Sivelle stared at the DOSA building, fighting back a frown, boarding on a sneer. She had not wanted to come here, but her superiors had given her no choice. She was to work alongside a DOSA detective to uncover the thief. Sivelle didn’t think she required any aid, but she was expected to show up and do as told. If all went well, soon she would be telling her superiors what to do.

The receptionist pointed her upstairs, and she passed quite the variety of races, all working. It was busy as she expected. DOSA was just as invested in finding the thief as they were, though she had not been told all the details.

When she arrived at her destination, it was to the sound of raised voices.

“I don't want this case, chief. Why don't you hand it over to those DOMA pricks.”

“Because they’ve got their hands full, and you’re my best detective.”

“What about the clan case?”

“What about it? You said yourself it was resolved.”

“I said maybe.”

“Well, maybe will have to do for now. Listen, you’re on this case. I ain't giving you an option on that.”

“For fucks sake.”

“Look, Nate. I get it, but I need you. I have an ender and enforcers coming in today. Accompanied by some fucking feds, and a branch director no less. I’ve got fae up my ass nonstop, and I’m drowning in paperwork. Will it kill you to do this?”

Sivelle watched as the ebony-skinned vampire slumped his shoulder, and sighed. “Fine, but I’m not promising any miracles.”

The half-ogre, who Sivelle guessed was the chief, chuckled. “You ain't no priest or paladin, that's for sure. Now I’ve got shit to do, and take.” The ogre shook his head as he walked off. Sivelle approached the man who paused when he caught sight of her. His eyes roamed over her body, and Sivelle suppressed a glare when his eyes remained on her neck for far too long. “Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for a Nate Harrison. He called you Nate.”

“What do you need?”

She pulled a piece of paper from a pocket and handed it to the vampire. His eyes widened as he read it over. “You’ve got to be shitting me. First this case, and now a…” He breathed through his nose. “Look here, I don't need a partner.”

“Neither do I,” She said coldly. “But I have my orders and so do you.”

Nate hung his head. “This day just keeps getting better and better.”

****

Brooke walked through the compound halls, heading for Zara's room. She was smiling and had a little skip in her step. Everything had gone well from the hit to the aftermath. Many of the clan had expected some sort of retaliation, but instead, the Gilden seemed happy with the death of the Red Orc. Brooke was as confused as many others, but Lena had said that, from what she had gathered, the Red Orc was not well-liked by his own clan. In any case, Brooke didn’t care. The enemy was dead and gone. The Gilden had all but left the city. The only bad news was that Kade was not acclimating to Gol as well as hoped.

Brooke wasn’t surprised. She knew her brother and she knew Gol. The two wouldn't mix until it was beaten into him. She winced as she imagined what was happening. She had been slightly against sending him there, not because he didn't deserve it, but because of her worry about what might happen to him. She didn't want to see him become twisted like so many others in that hellish plane.

The only upside and thing that eased her worries was, knowing her uncles were teaching him. They were as brutal as anyone raised in Gol, but not without purpose, and they weren't twisted. Both were like her in some way, enjoying battle, but not causing pain. She had trained with them, hunted with them, and laughed with them. If Kade allowed himself to open up, then he would learn.

Brooke knocked on Zara’s door. Where once she might have just entered when Zara sometimes stayed over, now she didn’t feel as though she had the right. “B, that you?”

“Yeah.”

“You don’t need to knock if it's not locked.”

Zara was in the middle of watching some tv show. She looked good, and her being at the compound eased Brooke's worries even though she knew Zara wouldn't let anything like the event happen again, at least not so easily. The half-elf had been practicing a lot with her magic, against some of the clan orcs as well, and she won more than she lost. Her best friend wasn’t just a pretty face.

Are we still best friends?

“What is it B, what's got you down?” Zara asked, patting the bed. “Come on, sit down.”

“I just came to deliver some good news. The Gilden have left the city.”

“So he’s dead?”

Brooke blinked, surtpise. “How did you…?”

“Empath, and Axton.”

Brooke shook her head. “That big idiot.”

“He’s nice, full of warm emotion. It’s always a shock when he switches, and that warmth quickly turns to a blazing inferno of controlled fury and rage. He’s quite the beast. He still wins most times in our spars.”

“Not a surprise,” Brooke said. Axton was one of the most skilled orcs in the clan, though getting to know him, at first glance he didn't seem like it. He was like a large cuddly bear normally, but when it came time to fight, he went full grizzly, and may the gods have mercy on anyone in his way. Brooke had only beat him a handful of times, and never when he was in full battle rage.

Brooke took a seat next to Zara, feeling awkward. Even after all the apologies and talk, she still felt as though there was a wall between them. “B, you gotta stop this.” Brooke glanced away. “Zara, I'm not—”

“Don't start with that. Z, you call me, Z. I’ve told you, B. I forgive you.” Zara snorted. “Do you forget that I'm an empath and that I’ve read you more deeply than I have anyone else?” Brooke nodded, remembering all the sessions, and the deep scan she’d allowed. Zara's empathic abilities were strong, especially when she fully utilized them.

Zara grabbed one of Brooke's hands. “You made a mistake, and I was angry, but I know you, and I know you beat yourself up more than I did when it happened, and I know you still do, even more after what happened with Rick. I won’t lie, you messed up. Twice, but the second time was not solely on your shoulders. The burden is not fully yours to bear.” Brooke felt her chest loosen at those words. “But I… I almost got you…”

Zara sighed. “We talked about this. Gods, you can be stubborn you know that. So much different from Rick or Han.” Zara grasped Brooke's chin and turned her eyes so they were meeting gazes. “I forgive you, B. Now you need to forgive yourself.”

“I’ll… I’ll try”

“That's all I ask. If the Gilden are gone, does that mean I can go home now? Not that this isn't like a home, but… You know what I mean.”

Brooke nodded. “You can, but it's best if you stay till summer ends, and you know whose coming.” Zara's face froze before a grimace appeared. “I do, but is it a good idea for me to be here when all those orcs arrive?”

“Why not, they won’t mess with you, and if they do, I’ll beat them black and blue.”

Zara chuckled. “That rhymed.” She nodded. “I’ll stay, and leave when the gym re-opens. I just really don't want to push my problems onto you.”

“You’re not,” Brooke said. “You a friend to the clan, and me. And friends help each other like Rick, Han and you. Like we all do. I mean Rick's still getting there, but he’s got the drive.”

“He certainly does at that,” Zara said. “I worry sometimes you know, about him. Don't you think he's moving too fast?”

Brooke shrugged. “Maybe, but has he told his reasons for wanting to get stronger?”

“No, has he told you?”

Brooke nodded. “He wants to get stronger so he can protect those he cares for, and for a few other reasons, but it's one reason in particular that stands out.”

“What?”

“He wants power to be free.”

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

Zara frowned. “To be free…?”

“Power is freedom, freedom is power. That’s what he told me, and I get it.”

Zara shook her head. “That's not a road that ends.”

“Probably not, but he’s determined. You know what I heard him mutter once?”

“What?”

“Higher than the Heavens.”

****

Yolana walked through the clan compound, trying to calm herself down. She had known things would not be well for her son, but what she’d just received was worse than she thought. It hurt hearing what he was going through, and it hurt even more that a part of her knew he deserved it, but he was still her son. He needed to change but like this?

She stopped in front of Aleah’s door, staring at it. Her closest friend within the clan, or she had been. Now, Yolana wasn’t sure what they were. Were they even friends now, or just estranged clanmates? Her daughter certainly didn't like Yolana anymore. She had passed Stella many a time and each and every time she had been met with a cold look, and formal words spoken out of obligation for the wife of the chief rather than once kind words. Stella had seen her as an aunt, but now Yolana was seen as a traitor by some.

None had tired or spoken anything, but she knew. She didn't blame them. She was not acting as she should, but her son. Her dear son. The only son she had left. He was hurting in that hell. She was growing tired of the endless silence. Most of the day, she spent training with Rick or Brooke, and when not, it was wandering the compound, thinking of what to do.

She knocked on the door.

“Who is it at this hour?” There was the sound of footsteps. Then the door opened. “What do you… want? Yolana.” Yolana tried not to let the word hurt her, but it did. Once she had been sister, now it was Yolana in a voice that was devoid of the once sisterly warmth.

“Sister,” Yolana said softly. “Can we speak… Please?”

Aleah opened her mouth, then paused. She sighed deeply. “Yes, we should. Come in. Would you like some tea? It's lemon.”

Yolana nodded. “Yes.” She waited patiently as Aleah brewed the tea. The healer's room was far different than any other. There were no chairs or normal furniture. The floor was covered in carpets and pillows. A lot of them were of middle eastern design, and there were a few shelves full of small trinkets and magical items. Not many people knew, but Aleah was actually a believer and followed certain Islamic teachings. She wasn’t a full follower of the Conqueror or even a devout worshiper. There were simply certain teachings that she found to her liking. The tea tasted good, and Yolana enjoyed the warmth that bloomed in her chest. “Thank you, sister.”

“You are welcome… sister,” Aleah said, taking a seat on a cushion. “I have an idea of what you wish to talk about, and yes, we do need to speak.”

Yolana took a seat opposite her friend, placing the cup of tea in the air where it floated. “I don't want this, Sister. This… things between us.”

“Neither did I, but I wasn’t sure of what to do. You… You were a mess after what happened, and when you spoke against the punishment, I was sure you were blinded by your love for the boy.”

“I still am, I think. He’s my son.”

“Yet a traitor nonetheless. I know it hurts, but you must know this has to be done.”

“But Gol, sister. It's..”

“A hell hole, I'm aware. I accompanied your daughter on her visits. I’ve never been asked to heal so much, and the brutality.” Aleah shivered. “It is a place of pain, but a forge for your son. Your step brothers will teach him well.”

“And beat him.”

“Yes, and beat him. But you are lying if you tell yourself he won’t learn well from them. They’re good people, despite certain… actions.”

“I don’t know what to do, sister.”

“A first for you,” Aleah said, taking a sip of her tea. “It's rather simple. One step at a time. Speak with the clan and the chief. You’ve been ignoring him, and it needs to stop. You’re not a child, sister. I’ve seen you charge into battle head-on, and yet you cower from this? You have done much for this clan, and some may feel hurt and wary, but only because you do not address the problems or speak as you normally do. Instead, you’ve hidden away, wandering aimlessly. No doubt, thinking up some idiotic plan to help Kade.”

Yolana flinched.

“Finish your tea, sister. Then we shall leave, and begin to mend what ties are frayed.”

****

“I want everyone you have looking,” Adam said, his phone held to his ear.

“Aren’t Ray, and Vix’s people looking over that area.”

“Ray’s people are idiots and Vix? Do you really think she gives a damn? She’s out partying with the foreign fae.”

His downtown contact, Jones, was silent for a long moment. “No, but I don't want my coven getting into shit with the hyenas. Those cunts will start shit over anything.”

“Not now they won’t,” Adam said. “He has told me he will deal with any problems. Just remind them of what’s at stake. They love starting shit, but they love money more.”

“Fair enough. By the way, do you know what’s up with the Concordia witches?”

“What business would I have with them?” Adam asked.

“It's just that they’ve been quiet, too quiet, and I’m hearing talk of dead witches turning up, and some fighting between the covens.”

“Fuck the witches. Focus on finding the object. If they get in the way, call me, but until then, look, and don’t stop until you find something. And if Vix tries to push for anything, don’t fall for her tricks.”

“I’m not some fangless fool, Adam.”

“Just watch out. I heard she’s close with some of the out-of-town fae that came with the auction.”

“Fuck the auction as well. If I find the madman who stole from it, I’ll shake his hand, then drain him dry. DOSA is up everyone’s ass. I got all my blood licenses checked, and they did a full search of my clubs. And when they found the drugs, all I got was a warning. They really want this guy.”

“You sound like you respect him?”

“Don’t you?” Jones asked.

“Maybe, but unless he knows where the object is, he doesn't matter.”

“Whatever. Bye, Adam.”

“Bye.” He hung up the phone and leaned back. What was occurring with the criminal element of Portland was nothing short of monumental. Every single information gatherer, power broker, and criminal was being pulled into this search. He’d talked to more enemies on the phone in the past day than he had in the past year. Jones was the head of downtown vampire coven. He was just one of many Adam was getting involved with. He could just sit back, and do nothing, but he wanted that payday, and so did everyone else.

His phone rang once more, and Adam sighed when he saw the caller ID. Another idiot who was calling for information he didn't have. No matter, he could get some use from them. A mutually beneficial agreement.

****

“How did they find out?” Olivia Celten said, her face a mask of rage.

Ashley flinched at her mother's tone. “I don't know, but they ambushed Holly, and Clare didn’t make it.”

“It has to be someone in the coven,” Olivia said, seated atop the bar in the Witch’s Way. She was technically the owner, though she said it belonged to the coven. Her mother looked much like her sister, and Ashley’s aunt, Freya. Dark eyes, dark hair, and pale skin. Ashley shared the same hair and skin, but her eyes were blue. A trait from her father she assumed. “What did Holly say?”

“Said they tried to talk first, but it quickly turned nasty.”

“Those Concordia bitches,” Olivia said with a growl. “You need to find out who the leak is.”

“You really think it's someone in the coven, mom?”

“Who else knew?”

“The wolf we haven't caught yet.” Ashley’s coven had still not found which wolf the alpha entrusted the information to. It was slow because they couldn't just act brazenly and openly. Other packs and groups would notice, so they were looking over the wolves one by one.

“I can’t continue that, and look for a leak. Not to mention, I’ve still got that hunt.”

“I’ll put someone else in charge of going over the wolves. You focus on the leak, and is this hunt really worth it?”

“The payment is large, Mom.”

“It won't matter if we don't get the other piece,” Olivia said. “I’m going to be meeting with the others later tonight. Preparations are continuing, but none of it will matter if we don't find that other piece.” She hopped off the bar and moved over to place a hand on her daughter's shoulder. “This is for all of us, for the coven.”

Ashley nodded. “I’ll find it, Mom.”

Olivia smiled, cupping her daughter's cheek. Then she frowned. “By the way, where is your aunt?”

“She said she had some DOSA work to do. Something about a stakeout.”