And here's the next installment. My doc has me (Wolfsong) off my feet for a second week and I'm starting to get bored. Enjoy!

Silent Offender chapter six: Another Challenge by: The Four Minds.

"Hey, Pixie, wait up!" Shadow called out, running up to where Irona had stopped. "Where are you going?"

"For a walk," she explained in a huff as she glared back at the mansion. It was the next day and even though she had woken up outside, Shadow was busy trying to keep herself occupied.

"What you so mad about?" she ventured as she watched the shorter woman's eyes change from blue to purple repeatedly.

"Nothing," came her reply.

"Oh, okay...So what did Luke do this time?" Shadow asked now understanding.

"He went...way too far. Now, if you'll excuse me." Turning, Pixie started towards the woods surrounding the mansion, leaving Shadow to watch her with curiosity.

'Hmm, so this one has a temper,' Damian thought as he watched Irona walk towards him. 'She'll be a good fighter.' Stepping closer to the tree, he stayed well hidden in the limbs. 'Now, if I could just figure out her power...' As if on cue, Pixie walked up to a tree and hit it, causing it to splinter and fall over.

"Ah, she has strength to make up for her height," he whispered allowed. The woman's head whirled in his direction, and he noticed that her eyes were changing colors.

"Who's there?" she asked as her eyebrows drew together in a frown. Before she could pursue the noise, another man came running up.

"Irona, I'm sorry," he said with an apologetic gesture.

"If you were so sorry, this wouldn't happen again," she snapped back to him.

"Your temper plays a big part in our arguments," he returned, matching her glare for glare.

Damian watched with surprise as the girl's defenses wore off and she dissolved into tears.

"I've tried. I really have," she said as the big man put his arms around her.

'Another boyfriend situation,' Damian thought quickly, 'but now I know her weakness.' Turning, he disappeared among the trees.

"Luke," Pixie said softly against his chest. "There was someone watching me earlier. I didn't like the feeling I got from it."

"I haven't seen anyone," Hydro replied.

"Maybe I'm just paranoid," she mumbled. Pulling Pixie up, Luke kissed her and turned her back towards the mansion. "Come on, we have a meeting in a little while." She nodded and he carried her away.

That night, Irona's thoughts kept wandering back to her time in the woods. "I know there was someone there," she muttered. Sensing movement, she jumped out of her bed. "Who's there? And why are you in my room?" she questioned with anger.

"No need to worry," Damian said as he stopped in front of her.

Locking her gaze with his, Pixie felt herself becoming lost. Forcing herself to stay on track, she fought. "I don't know who you are, you should not be here," she stated as she tried to look away.

Noticing her resistence, he kept his eyes on hers. When she continued to fight his charms, he leaned down and kissed her with as much charm as he could. It took longer than the others, but he eventually won and, picking her up, placed her back in her bed. Looking down, he was amused by her spunk and smiled inwardly as he climbed back out of the window. "She'll be another challenge, but not much of one."

End chapter six. 7 The Offer coming shortly.