It was nice to be back in the hustle and bustle of the city. With so many people around, traffic, shops, everything else didn't really matter for a while. The crowd was somehow lacking any supernaturals with the post work human stampede lining the sidewalks and cueing at the better bars. I always wonder when near so many ordinary people, what they would do or think, if they knew the man some of the women were looking rather suggestively at as they passed, was a vampire. Recent public opinion told me, run in fear over seeking out a way to live their own Twilight novel.

We found the shop I wanted and headed inside. The smell of so many candles lingered outside like a deterrent rather than an invitation to enter, and against his better judgement, V followed me in.

"You actually pay that much for these things?" He asked after inspecting one unusually large pillar candle that was presented in a crystal bowl.

Apparently, his senses weren't fooled with the Tahiti name or promise of a tropical escape to ignore the seventy dollar price sticker.

"For that one? No. For this one, yes." I passed him over the jar that contained Fatale, aka a dark, fruity blend that I adored.

He sniffed it as though it would kill him before his face relaxed and he gave a little nod. "I've smelt this on you before."

"Creepy. But I often use the moisturiser post bath after burning this beauty." I shrug. "It's my favourite."

"At that price, I should hope so."

"Since when are you such a tight ass?"

"Since things these days are so expensive!" V huffed. "You should be more cautious with your funds if you wish to have them long term."

"Wow, I get your immortal, and from a different era to me, but you really do sound old tonight. Like the face isn't matching the brains." I pay for my treats, and to his relief, we leave the store.

Side by side we strolled down the street. V - despite his earlier warnings on spending money, brought himself a new shirt and in possibly the weirdest purchase of the night, an artificial orchid that was on sale.

"This is nice, isn't it?" I ask him a while later as we take a seat near the back in a new bar that brought black and white decor to a whole new level.

"No. It's hideous. What was their decorator thinking?"

"I was referring to the night, us out shopping like the pals we are?" I gently punched his shoulder. "Pal."

"Oh, yes. I have to admit, I was surprised when I saw you here." He smiled. "But yes, it's nice."

We make some small talk, order a drink then another, and the feeling I had around most people lately still wouldn't go away despite the lovely time we were having.

"Are we okay? I just, I keep getting this vibe off you, and well everyone lately, and yeah."

He frowns. "Of course we are darling girl."

"Then what's going on?" I sigh, twirling the olive in my glass.

"Well, honestly, I have been avoiding you. After the, you know, that incident. And I'm sorry about that."

"Makes sense."

"But probably not for the reasons you're thinking. We are friends, pals," he mocks, punching my arm as I had done to him. "I feel terrible for how I acted in the past. I nearly changed you into one of us! I wasn't sure how to face you after that. What was that all about, by the way?"

"If I told you I would have to kill you, and as soon as I said that I realise that was probably the worst thing to say. New powers. Got a little out of control. I'm sorry. How about we forgive each other and move on?" I rush out quickly.

We shake hands.

We order another drink.

We keep the conversation flowing, nice and comfortable.

"No god of light following you around today?" V asks as I browse through the handbag display in one of the smaller boutiques.

"Shopping. Drinks and girl talk. V, you're the perfect man." I tease, but the look he gives me says answer the question. "He's busy. Ex-tracker things to do. You know how it goes."

"Not even your friend, the redhead, Penny? Would believe that."

"Pretty sure you're implying she's stupid, and that's not right, or nice." I scold, deciding not to buy the small tote bag in my hands. "He's helping my Dad with something at the Academy. For reals."

I check the time on my phone and of course as I do it lights up. Ivy Calling. Groaning, I put it away.

"And you're screening his calls?" V asks.

"No. Ivy's." I roll my eyes and get distracted by a small, sparkly purse near the counter.

"And Ivy is?"

"Dark fae. The high priestess of their little girl gang since I got Hazel and everyone killed." I mumble, forcing a smile at the sales assistant who may have heard some of that and is staring at us strangely. "They're not how they used to be, like when Hazel was there. We partied a few times, and now she just won't get the hint. No matter how many times I tell her no or I'm busy. I'm going to block her soon."

V went quiet, thoughtful as he moved to the men's area. Idly he found some socks to look at and if he had an issue with the price of the best smelling candles and products in the world, the price this store wanted for socks, was Ludacris and should see him have a heart attack over it. Instead, he just browsed like they were the most exciting thing he had ever seen.

"Have you got a sock fetish I didn't know about?" I ask him.

"What? Oh, nothing like that. What do you know of Ivy?"

"She was in training to take over her coven but instead got given Hazels since there was a vacancy. She likes red wine, gin, rum and soda water. Together that is, like a really bad cocktail and has a fetish for Marilyn Manson."

"That's it?" He asks, and I nod. "Never looked her up on the network?"

I thought about it for a moment. "I did, once, I think. Not a lot there."

"Ivy didn't just get Hazels' position. She took over as her last coven are mostly imprisoned in the council infirmary. Somehow she was cleared of any misconduct, but for those involved, she is the ultimate dark fae poster girl. Her last high priestess was Alpha werewolf kind of crazy and she was grooming her to take her place." V slapped his hand to his forehead as looked very frustrated. "Why do you not know any of this?"

"Why do you?" I snap back defensively.

"Because I went out with the team sent to arrest them!" He growled, too loudly as the sales girl was now whispering to her friend and pointing at us.

"Don't worry, we're leaving," I tell them, following V out as he practically stomped his feet out the door. "Are you sure it's the same one?"

"There could only be one high priestess of the dark fae called Ivy. I did some research into them before the takedown. Obviously. I know you quit your council position, but you're still a Hunter. You're still you. Why am I the one telling you any of this?"

"So I've made a big oops. Wouldn't be the first time and besides, aren't you the one always telling me I'm different? Look our history, you should have been turned to dust a whole bunch of times, but here you are."

"Touche," He admitted. "I wonder what she wants with you?"

"Friendship? Someone to party with? She values my opinions on the world?" Though the answer was obvious. "To have someone on her side within the council. Makes sense. I wonder when she planned to hit me up and see what could be done about her former coven gal pals?"

"Possibly." He mused as we stopped to cross the road.

We both looked as two wolf shifters casually strolled past us, barely glancing in our direction except for the woman who gave me a tiny smile and nod in recognition. That was how it should be. All species, mingling, living, and being kind to one another.

"What else could it be?" I ask V as we keep walking as he was clearly thinking about Ivy.

"I might just be paranoid, but I've never liked the fae. Light or Dark. Sneaky creatures the lot of them," He grumbled, once again sounding like an old man and not the younger one he was on the outside. "She could be attempting to continue her covens work in plain sight. If word gets around, Elise the Hunter is a friend of the coven, and is seen visiting frequently, why would anyone bother looking into them if they didn't have a very obvious reason to. Considering I didn't even know she was high priestess there, she's probably being left alone to do whatever she wants."

My stomach sunk.

Had I really been that blind? I think about the few, kind of weird conversations we had about Hecate, and reincarnation. There had been portal talk. She did have that weird, prayer, meditation room upstairs in the house and there was the way she now styled her hair like mine.

"Don't worry, if she is up to no good it's bound to fall apart sooner rather than later. I'll get someone to do a bit of a security check on them. I could be wrong, but it never hurts to check these things. Did you want another drink?" V asked, passing by a more traditional looking pub than the bars we'd been to earlier.

"No, I'm good. It's getting late, so I had better get back."

V frowns. "I don't like that look on your face. El-"

I blow him a kiss and then get myself home before he can stop me or say anything else. Dumping my bags in my room, I check the house and find that Dad and Apollo aren't there, but Mum is, sitting in the lounge room with Jordan and Annipe.

"Sup guys?" I ask, walking in as casually as I can manage.

"Get anything nice?" Mum asks.

"Anything for me?" Jordan adds, his eyes not leaving the TV.

"Just some candles and no. You never bring me presents, not even on my birthday." I point out as I go into the fridge for a drink.

"Fair call."

"I'm just going to Raya's for a bit. If Apollo gets home before I do, tell him I'll be back before midnight." Alfie comes in then and seeing the can in my hand, rushes over. "I'm taking Alfie."

"Okay Ellie, give Olivia a cuddle from me!" Mum smiles and goes back to whatever reality disaster they're watching, and I manage to get Alfie into my room.

He gets one of the cans, while I change and as I tuck a couple of the small throwing knives into their side pockets on my pants, his head tilts slightly.

"Baby?"

"No Alfie, I lied," I tell him, trying not to laugh as he gasps dramatically at me. "Funny. We're going to the coven. V made a good point about Ivy, and if she's up to something, we're going to find out."

I send her a message, telling her I changed my mind and would be there soon. I can feel his excitement and give him a scratch under his chin while I finish getting ready. Of course the second we're about to leave, Apollo walks in.

"Where are you off to?"

"Did you see Mum?" I ask, and he shakes his head. "Raya. We're going out for drinks while Keiran is on baby duty."

"With your giant snake? So, no crazy idea to gatecrash Ivy's little shindig in your pretty little head?" He asks smugly.

I nudge Alfie who gasps again and mimics his actions. "No! Never!"

Alfie nods.

"V phoned me, Elise. His hunch is clearly paying off that you were about to do something stupid."

"Spoilsport," I mumble.

"I'll come with you." Apollo offers.

"She doesn't really like you. You might ruin my chance of finding out what's going on."

Apollo groans, hanging his head in his hands as he flops down on the bed.

"If anything is off, I'll zap myself out of there. Alfie will be with me, and it will be fine." I declare.

"Any chance of me stopping you or talking you out of this?"

"None!" And then, just like with V, I blow him a kiss and disappear, only this time I have an Alfie with me.

The house is quiet when we arrive. Knocking on the door, I glance at Alfie as he flicks his tongue in and out cautiously. Ivy opens the door and looking at the snake beside me, shakes her head.

"Sorry Elise, he can't come in."

"Okay, guess I'll see you another time then." I shrug, nudging him to go.

"It's not personal. One of my girls, Cherry, she's been attacked by one of these demons before. Please understand!" Ivy almost pleaded with us, coming out of the house to stand beside Alfie. "Not all of these creatures are like yours."

"Maybe if she meets him, it will help-"

"No. Not today. It's late, she's had a few drinks. Another time." She insisted, and my previously silent alarm bells found their volume.

So what did I do?

"Another time. Alfie, go home. I'll just stay for a little bit and be home by one." I tell him.

Reluctantly, he nods and disappears.

"Thank you!" Ivy exclaimed, hugging me tightly. "Now, come on in!"

Going inside, the main entry area is dark, with a light down the corridor guiding us into the living area. The fae are spread out in the room, some read while others chat on the chaise lounges that take up the middle of the space. Others are fussing over a small cauldron and the few I actually know and like here conveniently stand by the make do bar that was once a storeroom.

"Drink?" Ivy asks as one of the younger women gives me a smile from her place behind the bar.

"Ah, yeah. Just a-" She holds out the glass full of amber liquid before I finish and hesitantly taking a sniff before I sip, can only smell whisky. "Thanks."

Turning around I nearly drop my drink as I see Hazel in one corner. She looks up at the room and disappears.

"You okay?" The fae beside me asks. I don't know her or her name.

"Yeah. I need the bathroom though. I'll be right back." I smile, sitting my drink on the wooden table nearby and leave them to whatever they were doing.

I can feel Ivy's eyes on me as I leave and don't look back.

The closest bathroom is locked, so I go to the one near the kitchen, subtly trying to feel for anything that might give me a hint as to what they were doing here - good or bad. Giving up, I end up back at the staircase, and with no one around, move myself to the top quickly and then tiptoe as I look around. My Hazel hallucinations only happened when I was drunk here, and I was far from that right now. Seeing her set my heart racing, and trying not to feel stupid, I called out into the dark for her in a loud whisper.

"Hazel? Are you, are you here?" I tried again and waited.

A feeling of unease began to enter my gut, yet as I turned to go down another corridor it vanished, and if anything the air felt lighter, cleaner. A soft, subtle smell of roses drifted by and finding the upstairs bathroom, I went in.

Why did I come here when I didn't really need to use the bathroom?

I washed my hands, fluffed my hair and put on some lip gloss before going back downstairs. Ivy still stood by the girls near the bar, and I went over with a smile.

"Thought you got lost?" Ivy teased.

"Downstairs was busy so had to go up!"

"How about that drink?" She found my glass, and I took a sip. "Where have you been lately, we all miss you!"

Being around the fae was easy. They didn't judge like, well, everyone else I knew and as we got settled on the lounge chair, I relaxed. Conversation flowed smoothly as we all just hung out. A couple of them were talking about something astrological I didn't understand but thought Penny would love to hear, another shared about her trip to see some light fae friends she had and their abilities to revive plants. Cherry spoke about her recent fling with a Selkie she met while visiting a coven down on the coast the week before and we all agreed mermaids were just the worst.

"Elise, it's nearly one. Didn't you tell your snake you'd be home by then?" Ivy prompted, pointing at the clock on the far wall.

"Oh, damn. Yes." I was enjoying myself. I didn't want to go.

"Pity. It's been lovely having you here! Don't leave it so long next time." She pouted.

"Yeah, Elise. It's nice to meet someone who hates mermaids as much as we do!" Cherry enthused, and a few near us all nodded in agreement.

I always felt so welcomed here, like I really was part of their little coven. There was something nice about the sisterhood of it all. Sure I had my friends, but it was different here. I really didn't want to go, yet my phone lit up as it vibrated in my pocket and Apollo's face appeared on my screen.

"Is he bothering you?" Ivy asked, seeing what I was looking at.

"No, he's probably just making sure I'll be home soon." I ignored the call. He was bothering me. I didn't want to go, but who knows what I would walk into when I got home if I didn't. Again.

"Last time you were here, things got a bit tense. I hope this visit tonight won't cause any more problems?" She said apologetically, her hand on mine she gave it a little squeeze. "Is he why you haven't been back?"

Why hadn't I come back for a couple of weeks? I always enjoy it here.

"I'm not sure. We've been busy. After our last fight he ended up going back to his home realm which is why I didn't hear from him for so long, but things are fine now. We're fine now." I tell her.

"Good to hear. Just remember who you are Elise. You are a strong, independent woman. No man, or in his case, god, can tell you what to do. They fear your power. They want to own you, control you. Males always seek to extinguish the wild within us. It's that spirit that will keep us free. One day, soon, they will learn we are not here simply for their pleasure," She declared, with such sincerity and belief, I found myself nodding along. "They forget this. They think they've already won. That we are nothing to fear, not equal, not worthy of their respect. We are the creators of life, and we can take it just as easily!"

Logan. Apollo. He has always tried to control me in some way. Tagging along to things that didn't actually involve him when we first met. I could hear him now, talking to me in that know it all way.

It's not a good idea.

I don't think you should do it.

It makes more sense now, his issues with Cain. He hates the fact I was given this gift. This power, these abilities. I am not weak anymore. I am as strong as he is. I will not back down no matter how much he tries to keep me beneath him. I can see him now, shaking his head as I tell him so. He'll make me think I am an idiot, a drunk, the clueless girl who keeps making stupid mistakes.

Why do you always get yourself into these situations, Bunny?

I stopped, staring at the clock as it ticked past one. Why do I always get myself in these situations? Looking at Ivy, she wants me to respond. She wants me to fight. She wants me to stay. Deep down, I know I have to go, and that tiny part of me grows stronger the more I feel it.

"I told Alfie I'd be back. He worries about his master, and I'd hate for him to turn up here." I look at Cherry sympathetically, and she barely blinks at the mention of my snake appearing. "I won't leave it so long next time."

She accepts my promise, and with a wave, I take myself home.

"You okay? You didn't answer my call." Apollo starts the second I appear, his hands on my shoulders as he looks me over.

I shrug out of his hold. "I'm fine. I'm like a minute late."

"It's actually twenty minutes, but whatever. So, did you find out anything?" He asks as Alfie comes in.

Almost instantly Alfie is giving him the cold shoulder, putting himself between us as he glares Apollo's way.

"No. What would I find out? That my friends missed my company or that you've spent the last however long constantly trying to keep me down and in your control?" I'm shouting I know I am and he just stands there.

"What are you talking about, Bunny?" He asks, so calm and reserved.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. You hate I have these powers now. That you're not better than me. That I can take care of myself."

"I have never thought I was better than you. In case you missed it, I fucking worship the ground you walk on and have no idea how or why we're even together! Majority of the time, maybe not right now, I have no idea how I got to be so damn lucky!" He snaps back, waving his hands in exasperation.

"Not right now? Why, because I'm speaking the truth!" As the words leave me, so does some of my fight. What am I doing? "Your reverse psychology bullshit won't work on me!"

"This. This is what I've been saying since you started spending time with those fae! What even is this? You come back all weird and shouty! I love you. I respect you. I try my fucking hardest to give you the space you need, and trust you, even when I would love to as you say, control you, and keep you here, or someplace safe, and away from all the shit I know haunts you every second of the day because you feel so much." He takes a deep breath, and the words thrown my way hit me hard.

"The fae aren't-" The words die before I say them. My early conversation with V seems to magically reappear and sitting on the bed, I hold up my hand as he goes to speak again silencing him. My head hurts, yet it doesn't last. "V is right. The fae are up to something. They can't be trusted."

"What happened tonight?" Apollo asks cautiously, finally able to touch me as Alfie calms down with me.

"I don't know. I went upstairs after not finding anything on the lower level and, and I don't know. I went into the bathroom, I went back down them, we had a good night, and I came home. It's like, I forgot I was there to snoop on them." I groan and flop backwards. "I am an idiot."

"If you didn't-" He started and I sit back up again, before crawling into his lap.

"I'm sorry. You were right, you've been right this whole time. Hanging around them is a bad idea, and they do change me. I can see it now, it's so obvious." I feel his lips on my forehead before his chin is resting on top of my head and we're now laying side by side, curled in each other's arms.

Alfie leaves us.

"You know what this means though, right?" He asks after a few minutes, a tiny smile threatening to take over.

"We have to stop whatever it is they're up to?"

"Well, yes, but also that I can say this now," Apollo smirks. "I told you so!"

"I hate you," yet I snuggle in closer. "So much."

"I love you too, Bunny."