Hell's Calling Prologue

The Master of Darkness sat in his throne, gazing about the dark room, torch lights flickering from the twisted chandeliers above. His eyes wandered about, noticing the black spires in the corners of the room with thorns that could destroy all that touched them in an instant. A smirk began to form on his lips as he looked down to the floor, his favorite lover settling by his feet. He couldn't help but notice the way she leaned up against his throne, tendrils of golden brown hair tumbling down her back. He reached out with ghostly pale fingers, stroking the soft strands and listening to her mewl in pleasure. It brought a joy to his heart knowing she wouldn't abandon him, no matter the circumstance.

"My Lord, do you wish for company?" She asked, her voice sweet as honey while looking at him with lust in her eyes.

"As much as I would enjoy that my sweet, I have something to attend to first." He replied, gently stroking her cheek before leaning in and planting a delicate kiss on her forehead.

He rose from his seat, effortlessly gliding down the steps that lead up to his throne, his robes cascading behind him. He traveled down dimly lit hallways to his office, the door opening with creaking hinges. With a frown hearing the sound he entered and closed the huge wooden door, sauntering up to his desk before settling in his leather chair. Sifting through the papers sitting on top, he found the documents he was searching for along with his favorite quill before beginning the long tedious paperwork. He wasn't exempt from it just because he was a ruler of Hell.

A loud knock interrupted his work and he groaned before calling out, "Who are you and what is your business?"

The door creaked open once more, revealing one of his many messengers. They were always small female demons with little curved black horns donning their heads among their stark black hair. They dressed in tattered dark clothing with black shoes that curled up at the toes, a stark contrast to that of their pale skin. They had dark, tattered translucent wings that seemed to complete the ensemble. He studied over the little girl with an unimpressed look at being bothered. However, he knew better than to turn her message down; the last time he had done so, most everything went to ruins and he still hadn't recovered from the damage.

"Sorry to bother you Your Majesty, but I do carry an important message." She bowed in respect, keeping her gaze off him.

"What do you have to say little one?" He wondered.

"Well, we just received a new wish… it'd be great for bartering a soul." She grinned wickedly, showing off all her pointed teeth. She may be new to the job, but she always enjoyed hearing things of this nature.

"Oh? What is the case with this one?" He asked, intrigued.

The Master rose out of his seat with a grin of his own. He thoroughly enjoyed when a human wished for something that could result in eternal damnation over a trifle manner that could be resolved without doing so. The little demon girl looked up at him briefly before lacing her fingers together behind her back, kicking her foot in the air in a bashful manner.

"She would like to be popular... and get revenge on those that bully her." She answered.

"A female this time eh? Ooh, all the better. I could make her into one of my hand maidens when she's finished with her revenge business… this will work out well. Would you be so kind as to fetch my son Lyulf for me? This shall prove his mettle since he can't seem to accomplish anything else in life." He muttered the last half to himself, sighing upon thinking of his son.

The Master loved Lyulf with all his heart, but he couldn't deny he was a failure. After all the hundreds of missions he had sent Lyulf on, he always managed to fail. This was his last chance to succeed before being banished to the world above. The little demon girl bowed and left the room quickly, going in search of his son, wondering where he could possibly be located.

"Lyulf!" She called out frantically as she hovered above the ground in search of him.

Lyulf lazily looked up upon hearing his name being hollered. He lounged about on a bench in the wilted courtyard with a novel in his hand. Stretching his wings out, he popped his body since he had become stiff from sitting there so long. As he eyed the girl, he quickly became disinterested.

"What in the world do you want?" He asked, letting a yawn out.

"Master would like for you to meet him in his office Lyulf. It's the utmost important." She replied.

"Oh Goddess, don't tell me he's reprimanding me for doing something wrong again." He sighed.

"No, he has a task for you to accomplish sir." She answered, poking her index fingers together. She didn't quite like him as much as The Master.

"A task? God above is he trying to kill me?" Lyulf muttered, rising from the bench and dusting himself off.

"I just deliver the news sir." She replied with a shrug, flying off for her next task.

Lyulf rolled his eyes and left the courtyard with his book in tow, trying to remember the quickest way to get to his father's office. He didn't care to be there in a moment's notice since he didn't want to put up with his father's wrath. He was tired of the conundrums that he faced with his father and a small portion of him admitted that he was going to enjoy going and performing this mission.

When he arrived at the door and knocked, he received the same greeting the little demon girl had. "It's Lyulf Father." He called, rolling his eyes in annoyance.

"Lyulf, come in my son. I have an important task for you." The Master answered.

Unbeknownst to Lyulf, he was grinning with malice, looking forward to the turnout of this new project.

Hand Of Blood Chapter One

Pain.

Pain was the only thing I could feel.

There was a fire raging through my body that I hadn't felt before in my entire life. Internally, I hoped that it was all a mind game, that it was just a dream; but despite my longing, it was all too real. My spirit felt like it was being ripped from my flesh and I didn’t know how much more I could take. Another little part of me said I should give in, that the other life would bring something better than what was going on right now. An even bigger part told me to fight, that I could escape the situation.

That was the choice I decided to make.

To continue fighting for my life.

“I don't think he's going to last much longer at this rate.” A feminine voice said, her tone completely filled with worry.

“The bastard will be fine. He deserves it after everything he's done already.” Another voice, male this time, retorted to her.

Within the next moment, the worst burning sensation I had ever felt spread through my body and I screamed in agony. I thrashed about on top of the surface I was laying on, trying to figure out the source of the shit causing me problems so I could fix it. Even though I knew it would probably wear me out faster, fighting was all I ever knew. It was something that I had grown up with, but when you were the Alfa to a pack, it kicked in with the harshest force imagined. I had to protect the girls, I had to protect my turf… I had to protect my own life.

The male who talked earlier pushed me back down and leaned over my body, muttering, “It would be easier if you just gave in… or even died for that matter.”

I attempted to throw a fist, just to find my wrist cuffed to the table. I spat in his face instead. “Never! I will never back down and let you take my pack!”

“Fine then. I hope you enjoy what time you have left.” He simply replied, wiping my spit away from his cheek.

Another ripping sensation occurred and I let another blood curdling scream out. A sudden wave of exhaustion washed over me after a moment but the tugging and ripping came to a halt and I fell limp on the table. My thoughts rested on all my girls, hoping that they would be okay, that they were safe, that whoever these idiots were wouldn't find them. It'd be just like some rogue pack to swoop in and take them away from me while I was indisposed. I slipped into the unconscious world, my mind resting on my favorite member…

I sat up with a start, panting as sweat dripped down my face while shaking my head in an attempt to gather my wits about me again. It was rare for me to have nightmares but when I did have them, they knocked my world for a loop. I couldn't make sense of what caused the dream since I hadn't done anything out of the ordinary throughout the previous day. Forcing a deep breath in and out, I wiped the sweat off the side of my face and looked to the comforter for a moment or two, raising a brow when I noticed the sheets were contorted in a strange manner besides my being twisted in them. Gazing to my left, I noticed a splay of honey and dark chocolate brown hair across the pillow and groaned at one of the biggest mistakes I must have made being black out drunk.

I moved to get out of bed and instead of getting to my feet, I landed on my ass and cursed aloud. Summoning what dignity I had left to stand, I found myself scrambling for my underwear drawer, yanking the first pair my fingers grasped and slipped into them, worriedly glancing at my bed to make sure I hadn't disturbed Heidi. If there was one thing I was certain about, it was making sure I could escape the room without disturbing her before I could properly kick her out of my room. The last thing I needed this morning was for her to wake up and I'd have to go through the whole routine of explaining what happened between us was nothing more than a one night stand.

Heidi was Heidi Kohlberg, also known as my third in command. She was more annoying than the younger sibling trying to weasel in on your doings with your friends. Wherever I went around our pack territory, she followed, even if she knew where I was mentally through our pack network as I liked to call it. Heidi was still a pup compared to me and I couldn't believe what I had done to myself, or what I assumed I had done.

Maybe you really didn't do anything with her, I thought to myself, looking around the room and groaning when I saw the strewn clothes about the carpet. There goes that hope.

Of everyone in the world I could have done anything stupid with, it had to be Heidi. Not only was she like a pesky little sister, she was also obsessive. I've not only heard the things she had done, I had seen them, having vowed to myself that I was never going to go through the regime she put others through when they tried to break things off with her. I muttered under my breath and pulled my jeans from yesterday off the floor, quietly getting into the closet for a clean shirt. I dove back into my dresser for clean socks, looked back at the sleeping Heidi for another moment then slipping out the bedroom door to escape downstairs like a madman.

“You stupid idiot. What the fuck did you do last night?” I chastised myself, struggling to get my socks on before walking into the kitchen to figure something out to eat.

Even though I didn’t have a clue as to what I did last night besides the one upstairs asleep in my damn bed, it didn't stop my stomach from raging without food. I tugged on the fridge handle and scoured the shelves for anything tempting, grumbling when I found nothing. I shut the door a little harder than necessary, groaning when I heard someone at the front door just before they knocked. Cursing under my breath, I walked over and yanked it open to find my second in command Silvyr Endres standing there, looking the least bit pleased.

Silvyr had waist length coal colored hair that normally she kept up in a complex bun but today she was wearing it down. She was also pretty slender but she made up for it in the swift way she moved in either form she took. The thing I found that stood out the most about her was that her eyes were a pure silver color, which was ironic since silver made us absolutely sick should we touch it. I just gave her a smile despite her expression.

“Good morning Silvyr, what brings you here?” I asked, prying at the connection between the two of us to find she had put a block on it.

“Have you seen Heidi this morning? I haven’t seen her since she left last night.” She questioned, more than likely aware she was upstairs in my bed.

“Why, have plans she's late for or something?”

“No, she's going to be late for work if I can’t find her.” Silvyr replied, folding her arms and repressing a smirk since Heidi's scent started wafting through the door.

“I swear you do anything and I'll come down on you so hard…” I breathed, growling as her shit grin came out.

“It’s so good to watch Mr. High-And-Mighty actually fall on his ass. Keegan, what are you going to do?” She snickered.

“I don't know… I don't know. Damn it Silvyr, stop laughing at me!” I snapped, low enough that no one else would have heard it.

“Sorry, it's just ironic that you swore up and down you'd never do anything and yet here you are sneaking around… you're in so much trouble.”

If I could get away with punching her in the face without repercussions, I would have done it in a heartbeat. “Shut up, I know I am and I'll figure it out later. Right now, I need you to get out of my face so I can get the fuck out of here before she decides to -”

“Keegan, where are you going?” I heard Heidi's voice call from upstairs.

I groaned, looking around for my shoes and hurriedly shoving my feet inside before pushing Silvyr aside to reach my car so I could get to work myself… without Heidi trying to tag along. I ran down the steps on the veranda and through the dust to where I kept my car parked, desperately trying to open the door. It came open and I slammed it shut whilst locking the car just to realize, much to my horror, that I left my keys inside along with my license and wallet. I smacked my head against the top of the steering wheel a few times, cursing everything in the world for my bad luck today.

“God damn it...” I unlocked the door and climbed out, thinking on where I left my belongings.

For the life of me I couldn't figure out where I left my keys and wallet, my memories were too fuzzy last night to even remotely try and recall while thinking, wish I had a mental connection to my belongings.

Taking a deep breath, I prepped myself mentally before darting back in the house, listening to Silvyr laugh as I searched high and low for my keys and wallet on the first level. I was stopped in my tracks when a naked Heidi sauntered down the stairs with both items I was looking for in her hands. There was nothing I wouldn't have paid to avoid the confrontation, but that was never my luck. When I looked into her eyes, there was nothing but hurt and malice towards me.

“Looking for these?” She said in a rather snarky tone.

“Give those to me right now and no one gets hurt.” I breathed, pulling my dominance out of its normal bag in case she tried anything funny.

“And if I don't? What will you -”

I stepped up to her, my nose just centimeters away from hers, using my crushing dominance to get her to crumple to the floor. “You don't challenge your Alfa Heidi unless you're absolutely certain you can take me on.”

I grunted before taking my things from her hands and storming out the door, turning to Silvyr who was still rolling on the veranda laughing and barking, “You get her out of my house and speak of this to no one.”

“What, the rest of the pack already – Damn it Keegan, that hurts!” I threw a look that told her to shut it after crushing her with my superiority.

“Don't even think about it Endres.” I snapped, returning to my car.

Leuan started scratching at the walls I kept him behind; luckily I wasn't completely out of control otherwise I would have shifted and wrecked the interior. I assured him that I would take him out running later, which sated him enough for me to get the car started so I could get to work. After a moment, I turned the engine off, climbing out before walking up to the house next to mine and knocking quietly on the door. Keeping quiet, I could hear someone yawn and walk down the stairs before the door became unlocked and I was greeted with the oh-so-delight-filled face of my daughter, Kaylee Radeke. Kaylee wasn't my biological daughter, but I thought of her as such in every aspect of the word. I rescued her roughly twenty-five years ago and thought back to the day as I looked at her…

I looked at the remote in my hand, frowning softly since nothing good was on and I literally had nothing better to do. I had closed the bike shop up early since nothing needed to be done immediately and I was the only one who worked there. Shaking my head, I turned the TV off before tossing the remote aside, getting up from the couch to see if there was anything that needed to be done in the kitchen. Spotting the pile of my dishes that had managed to stack up, I set my mind to washing those by hand. Just as I started filling the sink up, I heard someone running and smelled the air, furrowing my brow when it was Silvyr's scent. My front door opened with her yelling,

“Keegan, Keegan! You gotta come quickly!”

Hearing the frantic tone she was using, I quickly turned the faucet off and ran to the living room, instantly smelling smoke. “What's happening?!”

“It's the Radeke house Keegan. I don't know what happened but everything went up in smoke and flames. The fire department won't be here for another couple minutes but the family is trapped inside and even with my strength, I can't move anything!” She panted and that was all she needed to say.

I took off towards the smoke, gulping audibly when I noticed how high the flames were getting the closer I got. From the damage done, it had been a couple minutes but I knew I had to try and do something. I kicked the front door in and a burst of smoke assaulted my nostrils, causing me to cough as I listened to screams in fear and the cries of a baby. The flames seemed to originate from the kitchen but as I glanced about there were even more points of origin, just as if someone had purposefully started the fire. I took a deep breath and held it as I ran inside up the stairs towards the family that was more than likely trapped somewhere.

I started making my way down the smoke filled hallway, towards the baby's cry. I knew if I only had enough time to rescue one of them, it would be the baby first since it was too small to fend for itself. There was no trouble getting into the room and I was surprised that it wasn't in shambles; I scooped the pink bundle laying in the crib up in my arms, making my way back outside. Silvyr stared at me in disbelief as I handed the baby to her.

“I'm going back in.” I huffed, coughing a lung up in the process.

“Keegan, you can't damn it! You're going to get killed.” She retorted, looking at the tiny human in her arms and calming her the best she could before I ran back inside against anyone's good judgment.

It took a bit of time to find the baby's parents but I dragged them out as the trucks came up to stoke the flames and medical personnel ran around trying to save the lives of this little family I had rescued. Silvyr walked up to my side and handed the pink bundle to me once again. I furrowed my brow as I took her, unsure what she was thinking since my thoughts were all jumbled.

“She won't settle down in my arms.” Silvyr sighed, looking down at the ground and kicking a stray stone.

I looked down at the child in my arms and saw the most peaceful look on her face and there was something there that I couldn't explain…

I had gone to the hospital with Silvyr to make sure that everything would be okay. Kaylee's father died shortly after from the burns and smoke inhalation and Kaylee's mother held on for a couple days and before she slipped into the coma, she had asked us to take care of her baby. It broke my heart to see them suffer; I remembered when they had first moved in shortly after they were married. I remembered when Emily had come over to announce her pregnancy and asking me to be her godfather.

“Morning Dad. Aren't you supposed to be at work?” Kaylee yawned, shaking her head before rubbing her eyes.

“Yes and I wanted to make sure you were doing okay this fine morning.” I answered, smoothing her hair down from the spiked mess it happened to be in.

“What did you do this time Keegan?” She sighed, giving me a look that said don't bother lying to her because she’d find out about the truth anyway.

“Uhm… I woke up from being black out drunk and freaked out finding Heidi sleeping in my bed.” I combed my fingers through my hair and made a face in disgust the longer I thought about how big of an idiot I was today.

“You didn’t… oh Hell… what’re you going to do about the situation?” Kaylee’s eyes widened as her jaw fell slack in disbelief.

“I figured I’d go to work and see if I can come up with anything in the case something happens. If not, I’ll just deal with it.” I shrugged, taking a step back to let her know I was going to take off finally.

“Well I hope things go well for you Keegan, you’re going to need it. Have fun at work otherwise!” She said, her tone cheerful as she hugged my chest and kissed my cheek before slamming the door behind her to get ready for school.

Cringing the smallest bit from how hard she closed the door, I shoved it away as I started toward my car once more, seriously contemplating what I was going to do about confronting Heidi about our little escapade last night. As much as I wanted to avoid it all, I knew I couldn’t dodge it forever. Aforementioned, Heidi was obsessive and she wouldn’t let anything go without knowing every detail or reason behind something and it didn’t matter who or what got in the way; she would tear them apart. It was partially why Silvyr had her as her second in command.

Once again, I found myself pausing, my hand hesitating above the door handle. Leuan began scratching inside, whimpering softly to be let out of his cage and it took most the control I had to keep him in check. One of the downsides of being a werewolf was how volatile emotions were and never knowing when they’d snap and release the inner wolf waiting to pounce and take over. In a way, it was good when the human side needed to recuperate from something traumatic but in other instances, it led to disaster. With the wolf running around, the human side had no control over what could happen, no control over when to return back to the human guise.

Keegan, please, let me out. I’ll behave, Leuan begged, lightly scratching at the door a second time.

Not gonna happen Leuan, I thought back.

But if you let me out, it’ll give you time to think about how to tear Heidi and Iavora apart, Leuan suggested, a dastard-like grin lacing his rather cheery tone.

Which I can do just fine without you running around rampant, I rolled my eyes.

I climbed into my car a third time and shoved the keys into the ignition, slamming the door closed and taking a breath to try and calm down. Today wasn’t shaping up to be the best…

Parking in front of the mechanic shop, I turned my car off and sat there quietly contemplating what had happened already this morning. I had to wonder if it would get any better as I climbed out and found the front door was already unlocked. My brow furrowed and I was instantly wary while pushing it open. One whiff of the air settled my insides down. The shop had two main employees: myself and Tessa Muhr. Tessa was one of my pack and loved to tinker with vehicles that people dropped off for oil changes or new brakes on top of selling car products. Occasionally I’d bring Kaylee in to help her pay for college and cover the front when we had a vehicle in dire need of help.

She was on the short side and looked like a human toothpick but her small hands could reach things that mine couldn’t quite manage. She kept her brown hair shoulder length and pulled back into a pony tail while working. It never failed that she had a handkerchief in her back pocket to wipe her hands of grease and oil when bent over a hood of a car.

One look around the empty store front told me she was already in the back working on a project. I walked into the shop and passed the door frame that led to the garage. Tessa was standing on a stool bent inside the hood of a 2007 Ford F-150 working on who knew what; I didn’t remember the truck being brought in whatsoever.

“When did this come in?” I asked her, watching her jump and listening to her yelp, my eyes lingering on her butt for a bit longer than should be appropriate.

“Damn it Keegan, don’t startle me like that!” – She stood up straight and pulled her kerchief out, wiping her hands before climbing down and walking up to me – “I came early and someone needed an oil change. I figured it’d be okay.”

“That’s fine… and how the hell did I startle you? You can hear things a mile away.”

“I was too busy concentrating on the engine to notice… that and I closed our connection after the ruckus with – don’t give me that look! I’m not gonna say anything more on that subject!” She answered as I gave her a glare when she was going to mention Heidi.

“Good. Anyway, I’m not going to stay long today. Do you think you can handle it alone or should I ask Kaylee to come when classes are over to cover the store?” I asked.

“It’s your store Keegan. If you want her to come in to cover the front, by all means let her work. I can handle it back here.” She assured me with a smile.

“Okay then Tessa. Call if you need anything, but I’m going to be unavailable for the next hour. I’m going to take Leuan out for a run while figuring out what to do with… well… we both know.” I answered, heading back for the car.

“Gotcha Keegan. You be careful out there and hopefully you don’t die when said person gives you hell over last night.” She tried not to giggle as she climbed back up on the stool and returned to work.

I rolled my eyes and left the garage, walking into the front of the store. I made sure the bell was out on the counter in visible site and the closed sign was flipped over to read that we were open. Once outside I pulled my phone out and shot Kaylee a text asking if she wanted to come in and work before slipping it back into my pocket and thinking on a good place to take Leuan out.

Can I come out now Keegan? Leuan whined, pitifully scratching at the door he was behind.

If you’ll let me think of where to run first, I replied.

Wait, something’s wrong… we need to go home, Leuan said.

As soon as Leuan said something, the hair raised on the back of my neck. Prodding each connection I had with the girls, nothing seemed abnormal but I wasn’t going to risk the gut feeling. I climbed into the car and drove as fast as legally possible, thinking that something happened to Kaylee since she had yet to answer my text back. Dust rose from the ground as I skidded to a stop in front of the house. Climbing out, I looked about the settlement. All the houses were intact and a couple of the girls were on their way to work.

Leuan, I think we were mistaken, I thought.

Leuan shook his head vehemently. How many times have I ever been wrong about something?

Never, I sighed aloud.

Something’s coming through the forest right now, Leuan said, growling softly.

I couldn’t help but growl as well, listening to the footsteps of something that was entirely too big to be an animal. Silvyr’s scent hit first as she came up to my side before the scent of blood hit my nose. A woman came running through the trees, sobbing hysterically. She was covered from head to toe in the crimson liquid. She paused at the edge of the houses, looking down at her stained hands.

“What happened?” She breathed right before passing out.

Untitled Story (Will Rename Later) Chapter Three

Once Kyron left, I attempted to eat but found I lost my appetite and picked at the food on my plate. While an apology was nice for what had happened, hearing the details definitely brought my mood down. It did leave me with one more question that I neglected to ask him while he was here: why in the world he let me have the artifact? I admit that it saved my ass from failing for the third time in a row and another scolding from Avron, but if Kyron’s boss was anything like mine… I’d have hated to be in his shoes.
I frowned softly and stood up, grabbing my ticket to go pay, pausing to look at the card Kyron left on the table. Uncertainty filled my mind on bringing it along; I wasn’t sure how to explain it off if anyone found it in my possession, let alone how they’d react. I debated with myself for a few moments on the matter and started to walk away when something told me I should just hold onto his card. With a sigh, I turned back around and picked it up off the table before going up to the register to pay. I was definitely going to pay if anyone found it.
Stashing both the card and my receipt in my back pocket, I walked out of the restaurant just as my phone began buzzing in my front pocket. I yelped in surprise but hurriedly pulled the device out of my pocket, answering without looking at who was calling.
“Hello?” I asked.
“Hey Mairyl, it’s Iris. How’re you doing?”
I smiled hearing my best friend’s voice. She had a thing about calling rather than texting people. “Other than a concussion from a job related accident I’m alright. How about you?”
“You got hurt again? Damn it Mairyl, you need to get a new job. I’m doing well and thanks for asking.” She replied and I cringed a little at her tone.
“While I’m flattered you’re calling, did you need something or were you just checking in?” I asked, groaning internally at sounding so impersonal.
“Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the mall and hang out for a bit. You feeling up to it or do you need to rest more?”
“I’d enjoy that, but I do have to take it easy still.” I answered.
“Great! Do you need me to come pick you up or are you driving?”
“No go on driving till my next doctor’s appointment, so I’d appreciate a lift. Just give me a little bit to get home since I’m out on a walk.”
“Okie Mai. Just let me know when you’re ready. I’ve got to pick Thaddeus up from work shortly since his truck is in the shop again. I swear I’ve told him more than once to buy a new one but does he listen? Nope.” – I swear I could hear Iris rolling her eyes at the mention of her boyfriend – “Anyway, I’ll talk to you in a bit.”

“Yep, be safe.” I said, ending the call with a sigh.
It had been a little bit since the two of us had been out together; I was usually busy getting dirty and she was busy taking care of her relationship. We had met in high school during art class and became inseparable after I had punched someone in the nose for making fun of her artistic soul. I served detention with a smug attitude for proving myself capable of taking a man down. Unfortunately, that was a time past and the guys were still going through puberty; I would hate to take on a seventeen-year-old Kyron to be brutally honest.
The walk back to the dwelling was uneventful. I quietly navigated through the hallways to my room, closing the door behind me before stashing the card in my pantie drawer. I stared at its hiding place for a moment or two, frowning since it didn’t seem safe enough. My gaze darted around the room for somewhere safe and I bit my lip as I spied the frame that held the picture of my parents sometime after they got married but before they had me. No one ever touched the pictures; they knew how much they meant to me.
Stepping up to the mantle, I took the photo down, eyeing it with sorrow for a couple minutes. I wished I had more time with my parents because it didn’t seem fair that I had so little time with them when others had spent more time in their presence. Flipping the frame over, I undid the clasps holding the back to the frame and pulled it up, setting the card at the bottom of the photo before placing the back and fastening the clasps once more before setting the frame back on the mantle.
“I wish you were here… then maybe my life wouldn’t be so screwed up right now.” I whispered.
To be truthful, once I discovered I had a talent for talking to spirits, I tried to find them for a couple years. They never answered. I wondered if they hated me or something along those lines but I knew it wasn’t my fault what had happened. Ghosts and spirits were finicky about who and what they talked about with the living. Sometimes they were even spiteful enough to send me in the wrong direction because they didn’t want me finding their treasure. Unfortunately for them, they wouldn’t be able to take it to the next life.
I pulled my phone out and shot Iris a text saying I was ready as I opened the door once more, heading for the front entrance. I slipped it back in my pocket before looking down to find Syrus right in my way. “Excuse me.”
He frowned and pulled an earbud out when I nudged him with my foot. “Come again?”
“I said excuse me. You’re sitting in the middle of the hallway.” I replied, giving him a frown of my own.
“I’m sorry.” He mumbled, picking himself up off the floor, stopping and staring at me.
“Can I help you?” I folded my arms as the staring contest ensued, finally receiving an answer after a moment or two.
“Well… promise not to laugh?” He asked.
“If it’s not a joke, I promise. What’s up?”
He hesitated again and I was ready to just walk away when he grudgingly grumbled, “I was wondering if you were interested in going out sometime.”
Hearing this came as a surprise. My mouth fell agape, my mind struggling to process the words that just left his mouth. Blinking a couple times, I gave him a disgruntled look. “Did I hear you correctly? You want to go out with me? Have you been sitting there since I returned home to try and work the nerve up to ask that?”
He merely nodded. He glanced away, fiddling with the wire of his earbuds. “Probably shouldn’t have asked that huh?”
“Look, I need to think about it. I’m still trying to heal from the concussion. How about I give you an answer in a day or two?” I answered, hoping that would be the easiest way to let him down.
“Fine, but I feel like you’re going to say no already. I don’t mean to make things awkward.” He replied, walking away from me in the direction of his room.
“What the fuck…”
I shook my head, continuing on my way to the front entrance once more. Firstly, Kyron came to apologize for hurting me – which I was still upset about – and wanted to be friends. Second, Iris wanted to hang out – that wasn’t abnormal but it hardly happened anymore. Lastly, Syrus, my adoptive brother wanted to try and see if we had anything between us. I pinched the bridge of my nose and made a small unhappy noise. I had a lot to think about and it wasn’t going to help me rest one bit…


“Okay, you’ve been extremely quiet Mairyl, what’s wrong?” Iris asked, as we looked at one of the racks in her favorite boutique.

Snapping out of the quiet trance of watching her wavy brown hair bob, I gazed at her and shrugged. “Sorry. There’s a lot on my mind right now.”
“Would you like a sounding board for it all?”
I gave her another shrug. “If you don’t mind it being about a couple different men…”
“Ooh, do tell me everything.” Iris piped up, grinning excitedly.
Looking in her blue-green eyes, I knew I could trust her with anything I said and it wouldn’t go anywhere. “Which do you want to hear first? The lunch escapade or when you came to get me?”
“What happened on my way?” She furrowed her brow, turning her attention back to the rack.
“Syrus asked me out.” I said, causing her to sputter before coughing
“He did?! What did you say? God above, that… wow.”
“I told him I needed to think on it for a couple days just because of the brain injury and things. I don’t quite know how to let him down because I don’t think of him that way. Never have.” I admitted, kicking the thin carpet beneath my feet.
“Just gotta be truthful Mai. No easy way around it but doesn’t mean you have to be an emotionless bitch in letting him down.” Iris answered almost instantly.
“I’m not a bitch.” I frowned.
“Mmm, you get pretty grumpy when guys ask you out and you don’t have an interest in them.” She gave me a look that said don’t-try-to-lie-to-me.
I made a noise and brushed it off. “Whatever.”
She turned and lightly touched my arm. “Are you feeling okay Mai? Is this too much?”
Taking a breath and releasing it, I replied, “I think I’m still upset about the concussion.”
“I was wondering if that was playing with your emotions. How did it happen if you don’t mind me asking? I know you were working but you didn’t say…”
“That’s where lunch comes in. See, I couldn’t remember anything from the night it happened other than where I was and what I was looking for… Kyron showed up -”
“Wait, Kyron showed up? You mean that blonde cutie you talk about all the time? What did he do?” She inquired, actually taking an interest in him.
I hated to break it to her that while he may be good looking he could be a bastard. “He’s the one who gave me the concussion in the first place.”
Her eyes went wide, a horrified expression taking over. “What the hell? I knew your job was tough as it is, but this? Good lord. You shouldn’t see him again if you can help it."
“Kinda hard to avoid him really… but he apologized and had the audacity to suggest being friends. Can you believe that?” I said, shaking my head.
“He apologized for hurting you? That’s… actually a good thing, but he honestly shouldn’t have done it in the first place.” Iris continued frowning deeply, finally pulling away from the rack.
“What do I do? I don’t have anything lined up so I can leave… and it wasn’t till recently that I’ve had trouble doing my job either.” I sighed.
Iris sighed to herself but put a hand on my shoulder. “You’ll figure it out. You’re smart, brave and talented enough. Let’s go look somewhere else. I’m not finding anything that really screams out to buy it today.”
I nodded and linked our arms together. “I do hope you’re right.”
“Have I ever steered you wrong?” She smirked.
I paused to look at the ceiling as I thought about all the times we did get into trouble outside of school. “Multiple times. Should I start listing them?”
Iris made a dismissive noise as we headed towards the exit. “The past is in the past dear. Besides, how many times have you been the one to start things?”
“Only because people were starting in on you.” I answered in defense of my actions as we walked out of the boutique and onto the next store...

Untitled Story (Will Rename Later) : Chapter Two

Two Days Later

     A hospital visit which resulted in a CT scan along with an overnight stay with a ruling to take it easy for the next week and a half were the worst ruling I ever had. However it wasn't a bad idea considering my head was still fuzzy over the events at the mausoleum that night.
     I looked down at my hands and eyed the ring while sitting at the counter in the kitchen early the third day since I had gone after the artifact. Everyone in the company lived in a huge building. There were halls that led to master bedrooms with their own bathrooms. There was an enormous dining hall and kitchen with a large communal laundry room and we even had two pools and hot tubs. There was a parking garage with our own assigned spaces based on our room numbers. In short, it was a glorified apartment complex.

     As I continued gazing at the circle of metal and sapphire, I couldn't help but think on my boss. I knew Avron would want it as soon as possible, but he hadn't been worried if I had it in my possession; he was more worked up over the fact I had a concussion and bruised ribs. Part of me didn't want to turn it in since I thought it was beautiful, but I hadn't earned the top spot retrieving artifacts by keeping them for myself. A breath escaped as footsteps echoed from behind me.
     I twisted around to discover Syrus walking in. Syrus was Avron's younger brother. He had dark brown hair that was rather shaggy looking and scruffy facial hair. His eyes were ice blue, polar opposite of Avron. They didn't look alike till you looked at their noses and jaw. He was more slender than his brother and nowhere near as bulky, but he still kept me on edge.
     Syrus stared at me for a moment. "You doing okay Mairyl? Heard you have a concussion."
     I strategically moved the hand wearing the ring from his sight on the off chance he got nosy as he had a tendency to do. "It's still a bit fuzzy and other than a headache and minor ear ringing I'm okay. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
     "Well Avron would like to talk to you about your last mission… and I got hungry." Those were not the words I wanted to hear out of him but expected to come eventually.
     "Is he in his office?" I asked, slipping off the stool, taking a moment to regain my balance for my vision started dancing.
     "Yes. I'd go right now, just saying. He's pretty antsy about the ring." Syrus yawned, walking over to the fridge.
     I sighed softly. "Of course he is. Thanks for asking about my welfare as well."
     I left the kitchen and slowly ambled through the halls to where his office resided. I slipped the ring off my finger and kept quiet as I knocked on the frame of the door since it was partially open. He rustled something inside before calling, "If that's you Mairyl, please, come in."
     I took a step inside and looked about, even though I had been in this room multiple times. It just happened to be a dark, mysterious place with the glow of a flaming fire always lit in the fireplace. There was a massive brown bear rug in the middle of the room and a lamp in the corner across from the fireplace. There was a jungle plant by the window, which was surrounded by velvet curtains and the blinds were pulled down, blocking any possible sunlight from infiltrating this dark haven. There was a bookshelf opposite of the window that held trinkets as well, but I didn't often pay attention to it; I was normally just dropping things off but as of late, I had been summoned in here to be chastised.
     "Syrus told me you wanted to talk?" I managed to squeak.
    "Yes I did. Would you like to sit down?" He said, settling on the desk on the side opposite of his leather desk chair.
     Shaking my head, I walked over once I shut the door and settled for standing on the bear rug. "I'm fine. I was hoping this would be quick to be honest."
     "I'll try to make it quick. I know you need to take it easy." – He started, his gaze looking me up and down – "Do you actually have the ring?"
     As he asked, I couldn't help but stare at him. Avron was tall but he was slightly shorter than Kyron and Syrus. He had ink colored hair that was cut in a long thick crew cut that was a variation of the retro 50's style. His eyes were a deep blue and his nose was rather sharp followed with a sharp square jaw. He had a mustache and goatee that didn't touch but were clean cut. He generally wore long sleeved button-down shirts with slacks and a tie but today, he wore a plain tee and jeans.
     I looked down at my ragged black knee high boots, not daring to look him in the eye as I held the ring out for him. "Here, take it."
     He got up from the desk and towered over me as he proceeded to pick the ring up from my hand. "So you did manage to get it… how?"
     I sighed huffily. "Look I don't remember anything other than going to the mausoleum and running into Kyron. Everything goes fuzzy from there other than talking to him again and I ended up with that thing before it goes blank once more."
     "Thank you for actually succeeding this time. I was preparing to yell at you for failing again… but that doesn't excuse your idiocy. You could have died." Avron frowned, setting the ring on the desk before turning to look at me once more.
     My gaze transferred to the rug beneath my feet. "Don't you think I've scolded myself on that enough as it is Avron? I risk my life all the damn time and yet you don't care. When's the last time you went after an artifact?"
     "We're not talking about my shortfalls are we now? As for you risking your life, I do care if you live or die. However, I can't help this is our profession and you feel it necessary to try and pay my family back for bringing you in after yours perished." He answered, completely ignoring my question.
     "Don't bring my parents up ever again Avron!" – I shrieked – "I'm done talking now. You got your stupid ring and I'm unavailable to retrieve anything for the next week. I don't want to hear from you till I'm clear."
     I stormed off to my room before he could say anything more to me on the matter. The subject of my family bothered me to no end to this day. My parents had died after a home invasion when I was only nine years of age and Avron's family had taken me in afterwards, looking after me as one of their own. He was right that I felt it necessary to try and repay their kindness for taking me in, but he didn't have to bring up my folks.
     Arriving at my room, I locked the knob and put the chain lock I had on it in place. My fingers came up to my collarbone, fingering the ankh necklace my mother had given to me years ago. In ancient Egypt, ankhs were a symbol of life, which was why I received it as a gift from her the day before her death, whether she knew it was the end or not. Returning to reality after a few moments, I observed the familiar area around me. There was a queen sized canopy bed with translucent curtains off to the far left corner from where I was. There was a side table with a lamp across the room in the other corner. I too had a fireplace about halfway across the room on the wall that was always kept up by the staff and had a couple pictures of my family up on the mantle since they were long gone. I had a dresser set and a dresser table that I usually only used for my hair since I barely wore makeup and a door that led to the bathroom.
     Thinking on the bathroom, a shower sounded pretty nice about then. It had been a couple days since I had one and they were always welcome when I was upset. Stepping in the bathroom, my sight fell upon the ornate mirror above the sink surrounded by white marble counters. Out of habit, I went ahead and stared myself over to make sure there was nothing out of place, taking note of the new bruises to try and avoid hitting them if I could. My hair was a dark honey color and looked a ragged mess. My eyes were a molten honey color and almost that perfect almond shape. My face happened to be a soft diamond shape with perfectly placed slightly full lips and a straight nose. I wouldn't trade my features for the world since they accomplished the task of getting looks left and right from the men.
     Flipping the light switch on, I went over to the shower stall and turned the chrome faucets on, cranking the hot on a bit more than the cold. The dirtied shirt came over my head and dropped to the tiled floor with a soft thump, followed by my boots, pants, bra and panties. I padded over to the counter and pulled my studs out, followed by the necklace I treasured so dearly. I stepped into the stall and shut the door, allowing the hot water to roll over my aching body with a small moan. As I washed up, I thought about what I was going to do for the day. Driving was out of the question till I was symptom free, but I still wanted to get out and do something. There was a restaurant just a block away I had wanted to try out but I was wondering if that would be too far of a walk… if anything happened, I could just text Avron or Syrus to come get me.
     I turned the faucets off and climbed out, wrapping myself in a fluffy towel before going back into the main room and waltzing up to my drawers. When my fingers grazed over my favorite tank that read Fuck Your Pretty Face, I smirked and pulled it on once I got my bra back on. I delved into another drawer, pulling out a black pair of extra skinny jeans that fit like a glove and pulled them on after slipping into a lacy thong I adored. My feet took me over to my dressing table, which I sat myself down in the plush white chair to do my hair for the day. I didn't enjoy the thought of running my brush through my locks because they tended to get tangled quite easily.
     I combed my hair back and twisted it into a makeshift bun, deciding makeup was a must today. I swore I took up half a bottle of foundation to cover the bruises that showed but the rest I applied with a gentle hand, struggling with the eyeliner as per usual and managing to get it done right the first time. I loved how my honey eyes were perfectly accented with the makeup color I had chosen to put on today. I slipped into a pair of flats that had skulls and crossbones on them before grabbing my wallet and phone before heading out of my bedroom.
     "Mairyl, are you in the dog house again?"
     I grimaced when I heard that voice and watched the bothersome girl saunter up. I could just make out the faux blonde hair with those piercing gray eyes that annoyed the shit out of me because the woman that owned them thought they were all knowing. I tried to withhold a growl of irritation before turning to see her dressed in one of the most slutty things I had seen her in to date. She had a skirt that would allow any guy easy access, a top that tied in a sexy knot and five inch heels that I'm sure clacked against the tiles and whatever else they could reach.
     "For your information Vesta, I'm not in trouble. Thanks for asking." I grumbled.
     I absolutely despised Vesta. She was always jealous of my "relationship" with my adopted brothers and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't see what she found so beautiful about either of them.
     "Well damn, I was hoping you'd get fired for fucking this last job up." She snickered.
     Without thinking, my fist curled into a ball and I threw it at her, landing it in her self proclaimed pretty face. I absolutely enjoyed hearing her nose break under pressure, but I didn't appreciate the blood spurting out on my clean hand. She yelled out in pain and fell to the floor, clutching her nose whining. I grumbled under my breath before going to the sink and washing my hand clean of her fluids; I didn't want any part of her touching me longer than necessary. When I returned to look at her, she had a death glare on her face with a bit of crimson smeared on the tip of her nose.
     "Wait till Avron hears you punched me. He's going to give it to you." She hissed, running back down the hall whining like a baby.
     I rolled my eyes and shook my head, walking out the front doors to my destination…


     "Is this seat taken?"
     Everything cringed upon hearing that familiar voice and after the events of the other night, I was certain I didn't want to see him again so soon. With a sigh and a head shake, I glanced up from my plate to stare at the blonde giant. He made a face when he looked at mine but he settled in the seat across the booth.
     "What do you want Kyron? I've already got a headache and you're one of the last people in which I want to converse." I said, pressing my palm against my temple since my head started pounding.
    "I wasn't expecting to see you here, but I figured I should come apologize for uhm… the other night." He said, lowering his voice so only I could hear him.
     "What do you mean?" I frowned, slightly confused about the events that night in the first place.
     "You… you don't remember still? Oh fuck… do I really have to be the one to tell you this?" – He asked mostly to himself before sighing – "We were fighting over the ring you had and I knocked you around hard enough you hit your head on the ground… I… I feel bad for hurting you and it wasn't my intention to do so."
     As I listened to his words, the events of the night became clear and I gasped. "You – I can't – gah!"
     "Please forgive me. Again, I didn't mean to hurt you the way I did… but don't think I won't stop you if you attack." He said, looking the utmost remorseful for causing the pain I suffered with now.
     I clenched my jaw and took a breath through my nose, carefully thinking over his words before muttering, "If I forgive you, will you leave me alone?"
     "On one condition: I can get your phone number."
     I was taken aback. "What? Really? We hate each other."
     "Correction: You hate me. I am just trying to make a living like you are and we happen to be rivals… that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to get to know you as a person to be honest. We've run into each other so many times…" He retorted.
     "Well I'm too mad at you for giving me a hospital bill and injuries I didn't ask for in the first place, so no. You don't get my number." I snapped, picking at the food on my plate.
     "Well then… if you change your mind, here's mine. We may be rivals, but I'm sure we could be good friends otherwise." He sighed, pulling a card out of his pocket and slipping it over to me.
     I made a face but took it anyways. There were so many things I could do with the card. He stood up an offered a knee weakening smile. "Get out of here."
     "Enjoy your lunch Mairyl." He said, leaving the booth in an almost formal manner.
     With a small groan, I sank into my seat, feeling even more miserable than I thought I could in my life. I had the answers I had been wondering about the last couple days but to top it off, Kyron was playing nice. He did surprise me with being regretful over his actions, but completely blindsided me with wanting to be friends. I picked the card up and noticed it was his company card but there was ink bleeding from the other side and when I turned it over, I found a number on the back.
     The giant wanted to play nice… I wasn't ready to forgive and forget, but I was going to think about the proposition.

*Special Thanks To My Fiance For Helping Me Figure This Chapter Out*