Flash Point

Make no mistake, adolescence is a war. No one gets out unscathed. - Harlan Coben

Cat stretched out on her bed. She hated when she slept in her bed alone. It was the only time that her chest had that annoying ache. She smelled coffee and bacon wafting through the air. Tito pulled the blanket off of her causing a cool draft. "Tito gimme back my blanket, you brat." She protested at the sudden coldness on thinly clad body. She only slept in a t-shirt and a pair of panties. She pulled the pillow over her head and grumbled at her soul companion. He then took the pillow from her. It floated in the air above her.

The pillow smacking her in the face was his answer to more her ass before Grammie voice called out, "Catrina come on you are gonna be late for school."

"I'm moving! I'm moving! Jeez! Why are you so pushy today!" She growled at Tito. She filtered her magic into him giving him a ghostly green form as she tried to find something decent to wear for school.

"Cat, today it is the day that Beck is signing up for the military. Don't you want to be there for him?" the apparition stated with a haunting voice.

"Shit! I forgot. We were up late last night talking on the phone about one of his little ducks he found." She said as she was brushing her teeth and looking for a bottom to go with her loose tank top. She found a pair of denim jeans that fit her just right. Since Grammie had moved them to Pelerno, her complexion had a golden tan and her blonde hair had lightened up to an almost platinum blonde. She let her long lock flow down her back, only keeping two braids on her left side next to her ear. Grammie had told her it was how their clan signified the soul magic keepers in their clan long ago. Cat like the tradition and was bound to keep it going.

"Cat it's a good thing I'm long dead. You've grown into a lovely young woman and keeping me in this apparition form…well it makes me wish I weren't dead…" Tito laughed and shook his head.

"Oh shut it you pervy spirit. It's not my fault you died when you were like what 18, 19? And if I remember right, you're the one who decided NOT to move on and stay with me." She retorted with a snort. She then pulled her magic back and Tito reverted back to a little smoky mist without a form. He was very obscure in this form. Most people would think that they were just imagining it.

Cat walked out into their living room/dining room area. Lex was already up and perky as ever. She was such a morning person while Cat was more of a night owl. "Sleeping beauty is finally awake, Grammie." Lex said as she sipped on her tea and ate her bagel with cream cheese.

Cat shot her a glare, "I promised to rise but I refuse to shine." She stuck her tongue out at her sister. She went over and filled a cup full of coffee and grabbed some bacon while dodging a spoon trying to smack her hands.

"You've been hanging around Vander far too long. Sneaking bacon like that before the pancakes are done. What else has that little imp taught you?" Grammie sighed but softened at the girly giggles she heard behind her as she flipped the said food item.

"I'm not an imp Ms. Sylvia." Came a very familiar voice filled with confidence and sass. Vander hated that 'imp' nickname that has stuck with him with the Sinclairs, "I'm eleven years old and already in the Artiste Sudehpah order."

"That's very impressive Vander, but that doesn't make you a full grown man yet. You are still shorter than Catrina and Lex who are three years older than you. Just remember you still have growing to do both physically and emotionally. Plus I'm old enough to be your grandmother and I'll call you my little imp until the day I die." Sylvia smiled at the dark hair boy who has become a morning fixture at their apartment, "besides you're always here. Doesn't your dad feed you at your house. You are starting to eat me out of house and home." She lightly chided him.

Vander was used to Ms. Sylvia teasing him about his age and how tall he was and how he ate all her food, but she never once made him feel bad. She just reminded him that he was still a kid, still growing, and she gave the best hugs. It was just as she said she was old enough to be his grandmother. He kinda thought of her as his grandmother. The one that he didn't have to share with his siblings. Here it was just Cat and Lex. He loved his family but he liked grandmotherly attention he got from Ms. Sylvia.

Sylvia smiled at the three that were sitting at her table. "Speaking of the Sudehpahs, have you girls decided who you want to do the inductions with? I need to know so I can contact their parents and get permission."

Vander of course just has to put his two cents into this conversation, "Why don't you just have me. You've known me the longest and…" his smile faded with the looks that the girls were giving him.

Lex was the one that spoke, "Vander, you're like a little brother to us. It wouldn't feel right. We know your talented but think about doing Emi or Xally's inductions how would you feel?"

The thought made Vander sick at his stomach. Being intimate like that with his sister, "Gross! I guess I didn't know that you two seen me that way." He pouted a little. He had always had a tiny crush on both of the Sinclair sisters. He never once thought that they thought of him like a brother. He wasn't embarrassed at his feeling, but he was a tad disappointed at the notice.

"I'm glad you understand imp." Lex smiled at him and tussled his hair, "Would you like to escort me to school?" She made a peace offering. She knew that Cat needed to talk to Grammie without Vander eavesdropping ears. She giggled as she felt his shadows curl up around her and his arms wrap around her as they disappeared into the shadows.

Sylvia looked at the only child left in her home, "And why haven't you left with those two?" She asked with an arched silver brow.

"Grammie I wanted to talk to you about my induction coming up…" Cat started.

"You want Beck to do it for you?" Sylvia bluntly said. She wasn't exactly thrill with the friendship that developed between the two but who was she to judge. They were young.

"No. I want you to ask Arman Pradesh if Bixlow could help me." Cat asked. She really wanted Beck to do it with her but Tito told her to have her male counterpart in magic do it. It would be better.

Sylvia was taken aback by Cat's request. She knew her granddaughter had a crush on the Fashion boy, but didn't understand why. She decided to prod a little deeper into her decision, "And why don't you want Beck to do this with you? You two have been inseparable for three years now. Is there something you haven't told me, Catrina?" Sylvia gave her a hard look.

Grammie's suspicious looks always made Cat uncomfortable. It's like she knew when she was holding part of the truth back. Cat growled at her grandmother, "Fine Grammie. The truth is that when I'm not around him my chest hurt right here." She pointed to the middle of her chest, right where her soul rests, next to her heart. "I feel better when I'm around him. Tito knows about it and told me not to have Beck do the induction with me but I don't know why. Is there something wrong with me, Grammie?"

Sylvia let out a huge sigh. She knew what that feeling was. She had it many years ago when she met her husband, Cat's grandfather. It was the seith magic pulling her heartstrings. She knew that if Cat was feeling this then the Fashion boy was feeling it on a lesser level. Her granddaughter had found her One, her soulmate, and at such a young age. "Catrina, there is nothing wrong with you other than you're love sick, child. Your magic, our magic, calls out to other souls constantly until it finds the one soul its compatible with. Tito is right on the issue of your induction. If and when the two of you decided to have sex, your souls will fuse and become linked to each other. It's similar to dragon slayers finding their destined mates, but we don't turn into lusty creatures that hole up for two weeks with their mates." She laughed at the last part. Mostly out of nervousness.

"I'll contact Arman and ask him if Bixlow can do your induction. Maybe it was a good thing you didn't stuff that horny roaming soul of your in a totem." Sylvia tacked on.

Cat was still digesting what Grammie had just told her. Her and Beck soulmates. It made the dull ache feel a little more tolerable know why it was happening. She knew that she had deeper emotions for him than just friends. She could almost admit to herself that she possibly loved him, but she argued internally that it was just her hormones talking. She was still young.

Bixlow was hanging out with his brothers goofing around and teasing Kaleb about his long pretty blonde hair. "Damn Kaleb. Three days in the Immaculate light and you look like some ethereal elf or something." Bix snorted as his flipped a piece of Kaleb blonde hair.

"You're right Bix. He does look like an elf. Maybe he go frolicking in the woods later in tights." Cristoff snickered.

Beck just laughed at the elf comments. His best friend did look more ethereal now with the blonde hair and lavender eyes. His hair just reminded him of Cat who for some reason hadn't shown up for school. He had seen Vander and Lex because Vander was being the hardest on Kaleb with the teasing.

He was too busy reassuring Kaleb that he looked fine with his elfie hair and pretty pretty princess eyes when he her voice behind him. He heard her asked Bixlow something that made him bristle. He clenched his teeth and his fists. He had never felt this way before. He was usually laid back and casual. Nothing got under his skin. He felt Kaleb place a hand on his should and look him in the eyes. Beck? What's wrong? You're growling and breathing heavy. You look like you're about to tear Bix in two. They are just teasing me…

It's not that Kaleb. Deep breath in throw the nose and out the mouth. Cat asked your brother to do her induction. That was all he was able to convey before the mindbender was able to put pieces of the puzzle together.

Beck don't be jealous. You know that you can chose your partner. She chose Bix. I'm sure there is a reason behind it. It could be something with their magic. You never know. Seith magic is different than most. Kaleb reassuring his friend. He could feel his words sinking into the beast master as he watched him visibly calm down.

You're right. Probably something with their magic. She's coming tonight when I sign up for the knights. He was breathing more soothing breaths. She was close enough to make the ache go away. He could smell her cherry blossom shampoo. It made him feel better. He thought of all the things they did and animals she helped he rehab. It was just her induction after her induction they could become more intimate. He wanted her badly and knew that she wanted him just as much. He had already had his induction when he was 13 and helped others with theirs. He wasn't sure why he was so jealous right now.

Cat was happy that Bixlow agreed to do her induction and he understood the reason behind it. Seith magic could be a fickled thing. She hoped that Beck would understand. She had a little present for him tonight after he registered with the knights. She walked over to Beck who was talking to Kaleb about tonight. She slide her arms around his arm and smiled up at him. He had filled out his body in the last year with muscle. She looked up into his bi-colored eyes and smiled, "Hey you. You excited about tonight? Hopefully when you come out of the Immaculate Light you don't take on that elven appearance Kaleb did." She snickered as she heard a groan from the newest blonde.

"Yeah yeah Cat get all the elf jokes out. Everyone else has." Kaleb rolled his eyes at her.

That evening Cat hustled to the Steel Council Headquarters. She didn't want to be late seeing Beck signing up for the knights. She held a little velvet bag in her shoulder bag. She was excited to give it to him. She walked through the entry point and looked around unsure which way to go.

"Excuse me Miss are you looking for the registration ceremony?" a baritone voice rang through the corridor she was walking down. Cat turned around to see a tall man in a Captain uniform. He had a serious look on his face. She could only shake her head yes because she had a bad feeling about this man as he led her to where there were people sitting.

"Uh…thank you…" She offered her gratitude for saving her from missing this important event, "Captain…"

"Grendace. It was a pleasure to assist you…" he said in the same serious baritone voice.

"…oh sorry how rude of me. Catrina Sinclair, sir." She introduced herself, "If you'll excuse me I don't want to miss my friend." She quickly excused herself the feeling of dread creeping on the back of her neck like icy fingers.

Grendace watched the petite blonde take off down the hallway. He was a cold and calculating man. He was the head of the Blood Hunters that served as the covert operations for the Steel Council. He was always on the lookout for new members. He was picky about who was chosen and those that were chosen were kept on a tight leash either under his thumb or under the heel of his boot. He made note of the surname.

There wasn't many Sinclairs in Pelerno. He wondered if it was the same Sinclairs that were famous for their soul magic. If she was of that lost northern clan, he wanted her for the Blood Hunters. He had been waiting for a seith mage to surface that he could recruit. That damn Ambassador Pradesh had his boy tied up in so much red bureaucracy tape, he'd never get a seith mage. Now he had hope. Hope resided in that blonde haired girl.

Cat looked over the crowd and seen familiar faces. She quickly threaded through the crowd to grab a seat next to Kindra. They had become friends over the past three years. "Hey Kindra. Did I miss anything? I got turned around in the hallways."

The brunette shook her head, "Nope. They just started lining up."

"Hi Salya! Hi Ronjin!" Cat sent her salutations to Becks parents with a big smile. She had grown close to both of them as well. She grew to think of them as surrogate parents. She knew her father was still alive but he was the one that destroyed her clan and murdered her mother when she was six.

"Cat we're so glad you made it. He was nervous that you wouldn't make it in time." Salya greeted her and returned the smile.

"I almost didn't. I got lost in the hallways, but this nice captain pointed me in the right direction, Captain Grendace."

Ronjin and Salya both bristled at that name. They heard Ronjin's sister Minda curse that man enough after the kids went to bed. Minda was the General for the AirCorp. Salya looked at the blonde, "Did he say anything to you, dear?" trying to hide her anxiety behind a smile.

"Not really. Just pointed me in the right direction and asked my name. That's all." Cat looked at her. She had noticed that Salya smile didn't go all the way to her eyes like it normally did. She just let the conversation die.

Kindra got Cat attention and push a thin blue ribbon in her hand that she made, "Here. As you requested, are you going to tell me what it's for?" she asked.

"No I'm not going to tell you, but you'll see later." Cat teased her.

Beck was glad to be back home after being selected for the Knights. It had been two weeks since he was inducted. He was proud of the rank he was assigned, Scout of the Immaculate Knights. He was happy to see his family but he wanted to see his friends. After lunch he went out and checked on the back half of his mom's greenhouse. Cristoff had been watching over his little injured and sick patients.

Cat was told that Beck was home. Kindra had called her. She asked Vander if he could take her to Foxhaven to surprise him. He was happy to take his 'Sunflower' anywhere she wanted. She could tell he was still nursing a tiny crush on her. He would never admit to it though. Van knew where her affection was going. She was trying to sneak into the green house but apparently someone has been learning a thing or two since being away for two weeks. She heard his laughter. She melted on the inside every time she heard him. "Well hasn't someone upped their game on listening." She chuckled as she walked over to the tall green haired mage.

He was still slightly taller than her now. At fifteen he was filling out more. Cat had stopped growing and only reached the towering height of 5'7", while Beck still had room to grow. He was still lanky but she noticed the muscles starting to gain definition. "It's not that I heard you as much as I smelled your shampoo, cherry blossoms." He smiled and pointed to his nose.

She closed the gap between them. Cat practically jumped into his arms and squealed when he spun her around. She planted a kiss on his lips. She missed him so much. Beck kissed her back and deepened it as he ran his tongue across her lower lip. She let him delve in. Her tongue darted into his mouth. As the kiss became more heated, she felt a sharp point nip her lip. It surprised her. She pulled back and placed her forehead against his, "So did you become a vampire while you were away?" She giggled.

Beck chuckled as the heat of the kiss faded a bit, "No it just part of being a beast master. My canines got a little longer and sharper like a wolf's." He grinned at her showing her his new teeth.

"Oh I have something for you." She pulled out the small velvet bag from her shoulder bag she carried with her. She handed him the small token, "I meant to give this to you when you were inducted to the Knights but I didn't know that you would be gone for two whole weeks." She teased him.

Beck took the small bag. He opened it and found a long braided piece of hair with a blue ribbon threaded through that was tied on both ends. He looked at it slightly confused, but it clicked quickly. Cat always wore two braids in her hair. He loved the gift. It was her giving him a piece of herself to him to keep. "Thank you Cat, but where do I put it?"

Cat giggled and took the braid from his calloused hands. "Here let me. Its suppose to go in your hair. The ribbon is to attach it to yours." She smiled as she deftly pulled a lock of green hair from behind his left ear. She wound the longer piece of blue ribbon around it securing the braided lock to his green one. She stood back and looked at him. The piece of blonde hair was a stark contrast to his dark forest green. "It's so you can take me with you, no matter where you go. I remember the woman of my clan doing this for the men in out village." She blushed and looked at her feet.

He was floored at the meaning of the gift. She gave him something to always remember her by no matter what. His heart swelled even more for her. More than he thought it could at such a young age. He reached down and pulled her chin up so he could look in her blue eyes. He loved to look in her eyes. He could see in them how she felt for him. He lowered his head and placed a tender kiss on her soft lips, "Thank you." He whispered.

Cat felt his lips touch hers. The tenderness of the moment was washed away by her wanting more from him than the kisses they shared. She licked his lip asking for entry only to be denied. She pouted, "What's wrong?" as she pulled away.

Beck wanted to go further with her. His body was ready for it. He had already had his induction with Sudehpah two years ago and help a few others with theirs. He wasn't sure if Cat had went through hers yet. "Cat, have you went through your induction with Bix and the Sudehpah? Because if you keep pushing me I won't be able to stop." He said in a husky voice.

The long pause and the fact the she wouldn't make eye contact told him everything that he needed to know. "You know we can't go any further than kissing and we both want more than that. Let me take you home. I was wanting to go to the guild anyway, and I wouldn't mind your company."

Cat knew he was right. She just had this overwhelming feeling to go further with him in that moment. Grammie explained to her that the pull keeps getting stronger as she gets older. It has been hell with him away for two weeks. "Yeah we should go to the guild. I know some of the guys are anxious to see you. My induction is next week by the way and then three months after that I turn fifteen. Will you go to my registration ceremony then?"

"Of course I will I wouldn't miss it for the world." He smiled at her. Cat would need to get used to those canines when he grinned.

"Grammie! Hurry up or we're gonna be late. Lex and I are both registering for the Knights. I want you to have a great seat so you can see us." Cat was excited about the registration. She had watched her friends do the ceremony and now it was her turn. Beck was a Scout for the Knights and Kaleb turned into an elf and starting an apprenticeship with Grenlow to become the new guild master of the White Sea.

Even though Bixlow would turn fifteen in four months, he had been excited about registering too. They both wanted to be Knights. Grammie, Cat, and Bix had been practicing hard with their magic. Bix had three souls with him now and was able to move them into totems like Grammie. He preferred to range attack while Cat on the other hand enjoyed the hand-to-hand combat. She was getting good at using Tito as a diversion to attack from behind. They both practiced at the guild when they could. Kaleb had a hard time taking her and Vander on at the same time, but he beat them every time. Vander swore he'd get him back one day.

Lex and Cat found a front middle seat for Grammie to get comfortable. They went to get in line with the other fifteen year olds. They recognized a few from the guild. Cat kept scanning the crowd of people that were entering the grand hall. She watched and waited but he didn't show up. Lex noticed Cat's face drop. She elbowed her and whispered, "Maybe he had to go on a mission for the Knights. He is one of their best scouts, ya know."

Cat didn't say anything but flashed a looked that she understood and perked herself up. Cat continued to watch the crowd. She did notice that the Ambassador and Farron arrived and took up residence next to Grammie. It made her feel better that someone was with Grammie. She wasn't getting around as easily as she used to. Her blonde hair was now completely silver and she was starting to look her age. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves as the ceremony started.

Arman made his way with Farron behind him to the elder Sinclair. He had some news concerning one of her granddaughters and there was nothing he could do about it to stop it. Catrina wasn't one of his own children. He felt helpless to stop what was going to happened because he was able to stop it from happening with Bixlow when he would register. He looked up at the line of fifteen year olds and saw the platinum blonde and strawberry blonde standing there. He could hear their excitement. "Sylvia do you mind if we sit with you? There is something I want to tell you…"

"Well of course Arman. This old woman would love to have the company of the Ambassador and his fledgling. Whatever it is you need to talk to me about, can it wait until after this ceremony?" Sylvia smiled. Her eyes crinkled, but her face dropped when Arman's face held a serious look. She knew it was dire with the look on his face, "What is it Arman? I'm not a woman who beats around the bush especially if it has something to do with my girls." She said with a hardness to her voice.

"Direct to the point as always, Sylvia. My associated in the branches of the military have let me know that Cat is slated to be recruited…to the Blood Hunters because of her magic. I'm sorry Syl. I tried to stop it, but where she isn't my own flesh and blood I'm helpless to stop it." He said trying to comfort the elder woman. He watched her bright blue eyes flash with anger then they flashed green. He could see she was pushing her magic down at her surge of emotion.

She went to stand but a strong arm held her in place, "Arman those are my babies and I'll be damned if that bastard takes any of them." She growled. Her eyes kept going from green to blue.

"Sylvia you can't do anything here or they will put you in jail. You know how the Council already feel about your kind of magic. Don't give them another reason to fear it." He pleaded.

He watched her eyes maintain a blue color, but wasn't ready for the tear that slide down her cheek. Sylvia quickly collected herself and put on a brave face for her girls even though she wouldn't see Catrina for a while.

The three watched the ceremony happen. As predicted Lex was chosen for the Knights. She was happy and bubbly about the selection. Cat watched with confusion as her sister hugged her and left with one of the officers. She looked over at Grammie and didn't understand the anger that was radiating from her. Did I do something wrong? Do they not want me because I'm a seith mage? She congratulated her cohorts but was bemused at how she didn't get selected by the Knights and why Grammie was angry. She was so in her head that she didn't hear the deep voice behind her call out her name a couple times. It was when she felt a solid hand on her shoulder that she turned around.

Captain Grendace was happy with himself. He was able to outmaneuver the Ambassador on this seith mage. He looked over to where Arman was sitting and smiled at him and the girl's grandmother. Her grandmother looked as if she were ready to tear his soul out of him. He shudder a little at the look. He had never faced a seith mage as powerful as the Sinclair elder, but he made sure not to make full eye contact with those dangerous eyes. He had his prize. "Catrina Sinclair, my dear, you have been chosen for something special. Come with me and we will begin your training." He said smoothly.

Cat looked up at the man. She recognized him from a few months earlier, "Captain Grendace? What do you mean?" Her confusion allowed her to be herded away from the registration area. She was flanked by two women as guided back another hallway that was the opposite of the one her sister went down.

"Come on recruit. We need to get your testing started." One of the women said.

Sylvia watched helplessly as the blonde hair slowly disappeared. She got up from her seat, jerked her arm out of Arman's hand, "Arman let me be. I have something to say to that peacock." She ambled over to the Captain.

Arman unable to deter his friend. "Farron, go tell Uncle Tesslo what is happening. I may not be able to stop her once she starts." He ordered his oldest son.

Sylvia may be an old woman at the age of seventy, but she was not one to let her age slow her down. She damn well wasn't going to let some piece of shit take her granddaughter without a fight. "Grendace, you bastard! How dare you take one of my grandchildren right out from under my nose…"

Grendace grinned at her like the cat that ate the canary, "Don't worry Ms. Sinclair. We will take good care of her as long as you cooperate and she cooperates."

Sylvia felt her power surge. She wanted to take this man's soul and snuff it out under the heel of her boot. She knew the wickedness in his soul. She could feel it without her magic. "Listen here you pompous ass. I know you know who I am and what I'm capable of, don't you? How would you like it if I slowly ripped out your most intimate and embarrassing moments to let the whole world know? Or maybe make you just a vegetable who doesn't even know how to wipe his own ass? Hmm…" Sylvia arched her silver eyebrow at the man.

She watched his face pale and his smile faltered for just a moment. He recovered quickly and whispered, "Shut your mouth, you old bat. I have your granddaughter now. If you cause me any trouble I'll make sure she pays for it, and if she's anything like you…I'll find out what I can do to bring the little bitch to heel." He hissed in a low tone.

Arman heard the whole conversation. It happened in hushed tones that only he was able to hear it, "Sylvia. Let's go. We can deal with this in another way. I'm serious, don't give the council anymore reason to mistrust seith mages." He held onto the elder woman's elbow and steered her away from Grendace.

"That's right you old hag, listen to the Ambassador. I would hate to have seith magic banned from Bosco over your little slip ups." He laughed maliciously and turned on his heel and left them. He saw General Tesslo coming with Arman's oldest brat. He had a new recruit to 'welcome' to the Blood Hunters.

Six months had passed since Cat was drafted into the Blood Hunters. She was a different person now. During those six months, she found out that seith magic was banned. Captain Grendace had somehow found a loophole to keep her in the training program. She couldn't complain about the training. Her hand-to-hand had improved to where she was deadly with twin daggers. She kept Tito in a little onyx bead on a bracelet she wore now. She only released him when she was alone in her room. She missed her family but most of all she missed Beck. She missed everything about him, his bicolored eyes, green hair, his voice, his scent. He always smelled like pine and something else she couldn't place. It was musky and it was him.

She was happy that she was able to get two-week holiday pass for New Years. Cat made her way to the White Sea guild. She thought she was alone until she heard a voice that made her skin crawl, "Blondie wait up or did you forget who was your date to the party tonight?" Seth called out. He made her cringe. He was 'assigned' to her as her partner. He had been a Blood hunter for about a year now.

Seth draped his arm over her slim shoulders. He was a head taller than her. He thought he always had to be touching her as if she were his. He watched her like a hawk and if any other male talked to her he would interject himself and run them off. Cat felt so isolated because of him.

Beck was trying to enjoy himself during the guild's New Year's party. He was trying to bury the pain he felt that Cat just up and disappeared. He missed her registration party because he got called out on a scouting mission the day before and didn't return for two days. He still had her braid woven in his hair. It was his little piece of her. He was over by the bar when a faint scent of cherry blossoms hit his nose. He instantly knew who it belonged too. He looked over at the entryway and saw her. He didn't go immediately to her though. He learned to watch his prey before pouncing.

He watch her drift through the people on the dance floor. She seemed off to him. He tried to focus on her spirit but it was closed off or so strangled he couldn't feel it. It used to be bright and carefree. What did they do to her he thought to himself. He watch a black haired pulled back in a ponytail close in on Cat. The man was lecherous. He grabbed Cat and drug her over to one of the couch and plopped her down into his lap. He moved her hair and placed kisses down her neck while his other hand glided over her body.

Beck was shocked to watch the scene unfold without Cat smacking the douche bag and then cutting him down with that sharp tongue of hers. He'd watch her do it many times. She showed Beck her softer side but to the rest of the world she held a tough exterior, like her grandmother. Bix told him and Kaleb stories of the two arguing. He said it was like watching to dogs with a bone, neither giving an inch. Gods he missed Bix. He was just perplexed at how docile Cat was being with this man. He seen her whisper something in his ear and excused herself towards the restrooms.

Cat was glad to get out of Seth cringy hold. She made a beeline to the restroom where she knew he would follow. She stood at the mirror. She felt dirty and disgusting. She thought of beck and how he had her feel. He made her feel cherished and beautiful. She stiffened when she heard a familiar voice, "Beck! Oh thank the Gods!" She rushed him and gave him a hug, "I've missed you, but I need to be brief or Seth will get suspicious. No matter what you see or hear, nothing has changed between us. I'm a Blood Hunter now," She showed him her right shoulder that had a new tattoo on a red and black disk, "please understand that I have to deny that I know you. It hurts to say it but I have to protect you and Lex. They will use you against me." She kissed him as if it was the last time she would ever kiss him. It was heated yet full of sadness.

When she pulled back she wiped the tears from her eyes and straighten her face. She steeled her nerves and put on her mask that she had been wearing for five months, turned on her heels and left the beast master standing in the ladies room.

Beck didn't realize that he had tears running down his face either. He cleaned them off and left the ladies room. He felt as if his world was crashing down around him. He became sullen and retreated into himself.

Kaleb noticed his friend leaving the ladies room after Cat left it. He pushed mentally to his friend, What happened in there? You look like someone kicked your puppy or in this case your kitten.

Beck showed Kaleb the memory. Ouch! My friend. Is there anything I can do to help you? I mean she's in some serious shit. She's just doing it to keep you safe.

I know that Kaleb! But it doesn't make me FEEL any better! We had plans and now well just forget it. Then there's that piece of shit with his paws all over her. I saw the bruises on her arms Kaleb! He was fuming. He felt his fist clenching and unclenching. He was grinding his teeth. He was starting to see red.

Kaleb wasn't sure how to proceed with this predicament. Normally, Beck was calm cool and collected, but he was…jealous and hurt by what was unfolding between Cat and the dark haired man. He physical grabbed Beck's arm and lead him outside. "Beck calm down. It would be bad for both of you if they found out about you two. You know how the Steel Council works to keep their operatives in line."

"I know but…but…" he couldn't think straight. He just started crying. He thought at least they were in private and he was making a spectacle of himself. He felt Kaleb hug him. He felt safe and knew Kaleb wouldn't let anyone see him in this emotional state. Beck cried on his best friends shoulder at the loss of Cat.

"Well figure out a way. I know dad and Farron have looked into the laws, but we'll work something out." Kaleb frowned as he held Beck and let him just cry it out. He closed his eyes and reached out to Cat's mind. He recoiled mentally at the hefty shields she had in place. She has learned quite a bit in six months he thought.