by Daphne Snow
Frannie could see the flaming blue eyes that he often never showed. As annoying as Zelik was he was very good about keeping his beast under control. She had to admit she was jealous she wished she had that same control with Fey. He rubbed his hand over his face before pointing at them his shiny silver watch glinting in the setting sun.
"I fucking live here." He said doing his best to stay calm. Frannie looked on not sure if she should interject but Zelik did live here, this was his house. Well not technically it was Ya-Yas but this was his home. Mina came over to her side with a look of worry on her face.
"What’s going on?" The woman held a wooden spoon in her hand, the remnants of a red sauce slipping down the handle. As the back and forth continued outside Frannie quickly explained the guards refusing to let Zelik in. Mina smirked a moment and then threw her hands up and shouted loud enough for the men outside to hear.
"Well serves him right. The stupid leopard can sleep on the streets tonight." Mina laughed, her dark curls bouncing as she skipped back to the kitchen. Frannie turned back to find the guards staring at Zelik smugly and he looked like he was about to erupt, red creeping up his neck. Frannie reached out gently poking Costas on the shoulder afraid of what Zelik may do to them.
"Guys this is his house he's not a stranger." Costas turned to her, smiled and then went to take another step down the short stairs.
"We are aware of who he is but your mate isn't comfortable with him in your vicinity Miss Bianchi. Our orders are to keep you safe and away from other men. That includes Mr.Husik here." Frannie rolled her eyes and the flames of anger seemed to brighten in Zelik. Heads started to pop out from the surrounding homes. Humans and other shifters trying to hear what all the commotion was about.
"Who the fuck is your mate Francesca?" He shouted at her, the veins in his neck bulging. Mina had known so she assumed Zelik knew too. Frannie put a finger to her lips to tell him to hush and he laughed like a mad man with a twitchy smile marring the sides of his mouth. He walked up quickly, his chest heaving and pointing an accusatory finger. She had never seen him so out of control.
"Who is he?" She was speechless. She assumed he would be mad at the guards but this seemed like more than that. He seemed angrier with her.
"Alexander Benson, I’m sure you’ve heard of him." Costas said at once after a moment passed with Frannie too frozen to speak. Zelik blinked his raging eyes full of blazing blue dampened just a bit.
"That fucking prick huh? Couldn’t have felt it with anyone else? I don’t make the decisions though do I? " Zelik stepped back putting his hands up to show he indicated no harm.
"Well good for you our little Frannie bagged herself a man. You better watch yourself or there won't be anything left of you when he's done." A grimace and the flicker of sadness so quickly crossed his face that as soon as she blinked it was gone.
"Watch your fucking tongue. " Costas started advancing on him, a hand skimming the gun at his hip, his brows drawn in anger. When a shrill elderly voice resonated from an upstairs window he stopped. Ya-Ya was brandishing her fist out a window and shouting at Zelik in Yiddish.
Now Frannie, like herself, assumed Costas and the other guard had no idea what Ya-Ya was saying. None of them however could stop the smiles and chuckles that emanated from them as the two shouted back and forth.
Eventually, Ya-Ya went back inside and Zelik gave Frannie one last pained look before storming back up the street from once he came. Frannie watched him until he took a corner and the smell of a pissed off leopard was carried off by the wind.
The guards seemed to relax just a bit as they watched him to and then returned to their original positions. Costas turned to her as she started to close the door. "If I may be frank, peach," She nodded after an awkward silence. "Give the man a chance he's not the monster people give him credit for."
She didn't nod, she couldn't. She just nibbled on her lip thinking. Frannie didn't want to give anyone an indication she would stay not until she knew for sure herself. She simply closed the door as he turned back.
Frannie needed to weigh it all. The smell of pasta cooking filled her nose but she wasn't hungry she was frustrated and food was the last thing on her mind. She walked into the living room which was barely ever used. Its ornate carpet and expensive furniture had Ya-Ya yelling at anyone who even tried to sit down. Fran didn't care though she needed some quiet which was hard to find in this house.
She sunk into a chair, its cushion firm and a little uncomfortable. Frannie brought her legs to her chest and continued to bite on her lip as she thought. The fuzzy pajama pants she wore brought her a bit of comfort as she sifted through her thoughts.
Before she could get far though. "He's got it bad Frannie. That hunk of man meat was out there for hours. If that's not some move out of a romance novel I don't know what is." Mina's eyes were distant, a quixotic smile on her face. The last rays of sun that streamed through the window set her darker skin ablaze of beauty. Frannie just sighed not knowing what to say.
"What are you gonna do Fran?" She asked so casually like this wasn't a life-changing decision. Nobody seemed to understand that if she said yes if she stayed all she had fought for would have been for nothing. She would end up in the one place in this world she didn’t want to be.
"I dunno what would you fucking do Mina? Huh?" Mina shook her head a little snapping from her daze. She stepped back, her face twisted in confusion.
Frannie was overburdened with emotions. Within the span of a week, she had lost her family, found she had a mate, and lost her virginity to him. Now he wanted her to stay. To stay and what exactly? Have his babies play house with him? Be his mistress?
What about what she wanted? Frannie wanted to travel to work to live a full life she never thought she would get when she was younger. Having a mate, having a dominant man like Alexander in her life threw the biggest wrench in her plans.
Mina reached out a hand and Frannie batted it away only vaguely aware of the tears that were beginning to stain her cheeks.
"Why dont you give me all of your wise fucking advice. Since you seem to always know what to say and do."
"Frannie..." Mina reached for her again despite the venom in her voice.
"No, just leave me alone. You have no idea how this feels." She shrunk into her chair more, making it clear she didn't want to be touched. Mina withdrew her hand looking pained. She knew that wasn't fair. Mina was cooped up in this house and that couldn't have been any easier on her than this situation was for Frannie. But the words just spilled from her mouth before she could stop them.
"You get to live safe and comfortable with your family who actually give a damn about you. What about me Mina? I have no one, nothing and I don't want to come back to this shitty city not for him, not for anyone! I don't want to give up my chance at happiness just because a man wants me. It's not realistic, this is not one of your stupid books this is real life. So get the fuck over it and grow up!" Her voice was hoarse as she finished the tears coming in waves.
Mina stared at Frannie, slowly raking her fingers through the ends of her black hair, her lip quivering just a bit. Frannie had seen this only a few times over the last decade of them knowing each other. Mina was hurt and anxious. However, she didn't cry. Mina never cried. It was Frannie who was the crybaby and even though she had sat there and yelled at her best friend possibly ruining their friendship, Mina didn't cry. She was stronger than tears, always had been.
The shorter woman simply pursed her lips together, swallowed a lump in her throat, and nodded her head very slightly before walking away. Leaving Frannie to the piercing stillness of the living room and in the dark.
She wanted to get up and apologize but, she hated to say it, Frannie meant some of those things. So she stayed in her spot cuddling deeper into her legs, wiping the tears away on the fuzzy pants. This wasn't some fairytale in Mina's books no matter how badly she wanted it to be. Whatever she did would mean real repercussions on her life.
With the kind of
life Alex led, Fran knew she would be putting herself in danger. She doubted the man would let them live separately and he seemed pretty set up here in Brooklyn. The chances of her going back to California were dwindling as the ache in her chest grew. It wasn’t painful yet but it felt like a bruise right on her heart.
Fran kept telling herself she couldn't accept him because of his occupation. He wasn't an honest or trustworthy man. That's what kept running in her brain. Most of that was lies though in reality. He hadn't lied to her yet he had been honest about her parent's debt. In fact, he was almost offensively blunt most of the time.
He had been gentle with her the night before at least in the beginning until she was begging him to fuck her into oblivion. Which he had kindly obliged her request. Even then when his every being was probably screaming at him to mark her he hadn't...not until she asked him to. He didn't make her do anything more than she wanted. And by the god's she wanted the promise of the pleasure he kept providing her.
She shook her head trying to will the thoughts away but she couldn't. In truth, she could not imagine a life without him or without the pleasure he had given her. She tried to think of anyone else in his spot next to her and she just couldn't. They all felt and looked wrong.
She tried to imagine a life just without him, without anyone. Traveling to various countries and focusing solely on her career. And though it made her smile at first she felt lonely after a few moments. She’d have no one to share those with. No one to congratulate her and travel the world with.
He is our mate. It won't change, stop running from him. We care for him and Axl, we need them as they need us. There is nothing to fear from them. You are only hurting us. Her bear chided her. The bruise felt bigger as the throb expanded throughout her chest. She rubbed at it absently.
It wasn't that simple for Fran though the man was a criminal in his own right. She would be in danger for the rest of her life. And her job back in California, was she willing to risk it all for the potential of a mate? As his continued absence made her feel less and less whole, she knew she would.
The doubt decreased in her heart competing with what she knew was fact. That she cared for him and every time they were in the same room together she couldn't help but stare. She did really want to get to know him and she couldn’t do that by running away. When she looked into his pale eyes and saw the sadness there she wanted to soothe it. To see that smile as she had before, so fleeting yet so beautiful.
She could get a similar job here in Brooklyn and Alexander was just as warm as California sunshine. The man had money that was obvious enough. Maybe they could travel together. They did meet at an airport after all the man was opposed to travel. And something in her heart told her that he would protect her from any and all threats. She would be safe. Frannie could be happy here if she tried. If she really opened her heart to him.
She had to woman up and stop being a coward. What other choice did she have?
A loud thud from the floor above her took her from her thoughts. Before she knew it the orange rays had finally set and the sky was dark outside. The only light was coming from the full moon gleaming outside the window. The house was quiet and by the time
Fran unfolded herself from the chair and wiped at her face. The stillness and quiet she had sought out was overwhelming. It was too quiet. The sound of Mina's cooking was absent as well as the sounds of Ya-Ya shuffling across the floorboards upstairs. Fran looked at the clock above the mantel fireplace; it was only nine. Typically they would be eating but she didn't even hear the clatter of dishes.
Francesca left the living room just as her bear quietly said, danger. Leopards. Well of course there were leopards she told her internally. Mina and Ya-Ya were leopards. Besides the smell of leopards and bear shifters, nothing smelled out of place. The hallway was dark as she walked up the front door to peek out. Costas and the other guard were gone.
Were there guys switching out with them? Did Alex call them off? Had he given up?
She didn't bother to think further about it, something in her was screaming to find Mina besides Fey of course. Though Fey didn't quite get along with Minas leopard she didn't want anything to happen to her. Even the two warring females were friends.
The kitchen was empty but the pot that smelled of spaghetti was still on the stove. Frannie went to check it to see it was cold and the contents untouched. Did Mina step out?
They checked Mina's room which was void of any sign of life only her television turned on and placed on mute. Frannie quietly ascended the stairs, her internal alarms going off as the smell of blood hit her nose. Fey readied willing to change form in an instant. Frannie had never fought very much of anything before unless you counted a crazed squirrel, but that wouldn't cause her to back down.
She took one step at a time, careful not to step on any parts that creaked loudly. As her gaze reached the top of the stairs and onto the hallway floor she gasped. Mina lay there her eyes closed her ebony hair matting in a pool of blood.
Oh god, what had happened? She slapped a hand over her mouth to stifle the whimper and scream she couldn’t hold back.
Frannie tiptoed over trying to keep track of her surroundings to see if the assailant was still around. Shadows lingered in every corner making her hesitate.. Go, Fey whispered urging Frannie to move.
Frannie's knees slammed to the floorboards as she reached Mina she let out a hissing breath. She checked her over, Minas breathing was weak and labored. She tried to shake her a bit to get her to open her eyes but nothing came of it. She looked all around frantically for a wound but could find one. How was she bleeding if there was no wound?
She pulled her hands back now covered in blood and shuddered. What was happening? Her heart was beating rapidly and her hands shook from fear.
Frannie followed the blood trail that seemed to flow from the room Mina's legs were still in.
Her grandmother's chair sat in front of an old television. Double-checking Mina was still breathing Fran stood and stepped over her and towards the old lady's favorite chair. The worst images running through her brain.
Frannie's brain was starting to feel too small for her head and she clutched at her chest where her heartbeat was thudding egging on the already throbbing ache there. Frannie was starting to feel light-headed her breath hitching and frantic as she went. She was having a panic attack.
Fey’s warnings faded into the background as she roared consistently. Warnings of danger and to run screaming within, but Fran couldn’t. It was as if she no longer had control of her body as she continued to move forward.
"Ya-Ya?" She stepped closer to her. The glow of the tv was just white and black static and Minas grandmother, Ya-Ya, was unmoving in the chair. Finally, she stepped from the side to stand in front of her, the room however dark could not hide the gruesome scene in front of her.
The older woman's neck had been slit and spilling blood onto the floor out of the room. Frannie couldn’t even scream.
"Oh god." She choked out her heart thrumming so loudly it was in her ears it drowned out Feys words. Behind you!
She tried to breathe but she could only stare. Just as she felt she was about to faint, a heavy damp cloth came around her mouth. A hand fastened it there and with all her panicked breathing she couldn't stop from inhaling. She saw a tall figure standing above her as her body hit the floor limply. Her eyes closed as she saw the hazy static from the television dance through Ya-Yas fallen glasses.
Chapter 15
The street was relatively quiet as Alexander pulled to a screeching halt, almost driving up onto the curb. A random pedestrian snug in a puffer jacket jumped to the side before running off. The street lights gave off a dim yellowed glow one or two flickered before becoming steady again.
He flung the door open dread and anger coloring his features. His fists were balled tightly by his sides. Axl was roaring inside him, the beast couldn't even form sentences, his feral tenacity the only thing registering in Alexander's mind.
&nbs
p; Blackwell and Dresner, another member of the Brooklyn council, waited for him outside. They watched him stalk towards them, Dresner cast a worried glance towards Blackwell who hadn't seemed the least bit concerned. Alex dismissed them, his thoughts of Francesca and seeing her beautiful smiling face.
Before he could ascend the steps Blackwell blocked him. His normal suit and striped tie were exchanged for dark clothing, a knit sweater, and dark wash jeans. He seemed like a regular man in that instance but Alexander knew better. He knew the deadly monster his friend really was.
"You don't want to go in there, Benson." His eyes as silver as his hair, erie in their unnaturalness pierced him. Benson's anger could only flair. This was his woman, his lover, his mate! No one would stop him.