being taken by those who wanted to make her species extinct.

  The scents that assaulted his Wolf nose almost had him gagging; disease, death, and a host of others that filled this ruined city. He was fortunate to have his enhanced senses, as there was no power and no lights to help him find what he sought.

  Few were out on the streets now, and even fewer in the alleys that he’d been stalking through. Anyone he encountered would not be out for an evening’s stroll. No, they’d be lying in wait for easy targets to either steal from, kill, or just have some evil fun with.

  He was so far removed from an easy target that he’d already taken care of two morons who’d tried to rob him a few streets back. The shock on their faces as he decimated them brought no joy to Brendan. He hated violence, always had, but it was a necessity in this desolate and ruined world they now lived in. His only purpose to protect the only family he had left: Rose and Seth.

  Seth may not be his blood, but he was as close to family as anyone. He’d kept his daughter safe for over twenty years and Brendan looked on him as a brother. If he could get to the bottom of the Witch-hunt that destroyed so many lives, then maybe, just maybe, he could keep his daughter safe.

  The tip he’d acquired almost a week ago brought him here, to the streets of what was once LA but now housed so many degenerates that even daytime wasn’t safe in most areas.

  Brendan pulled a scrap of paper from his pocket, checking again on the directions he’d been given. He looked around and saw the ruined storefront on the street across from the alley he was in. It looked as if it had once been a fancy dress shop, but only a dirty and broken sign above the door gave any indication of what it had been. Now it was like most of the other buildings, run down, boarded up windows, and a make-shift metal sheet covering the front door.

  He checked the street both ways and didn’t see or hear anything. He darted across the road as quickly as possible, snaking around the edge of the building and heading for the back door.

  He could feel the broken glass and god knew what else as he tried to tread lightly down the alleyway that led to the rear of the building. No easy feat for a man his size. His Wolf sight picking up a slight easing of the pitch blackness around the boarded up window in back. Candlelight. The flickering of the dim light letting him know someone was in. Resources were never wasted, a candle would not be burning if nobody was home.

  He just hoped it was the person who he’d come so far to find.

  Brendan eased up to the reinforced door and knocked lightly, then waited. His ears picked up movement inside as someone approached the door.

  “Who is it?” a soft, melodic voice asked, and surprisingly, there was no alarm or fear in the tone.

  “My name’s Brendan and I’ve been told you might be able to help me.”

  “I’ve been expecting you,” the voice replied as several bolts were released and the door opened. “Come in quickly,” a small Asian man said.

  Brendan slipped inside, taking in the short man before him. He definitely didn’t look like someone who could be a threat, but Brendan knew never to take things at face value.

  “Come.” The man had re-bolted the door and motioned for Brendan to follow him into a small living room. “My name is Kuan Ti, but you can call me Kuan, and I’m very pleased to meet you.”

  Brendan’s gaze swept the room, focusing on the dimly lit and shadowed corners, for any threat. It appeared they were alone, but he was still on high alert as the small man spoke again.

  “You’re safe here. Please, sit.”

  Kuan motioned to the table where two chairs sat on opposite sides of the scarred wood. Brendan crossed over the room and sat down. It was the first time he’d rested in over twenty-four hours. He watched the much smaller man closely as he prepared what looked like tea in a decorative china teapot. Brendan couldn’t remember the last time he’d drank tea. He was a black coffee guy, the stronger the better.

  “We will not be interrupted.” Kuan placed the teapot on the table and then two matching cups. They were so small and delicate that Brendan thought he would break them in his large hands.

  “You said you were expecting me.”

  Kuan poured the tea, minus milk, and pushed the cup towards Brendan. “Drink, it’s herbal. It will soothe you and help you to rest.”

  Brendan looked at the cup. “I don’t need to rest. What I need are answers and information.”

  “Aaah, Brendan,” the old man sighed. “You do need rest. You have journeyed far to reach me and you will be my guest this evening. We can talk and then you can stay the night. You’ll need to gain your strength for what is ahead.”

  Brendan picked up the cup carefully, smelling the tea before taking a sip. “It’s good,” he admitted as he sipped again, then set the cup back onto the table.

  “You are seeking information on the reason behind the Witch killings. I understand you have a vested interest in this matter.” Kuan sipped his own tea, looking at Brendan over the top of the china.

  “Yes.” Brendan fidgeted in the seat, wanting the man to get to the point. “What can you tell me?”

  “A lot.” The small man raised an eyebrow. “But I will try and tell you only those things that are pertinent to your quest.”

  “Carry on.” Brendan cocked his head to the side, weighing up the man before him. He wasn’t sure if the man had information or if he was yet another person who’d send him on a wild goose chase.

  “She is very important, Brendan. Neither of you know what she is, or her role in the grand scheme of things.”

  Brendan scowled over at the man and snarled, “Who?”

  Kuan raised his eyebrow again. “Your daughter, of course. Rose.”

  “How the fuck do you know I’ve a daughter? Or her name?”

  “Brendan.” Kuan put his cup down, then placed his hands, palms down, on the table. “I am not your enemy. I’m what could be called a Mystic. I see what has gone on before us and I see what is to come. Rose plays an important part in all of our futures. She
is the one who the hunters have tried to find and kill.”

  Brendan hissed and a growl erupted from his throat. “I won’t let them harm her. I’ll die first.”

  “Yes, you would.” Kuan nodded. “First, I need to explain some of my talents. I see things that are possible. However, one minor detail could be changed and that would alter the path of those involved.”

  “What does that even mean?” Brendan snapped, growing impatient.

  “Well, I could see a young woman about to cross a road. Her phone rings and she ignores it and carries on, tripping as she reaches the other side, and only being saved from falling by the arms of a young man. She thanks him and they go for a coffee, which leads them to going for dinner, falling in love, having children, and a long and happy life together.”

  Brendan shook his head in annoyance. “What’s that got to do with Rose?”

  “But,” Kuan carried on as if Brendan hadn’t spoken, “I also see that she stops to answer the ringing phone. Spending a few minutes to talk to a friend and then crosses the road. She trips, but, this time, she falls to the ground as the young man had passed by moments before. She never gets caught in his arms, they don’t go for coffee, and do not, in fact, meet at all. Love lost, all because she stopped to answer a call.”

  Brendan scowled again as the smaller man gazed off into space. “Then again, she trips a moment or two earlier while still in front of vehicles, and this time she is knocked down and killed. A myriad of different possibilities for one simple action of crossing the street.”

  Sighing in frustration, Brendan shrugs. “I still don’t see what this has to do with Rose.”

  “I’ve seen her and she has many different futures.” He looked up at Brendan and his eyes were full of emotion. “Some are good and happy and others are not.”

  “Tell me,” Brendan ordered as his heart beat hard in his chest.

  “I cannot tell you all, but I can give you guidance.” Kuan reached over the small table and patted Brendan’s arm.

  “Firstly, the so-called ‘legend’ of a Witch bringing death and destruction. The reason that has been given for them being hunted to almost extinction. This is wrong.” Kuan shook his head sadly. “She brings with her a freedom that the species have not encountered, and it is because of this that some do not wish things to come to pass.”

  Brendan stood up abruptly, pacing back and forth. “Can you please stop talking in riddles?”

  “If she finds true-love, finds her one true-mate, then on their proclamation of their love something miraculous will happen.” Kuan gave a small smile. “Something that is meant to bring all species together, and put them on what you could call, an even playing field. Vampires will be able to go out in the daylight, Wolves will all be able to morph on command. Human blood will no longer be able to be taken by force, if it is, then it will be like poison to the blood-drinker. Wolves will no longer be able to escape with doing wrong, their Alpha will know if they do and be able to deal with them. Something similar to what the Vampires can do already. Most importantly, all species will be held accountable for any crimes they commit against each other, as the leaders of all come together to work to rebuild this shattered world.”

  Brendan stared open-mouthed as he tried to process what the man had said. “Are you sure?”

  Kuan shook his head. “No. That is only one outcome. If she is caught by the hunters, then this will not happen. If she refuses to accept the man who has been chosen for her, then this will not happen. If she leaves where she is now, before finding out about this man, then this will not happen. There are too many variables that could affect things and change the outcome, Brendan. I speak to you in the hopes of you being able to help her to her rightful path.”

  “Fuck.” Brendan sat down, shaking his head in disbelief. “My little Rose is that powerful?”

  “Yes.” Kuan nodded. “But there is someone who will try and stop this. Someone who is a threat, not only to Rose, but to every living being in this world.”

  “Damn.” Brendan ran his fingers through his hair roughly. “You like to give a man a hard job, don’t you?”

  “I do not usually become involved. However, this affects us all, and if the world is ever to obtain peace, then we must make sure Rose fulfills her role.”

  “We?” Brendan frowned down at the old man.

  “Yes, we.” Kuan shrugged. “I’m afraid I’m not leaving this burden only to you, Brendan. I’m leaving with you in the morning.”

  “What?” Brendan stood again, shocked. “No, you’re not. I don’t mean to sound unkind, but you’re old and won’t be able to withstand my pace. I have a motorbike stashed a few streets away, and once I leave, I’ll only be stopping when I can’t carry on.”

  “I assure you, Wolf, I’m much stronger than I look.”

  “I work alone or with people I know and trust.” Brendan shook his head furiously. “Sorry, Kuan, but neither of those are you.”

  “I understand your reluctance, but I am going with you. You need to know that no matter what you say, or try to do, I will be with you on this journey.”

  Brendan growled, the rumble starting in his massive chest and making its way up and out of his throat. “What’s that supposed to mean? What I try to do.”

  “You’re thinking you’ll pretend to go to sleep and as soon as I am, then you’ll leave.” Kuan looked calmly up at him, causing goose bumps to rise on Brendan’s skin. “Or you’ll try and knock me out and then leave, or . . .”

  Brendan huffed. “Okay, okay, I get it. You can obviously see where my thinking is going, but that doesn’t mean you’re coming with me.”

  Turning quickly, using his Wolf speed, Brendan raced towards the door he’d come in. As his hand reached for the bolts, he was stunned when Kuan’s hand covered his. The strength in the man’s grip was even more surprising as Brendan reached with his other hand to try and remove it. Kuan held on, tightening his grasp as pain lanced through Brendan’s hand and wrist.

  “I told you, Wolf, I’m not what you expect when you look at me.” Kuan removed his grip, smiling up at Brendan. “I am going with you, so please stop this nonsense.”

  Brendan stared hard at the man as he looked up at him. “If you do anything, and I mean anything, to put my daughter in danger, then I won’t think twice. I’ll end you.”

  “I assure you my intentions are pure.” Kuan walked back through to the living room. “You’re a Wolf, Brendan, use those abilities of yours and see if you can find any deceit within me. I guarantee you I am on your side, and I think there’s going to be a moment in time when my assistance is going to be crucial.”

  Brendan did as the man suggested, sending his power out to seek out any lies. He saw none. “Very well, you can come. But it won’t just be us two.”

  “Yes, I know.” Kuan gave a knowing smile. “Her savior, Seth, will be joining us.”

  “How the hell . . .” Brendan stopped, shaking his head. “Never mind.”

  He pulled his sat phone out and pressed speed dial two. “I’ve a call to make.”

  “Yes, you do,” Kuan replied as he left the living room. “I’ll give you some privacy.”

  The call was answered almost immediately. “Brendan, what’s wrong?”

  Seth’s voice was clipped as he answered, knowing Brendan only called him for urgent matters. “Seth, we’ve got something we need to do. It’s to do with Rose.”

  Seth interrupted, “I’m on my way to her location now, but it’ll take me several days. She’s in Manhattan.”

  “Fuck.” Brendan’s jaw tightened. “I’ll meet you as soon as I can get there.”

  “What’s up?” Seth asked, clearly concerned.

  “You wouldn’t fucking believe me if I told you. Best that I tell you when we meet.”

  Seth sighed and swore under his breath before replying, “Okay, I’ll see you soon, Brendan. Take care and travel safe, my friend.”

  “Always do,” Brendan said, then hung up the call, his mind in
turmoil with everything the small Chinese man had revealed. He would do anything, absolutely anything, to ensure his daughter’s safety. He’d take out anyone, or anything, who stood in his way.

  Rose heard voices, but they seemed far away and muted as she tried to open her eyes. Her head pounded and her lips felt dry and cracked as her tongue darted out to try and moisten them. It didn’t seem to help, as her tongue appeared to be just as dry. Forcing her eyelids to lift, she was instantly confused. A load of medical paraphernalia was the first thing she saw, and she wondered where the fuck she was.

  A hospital? Hell, there were no hospitals.

  She could hear a conversation nearby and tried to concentrate on the words. Someone was giving some kind of report.

  “I can’t say for sure. I’m sorry, but she has a severe concussion with a small bleed inside her skull. I can’t operate on her, Mr. Allarde. I’m not qualified for that sort of surgery. I’m not even sure if there’s anyone left who could do it safely.”

  “You’re a doctor and one I’d been led to believe was a surgeon.”

  She recognized the second voice, and for no reason, the sides of her mouth tugged upwards.

  “Yes, and yes, but I was a heart surgeon. I’ve never operated on a brain before. If I do something wrong, she could die.”

  “For fuck’s sake.”

  Allarde sounded pissed and she heard the distinct sound of something smashing.

  “I’m sorry.” The other man’s voice sounded scared.

  “Is there any way to find out if there’s someone who can do the procedure?”

  Allarde’s tone was clipped as he spoke, and she realized she liked hearing his voice, even if he did still sound angry. Her muddled brain knew that was wrong. He was her target for goodness’ sake. She’d come here for one thing and one thing only: kill Cassius Allarde.

  The stranger’s voice muttered, “Possibly, I’m not sure.”

  “That’s not a fucking answer!” Allarde shouted, and she decided she’d try and save the other man from any more grief.