Kierra

I don't sound very friendly, don't intend to, but he smiles anyway as he stops. His tanned face looks almost boyish, even with the black goatee gracing his chin. Bared ears are full of piercings, he doesn't seem the type to originally be from here, maybe somewhere a lot sunnier with higher temperatures.

"Not very nice are ya?"

He has to practice that voice in front of the mirror. Not really all that deep, but still sinful. Flirty. His question is asked as if he's amused. Amber orbs glint with suppressed mirth, jaw reminding me of Brad Pitt on a good day. Oh boy.

"I'm very nice, to those who deserve it. Your breed, however, has not been so reciprocating."

His eyebrow shoots up as he smirks. Keeping my eyes on him, I open the door and push for Bastion to get in out of the cold. The wind is picking up, but that could be from this area being at a higher elevation than the rest of the block.

"My breed? Do you know what my breed is?"

"Not specifically, but every canine I've come across has been an ass."

He laughs, thumb rubbing over his bottom lip. Have I mentioned I have a thing about seriously tall people? They irk me. Just on principle.

Repeatedly keep telling myself to walk away, but my feet won't move. I'm sure Bastion is also wondering why I won't move away.

"I can see that, but not all canines are made that way. Some are asses, others are lovers."

Don't think I like where this is going. One of my brows rise, my face going to one of scorn.

"Let me guess, you're a lover?"

"Some may say that, yes. But I prefer to keep an open mind."

"So you're a dog."

He laughs again, hands lowering from his lapels to slide into his pants pockets. My eyes follow the movement, the way he'd moved causes his coat to gap open.

Oh, dear Lord, save me now.

Wider shoulders, but they lead down into a lean, hard cut frame. Very nicely defined. A dark trail of hair leads from his navel south into a very low cut waistband. My eyes jump back up, heat touching my face as I glower into his.

The dog's eyes are glittering in laughter as they take in my expression, his tongue slipping out to play along his lip. Oh, hell. He's one of those. I scowl and try for disgust, not sure I quite manage though while blushing.

"Yep, a dog. You can go now Mr. Pooch. Your goods have been seen and admired. You are God's gift to women everywhere. Absolutely drool-worthy. Happy now?"

Eyes widen as he looks at me, a little stunned. I move around the front of the jeep to my door. Not feeling any threat except to possible fantasies later, I pull open my door as he calls out to me.

"Wait. I think we're getting off on the wrong paw here. I'm not from around here, and I need to get here..."

He pulls a piece of paper from his pants pocket and holds it out to me.

"I was dropped in this area by the bus, but I don't know where-is-where here. Can you point me in the right direction? Please?"

When he's not being a playboy, he doesn't sound half bad. The address on the paper is to the music shop...right next to my publisher's office...and not at all near here.

Well, ain't that the darndest thing.

Eyes dart back up to his, he draws a quick inhale, so I'm guessing my green gaze just flashed back to yellow.

"I'm going right near there actually. Strange, don't you think?"

The corner of his mouth quirks up, not looking at all surprised in the least. Something in me is telling me this man is important, but not willing to reveal why. What the hell.

"Hop in the back, I'll take you."

Both he and Bastion have similar looks of amazement, yet I ignore them both. Going to be a tight fit back there with all the bags, but I'm not about to tell my little Imp that he has to move. The stranger shakes himself, putting his hands together as if praying and bows to me. Dork. I turn the heat on and point the vents at the kid.

"What's your name?"

Nudging some of the bags over, he better be glad he's not as wide all the way down as his shoulders are, while he shimmies deeper into the seat.

"Xavier."

"Where are you from? How do you not dress for this weather?"

He looks amused as he meets my eyes in the rearview mirror, bright green once more. It doesn't escape my notice that he doesn't give a last name.

"I was born in the south, but I've been going from place to place. I didn't realize it would get this cold this fast, it wasn't that bad when I had first left my hotel room."

I look back to him from the road, giving him a droll look.

"Might help if, you know, you use your coat like it's supposed to be used?"

He chuckles and shrugs, looking out his window. I look over at Bastion who just mirrors the movement. We have a few miles to go, and small talk is made throughout, him asking where the good clubs are, the bars, where's good to eat, and if I know any of the local animal groups.

"I don't go anywhere near any of them if I can help it."

"So you're a Lone Wolf?"

"Could say that I guess."

Xavier inclines his head, looking like he's thinking hard on something.

"You haven't been a Werewolf long, have you?"

Shaking my head, I turn on to the road we're wanting. Pulling up to the curb in front of a large brick building, the large sign on the front advertising the company's name gets ignored. 'Rhodes Publishing' is full of cranky people who need to get laid.

"The place you want is right there."

I point at it absently as I look for the bookshop that's also on this road. Across the street and two doors down, it's a cross between a bookstore and coffee shop, as they all seem to be nowadays. Convenient that Mr. Rhodes would be so close to one, I think.

We all get out, I have to watch for cars coming up next to me since Gary is too cheap to buy the lot next door for parking. Gary is my publisher, Gary Rhodes. Jackass Extraordinaire. Once on the sidewalk, I wave Xavier to the small shop next door. At some point, he even buttoned his coat.

He smiles and gives a salute before entering, Bastion and I go for the glass door that's advertising all the 'good' stuff about coming here to publish your work. Right. I have a light windbreaker on, undone, and I'm blasted with hot air as soon as I set foot inside.

My eyes dry out instantly, almost stepping on the kid as I close them. I rub at them as I move him over to some chairs that count as a waiting area.

"Not sure how long this will take, but I'll try to be quick."

"Alright."

T'would appear the receptionist is at lunch, as no one is at the front desk. Already annoyed, I go down the short hallway to the offices in the back. Finding Gary's door without too much trouble, having been here several dozen times before, I don't even bother knocking. He keeps calling me, well, he's gonna get me.

I now need bleach for my eyeballs.

I open the door to see the man's skinny, hairy ass pumping away into Ms. Granite, the receptionist. The woman is bent over his desk, not looking exactly pleased with what he's accomplishing. Can't say I blame her from what I can see. They don't even notice the door has opened. Not a very smart bunch here it seems. I cross my arms and lean my hip against the doorjamb. Gary is sweating up a storm, pants around his ankles.

Ms. Granite is facing me, believe it or not, but her eyes are closed and looks almost asleep, brown hair still up in its tight bun. I watch for a minute thinking I'll be noticed, but when I'm not, I clear my throat, not one for porn, lacking or otherwise.

"So this is what lunch breaks look like nowadays."

I'm not very tactful when I'm annoyed. The bored woman stands so fast the back of her head collides with his face, the movement causing him to fall out. Well, now I know why he's so cranky all the time.

"What the hell? Kierra! What are you doing here?"

"I believe you demanded my presence. If you'd like I can come back when you're better equipped? Ms. Granite there might actually look like she's enjoying herself then."

He can't make up his mind to hold his nose or grab for his pants. The small mousy woman inches out from under him while pushing down her skirt.

"Careful with your underwear Hunny, I think he melted on them with all that sweating he's doing."

His face is steadily getting redder as he fights to get his stuck pants up his legs. She bites her lip to keep from smiling, then moves to hurry out. I take up the doorway, but I let her pass, taking my position back up after she's passed.

"Might want to get your heart checked there Gary, all that huffing and puffing can't be too healthy."

He roars at me to get out of his office as I continue to smirk at him. I do oblige though, stepping back and closing the door all nice-like. I hear something hit the door from the other side.

"Tsk tsk, Gary, not very adult-like of you."

He's swearing up a storm, I can't help but laugh. My nose is highly offended though. I hear chuckling from behind me.

Benjamin Thomas. Not exactly sure what his overall official job title is, as he's usually working in the basement with files, computers, and even editing, is standing off to my side.

Another toned over six-foot-tall male, but not by too much, unlike Xavier who's freakishly close to seven-foot. Short, dark brown hair in a crew cut and bluish-green eyes that aren't quite as vibrant as Asher's. His goatee is long and today it's braided into three hanging strips.

I've always liked Benji, but today, I feel almost heartbroken as I get a whiff of him. His own eyes darken as he catches mine, taking a step closer.

"Oh, Benji, no... Not you too."

"Kierra... When... How?"

He looks almost angry as I look on him with sad eyes, the strong scent of Vampire meeting my nose. He smells a lot like the one who attacked me, actually. I take a couple steps back myself, getting ready to bolt.

I'm looking down the hallway in preparation when he touches my arm, I jerk back, gaze going to his. Seeing my reflection in them, my eyes have gone yellow again. His face hardens as he pulls back.

"When did this happen? Do you know the one who attacked you?"

I blink at him a few times before it registers what he's asking, pulling the light coat off me in agitation. It's too damn hot in here. His face shuts down totally when he sees the fading bite marks on my neck and arm.

Shit, forgot all about those. That was the whole point in wearing the damn coat to begin with, not to mention the other assorted bruises that are visible, and recent scarring.

"You need to tell me what happened."

Shaking my head, an almost hysterical laugh escapes me. He reaches for me again, this time his hand goes to my neck and arm, fingers touching lightly, I can't help but tense up.

"Who gave you these?"

"I didn't catch his name, and he's no longer alive to give it. Please explain to me why you smell like him?"

Benjamin looks surprised, then pleased, then annoyed all within moments of each other.

"My guess would be because we share, or shared, the same bloodline."

Aw hell, more bloodline shit. Someone needs to write all this crap down for me. He opens his mouth to say something, looks at Gary's door, then motions me to follow him. Now that I'm paying attention, I see the fangs.

"Come with me please, this isn't a conversation for all ears."

I'm hesitant, but I follow. I've known him for a few years now, I think I would have picked up before if he meant me any harm, right? Hopefully.

We go to the basement, to the end of the large room to his desk where he sits on it and motions me into his chair. The small area is piled with boxes overflowing with paper. When I stay standing, he sighs, but nods.

"Where should we start?"

"How about the whole bloodline thing. He was your brother?"

Benji shakes his head, his eyes contemplative as he thinks of an explanation.

"Not my brother as in birth, but we shared some of the same blood. Our bloodline is feline, we smell alike because we can change into cats."

"I see. I don't know what kind of cat he was, he never changed. Too busy trying to tear out my throat."

He scowls, angry once more as he looks at my neck.

"Who bit you? The Werewolf, do you know him?"

"I do not, but he was with a Vampire. That Vamp has my sister."

His eyes flicker, followed by his face closing down. I can feel my stomach cramping.

"You know who he is, don't you? The one who has Faline?"

He gives a slow incline of his head, my eyes close.

"You have to tell me where to find him, Benjamin. I don't care who he is, I am going to get her back."

"Kie, you can't. No one's exactly sure where he is at this time. A call went out for his capture weeks ago. He travels with a wolf and he's not exactly...sane."

"No shit. From what I understand the whole supernatural community is all about secrecy, yet he and his pet attacked me and my sister in a public parking lot. He took off with her while his dog tried chewing me to death."

I can see his jaw clench, eyes dilating before they close.

"He's in hiding. A few were sent out to look for him, but without his Sire around, no one has a connection with him. One of the things he's wanted for is endangering our secrecy, preying on women he talks to online. That in of itself wouldn't be a problem, but the way he's killing them is calling too much attention... I'm so sorry Kierra."

My heart clenches hard. That's how he and Faline first started talking was online, and he's killed the others? I close my eyes and try to reach for my sister. I may not be able to create a bridge, but sometimes I can get a sense of her emotions. Faint, but it's better than nothing.

At first there's nothing, but then I pick up her confusion. I can't tell what she's confused about, but I smile. She's alive! I open my eyes to find Benjamin frowning at me.

"She's alive. Right now she's feeling confused about something. I can't tell what, but I feel her. She's not dead."

"You can talk to her?"

I shake my head, not sure how to explain or even if I should.

"No, I can pick up on her emotions if I concentrate and reach out. The only time we actually connect is when one of us is in extreme pain, then we feel the others pain as if it's our own."

He looks shocked, fascinated. I frown at him, wondering what he's thinking.

"If you can't help me, then I need to get going. Gary is scum, and he doesn't deserve my time. I have a kid I need to get back to."

A finely arched brow raises at me in question, but I turn to go, not willing to elaborate. He knows I don't have any of my own.

"Fred's son?"

I freeze, both anger and fear making trails up and down my spine. I can actually feel now when my eyes change. It's a subtle feeling, but distinguishable. They're blazing yellow as I turn back to the man. His arms are raised, a look on his face that I can't read, emotions guarded.

"That man was not his father. Just a man who found abusing children to be a sexually gratifying sport. Anyone who tries to claim that they were related can come to me, and I'll set 'em straight."

"You may get your chance. There's a man claiming to be his uncle who has put out a large reward for knowledge of his whereabouts. Vampires tend to be up on most happenings in any town they claim as theirs, there is much unrest going on right now among the different factions."

Gee, that sounds familiar.

"I could care less about all these 'factions', I have enough problems to deal with right now. Who is this man who claims relation?"

Attempting to cool my temper, I look at everything but the Vampire in front of me, waiting for his answer. When none is forthcoming, then I look at him. Sadness is written plain on his face, emotions of someone who's lost one close to them, someone precious.

"I don't know his name, since I don't deal with kids I didn't care to learn. For you, I will find out. Give me a way to contact you. I will look into this man for you."

The offer is unexpected, and I'm sure the surprise shows on my face as he gives me a small smile.

"There are also tales going around through the fuzzball community that this boy has something to do with a special wolf they are looking for. Would that be you?"

I shake my head, my mouth tightening.

"I highly doubt it, there's nothing special about me."

With that, I turn and walk away. Low whispered words 'you are to me' are heard, but I ignore them and keep walking, pushing it all out of my head. Probably just wishful thinking anyway.