Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Joanna and the alterations in the storyline plot that come with it for various readers amusement across the globe.
Between Love And Blood Chapter 15
Eventually the day came when the sleeping drug for Dragon was ready to be put into action. I'd caught Justin speaking to Brutus about it as I was retrieving a flower or two from the gardens to brighten my chambers. I'd stopped halfway in the middle of cutting the stem of a second flower in order to catch what they were saying.
"Got a message from Ages earlier today. He says he's at last gotten more of the powder prepared," said Justin.
Brutus inquires "Are you and he going to do it tonight? The moon shines bright this evening. The both of you could be easily spotted if Dragons outside. Cats see fine in the dark. As it is the light from the moon will simply cause it to enhance tenfold."
Nodding, Justin said "True, but Dragon hasn't been drugged for a long period of time already. It's not safe for anyone to go out with him on the prowl. Doing it tonight will make him far less active during when we require someone to go out in the next few days. I'll be meeting him at the farmers house in only a little while."
Persisting with his own opinion speculating on the matter, Brutus said "If you're caught out there…"
"He won't be," I interrupted, abandoning the flower I was preparing to pick in order to go over to them. "After all he'll have an extra pair of eyes with him to be on the lookout for approaching danger."
Disbelief marks the faces of Justin and Brutus after the statement was made.
"Would you repeat that," asked Brutus, wiggling a finger in his ear as though to clear it. "I don't believe I heard you right."
Arms crossed in amusement, I said "I believe you heard me correctly."
"I take back everything I've said. You're crazier than your brother," exclaimed Brutus, incredulous. "You've only been out once, nearly getting yourself killed and that was in the daytime. If you go out after dark the only light provided will be from what little the moon and stars radiate in unity. The level of visibility will be at an all time low for us except for Dragon. If he even catches you in his sights…I can't even say it."
Rubbing a palm over the back of his neck and shrugging, Justin admits "He does have a fair point, Joanna."
Making a clicking sound with her tongue and I quickly think over what other options are available to us, I said "Then we hold off for the night and go during the day. That way no unnecessary risks are taken the work still gets done so that the Plan can continue on schedule. I mean, come on, did you and Ages actually concur with each other that you're going to meet tonight?"
Shaking his head, Justin said "Not exactly. We talked about it, but not with finality. I don't think he'll be stupid enough to try and pull it off on his own without backup. Ages is no fool. He knows he won't make it all the way if he dares to cross from his home over the field and into the farmers house on his own. A predator wouldn't hesitate to jump on him in an instant. He'll wait for word from me which isn't going to come tonight. Not with everyone settling so close to the evening."
Making an exaggerated motion with my hands, I said "And so there you go. Ages and the sleeping powder obviously aren't going anywhere so wait until daybreak to make the trip. Then when the two of you have the enough time talk it over and think of a better strategic solution."
Brow raised, grinning, Justin said "When did you get so knowledgeable on this sort of stuff?"
Scoffing, I said "Oh please. I've listened enough to the rest of you jabber back and forth at each other in so many arguments that I've become used to it by now."
"I'm sorry. Let's backtrack for a moment here. What exactly did you mean by 'we'? Don't tell me you're thinking of going back out there again," said Brutus.
"Maybe I am," I countered, playfully.
"Yeah, like I'd believe that. For one thing your brother will never go for it. He's too protective of you, plus he hates the idea of you stepping even a foot outside the Rosebush especially after the last time," reminded Brutus.
That jab at Jenner caused me to become defensive of him. Yes, Jenner has his problems, but he is still my brother and I love him.
Eyes narrowing as my lips turn down from a smile into a frown, I said "You might be surprised about that. He's actually finally starting to slowly let up on that."
Seeing the flash of blazing anger in my eyes Brutus raised his hands up in a placating manner to quell the resentment, not saying another word lest he cause me to lash out again.
"All right then. I guess I'll see you back here upon first light," allowed Justin.
Smiling at Justin in farewell I then took my flowers and left. Both watching me closely the entire time.
Brutus waits patiently until I'm out of sight before he lays it hard into Justin.
"How long has that been going on," demanded Brutus.
"What," said Justin, confused.
"You know what I'm talking about," said Brutus, not tolerating that sort of evasiveness from his friend like that. "How long have you harbored feelings for Joanna?"
An awkward pause follows as a result.
Posture in his shoulders deflating in defeat, Justin said "A while, but I doubt she's ever noticed."
"So you haven't made your intentions known to her in the slightest at all," pressured Brutus.
Justin shook his head as a no.
Beyond cautious, Brutus warned "You need to be careful. If word of this somehow manages to escape and reaches Jenner then there's going to be serious hell to pay. He won't allow it. You have to be careful."
"I know," said Justin. "I'll wait and when the time is right I'll tell her. For now…for now, it's better she's left in the dark. However temporary that is."
Authors Note:
Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
I'm glad to have finally gotten back to this after such a long absence compared to some others on my profile. I've been meaning to for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. Still in the beginning stages, but I'm very satisfied and happy about it.
Heads up everyone. Article 13 is rearing its ugly head again. So those of you who can find a legitimate petition and sign it so we can help prevent Article 13 from passing.
