Brothers' Quarrel

Kiev's POV

Leaning further against the leather chair Kiev released a long breath and watched as the grey smoke swirled and twirled before him. Glancing down at the cigarette between his fingers Kiev brought it up to his lips and dragged in a deep breath and held in the smoke for a moment, enjoying the tingling it caused in his chest. Parting his lips he released the smoke and watched the silent dance before finding it more appealing than that of the two women before him.

Lifting his gaze up Kiev stared past the young woman sitting before him and over to where two redheads moved elegantly to the sultry music above them. Their bodies twisting and turning, hips swishing from side to side, their hands lacking together as they bent in unison. His eyes grazed over their bare skin, following the sheer red fabric as it slid across their glistening bodies. This use to appeal to him, watching his girls dancing together but not anymore. Bringing the cigarette up to his mouth he sucked in a lung full of the smoke to distract himself from the truth lying just beneath the surface.

  You're a fücking mess!

  Tilting his head upwards Kiev released the smoke above him in one long puff. He needed to clear his head from all these distractions, too much was riding on him to have his head clouded with these small changes. His kingdom needed him, his brother's life hung in the balance. With the lives of his people weighting heavily on his shoulders Kiev tore his gaze away from the dancers and back to the small woman before him. He swallowed hard as his gaze swept over her finding his thoughts darkening with the newfound guilt that plagued him.

"Are you listening to a word I'm saying?" The petite woman exclaimed, her eyes widening.

"Not really, no." Kiev replied honestly. Her eyes were the same soft caramel brown as Harper's. Their father's eyes he realized.

"I took a huge risk coming down here and you're not even paying attention you fücking asshòle!" She screeched.

Gritting his teeth Kiev narrowed his gaze in on her scolding face. "You knew this would be risky when you took my offer. Don't come around expecting empathy from me."

"I'm being investigated by my own brother!" Olivia shouted as she jumped onto her feet.

Her outburst caught the attention of the two dancers, they shared a confused look stopping in mid step. One thing Kiev remembered his father telling him was never show weakness amongst your peers. Steeling his features Kiev rolled his fingers so the cigarette fell into his palm. Closing his fist over the cigarette Kiev heard his skin burning as it was extinguished and brought his fist down hard onto the table top. The table trembled and shook under his fist as a wave of ashen gray cloud shot forward filling the entire room in a dark fog. Olivia gasped stumbling backwards as the ash circled her trembling form. The two dancers shrieked in horror as the smoke twisted and turned across their bare skin.

   Olivia met his hardened gaze and quickly averted her fear filled gaze away from his. Her tough façade crumbling in the face of a challenge.

"Sit." Kiev hissed venomously. Tilting his head toward the gem adjourned stage to where the two females trembled on their stilettos, their faces pale as they weaved their fingers together. Like frightened children the two redheads wrapped their arms around each other, eyes wide with fright as they stared down at the cloud creeping up their bodies with a soft hiss. "I don't pay you to stand there." He spat causing the two women to flinch at his tone.

Their discomfort flooded around the room interlaced with pure fear. The emotions were sticky and bitter in his mouth, unfamiliar to him. The terror on his girls' faces didn't sit well with him, he never spoke to his girls in this matter. A wave of shame washed over him as the two redheads released their hold on each other and very slowly started moving to the music. Their bodies no longer moved fluently, their expression lost its seductive stare, and the way they kept their eyes firmly of the ground didn't sit well with him.

Remain in control. Pushing the emotions deep down Kiev turned his gaze toward Olivia who retook her seat, her bottom lip trembling as she stared aimlessly at her lap. Leaning further against the leather chair Kiev flicked his left hand causing the ashen cloud to race backwards and back into their master.

"Now what is the problem?" He asked in a calm, detached tone.

Swallowing hard she weaved her fingers together. "L-l-liam opened an investigation on me. He thinks I'm a traitor."

Arching a brow in disbelief Kiev tilted his head to the side. "Aren't you?"

"No." She mumbled her eyes lifting to meet his. "I haven't sold out the Hunters and you know it. I don't know how you figured out where the training base was but it wasn't from me."

That much was true. Kiev wasn't going to tell anyone just how he acquired the location of the base. His source will remain a secret until he no longer had a use for it.

"So what are you worried about?"

"Liam isn't letting this go, he keeps digging in the hopes of figuring out why these mysterious attacks keep occurring. Their were multiple raids in our bases in Europe, some information was stolen but no one was killed. The councilmen have assigned Liam to lead the investigation and if they find out about our deal I'll look guilty."

  Shrugging Kiev looked the small girl over with distain. "You are guilty."

"I never betrayed the Hunters." She spat.

"Maybe not, but you did betray you're sister. Do you think your brother will ignore that minor detail?"

  A look of concern flashed across over her features, a twinge of guilt filling her glassy gaze at the unexpected truth. "I didn't want to hurt Harper." She murmured softly.

Uncurling his fingers Kiev tossed what remained of his cigarette aside. Annoyed by her false answer Kiev leaned forward, placing his forearms on either side of the maroon colored leather chair he decided he'd had enough of Olivia's pathetic attempt at receiving some sort of sympathy. She knew what she was getting into from the beginning, she was no victim.

"Save it for your therapist." He said dryly. "Either tell me what you're really here for or get out of my club."

Sucking her bottom lip between her teeth she lowered her head. "I need more. With everything going on I need something to calm-"

"Enough." He interrupted in a clipped tone. Dipping his right hand into his suit pocket Kiev tossed the small baggie onto the table, watching as it slid to a halt just inches in front of the edge.

Olivia's caramel eyes widened, swiping the baggie off the counter she cradled it to her chest as she brought her gaze up to meet his annoyed expression. "I know you said not to come by for it but I just really needed more."

"I don't fücking care." Kiev hissed darkly. "As long as you keep your end of the deal I could care less if you bathed in it."

"O-of course I w-w-will." She stuttered intending she would keep her end of the deal.

Nodding curtly Kiev turned his gaze to the two redheads shuffling awkwardly on the stage. He wasn't proud of his outburst towards his girls and their fearful expression didn't make him feel any better. Glancing down at his pale hands Kiev sighed realizing he needed another recharge. The realization caused him to frown as that same ache began its rhythmic throbbing, almost like a second heartbeat. The same ache that caused him to have to feed more often and made feeding unappealing.

The truth that had darkened his thoughts earlier reared its ugly head forcing Kiev to accept the fact that this would be his new life. He might as well get accustomed to it.

"Ladies." He called out causing both woman to freeze as his attention turned to them.

"S-sir?" They spoke in unison with the same underlying fear in their tone.

Despite the heavy blanket of sadness that fell over him Kiev flashed them a devilish grin. "Why don't you both take a seat here." He spoke in a deep tone hoping it sounded as seductive.

The corners of their lips tweaked upwards. Clasping hands they proceeded down the short stairs and sashayed across the marble floor. With a soft giggle each girl sat on his leg, their hands settling flirtatiously over his shoulder and chest. The dull ache intensified, its pounding not going unnoticed as one of the girls leaned forward and kissed his jaw.

"Eating on the job, brother?"

Kiev's shoulders tensed at the sound of Yuri's voice. With a sly grin on his face Kiev's elder brother stood before him. Ditching the robes of the councilmen Yuri was dressed in dark blue jeans and matching polo shirt. His dark dreadlocks were pulled into a low ponytail. His causal attire indicated this wasn't a council matter but rather a personal one.

"I like to enjoy the fruit of my labor." Kiev grinned wickedly.

  Yuri chuckled his dark eyes narrowing on Olivia's trembling form. "Where are you're manners? You've left one out of the fun."

  Olivia cowered in her seat, drawing into herself as her eyes set downwards. As he watched Olivia quite literally gave in to her fear Kiev thought of Harper. With her stubborn chin and fearless façade the damn woman wouldn't have cowered under Yuri's predator like gaze. A ghost like smile spread across his lips at the mere thought of the ex-huntress standing proudly as she fought both brothers off, her shoulder back, eyes narrowed and that chin jolting up in defiance. Hell the woman shoved a heel in Yuri's eye in their last encounter and damn was he proud of her.

   Olivia and Harper were like day and night. While Harper fought him tooth and nail Olivia bent at the first sign of aggression. Harper's stubbornness was something he admired about the crazy woman, her strength and bravery at the face of danger. Her love for her sister had forced her into this position, her loyalty to her family despite their obvious efforts of distancing themselves from her. She was nothing like them, not her family or any other creatures in their world. She didn't crave power or fame or any glory.

"What do you say darling?"

  Yuri's flirtatious tone pierced through his thoughts like a hot blade. With his full attention back to the present Kiev turned to see Yuri running a hand across Olivia's trembling shoulders. His jaw tightened at the paleness of her face, her eyes widening with pure terror as Yuri leaned his body against her. Olivia's discomfort and reluctance oozed out into the room, the emotions filling his mouth with a bitterness that had his mouth puckering.

"I don't want to." Olivia mumbled, her voice so low Kiev could hardly catch her words.

"I'll be fun I promise." Yuri chuckled as he twirled her hair around his index finger.

  Although he wasn't particularly fond of Olivia, he despised the girl if he was being honest. She was selfish, self entered and had all the qualities he loathed in humans but she was a being who had the right to say no.

  With a flick of his wrist Kiev watched as Yuri flew through the air and smashed into the far wall with a loud thud. Nudging the two women off of his lap he made his way over to Olivia and extended out his hand. Her fingers curled around his as if she was drowning in the ocean and he was her only life line. Pulling her up to her feet Kiev motioned for the two dancers to step forward.

"Ladies can you escort her out safely." Kiev spoke the words as a command rather than a question.

  One of the girls nodded and reached for Olivia's arm while the other bit her lip, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks. "What about your needs sir?" She asked timidly.

"I'll find you later." Kiev replied with a crooked smile with no intention of fulfilling his promise. If he was being honest he had enough of the club for one day.

  The dancer blushed once more and gave a small nod. Looping her arm with Olivia's she and her partner ushered Olivia out of the room. Kiev could hear one of his girls comforting Olivia as they went through the heavy velvet curtains that separated this room from the rest of the club.

  His smile was wiped clean off as Yuri's laughter filled the room. Turning to face his brother Kiev stalked towards him with a scowl.

"No cöck blocking." Yuri cackled darkly.

  Shoving his head roughly against the wall Kiev flexed his fingers and watched as Yuri's expression changed. A frown marring his lips, his eyes bulging as a pressure settled across his throat.

"She's under my protection, which means she's off limits." Kiev growled as he tightened his fingers into a fist causing Yuri to gasp as his source of oxygen was blocked.

"Got it." He wheezed as his hands clawed at his throats in an attempt to loosen Kiev's grip but all that met his searching hands was air.

A snarl tore from Kiev's throat, his upper lip curling above his teeth. Anger coiled inside of Kiev when his gaze swept over his brother's face, his gaze narrowing on the tiny pink scar below his brow reminding Kiev of Yuri's last encounter with Harper. An image of Harper's wounded body flashed in his mind, her face sunken with exhaustion.

  Kiev wasn't sure if the image he saw in his mind was of Harper's body after Yuri attacked her or after his nearly too close attempt at killing her. It didn't matter in that moment as he clenched his fingers into a fist making any hope of breathing near impossible. A shroud of darkness fell over him like a cloak, embracing his angry form in his powerful arms. The emotions from the past week oozed to the surface; anger, guilt, concern, longing, self loathing. The emotions boiled within him for days, eating away at his insides, occupying his thoughts. He hated just how much he cared. Despised how he longed to see her. Loathed the part of him that felt an ounce of guilt and shame for his actions. His hand was forced for fücks sake! No one seemed to notice what he was juggling, millions of lives, his family's legacy, his heart!

  The Hunters were quite literally plucking them out one by one. First his parents and now their queen. These monsters had to be stopped and this was the only way. Even as he repeated the words over and over again it did nothing to lessen his guilt. He was bring her into this blood bath! He couldn't promise to keep her safe! Not when so many dangers lurked around them. So many fücking would be situations that could cause her pain or worse.

  What could be worse than you?

He couldn't just release her either. It would. A use too much speculation and attract unwanted, not to mention dangerous people to seek Harper out. Either way he was putting Harper in a position were she could be hurt. The realization dawned on him the day after he left her bedside when he attempted in vain to find an exit plan for the fiery woman but found no solid, fool proof plan that would ensure her safety. Which ever way he shifted certain events and removed specific people he drew the same conclusion, Harper standing before the witch's council as a pawn in yet another scheme. The witches spared her once because she was a child but to return before them in the same position wouldn't be seen as a coincidence. The witches would show no restraint as they use Harper as an example of their seriousness in the matter of manipulating the laws of their worlds. That's if the Hunter's council didn't get her first.

Isn't that what you intended all along? For her to die and your people's future cleared and secured with the King and Queen back on the throne?

Things have changed since when he first concocted his plan. Now his goal would be to restore peace to his kingdom, serve justice to the demons who have been victimized by the Hunters' while making sure Harper was killed in the process. These thoughts have been haunting him every second of everyday. How could he keep his soulmate alive after dragging her into this firestorms? How could he risk losing one half of himself by serving his kingdom? One the other hand how could he save her a betray his people, his brother? Every one of his citizens had faith in him to tighten the wrongs that were dealt to them. His brother Cade begged him on his knees to bring back his love. How could he betray his King -his brother? He felt as if his brain was being torn in half, his heart ripped out of his chest as he realized he would have to choose. Choose between his duty as the heir to the throne and his natural instincts to mark and protect his other half.

   With a howl of frustration Kiev thrust his hand outward. A spine tingling crunch resonated in the room followed by a grunt. Giving into his frustrations wasn't a luxury he could afford at the moment and he sure couldn't have an investigation opened by the witches about the death of a council member. If what he had planned would have any chance of working he had to keep Yuri alive, for now.

   His shadows hissed in protest as he ordered them to loosen their hold on Yuri and retreat. With an uneven gasp Yuri dropped to the floor on his knees with a loud thud. His hand rubbing at his throat as he wheezed and gasped for air.

   Clenching and unclenching his fists at his sides Kiev forced his mind to slow down its erratic thoughts, reel in his wayward emotions. Recklessness was a luxury he couldn't afford. Ordering the shadows to return to their slumber Kiev squared his shoulder, he couldn't not show his inner turmoil. Emotions was a weakness in his world especially in front of a cunning and power hunger being such as Yuri. With that thought and a calming breath Kiev shoved the troubling thoughts aside for later and slipped an impassive mask over his features, successfully concealing any true emotions.

"Should I call the girls back? You seem dissatisfied and disoriented brother." Yuri coughed, his gaze narrowing as he stood on to his feet.

Flashing him a dazzling smile Kiev sauntered forward and slapped his hand on his elder brother's shoulder. His keen observation skills catching Yuri's slight flinch by his touch. "I'm fine, but I do appreciate your concern. Really it touches my heart." Kiev mocked hoping to seem his normal self.

Grunting in response Yuri lowered his hand from his throat, a deep scowl on his face. "I could care less about you're health you halfwit. Although your appearance does resemble that of....."

Sensing his brother's wondering thoughts Kiev slapped his shoulder roughly. "Don't hold a grudge Yuri, you know I hate sharing."

"The Grant girl is yours?" Yuri questioned, quirking a single brow in curiosity.

"I never give without acquiring something in return." He chuckled flatly.

Yuri's brows pulled together. "So you have both sisters in a contract?"

Careful not slip any actual information out Kiev tossed his head back and laughed in the hopes of giving the impression that he didn't care about Harper when in reality she was becoming a large part of him. For her safety no one could know that she was his walking, talking self destruction button. He was the last full bred demon with many loyal subjects as well and dangerous enemies who would see Harper as a means to an end.

"Is it a contract when they give it to you willingly?" Kiev sneered obnoxiously.

  Flashing him a false smile Yuri shrugged his hand away, his body stiffening as he attempted to keep the happy persona up. "Well now I know why you haven't been moving forward with any plans."

  Kiev's entire body grew ridged at the mention of his lack of work as of late. For days he has been avoiding returning to his plan because he had no solution, no way around Harper's inevitable end in all of this. He would lose her and the possibility shook him to his core.

"Something has come up."

"Something always comes up, so what?" Yuri chuckled.

  A muscle in his jaw ticked. "I want things to cool down before we move forward."

"Of course." Yuri shook his head. "Ever the thinker little brother."

  With his shoulders stiffer than a floor board Kiev started toward the chair he had been occupying only moments ago and grabbed his drink off the table. Tossing back the scotch Kiev slammed the glass cup harder than he had intended.

"I know you didn't come here for a friendly visit, so what do you want?" Kiev countered stiffly.

Shrugging his shoulders carelessly Yuri stalked towards the stage, his hand outstretched towards the many adjourning lights outlining it with faux fascination. His almost relaxed exterior caused warning bells to ring in Kiev's head. Yuri has always wanted the throne for himself, believing that as the first born son of Dimitri gave him the right to rule their people. But as demon law states the heir would be the child of two mates, no matter when said child is born. To say Yuri was angry by that law would be an understatement. Especially when Kiev rejected his born right and handed the kingdom to Cade, the second born son.

For decades Yuri has tried time and time again to regain his position as king and time and time again he failed. Now was different though. Their king was weak, the kingdom vulnerable to attacks by rivaling siblings of the late king.

"It's come to my attention that the eldest grant girl has suddenly disappeared. Her scent has nearly been wiped away from the streets as if she doesn't exists."

  Curling his hands into a fist Kiev felt his inner demon clawing below the surface, itching to defend what was his. Instead of succumbing to his animalistic desire Kiev turned to face his brother fully, carefully keeping his expression impassive. "If you're indicating that I've gone rogue and killed her..."

  Yuri laughed, the sound deep and filled with malice. "On the contrary your highness, I think you're protecting her."

  Stunned by the comment Kiev felt his mask slip off for just a nanosecond before he schooled his expression but the brief slip up -as short as it was- caused a sly grin to stretch across Yuri's face.

"Why would I do that?" Kiev snorted.

Turning his back to the stage Yuri gave a lazy shrug of his shoulders. "Maybe you've gone soft  or maybe you've found yourself entranced by the girl."

A harsh bark of laughter echoed in the room as Kiev hoped to keep this charade up. The last person he would want discovering his connection with Harper would be Yuri.

"Really?" Kiev questioned with a lift of a single brow. "Have you become this desperate Yuri to accuse me of such frivolous fairytales? I am and have always been focused on the plan to restore peace to our people and for the sole reason that you are a council member I will not rip your tongue from your mouth for insinuating such nonsense."

  Despite his best efforts to keep his playful smile on display Kiev saw the flash of fear in his brother's eyes. Kiev made a silent vow that when he could attack without endangering the plan he would take great pleasure in finally ridding himself from Yuri's presence. Perhaps his siblings needed a reminder of just how much power he had and he could think of no one better to show such an example on than Yuri.

"If your done making a complete fool of yourself Yuri I think you'd better leave before my patience runs out."

"You would risk the Queen for a petty sibling rivalry?" Yuri asked, his eyes rounding with caution.

"It wouldn't be hard to conceal your death until I send word to our troops to skip to the last phase. By nightfall the Queen would be safety by Cade's side and your ashes cold to the touch." Kiev retorted, a gleam of mischief twinkling in his dark gaze as he considered the idea for a moment.

  The only flaw in that would be Harper. She would be fair game to all and any attackers from either side but Yuri didn't know that. His calm and collected façade crumbled as all color drained from his face knowing better than anyone that Kiev would make such a maverick move in a blink of an eye. Well he would have before the recent developments.

"For now I'll let your disrespect go but not for long Yuri. I'd tread carefully if I were you." Kiev warned, knowing it wouldn't matter if Yuri headed his warning or not.

"Of course." Yuri forced the words out through clenched teeth. "My apologies, your highness." He added knowing just how much Kiev loathed the title.

"Leave before I hang you in the lobby for all to see and keep your nose out of my affairs."

  With a stiff nod of acknowledgement and a mocking bow Yuri vanished in a mist of smoke. Running a rough hand over his face Kiev knew he had to act fast before anyone caught wind of his recent discovery. He would have more than just Yuri to worry about, the entire supernatural world would go after Harper. As one of the strongest creatures in the world he posed a threat to all other races and if he was honest he had made many enemies on his own.

   A heaviness settled over him as the same fear plagued his mind. How could he protect her when he had no inkling on just where to start?

If she was officially marked as his mate that would give her immunity to some of the crimes she's been involved in.

  The thought had entered his mind before but that action held dangers in its own. The first being that the Hunters would make it their mission to kill -what they considered- the traitor. A cold shudder skittered down his spine as an image of Harper torn open like Catherine was all those decades ago flashed in his mind. Not to mention the possibility that his own people might now accept her and where would that leave Harper? In the midst of two feuding races with no guarantee of safety from either side.

   It was clear to him that their would be no future for them.

  Sighing he cursed his luck for discovering such an important aspect of himself during one of the messiest points of his life. He had to go back to the drawing board and figure how to go forward from here. Doing nothing was not an option and neither was taking time off. He had responsibilities one of them being this club which he has neglected as well.

   Reluctantly Kiev made his way through the heavy velvety curtains of the VIP room and towards his office in the back to check on how the club was fairing as well as the others around the world. These feeding clubs were his legacy and not too long ago his only love.

  He snorted, if only things have stayed that simple.

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

Hey guys. Lots has happened in the past few weeks that has kept me from writing. As you guys know I have had some personal problems, my grandma has been sick and ten days ago stopped breathing. After rushing her to the hospitals and a night of fear she was fine and released with a warning from directors that she is very sick and should be kept comfortable and spend time with her loved ones. It's hard though because I can't go be with her and she doesn't seem to be getting better.

  She literally the person who made me who I am today and to be unable to be with her is just heartbreaking. I'm jut praying for her to forgive me for being unable to be with her and for a painless departure from this chaotic world.

  Please pray for her and thank you all for your continuous support of me and my stories. Please don't let this information dampen the story I just want to explain myself.

  As always I love your comments and theories so don't be shy😊