Shattered Alpha

by Erin R Flynn

  “Got it. Full speed?”

  “We can fit one more,” Jake confirmed, and they reset.

  They were so fast they almost took my breath away. Even I had trouble keeping up with them on video, and Galvin just blinked at me.

  “Sorry, but I’ll be taking all of them, even your pilot,” I told Apollo when it was over.

  “I have several, and I know you’ll be good to them,” he answered easily. Well, it was nice he cared and not everyone was going to be a pain in my ass always.

  Just mostly.

  16

  “Scott, when you said you put together a private dinner to discuss some matters, you left out you were having it at a whorehouse.”

  Simone choked on her drink as I swallowed down my retort, remembering who was with us and my role.

  Deputy Director Galvin just smiled at the woman. “Senator, prostitution isn’t legal in Illinois, and I believe you know that.”

  She rolled her eyes at him. “I’ve been apprised of what’s at this establishment including dungeons they rent out like cheap motels by the hour.”

  “Nothing in our club is cheap ,” Simone said at a level only paranormals would hear.

  “She has a recording device on one of her people,” Axel cut in before Galvin could reply. “It’s good, but we can still hear it.”

  “I don’t know what you mean,” she challenged. “I am a United States senator, and I would watch what you say to me.”

  Axel just snorted and faster than her or her security could track, he plucked the pin off a guy and moved back to his original position, studying it. “High grade, audio only.” He smashed it in his hand and smiled. “It’s posted in the establishment that any sort of recording devices will be confiscated and destroyed.”

  “Why is that needed if nothing illegal is done here?” she snapped.

  “Do you allow people to record you and your guests in your home? Does that mean you do something illegal?” Apollo drawled, shooting a glance to Galvin like they weren’t going to be much fun if they were this stupid. “I am Councilman Apollo Papadopoulos of the International Vampire Council, and I don’t allow people to record me. Maybe less of your colleagues would be involved in scandals and embarrassing moments if they adopted that policy.”

  “Touché, but I wanted everything on the record if I was to be at such an establishment so nothing could be twisted later,” she easily threw right back.

  “Senator, have you heard much about what goes on here other than what we allow or on social media?” Simone purred, raising a perfect eyebrow at the woman.

  “Besides the prostitution you allow here?” she replied, obviously recognizing Simone.

  Simone chuckled. “Oh, you shouldn’t fib to a shifter, Senator. Maybe that’s why you don’t like us. We can’t be fooled easily.”

  “And just because you say something is a lie doesn’t make it so, as your morals put you somewhere below most criminals in trustworthiness.”

  “Well, my manners appear to be better than yours, as I don’t toss around baseless accusations, lies, and insults while a guest,” she drawled. “Would you care for a drink, Senator?”

  Anger filled her eyes at being called out on her bullshit as opposed to most people who probably just took it. “Scott, why would you have the animal owner here?”

  I saw from some of the other people who weren’t our fans, her saying that was over the line even to them. I swallowed down my anger, giving Simone a look that I was sorry, which she shrugged off.

  “Oh no, I’m so offended, as even my panther has better manners and respect for the laws you swear to uphold that says we’re equal citizens,” Simone purred, turning to the others. “Would anyone else like to try the fairy nectar?”

  Several people accepted, and I went to get some, playing my role as decoration and host basically. I handed them out and locked eyes with the bitch senator.

  “And just so I’m absolutely clear, I am unwilling to participate in any of the normal activities of this club, Chief Thomas,” she told me firmly.

  I smirked at her. “While I’m sad to hear you’re so against music, dancing, or having a drink, Senator, I understand the rest.”

  Her eyes flashed shock. “So you admit to prostitution.”

  “Hell no,” I chuckled, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Wow, I understand why Congress gets so little done if that’s what you got from my statement. There is no prostitution here, Senator.” I moved closer and held up my hand to stop what she was going to say next. “I do however understand not to have our burlesque show for entertainment when you are in the public eye. Or the siren show. That is what I meant.”

  “You act as if you saying so is enough for me to trust you.”

  “Senator, I don’t care if you trust me,” I chuckled, looking down at her and not hiding I felt it was down my nose and not just my height, especially in the heels. “I already don’t trust you as far as I could throw you, but I don’t have to defend myself to you. I also don’t answer to you.”

  “You should be locked in a cage and studied like the freak you are,” she snapped when I turned to walk away.

  I glanced over my shoulder at her security. “You need to warn your boss to watch her mouth and be smarter because my security is two seconds from taking her threats seriously instead of just bluster.” I flashed power in my eyes as I met the senator’s gaze. “I think closed-minded bigots like you should be locked up as well so your hate doesn’t spread like the sickness it is.

  “You are a guest, so act like it and with some damn manners instead of like an untrained animal who does nothing but bark at the wind. The adults are going to talk about real threats and situations, so if you can’t sit at the table, it’s a shame for your constituents and the people who voted for you, as they deserve better.

  “We’re working to save lives, not create more divide in this country. Try it.” I turned away and nodded to the servers waiting. I smiled at Jessica who had offered to help out. “Ohh, scallops. Are we getting the shrimp tartlets too?”

  “Yes, Alpha,” she told me, biting back a grin. “And something special from Ashley.”

  I threw back my head and laughed as I took one of the trays, feeling her pride and joy. “Did she bag her first deer?”

  “She did.”

  “Go her. I can’t do it. I just… I can’t.”

  “You can’t eat meat with any pink,” Simone drawled, taking one from the tray as well. “Of course you can’t sink your teeth into a deer when shifted. Congratulations, Jessica. I remember when I took out my first doe.”

  “It was a buck.” She nodded when we gave her surprised looks. “My daughter is fierce and has some exceptional female role models in her life to show her how strong we can be.”

  “Make sure to include yourself on that list,” I checked, glad when she nodded.

  “I didn’t realize you all really hunted in animal form,” one of the congressmen admitted, taking a scallop as he glanced between us.

  “I don’t,” I snorted, shivering. “I chase squirrels sometimes just for fun and play, the exercise, but yeah—no, I’d rather go deer hunting with a gun and then have someone else clean it. I don’t do raw. But we take the same precautions as any hunters. It’s not like you hear of someone racing down the street going after a deer.”

  “No, of course not,” he said quickly, glancing at Jessica. “Taking down a buck on a first time out is impressive for any hunter.”

  “Thank you. She shifted earlier than normal, and it’s been a hard adjustment for her. Being a teenager is hard for anyone, but it’s helped to let her run at the farm away from so many eyes.”

  She moved to keep serving, and I explained to the congressman and several other ears what Jessica had been talking about with the elves they sponsored and the fish farm that had been brought to our area.

  “A fish farm in Illinois sounds doomed to fail,” one of the senators commented.

  I saw Luca and waved him over. “An elf can explai
n better than I can.”

  “Yes, Milady?” he greeted, and I told him what we’d been saying. He nodded and faced the others. “Animals respond to our energy. Some have compared it to people who are naturally good with children, but it’s more than that. While we don’t have magic like fairies or even witches, it’s more our essence is magical that gives animals the very best conditions to be around.”

  “And your blood? Is it true your blood is a drug to humans?” someone else asked, but really accused.

  “That is a complete lie,” Luca assured everyone. “It’s a myth just as eating the sex organs of a pixie gives fertility or cutting off a rabbit shifter’s foot will bring good fortune. Unstable people come with all kinds of ridiculous ideas and theories from the moon landing being fake to that crazy man who says the government alters the weather to make these natural disasters the past several years.”

  “Yes, there are way too many disturbed people,” he agreed, backing down. “The stories of the fae being nasty and liars makes it hard to know what is true or not be on the defense.”

  Luca shrugged. “I think always being on the defense is wise instead of blindly trusting like a lemming, but there are bad apples in any community. I spent years at Vegas, and if I went off what I saw of humans visiting there as who they are overall, I think I would run from them. Some of our shows are purely entertainment and supposed to be trickery, but people assume that’s all we are. I can’t even do card tricks.”

  Several people laughed, and I winked at Galvin, assuring him I knew how to help even if that first witch had started the party off horribly and I was already busted.

  “It’s hard to also accept,” I interjected. “I am a wolf now and sometimes I hear things that makes me look at people like they’re pulling my leg.”

  “You do it at least once a week,” Simone teased me.

  I shrugged. “I’m FBI. I’m skeptical by nature. It’s one of my strongest traits.”

  “From what I have seen from working with you, it’s your intelligence,” Apollo complimented.

  “High praise from someone thousands of years old,” I chuckled. “You just want access to the hot tubs, don’t you?”

  “It is winter in Chicago so yes,” he joked, understanding the game. “It is an interesting combination all in one club.”

  I smiled over the rim of my drink. “I didn’t know I was involved in the concept stage and simply the super silent partner, so after all the touring we did in Vegas, when asked what I’d want, I just gave my dream place. I didn’t think it was realistic or feasible, but apparently I’m not the only one who likes mixing things up and having fun.”

  “Good, god fearing people don’t find those sorts of activities fun,” that senator snapped.

  I turned so I could face her and those I was talking with. “I never understood that phrase, ‘god fearing.’”

  “It’s not a hard concept to understand, Chief Thomas,” she replied, looking at me like I was slow.

  I returned the look. “It’s a way to label deeply religious people, but if you do it because you fear god, doesn’t that make you the one with the evil heart? I follow the law because I believe in it, not because I might get caught and punished. There is a difference, and I never understood why people used that turn of phrase to say they were religious, speaking of god as a dictator they have to fear.

  “Plus, I have no idea why god would have a problem with dancing. It’s in the Bible to dance in praise of him, celebrate him. Being naked can’t be wrong or babies would be born in onesies. Singing? They do that in church. Eating? They do that too. I doubt god has a problem with hot tubs or even drinks if wine is served in his name. So it’s sex? Well, he made it pleasurable, so until he tells me it’s wrong, you’re just a judgmental prude.”

  “And I’m fairly certain your Bible says to judge is to sin,” Apollo added. “That only perfect people can throw stones, and none of us are perfect.” He studied me closely. “I am shocked however you are so well versed.”

  “I had a very devout Catholic foster family,” I explained and then glanced at the senator. “Who had a priest try to exorcise me because I have clairvoyant tendencies and then dumped me back into the foster system. Such good, god fearing people abandoned a child because she was different. Yes, please, hold me to those standards instead of the ‘animals’ who accept all children of any species as those to be protected and treasured like the rabbits I adopted.”

  “How are they enjoying Greece?” Monroe asked, moving the conversation along so we didn’t act like we cared about what she said but also to show how we were just like them, talking about the kiddies.

  “Apparently they’re working on a plan to outline why they should have a semester to study abroad,” I admitted, shaking my head. “Maybe when they’ve caught up a bit it would be good for them. I mean, they can’t travel like I did in the Navy or even with the FBI on undercover assignments, as they’re not allowed in certain countries, but they handle that well. I mean, as Americans it’s not safe to travel everywhere, so they don’t focus on the negative.”

  “My son is determined to become a foreign aid worker,” one of the congressmen admitted. “And I applaud his desire to do good, I do, and it was why I joined the military, but the world is dangerous . We have enough problems in our country he can help with and do good instead of going somewhere they hunt for Americans to abduct and use as propaganda.”

  “We have a dungeon downstairs you can lock him up in if you want,” I offered, completely serious until his eyes flashed shock. I burst out laughing, and others chuckled as well. I moaned as I snagged a venison canape, amazed at how good our chefs were.

  By the time appetizers were over, I wanted out of there and to bash some heads in, never so glad when my phone rang even if I knew it would be work from the way Luca quickly brought it to me. Sure enough, it was Harris.

  “We’ve got another dead wolf in front of the mayor’s office,” he told me as greeting.

  “So they’re making a statement it’s Chicago, not federal. The federal here. Awesome,” I grumbled, rubbing my forehead. “I’ll be right there.” I hung up and looked at Luca. “Can you grab my bag and jacket from the office? I’ll change in the elevator.”

  “Yes, Milady.”

  One of the congressmen who had to stand so I could slide out didn’t move enough to be polite, and I had to brush against him. “You are coming back, right, Chief Thomas? I very much wanted to have a private word with you.”

  Oh, I just bet you do, asshole. “Murder trumps all else, but yes, I’ll be back as soon as I’m done.” I gave him my best professional smile, making sure it wasn’t seductive as I had all night, but apparently that didn’t matter to some men.

  I explained to Galvin before heading to the elevator down and then meeting Luca in the elevator to the parking garage, quickly changing and handing everything to him to handle.

  “How are you?” he asked gently as we arrived, following me to my SUV.

  I was going to brush it off for a moment, but then he felt what I was, so there really was no point. “I’m drowning, and I don’t want to be sucked back under again. I fought to keep above water after I went under before the opening. I was doing better and—is it so wrong to want less pain?”

  “No, Sera, we all wish for that,” he whispered. “They were bespelled but not faultless.”

  “What?” I asked, spinning to face him.

  He searched my eyes. “You haven’t been updated by Nina?”

  “No.”

  “The drink wasn’t bespelled to want it. The witch confessed what she’d done, and Nina retrieved her spell books before sentencing the witch to death. None of them were forced to drink the spell. They did it on their own. Yes, a mistake, but I did not fall for it. Goran did not. They did not protect themselves as they should have. They did not protect you as they should have and been more vigilant.”

  “I didn’t know you were offered one,” I admitted, scrubbing my hand over my hair bef
ore pulling it up and sliding on my jacket. “Anyone else?”

  “Jesse.” He nodded when I gave him a shocked look. “She worked people for a list of who you had been intimate with or who you cared for. No one answered with ill intentions, more she asked who not to go near so as to not offend you and got names. Jesse was working and thought it odd. I the same. Goran was in your party, but the others fell for the trick.”

  “It’s not all my fault,” I whispered, feeling horrible that I was relieved somewhat. I mean, I didn’t want them to have blame but less guilt on me. I nodded as I rubbed my hand over my chest. “I need space from them. Please tell them Simone is working with me to set a better foundation so everything doesn’t collapse with each hit we take. That’s what I need. That’s how I need to get through this right now.”

  “I understand. I’ll relay the message before you have to see Hagan and Reagan tomorrow for the dominance fights. The others are attending, but I’m sure they understand to give you a wide berth. Except Tristan. He isn’t attending.”

  “Got it.” I hopped in my SUV and left with a wave, noting how much worry was still in his eyes. I processed what he said on the way to the mayor’s office, not having far to go. It made me think once again how much time I was spending downtown between the club and being called in on different types of cases from before. Plus, the regular office was there, and it was a lot of time.

  Flashing my badge when I reached the police perimeter, they waved me through looking relieved when they realized who I was. Yeah, the faster I got there and went through what I needed to, the faster they could get out of the snow. I parked and headed over to Harris, watching the way he was pointing out cameras and what to check to his team, glad to see he was ready to take over crime scenes without me having to worry.

  “Same as the last one,” he told me as he handed me gloves.

  I nodded, leaning in and sniffing, swearing under my breath. “I should have brought Axel. He’s a tracker. I can’t smell anything but blood, it’s so fucking cold this time.”