CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Trying For A Clean Break

Michael & Selene

They left the relative safety of the deserted office building, for the dark of night. All they had known, all that they were, was a memory. Now, they were ready to embark upon a new future; well, at least that's how he saw it. He couldn't begin to say he knew what Selene was thinking or feeling.

So far, they had had no contact with either the lycans or vampires. They were being careful, watching cautiously for signs of either species. But none were to be found.

Michael had taken the lead, making his way to his old apartment, hoping that the place and his few possessions were still intact.

Selene was staying close to her partner, keeping an eye out for danger. Michael stopped short at the corner of his building. He peered around the corner; and, seeing no one around, he motioned for Selene to follow him.

The light in the entryway was bright and harsh. Michael blinked, his eyes adjusting to the unaccustomed brightness. Selene took one last look out into the street, making sure no one was following them. Everything appeared to be okay, surprisingly enough.

They didn't speak, both agreeing they needed to stay focused on their surroundings. They found no traces of blood in the hallway. Selene tapped Michael on the shoulder and pointed to the construction area cordoned off. There was a giant hole in the ceiling, from where less than a week ago she had shot her way through the floor above.

Michael stepped over to the elevators and started to push in the up button. Selene grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the stairs. He belatedly remembered the night Lucian was waiting for him as he got off the elevator. He had been trying to escape both the werewolves and Selene that night.

He smiled sheepishly at Selene, realizing his error. It would be harder to catch them by surprise if they took the stairs. She gave him a brief smile in return as she took the lead and made her way up the stairs. They made their way to his floor, with no problem. Michael was beginning to think this was going to be easier than either of them had anticipated.

Selene felt the tension leave Michael's body as they neared the door. She didn't allow herself that luxury. She knew the death dealers would be coming for her; it was only a matter of time.

She slowly pushed open the stairwell door. There were no lycans, nor any vampires, waiting to descend upon them. She stepped through the doorway with Michael close behind her.

Michael was the first to break the silence, "It appears our friends have forgotten all about us."

Selene wasn't so sure. "Just because they haven't popped out of every doorway, doesn't mean they're not waiting for us", she cautioned him. "Michael, I hate to point this out, but I have a lot of experience in dealing with the vampires and hunting down the lycans. I find it hard to believe that neither species holds us responsible for the death of their leaders", she said quietly.

"Maybe they blame each other", he said hopefully.

"Oh I have no doubt that the vampires are plotting war on the lycans. But I can guarantee you, I will be hunted down for my part in Viktor's execution", she told him grimly.

"Well, let's go inside and gather up what we can", he said moving in front of her and heading towards his apartment. Then trying to lighten the mood, he turned back to her and said, "Then we can get the hell out of Dodge, so to speak."

He noticed she wasn't looking at him, but at something behind him instead. "I don't think it's going to be that easy", she told him, leveling her gun just above his shoulder.

She was low on ammunition, so she couldn't just open fire, but she had every intention of keeping her weapon trained on the lycan warrior waiting for them. She would make sure each bullet she shot counted.

Michael slowly turned around; and, caught sight of the lycan that had been after him in the subway. He was a massive wall of flesh and muscle, even in his human form.

"Don't shoot, I'm not here to harm you", the shapeshifter explained in a deep gravelly voice.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't?" Selene asked, her gun still leveled at the approaching lycan.

Michael had kept silent. He knew he could shift and fight the lycan... and probably win. But he had much to learn from both species. Selene could help him with the vampire aspect of his alter ego, but there was no one to explain the lycan side. He also knew that anything Selene could tell him would be biased and second-hand knowledge at best.

He decided to speak up. Still looking at the tall black man, he said, "Back off Selene."

"Michael, don't be a fool", she said harshly. "This monster would have no problem killing us both right here where we stand."

"Normally I would agree with the vampire", the lycan admitted. "Several days ago, I would have gladly torn her apart and feasted upon her flesh. There is no love lost between our species Michael", the shapeshifter reminded him.

"Again then, I ask you why I shouldn't kill you now and have one less enemy to worry about", Selene said through clenched teeth.

"Because I asked you not to", Michael answered her instead of the lycan. "Who are you?" he asked the man in front of him.

"I am called Raze," he said by way of introduction.

"He is, was, Lucian's second in command", Selene noted out loud, recognizing the name.

"Yes", Raze said, "and now, the others are looking to me to lead those of us that survived that massacre in the tunnels", he said anger tinting his voice.

"Why are you looking for us", Michael asked.

"I will explain everything, but can we do this somewhere less, visible", Raze asked?

Michael broke eye contact with the mesmerizing lycan and looked to Selene. "I have no problem with that, do you?" he asked her.

She glared at Raze then turned that same glare at Michael. "Actually, yes I do have a problem with this", she said emphatically. "But, I can see my issues aren't important right now." Sighing, she said, "Fine, let's go inside." Then turning sharply back to Raze she informed him, "But I'll be watching you and I will shoot you if I feel Michael or myself is in any danger. Understood?"

The lycan nodded once, acknowledging her response.

"Good, you can enter the apartment first, I'll follow you in, and Michael will bring up the rear", she said, instructing the lycan to enter.

Raze walked into Michael's apartment. Selene was ready to follow when Michael caught her arm and pulled her around to face him.

"I would like to hear him out", he told Selene.

"He has nothing of importance to say", she retorted, twisting around so she could keep an eye on the lycan. He was seated on the couch in the living room.

"You don't know that", Michael replied patiently. "He knew what Lucian was trying to accomplish; he was an integral part of that plan. I'm hoping he can help me by telling me what I can expect and how to handle myself."

"Don't be naïve, Michael!" Selene said pulling away from him and stalking into the apartment.