Dusk. The favorite time of the day for creatures that called the night their own. Printing out the latest reports from the city, Craig looked them over, noticing that there seemed to be a few more creatures than usual hanging around a downtown city block. Taking a look at the updated version of the map, he matched it up with a new nightclub that had opened a few weeks previously.1
New places were always an attraction to Daimons, since they didn’t need an invitation to enter, and there were always fresh faces to pick from. Checking out the description of the club, he sighed and decided to let Dom know. 2
“Car fixed?”3
Craig jumped and spun at the voice that came from directly behind him. “Fuck!”4
Dom returned his scared gaze evenly, with just the tiniest bit of a smirk on his lips. Sneaking up on Squires was an age-old tradition that he liked to do from time to time, especially when one was engrossed in something like Craig had been.5
“Car fixed?” he asked again.6
“Tinted window will be in by tomorrow night, and don’t do that again.”7
“Do what?” Dom asked innocently. “Punch the window, or scare the shit out of you?”8
“Both.”9
“I make no promises.” He held his hand out for the paper and took it. “What’re all the dots for?”10
“Those indicate Demon activity or sightings.”11
Rolling his eyes, Dom gave a small glare. “And…?”12
“That new nightclub,” came the reply. “Sort of a heavy-metal gothic biker bar.”13
“Prime choice for Daimons,” Dom said with a sigh. “Anyone claim it yet?”14
“Kirstov wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like that,” Craig said, listing off the other Dark-Hunters in the area. “Sabine gave it a go last night, and got hit on too many times to be inconspicuous. Got a few Daimons, though. And it’s too far out of both Drew and Lind’s patrol areas.” 15
“So that leaves me.”16
“I know you’re heartbroken over having to visit such a place.”17
Snorting at the sarcasm in Craig’s words, Dom slipped his sunglasses on and headed to the kitchen for his breakfast. “I’ll survive,” he said. “Set up the board.”18
Craig placed the papers on the small desk behind the couch and went to the table that sat in a window alcove that looked out on to the swimming pool and basketball court. Quickly setting up the pieces on the chessboard, he wandered away, knowing that Dom would be at least twenty minutes eating his breakfast while reading the newspaper. 19
Taking that time to go through the house’s inventory on his Blackberry, Craig made small notes on what to order and what to have repaired or checked. More than a few of Dom’s weapons had to be sharpened or balanced, and he scheduled a time for that to be done. There were also some weapons that Dom no longer used, and he made note to place them in storage, or ship off to Kell in Dallas, a Dark-Hunter who created most of the weapons used by his brethren.20
Turning, he jumped slightly at the sight of Dom sitting at the chess table, calmly waiting for him. “Stop doing that!” He walked to the table and sat down. “Going to ship some stuff off to Kell. You want anything new?”21
“Couple wrist knives,” he replied as he contemplated his first move. “Retractable. Boot-Toe knife, both left and right. Return the hand claw.”22
“Why?”23
“Hurts when I scratch my ass,” Dom replied seriously. He could feel Craig staring. “Makes my hand sweat, and it’s cumbersome to use at times.” 24
Shaking his head at the playful nature that his boss seemed to have, Craig got down to the task of whipping him in another game of chess. They were silent for most of the game, each not being able to get the upper hand on the other. Dom was trapped a few times, but always managed to bring his King to safety.25
“Melissa thinks you don’t like her.” 26
Dom glanced at Craig, then went back to his study of the chess pieces. “Why?” he finally asked.27
“You were rude, curt and kind of obnoxious with her.”28
“I’m always rude, curt and kind of obnoxious,” Dom said as he reached out to move his pawn. 29
“You’re so frigging civil to anyone you meet that it’s annoying,” Craig said as he responded with a move of his own. “But not to Mel.”30
“You want to know one of the best perks about being a Dark-Hunter?” Dom asked casually as he moved another piece on the board. “That I don’t have to explain my actions to anyone except for Ash.”31
“You’re such a fucking prick at times.” 32
“I know,” Dom agreed. “That’s one of the perks, too.”33
“You also suck at chess,” Craig said as he moved a piece, effectively cutting Dom’s king off. 34
~~~~~~~~~~35
Aiden stood on the patio, looking at the city as the lights started to switch on. Tria had finally tired herself enough to go to sleep and had retired only a few short minutes ago to her condo across the hall. 36
Thinking things through, Aiden wasn’t sure what to do about her suspicions, especially after the earlier conversation with Savitar. She had gone into this with the idea that Ash and Tria would be together forever, but now she questioned that. 37
Before he left that morning, Savitar told her ‘what will be will be and what is meant to happen, will. Don’t second guess your motives, because you did the right thing.’ Now, she wondered if it was the right thing for Ash, or the right thing for Savitar. Sometimes she felt the urge to plant a shoe right on his behind for his secretive nature. 38
Glancing down as her cell phone rang, she picked it up, glanced at the caller display, and lowered it again with a sigh. She didn’t feel like talking to the Regis of her Patria, and hearing the words that she was about to be declared exoristos, which would effectively ban her from her people forever. 39
Family was important to Arcadians, but somehow her refusal to bend to their wishes seemed like the right thing to do. Either that, or her association with her friends was starting to rub off on her and make her want to be a solitary creature like they were. 40
Sighing as her phone rang again, she glanced, then opened it and brought it to her head. “Hey.”41
“Busy?”42
“Not really.” She turned as a figure appeared just behind her on the patio. “Come on over,” she said into the phone, then closed it. “That was fast.”43
“Never lose that sarcasm,” Ash said as he slipped his phone into the black backpack he held in one hand. 44
“Tria’s sleeping.”45
”I know,” he said, taking a step back so she could enter the condo. “I wanted to talk with you.”46
Heading for a coffee, Aiden took her time pouring it before she looked at him again. “What about?”47
For one of the first times in his life, Ash hesitated with uncertainty. He was used to handling things on his own, and making life and death decisions was something that came easy. “Hypothetically here,” he began. “What do you think my decision should be?”48
The coffee cup stopped halfway to her lips and she stared at him in surprise. “Are…are you asking me as Aiden, or as someone involved in this?”49
“Both.”50
Placing the cup on the counter table that divided the kitchen from the living room, she ran her hands over her face. “Your decision should be something you decide, perhaps with Tria’s help, but made not out of obligation to anyone.”51
“Go on,” he said calmly.52
“Your decision needs to be made because you want the outcome, not because someone told you that it has to happen that way.”53
Ash stared at her. “Is there something you’re not telling me?” 54
“I don’t know,” she answered honestly.55
“Aiden, please. This isn’t some decision that I can make lightly. There’s more than just my life and Tria’s life on the line here. If I go with what I truly want, then it could doom every thing and every one.”56
“And if you don’t?”57
“Same thing.”58
“That could be a problem.” Aiden walked around the counter and stood in front of him. “Why do you have to make a decision now?” she asked. “Just…spend time together and see where it goes.”59
“Are you talking about me, or you?”60
Ignoring the comment, Aiden sniffed lightly as she folded her arms over her chest. “Spending time with Tria was something you didn’t plan on lasting long, was it?” She smiled gently as he stared. “Feelings involved in a brief relationship don’t always translate into ‘forever’ when faced with eternity.”61
“Exactly.”62
“Do you love her?”63
“Whoa.” Ash leaned back slightly at the question. “I have to go,” he said instead. “Look…don’t worry about the Patria, okay? A real family is sometimes found where you least expect it.” 64
Aiden’s reply was cut off as he vanished with a small bright glow. Staring at the spot where he had been, she sighed at the turns her life had taken in the past two years.65
~~~~~~~~~~66
Appearing in the shadows outside of a bar in New Orleans, Ash walked around to the front and entered. The two beings he was looking for were inside, more than likely drinking, shooting pool and doing other things most unbecoming for two Greek gods.
Ash snorted in amusement at that thought, since there wasn’t much these gods did that actually measured up to the atrocities others had done. No, the two he had come to see liked hanging around with mortals. Making his way across the floor to a group of men and women dressed in leather, he stopped by a table. 67
A biker with a youthful face sporting a goatee glanced up at him. “Private,” he said to the table, not looking as the others quickly stood and walked away. 68
One woman remained, a blonde beauty that stared at him with humor and interest. “Acheron Parthenopaeus,” she said. “To what do we owe the honor?”69
Pulling a chair out, Ash sat and regarded the man and his wife. “Favor for favor.”70
Eros, the Greek god of Lust and Love smiled. “My favorite words.”71
“Hush, baby,” Psyche, goddess of Soul and Soul Mates said. “Let’s hear it, Ash.”72
“Need you two to talk to someone,” Ash started. “He needs a little nudging in the right direction.”73
“Someone not taking your advice?” Eros asked in mock surprise.74
”Shut it, Cupid,” Ash replied. 75
“It’s Eros,” he said, but knew better than to push it with Ash. “What’s the return favor?”76
“The person owes you the favor.”77
”Come again?”78
“Dominic Olluein.”79
An evil smile spread over Eros’ youthful face. “Oh, it’s a deal.”80
~~~~~~~~~~~81
Wiping off a table, Angie looked around the café, sighing at the sparse clientele. Usually the place was busy this time of night, but everyone was more interested in checking out the newest nightclub that had opened. She could understand the attraction, and wasn’t immune to it herself. Since she had the next two days off from both classes and work, she had made plans with friends to check the place out after her shift. 82
And she knew she needed the distraction. Dom had been in earlier, and had been pleasant enough, but there was something that seemed a little off about him. Not that he didn’t seem that way every time, but tonight was different.
He actually talked to her beyond asking questions about class, and she got the feeling that he was trying to pull her thoughts and attention away from the past few times he had been in. 83
Not really knowing how to take that, she put it on the backburner, willing to think about it at a later date. Moving on to another table, she glanced at the window and waved to her friends as they got out of their car. 84
~~~~~~~~~~~85
Two in morning, and not a demon in sight. 86
Tapping fingers against the seat of his bike in rhythm to the music wafting from the speakers, Dom took one last look at the park across the street then decided to leave. Since rumor had it that Daimons were frequenting a new nightclub in the downtown area, he decided there was no time like the present to check it out. 87
Nightclubs didn’t really hold interest for him since they were teeming with far too many people, but the lure of some music loud enough to make a normal person cringe had its appeal. It didn’t take long to find the club, and he parked far enough away from a group of motorbikes and their owners to make it look like he was indifferent to the fact that he was riding a highly valuable and rare limited edition bike.88
He could feel the music already, the heavy vibes thrumming out every time the door was opened. The place looked a little like it attracted the rougher element in clientele, which suited him just fine. It also looked like the perfect place to spot a few Daimons, which would just about make his night.89
“Dominic!”90
Dom stopped walking and looked to the accented voice. It took him a moment to realize who it was, and he turned to walk away, stopping short when a large man in a leather jacket appeared in front of him. At six foot seven, he was a few inches taller than Dom.91
“Going somewhere?” 92
“Yeah,” Dom replied in a neutral tone. He could hear the woman approaching from behind, and tried not to tense at the expectation of the pain that was to come.93
Eros looked at his wife, Psyche as she smirked at Dom’s back. Usually, Dark-Hunters couldn’t be in the presence of gods, but these two liked to buck the rules and do whatever they wanted. Which may are may not bode well for the Hunter standing between them.94
Last time he had been around the two, Dom had still been hurting from the loss of his family and his death. Insulting the Goddess of Souls and Soul Mates seemed like a good thing at the time, but not so much after a few god bolts to the chest from Eros. It took Ash stepping in to placate Eros enough for Dom to gasp out an apology of sorts. 95
Taking a casual step back, Dom turned so he could see both of them. “Eros, Psyche,” he said with a nod. “To what do I owe the honor?”96
“No insults this time?” Eros asked sarcastically.97
“Getting my ass kicked by Cupid once in a life is more than enough,” Dom said.98
“It’s Eros,” the god replied tersely. “But, on to other things.” 99
“Which would be?”100
“All in good time, my friend.“ His face broke into a smile at the suspicion that sprang from Dom. “Come, drink, shoot pool, ogle hot chicks,” he said, placing a hand on Dom’s arm and turning him towards the night club. “I’ll let you know what I want for sparing your life before.”101
“That was nearly a thousand years ago,” Dom said as he started to walk. “You’re just picking now to call it in?”102
“Yeah,” Eros laughed darkly. “I’m funny like that.”103
~~~~~~~~~~~104
Rolling over in her sleep, Tria’s brain picked up on the sensation that she was being watched. Cracking one eye open, it focused on a figure that was sitting on the floor by the head of the bed, looking at her.105
“Hi,” Ash said, his voice barely above a whisper. 106
“Hey,” she replied as she reached out to touch his face. 107
Ash closed his eyes as her fingers traced his jaw line, the caress beckoning him to lay with her. “How are you?” he said, working to keep himself on the floor.108
“I guess I’m okay,” she said as her hand slowly fell to the bed. “Confused, but okay.”109
I know the feeling. Turning so his body was facing the bed, he placed his folded arms on the side and leaned so his face would be level with hers. “What do you want me to do?”110
Tria’s heart melted at the emotion in his voice, hearing his worry mixed with fear and excitement. “I want you to do what you think is the right thing.”111
“What if it’s not?”112
“Second guessing does not look good on you, Ash. Make the decision, and be willing to accept the consequences.”113
Closing his eyes, he leaned his head so it could rest on the mattress. “I’m willing to accept whatever the outcome is,” he said. “But I don’t think the world is ready for it.” The world would never be ready for him if he turned his back on Artemis, only to find out that he still needed her blood to survive. Knowing the goddess, she would hold it over him, bending him to her will once more, and he doubted he would be able to survive knowing that he sold out Tria for his own needs.114
“How’s Simi?” Tria asked, drawing him out of his thoughts. 115
“She’s good,” he said with a smile. Simi. Another being he had to take into consideration with his decision. Her bonding to him brought her welfare to the front more than his own, and he would do everything to preserve her way of life. Which also brought into question the existence of the others that shared his Atlantean Heaven home. Sighing at the domino effect that his decisions usually had, he leaned back, then stood.116
“Leaving?” 117
“Yes.”118
“Stay,” Tria said, her voice barely a step from being an order.119
“I can’t.”120
“Why not?” Sitting up in bed, she regarded him calmly. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past thirty years, Ash, is that this moment is all we really have. Things change so damn fast that regret is our only true companion, and I’m sick of catering to it.”121
Over the past few months, regret had been his companion, and he was starting to hate it. He missed her, but there was more to it than that. He missed the feeling of being part of something that wasn’t born from necessity, but desire. He missed the freedom that came with knowing that it was him she wanted, and not just his body.122
Lowering himself slowly, he sat on the corner of the bed and studied her face.123
~~~~~~~~~~~124
A quick stop at her apartment to change, and soon the group was on their way to the newest hot spot in the city. Angie grimace as she tried to apply makeup in the backseat while they drove through traffic, and was both surprised and relived when they arrived without her managing to jab a mascara brush into her eye. 125
A lineup was just starting outside, resulting in a short wait before being allowed in. The entire interior of the building was dark, with minimal lighting casting eerie shadows over the features of those present. The music, a strange cross between ancient war drums and dueling electric guitars reverberated across from the stage and straight through her chest. Angie had the strangest feeling that she would be torn apart from the rhythmic sounds, and cringed inward in an attempt to ward it off. 126
“Nice place, huh?!” one of her friends screamed, having to lean in close to be heard. 127
“Unique,” Angie yelled back as she continued to look around. The words that immediately spring to mind were gothic and biker, followed closely by weird. 128
Although she was never one to turn down the opportunity to experience new things, the Goth culture on the college campus was something she never really thought about. Now, looking around her, she was surprised to see that she noticed a couple students here and there, and realized that there were actually more than a few people who looked well over the age she thought Goths would be. To her, the culture was a college thing, and it didn’t occur to her that it spanned generations. As for the bikers, the closest she’d ever gotten was Dom, and she looked at him as more of a rich guy playing biker.129
“Let’s get a table,” her friend yelled, turning to weave through a group of incredibly good looking blonde men that eyed the three of them from head to toe. 130
Walking by curtained off areas, Angie resisted the urge to pull the fabric aside and take a peek. Even though she’d never been in the nightclub before, that didn’t mean she’d never seen private alcoves before. People paid good money for the privilege of being sequestered for their own clandestine little parties.131
The music stopped for a brief second, then started up again, somehow even louder than before. Strobe lights flickered through the area, making everything just that much more surreal.132
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~133
As a rule, Daimons liked to frequent spots where they could pick up an easy soul or two. Tonight was no different. The group of four Daimons eyed the crowd in the nightclub expertly, dividing them into predetermined groups. On one side, there were the wannabe Goths who only dressed the part, but returned to their normal lives during the day. Then came the real Goths that they liked to pick through since the flashing of fangs held great appeal. A lot of ‘Carmellas’, or women interested in being turned into immortal vampires were in both group. Bikers were a little too rough and not easy pickings, so were usually ignored. That left the normal ordinary humans that could be counted on for a snack if all else failed.134
The only problem with a club where more than half the patrons were dressed in black and leather, was that it made it that much harder to spot a hated Dark-Hunter. The staccato lighting effects worked to their advantage, though, since it tended to give Dark-Hunters a hard time, and headaches and more than often resulted in the wearing of sunglasses inside.135
Looking through the club for signs of the Dark-Huntress that had been there the previous evening, and not seeing her, the Daimons relaxed slightly. If timed right, they could work it so that a non-killing snack or two taken in a dark corner wouldn’t raise too much of a fuss. Not that biting would actually turn anyone into a vampire, or even immortal, but the dumb humans that fell for that line didn’t need to know the truth. 136
Since it was a fairly sexual experience, the woman was usually more than willing to follow the handsome blonde outside for a little ‘action’, and end up becoming the main course in a death feast. 137
Already, women in the club had noticed the men, and were making eye contact. Separating himself from the others, one Daimon casually walked towards a rather enticing woman dressed in a tight black dress that showed off her attributes and smooth neck to a desirable level. 138
Setting their sights on three women sitting at a table, the others made their way, chatting to each other to make it look like they had no real destination in mind. Walking past the table, one smiled at a pretty blonde, and getting a smile in return, slowed down long enough to walk behind her. 139
Leaning over, he whispered something, and at a giggled nod, motioned to the other two with him that they had found some nice pickings for the night.140
~~~~~~~~~~~~~141
Not really wanting to be sitting with two Greek gods, Dom virtually radiated distrust as he followed the two through the bar, stopping at a curtain that served as a divider between the club and the booth beyond. 142
“Ah, good thinking. No witnesses.”143
“Just shut up and get in there,” Eros said as he held the curtain to the side.144
Sighing in resignation, Dom took a step up on the dais, then slid into the table, his gaze automatically drawn to the candle that flickered in the middle of the small space.145
Reaching out to douse the flame on the candle that sat on the table, Psyche smiled gently as the aura surrounding Dom settled considerably. She knew he still hated fire, and decided not to put him any more on the defensive than he already was. 146
“Been a long time,” she said.147
“Not long enough,” Dom said evenly. “Not to be rude here, but could we just get to the point here so I can refuse you, get a few god bolts, then go home and collapse into bed.”148
“What does Artemis do?” Eros asked his wife. “Search the earth for the snottiest assholes and then induct them into her army?”149
“Most likely,” she replied, then turned her attention back to Dom. “Do you remember what I told you last time we met?” Psyche asked.150
“Do you remember my reply?” Dom muttered.151
“Do you remember my reply?” Eros asked darkly.152
“Kind of hard to forget three lightening bolts to the chest.” Sarcasm laced through Dom’s words. Last time they met, Psyche had told him that Cathleen hadn’t been his soul mate. Dom called her a bitch, amongst other colorful phrases, and Eros replied with god bolts. “Makes you really appreciate what the god of love is all about.” 153
“Mind your tone, Hunter,” Eros warned. “I could arrange it so you never find love…ever.”154
“Oh,” Dom shot, “that hurts!” Giving them both a glare, he knew he should shut up, but couldn’t. “Why do you, and you,” he said pointing at each, “wake up alone for the next thousand years, and let me know how it feels.”155
“Why you impudent, insignificant bastard,” Eros said, standing. “That’s-“ He stopped as Psyche placed a hand on his.156
“Go get us a beer, hon,” she said calmly. 157
“But he-“158
“Beer,” she said, her voice lowering slightly. “Now, please.”159
Eros glared at Dom as he pulled the curtain to the side and stalked out. Dom ignored him, his attention focused on the unlit candle sitting in the middle of the table. 160
“What’s your problem?” Psyche asked in a hard voice. “Do you miss the feel of god bolt so much that you wanted to experience them again?”161
“Did Ash ask you to talk to me?”162
She blinked at the unexpected question. It never failed to amaze her the way Dark-Hunter’s minds worked. Instead of being afraid or worried about what a Greek god would do to him, he was more concerned and slightly pissed off that Ash actually cared enough to ask someone to talk with him.163
“He may have mentioned it,” she replied vaguely. “When Acheron gets certain ideas, I’ve found it helpful to trust him, since he’s usually right.”164
“Great,” Dom growled in a fake pout. “I’m the charity case of the month.”165
Psyche shook her head at his mood. Reaching out with her abilities, she looked through his aura, seeing things that only a few actually could. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “You’re in love with someone.”166
“What? No.”167
She nodded. “And you’re scared shitless that it’ll end up the same as before.” Sighing, she leaned back into the cushion behind her. “Dominic…it’s been long enough. You need to move on.”168
“So I’ve been told.”169
“No.” She shook her head, sending her blonde hair into a small wave. “You’re not listening to me. You…need…to move on.”170
“I like being a Dark-Hunter.”171
“No you don’t,” Psyche said with a small laugh. “You use is as a shield from the world and from admitting that you need someone in your life. You destroy because it’s less painful than letting someone into that small area that still exists that wants to love.”172
“Much like god bolts, loving the first time was too painful to want to experience again.”173
“And yet you taunt Eros.”174
“Well,” he said with a shrug, “that’s fun.”175
“I agree, but so is finding someone to love.”176
Sullen, Dom continued to stare at the table. “I’m sorry for calling you a bitch the first time,” he said. 177
“I know,” she said. 178
“What’s the favor that I have to repay for Eros not killing me…when I was already dead in the first place.”179
“Irony can be a bitch,” Psyche said as she leaded to the side and pulled the curtain open to admit her husband. “He’s ready to hear it.”180
Eros slipped around behind the table, placed three beer bottles on the surface and regarded Dom coolly. “I can’t believe I’m passing up a good payback for this, but damn it, I am the god of love.” He shook his head in mild annoyance. “For my sparing your life last time, you have to open yourself up to this relationship that you’re desperately trying to avoid, and give it a try.”181
“I’d rather take a god bolt to the head.”182
Eros perked up and looked at Psyche, who shook her head at him. “Oh, come on, hon,” he said. “He gave a great counter-offer.” 183
“I’ll give you a counter-offer,” she warned gently. “Stick with the original plan.”184
Sighing in disappointment, he looked back at Dom. “Sorry, Hunter, it’s gotta be the way I said.”185
“And if I refuse?”186
“You really don’t want to find out the full extent of a pissed off Greek god, do you?”187
“Is that it?” Dom asked. “I’m free to go?”188
“Right after I hear your answer,” Eros said. 189
“Fine.” Dom stood. “But don’t be surprised if you hear me cursing you later.”190
Eros snorted in amusement. “Trust me, I’ve heard it all.”191
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go find Ash and kick his ass, then go kill some Daimons.” Dom pulled the curtain to the side and stepped out. 192
He’d barely taken two steps when he stopped cold, lifting his head slightly as he caught the scent of someone he never expected to be in the club. Angie? Scanning the area, he found her soon enough, sitting at a table with five other people. Fear mixed with anger when he realized that three of them were Daimons.193
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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“Hurts when I scratch my ass,”
I like the conversations between Craig and Dom. Shows friendship, and also that Craig's not afraid to speak his mind at times.
Eros and Psyche... cool. Dom's going to get his ass kicked by some gods... *butt wiggle dance* He's really in love with Angie?
ooohhhh... the plot thickens nicely.
Awww... poor Eros doesn't get to slam someone with a god bolt.
poor baby.
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Nice
I like the appearence of the two Greek Gods. They really have Dom cornered. Also, the cliffhanger ending was really well done. Dom is going to go and save the day, and then try and play it off.
beginning: 4, language: 4, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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