by Sedona Venez
The camera moved to a live feed showing a pale, tall, thin girl looking dirty and disheveled being rushed into a helicopter surrounded by a group of men with grim faces and wearing black clothing and mirror sunglasses.
The screen flashed back to Vivian, “We have requested an interview with reclusive billionaires, Channing and Vigari. Both requests have been denied. However, Lola Weller, Director of Communication at C&V has been gracious to grant us an interview.”
The screen cut to a pretty brunette with rich chocolate skin. “It’s my pleasure to be here.”
“Can you tell our audience anything regarding the rescue mission?”
Lola smiled with blinding white teeth, “C&V is ecstatic about reuniting Alisa with her father. They both can rest easy now that this traumatic event is well behind them. We at C&V wish them well.”
Vivian responded, “Lola, there is wide spread concern over the rise of rogue activity, and there is speculation that Alisa’s kidnapping was orchestrated by one of the biggest rogue factions lead by Alik Wild. Is there any truth to this?”
Lola’s huge sparkling hazel eyes turned frosty, “No comment.”
Vivian’s faces tightened angrily, “Okay, well maybe you can tell our audience why C&V was involved in her rescue, and not the authorities?”
“The authorities and C&V worked closely together in the rescue of Alisa.”
“Not according to my sources, Lola. In fact, according to my sources, C&V withheld information from the authorities on this investigation. Any comment?”
“There is no truth to that statement.”
“Okay, is there any truth to the fact that C&V is a billion dollar security firm that caters only to the super rich, and is rumored to have got its start after the Fire and Ash war by providing questionable security services to the super rich?”
The camera flashed to Lola who looked amused but unruffled. However, it was Vivian who looked quite perturbed by Lola’s calmness. So she continued on her tirade.
“Some say C&V ruthlessly cashed in on the fears of the super-rich when mercenaries, also known as rogues, began to plague society by kidnapping the wealthy and demanding hefty ransoms for their return.”
Lola actually laughed, “Come on Vivian, C&V provides a service. There is nothing sensational about the security services that we provide. The only thing that makes us different is that we are very successful at what we do. End of story.”
Vivian’s lips curls into a sneer, “Will C&V president Channing or VP, Vigari, issue an official statement about the kidnapping?”
Lola smiles charmingly. “This is the official statement.”
“Earth to, Infinity? Are you there?”
“Sorry, I was just watching some drivel news. Okay, so what do you want to do? I don’t want you and Diego hurt over this.”
“The question is what are you going to do?”
“You know me, the concert is happening tonight. I’m not letting anyone tell me what to do. Not even the Collective. I’m not scared, Zoe. I’m built to take the pressure. I shrug that shit off. But you and Diego? I love you two and don’t want you caught up in this mess. So if you want to exit left and not get caught up, there will be no hard feelings.”
“And let you have all the fun? I talked to Diego this morning just to see where his head is at and he’s in this for the long haul, sugar, and so am I. Remember the promise we made, we three would always stick together, no matter what. We’re family. Besides, you gave us a shot when no one wanted anything to do with two poor dancers with no work experience. You, the hottest, rocking-ness, singer on this planet.”
I smiled, “Please, you and Diego are super talented. I have no doubt that someone would have hired you if I didn’t.”
She scoffed, “Yeah, people were begging to hire two homeless kids with no family, no experience and lots of attitude. Yeah right. You gave us a shot; you made us and then had the nerve to open your home and heart to us, making us a part of your family. We love you. You love us. We are family and you are stuck with us. Next.”
I smiled to pinch back the tears that were threatening to fall. I remembered the first time I saw them at auditions, two scruffy teens my age, popping gum, looking at me with lots of attitude and me looking right back at them like WTF. But I knew, just knew that the three of us had some sort of weird connection. When the Choreographer told them to get out, I made them stay and audition. From the moment they boldly stepped in front of the room and danced their asses off, everything just snapped into place and I knew that we would be friends forever. They were made to be a part of my life and that’s where they stayed for years my friends and family.
It’s true I gave them their first shot but they didn’t owe me anything. They were talented. I knew that, and they did too but they were loyal and I paid them very well, not because they were friends but because they were talented. When other singers saw that and tried to steal them away, they always declined, so I kept them paid and working because regardless of what the media said about my hard partying ways, I worked way harder than I partied—I cared about my business.
I swallowed the swell of emotions and laughed. “You know how I feel about all that emotional stuff, so stop it. And you and Diego can forget about a bonus. It’s not happening.”
“Bonus? We’re not even getting paid.”
“Uh, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m paying you overpriced Choreographers a lot of money.”
“Well, we’ve decided that we’re not accepting. So keep your money rich girl, this one is on us.”
“Okay, like you said, I’m the rich girl and I’m paying you. You’re not going to have to put up with all this drama and not get paid.”
“Okay, then pay us and we’ll take that money and donate it to the cause. No one fucks with our best friend, the Collective can kiss our ass.”
I swear, I just loved them. “Whatever, but you and slacker, Diego, are going to work your asses off on this tour.”
“Whatever bossy ass,” she laughed.
“I’m sending you a new track that I’m putting in the show tonight. I was going to release it when my album drops but I just decided to use it tonight. You and Diego listen to it and decide if I need backup dancers or not.” I stood up walking to the bathroom with more pep in my step. “Okay I’ve got to go and wash my ass. See you in a few.”
“Okay, see you, sugar.” She moved the cell from her ear to scream, “Diego! Get her off your lap. I swear I don’t get paid enough to put up with this crap.”
“Well, it’s a good thing that I’m not paying you,” I chirped happily.
CHAPTER FIVE
Kara
Þrúðr....Power
Staring out at the hazy mist that lingered in the air, she huffed with exasperation before stepping out of her red convertible and right into a muddy puddle.
“Focus. Don’t kill him. Just find out what the fuck is going on.” She mumbled, shaking the water off her expensive black leather stilettos with disgust. Disgust with the precarious situation, and disgust with herself for even agreeing to meet the ass wipe, but she had to know why Infinity mentioned his name. She didn’t believe in coincidence, either Maxim had reneged on their agreement to never contact Infinity or someone had discovered the truth of her bloodline. Both possibilities made her blood boil.
Speaking of ass wipe—her mouth twisted with distaste when a lightly tanned, tall muscular man strode confidently from the shadows like he just stepped out of a magazine shoot wearing a black tailored shirt, crisp black trousers that molded to his muscled thighs, and well-polished custom-made black shoes.
Popping her hands on her narrow hips, and looking at him coldly, she said, “Did you contact Infinity?”
His laughter rumbled in his chest like she told some fabulous joke. “Cutting straight to the chase, huh? No hello for an old friend, Kara?”
She felt like spitting at him for his audacity. “Fuck you, Maxim. You’re no friend of mine. I have things to do like pro
tecting my daughter.” She glanced at him from head-to-toe, “You didn’t answer my damn question.”
Totally ignoring her, he eyed her with appreciation before his eyes filled with suspicion. “That’s a heavy spell of protection that you’ve cloaked yourself with, Kara.” He smirked. “You’re getting a little paranoid in your old age, Valkyrie.”
Kara looked at him with disgust before answering, “Living for centuries around you conniving Others will do that to you. Besides, I don’t trust you, werewolf. Never have, never will.”
Her fingers tingled, wishing for her sword to slice his head from his body as he ran his fingers through his short, jet-black hair that was streaked with sky-blue strands. She damn well was not pleased by the way his lecherous forest green eyes roamed over her tight, perfectly cut expensive knee-length red dress with interest.
“No. I didn’t contact her.” His eyes narrowed, “But that explains your sudden interest in meeting with me after months of denying my urgent meeting requests.”
She stared at him. “What the hell do you want, Maxim?”
He roared so loud, the trees quaked. She smirked, Idiot! It gave her perverse sense of satisfaction to see him lose control, fighting the shift from man to animal. Animal. That’s exactly what he was despite the well-groomed human shell, expensive clothes, and obscene wealth, it all summed up to one fundamental fact; he was just a filthy animal.
“Call her off! She’s calling too much attention to herself.” His legs were splayed with hands on his hips.
Her eyes narrowed with loathing. This was the one man that represented all that was wrong with the power and gifts that the wolves possessed. But he was also the one man, to her fury, that she needed desperately right now to help protect the one thing she loved. Infinity.
Maxim, the man that most Others and humans feared because of the raw power that permeated his essence was known among humans as the arrogant oil tycoon who made billions cashing in on the aftermath of the Fire and Ash war. On any given day, his intimidating image could be found on business magazines with that notoriously wicked grin he wore like a mask. If only humans knew that behind the human-like shell was the fiercest, most powerful and corrupt wolf-shifter that walked the human realm.
Vibrating with barely contained anger, she pointed. “She’s not a dog that can be made to heel. She’s your daughter and a Valkyrie. Respect the power, Wolf King.”
“She’s also part wolf. So you respect the power.” He snarled.
“Spare me the dramatics. Very little in her blood is wolf. The Valkyrie bloodline practically wiped that crap out. I thank the Immortals for that save. Now, if you want her to back off, why don’t you tell her yourself?” She smiled evilly, “Oh, I know why, because you’re too focused on concocting a plan to manipulate her power for your own gain.”
“And you’re too focused on wrapping her up in bubble wrap and ensuring that she stays on Rejuvenator for the rest of her life hoping that you can protect her from the inevitable.”
Her fist clenched and unclenched. “What inevitable? The inevitability of her father using her as a pawn to start a war? Or the inevitability of her father killing her in cold blood to protect his throne?”
The muscles in his neck bulged making the tribal tattoos of snarling werewolves encompassing it look like they were leaping. “Remember your place, Kara.”
She was tired of the games. She needed to protect her daughter. “No, you remember that I don’t answer to you or the Council. I answer to a supreme power that not you, or the vampires want to fuck with. So be nice and I won’t flex my muscles all bitch like.”
“And you remember that you are now bound to this realm like all the Others. This means that you can bleed and die like the rest of us peons.”
She smiled coldly, waiting for his next move. Praying that he gave her a reason to kill him where he stood. “That sounds like a threat, Wolf King. Are you sure that you want to go there? Because I’m ready to rumble anytime you are.”
He stepped closer, but was careful not to touch her. Slimy bastard.
“It’s a warning. Don’t cross me, Kara. You won’t like the results.”
She looked at him with cynical coolness before for saying, “I don’t fear you or anyone on this realm. I chose to bind myself and no amount of pain or suffering is too great for my sacrifice. Once she realizes how much power she has over all of you then my job is done. Maybe she’ll decide to save you and your minions, or maybe she will finish the job that Mist couldn’t. This is why I bound myself to her, to ensure that she had the guidance to make the right decision this time, and not be blinded by sugary words by a man destined to lie and use her like he did her mother.”
He sputtered, “Are you implying that I intend to use my own daughter?”
She gritted her teeth, thinking about Mist’s last dying breath. “I’m implying that you have shown in the past, and currently, that you care nothing about what’s in her best interest.”
Which was a widely known fact, Maxim didn’t care about anyone but himself. It was laughable to try to pretend that he did, given the fact that for twenty-two years, he secretly held the solution to the problem the Other Council worried about with fanatical obsession—reversing the declining birthrate of their race. In fact, it was one of the two reasons the Council was formed with werewolf, vampire and lion-shifter representatives alike--arbitration of Other disputes and finding the solution to the devastating breeding problem.
A problem thought resolved with the creation of Rejuvenator from the fusion of Other genes with mutated human cells. Rejuvenator, a drug that was quickly recalled and called a failure because it had so many side-effects, like reduced life expectancy and impaired Other abilities that the Council sold the rights to the Collective.
A drug that years later, the Vampire Collective accidently discovered removed impurities and disease from human blood making it like a fine vintage vampire wine. Rejuvenator was quickly marketed to humans as a scientific break-thru. An expensive cure all, that extended life expectancy with higher doses producing a buzz that was harder than street drugs. The Collective manufactured it in everything from energy drinks, to coffee to alcohol. And for those that couldn’t afford it, well the Collective had a nice solution for that—the Blood for Rejuvenator Program. All humans had to do was make a small blood donation every month for a thirty day supply. It was pure Collective genus. It was a win-win situation. Vampires clamored for the pure human blood that was bottled and sold like a drink from the Fountain of Youth vampires worldwide and humans clamored and became addicted to Rejuvenator.
His lips curled up at the edges into his warped version of a smile, "I love my daughter."
She threw her hands in the air. “Unbelievable. I don’t even know how you said that with a straight face. You don’t love her, Maxim. You love what she represents, power. Power to solve the Others breeding problem. Something you’re waiting to unveil to the highest bidder.” She scoffed. “That’s nothing remotely close to love.”
His fists clenched with eyes blazing with hate. “You don’t know anything about who I love, Kara, because you’re a cold heartless woman. I love my daughter and I loved Mist.”
She wanted to zap him into dust for his flagrant lie, but she held herself in check, barely. “Bull, you never loved Mist. You lusted after what she represented, power. She was just too naïve to see past the deceit of a man that was chomping at the bit to use her for gain, and that’s exactly what you did, use her, and then betray her like the power hungry whore that you are.”
Her fist clinched, her face twisting with anger as her body vibrated violently. “You and Ivan worked together to imprison and experiment on her at that Collective lab.”
His face flushed, stepping back slightly. She smelled fear. She continued with a satisfied smile. “Furthermore, I know about your Other experiments and those babies,” Her eyes narrowed, “They’ll be found….I guarantee that.”
He tried to interrupt, but she cut him off abruptly
. “Don’t bother lying, because I know the truth, and soon she’ll know it too.”
He roared, the sheer force shaking the ground. “You are a spiteful witch!”
He was anxious; she sensed it before he covered it up. “Get it right wolf, I’m a Valkyrie and proud of it.”
His skin rippled and morphed back-and-forth between man and wolf then phased back to man. His eyes were frustrated, flaring with anger.
She laughed wickedly, wagging a finger at him. “Protection spell remember? No shifting for you wolf. I knew that the spell would come in handy.” She stood firm, her finger jabbing into his chest angrily. “The truth hurts sometimes, doesn’t it? And if Mist’s spirit wasn’t condemned by the Immortals, she would break your conniving wolf neck.”
His body was tense with leashed fury. “I came here to talk about Infinity not be verbally attacked by the likes of you, Valkyrie.” He spat, swatting her hand away.
She jammed her fists on her hips, tapping her foot impatiently. “Why don’t you grow some and order the Vampire Collective to call off the attack.”
With a startled look, he responded. “That’s ridiculous. You know damn well that I don’t have the power to order the Vampires to do anything. I warned you months ago to back her off, but you let her proceed. Now this whole mess is out of my hands. I have no support from my Collective, who believe, rightly so, that this is a vampire problem.”
“Oh, fuck you, Maxim! She’s only doing what you wolf-shifters should have done centuries ago, standup to the vampires who are literally bleeding the humans to death while they poison them with those toxic Rejuvenator pills.”
He snorted, “Please, Kara, you’re giving her more credit than warranted. This has nothing to do with vampires, and everything to do with some rich, Superstar’s latest save the world craze.
“Granted, she may not know what’s really going on behind the Other veil… but subconsciously, she feels the wrongness of the blood donations for pills scam.”