The ride to Valaria had been quiet after the whole sex thing was over. They bickered here and there, teasing each other, squabbling away. It was almost like it had never happened, and for some strange reason... this troubled Tamara.

She couldn't help but to occasionally dwell over what they had done, how different it had all been. A part of her nearly felt guilty, as if she had betrayed her long time deceased husband. The other part had been excited, her mind blown. Her heart soared and she wanted to giggle like a high school girl who was sneaking around during class. She had no idea how to behave, and most importantly, she didn't know what this meant. Was Stephen serious? Or had this been a fling, a fuck-and-then-forget type of thing? Did he even see her any other way? What were her feelings even towards him? She knew that his brother had been her one and true mate, after his death she knew she didn't have long, although the Grim Reaper seemed to be taking his time with her. Stephen was a link to the past, a way to remember her mate, to know that it was real.

She shook her head, no good will come with that type of mindset, she thought.

Stephen and her were on their way to, what the locals called, The Royal Palace. A bit more fancy title that wasn't worthy of the place. It was a small Tavern within the town of Credence, a place just south of the capital where Jacquelyn and Neo would be. Stephen said he wanted to stop here for the night despite Tamara's protests. She wanted to already be there, to have landed closer to the actual palace just so she could check on Neo sooner; but, the damned ship Neo owned was wanted everywhere, even on his home planet. They had to land further away and hence to where they were now. Buying a room for the night and heading up the wooden stair, both not in the mood to have to deal with the rowdy drunkards that already filled the bar below.

"I need to meet someone here soon," Stephen said as they got situated. "If I asked nicely would you stay here?"

Tamara tossed her bag onto the bed before taking a well desired seat beside it. The weather outside had been killing her from all the heat that blasted sun was pounding down. "Are you asking me to stay here or are you asking if you can ask me to stay here?"

Stephen crossed his arms and looked down at her, giving her his famous are-you-fucking-serious face.

Tamara rolled her eyes and shrugged. "Depends. Can I ask who you're meeting?"

"Darius, the unknown leader of the Ancord." Stephen took a seat beside the door. "There were a few more things we needed to go over before I took the message to Jacky."

"Damn..." Tamara took a moment to calm herself, mostly from her stress when she realized that Stephen was actually close to the actual leader of a well renowned assassin organization. "How did you meet this guy again?"

"He busted in on me while I was fucking some girl I met at the bar that night. He immediately apologized and backed out, obviously I was curious who the hell he was so I threw some pants on and gave chase. Turns out he was hunting some fucker in the room next door. Because he broke my door down first it alerted his target. Some guy named Orlando. He hid behind the door and got a knock in on Darius." Stephen grabbed a cigarette from his pack, lighting it coolly. "Naturally, as a helping citizen of the community, I knocked the dude on his ass and held him down until Darius collected himself. We chatted a bit after that and stayed in touch ever since."

Tamara only stared in a silent awe, her mouth open as she nodded her head up and down repeatedly. "Fascinating..." She cooed. "Please tell me you didn't leave that helpless girl unfucked though, that would be cruel. Even for you."

"Nah, bitch was so drunk she passed out with her hand between her legs before I got back to her. I left her some money to split the bill and bounced. I did after all assist in a murder." Stephen ashed on the floor, not giving a single fuck about the future maid that would have to clean it up later.

"So... You said you had to talk to him, about what though? Does he really think Jacky would do anything to hurt him?"

"To kill him would be better in that question, and yes. Don't let her innocent appearance trick you Tam. I've seen her in action. She's a psychopath. Cute. But a psychopath." Stephen's voice left not a lot of room to debate but Tamara did it anyway to spite him.

"I don't believe it. She wasn't anything like that around us."

"That's because she hasn't spilt blood yet."

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"I said I'm okay. Thank you though, love." Neo leaned his head back against the cold window, Jacquelyn fretting alone in the corner. Neo had been awfully distant, but she couldn't blame him or even think about holding that against him. They were sitting in his family's hospital room, his mother and sister currently snoring away in a temporary coma. Melissa hadn't been mentally able to withstand the sight of her mother, and if Leondra was right, chances were that Melissa either watched as she died from her mother's point of view. . . or watched as if she was the one that nearly killed her own mother. Catherine, Neo's mother, had been fortunate that her attacker appeared to be a amateur. Although she lost a lot of blood, she hadn't been given any life threatening injuries. The doctors theorized that due to the stress and emotional trauma of have losing her true mate and then being attacked and nearly killed, her body not knowing what else to do in order to protect itself, it shut down and forced itself into a coma. Now here they were. Waiting for any sign of them to wake up..

Well, at least that was what Neo was doing. Jacquelyn on the other hand had grown from worried and anxious to just being pissed off. In her mind someone just threatened the man she claimed as hers. In her mind, she was at first whimpering about like some ignorant baby when finally, a few days ago and after a nice hot shower she finally asked herself the one important question that put her back into motion:

What the fuck am I doing?

This wasn't Jacquelyn Wake. Jacquelyn Wake didn't cower at the idea of another wanting her dead.

No . . .

Jacquelyn made others cower with the idea that someone wanted them dead.

It was what she did for the majority of her life and hell would have to freeze over before she ever stopped doing that.

So she did what any other, rebel and highly wanted rogue Ancord member would do.

She called the boss and asked to parlay.

Now, in her defense, this isn't something anyone would do. That was only a lie she told herself that made her feel better.

But she knew Darius. She knew that he would want to know what was going on with Neo's family. That he would want to know if the murders and attempted murders were actually done by a member of the Ancord. This was the only reason he gave his word not to kill her right away. At least she hoped he kept his word. Darius was a noble guy and a strong leader when she worked under him. She hoped he still was.

Truth be told she never had seen the guy in person. She knew he existed and knew from a few veteran Ancord members only his name and that he was the last person you would ever want to cross. This had made her keep her distance and play by the rules. Well... most of the rules.

She forced herself out of her mind for a moment to spare a quick glance at the digital clock that beamed brightly in the corner of the room. 10:47 PM

She would have to leave soon.

She stole a glance over at Neo. His eyes had closed, his arms wrapped around one of his legs he had propped up in the chair he was sitting in. She could tell by the slow rise and fall of his shoulders that he had fallen asleep. Her heart burned to see him like this. The once strong manly thief she had met so long ago was now like a small child in her eyes. Someone who made other's feel protective over whenever you saw them.

He hadn't been sleeping well lately, she would know because she hardly slept herself. Ever since the attack, her old ways had come pouring forward like a damn had been broken inside her. She now only took small naps in increments of 30 minutes every few hours. Her insomnia awoke and her body was alert and tense at all times. She even scared the living shit out of one of the nurses this morning when she had dozed off. The poor man was only trying to check on her when she damn near broke his arm and all bones in his hands. Since then nearly all the hospital employees stayed clear from her path and refused to meet her eyes in case they pissed her off. Which wasn't likely, she actually kinda felt bad about it all, but she wasn't going to say anything. Not yet at least. For all she knew, the prick that started all this could be any one of them, all could be a potentual threat. She would have to keep her distance and simply observe until then.

10:50 PM

Jacquelyn silently gathered her things which consisted of a small blade that was easily concealed withing the sleeve of her shirt and the one tucked safely away in her boot. She tip-toed over to Neo and placed a soft kiss to the temple of his head, his body shuddering as he released a hiccup-y breath in his sleep. He was crying again.

"I'll find who did this Neo." She grabbed a spare blanket that was in a nearby cupboard and tossed it over him. "I promise."

Jacquelyn moved silently in the shadows, she didn't dare let any of the hospital workers catch her leave the room less one was in fact the killer. She liked the idea of all of them fearing her. They tended to not come in as often when she wasn't there meaning Neo and the others were safe for the time being. She had used the nearby window as her means of escape and shimmied down the side of the building. After she made it safely down she then proceeded to the nearest transport and made her way down south to the agreed meeting spot.

The desired location was within a small valley surrounded by hills, as terms to the arrangement she was to arrive an hour later than they were. Most likely so they could hide their small little minions in the trees around her. Foolish bastards were scared of the wrong person. Though she couldn't guarantee that ideal seeing how she was sure as hell prepared to fight her way out of there if they tried anything. She found she had a lot to live for, something she couldn't have said a few years ago.

The moon was high in the sky now, illuminating the grassy field as she waited for them to show themselves. She wouldn't acknowledge it, but even she could hear the careless footsteps of what appeared to be new blood within the Ancord run around the perimeter, checking to see if she was truly alone. She could only mentally roll her eyes and keep her composure until all the noise finally died down, and then...

He appeared.

Through all the other distractions, she hadn't even noticed him until he was right in front of her. She watched with a silent awe as the shadows seemed to cloak him, and then with a slight twitch of his shoulders she watched as those same shadows rolled off of him like a protective cloak.

"You must be the rogue," he sneered her unwanted title with disgust as he looked her over. Either he was being safe, scanning her for obvious weapons. Or, he liked what he saw as he couldn't help but scan her over one more time.

"Spare me, I don't have all night and frankly I don't want to have to defend myself and make a break for it. There are bigger things going on." She glared at him, lifting her chin so she could stare down at him despite the fact that he was obviously a foot taller than her. Hell, he even seemed taller than Neo. Actually, scratch that. He seemed a lot of more than Neo.

For starters, he was well built. Now Neo was well built too, but this guy was well built. What slightly pissed her off was that it didn't even appear as if he had to work for it, he was simply hot. His skin was lighter in complexion compared to Neo, his hair a black so deep that made you wonder if it was natural or not. His eyes a deep blue that seemed unworldly and reminded her of ice. And to top shit off, the motherfucker was shirtless. So could you blame Jacquelyn when her eyes tried to glue themselves to the very obvious V-line that dipped into the waist of his jeans, or ogle over the love handles that looked perfect for digging your fingers into? No. You couldn't. And if you still did she honestly didn't give a fuck because she was doing it anyway.

"Fine then," he spoke, his voice startling her out of her mind. "You said there was an attack on a Vaulkarian Noble?"

"A friend's mother actually," she fibbed slightly, the less he knew of her the better. "I have a reliable source that told me it was the Ancord."

"Oh? And I'm suppose to take your word for it?"

"What are you an idiot?" She rolled her eyes and pulled out her ViaComm, instantly transferring all the emails she got off of Neo's communicator. She waited patiently as he scrolled through it all, his eyes narrowing when he saw the pictures of Neo's father.

"I thought you said your friend's mother."

"I did. She was just attacked. His father was recently murdered."

He stared at her for a long moment, his eyes unreadable as he studied her. He then gave a small nod and released a sigh. She witnessed as he went from dominant and slightly terrifying, to laid back and relaxed. Something she was least expecting.

"You seem to have a case here. We can't have the Ancord being slandered like this. I'll take you to see Darius," he said, offering her a hopeful look and a large hand that beckoned her to take it.

"Wait what? Who are you, then?"

"Name's Stephen. Pleased to meet you."

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"And how is Neo? Is he okay?" Tamara asked as she kept the half breed at arm's length.

"He's hurting Tamara..." Jacquelyn whispered, her eyes betraying her emotions.

"Oh honey!" Tamara pulled her into a tight hug, one that forced her to choke back the sudden sob that threatened to escape her.

Stephen had taken her to a tavern that Darius was staying in, she was still waiting to speak with him when Stephen dropped her off here with Tamara. They wasted no time in their reunion, greeting each other with hugs and questions of their well-being.

They talked about Neo and his family, swiftly transitioning to Darius and Stephen, although Jacquelyn nearly lost it when Tamara told her what the blighted Weisan did with Stephen.

"You had sex on our counter?" Jacquelyn gaped.

"See. That's exactly how I pictured Neo reacting," Tamara snorted, slapping the back of her leg as she hooted with laughter.

"Please tell me you cleaned up after yourself..."

"Of course, what type of woman do you take me for?" Tamara asked with mock horror.

"Apparently as a woman who gives no fucks but fucks it all."

This had them both chuckling when the door opened.

"Jacquelyn?" A male voice forced their attention upwards into a man that could easily tower over them if they weren't standing up on the platform.

"Are you Darius?" Jacquelyn glanced over to Stephen who only winked at her after giving her knowing look. "The real Darius?"

The man huffed, clearly amused before giving them a much desired nod. "Yes. I am Darius."

Jacquelyn looked him over, for some reason her mind comparing him to Neo. He was tan, dark, and creamy. He had that natural glow that seemed to radiate from him that made you stare longer that you should have. Were all the Ancord men this attractive? They had to be to some extent so their work would be made easier but this was just ridiculous. His sandy blonde hair gently feathered over bright emerald eyes. His lips were full and plump, completely kissable. He wore simple clothes, apparently not too intent to keep himself presentable but it was insane on how it did just the opposite. He wore a simple long-sleeved white shirt that hugged his upper torso like a second layer of skin, and then fanned out towards the bottom. A good shirt to hide a weapon under. He also wore a pair of black cargo pants that had extra pockets galore. All wrapped up with an inconspicuous scarf and a pair of converse. At least he had some taste. She could tell by the muscles in his arms he was built just like Neo, if not then perhaps a little more. She couldn't help but wonder if there was another part of him that was built like Neo, as her eyes traveled a little further down.

Jacquelyn mentally slapped herself and gave her head a good shake. What the fuck am I doing? That's the second guy I've ogled tonight...

Darius smirked, smug and content as if he knew her thoughts. "If you're done undressing me with your eyes, let's get to business. Shall we?"

They sat around a small table that was in the corner of the room. They had drinks ordered up along with some food and got to business.

"I'm glad we are able to speak in a more civilized manor," Darius started, giving an honest nod of appreciation towards Jacquelyn and the over-protective Tamara who sat next to her.

"As am I. I was worried for a while there, I will admit," Jacquelyn replied. She hated beating around the bush like this, pretending to be so formal, but it was required. They were both playing the game of life and death now and it was up to them to keep their masks on.

"I can only imagine..." He trailed off, an emotion flickered in his eyes before Jacquelyn had a chance to read it and then, as if a switch had been flipped it was gone, instead a look of concern took it's place. "Tell me everything you know."

"I know little, but what from what I can tell is this. Someone within the Adranni family, be servant or relative, has murdered Neo's father, and attempted to murder his mother. I had a contact report to me, and all that he was able to find was that somehow it all linked to the Ancord."

"Which is false. If anyone in the Ancord goes against my word they're dead," Darius growled, not caring that his words caused the obvious fear to tickle down Jacquelyn's spine. "I have forbidden everyone from messing with Vaulkarian customs, people, or anything else related."

Jacquelyn narrowed her eyes as a silence grew heavily in the room. To her it was clear, she was wanted dead even after all this time and he wasn't hiding it.

"Watch it boy," Tamara chimed in, breaking the silence with a chilling voice. "I don't give a shit who you are. She isn't Ancord anymore and not yours to worry about."

Darius chuckled darkly and rolled his eyes as he leaned back in his seat. "Oh really now? Well, I suppose she should just return all the lives she's taken. Not to mention all the weapons she stole, oh and all of the years of knowledge and training that we provided for her." Darius leaned forward, his eyes glued to Jacquelyn like a predator would watch it's soon to be prey. "Whoever enters the Ancord is in it for life. We don't simply let people go and forget. She betrayed her people on the whims to protect a sterile bitch."

Jacquelyn roared up out of her seat, pulling the blade from her sleeve and held it to his throat. "You have less than 3 seconds to take that back," she hissed.

She felt the familiar sting of a blade against her stomach and she froze.

"You think you're hot shit, don't you?" He sneered as he pushed the blade harder against her skin.

"She might not, but I do," Tamara growled with a gun pressed against his temple. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye and if looks could kill no doubt Tamara would be dead by now. Darius turned towards Stephen who had been watching silently, sipping his beer and munching on his food.

"Are you going to help out here?" Darius asked, pinned down by both women.

"Me against that crazy green bitch?" Stephen nearly choked. "No thanks. I choose life."

"Maybe we should start over?" Tamara asked threateningly.

Darius cursed under his breath, clearly out numbered. "Some back up you are, asshole."

Stephen rolled his eyes and returned to eating but not before adding, "I was already your double tonight. I risked my life enough for one day. Try again tomorrow."

They went over everything again, minus the threats and obvious death stares. In the end Darius had ended up against the chair, his head down in deep thought as he contemplated his options. "I can only say for sure that I doubt it's us. That being said, it is possible we have a rogue." His eyes flickered to Jacquelyn and then back to the table. "Another one, that is."

"The people defy you?" Jacquelyn sneered. "That's insanity."

Darius returned her jibe with a sneer of his own but said nothing. They ate in a comfortable silence, despite their differences. Darius however, sat back and watched Jacquelyn, studying her.

Jacquelyn felt herself grow weary under his stare and finally looked up from her plate. "What?"

"I have heard why you left," he eyed her over once, "by my scouts. But I'm curious what your side of the story is." He placed his chin on the back of his hands as he continued his quiet study of her.

"Do you even care about my side of the story?" Jacquelyn gripped her fork a little tighter, her body tense and feeling the strong need to defend herself.

He smirked and gave a small huff of amusement as he watched. "Think of it this way. You're being offered a chance to plead your case whereas if any other Ancord member stumbled on you after this you... well let's say, you won't be given that chance."

Jacquelyn stared him down for the what felt like the longest time. She didn't want to answer just because he threatened her, she did however want to be able to get a good night's rest every once in a while. With a sigh, she sat her fork down and gave in, starting from the beginning. She admitted to have killing more than one Ancord member, how she was able to foil their plans time and time again. Even when it came down to Queen E'ga's used-to-be-daughter. Darius however watched quietly in a simple silence as he played the good listener.

"So there you have it. That's why I betrayed. That's why I left."

"And Neo is why you don't wish to die anymore."

Jacquelyn stuttered, clearly taken back by his sudden observation. When she raised her brow as a silent question he merely shrugged. "You have that look in your eyes. Not to mention that you went out of your way to meet me just so you could help him."

"Well you know what they say. keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

"I think it's brave." Darius's eyes flickered once more with that bright emotion that sent Jacquelyn's heart fluttering.

Jacquelyn narrowed her eyes. "You must think a lot of things."

"I think I might consider a proposition for you."

"Like what?" Jacquelyn watched impatiently as Darius lazily picked up his glass of water and chugged it's contents down. The ice clinked in the glass as he set it back down onto the table.

"I don't know yet," he winked. "I'll think of something."

Before she had a chance to retort, a soft tinkling came from her wrist. "Damn."

"What is it?" Tamara asked, leaning over to take a peek at Jacquelyn's Via-Com.

"Neo's awake, he's wondering where I am." Jacquelyn rushed to finish her last bit of food and struggled to get up.

"He doesn't know you're here?!" Tamara practically shrieked.

"He doesn't even know that I'm investigating all the people within that blasted mansion."

"Jacky..." Tamara reached out and grabbed her hand, giving her a knowing look that made her heart hurt.

"I know Tamara. But he would have never let me do it if he knew. Promise you won't say anything? I'll tell him when the time is right."

Tamara only gave her a small frown but nodded nonetheless.

Jacquelyn turned to Darius who had been smiling for God knows whatever reason why. "I'll be in touch."

"You most certainly will be."

Jacquelyn could still feel his eyes watching her long after she left that little tavern and disappeared into the shadows.