Kierra

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. 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.

I stop at Gary's office to see if he's done with his tantrum. He's not in his cube. Dammit. Going out to Ms. Granite, she refuses to look me in the face, her eyes swimming.

"Hey Chickie, can you pull up my contract for me? I know I have a copy somewhere at home, but I have no idea where."

The name I call her isn't derogatory, just an endearment type thing I use for the females I know. I've called her it before, so she knows I'm not calling her something awful. She nods and starts clacking away at her computer.

I hold my hand out for Bastion, wanting to keep him close. I know I'd asked before, but I need to ask again just to be sure. Just not here. He comes over immediately, curiosity in his face. I mouth to him 'later' and he nods.

"Here it is, would you like a printout?"

"Yes, please."

See? I can be nice. I may not understand why she's bending over for that man, but that's her business. Seriously hope she washed up though, the only thing my nose is detecting is a heavy amount of perfume. Actually having a hard time from wrinkling my nose.

"Here you go. Kierra? Can you keep what you saw to yourself? I need this job. I have so many school bi..."

"You're fine Hun. I really don't envy you though. I hope you're using protection since it would seem if there was a condom, he lost it somewhere."

I wave my pinky at her. Her face brightens with a smile and laughter. Still tinged red with her blushing, but at least it doesn't look like she's about to start bawling now.

"Where is he anyway? He wasn't in his office when I came back from talking with Benji."

I seriously hope she isn't bumping uglies with him too, that would really lower my view of him.

"Out front smoking."

"Oh, of course. No wonder he was doing all that wheezing."

She giggles while handing me my contract. Legit, actual giggles. Sweet Jeebus.

I read over it quickly. I'm indeed only under contract for three books, any more and a new contract needs to be written up. That sneaky rat.

I'm scowling down at the paper when Benjamin pokes his head carefully around the corner. My eyes flick to the all-glass front windows then to him with a raised brow. Do undead these days have issues with sunlight? I never asked.

He grins and winks at me, acting as if nothing had happened.

"You forgot to give me a way to contact you so I can get you that information."

"I didn't forget, I was going to leave it here with Ms. Granite."

I sound a little abrupt, both Bastion and receptionist look at me curiously. She knows that we're friends and that I joke around with him each time I come in, so hearing me be curt with the man is gossip-worthy. Ignoring all three of them, I pull a pen from the cup on the little ledge and write down my cell number.

Writing it on a piece I tear off my contract, three sets of eyes look at me in surprise. Whatever. Come to think of it, I don't know why he didn't just grab my number from my file. My own eyes flick over to him as I ask that very question.

"Wasn't sure if you had your number changed since Gary had so much trouble getting a hold of you. I understand now why he couldn't. I am sorry Kierra, I hope everything works out. I will have that info to you as soon as I get it."

I shrug as I level my gaze with his.

"It either will, or I'll be dead soon. So if you can't reach me in a couple weeks, you'll know why."

Ms. Granite looks startled, unsure if I'm joking or being serious. I smile at her as if everything is a-OK. She smiles back, totally oblivious to the fact a Vampire is standing right next to her and a Werewolf in front. Must be nice to not have knowledge that could kill you. I give her a small wave and head out.