Bleeding Love

Lowering the phone from her ear Harper felt the tears as they prickled her vision. Olivia wasn't answering her calls and honestly it was probably for the best for now. She didn't know how she would have reacted or said if Olivia had picked up. I'd probably cry or yell, she thought and knew it was for the best.

Typing in a quick text asking for her to call her when she could Harper added a much needed I love before sending the text. She didn't tell her sister she loved her as much as she should have and she regretted it.

  Threading her fingers behind her neck she felt ashamed thinking about how long Olivia suffered alone with her addiction and the pressure that came with being a human in a supernatural world. They met from lunch, caught a movie at least once a month, shopped together frequently, hell Olivia even came to her apartment on occasion. So why didn't Harper see her sister's struggle?

  Guilt gnawed on her insides as she thought back to the countless times she blamed Olivia for putting her in this position. She failed her little sister by leaving her in that toxic environment. Harper knew she should have taken Olivia away when she was able to stabilize her income and rented an apartment but the lingering fear of having to fight the Hunters caused her to hesitate. They wouldn't just allow Harper take Olivia even if she wouldn't be any use to them. To prove a point and show there was no leaving the Hunters, they would out of spite. Her father would want to show her there is no getting away.

  You're a coward, her huntress hissed and Harper couldn't argue. She cowered from the oncoming fight and decided to leave her sister in that mad house.

  Sighing in defeat Harper made her way to the bedroom door that led to the living room where Kiev was waiting for her to return. Understanding her need to call Olivia Kiev took a seat on her small, lumpy couch and said he'd wait for her. She didn't know what to make of his sudden change in behavior but she hoped, prayed it'd last because she wanted to believe in his change.

Just as she touched the doorknob she heard the front door open and her heart plunged into her stomach in fear that Liam dropped by for a surprise visit.

"You're still here so I'm guessing you talked. But judging by your shitty appearance you didn't fully makeup."

Her body sagged as a breath of relief passed her lips when she realized it was only Elena.

"So, what happened?" Elena asked.

Harper edged closer to the door, her curiosity getting the best of her. She knew eavesdropping was wrong but she knew so little about what Elena's role in all of this was. Maybe listening to a conversation between the two would tamper some doubts Harper had about both Kiev and Elena.

"I begged for forgiveness." Kiev's response was soft and held no regret, he almost sounded proud of his actions.

A loud thunk sounded from the other side of the door causing Harper to flinch in response. Did they know she was listening?

   Applause sounded from behind the door. Sinking her teeth into her bottom lip to stifle the laugh that bubbled in her throat Harper couldn't believe Elena's exaggerated response. She had to admit it was difficult to imagine Kiev on his knees let alone on his knees weeping for forgiveness like he was earlier.

"I'm guessing she forgave you but not enough to let you back into her bed."

  Harper frowned at the witch's words and inched forward.

"Baby steps." Came Kiev's curt response. "I have to redeem myself for that stupid slip up."

"I'm all for building a relationship on trust but have you looked in a mirror? You look like a dying man which, may I remind you you are."

  Dying? A sliver of fear sliced through her heart. What did Elena mean he was dying?

"I know."

"Do you?" Elena scoffed. "Because you're walking around as if you don't. It won't take a genius to put two and two together and figure out why you look like this."

"I know." He repeated the words, his tone much more harsh.

"You cannot risk her life because of your stupid pride. Stay out of sight."

"I can't just hole up somewhere till everything blows over. I have responsibilities, a kingdom to look after, Cade is my first priority."

"King Cade is not going anywhere."

"He's dying!" Kiev shouted. The abrupt shout caused Harper to jump at the dangerous tone underlying his words. "My brother is dying, he can't afford for me to hide. He needs me to take action if he has any chance of living."

"Then you're choosing Cade?"

"I'm choosing to take the burden of this war and the consequences of my actions."

"That's not an answer."

  A menacing growl echoed in the apartment. "Do not doubt my abilities."

"It's your loyalty I doubt." Elena hissed. "You are trying to juggle both your duty to your people and your heart and you can't. You can't get both Kiev."

"Yes, I can."

"How?" Elena questioned cut through any defense Kiev might of had. Silence followed the single word confirming Elena's point.

  Harper wasn't sure what they were arguing about but she couldn't tamper the sudden overwhelminsense of sadness she felt for Kiev. This whole war seemed stupid to her and although she didn't know what exactly she was involved in she could understand Kiev's need to protect his brother. If Liam was dying she'd do anything in her power to save him even if it meant discarding her morals. That's what love did to people, it made them do foolish things with no second thought to the repercussions.

"I'm working on a plan."

"Bullshít! You know as much as I do that you're stalling. There is no way out of this, is there? Not without either Cade dying or-"

"Don't you fùcking say it."

  The threat was evident in Kiev's words, his eerily calm tone sending a shiver to skitter down her spine at the undeniable authority in his words. Once again Harper was reminded of Kiev's royalty. He was no regular man, not even a regular supernatural man. No, Kiev was a king, whether he wanted it or not. He had an aura of power and authority that demanded the respect of anyone nearby. The darkness that surrounded him like a cloak providing a timid warning of what lay beneath his calm, smug exterior.

"It's a possibility and you damn well know it!"

"Enough."

  A coldness filled the small apartment as a shrewd of shadows seeped beneath the door where Harper stood, the tips twisted and curled forward soundlessly. Startled, Harper took a step backwards as the darkness spread like wildfire, engulfing the walls and ceiling in a pitch black fog. All light was extinguished as the single window was swallowed up by the tentacle like shadows.

   Elena.

  Gripping the doorknob Harper swung the door open and sprinted into the living room, her eyes searching the sea of black for Elena's petite figure but found nothing but shadows.

"Kiev."

  Harper meant to call the demon in a warning for him not to hurt her friend but as his name left her lips it sounded more like a plea. The way her voice broke in fear of finding a body in the midst of the darkness. A soft hissing echoed all around her, the sound of an animal in pain and before Harper could find the source the darkness parted. The curling shadows raced back into the corners of the room, allowing the light back into the room.

  A hand touched her shoulder. Whipping around Harper jumped backwards preparing for any threat as she lifted her fists to protect herself. A wounded look crossed Kiev's features as he took in her defensive stance.

  Lowering his hand back to his side, Kiev spoke in a calm tone. "I won't hurt you."

  Swallowing hard Harper released the breath she was holding and cautiously brought her arms back to her sides. The rose like scar burned, each line that mired her skin coming to life as an overpowering pain sliced through her chest. Doubling over Harper clawed at her chest in a feeble attempt to cease the white hot pain that quickly spread throughout her entire body.

  Kiev was beside her in seconds, one hand curling around shoulders as his other pressed against his heart. Throwing all her stubbornness aside Harper leaned against his solid body as a soft whimper passed her lips.

"It'll pass." Kiev coaxed softly. One of his large hands cupped the side of her face, his long fingers stroking her skin while the other was pressed flatly against his chest.

Harper gritted her teeth and concentrated on her breathing rather than the way her heart was being torn apart. With a shaky hand Harper reached out and gripped Kiev's fingers that were splayed across his chest and gave a squeeze. She wasn't sure why she did it but she didn't regret it, she needed strength.

Just as Kiev said the searing started to dim, the burning claws slowly retreating back into the rose like scar across her heart before finally it faded completely.

Sighing, Harper slumped against the body beside her relieved it was over. Kiev pulled her closer to his chest and lifted her back onto her feet. Sucking in a deep breath Harper straightened her bent posture and released her hold on his fingers.

A thank you bubbled on her lips as she tilted her chin upwards and met his gaze but she bit the response back. It was his fault she had to endure these painful attacks to begin with. Stepping away from his large figure, Harper watched his hand drop back to his side like a dead weight.

An emotion flashed in his soft green gaze but before she could decipher the strange mixed emotions his gaze hardened.

"No response."

Blinking away her confusion Harper shook her head, realizing he was talking about Olivia. "I left her a voicemail."

Clearing her throat Harper turned her attention towards a concerned looking Elena. With her arms crossed, brows pulled together Elena was a spitting image of a worried momma bird.

"You're back so soon?"

Elena's brown eyes darted between Kiev and Harper before she nodded. "I was summoned to the council's court to settle a homicide, a shapeshifter was killed-"

"At Sinful." Harper finished and looked over to Kiev who muffled a curse.

"I should have known it was you." Elena huffed out.

Kiev ran a hand through his dark hair. "I guess I'll be going with you." He sighed.

A wave of disappointment washed through Harper at his sudden departure, she didn't want him to leave not when she had so many more questions. A part of her was afraid if he left now than so would this kind Kiev and she wasn't ready to give him up so soon.

Wrapping her arms around her midsection she watched Elena collect her bag off the ground and cross the room to where Kiev was. Suppressing the conflicting emotions rumbling within her like a storm Harper turned her attention back to Kiev and found he was approaching her.

"Time to charm some shape shifters." She said in the hopes of seeming unaffected by his sudden departure.

  One corner of his mouth twitched upwards. "I'm always charming." He teased in return.

  Rolling her eyes in response Harper tightened her grip on her torso in a nervous slip up that didn't go unnoticed by Kiev. His dark gaze flickered to her midsection for a brief moment before they returned to her face.

"Is tomorrow too soon to return for a visit?" He asked.

  Not soon enough, she thought. Refraining from repeating the words out loud Harper shook her head and offered him a smile of reassurance, not trusting herself from blurting the words out.

  Returning her smile Kiev leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on the crown of her head, lingering a few seconds longer than necessary but she wasn't complaining.

"Try to transport us to the west side of the building." Elena said as Kiev walked back to her side. Linking her arm through his Elena added in a half teasing tone. "I have a reputation to uphold."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Kiev's POV

Kiev loathed council disputes at the council court. It took too long with too many unnecessary questions that had to be documented as if they actually mattered. Every detail from both plaintiff and defendant was recorded from the words they exchanged to the look of annoyance Kiev always wore when there. But like any legal issue that arose Kiev was able to squeeze out of the dilemma and he didn't even have to return with footage from the attack.

"I'm glad we could clear this misunderstanding up." Kiev said as he walked beside Antonio, king of the shapeshifter throne.

  The man was tall and burly. Standing at nearly seven feet the descendant of the original shapeshifter family was incredibly intimidating to most by his height and girth. Like most shape shifters he was fit in order to safely transform into his animal, his arms thick as stumps, hands large and a danger when facing him on the battlefield. His dark skin was marred with tiny white scars from past battles, the largest located at his temple and traveled across his brow and just below his green eyes. His nose crooked spoke of the many blows it has taken in the past and the beard that covered his jaw only added to his beastly nature.

"Yes, it is a shame what happened. Please extend my apologies to the young woman." Antonio said, his heavy Russian accent evident in his words.

Kiev nodded. "The dancer has since quit but I will relay the message when I visit her tomorrow."

Antonio halted and shook his head. "Such a shame that one of my children would do something like this."

Keeping the professional mask on Kiev placed a hand on the large man's shoulder playing on his secret soft spot towards domestic victims. Not many people knew that Antonio's daughter was abused for years by a sadistic mate and just barely managed to get out of that toxic relationship. Sure Kiev felt shitty for playing on Antonio's sadness but it was to keep Harper safe, to keep her identity a secret. Antonio was pushing to meet Harper until Kiev said she was suffering emotionally from the violent experience, which wasn't a complete lie. She was suffering but not from that experience.

Pushing the guilt aside Kiev gave Antonio's shoulder a squeeze. "Do not fret my friend. I have set the woman up with an allowance for the next six months while she recovers from this ordeal. She will overcome this."

Antonio nodded, tears shimmering in his eyes as he no doubt thought of his own daughter's difficult road to recovery.

Do what has to be done to protect your own.

For decades Kiev's father had drilled that into his mind and Kiev hadn't fully understood the meaning until Cade had lost his soulmate. The plans he set in motion would snowball and ruin many lives, families and if all went according to the plan an entire organization would crumple. Kiev was putting his life, his lineage on the line in order to preserve his people's safety. And now he would have to figure out how to keep Harper safe. That meant putting more on the line, taking more risks and maybe betraying his own people. Never had Kiev felt the weight of those words as he did right now as he contemplated betraying the demons.

Pushing the thoughts away Kiev forced himself to focus on the present. "I am glad we could talk this problem over properly."

"In this ever changing world I am grateful to have a man who still remembers the value of respect and honor." Antonio turned to face Kiev and held out his hand. Gripping Antonio's elbow in the traditional gesture of respect Kiev gave a curt nod understanding he was speaking of the lack of respect of the newer leaders.

"On behalf of my kind I extend our services whenever needed, we are brothers by nature and we must stand together." Kiev said as a group of Hunters entered the dome shaped hall.

   Kiev tilted his chin upwards, his eyes narrowing on the identically dressed men in black t-shirts, dark green army pants and heavy hiking boots laced with the signature burgundy and gold mark of the Hunters. The group was led by a familiar face and led towards where Kiev and Antonio stood.

  Pulling his arm away Kiev bid Antonio goodbye, asking that he send his regards to his wife and daughter and started towards the group of Hunters. The men were young, Kiev spared a quick glance over the five different faces and judging by their angry scowls hungry for a fight. With no effort to stop the smirk that spread along his face Kiev turned to Liam Grant and his smirk widened at the burgundy patch covering his left eye.

"Nice accessory, Grant." Kiev sneered noting how Liam clenched his fists at his sides as he came to a halt less than a foot away from Kiev.

"It'll heal." The young Hunter replied in a deadpan tone.

Chuckling darkly Kiev shook his head. "No, actually it won't." When they fought Kiev intentionally struck him with the full force of his power insuring his eye would permanently be damaged as a reminder of his failure. As a future leader of the northern Hunters and one of the deadliest solider, Liam's ego and confidence needed to be cut down and every time he looked in the mirror they would.

Looking over the irritated expressions of other soldiers Kiev wondered if this batch had any idea of what exactly they were getting into. Not just the 'enemy' they were facing but also the reason they were recruited so soon. Did they know their leaders, their captain himself was only using them as a shield until they got what they wanted out of Cade's mate? They were just future corpses to the Hunters. Did they know about the sins of their leaders? Would they care?

"What are you doing here, devil?" Liam spat, his good eye burning with loathing brought on by years of facing each other both directly and indirectly.

"Settling a minor technicality." Kiev shrugged carelessly.

Liam smiled, the action taking Kiev by surprise because of the resemblance the Grant boy's smile had to his twin. "You mean the wolf you killed earlier today for no reason."

"He attacked my dancer and scared her half to death." Kiev countered and wondered just how the news had spread so quickly. More importantly did anyone know Harper was involved?

Liam snorted at his response and took a step forward. "From what I hear all the wolf did was get a lap dance and next thing everyone knew you were standing over his corpse." Tilting his chin upwards to meet Kiev's gaze Liam smiled knowingly. "In fact I have multiple witnesses that said you looked jealous."

Liam's words caused a steel like grip to bound around his heart and squeeze the insufferable organ. Not only because the Hunter was implying Kiev had an emotional attachment to the dancer but because multiple witnesses had noticed his anger and jealousy. How far had the news spread? Who knew? Kiev's mind shifted into damage control, he needed to get the footage of Harper's 'fun' visit and destroy it before someone decided to search for the mysterious dancer.

Despite his inner turmoil Kiev remained calm and collected on the outside. Never let your enemy see you panic. Heading the wise words from his father Kiev tossed his head back and howled with laughter. The sound reverberated around the hall, bouncing off the bare walls and echoing the guttural laughter. People stared both in fascination and curiosity at the scene unfolding in public, some even stopped to watch.

"Oh yes, I'm jealous a client got a lap dance from a dancer I hired." Kiev lifted a brow in questioning. "Honestly is this what you Hunters have come to? Petty gossip?"

  Liam's eyes, the same soft caramel shade as Harper's. Kiev pushed the thought out of his mind and focused on the situation at hand.

"Besides it was more of a reminder for anyone foolish enough to try taking anything that belongs to a demon." Kiev added in an attempt to steer the conversation away from the 'dancer'.

  The corners of Liam's lips twitched as the young solider took the bait Kiev dangled before him. Shifting his stance Liam glanced over his shoulder at his fellow Hunters before he turned his gaze back to Kiev. The young Hunter's face lit up with a secret joy as he took another step forward.

"Is that right? So no one has ever taken something from you? Or maybe from someone you know?"

   Sliding the tip of his tongue across the surface of his front teeth Kiev felt the intentional jab and unlike Liam he wasn't quick to take the bait. He purposely shifted the topic in order to get the spotlight off of Harper and that meant taking a few jabs from her arrogant twin brother. That didn't mean Kiev couldn't fight back.

   Closing the space between them Kiev stood a few inches above him but he looked down at the young solider as if he were a child. "You know as well as I do that I'll get her back."

"And how are you gonna do that? You don't even know where she is or if she's still alive." He said in a low hiss meant for Kiev's ears only.

"I know she's alive because you don't have what your looking for."

"And what do you think that is?"

"Me."

Startled by his response Liam took a step backwards, unable to conceal his shock. Kiev hadn't realized it immediately but after the weeks following Ava's kidnapping and countless battles Kiev noticed a pattern from the soldiers he faced, they were trying to kill him. Granted they weren't exactly baring their throats for him either but they weren't attacking him in the hopes of killing him as they have in the past but they did aim to injure him. The Hunters wanted him for something and they wanted him alive.

"Are you willing to make a trade?" Kiev asked knowing the answer even before he asked it.

Blinking away his shock Liam cleared his throat. "You know we won't release her."

Nodding Kiev looked over Liam's shoulder, his cold eyes glided over the different faces of the newest recruits and made a silent vow to remember them in this moment when he killed them. It was easy to kill an enemy solider than a brainwashed child barely out of training.

"Just remember when everything you hold dear is in ashes that you caused it, you and Walter did it to yourselves." Kiev warned in a cold, detached tone as he returned his gaze to Liam.

Liam scoffed in response. "I don't think you're paying attention, we-"

Closing the space between them once again, Kiev gripped a fistful of his shirt and yanked Liam off his feet. The young soldiers behind him made a move to assist their leader but with a flick of his wrist Kiev watched the men struggle against a shadow of vines that wrapped around their wrists and ankles, pinning them in place.

"You're here to make a complaint about the raid in the Eastern Europe headquarters hoping to document what you consider to be an attack except the witches will tell you there's no proof of any demon presence anywhere. You're following leads that go no where, chasing whispers and rumors that make you doubt everything." Kiev hissed, his eyes narrowing into slits. "I know every move you make, every thought that runs through your mind."

"There is a mole." Liam growled. Twisting around, the young solider gripped Kiev's forearms and tried in vain to free himself.

Lifting him higher Kiev noticed the gathering crowd around them. "There's nothing but your own blindness, your arrogance to the truth that stares you in the face every day. You are the traitors, you have betrayed your oath to maintain peace and have instead became the monsters you were meant to stop. You are the killers of innocents." Kiev seethed angrily.

"You are the one who slaughtered an entire class of soldiers two weeks ago!"

  A snarl tore from Kiev, his upper lip curling above his teeth. "That same class of soldiers raided a village of half-lings two hours before that."

  From the corner of his eye Kiev spotted two officers of the court making there way over towards him. The sight reminded him that it wasn't time for this, he couldn't risk everything now because of his pride.

"Is that who you had break in? A bunch of spiteful half demons?" Liam asked.

  Flexing his fingers Kiev calmed the raging storm brewing deep within him and threw the Liam backwards with a animalistic growl of disgust. The young Grant skidded along the marble floor, his head thudding to the ground with a loud thud. A mixture of gasps and applause erupted in the hall but Kiev couldn't care to check who was siding with him and who was appalled by his abrupt behavior.

  Clenching his fist Kiev watched as the five Hunter soldiers dropped to their knees in unison, an expression of anguish flashing across their faces and fear as Kiev lowered his closed fist and forced them to bow down before him. Turning his murderous gaze to Liam who rubbed the back of his head and stared at his fellow soldiers before turning to meet his stare with a fierce hatred that was mutual.

"This is where you belong Hunter, on your hands and knees before the superior species." Turning towards the ring of people surrounding them Kiev continued in a voice harsh and warning to all who posed a threat to his people. "That goes for all of you. I am Kiev, son of Dimitri and heir to the throne of Demons and you would all be better off remembering who and what I am."

"You are nothing but a demon spawn!" Liam hissed as he scrambled to his feet, a dagger clutched tightly in his left hand.

  Kiev barely flinched as he charged forward and with the speed and accuracy of a throughly trained solider shoved the poisoned blade into the side of his neck. Liquid lava oozed off of the blade and seeped into Kiev's body, the excruciating pain registered in his mind and a searing gash flamed to life in his heart as Harper felt his pain. Images of Harper clutching her neck as an imaginary poison spread across her body brought a fiercer jolt of pain to cut through his heart.

   Keeping his pain from both injuries buried deep in his heart Kiev lifted his free hand up and gripped the dagger by the hilt. Without blinking he tore the blade out of his neck as the poison sizzled alongside his blood and carelessly tossed the dagger between them all while never tearing his eyes from Liam's.

  The young Grant was furious, his body tense, fists clenched at his sides as his actions only now registered in his mind.

"Your toys can't hurt me, Grant. They can't protect you from me." Kiev said in a low whisper, well aware everyone in the hall could hear him.

  Good, he thought. This scene was meant to prove a point to the Hunters and the rest of the supernatural world. He couldn't be killed, not by the Hunters, his foolish half siblings or anyone else.

  Releasing his hold on the other soldiers Kiev cut through the sea of bodies, unaffected by the many who nodded their approval or placed a closed fist against their heart in a sign of respect. None of that mattered because all Kiev could feel was Harper, her soft whimpers whispering in his brain as the effects of the poison continued to leak through their bond. He swallowed hard as he felt her fingers clawing at her neck, felt her hot tears as they slid down her cheeks.

   Well aware of the attention on his retreating back Kiev kept the calm and collected demeanor up. Every cell in his body screamed for him to go to Harper, to heal both their pain but he knew she wouldn't want to and perhaps it was for the best. Because he had finally come up with a plan to protect both his kingdom and Harper. It was a long shot and she would hate his plan but he was confident it would get the desired results.

  But at the cost of your soulmate. Ignoring the voice of reason Kiev continued through the large bronze door knowing after the events of today that they had no future. What they had were stolen moments before he had to do what he must.

  He'd enjoy what little time he did have with Harper, etch every sweet moment in his mind because after all of this was over that would be all he would have of the woman he loved, memories of what could have been.

****************

What did you guys think Kiev and Liam's encounter? I left a few Easter eggs in this chapter of what is to come later in this story so pay attention!!

  Btw people have been wondering if the story is almost done and I'm confirming that it isn't. There is so much more to come and trust me you won't want to miss it ;)

Also Kiev's name is pronounced Kēēv for those of you wondering. Well y'all know the drill, lay your comments and theories on me!