Okay, I got bored. No waiting for reviews this time (though I imagine I'll have at least one before this is actually up for reading). There's only one more chappie after this, guys. I might write an epilogue, or I may just tag it at the end of the next chapter, I'm not sure yet. There will always be an author's note, b/c I'm selfish like that. =) Enjoy!



*Chapter 17*



Monroe cursed when he saw the emblem on the door of the warehouse. He had managed to keep a good enough distance behind the van, tailing it until they had arrived at a dirty storage area. The building loomed above him, the setting sun peaking over the roof. He stared at the entrance and felt fury sweep through him.

The symbol was one that had been ingrained in his mind, and almost on his body at one point. A lone black tear drop blazed from the center of a waning crescent moon. His old gang, the Deserters.

They didn't actually have a name, but they commonly referred to themselves as that. He had never imagined that the group would locate themselves in the middle of Night World country, though. Of course, he had never thought they could be bought by the Council, either. Goes to show how people can change in a year.

He knew a few reasons as to why they would have taken Tala. One, revenge on him for leaving. Two, Tala killed their leader. Three, she was a Daybreak agent ahead of the fire child. Overall, they wanted to kill her.

Unfortunately for them, Tala was stronger than all of them. She had killed their commander, for sobbing out loud. He should have been the strongest out of them all. And luckily, she didn't have to do it alone.

Monroe took a step toward the door, extending his hands against it, trying to catch any presence on the other side. One guard, a shifter. She was a cat of some sort. Yes, it was Bilqis, his jaguar . . . friend. This wasn't going to be hard. Feeling his power cloud in his mind, he lightly pushed, forcing it to darken the girl's mind. A second later, he heard a thump on the ground.

He took his Daybreak identification badge from his pocket, sliding it along the crack of the door. He felt it catch, then the door swung open. *These idiots really don't know how to protect themselves.*

Stepping over the unconscious body of Bilqis, he felt the building with his mind. Three vampires, two witches, and a wolf. They were all in the same room. He felt the soulmate connection pulling him there, dragging him to her. He felt a quick jerk of pain in his mind, then amusement. What was she doing in there?



Tala spat at them, spraying the blood from her mouth onto the face of the guy taking charge. "You guys aren't too freaking bright, you know that? I'll never tell you anything about the girl, and once I get out of these restraints, you're going to be in a lot of pain."

The boy standing in front of her was another vampire. *Figures.* His eyes were a stormy gray, shielded by spiky pitch black bangs. He chuckled dramatically, like a horrible evil villain. "Not if we kill you first."

A girl stood beside him, dressed completely in black like the rest. Her amber hair fell in waves down her back, past her waist, and her matching eyes held a power that could only be described as *witchy.* "You'll never get out of those bonds. I enchanted them myself."

Tala rolled her eyes. "Fine, you want to kill me? Go for it. This day has been crappy enough, just finish it off for me." Being annoying wasn't scoring her any points, just a few good slaps in the mouth. But she knew it was wearing down their defenses. "Who's up for another song? I was thinking something along the lines of country. Don't tell my heart, my achy-breaky heart. I just don't think he'd understand . . ."

A sound came from the back corner of the room, interrupting her serenade. Something like a footstep. The five gang members exchanged looks. The guy acting as leader spoke to the noise. "Who's there?"

After ten seconds of silence, he nodded to the group to follow him. Tala almost laughed at their idiocy. *That's it, guys,* she laughed mentally, blocking her thoughts, *Leave the hostage to her self.* She watched them jog over to the huge stacks of wooden crates.

She was shocked to feel a cool wind pass over her tied wrists as an eery whisper came from behind her. She strained to hear what was being said, but it seemed to be some sort of chant. Suddenly, the rope fell to the ground, leaving her hands free to move. Standing quickly, she turned to see who her rescuer was.

Instantly she met with deep mahogany eyes, untamed auburn curls falling in front of them. *Damnit, Monroe,* she mentally sighed. *What the Hell are you doing?*

A smirk grew on his face. *What does it look like I'm doing? I'm saving your furry ass. Unless you'd like me to tie you back up and let you get out on your own . . .*

She felt some lewd thought begin to grow in the back of his mind. She shook her head. *Well, since you're here, help me kick some bad-guy ass. And this is strictly business.*

She looked back at the confused group of rogues smiling. They were still searching for the source of the noise they had heard earlier. Silently, she took on her wolf form, feeling her soul expand blissfully into the creature she was born to be. She lurked toward them quietly, feeling Monroe right behind her. *You better not be looking at my furry ass, either.* Oh yeah, she was strictly business.

They were almost on the group when they finally realized that there was nothing to be found. Shock spread across each of their faces as she jumped, tackling the vampire closest to her. She rammed him into one of the storage crates, causing it to shatter into pieces. She cringed as she saw a large piece protruding from his chest, his skin beginning to sink in on his unbreathing form.

The group was stepping back quickly as a burst of light came crashing through one of the painted windows. It was a brown wolf, landing gracefully next to Tala. Other forms were coming through the door.

The panic running through her blood ceased when she recognized the smiling muzzle beside her. *Good to see you, Lupe.*

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a ball of orange fire aimed right at her. She jumped just in time for Monroe to trip the witch it had come from, causing her to smack into the hard concrete ground.

Daybreak agents were leading the remainder of the gang out of the warehouse. Tala sighed, disappointed that she didn't get to have a decent fight. She ached flowing back to her human form, bruises and cuts forming on her face.

She saw the worried expression on Monroe's face. "Are you okay?"

She turned away, walking toward the entrance. "I'm fine, thank you."

Keeping her pace, she ignored the pain in her chest from leaving him behind. She got into Lupe's beat up Toyota Celica, giving him one last look. *This doesn't change my mind. I've made a decision, and I'm keeping it.*

She looked away as the car began to move. Once again, her eyes were brimming with tears. She watched as the sun sank past the passing horizon, leaving the sky a bright lavender.