Kierra

Only problem is I can't tell if it's from his height or by his looks. Over six and a half feet, long hair, or amber eyes, pick one. The seeming mop on his head is sticking up everywhere at the moment but leads down his spine in the back.

Has a literal mane even in his human form, it just isn't attached to his back. Doesn't have a bad body either, but I'm gonna keep that to myself. Right now he has on his low cut jeans with his shirt in his hands instead of on his back.

Think that was on purpose from the look on his face as he looks at Ava who's currently gawking at him. The hard cut eight pack going down his middle is what catches her eye. Watching her, I smile behind my raised cup as her gaze trails down tanned skin to the dark-colored trail that leads from his belly button to disappear into the jeans.

Think that's the only reason he got those. A reason, or excuse, to flirt and get attention. His lopsided grin as he looks at the seemingly dazed female is just asking for trouble.

"Ava, you can pull back your tongue, think you're embarrassing poor Lily."

That gets her to blink several times before she directs her eyes to me, her brows raised as she gives me a grin. I know that look. She highly approves. Scrunching my nose up at her, I scoff.

Think she's totally forgotten that he was sent to kill me, but it's all good. Walking barefoot into the area between the living room and kitchen, he finally puts the shirt on. Now that his flirting is done, he looks serious.

"I should have mentioned it right away, but I had to be sure of the others here first and give my contact time to set up his end. For that, I apologize, but it's good your friend is here."

I put my glass on the table slowly, green eyes watching him closely as my heart stutters then pounds. That antsiness picks up hardcore now and I can hear Lily playing on the couch, but my focus is on the Were in front of me.

"Last night after I left for my run, I'd been roaming for a while when I caught the scent of the one who had given me the contract for your life."

My body jerks, breath escaping as I get a flash of being on the ground with a monster over me, its face buried in my flesh. The shaking starts immediately. Closing my eyes, I push it away and breathe. From the sounds of it, I may be able to get even.

"I followed him. He never caught a whiff of me, so he went straight to a place that I didn't think would be here. Well, there, rather."

He's driving me nuts with his constant stopping to breathe. He can breathe later. Laughter fills my head from Asher, but he's engrossed as well.

"I was led through a preserve about twenty miles from here, the establishment in the middle of it is where he went. Went right in with no problem, so I'm guessing that's also where his Vampire is as well. There was a lion Shifter outside so I started talking to him."

A lion? I glance over at Ava who just shrugs. When he first mentioned a preserve, the place I'd woken had popped into my head. If it does turn out to be there, I think I'll cry.

"He confirmed what the place was. It's a brothel that doubles as a safe-house and has flesh auctions. After describing your sister to him, his demeanor changed. He wouldn't say anything more to me till I said I was asking for you."

A brothel? Flesh auctions? Where the fuck have they taken my sister? My skin starts going hot while my breathing quickens. Asher comes over from the couch and stands next to me.

"I know of this place, run by a real hardcore woman. Vampire. Even she has to follow the Vampire laws, but I've heard she's always toeing the line with their leader. She's a favorite of his or something."

Not exactly comforting, whatsoever, but him knowing the place and where it's at kinda is. I motion for Xavier to continue, breathing still wonky, but I need to know.

"Mentioning that her sister is looking for her got him to talk to me. Telling him who you are, really got his attention. He said he'd had a feeling that she was connected to the Silver in some way. Right away he told me she's alive and relatively well."

I almost fall with that news, the combination of both Ava and Asher keep me on my feet. I knew she was alive, I can feel it, but being told she is, is so much better in some way. An out-loud confirmation is always better.

Xavier comes closer to the table, his face telling me that bad news is coming. Bastion has also come over, looking worried and wringing his hands.

"He told me, that even before he learned who she might be, he'd offered her his protection. Lions take that very seriously. Said she's been quite the troublemaker."

Sounds like her. You get that girl riled enough and she can go on rampages.

"But that's also the reason she has caught the Mistress's eye. He says the woman has mellowed out a lot over the last few years, but she's still known to torture first then ask questions later. He said he gets the feeling that she can present some danger to your sister, but not as much as others are becoming."

That's not confusing at all. I'm steady on my feet once again, but they all still stay close as they listen intently as well.

"There's a very, very old prophecy among the Vampires. Only some of the older ones even know of it. Or at least originally until rumors started to spread. He didn't want to mention what it was there, since saying such so close to your sister could put her in much more danger. Just from the rumors going around, she only has a limited amount of time left there."

This animal is going to give me a heart attack if I don't jump over the table at him first.

"He said he can't interfere, but he will help where he can. We made plans for you to come get her today. He had to get a different vehicle for us to leave in since your jeep will not be a good idea. Your sister...she's a Vampire now."

I nod, already having figured that much out myself since I went through some of it with her. Had caused her to try to eat through the Vampire who'd taken her. I had broken the connection so my thoughts couldn't make things worse, but that also means I missed what had happened to her after that. Xavier was looking at me nervously, but keeps going when I don't freak out.

"So the sunlight will be very bad. The Shifter, whose name is Orion, will have a van and blankets waiting for us to leave in. He warns though that Nicolaus is very possessive of her and will not let her go easily if at all. He will cause trouble for you getting her out of there, he will not let her go without a fight."

I look at Xavier and laugh. That mocking laugh that tends to be low and kind of creepy. He gives me a worried look then tenses when he sees my grin.

"I look forward to his creating trouble, just gives all the more reason to be able to kill him. Your Orion may not be able to interfere, but she is my blood, I can fucking interfere in anything I damned well please when it comes to her."

The maned wolf nods, but I think it's more or less just to placate me. He continues though, even as I run my hands through my hair, itching for action and bloodshed.

"The suggestion was given that you bring help and make a show of force. Not necessarily for fighting, but so no one will try to come up behind you. Your sister has become a favorite to the people there."

My deep growl has him backing up with his hands raised before he amends his words.

"Not in that way. She's become a friend to the slaves there. Just about each one with an inner animal will try to protect her, but they're all submissive and will only be able to do so much. Your sister has shed blood for them, they respect that."

Eyes flare yellow when he mentions her having to bleed for others, it sparks my rage as nothing else could. I can feel my teeth lengthen and claws push through. My grip on the table makes the wood creak as thick, black claws start tearing into it, cutting grooves into the surface.

"Slaves in a brothel have respect for her because she's bled for them and they've done nothing for her? And they want to keep her? They're just as bad as anyone else there."

My voice is low and gravely as I speak through vocal cords that are trying to change. My skin crawls with flowing fur rising then falling into nothing as it creates waves over my body. Xavier shrugs, also looking unhappy.

"There'll be a great many Vampires there, they're not allowed to interfere either, but if they see a chance to kill either of you, they'll take it. Both of you have become high profile targets for those that don't want their world to change. Orion warned of a small faction there that have been creating problems for her on purpose, attempts at trying to kill her have already been made."

The wood of the table creaks louder, so I let go. Putting my hands on it instead as I lean into it. I scowl at Xavier as he smiles.

"Seems she's a lot like you. He was surprised that, 'such a small thing can create so much trouble', is how he put it. Each attempt at her has failed, and quite terribly. Orion said that she makes quite a mess of those who go after her. One Vamp had lost half his face, another his life, and she takes great pleasure in tormenting a female Vampire and the wolf that also belongs to Nicolaus."

Now that I understand his smile, I don't have an urge to hurt him. In fact, my heart lightens at his words. Granted I'm a little surprised as well, she's usually the calm, nice one. They must have really gotten to her. My smile just won't quit.

"Half a man's face, huh? Good for her. I'll take the other half for her. Just point him out for me and I'll take it from there."

My body is singing so loud that I feel I could take on the whole place. I know I can't, but that doesn't stop the euphoria of thinking I can. Moving away from them all, my boots are grabbed and pulled on. Now I know why I had the need to call Ava.

"Ava, can you stay here with Bastion for me?"

He bursts out that he can help as Xavier puts on his boots as well. I shake my head at him, trying to give him a comforting smile. Don't think it quite comes out that way though.

"I need you here Lil' Imp, where I know you're safe. You have helped me so much already, but this you have to sit out on. I have no idea what we'll be walking in on."

My face feels warm as my blood flows hot and full of adrenaline. Can see Xavier strapping various blades on his person, his gun is still in the jeep, I think. As I stand, a boy comes running at me, wrapping his arms around me as his eyes fill with tears.

While mine go around him, I motion to Xavier to get the notebook off the fridge for me and give it to Ava. Bastion doesn't know about it and I'd rather it stay that way for now. When she opens it, her face pales and closes it quickly, looking at me with her head shaking.

Seeking for the pathway in my head, I whisper to her that it's just in case. Eyes widen at my voice in her head, able to do so without having to be in wolf form to do it. Let's hear it for Silver Wolf mojo.

She still isn't happy with me, and neither is Asher and Xavier, but I'd rather be prepared.

"Are you coming with, Asher? Your choice."

He nods to me, him and Xavier heading out the door. Crouching down, I hug Bastion closer. The tears wetting my face make me feel guilty, but I was going to be on this path whether he was in my life or not.

"I have to do this Bastion, you know that. Please don't cry, I need you strong for me. Things will only get more difficult after this and I'll need you ready to kick ass with me, but for this one, I need you here."

He nods while pulling away, trying to slow his tears. Lily pads up next to me curiously, so I ruffle her ears. I whisper in her head to take care of him for me till I return. Her purring is my response.

Kissing his forehead, I stand, looking over to Ava. She's angry with me. Over the notebook yes, but also because I'm not including her in this.

"I need you here Chicky, for when we all return. Need a strong female so the guys don't try to take over."

I give her a weak smile and turn, leaving before my eyes start up. The last thing I need is blurry vision while driving. Snagging my phone just before I go out, my wallet gets left behind, wouldn't do for it to get lost where I'm going. Talk about no end of trouble. Xavier claims the front seat next to me while Asher gets the back.

The blanket from the couch is on the lap next to me. I didn't even see him grab it.

"If neither of you wants to help me with this, now is the time to tell me."