Chapter One

Every move was carefully calculated. The intense burn of ember lit the beast's eyes like beacons in the surrounding dark. A long tongue that was dripping with saliva peeked from the creature's mouth as it eyed me from afar. I steadied my breathing, slowing my heart, and clutching my knife to my side. Not yet.

The beast growled, low and guttural, as it sniffed at the air. It could sense the beading sweat on my brow. Despite my efforts to appear calm, my body was reacting to the electric air and its hungry, appraising eyes. The beast was sizing me up. Calculating each move in which it could easiest take me to the floor.

I was already one step ahead. With the swift flick of my wrist, I threw my first dagger straight into the beast's path. It dodged as I had expected it would. No sooner had it dodged the path of the first had I thrown the second to catch it midair. Letting out a high-pitched scream, the beast fell from its lunge, skidding amongst dirt and fallen branches; it crunched against fall leaves and dry grass until it finally rested. It's low moans filling the night's air with an eerie song.

I watched the deep glow of red fade from it's eyes and the steady puffs of haggard breath leave the beast's body in a slow descent into death.

It wasn't my first encounter with a beast as ill-witted as this one. Groods were not known for their intelligence. Rather, these creatures fed on the fears and flesh of unsuspecting, helpless creatures such as passing humans lost deep within this territory. They used their brute strength and mouths full of sharp fangs to bring down their victims. Not often did they have to follow through with a strategy to kill as the victims often were helpless and even less calculating as they.

I was not such a victim.

I pulled my favorite dagger from the lifeless Grood's body, wiping away the muck and fluid on the fur of the beast before sheathing it at my side. Crouching beside the lifeless body, I inspected it as I often would to see if its belly swelled with evidence of another unlucky soul. The belly was flat with death so I let a sigh escape before retrieving my other weapon of choice.

The wind blew stray hair across my face as I peered through the treetops to the moon glowing beyond. I was most at peace after a fight though I never welcomed creatures such as these within my territory.

I am a Watcher. Humanity has yet to discover the existence of evil within the world. I come from a very small selection of humans with traits and gifts in which aid in the protection of humanity. It has been my life's existence to watch over the very delicate balance of this world. I stay in the shadows and defeat those who seek to prey upon the innocent.

Walking along the pathway with only the sound of my light footsteps as my companion, I returned to base to report on my battle.

"Ah Iris," my master called from within the underground base. "I see you have run into some trouble while you were away."

"Don't I always?"

A smile accompanied a soft chuckle as he closed the large book atop the table he read from. It was sort of a bible for us Watchers. He walked toward me with a small smile and a pat to my shoulder.

"Yes, but you always return."

I felt the twist of my stomach. Not many of us were as seasoned as I. Our job as Watchers was a treacherous one and even the slightest of mistakes could mean your life. Master Yan was well into his seventies and wrinkled beyond his years most likely due to the nature of his job. He was the one to train me when I was brought here some twelve years ago at the age of ten. I had the gift of listening as he called it but those were just fancy words for reading thoughts and images both human and demon alike.

My gift was weakened the more I used it however, so I only used it when it would aid me in important times such as battle and investigation. It took me years to learn how to control it, and I was often scolded for peeking into Master Yan's head most of which was accidental.

"Has Vicky returned?"

"You just missed her," he said returning to the table. "She encountered a Grood outside of the western territory and went in search of more."

"Her too huh?"

His brow rose at my question. "You encountered a Grood as well Iris?"

"Yes, though it hadn't fed from what I gathered."

"Interesting," he said rubbing his peppered beard that grew a breath from his chin. "Their numbers are increasing."

"Do you think..." I trailed off. The last time we had increasing numbers of Groods which were often the hell's beasts and loyal companions to demons, it ended with five of us dead and hundreds of human lives.

"I suspect we should prepare for the worst," he said gazing at me seriously. "Our numbers are low and without adequate preparation, we could be in real trouble if we have a demon within this area."

"I could scout out the territory and see if I can't sense out his thoughts," I offered eagerly.

"It's too dangerous Iris and you know it. If the demon were to scent you out, you would be dead where you stood."

I crossed my arms tightly in front of me. "I am stronger now. I was only fifteen when we last had a demon in our territory."

"You are foolish if you believe yourself able to take a demon and its minion pets by yourself."

I lost my defiance at his scorning eyes. He was right of course. If it were a higher demon type, I wouldn't stand a fighting chance without a proper strategy.

Our compound and territory had ten Watchers as it was a smaller area just outside of Oregon running along the Washington border. Most of the Watchers were trained in these mountains and then sent elsewhere by the council. California was especially overrun with evil types: vampires, incubus, flesh-eaters, and the occasional demon on vacation. The high pocket areas of the populace drew evil like a moth to a flame.

I was one of few that was dispatched to help train the new recruits in this long-standing compound. My ability to survive over the years has earned me a very good standing with the council but I was never interested in the bureaucracy of our group.

From young, I was taught to never make a deal with the devil. Every evil being I encountered would bargain for their lives promising me the thrills of the flesh or wealth beyond my imagination. However, I was easily able to ignore their attempts at wooing me.

After taking no time at all to wash my body of dirt and grime and a quick change of clothing from my watch, I ransacked the refrigerator before heading back out. Dawn painted the gray sky with oranges and pinks that peeked from high trees bare from the whisper of winter.

I gazed at the beauty for seconds before pulling my car keys from my pocket and swinging them absently around my finger.

"Where you headed?"

I smiled as Vicky came bounding towards me. She was the closest thing I had to family as we had begun our training around the same time. Our long-standing rivalry and friendship was my only semblance of what others called a normal life.

I leaned up against the ancient mustang and eyed her thoughtfully. "I was just about to drive into town. Master Yan said you ran into a little trouble last night."

Vicky slid over the front of the car, throwing out her legs to dangle them over it as she came up beside my leaning form. "Yeah, so?"

"Find any more?"

She shrugged with a smirk. "Only two others but what does it matter?"

I sighed heavily at her nonchalance. She was a deadly killer and quick on her feet with the ability to move objects with her mind but in the intellectual-add-two-and-two-and-get-four department, she lacked quite a bit.

"We think this may be the start of something," I said slowly. She watched me for minutes before smiling.

"Sounds like fun."

"No Vic, its not fun." I ran my fingers through my hair with another sigh escaping. "This could be bad. We have to be very careful. You need to make sure to spread word quickly to the others. Master Yan is sure to alert the council to the possibility."

"Alright, alright." She waved her hands about her in surrender. "You're the boss!"

"Thanks Vic. I'll be back in an hour."

"Oh hey," she stopped me as I was about to climb into the driver seat. Her slender form hugged between me and the car door. Long chestnut hair hung over her shoulders in ringlets. Her amber eyes blazed with soft spoken mirth. "I saw a new Watcher in town. He is one of the few high-profile types. Definitely handsome and with a cold stare and demeanor that will melt you on spot, ya know."

"Vic, you need to stop thinking about boys and do your job."

"He asked about you," she said with a smirk. "He said he'd be back by to discuss something with you about a case he's working on."

I saw her eyes watch me playfully. Vicky was always thinking about boys because she was a complete and unrivaled flirt within our ranks. In my experience though, relationships only complicated the job. I wasn't about to let my heart flutter when there were plenty of creatures out there that would expose it as a weakness.

"Does Master Yan know?"

"Master Yan this and Master Yan that. You know what Iris, you just need to let loose one of these days and let that naughty side I know you have in there come out to play for a little bit."

I climbed into the car and closed the door while rolling down the window to return her gaze.

"Some of us take what we do seriously."

"Yeah, and some of us are still very much in need of a good shag to spice up the hell hole we live in day after day." She laughed lightly before giving me a push to my shoulder. "Look Iris, you need to lighten up and uncurl that coil that is tightly wound up your ass. You might find you actually enjoy the thrill of the flesh, ya know."

"No thanks," I said starting the car and waving through the window.

She yelled after me as I pulled out onto the gravel road.

"He's holed up at the Fredrick's Inn! Catch him when you're in town!"

When I pulled into the small grocery store after a twenty minute drive through winding roads down the mountainside, I was warming my arms from the chill of the morning. You would think after my years of patrolling in these parts the bite of the morning wouldn't affect me. Gooseflesh prickled against the cold as I strolled through the door.

"Well good morning little lady!" Boots, an old friend and informant for Master Yan, came from behind the counter to greet me as I entered. "You look tired as hell."

"Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself Boots."

He chuckled as he pulled a package from behind the counter and handed it to me. "My wife knitted Master Yan a sweater over the week before winter hits. Can you give it to the old man for me?"

I gave him a knowing look. His wife was always knitting or cooking something for Master Yan under the impression that he was my grandfather who took care of several homeless youth. It was certainly a good cover for the surrounding folk even though most didn't travel to those parts.

"I'm sure Master Yan will be thrilled to have such a nice, new sweater before winter. Let me guess, she patterned it to help him look slimmer so he can stuff his face for the holidays?"

Boots laughed before continuing, "A gentleman was in here asking around about you little Iris. Says he has business with you. Looked to me like wasn't too happy about it either. Any way, he said he'll be staying at Fredrick's place in room five when you have time. Figured he was probably one of the council by the looks of him."

Intrigued, I rose my eyebrow at him. "What gave you that impression?"

"He wore the crest on his breast pocket, kid. That crest from my experience is only ever on damage control for the council. 'Course, I don't know too much since I'm not officially part of your circle but he did look someone important no less."

"Okay." I would have to see this guy for myself it seems. "Thanks Boots. Can I get the usual and pick it up later after I've visited this guy?"

"No problem. Oh by the way, he said his name was Luke Cross. Thought I would mention it since he already seems to know your name." Boots watched me carefully but soon smiled and gave a wink. "He was definitely a looker that one. Would have fallen for him myself if it weren't for the little wife at home."

"Oh come on, not you too Boots!" I was exasperated by all these flirts. Stalking from the store, I heard him chuckling as I left. The car had almost iced over by the time I came out. Damn it. I forgot to close the window again. Letting out a sigh, I pulled the door open and got into the seat that met me with the icy kiss of winter. Shit that's cold!

My ass was sure to be numb by the time I made it to Fredrick's. I cursed under my breath as I started the car and headed deeper into town. Residential areas popped left and right as I got deeper into the little town of Bemsworth. Recently discovered and populated, Bemsworth Oregon was not on any map in the state and was barely whispered of. Many folk that lived in these parts did it for the seclusion and privacy of the overgrowing population elsewhere.

I pulled up just outside of the weathered house that acted as the only hotel in town. The Fredrick family had started it some five years ago as more and more came to live in the small town. It was more like a bed and breakfast then a hotel though. Can't imagine anyone choosing the place over some hotel chain even at the cost. The white paint on the outside was chipping and in need of a touch up. The windows were fogged over with the cold of the morning.

I sauntered up to the front door and rang the bell. Though it served as an inn of sorts, it was still polite to ask for entry like you would at a normal household.

Anita Fredrick was a slight older woman with one bad eye but the smile of an angel. She answered the door wearing a flower pattern apron, dusted with flour I could only assume since she was both an early bird and a home baker proud of her various pies; concoctions she often told me came to her while she slept.

"Oh dear," she said with a chuckle as she stared, probably at the dark circles under my eyes. "You look like death child."

Seems to be the popular notion today. "Yeah well, I didn't sleep much last night Mrs. Fredrick."

"Oh you, Anita is fine. Mrs. Fredrick makes me feel like an old woman." She smiled a half inch more before letting me walk inside, hustling me over to the fireplace that danced with flames. I warmed my hands over it as she fetched her husband and while she was away upstairs, I turned my backside to it to warm my ice cold ass. Oh that's much better.

Fred Fredrick, and yes his parents did have a strange sense of humor, was a bulky man that stood at six foot one inches that often just had him missing the top of most of these old houses frames. He was just as nice as he was burly. I liked him just as much as I did Boots. He was good to us every time we came into town and had known me since I was brought here as a child.

"Little Iris," he said with a low chuckle. "What honors us with such an early morning visit?"

Ah, shall I be little for the rest of my life to these guys. I sighed and then put on my best smile.

"Heard you had an outsider come stay here. I believe a man that goes by the name Luke Cross?"

"Oh yep," Fred said with a curt nod of his head. "Interesting fellow that one. Cold, silent type but is he a looker!"

"So I've heard." Many, many times.

"Yes, he did mention something about wanting to speak with you." Fred turned towards the stairs and my gaze followed to a man descending them. He was taller than Fred by three inches which was hard to come by, but suited his lean, muscular shape beneath a skin-tight, black long-sleeved shirt and trousers just as black that met with polished, probably expensive loafers.

His face was something entirely different. A strong jaw accompanied a strong as steel gaze that glinted in the dim firelight like icicles in the sun's rays. His skin was a tone darker than mine, though I was fair by all meaning of the word, and his hair a dark brown that only seemed to bring those icy-blue eyes to stand out more than they already did.

I was never once enamored with beauty though I was often told I wasn't too bad myself. Vanity, greed, lust...these all had a way of leading down the path of those creatures I hunted so I strayed as far from them as I could. However, Luke's eyes dazzled me like jewels to a thief.

Someone cleared their throat, and I was pulled away from my trance with a jerk of my head. Luke was standing just opposite of me with his hand outstretched and a steady, inquisitive gaze. No, can't touch. One of the few ways I read thoughts and minds of others was through touch. I hadn't exactly honed that control just yet so to avoid reading his thoughts without permission or my wanting to that is, I shook my head.

"Heard you've been asking around about me," I said with a smile. His eyes were still dazzling me as he pulled his hand away and nodded his head firmly.

"Could we speak more privately?" he said as both Anita and Fred hovered around us, staring with overwhelming curiosity.

"That would probably be wise. We can take my car."

When we stepped out of the Fredrick's place, I could hear the soft whispers of their disappointment. Wouldn't want anyone to overhear any crazy talk now would we. I was followed closely by Luke as I walked to the parked '67 Mustang. Oh my ruby red baby. I had worked hard to convince Master Yan that an old car was a mile better than any of these new models. He still doesn't believe it, but gave in just as well.

I looked up to see Luke gazing at the car. His face was impassive but something danced in his eyes that made me wished I could take a little peek at his thoughts. It was too risky however. He was a seasoned Watcher and could pick up on changes within the mind no doubt.

We slid into the car, and I put it into drive as I took the road back to the compound.

"Would you be needing to speak with Master Yan as well?"

"In time," Luke said shortly. "However my business with you is much more time sensitive. Have you been told by the council of my visit today?"

"Nope," I said as the road graveled out beneath us and we headed up the mountain.

"I assumed as much. I am working on a case that involves your skills to help obtain the individual."

All this jargon was making my head hurt. It all felt way too formal but he didn't strike me as the idle chit-chatter. He was serious about his job in which I highly respected. However, he was curt and unfeeling as he continued.

"I was told by the council that you would be an adequate partner for seeking him out."

Something tells me he wasn't too happy about this suggestion. I turned my head to look over towards him. His face was still as ice cold as his eyes, and he sat with impeccable posture. Stiff much? Vicky's description of him floated into my thoughts, and before I could stop it, I giggled. Oh crap.

Luke turned to me with a curious brow. "I do not remember making a joke. Did you find something humorous in this unbelievably sensitive situation?"

"Sorry," I said coughing out the giggles that bubbled in my throat. "I haven't worked with a partner. I am more of a lone wolf."

"As I Misses Hughes," he said with a slight bite to his words. Definitely didn't like me much now.

"So who are we after or should I say what?"

"He's a higher demon living in San Francisco, California as of recently. He goes by the alias Ben Whitefield. We tracked his movements there for the last two weeks but we lost him somewhere in the past few days. Its not likely for him to disappear into thin air, but he has hidden from our most talented trackers and it is why I am coming to you now. If we do not find him, we fear he may start something that will end with hundreds of human lives."

Everything ended in tragedy. It was just how you looked at it. There was always one or two victims minimum in these types of cases, but most of the council viewed that as necessary loss to save hundreds. I bit back the anger in my belly. A necessary loss.

"Misses Hughes," I heard Luke say before I was drawn out of my thoughts.

"Sorry," I said rubbing my eyes and focusing on the road. "I just got back from a watch early this morning after tracking and killing a Grood."

He watched me silently for minutes before I heard him say more to himself than to me, "Sometimes I miss a good fight with a Grood."

It was the first time his cold exterior had opened to something other than a cold, calculating Watcher. His eyes seemed distant as we continued the drive in silence until I pulled into the the small parking patch just beside the hidden entrance. The house just a bit farther served as living quarters but I had an inkling Master Yan would be in the underground compound studying what he could for the upcoming events we had earlier discussed.

Luke stopped me with his words as I started to open my car door. "We need to leave today and I cannot give a time of your return."

"Yeah, I figured as much. Do you know Master Yan, Luke?" I climbed out of the car, calling to him as he did the same. I headed for the large tree where the staircase hid inside and pressed a notch that opened a passage. Luke was following behind as I started inside and downwards.

"I have known of him. I was not trained under him but I have heard a great deal about him throughout the years and about his protege."

"Protege..." I didn't know Master Yan had a protege. Why had I never heard of this?

"You, Misses Hughes."

I stopped to look over my shoulder at him, showing my obvious disbelief. There was no way I was Master Yan's protege. Don't you think the person in question would have an inkling of this. He shifted his head as if to say to keep going and with a hesitated reluctance to the burning questions at the surface of my thoughts, I continued downward.

We met Master Yan at the door. He was already expecting us it seems. He held a letter in his hand of which I caught brief stray thoughts.

We will manage but do not be gone long. I have a foreboding, Iris.

My eyes went wide for a moment before I managed to keep the surprise from my face. It had been a long time since I had heard his inner voice. It echoed softly in my head.

Trust no one in the council. Luke Cross is the only one who can be trusted.

I looked over to Luke as his name echoed through my thoughts. His eyes were watching me and Master Yan with silent curiosity. Master Yan spoke out and took Luke's hand in a firm shake. I held back the laughter as Luke almost lost all his composure to the five foot two inches old man who shook with a fury in delight.

"Leon tells me a great deal about you Luke," he said smiling and still shaking Luke's hand avidly. I let a little laugh escape because Luke's eyes were wider than a deer's in headlights.

"Ah...is that so?"

"Yes, yes. He talks of you often. Of course, I can see why. My, my are you a handsome boy! What are you...twenty-nine now? Last I saw you you were merely five years old!" Luke looked as if he would shake right off his hinges. So he had been training since he was five years old? He must have abilities that surfaced early in life. I wondered what his abilities he might have before my thoughts were cut off by Master Yan continuing his overzealous monologue.

"You certainly have nice eyes and you're a big sort of man. You use to be skin and bone but most are at the age of five. You have the muscle tone of a body builder...outstanding physique. Of course, you need to be in this business. Never mind that. I have been told of everything from the council and gladly leave my most promising Watcher in your hands. Iris will make a fine partner. In only twelve years, her control of her gifts is almost without flaw as I'm sure you've gathered. She has also strengthened the time in which she can use them though that still needs some work." Master Yan finally released his hold on Luke's captured and certainly tortured hand. I know better than anyone that Master Yan is stronger than he looks.

I smiled as Luke almost jerked his hand away and clutched it at his side. I'm sure his insides are still shaking from the force of the old man's greeting. I headed upstairs as the two discussed the details and packed a few of my choice weapons and attire.

Changing quickly into my all leather, front buckled jacket and pants, I drew my hair back into a tight ponytail, hiding away the slight wave of my brunette locks. I too had blue eyes but not half as blue as Luke's. Mine were rimmed with a slight yellow coloration that would sometimes make them appear green. My skin was fair and freckled along my nose and cheekbones. I wasn't one for wearing make-up but despite my inner protest, I put on a little in face of my new, overly handsome partner.

Shit. I clutched the basin. This was not the time to think of my blue-eyed, stone-cold partner. After this mess was dealt with, we would go our separate ways, and I would return to my life of very little interaction with attractive men. It couldn't come soon enough.

As I threw the pack of my essentials over my shoulder and headed back downstairs, I met with slightly giddy Vicky on her way up.

"Ohmygod," she said stopping me short and holding onto both of my shoulders. "He's even more handsome than I remember. Those eyes...oh and that body. Did you see his ass? It must have been carved from stone!"

"Vic," I said evenly. "You really need to set priorities."

"Okay, so first his ass, then his eyes...then"

I groaned. "Nevermind you perv. I will be gone on a mission. I need you to look out for the place. We still don't know what is in the works out there. Call me if you sense anything troublesome."

"Aye aye captain!"

Not a single professional bone in her body this one. I gave her a short hug before returning downstairs. Luke was leaning against a wall, his arms drawn tightly to his chest, and his unwavering gaze caught mine just as I entered. A chill ran the length of my spine as his eyes captured mine from across the room. I shook it off and walked the distance to stand in front of him.

"Let's go."

He merely nodded before we headed back outside.

The seat belt light turned off overhead and the flight attendant's voice echoed that it was now safe to move about the cabin. I turned my gaze to the sea of earth beneath us. I hate planes. My ears hurt and the enclosed space with uncontrollable thinkers gave me a migraine; something about being fifty thousand feet above the ground and your fate in the hands of a stranger made their thoughts run rampant. I rubbed my temples as I chased away the pounding in my head.

Luke had said nothing the entire way to the airport and had only replied briefly when I inquired about what my part would be once we made it safely in San Francisco. Not much of a talker, but I had already gathered as much. I rubbed my clammy hands against my leather clad thighs. I should have dressed comfortably, but I never know when I'll need to be quick on my feet.

We had people everywhere so our weapons were safely stowed away in our carrier bags. Despite popular belief, creatures from hell did fly and even though they teleported just as easily, they preferred to keep up with their human facade.

Luke had barely moved. I wonder if he ever has bodily functions. In the time we had known each other, which wasn't very long of course, it certainly seemed he didn't. I turned in my seat as I tried to readjust sore limbs. Though the flight was short, I couldn't sleep in this pressurized box.

Luke had his head relaxed back against the headrest and his eyes closed. There was a gentleness to his face as he slept soundly. I guess he does sleep. I watched him though I knew better than to stare. He reminded me of the greek gods I had read in my studies of culture with is overall pristine features. His face almost seemed flawless and it looked soft to touch. I curled my fingers withholding the urge to run the pads of my fingertips across his angular jawline.

Damn it. I huffed as I turned towards the skyline again. I was drooling over him like some love-sick teenager. It was true that until now I had never spent such intimate time with a person of the opposite sex unless you count Master Yan and the few male Watchers we had come train at our complex. I never allowed myself to get close. It was too risky to allow my thoughts to wander. Despite all this, I was wandering to the way his big hands cradled the arm rest and his slightly angled neck that slowly descended to his large shoulders and extremely trimmed pectorals. My gaze couldn't help floundering downwards to his waistline before I once more caught myself and faced forward.

No more, Iris. Its too dangerous to let your eyes wander. This assignment will soon be over and we will both return to our places in the world never to lay our gaze upon each other again.

After we gathered our bags and headed towards the car rental place, I was caught by a stray thought that had me stopping and almost causing a pile up at the doors.

Ben won't be pleased.

I turned my head and my gaze captured a slight man with bleached hair and wandering eyes. His hands were trembling as he clasped them at his chest.

He'll eat me for breakfast. Too many of them in the town. Too many Watchers.

I started towards the man before I was pulled back by a strong grip.

"Where are you going?"

I turned to Luke and opened my mouth to speak before turning back. The man had disappeared.

"Shit," I huffed as I yanked my arm from his grasp. Not before I caught a stray thought however.

She's going to complicate things with her inexperience.

"I am not the one complicating things!" I immediately regretted responding to his inner thought as his eyes narrowed on me.

"You read my thoughts again Misses Hughes, and you will indeed be complicating things."

Okay, bad form Iris. I licked my lips and calmed myself.

"They know we're here," I said under my breath. Luke started walking again, and I took to his side as I continued as nonchalantly as I could. "There was a man watching from over there when we arrived, and I think he is in cahoots with our buddy Ben."

"How are you sure?" Luke didn't falter in his stride, and so I did my best to keep pace with him. He was however looking about as I described the man and his thoughts.

"We will need to be very careful then," Luke finally said as we arrived at the car rental place. He quickly got our car and traveled the short distance to the hotel.

Upon our check-in, I found that we would be staying in one room. To say I was surprised would be putting it mildly.

"Why do we have to share a room?!" I held my anger at bay as Luke pulled out the key and unlocked the door to our room. He walked inside, and I followed despite my obvious anger. Once inside, I threw my luggage to the floor and stared him down even though he towered my five foot seven inches.

"We need to be alert at all hours," Luke said as he settled his things on one of the twin beds. "I cannot be worrying about your welfare in the midst of this investigation. I brought you along because I have use of your abilities. However, you are only here for that reason. You have no experience with tracking high-level demons, and you certainly have no idea how dangerous Ben Whitefield is when he is in a corner."

He had only doused my rage with gasoline. I rounded on him as he settled on the bed. Civility be damned! This guy was seriously underestimating me and pissing me off.

"I don't know how you do things in the council, Luke, but we Watchers work equally and as a team when we are partnered. I am not some tool you use when you see fit, and I am certainly no maiden in distress when the bad guys come out to play. I am a Watcher, same as you, and a damn good one. I have spent years training and building my endurance to fight these things, and I won't have you underestimating my abilities after only knowing me through a folder handed to you and a shitty one-and-a-half hour flight!"

I felt my rage simmer and his cool eyes regarded me at first with nothing but silent regard. Something began to stir within those icy blue depths, and my heart fluttered when a small upturn of the side of his mouth resulted after minutes of my challenging scrutiny.

"I might have underestimated you, I admit." There it was. His small smile almost stopped my heart, and my rage all but dissipated into nothing. If I thought he was beautiful before, nothing compared to how his face glowed when he smiled. Gathering my wits, I turned up my face before gathering up my things and settling them beside my bed. Calm down Iris. He's just some arrogant-two-faced council Watcher with no regard for anyone.

"So since you have so bluntly said you are being underestimated," Luke started as I kept my back to him. "What do you suppose our next move should be after our curious little friend from the airport slipped away from beneath our fingers?"

Retract my previous statement. He is a sarcastic and arrogant-two-faced council Watcher. I turned to him and faced his challenge with a smirk of my own.

"We hit the streets."

From the images I had briefly pulled from the bleached-hair minion earlier, he was a frequent visitor to this night club on south first street. I had dressed down in my best slut attire. We wouldn't need to fight hopefully and we needed to act the part to investigate tonight. I had a low-riding red top on that exposed my sizable cleavage, and a short skirt that hugged all parts of me. My heels were about three inches and I was sure to be regretting them at the end of the night.

Luke trailed behind me having decided on a silver top that hugged his torso like a glove and some faded denim jeans. To say I was doing my best to keep my eyes ahead would be an understatement. Damned eye candy! I couldn't risk being distracted tonight. I would need to be looking into as many minds as I could.

Luke had said hardly anything at all after our little battle of wits earlier. At least he hadn't questioned my suggestion and merely nodded his head in response. After a quick lunch and run to the store for my convincing slut disguise I now regrettably wore, we had to rush to get ready so there was really no time for talking afterward. He had seemed to quietly regard me and walk on ahead after I told him where we would be going. Just as well. I didn't need to be distracted with conversation.

"Hey sweet thang," a man stumbled his way towards me. "You look good enough to eat."

I rolled my eyes and continued walking towards the night club 'Flash' which was already bustling with nightlife. I felt Luke close in behind as the man continued to do his best to follow after me.

"You wanna come play with me for a while baby?"

I was about to give him a piece of my mind when an arm snaked around my waist, and I was pulled tightly into a hard torso. Luke's low baritone sliced through the dark, seemingly to hiss with vehemence.

"She's taken. Scram."

The man's eyes went wide before he almost fell over himself to run away. Well that was kind of fun. I turned towards Luke who was still watching the man as he scurried off into the distance.

"Scum."

"Oh but I thought he seemed like such a nice fellow." I did my best to ignore that Luke's arm still hugged my waistline. The ripple of muscles when he had grabbed me almost sent me reeling back and swooning. He was certainly powerful no doubt, but I was starting to catch wayward thoughts.

She went all out with the clothing. Scum. Can't seem to resist a little skin. She is so soft.

I pulled away while adjusting my clothing. Luke was watching me, and I could tell he had gathered my hearing his thoughts.

"Look," I said sliding a hand through my curls and feeling the brush of them as they settled back down over my shoulders. "I have a hard time not listening when you touch me so try not to. Unless you want me to hear what you are thinking...then by all means."

Luke stiffened and then turned, walking pointedly to the entrance of the night club. I guess not. Wishful thinking Iris? Damn it. The warmth of his touch still lingered at my side as I followed him.

The bouncer eyed me thoughtfully before unclasping the makeshift barrier to allow us in. I smiled at him and to keep up appearances, grabbed Luke's hand to drag him inside. "Come on sugar."

Luke immediately pulled his hand away as soon as we got inside. Probably to avoid my reading his thoughts. My hand missed his strong callused hold though, and I rubbed it absently as I looked about the room. The images from bleached-haired man's mind were still fresh within me. I caught sight of a room off to the right reserved for the VIPs and turned towards Luke.

"Hey, I think he comes here frequently and probably meets up with Ben over there." I had to stand on my tippy-toes to try to get at Luke's ear. The pounding of the beat and sway of bodies with all the intoxication of lust-filled thoughts was already beginning to way on me.

"Let's go." Luke grabbed my hand once more and pulled me off towards the VIP lounge.

Just do as I say. I'm going to stun the guard at the entrance of the room and we'll slip inside without notice.

I nodded my head in understanding before we made our way in front of the overly large man standing with his arms crossed in front of him and a severe watch of our approach.

"VIP guests only beyond this point," he said roughly. Luke reached quickly for his arm and after a second, the large man dropped to the floor. Can't quite figure that one out. I quickly surveyed the thoughts around us but it seemed no one had seen us or had been too caught in their own circumstances to care to notice. I nodded again, and we slipped inside, closing the door behind us.

I concentrated as we entered the hall, filtering through the few rooms of thoughts.

Her boobs feel real. I wonder if they are real. Nice job if they aren't.

I sighed as I continued listening.

Damn old fart. Sleezy good for nothing pervert. I'll take him for everything he's got once he's drunk enough. Filthy hands and perverted touching ain't worth this two-bit...

I trailed off from her thoughts as I reached the end room.

He's not here. He's thirty-minutes late. He can't be late! They'll find me! I have to tell master! I have to tell Master Ben!

Gotcha. I pulled Luke toward the end door and signaled he was inside. His eyes read me like a book as he nodded briefly before clasping my hand.

Stay behind me. I don't think he's human. His energy is too dark to be human. Until we know for sure, I want you to hide behind me with your weapons drawn. I need him for information so I want to stun him first and have you go through his head before we silence him.

Luke's resonating voice in my head was firm and powerful. I could feel the electric pull of his consciousness as I tried my best to focus on his voice. Images were streaming through me as his body pulsed with electricity. He let go of my hand as another image of his eyes wandering my body while I walked ahead of him towards the club surfaced before.

I stood behind him, and he kicked the door in and off its hinges.

The man was a blur as electricity sent him flying into the wall. His body slithered downwards but he recovered quickly from his shock. An inhuman growl came from him as arms grew out of his sides and tore away the shirt. Claws sharp as knives and eyes that glowed green met us as the creature transformed.

I unsheathed the knife inside my thigh. I was hoping we wouldn't have to fight tonight, just gather intelligence but I was sorely mistaken.

The being lunged for Luke but we both simultaneously dodged the attack. I pressed my hand to Luke's back and streamed in the creature's strategy into his head with both thoughts and images alike. I felt the pinpricks along my body at the transfer. I had only done this a dozen or so times and like previous, it took a great deal of energy to transfer the images.

Pulling back and arming myself with the dagger, I watched Luke flank the beast and pull out a long sword from beneath his shirt. Where was he hiding that thing in that skin tight outfit? My thoughts were cut short as I dodged a flying coffee table and a swipe of fanged fingers. Slicing out at the outstretched arm, I dismembered him of one of six arms.

"Little Watchers," it hissed. "You play with fire!"

I smirked, and Luke bounded toward the creature, cutting off another of its arms. A shrill scream filled the room, and I could feel the stream of thoughts from adjacent rooms as they fled. Well at least we won't have human casualties, but damage control is going to love this.

"Where is Ben Whitefield?" Luke asked calmly as he dodged another attack. This was my opening. Focusing my energy, I pulled at the creature's thoughts. A room came into view, then streets running along the building, and then I could see him like a ghost of the night.

Long flowing black hair that ran the length of his torso. Soft burning ember eyes and olive skin. A dangerous beauty. Ben Whitefield.

"Got him," I said quickly and with that Luke sent a pulse of pure electricity into the creature and decapitated him with one sound movement. The head flew and rolled a distance before sinking into the floor along with the body. Blood and slime taint the carpet. So gross.

Luke sheathed his blade and pulled a cell phone from his pocket.

"It's Luke," he started to walk, and after a moment, I followed quickly behind him. "We're at 'Flash' on south first street. We had a run in and need damage control here quickly."

He ended the call and turned to me. "We're going back to the hotel."

"Let's head off this asshole tonight," I said roughly. My body was shaking with adrenaline. I did my best to calm my exterior but I was raring to go for a fight.

"Its too risky tonight," he said shortly before we made our way down the alley towards our rental.

"He'll be expecting us if we wait." I was losing my temper in face of his outward calm. We didn't want to give him time to run.

"Unlike what you are use to Hughes, we have to plan carefully. We got lucky tonight, but what if he wasn't the only one and what if he was setting a trap."

"How could he? I got it all from his head!" I had stopped and was seething as Luke came to a slow stop before turning towards me. His eyes were once more glimmering, and I could feel the electric pulse in the air.

"Don't be so ignorant to believe that Ben has no information on you or on any of us other Watchers. He is five hundred years old and we've been hunting him for close to twelve years. He's no easy catch and you are certainly in no condition tonight to be going headlong into battle. We need to plan. No more arguing Hughes." I was defeated but my pride held me in place. I was no foolish child but we would have the element of surprise only tonight. Still, I followed grudgingly and got into the car.

A part of me knew he was possibly right about the trap. It wasn't unheard of that I would get falsified images, but another part of me felt something was amiss with this entire thing. Master Yan's words were resounding in my head.

Trust no one in the council. Luke Cross is the only one who can be trusted.