I hope everyone is surviving this COVID-19 outbreak and remaining healthy. I have been working on this chapter for some time and decided to make it longer to make up for taking so long. Enjoy! Comment. Review. Please be kind, even if you don't enjoy. Now on another episode of Darkened Road.
Italics are conversations in the mind of characters.
Alexandra POV
When we got into the cars, I called my lovely jaguars. Their names were Jay and Jade. Truth and Wicked had brought them when they got special permission to visit when I was born. It was first time that vampires had ever been allowed in, but Mom didn't take no for an answer. Mom had stayed in contact with them despite the Ryian borders to Earth closing mostly. If I remember correctly, they were already mostly closed when she met them. She never really told me the full story of how she ended up on Earth. It was several decades before I was born, maybe longer. Mom wasn't young when she had me, and our time works different plus elementals have a longer lifespan. I think most elementals live at least a century or two. Anyway, I think the family of my jaguars had been killed; and there were no other jaguars in the area. They were about three years older than me. When I was around 10 or 12 they vanished. I never knew why they disappeared. Mom had stopped going to court for at least a month when they vanished. Dad probably had something to do with it.
Before they left, they were always around me. They weren't family in the sense of James; who has somehow always been like a twin brother to me. Instead, they were the first true best friends I ever had or like my cousins. We got in trouble a lot, but they were where I would run if mom was busy. I was in the car with Claudia and James so I knew I could make the call without compromising their position. Both of them were in my circle. I wasn't going to make the call with new guards; I would have texted in code like Truth told me to.
I had a quick conversation with them confirming my identity and asking them to meet us at Dead Dave's since we were going to eat. (Twins had told them to stay still at first, but I was changing that order.) Apparently, they packed light and were bringing all their belongings with them. I was probably going to ask Asher to give them one of the those connected townhomes next to me. Jay and Jade could be in one and the other could be for James and Taras, assuming the homes were vampire friendly. I knew at least those four especially would want to be close, especially to me after all this time. It would also give them their own space. I knew my house would have to accommodate Claudia and Raine plus Asha. We need like a large dog-type bed for her, she was a very large feline after all. I doubt they had cat beds as big as she would need.
"So why here first, beside we all need to eat something?" I asked James.
"Most of the weres who are on their own will go through this place instead of going to a wolf establishment." He replied.
"Are we just going to spread the word or actually try to recruit some people?" I asked.
Claudia sighed. "A slight mix of both I guess, there shouldn't be many there. The vampires would be crowding the place around this time. It's like midnight, but there could be some." She gripped the wheel a little tighter though. "But you stay close and I approach newcomers first." I nodded without argument.
"So do you like Raine and Lucy?" James was trying to break the tension. I could tell Claudia started listening in a little more.
"Lucy is going to be perfect for you. She already knows when to hit you." I said with a smirk.
"I take offense to that I never need to be hit." He said laughing.
"Raine seems good too, she is obviously more closed off but something tells me she is more likely to join the drove versus anyway else."
Claudia head snapped turning to me so quickly. "Really?"
"You did good, captain of the guard." I said with a smile.
"Is that what I would be in your world?" She asked turning back to the road obviously trying not to smile.
"Yes, my mom's was her best friend as well. He was killed before they got to her." Claudia nodded as she sat up straighter. It was obvious the same would have to happen for someone to get to me., which was an oddly comforting thought. My mother's captain of the guard was my godfather too. Dad hated it and didn't mention it often, but my godfather made sure I knew he was around to help.
"So are we taking bets on how bad the rest of the gang will be arguing?" James said quickly changing the subject. We needed a break from the seriousness of it all.
Claudia and I both laughed as he intended. She made her bet first. "My money is on the Twins."
I laughed and shook my head. "Taras."
"Ugh! That means I have to go with Jean-Claude, he's the king of calm." He groaned, while Claudia and I snickered at him.
I smirked as I tested the bond, wondering if I could even feel him this far away. It was still within me seeming to pulse strongly, the gold and blue strand. It seemed to be a little brighter since the episode in the kitchen, but I didn't want to test it again so soon. I closed my eyes as I poked at it, testing it with curiosity. I didn't know it as well as the bond with James, so closing my eyes helped me visualize it better.
Did we even have a range limit? I never tried with James. If James and I were separated, most of the time it was by choice because I had to leave to get away from some problems, i.e. Dad. I was pulled out my thoughts as the bond filled with surprise. Jean-Claude had felt me prodding the bond.
Ma petite? I heard his voice in my head. It wasn't crystal clear but like through a cell phone with a little static.
Everything is fine. I'm just testing things out. I was curious.
How far are you?
I'm not sure, we just pulled into Dead Dave's.
That is about 30 miles, that is a nice range. However, this requires more concentration then I am able to provide at the moment.
I understand. I'll keep the emotions open, it might be easier than a mental connection.
That is appreciated, ma petite.
I sent Jean-Claude a small amount of gratitude, and I received a twinge of what I think was pride or appreciation. "Seems like I can still reach Jean-Claude from here." I said to Claudia as we got out of the car. Raine and Lucy were already parked and outside our own car.
"You could communicate with him from here?" Claudia asked whipping her head around, again, as she closed the front door. She was obviously thinking something strategic.
I nodded. "He hinted that actual conversation took more concentration than he could provide."
She stayed at the door for a minute. James came around the car and stared at us. Claudia took another moment before she spoke, kind of staring at James for a second. "We will discuss this later."
I nodded understanding that she didn't want to speak about whatever possibility in public. I was really going to have to meditate with Asha, who was at the Circus with Jean-Claude per my orders, in order to bond with Claudia a little sooner. Asha didn't like that I had left her, but I wanted a connection to water near Jean-Claude. I had mine in the form of James, which is why I think Asha eventually followed my orders. She would in public without question and communicate disapproval through our connection. Other connections were seeming more and more likely to be added eventually, especially since Truth is thinking that the bonds are strengthening on their own. However, I fell like Claudia was needed immediately. It actually was starting to become weird that I couldn't at least feel that she was calm and alive.
I quickly took a deep breath and decided to test my connection with Asha as well. As she was more a part of me, like water, it seemed a little harder to zone in on her but I eventually got it. It felt like a weird extra extension of me. I had to make sure I wasn't tapping into water itself.
Asha?
Alexandra.
I'm testing the range I have to connect with those I have a bond with, essentially the drove. Any wisdom?
I seemed to feel a sigh through the connection, not sarcastic but as if she was trying to figure out how to say something.
The connection to me should be limitless since it comes from your connection to water, which is essentially all of you. After me, it would likely be Jean-Claude and then James. Others would be determined by their strength of connection to you and your connection to them.
Mate trumps everyone?
Essentially, outside of me of course.
I need to make Claudia connected immediately. Would connecting to you and meditating be effective?
I shall check. I'm focused on guarding Jean-Claude at the moment.
Is it possible for me to see through your eyes? I think mom could at one point.
Another time? At the moment it could leave you vulnerable.
Alright, kill all my fun. Let me know everything later.
Of course, Alexandra.
I opened my eyes and saw James staring at me. "That felt kind of weird, like I was being pulled from the inside a little."
"You felt that? I tried to connect to Asha and was talking to her for a second."
Claudia got that look of deep concentration again. "Add that to list for when we are just with the drove."
I nodded following her to the front door. Raine and Lucy were behind us. Raine was far closer to me, and I knew I wasn't wrong in my assessment. The only other person I felt might connect was Bobby Lee, but I don't know. However, Raine it was like I already could feel it starting slightly as if water was reacting before I did.
I felt the weres and vampires in the establishment. James was right though it was more vampires at this hour though. Hopefully, this didn't turn ugly.
Jean Claude POV
The quick conversation with ma petite was a large strain. It was similar to a master's call, but not as harsh as some of my masters had used the call. It worth it and pleasing to see Alexandra testing the connection between us. It showed how open she was to it, and the potential it had to grow.
I felt confusion and curiosity fill the bond but I could tell it wasn't Alexandra. I glanced at Asha, who was staring at me not even bothering to look at others in the room.
Is there a problem?
I smirked. Alexandra had been right about Asha's protectiveness. It was one of her main argument for why Asha should be left with me. I am well. Alexandra was testing the strength of the connection from her current location.
It will be easier once the bond has cemented and grown.
Asha turned her head back to the others after confirming I was unharmed. I scratched behind her ear in appreciation. The clever leopard enjoyed it for a small moment before shaking her head to push my hand away.
The Twins were silent behind me, as was there way when Alexandra wasn't in the room. How many times had I thought of her and she barely been gone from my presence?
Although vampires did not require breath, I took a deep one to settle my mind and focus on the task at hand. The guards had moved around the room and taken positions where they could see their charge and the door. It was obvious that these rats had been tasked with protection details prior to today.
"We should interview vampires and see who can be included into the security detail. It may be advantageous to determine who needs to be removed from the city as well." I stated rubbing Asha's head. It was oddly comforting and helped me focus.
"Have new vampires joined the area?" God asked. He was in the corner across from me. The guards were covering the exits, more than likely that the Twins could move in front of me before they could.
"Our master has called on certain vampires to join the area." Truth spoke from behind me. It was empowering to hear me referred to as his master. The Twins had not referred to any as their master in at least a century or two.
"There are vampires currently residing in the city who may be useful in current matters, but others who would be best left out." Wicked finished for his brother.
The guards nodded their heads in understanding. "Sir, may I make a suggestion?" One of the rats spoke. I believe his name was Bobby Lee, the one that would protect Truth.
"By all means." I said waving my hand outward giving him the floor.
"Based off Wicked's statement can we bring in the ones that we expect to be a problem first. People would be aware of the Twin's arrival and a rogue vampire. It can be the excuse for talking to everyone." Bobby Lee said looking at Truth.
I turned my head slightly to see Truth nod in agreement and Wicked nodded barely a second behind him.
Asha, any comment?
The rat makes a good point. The guard would be made aware of potential problems earlier.
"Very well." I said to Bobby Lee. I took a quick moment and decided on the order of vampires. "Asher, summon Gretchen and Primo." Asher drifted quickly from the room following the command.
"Isn't Primo one of the main problems?" Dino asked. He was standing behind Wicked leaning on the wall. I assume he did not find it necessary to be in front of him. Wicked could watch his front.
I nodded lifting my hand from Asha. "He has deemed himself more important than he is."
"Taras, can you trip him?" Fredo asked.
Taras looked at him in confusion and then smirked. "I'm assuming so that you can retaliate when he attempts to get me back for that."
The rats all smirked as Fredo nodded his head. I shook my head trying not to laugh. Rafael had certainly trained his rats well. They did not deal well with those who threatened authority, especially when the authority was acting properly.
Asher knocked at the door. "Master, I have Primo and Gretchen as requested."
I sat up straighter, smirking again as Asha moved to sit on my feet. The entire room went on alert in a sense, there light-hearted air was now gone.
"Enter."
Asher opened the door and in walked Gretchen and Primo.
Gretchen smiled at me, in what I assume she thought was a seductive way. "My master, what may I do for you?" She went pale as she noticed the Twins. "What are these savages doing in your presence?"
Asha started growling and moved forward.
"I would suggest you hold your tongue. Asha hear does not deal well with disrespectful vampires." I said barely even looking at her. "And since when have you had a say over whom I allow into my territory?"
Primo moved closer to me. "Master, surely the inquiry is valid?"
"Silence. I did not request your council and you will remember your place." I said letting my eyes fill with power. This was the first time I had called on my own power since the bond had grown, the difference was evident.
Primo lowered his head, only slightly.
"This will be final word. Truth and Wicked have requested to move into my territory. The request has been granted. They will be connected by blood by the end of the night."
"Master.." Gretchen started.
I let my power grow testing it's new strength. It was still a overwhelming smell of lilacs but it had an extra layer. At the moment, I could not determine if it was water of fire. I was leaning towards fire since that is what filled the tattoo on my wrist.
Gretchen went still the second I let more of my power free. Primo looked far more worried despite my power not being directed at him.
"The Twins will obviously be a part of security. Any other roles they may fill have yet to be decided. Spread the word. They will be respected, and you will surely answer to them before you answer to me if they are not."
Gretchen yelled at this point. "Master, we cannot let these savages in our mist. They have no loyalty and with that tramp Anita who you foolishly marked running around.."
Truth had his around her throat and a silver dagger pointed at her heart before she finished another word. "I do not know how court works in this territory, but surely you are old enough to have learned to respect your master."
Primo attempted to move closer to Truth, and surprisingly Bobby Lee was in front of him before Wicked. I'm sure Wicked was pleased to see his brother was truly protected. They were often feared and deemed not worthy of support or protection.
"I would not move another inch. You may be a vampire but there are at least five guns trained on you, and my knife will be in your throat before you get any closer."
"MASTER! Are you going to allow a rat to address me in such a way."
Asha growled again as she leaned back ready to pounce. Primo gulped which vampires did not do. "I would suggest you recognize that I have deemed Truth and Wicked worthy of protection and his guard is the one promising an end to you."
"Master."
"Silence." I roared as I let my power fully free. Asha moved closer to me even as she still stayed ready to pounce. My power tasted of a dew now, was that part Alexandra? The insolent vampires before me visibly moved further from me. It was refreshing to see them so surprised. I had not surprised people since the old Master of the City was removed.
"I have said my piece on it. It will not be swayed or changed. Remove yourself now. We shall be finding new areas for you to reside."
Primo and Gretchen did not even attempt to speak. Their eyes went between Truth and Wicked again before they left.
"Definitely good we dealt with them first." Taras said from his position on the couch. Though he and Asher had been quiet I noticed they both had been leaning forward. A clear sign a vampire was tensing for a battle.
"I would have to agree." I said with a smirk, drawing back my power. "I should really determine Alexandra's effect on my power."
"Was it harder to keep tamed?" Truth asked turning to me.
"It was not the normal power I am accustomed to. It—" I was attempting to explain but there was an odd feeling in my bond with Alexandra. A moment later Asha roared and disappeared. Her roar was still echoing in the room as I felt the bond get flooded. The sensation brought me to my knees.
"Master!" Wicked yelled touching my shoulder.
Taras looked sick. "Asha roaring like that is not good." He turned to Bobby Lee his eyes flaming. "Contact Claudia now!"
"Alexandra is injured, badly." I explained even as I felt the pain roar in my chest. "Find her." I whispered to the Twins even as I seemed to lose focus on the world. I threw every amount of strength I had into the bond even as I felt my body lose it's ability to stay alert. The culprits for this were going to witness a very angry, vampire mate.
