When I arrived at the border, the patrol spent the hour I waited for Ben to show up giving me death glares and baring their teeth at me. I smiled and waved, looking like I didn't give a damn about what they were doing, but inwardly I was seething. I hated being here. I didn't want anything to do with this damn place, not after what happened. Not after the banishment and the kill order. This place was no longer my home, but why did I give in? At the barest mention of being allowed back into the pack, my resolve had melted, and I'd come running back to the people who hated me. To the one person, I didn't have the courage to see again.
When Ben finally arrived, I heaved a huge sigh of relief. I got off the bike and checked on Ben, making sure he was alright. He gave me a grin and a thumbs up, making me smile. I walked over to the gate and let them know we were ready to move on. They very reluctantly, very slowly raised the gate and I climbed back on my bike. Revving, I took off but slow enough that Ben could easily follow me.
I couldn't help myself as I breathed in the forest relishing in the aroma of all things growing. I didn't want to admit this to myself, but deep in my bones and in the deepest part of my soul, I had missed this place. Running with the pack, dodging in and out of trees and jumping over ravines and rivers. I was once happy here and then it turned into nothing but a nightmare. I pushed the memories away forcefully and concentrated on the dirt road in front of me. I could hear the truck hitting each and every dip and hill as it creaked, groaned, and revved as it made it's way.
An hour and a half later we pulled up in front of the mansion in the center of Clifton. The home of de Pakstoka, current residence of one Lexa Devereux. The drive went around the central piece that was meant to draw the eye, a fountain with it's on version of the Capitoline Wolf. Looking at it, I much preferred the one in the museum back in Old Towne. The wings of the mansion ran perpendicular from the main part of the building, closing the drive on either end. With the second story of the wings being nothing more than a long balcony interlaid with outdoor furniture. It was done in yellows and white with gray mixed in for contrast. We drove past the entrance and were greeted by Gustus and his security detail. I purposely made a show of removing all of my weapons and putting them in the back of the truck as Ben got out and walked around to me. I closed it up and he locked it, placing a ward over it. Gustus quirked an eyebrow but said nothing.
His men surrounded us as we entered the mansion and we were escorted to the back of the house into the area that was reserved for business. The guards took stations on either side of the double doors that led to the personal office. The interior of the office was done in dark chestnut and cherry woods. The walls were lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with books and small works of art. On the opposite side of the door there was a huge fireplace with a painting of Historic Clifton. A small antique clock took center place on the mantel and candelabras adorned the ends.
The center of the room had an oriental rug done in rich reds, blues, and greens as if it was a landscape. There was a low coffee table with leather arm chairs on either end and leather couches along the length of the table. Lamps and end tables completed the surrounding of the table. Looking to my left, there were three large windows that went floor to ceiling looking out into the garden in the backyard. In front of the windows was an antique desk that made me want to run my fingers over it every time I saw it. The rest of the room was insignificant and did little to draw my attention.
"Lexa will be here shortly," Gustus said. "Have a seat."
I looked at him, but all I was met with was a glare. I sighed and took a seat on one of the armchairs. Ben sat on the couch facing towards the doors and sat as close to me as possible, while staring at everything in the room. I closed my eyes and inhaled the rich smell of leather and let my mind wander while I kept an ear out for her arrival.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, but there was an issue between the Gardners and Winstons that needed my attention," she said as she entered the room.
I looked up at her and my breath caught in my throat. She was as beautiful as ever and her eyes seemed to bore straight into my soul. I stood up quickly and bowed as was protocol and Ben quickly did the same.
"Pakstoka, thank you for allowing us in your home," I said as I straightened.
"Thank you for coming," she answered and then shooed us back down, "But please sit. I know the roads make travel tiresome."
I inclined my head but didn't sit down until she did. We quietly waited while a server came in and poured us drinks and handed them out. He left and closed the door behind him. I took a sip of the wine and rolled it around my tongue, enjoying the sudden bursts of flavor before I finally swallowed.
Lexa took her own sip and asked, "How have you been, Nyx?"
"Well. Still alive," I replied, "And you?"
"The same," she answered with a smile.
"Ah, Ms. Devereux, before I forget, I'd like to introduce you to my partner, Ben. He's a techno mage."
She inclined her head and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ben. I hope you enjoy your stay with us."
"Th-th-thank you, ma'am," he stammered out and immediately downed his wine, not even tasting it.
"You'll have to forgive him. He's very shy around people."
"I understand," she said with a smile. "But Nyx, you don't have to be so formal with me."
I shook my head, "You've hired me for a job, Ms. Devereux. As such, you are my client and we will treat you as such. Given names are taboo in the business, creates a familiarity that best be kept out of the job."
Her face fell, but she regained her composure and said, "Very well, then. Gustus has explained some of what has been going on here?"
"He has. There's been a settlement established within the boundary if Manassas. You've sent five teams of four to investigate, but none have returned. You don't know if they've been captured or killed. You've hired me to find out if they are alive."
"It's more than finding out if they're alive, Nyx. I want to know who these people are and why they're on my land without permission."
I nodded, "That's easy enough to ascertain. We've already identified three of them. Ben, the photos."
Ben pulled out the photos and handed them to Lexa. She looked them over as she waited for me to explain.
"They arrived in town about two weeks ago. I'd say around the same time as Gustus came to visit me. They spoke with the Garrison Commander in regards to the capture of your pack members. So, for all intents and purposes, we can assume that they're all still alive. They wish to rectify the situation because, as they stated to the Commander, they were new to the area and did not know the correct protocol or procedures to handle the situation they've landed themselves in."
"Was the Commander able to provide you with names to these three?"
"No he was not, but I had a run in with the blonde woman. She called herself Clarke. Beyond that, I know nothing."
"A run in?"
I sighed, "I picked her up in a bar the night Gustus visited me. We got a bit more comfortable elsewhere."
There was a flash of something in her eyes, but she just smiled and said, "Isn't that par for the course."
"We are what we are, ma'am."
"Is there anything else you can tell me about them?"
"Clarke is a lightning mage, but she doesn't seem to be aware of it. Her touch continuously sent electricity up my arms. Pleasant feeling, really."
"And the other two?"
"The other girl is something, don't know what exactly. The male is human."
Her mouth curled in distaste at the mention of human. I couldn't blame her, every time I saw one, said or heard the word human, I wanted nothing more then to throw up. Humans were that distasteful to me. How anyone could stand to be near one made me ill.
She looked up from the photos and asked, "Is there anything you'll be needing from us?"
"Just a room with an attached bathroom and a cot. That way we can set up Ben's lab and we can start coordinating a plan of how to approach the situation."
"It'll be done," she said as she stood up and we followed, "I had your old room set up for you, if that's alright?"
"That'll be just fine. I won't be doing much sleeping in there anyway. Now, if you'll excuse us, Ms. Devereux, we'd like to begin unpacking the equipment."
"Of course, I'll have some men sent to help you."
"That won't be necessary, thank you. Ben doesn't like strangers to touch his things."
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize."
"No worries. Thank you."
With a incline of the head, I left the office with Ben following, and headed back to the truck. We got to work immediately. I stored my weapons more properly and we started off loading the equipment Ben would need to set up his lab. Sturdy table, monitors, computer, wires, tools, welding torch, and everything else a techno mage could find a use for. With our arms laden, we were guided to the opposite side of the house and to a room that met our needs. We soon had the equipment in the room and Ben started unpacking. I went back out to the truck, closed it up, and hefted my bike on the side of it before I drove it to the garage. I placed the ward back on and walked into Ben's lab and got to work on setting everything up.
When it was done, I asked Ben, "Are you okay here?"
"Yeah, boss. This is one of the nicer places I've had the lab set up in," he replied as he connected the computer to the servers back home.
"Good. There's going to be someone outside the door if you need anything. I'm going to go for a run, it's been too long and I need to stretch my legs."
"Won't you get into trouble," he asked worriedly.
"No, but I know how not to get caught out here. I'll check on you when I get back."
"Sure thing. Take the comms with you, though. I've rigged it so that even in your wolf form, you'll still be able to hear me."
I hugged and gave him a kiss on the head, "Thanks, Ben. I'll see you soon."
He nodded and I was headed to the back yard, fitting the ear piece in snugly. As soon as I got passed the first line of trees, I shifted and took off running. It felt so good to be running again. To feel the earth beneath my paws, the wind whipping through my fur, the aromas of the forest assaulting my nose and down the back of my throat. I let go and the wolf took over as we ran over lands that we had crossed many times before. We knew every nook and cranny. Every stream, every cave, everything. A short time later, I slowed down as we came across very familiar territory. I climbed up the mountain and then made my way down to a very special ledge that over looked the lake. I plopped on the ledge and stretched out, tongue lolling out of the side of my mouth as I panted to cool myself down. It was pure bliss and I wanted to enjoy it for as long as I could. I closed my eyes to the sun and just became one with nature. With the life force that surrounded me.
There was a tumble of rock from above me and I glanced up. It was Lexa. I turned my attention back to the water and ignored her descent.
I knew this would be the first place you'd come to, she said teasingly.
You're ruining my view, I answered.
That's not what you used to say, she said as she padded closer.
That was a long time ago. Another lifetime.
How can you be so sure of that, she asked as she began to nuzzle my neck fur and gently nipped the scruff.
I closed my eyes and tried fight off the sensations she was creating. I rolled my shoulders and neck dislodging her from continuing.
Why are you here, I asked irritably.
I thought we might talk, she said laying down beside me.
I looked over at her and asked, And what is there to talk about?
I don't know. Maybe why you accepted the job?
I accepted the job because of the money and your promise to lift the kill order and my banishment from the Forest Pack territory.
Not my intention of accepting you back into the pack?
No. I have no interest in rejoining the pack. I only want to be able to move around on the lands. This was once my home, don't you think I've been away from it for too long?
You've been away from a lot of things for too long, Nyx.
It doesn't matter. I'm only here for the job. I want to make sure the Coalition has no reason to enter into this conflict if it can be stopped within your territories.
Do you still care about us?
I only care about wasted lives. If I can save your pack, it makes my life easier.
She sighed and laid on her side looking at me.
Every time I look at you like this, Nyx…
Hmm…
I want you.
Then don't look at me and those feelings will fade.
But they haven't, Nyx. Your absence has only made me want you more.
I glared at her and said, I can't say the feeling is mutual. I don't want you.
You're lying. I can smell the desire.
You only smell yourself. There is nothing left for you here.
Nyx…
Don't. You made your choice quite clear eight years ago when you banished me from the pack and placed that kill order on me.
Nyx, I…
You what?! You feel bad about punishing me. You regret turning your back on me. Tell me!
I, I…
That's right. You don't know. Well, forget it. The time for words is long past. There is no us. There never was.
I got to my feet and with a running leap, I dove down into the lake shifting in mid fall. When I resurfaced and looked back up at the ledge she was gone. I swam to the water's edge and walked out. I shifted again and shook the water loose from my coat. I headed back to mansion slower then I had left and returned shortly before dark.
I checked on Ben and let him know I was back. Then I headed to my old room. Entering it was like going back in time. Nothing had been touched or removed. The room had been dusted and set to rights. I locked the memory away and stripped my damp clothes off and headed for the bathroom. Stepping into the shower was almost like stepping back home. There was no Lexa, no job, no mansion, just me and the shower that closed me off from the world.
Because I felt safe, I let my guard down. Letting my guard down led to me being attacked in the shower. My attacker slammed into me through the glass and into the wall. I groaned in pain as I pushed him off of me. I followed right behind him and stomped on his groined. He howled in pain and grabbed my legs, knocking me down. My head hit the marble lip of the shower and I saw stars tinged with black. I pushed it back and crouched with a shard of glass in my hand. My focus sharpened on him and him alone. He lunged at me, but I easily dodge out of his way, stabbing down onto his back. The glass embedded itself and he growled. I quickly ran for the door, but he tackled me, knocking my head on the ground. This time the wave of dizziness made it harder to think. He got on top of me and started punching his way up my back. I growled in anger and then he had his hands around my neck and was starting to squeeze. I tried to dislodge him, but the more I struggled, the more he seemed to weigh. I was running out of time as I felt my lungs struggle to bring in air. I reached out and telekinetically found the shards of glass. I flung them at him with a mental shove and they found their mark, two instantly severing his neck and one in the base of his skull. His hands loosened and he fell on top of me, dead. I crawled out from underneath him and into the bedroom where I lay trying to get enough air in my lungs, fight off nausea, and the threatening need to pass out. I pressed the side of my head to stem off a wave of dizziness and felt the ear comm.
I pressed it and hoarsely said, "Ben…Ben…need help…bedroom."
I heard him curse loudly and begin yelling at the guard. I tapped my ear and the comm went silent. I laid my head on my knees and concentrated on just breathing as waves of nausea and dizziness threatened to consume me. My door crashed open and bodies rushed in. Ben skidded to my side and forced my head to look at him. He was blurry and seemed to quadruple in number. Definitely a concussion. My throat hurt and I didn't dare to talk. My body felt like one huge bruise and I could feel blood running down me from the hundreds of pieces of glass that I had crawled through and those that had hit me as he broke through the glass pane.
Ben looked up at someone and said, "She's got a bad concussion. There's glass lodged everywhere in her. She needs a healer."
"There's one on the way. Do you think we can move her," Lexa asked, concern lacing her voice.
I wanted to look at her, but I was afraid that if I moved my head, I might lose whatever was in my stomach.
My brain was so fuzzy, that I knew I couldn't even talk to her telepathically.
"Who was he, Gustus," Lexa demanded.
"One of the survivors from eight years ago," Gustus replied.
"How did he get in here?"
"I don't know, ma'am. He shouldn't have been anywhere near the mansion. He patrols on the Northwest border."
"Find out. Now!"
"Yes, Pakstoka," he said and footsteps rushed out of the room.
It felt like forever before the healer finally arrived. Ben stepped aside to allow the woman to take a closer look. She touched my head and closed her eyes. I didn't feel anything, but we usually didn't feel each other's powers when we used it on one another. She opened her eyes and took my head in her hands as she gently moved it back and forth.
"Well," Lexa demanded.
"Severe concussion, broken ribs, bruised organs, multiple cuts with glass imbedded inside and a bruised trachea."
"Can you help her," Ben asked worriedly.
"Of course I can, young man. Help me lay her out on the floor."
Between the three of them, they got me laid out and the healer got to work. She pushed out every piece of glass and I writhed in pain, whimpering. Lexa held me down as the healer held my head in her lap. When the last of the glass left, I felt the blood slow and start to clot. The pain that covered my whole body eased and I could swallow with a minimum of pain. The nausea and dizziness receded as the concussion was lessened. She sighed in relief as she laid my head gently down.
"I've done what I could to allow her body to heal on its own. I wouldn't recommend her shifting until the concussion if fully gone, which should be in the next day or so."
"Thank you," Lexa said.
"I'd also clean her off before you get her back in bed. She's lost a surprising amount of blood. She should've been unconscious when I got here."
"You don't know Nyx, healer. She a very stubborn bitch," Ben said with a small chuckle.
"Indeed," Lexa said agreeing with him. "We'll get her cleaned up. Thank you again."
"My pleasure, Pakstoka," she said and left the room.
I just lay there unmoving as they began cleaning me up before they moved me to the bed. There was a bustle of movement coming from the bathroom and I knew someone was cleaning up in there. I felt unconsciousness dragging me down into a sea of blackness and finally let myself go.
Being woken up every couple of hours wasn't too bad. I'd often hear a humming in my head, a hand holding my own, stroking my hair, a wet nose nuzzling me behind my ear, a tongue cleaning a cut, fur beneath my hand, or just a heavy comforting weight against me.
After I had been allowed to sleep undisturbed for a longer period of time, I woke up on my own, still feeling groggy and there was mild pain going across my chest. The extreme downside of broken ribs, the pain tended to linger. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, looking around me. The mess had been completely cleaned up and there was a slight citrus smell to the room. I was still naked, but it didn't really matter. Nudity was never a problem for me. I only walked around the house clothed for Ben's sake. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up, a bit wobbly. Walking into the bathroom, I saw that the shower was fixed. I still felt dirty so I got in a took a quick shower.
I combed, brushed and braided my hair before I left and went digging through the drawers and closet for something to wear. Apparently, Lexa had really left the room alone. All my old clothes still hung on the hangers, underthings still in the drawers. I walked into the closet and dressed. Walking out I was greeted by a white wolf with brown eyes and a black nose. I let out a small scream and threw it across the room. It landed with a thud and I cautiously walked around the bed to look at it. It was a she and she was already sitting up and shifting. When I saw who it was, I wilted and sat on the bed.
"Gaia, what the fuck," I exclaimed as I looked at her.
She was still shaking her head, clearing it, then she looked up at me with a small smile, "You remember me."
"Yeah, I remember you, squirt. Come here," I said and pulled her into a hug. "You've grown."
She chuckled, "Not so squirt-like now, am I."
"No, you're not. Now, you actually look your age and not a little kid. What are you doing here?"
She sat next to me on the bed and said, "Lexa wanted someone she could trust absolutely to watch over you while you slept."
I nodded, "She doesn't trust Gustus to do it. I take it that one of his men allowed the man to slip through?"
"Yeah, but I gotta ask. How did you not see me at the foot of the bed?"
"The comforter is white, the footboard is white, you are extremely white. With your eyes closed and your snout covered, you're invisible. I just did not see you. At all."
She laughed, "I've missed you, Nyx."
"I've missed you, too. How's your mother?"
"She's doing well. We don't really see much of each other anymore."
"Why?"
"She's not happy that I joined the Order."
Surprised, I gave her a closer look. She was indeed in a novitiate's uniform and it suited her. She'd always had this aura about her that seemed not to be so earth bound as the rest of us.
"You were Called," I said with a smile.
She nodded, "I was. You're not surprised."
"No. There was always something more about you. You only ever had one foot on the ground."
"That's exactly how I felt, Nyx. Lexa is on her up by the way."
I gave her a wry grin, "Figured. Thank you for keeping an eye on me."
"Your welcome. I'm just glad you're okay."
"Me, too. This is the second time in two weeks that someone's really put forth the effort to try and kill me. It's not fun."
"No, I expect not."
There was a knock on the door and Lexa opened it. She greeted me with a smile and I smiled back.
"How are you feeling," she asked as she came over and sat on the ottoman that was on the other side of the footboard.
"Good, there's only some residual pain from my ribs. Has anything changed in Manassas?"
"No. We're keeping our distance. They've got some kind of electrical shield over their compound. Our drones can't get close enough to get a good look."
I smiled and said, "Ah, but you didn't use our drones. You'll be in for a treat once I get out there with the truck. Ben's babies are something."
"Explain," she asked as she leaned in closer.
"Ben has about five modified drones. They run on solar power, so they can stay up indefinitely without the need to come down and recharge. They've got telescopic lenses that can zoom in perfectly from a mile above with no distortion to the images. Video and photographic capture. Normal vision, night vision, infrared, energy readout, and our favorite: we can read signatures. We can distinguish human from were and mages. They each show up as a different color. We'll be able to tell how many of each there are. Plus side too, is that electrical interference doesn't bother them."
"Ben did all of that?"
"Yes and more. Just recently he developed a new type of bug. They can be dropped from a distance and find their own way to prime recording areas. When they're deactivated, you'd never know they were there."
"Man's a genius," Gaia said deeply impressed.
"I like to think so, that's why I snatched him up when every other Enforcer or company ignored him. He's my little secret weapon."
"Are you hungry," Lexa asked.
I grinned, "Starving."
"I'll have Chef whip you up something. Still sear your meat?"
"Yes, I like a little crisp to my raw."
"Then let's go down stairs and get you fed," she said standing up.
We followed her down the stairs and into the informal dining room. She left to let Chef know that we were hungry. I left briefly and got Ben and came back with him in tow and the maps of Manassas proper and the outlying landscape. Lexa showed me where the invaders had set up camp and gave me about a three mile radius surrounding what looks like could have been the town hall. Laying the topographic map over the city map, I looked for various safe zones and open ridge lines that would give us a proper view while staying out of range of any weapons they might have.
When the food arrived and in between bites we started to hash out a plan to pull off a successful recon.
"Okay," I said pointing to a spot on the map with a piece of bone, "this is where I'll set the truck. It gives me privacy and an easy way to launch and land the drones. It's also about three-quarters of a mile from this ridge line. That gives me prime spot to look out over their camp without having to worry about getting shot or something."
"What's the plan once you get there," Lexa said looking at the map.
"Super easy. Launch the drones, send them over five quadrants and let them record. We watch and we learn. And we make sure your people are alive. After you get the information you need, the balls in your court."
"Easy enough, but I don't want you to go out there alone. There might be a way for us to contact my people. I want someone who can speak on my behalf. Someone they'll listen to."
"Alright, I'll concede that to you. Who do have in mind?"
She looked up at me and then over at Gaia and said, "I want Gaia to go with you."
Gaia looked up in surprise and asked, "Why? I'm a novitiate, not a scout or patrolman."
"Nyx is the scout. If they know that there's someone there who's part of the Order, they're going to trust Nyx more. That's why, you," Lexa said.
"I guess," she said reluctantly.
"At least having you there will help me pass the time," I said, laughing. "Recon is probably the most boring part of this job. I'm just glad I don't have to sneak in and try to avoid people and cameras and whatever else they got. Much safer. I like safe."
"Yeah, safe is good," Ben said seriously. "After these last two weeks, I'm not sure that you'll survive a third."
"O ye of little faith, my dear friend," I replied. "There's not much trouble I can get in out there. I'm not planning on engaging with them."
"What if they engage you?"
"What do you think those mounted guns are for. They're not just decorations," I replied saucily.
"Hmph," he said crossing his arms across his chest and pouting.
"Oh, come on, Ben. Gaia's as good a fighter as everyone else here is. She trained under one of the best fighters in the pack. We'll be fine."
"Whatever, Nyx. I'm going back to my computers," he said and left the room.
I sighed and poured myself a drink, looking idly at the map.
"You really scared him, Nyx," Lexa said coming to sit next to me.
"I know. It even scares me and you know that there's very few things that do. I just don't know what to tell him. It's unprecedented to have two incidents in two weeks. I'm hardly ever in any serious danger on my jobs. If I see potential danger, I plan for it and plan contingencies on that plan and so on. I've only needed a healer once or twice in the five years we've worked together."
"You've never been hurt or injured on a job," Gaia asked.
"Oh, that I have and plenty of times. I'm referring to the extent of these last two times. Injury is par for the course in my line of work."
"What exactly is an Enforcer?"
"A little bit of this and a little bit of that. Spy, counter intelligence, bounty hunter, assassin, negotiator, and whatever else my client might need. I'm a jack of all trades."
"And you're an independent contractor for the Coalition and on Old Towne's payroll," Lexa asked.
"Mm-hmm," I answered taking a drink.
"You've done well."
"Yeah, well. You do what you gotta do to survive," I replied standing up, suddenly irritated. "If you'll excuse me, Ms. Devereux. I'm growing tired and we'll be leaving at first light."
She realized her mistake and looked ashamed as she said, "Of course, it was rude of me to keep you up since you've just recently gotten well."
I inclined my head and turned to Gaia, "First light. Don't be late," and left the dining room.
As soon as I closed my bedroom door behind me I threw my clothes in the corner of the room and slipped underneath my covers. I was still awake when Gaia came into the room. She was taking her duty serious.
"Sleep in which ever form you want, Gaia, but the bed's way more comfortable between the covers then over them. I'm just going to sleep," I said to her and turned away facing the bathroom. I heard her undress and then felt the bed dip as she crawled in.
Sleep didn't come easily and the dreams only made it worse.
