by Ezra Dawn
He throws down Rat Bill’s case file in front of me and says “That shit right there is what I’m talking about. What the fuck were you thinking? He gave up the info at the beginning but you continued and the way you ended it was…just fucking brutal let’s put it like that. You are one seriously twisted individual. We all know that but you’ve never gone this far. So tell me, what happened?”
I sigh and run my hands over my face. “I found my mate.”
Krealik says, “That’s great kid but that’s no reason to go off the deep end.”
I bark out a harsh laugh. “Ugh, yeah it is. He doesn’t want me. The guy is already planning to bond with someone else so yeah. I’m sorry for losing my shit but it’s really fucking hard not to.” Jesus, I’m such a fucking loser nearly crying just talking about this shit. I’m so much stronger than this.
Krealik stares at me wide eyed “Shit, I’m sorry. Why don’t you take some time off?”
I practically shout “No! I can’t. I can’t handle being alone. I need to work. It’s all I’ve got left. I’ll try and reign in my anger about it but, I can’t take time off. I’ll fucking snap if I do.”
He nods and says, “Okay, no vacation then. Why don’t you go to one of the training rooms and let your anger out on some equipment?”
I laugh and say, “Nah, this kind of rage is only going to be taken care of with arson. So, unless you have some old shack I can burn to the ground then I’ll handle it myself.”
Valik steps forward and says, “You can burn my house down. I just bought this place I wanted to fix up but, the water lines burst and flooded the place so all the old wood is ruined and I’d have to gut it anyways. So, you can burn it down and I can start from scratch. Win, win situation.”
I laugh and say, “Okay, sounds good to me. I’ll meet you over there in a few hours yeah? I need to pick up some supplies.”
He nods and pats me on the shoulder. “See you then. Sorry about, you know.”
I nod. “Thanks.” He walks out and I’m left alone with Krealik.
He looks at me and says, “You get this shit under control got it? I really don’t want to have to find a way to kill your immortal ass.” He walks out before I can reply. I shrug and walk out. I have to make a trip to the store before I head to Valik’s. First stop is Wal-Mart for a couple plastic gas cans, lighter fluid, and some other things like lawn chairs, and stuff to make s’mores. It’ll be a fucking party.
I stop by the liquor store and get a few big ass bottles of vodka because well, I plan to get shitfaced and with my metabolism I need a lot to accomplish that. I stop by the gas station and fill the containers I bought then I head to Valik’s. He’s already waiting when I get there. I unload everything and he says, “Damn what’d you do? Bring an entire arsenal of fuel and shit?”
I laugh and say, “Well, you said you flooded the place so the wood is wet and will be harder to light. I want this place to go up in flames not fizzle out.”
“And the vodka?”
I shrug. “I plan to get drunk. Best way to ease a broken heart is to drink the pain away, so I’ve heard.” I close down the back of the SUV and say “So, let’s get this party started.” I take two cans of gas and douse the outside perimeter of the house and the walls then I take the other two and douse the inside. I add the lighter fluid at the front near the door since that’s where I’ll aim when I start the fire, then I walk back outside.
I take Valik by the arm and pull him back with me so that we’re a good distance from the house because when this baby goes, she’s going to GO. I send a spark of lighting right at the front steps and watch it go up in flames with a whoosh. Valik hands me a bottle of vodka and says “Here you go.” I pop of the cap and tilt the bottle back, taking a giant swig.
I wipe my mouth and say to Valik “I can’t believe you let me burn your house down.”
He shrugs. “We’re friends. I wasn’t going to let you keep spiraling and end up being one of our cases instead of the one handling them.”
I shrug. “I wouldn’t have cared if it happened. I think that’s the reason why I did it.”
Valik stares at me in shock. “That was your goal? To die? Are you insane?!”
I shake my head and take another sip of vodka. “No, just tired of being alone.”
“I understand what you mean but still that’s no reason to end it. You’ll find someone.”
I shake my head. “Even if I do it won’t be the same. I’ve had a taste of what it’s like to be with a fated mate. If I can’t have that then I’d rather be alone or dead whichever happens first.”
As I sit there drinking vodka like it’s water I realize that what I’ve said is true. I would rather be alone or dead than be with someone who isn’t my fated mate. With that thought in mind I continue to drink. I’ll drink to forget tonight, and tomorrow I’ll shake off the pain like it’s nothing and get back to work. I won’t let it keep me down for long even if I have to shut off my feelings. I’ll just be a cold hearted son of a bitch for the rest of my life. I can do that. There’s no need for me to smile and pretend to be happy so I’ll just be cold and frown all the time. It works and there’s no pretending in it. It’ll be the start of a new me. At least it would’ve been if I hadn’t gotten that phone call the next morning.
Chapter Nine
Declan
I walked out of the bathroom after my phone call with Crispin and found the room empty. The only thing that proved my mate had ever been there was the note on the nightstand next to the room keys.
Declan,
I know biting me was a mistake, since we used a condom last night the bond is incomplete. Don’t worry though I’ll take care of it. You can continue with your ceremony as planned. If this does get out and a war is started, call me and I’ll handle it. 857-6959. Good luck with your mating.
L
P.S check out is at noon. The room is paid for so enjoy breakfast on me. Sorry for ruining your night.
Jesus, he heard everything and he thinks he ruined my night. I’m pretty sure he didn’t ruin the night. If anything he probably made it but, I can’t really remember it anyways. I program the number into my phone under the name my mate L. I hate that I can’t remember his name when he obviously knows mine. I fold the note and put it in my pocket. It might be sappy but it kind of smells like him and even though I said I didn’t want him in a fit of hysterics I was wrong. I just have to figure out a way to get out of mating with Mirajane without starting a pack war. It’s not going to be easy but I’ll work it out. I grab the room keys and head downstairs. I turn the keys in at the front desk, grab a bagel from the free breakfast bar and pick up a taxi out front to take me home.
Mirajane isn’t home when I get there which isn’t odd since she’s probably working. The house is surprisingly clean even though she had a bachelorette party here last night. I change my clothes and walk over to Crispin’s house. I knock on the door and he pulls me inside and slams the door. “What was that all about?”
He peeks out the blinds and says, “We have a problem.”
“What do you mean?”
He crosses his arms and says, “I mean, Wyatt just called after I got off the phone with you and said that your dad was on a war path. Apparently, someone caught you macking on your dance partner last night and sent the pictures to both your dad and Bastille. They’re pissed. Mirajane was ordered to come home immediately while they discussed what to do.”
I collapse on the couch “But, I didn’t technically cheat. We aren’t bonded, those were the terms. He was my fated mate and I fucked that up too.”
Crispin nods and says, “Yeah, fucking awful timing. If this starts a pack war it’ll be the end of Asphalt Bay. How’d you fuck up with your mate?”
I shake my head. “He overheard the conversation I had with you but that’s not the point. It won’t start a pack war. I may have fucked up with my mate but he did give me an insurance policy. His phone number and a note that says if a pack war is started to call him
and he’ll handle it.”
I shrug but continue. “I’m not sure what he’ll do because I can’t remember a thing from last night, I only know he’s a shifter. That much I could tell from his scent this morning but I got nothing else because I was too busy freaking out.”
Crispin nods and says, “Well, I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out. Have you heard anything from your dad?”
I shake my head. “Nope, and that’s what scares me.”
It takes five days for my father to finally call me into a meeting. Mirajane hasn’t been back to the house at all during that time. I have no idea what I’m walking into with this meeting but I need to get it over with. I nod at the enforcers guarding the office door on my way in. I’m immediately shocked to find both Bastille and Mirajane sitting on one of the couches across from the chair my father is sitting in, at the center of his office.
I clear my throat and say “You called for me, dad?”
He waves me over and says, “Come and sit down son, we have a lot to talk about.” I walk over and sit down in a chair next to him. He rests his elbows on his knees and says “Now, you know why we’ve called you in here?”
I nod and say “Yes, I do.”
Bastille says, “We’ve gone over the terms of the truce you laid out for the past few days and after some lengthy discussions we’ve come to the conclusion that the truce hasn’t been broken. However, my daughter doesn’t wish to continue with the ceremony because of what has happened. She’s afraid that it could happen again in the future and we want to avoid a pack war.”
I sigh and say, “Oh, thank the fates.”
Mirajane says, “What’s that supposed to mean?!”
I look at her and say, “I’m sorry for what happened, I really am and while I could promise you that it wouldn’t happen again I’m not going to because I want out of this as much as you do. That man wasn’t some random trick he was my fated mate. Of course, I had too many drinks and can’t even recall his name and I messed it up because I was so freaked out about this truce. I didn’t want to start a pack war. Which I almost did anyways because some asshole took pictures. So, I’m sorry things turned out the way it did but I hope we can still be friends Mira.”
Bastille says, “We’re looking into where the pictures came from. I’ve narrowed it down to three suspects that were there that night but they refuse to talk and no form of interrogation is working on them. They’re extremely tight lipped.”
Mirajane smiles at me and says, “Of course we can be friends. I’m glad you found your mate.”
I look at Bastille and say, “I might be able to help with the interrogation part.”
My dad says, “How? You’re not an interrogator.”
I laugh and say, “No, but I said I screwed things up with my mate right? Well, he left me his phone number and a note in case a pack war was started. His exact words were call me and I’ll handle it. So, I figure if he was going to handle a pack war then maybe he can handle the interrogations.”
Bastille says, “Well, I don’t know about you Joseph but I say we let the boy call his mate. I don’t see the harm in trying.”
My dad nods and says, “I agree. Call him son.”
I pull out my phone and dial. I wait patiently as it rings. He answers on the third ring I think he assumed I was someone else because he says “Valik, I swear to god if you send me after more dragons I will come down to that office and put my foot so far up your ass you’ll be choking on my leather boot. I have had it with these uptight, hoity toity bastards.” There’s a noise in the background and he shouts “Shut up dragon cunt I’m talking here!!” Then he says all sickeningly sweet “Now, what is it I can do for you on this fine day sir?”
I laugh and say, “Um, hi it’s Declan.”
There’s dead silence in my ear and I check to make sure the call is still connected. He finally starts talking after releasing a sigh. “Hey. Wasn’t expecting you to call.”
“I kind of need your help.”
He laughs harshly and says, “Yeah, of course you do. So, what is it? I’m working so talk fast.”
I sigh. I really fucked this up. “I know you said you could handle a pack war if what happened between us got out. Well, it got out but I managed to avoid the pack war.”
“So? What do you need me for?”
I run my fingers through my hair and say “Interrogation. The suspects we have that leaked the info aren’t exactly being cooperative.”
He sighs. “Fine, I’ll handle it. What pack are you with?”
“Asphalt Bay.”
He laughs and says, “Just my luck. I’ll be there in three hours.” He hangs up and I stare at the phone in shock.
My dad says, “So, what’s the verdict?”
I look over at him and say, “He’ll be here in three hours.”
Bastille stands says, “I’ll have the suspects brought over here. See you in three hours.” He and Mirajane leave.
I look over at my dad and say, “So, where are we going to set this up at?”
He says, “The basement where the cells are most likely. There’s a lot of space down there.” I nod and we head that way.
He sets up two chairs across from each other with a table in between, standard interrogation style. Bastille and his enforcers come down with each suspect. They put each one into their own cells and lock the doors. We walk up the stairs to the living room and wait for my mate to arrive. When the three hour mark passes and he still hasn’t arrived I worry that he isn’t going to come.
One of my dad’s enforcers comes into the room and says “Sir there’s a Liam Cassidy outside the gate. Says he’s expected. Should we let him in?”
My dad nods and says, “Yes, let him through. Bring him straight here.” I’m suddenly full of excitement at the prospect of seeing him again. I really want a second change to make things right.
The man that walks through the door after the enforcer a few minutes later is a wet dream walking. He’s wearing black cargo pants with knives strapped to his legs, black combat boots, and a tight fitted black long sleeve shirt with the sleeves pushed up; topped off with black leather gloves, sunglasses and an unlit cigarette between his lips. He has a large duffel bag over his shoulder but the thing I notice the most is that my claiming bite is no longer on his skin. Is that what he meant by taking care of it?
My father stands and holds out his hand. “I’m Joseph Devine, Alpha of Asphalt Bay but only for a few more weeks. It’s nice to meet you Liam. I hear you’re my son’s fated mate.” Liam’s expression doesn’t change at all.
He shakes my dad’s hand and says, “Nice to meet you sir. Where are the suspects I’m supposed to be interrogating?”
My dad says “Follow me, they’re in the basement.” Bastille and I follow after them. When we get to the basement my dad, Bastille and I all move off to the side and let Liam do his thing. He takes one look at the table set up and laughs. He moves one chair to the corner pushes the table against the wall and drops his duffel down onto it. He opens it and pulls out a black case that’s rolled up like a sleeping bag, a couple rolls of plastic, tape, a smaller black case, and zip ties. He cracks his neck, opens the black roll and unrolls it down the length of the table then he flips it open revealing the contents within.
He drops the rolls of plastic on the floor and kicks them so they unroll across the basement. He picks up the chair and rolls the plastic to the other side of the room under it. He unfolds the plastic and tapes it down then he covers the walls with some smaller rolls of plastic. Once that is done he looks over at us and says “Bring me the first one and put him in the chair.” My dad opens the cell and grabs the first one. He struggles but my dad gets him to the chair. He’s still fighting but Liam injects him with something out of a syringe and he stops fighting.
“This will only knock him out for a few minutes. Usually, the shit I use is more potent but I had to improvise on short notice.” He zip ties the first guy’s hands and feet to the chair and s
teps back to wait for him to wake up. He doesn’t even look our way when he says “If any of you are squeamish leave now.” None of us leave.
When the guy starts waking up Liam slaps his cheeks to help him along. “Wakey, wakey pup. Time to get up.”
The guy glares and says, “Who the fuck are you?”
Liam laughs and says, “I’m the one that’s going to have you squealing like a stuck pig and turning on your little friends.”
The guy scoffs and says, “Bullshit, there are laws against us using those kind of interrogation tactics on our own kind.”
Liam shrugs and says, “Yeah, well those laws don’t apply to me. So, here’s how this is going to work. I’m going to ask you a question and you are going to answer, got it?”
“No fucking way.”
Liam shrugs and says, “I guess we’ll do this the hard way then.” He picks up a knife from the table and throws it at the guy lodging it right into his thigh. While the guy is sitting there screaming Liam tilts his head and says “Shit, I missed.” He throws another knife and this time it lands in the guy’s other thigh. Liam frowns “Missed again. Damn. I am off my game today.”
The guy screeches, “Missed?! Missed what?!”
Liam smiles this evil smile and says, “Your junk, tsk. Guess, I’ll have to try again. You ready to talk now or did you want to lose your manhood?”
He screams “It was Steve!! I had no idea I swear! Please, please, leave my balls alone.”
The guy that must be Steve, in cell three starts screaming “Shut your mouth you stupid fuck!!”
Liam looks between them and saysm “Well, that was quick. My work here is done. I’ll leave the cleanup to you guys.” He pulls his knives from the guy in the chair, wipes them off, and packs his tools back into his duffel bag. He puts a set of black doctor booties on over his boots and strolls out of the room.