Ok, I couldn't help but be a little impressed as I realized the devilishly handsome biker was in fact Mikhail. Now that he ditched the Bush Hat I could properly see his face. All I can say is WOW. Well I guess I could actually sum it up in two word's....WOW and DAMN.
He gave me the most mesmerizing look as he planted himself across from me at the bar. He crossed his arm's on the bar lip and just looked at me, as he was awaiting order's. I cleared my throat and motioned for Alexi and Zen to go back to work.
They both gave me a knowing nod and set off. I slipped my hand beneath the bar quickly and retrieved the shirt I'd placed there for Mikhail to change into. I slid it to him with a wry smile.
"Restroom's in the back sugar."
He stood, never breaking eye contact with me. Then he gave me slightest hint of a smile before removing his shirt right there in the middle of my bar. He was massive to say the least. I noticed scar's all over his beautifully tanned skin but they only heightened the rugged masterpiece that was his torso.
Peck's flexed and relaxed as he grabbed the shirt I'd laid out for him and slipped it on. I had been pretty close on guessing his size. It almost fit save for the sleeves. They were a bit to tight, no matter though. He gave them a look of vexation. It was my turn to show off, I quickly grabbed my tactical spring assisted knife from my pocket and in one lightning fast swipe I slit the sleeves ever so slightly at the tip's.
His muscles were free to flex all they wanted now. He gave me a nod of approval then sat back down. I could feel the eye's of everyone in the bar staring at us, especially the women. I pretended to clean the bar in front of him as I sent his a message telepathically.
"Show off."
"Me? You were the one getting fancy with the knife,Krasivyy."
"Translation?" he chuckled deep in his throat.
"Beautiful."
I took a quick look around, jukebox was playing Raise a Little Hell by Dorothy ( one of my fav song's), pool tables were full of patron's laughing and playing, it seemed like everyone was having a grand old time tonight. I decided to continue our conversation out loud. Considering I was very close to wiping a hole in my bar by now, I figured it was the best option. Just then Zen swung by us on her way into the kitchen to check an order.
"F.Y.I she's not all that patient." She said as she winked and smiled at us then left.
I turned back to Mikhail, he looked at me expectantly but all I could do was shrug my shoulder's. I had thing's to ask him and I couldn't lose my train of thought now. Besides half the time Zen spouts nonsense to herself anyway.
"Ok, so now you're here. What do we do or where do we go now?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean. I want answers. I'm a pretty patient woman and...Awww ZEN! I hate when you do that!"
Zen hurried past us smiling brightly. Mikhail chuckled again, I was beginning to really enjoy his laugh. I gave myself a mental slap in the face. Hormones!
"Mikhail we need to talk about thing's...I put Conall out last night, uh, well this morning." He continued to scan the bar, but I saw the look of hurt that swept across his face.
"I didn't sleep with him, I told him he had until this morning then he had to leave. Apparently he's very good at house hunting. He messaged me sometime after he left and said he bought a house close by."
"You think he used magic to obtain a house?"
"The thought had crossed my mind."
"Don't worry yourself about it. I have some good news."
"Really? What kind of good news?"
"We completed the initial scan of your property and set up ward's to keep everyone out that wasn't invited in by you personally. Now for anyone at all to enter they must be invited by you and only you. Do you know what that mean's?"
"Thaaaaaat no one can pop by for an unannounced visit?"
"Well, yes but, it also mean's the manor is safe. I can come in if you wish and we can talk about everything, without the fear someone or something will interrupt us."
"That actually is good news. Finally! Ok so tonight I'm closing down at about two. We can meet up before we leave. Deal?"
"Deal."
Just then my cell buzzed in my pocket. Mikhail turned on his stool to scan the area again while I slid my finger across the screen to unlock it, I had a new text, I put in my pass code and opened the message. As I quickly scanned the text Mikhail turned back towards me. I felt my face go stern and my back straighten. I closed the app and laid my towel under the bar.
This couldn't have come at a worse time. I sighed as I motioned for Alexandria to take over behind the bar. She knew immediately what was going on and nodded as we slid by each other. I whispered to her quickly.
"Shouldn't take long, hour at most."
"You got this!" she whispered back.
Mikhail was internally on red alert. His aura was crazy with protection and slight hues of irritation and worry. I smiled at him and mouthed "Be right back" then I turned and made my way quickly back to my office where I shut and locked the door so I could change into my gear.
The text had been from THE ELITE. I had a new assignment. Dumask had apologized for giving me an assignment whilst I was going through my personal issues but he had been adamant about needing me specifically for this target. The details were few but all I really needed was a name and a photo and I'd get the job done. Dumask knew I was the best sniper and close quarter combatant he has so I took it as an honor to be called upon so soon.
Just as I finished dressing in my all black attire I heard a knock at my door. I slid my cowl over my head and stepped back into the shadows to wait for whomever it was to give up and go so I could open the hidden door behind my bookcase that led outside. After a moment or two I heard footstep's leading away so I slid the bookcase outward, pulled it closed behind me and I was gone.
The light's lining the corridor behind the bookcase were auto sensory light's so I never needed worry about turning them off, they'd simply go off after a few minutes with no movement. As I stepped out into the crisp night air I inhaled deeply. This job was going to be a bit tough but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Tonight's mark was a man by the name of Johanson. Bartrund Johanson, CEO of Syn International.
Syn International is basically a giant shell corp whose main objective is to launder cash for the Supernatural Mob bosses of Sanctuary and the surrounding counties. I know, I know, you wouldn't think a small town like Sanctuary would have a Mob boss living in it, let alone operating outta it right? Well guess again. Sanctuary is a small town but it's the center of the Supernatural Community, because it houses the border between us and The Black Forrest.
Which happens to be the source of nearly all supernatural abilities and powers for all of us Sunat's or Supernaturals. Anyway so Bart is a bad guy who works for an even worse guy. The plan is to take out the bad guy in order to flush out the worse guy. Simple right? Well it's no so simple when Bart happens to be a powerful Sunat.
Because details are so minimal on this one I don't even know what kind of Sunat he is. So I'm basically going in blind on this one. No matter tough, I'm Redalia Hood, I'll get the job done. I always close my contracts. I took one last deep breath then made my way as silently as a gentle breeze, over to my shed I'd set up when I first purchased The Dark Horse.
I unlocked the padlock and opened the old door to reveal my Ducati Panigale 1199 R, It's sole purpose is to be used for THE ELITE missions. Because the bike is so recognizable it has to remain hidden. Anytime it's brought out you can guarantee a quick get away will be the end to the night. I pulled the bike out then shut and locked the door. If need be I can always use magic to unlock it if I come in on the fly.
Once I had the bike around the building and my helmet on I fired him up, he roared to life as if shaking off years of sleep and dust then he settled into a purr and off we went. I loved the feeling of riding my bike, it was so freeing. It didn't take long for me to reach Procious, the next city over from Sanctuary. I checked in with THE ELITE and let them know I was in the vicinity.
I received another text informing me of the mark's whereabouts. He was closer than I expected, only a few blocks from me. I made my way to the building he resided in and parked in the building adjacent from his. This man didn't care to show off his money, he lived in the penthouse of the richest hotel in the state. The Duchess Hotel, I quickly and quietly maneuvered my way to the top floor of the building I was in. Unfortunately I still didn't have the shot I needed. I decided a change of plans was in order.
There was a building off to my right, it was slightly taller than The Duchess Hotel. I decided to use it as my perch, I couldn't however take my bike over, so after the hit I'd have to hightail it back to this building and retrieve the bike. No Problem!....Right?
It looked like the building was empty save for a few guards, they were practically no problem. I set off an alarm on the opposite end of the building and snuck through undetected. I had to take the stairs to remain undetected. I don't know what kind of building this is but it had very poor security, no cameras at all in the stairwell's, fat, lazy security guards...good lord it's like a bad movie.
After I FINALLY made it to the top floor I was relieved to find I had a perfect view, totally clear. I pulled my black rifle case around to face me and popped the lid so I could start unloading my massive baby. My Headhunters long range tactical rifle was the pride and joy of my collection. By far my fav gun for sure! It's a .300 WSM rifle built on an AR platform so it's easy to carry and very precise for long range sniping.
Once I had the rifle assembled I laid out my casing mat, it's just a soft mat that absorbs the impact of the rifle legs so they don't scratch the surface of whatever it's sitting on, leaving no trace of the rifle having ever been there. The only thing left to do was cut the glass so the shot would go thorough smoothly then cop a squat and wait till the pompous ass hat showed up.
Cutting the glass was easy enough, my Tarvol cutter was quick and easy enough. This particular set of windows were more like half windows. It was in fact two separate pieces of glass mounted on top of each other inside metal brackets. The each half measured a mere two feet by three feet with a five inch metal separator bracket then there was the wall beneath the window. Everything comes into play when you're sniping.
Once the window was taken care of and leaning safely against the wall I pulled out my wind gauge and began taking more measurements I then factored in the distance and thickness of the glass he no undoubtedly had specially made to be high caliber resistant. Ultimately I came to the decision this was going to be a double tap kinda hit.
I'd have to be extremely cautious, I'd only have moments to get the glass put back in and sealed before the guards would come rushing in and start looking my way. I sat back on my leg, waiting. I hated waiting. I riffled through my pocket until I found my Spearmint gum.
I wondered what Mikhail was doing right now, then Conall invaded my thoughts and I felt myself grow angry. No....it wasn't so much anger as it was hurt. I was hurt. I hated feeling so vulnerable. Suddenly my phone lit up beside my thigh. It was the bar. Mikhail no doubt. I dare not answer, I needed all my senses to be on high alert in case a guard or janitor came snooping.
I sent the cal to voice-mail a second later I felt a wave of warmth wash over me. I heard Mikhail's voice.
"Redalia where are you?"
"Ummmm...working."
"You left nearly an hour ago. Please tell me where you are."
"*Sigh* I can't tell you."
"Does this have to do with the text you received earlier?"
"Yeah, it's my...other job."
"I see, you have an assignment from THE ELITE."
"Uh, yeah. But I don't remember telling you..."
"I know a lot about you Redalia. I told you that. Are you alone?"
"Yeah, I prefer it this way."
"Who is your intended target?"
"If you know so much about me then you know I can't tell you that. It's against the code."
"Shall I ask Dumask Vandeer then?"
"You know Dumask?!"
"We knew each other once before, but I scarce think he'd forget me once he saw me. We were very good friends I even helped on a few mark's before in Russia."
I don't know if it was because I knew he wouldn't let up until he got the name or if it was simply because I had an underlying urge to please him, but either way I told him the mark's name.
"The mark's name is Bartrund Johanson. He's the..."
"CEO of Syn International. Yes I know. Redalia, where are you?"
"I'm hold up in the big building to the right of his hotel, I have a direct line of sight. Look's like I'll have to double tap em though. The glass look's like it's pretty thick."
"Red, listen to me. You need to leave there. Abort the mission."
"What? No I can't. I always close my contracts."
"Red you have to go now! Bartrund is a Archaic Seer."
"Oh My....You've gotta be kidding me?!"
"I wish I were. He may already know your there. I think you should abort, come home and regroup with Dumask. But I won't tell you what to do, it's your call. You know where I stand on this though."
Ok so just a tidbit of a recap here, the mark is an Archaic Seer so he might know I'm already here, but then again this hit was last minute. My own defenses keep me hidden from sight anyway. So maybe he doesn't know I'm here. It's basically a 50/50 split.
My mind was made up before ever I spoke a word. I had already decided to stay and try to complete my mission. After all it's like I've always said, I always close my contracts. This guy was a bad dude and he deserved what I had ready for him.
I straightened my back, stretched my neck then focused hard on keeping my presence hidden from all. I popped my fingers then my neck and finally my wrists as I took up my position once again and waited.
"I'm not leaving until this guy's down. I leave NO open contracts."
"I understand. I'm coming too you then. Think of me as backup."
"You don't need to come babysit me Mikhail."
"I plan on doing no such thing. I will be there to assist you should you need it. That's all. Besides I left the bar when you told me who the mark was. I'm nearly there."
"Oh you! Ugh...fine."
He laughed and it sent shivers down my spine and set fire to my belly. Stupid hormones! I swear I should look into having them removed! I relaxed a bi knowing Mikhail was on his way. I don't know why but I feel happy.
Ugh, I can't just jump from one guy to the next! People will get the wrong idea Red! Snap outta it. Get to know the guy, for real this time. He may turn out to be an amazing person. Or he could turn out to be like his brother.....dear Goddess no.
Well I can't say that, after all Conall really did think he was doing the right thing. Poor guy doesn't even know he has a brother. But still, to use magic against me! Oh it makes my blood boil every time I think about it! This is why I stay single, you just can't trust a man! They all want one thing, Oh Goddess, I sound like Trilla.
I laughed at myself and the crazy emotional roller coaster I put myself on. My attention was captured suddenly when I noticed movement in the corner of my eye. Wait, no not movement, a light flicked on in the Penthouse. Bart was finally home. I pulled my cowl off my head, straightened my back, adjusted my scope and rifle then prepared to seal the deal.
Bart walked back and forth through his expensive looking living room, he was on the phone yelling at someone. His aura shone a deep crimson red with hints of black. I kept deathly still, finally he threw his phone to the ground across the room and ran his fingers through his hair. I watched him, like a cheetah watches its prey.
He sauntered over to a liquor cabinet and poured himself a heavy handed drink before coming to stand directly in front of the window. I adjusted the rifle, inhaled deeply, lined up the shot, gently laid my finger next to the trigger, exhaled, placed my finger on the trigger...and gave it two rapid squeezes.
In the half a second before I pulled the trigger Bart turned his head slightly and looked directly at me. Not at the building, at me. He knew I was there. As soon as the shot's cleared the barrel I was up and loading my rifle into it's case. I had second's to get outta there. I grabbed the casing mat and flung it in the case with my rifle before slinging it on my back and bolting for the door.
I heard the elevator chime and watched in horror as the door's started to slide open. I didn't stay to see who was coming off it, I made a mad dash for the stairs, the door caught my side as I ran through it and tore my torso. I had no time to stop. I jumped the railing.
The next thing I knew I heard men running down the stairs barking orders after me. I jumped and jumped landing on the next railing. Gunshot's began to whiz by me. I was in pain from the door but I knew I had to focus. I threw up a shield to cover my decent as I leapt the last railing and began my decent down the final 10 flights of stairs.
Right before I hit the bottom I called upon my magic to stop my fall. I stopped but just barely, I'd lost quite a bit of blood. I must have tore the gash open when I was jumping from staircase to staircase.
No matter, I'd be home free soon. I ran through the hall stopping just short of the guard post.
I peeked around the corner to see the guards were both dead. The men chasing me must have done it on their way up, cowardice at it's finest. There is no honor it the taking of Innocent life. I swiftly ran for the door as the stairwell door slammed open. I heard the familiar shot's ring out again.
I dodged, ducked, dipped and dove to get away. My side was full on thrashing me by now. I wasn't sure I could make it much further, inside the parking garage I was mere feet from my bike, when out of nowhere I get blindsided. I haul myself up to my feet and stare down my attacker. A big guy, he kinda look's like what would happen if the old wrestler Kane and Frankenstein had a baby. This guy's seriously creepy looking. Oh well the bigger they are....
He threw a hard right but I dodged, delivering a rib shot as I flew by him. He doubled over and I used this to my advantage. I ran at him full speed and climbed on top of his shoulder's, wrapping my legs around his head and chest, then I used my momentum to throw myself and him forward until we did a flip and landed on our back's.
I then released one leg and used my heel to get him in the gut before he grabbed my leg and threw me like a rag doll across the lot into a car. At this point I feel pretty rough. Next thing I know he pulls me up by my cowl, throws it off my face then smiles down at me. He slides a hand down my cheek.
I use the distraction to land a hay-maker, he's stunned but not for long. He must have been a boxer or something because this guy was throwing punches left and right. I'm dodging then landing a few of my own but taking a nasty beating too.
Finally he get's in a solid shot to the rib's, I go down but I'm not there long. He pulls me up and slings me back against the trunk of a nearby car. At some point his comrade's had decided to join us. They were now holding my arm's and leg's down as he slowly made his way towards me. The grin plastered across his face was merciless.
It was then I knew what he wanted to do to me. I struggled and fought but the weight of so many against me was to much. I called upon my magic but I'd lost so much blood I was barely conscious. I felt his hand's slide up my thigh's then my torso. He stopped on my chest and began to massage them. I spit at him.
They all just laughed at me. He leaned in close and licked my face before ripping my shirt open, exposing my chest to the cool night air. I didn't scream, I had already decided I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. I wiggled and writhed against the combined weight of all his men.
He laughed again as he ripped my clothes some more, he was almost to my lower region when suddenly a low deep growl echoed through the parking garage. He stopped immediately and looked around.
"Jay, Tito go check it out."
"But what about her?"
"She's mine. I can handle her, she's nearly dead anyway. GO!"
"Bobby, James you two go that way. Hurry up!"
"Yes sir."
I heard their foot steps as they quickly left to obey. Going in and out of consciousness was no fun at all. That whole vulnerability complex comes into play here. The growl sounded again and this time it was accompanied by screams of terror and pain followed by the gurgle of life leaving a body in a very painful fashion.
Mr. Hard-On was now visibly shaken. He kept his composure as best he could though. When the other two idiots came back he redirected them to stay by his side. Then he pulled me up by my neck and looked me directly in the eye's.
"Before this is over....I'll strap you down and not only will I beat you till your on the brink of death, I'll ride you like the bitch you are...over and over and over until I get tired of your mangled up ass then I'll finish you off. In the most merciless, drawn out way imaginable. Don't you dare for one second think this is over."
Another scream and then a gurgle sounded in the distance along with another growl. This time a pair of bright golden eye's shone in the dark. They were about eight feet in the air, The one holding my neck threw me into the back of the truck and he along with his men ran like the coward's they are.
I laid there just staring at the ceiling. Suddenly Mikhail was there. His face was twisted in horror and utter rage. He scooped me up into his arm's. The pain was a distant memory now. I felt light as air. I touched his face gently, running a blood soaked finger down the length of his scar.
I watched as he sniffed the air then turned, sniffed again a few feet away and turned again, now we were in front of my bike. He knelt next to it and placed me on the ground. His eye's were so full of pain. I wanted to touch him, to heal him of his pain. He moved hair from off my face then cupped my cheek in his hand.
"Red, I need you to focus. Your wound's are grave, they're killing you. We haven't mated, I can't heal you properly. But you, you can heal yourself. Just focus on filling your body with warmth and light and life. Please Red you have to try."
"I...can't.....Mikhail....you have to know....I....I...."
"You can do this Red, focus. Just think about something that brings you happiness, something that you WANT to live for!"
His pleading burned itself into my very soul. I found myself going back to the memory we shared. The giant black wolf that nuzzled me and played with me. He protected me when I was scared. I loved that wolf, without a doubt. Suddenly I felt myself growing stronger.
I focused on him on the wolf that made me so happy. Suddenly I saw a different wolf. This one was almost as big as the black one but it was Red, a beautiful bright shade of Crimson. It looked at me and I swear it smiled. The two wolves ran together, smiling and jumping on each other as if playing.
Then the black wolf rolled the red wolf onto it's back, as it stared at the other wolf he leaned his head down and licked the red one. They looked so happy, like they were meant to be together. The black wolf turned back to me and smiled then walked towards me. As he got closer I could see the faint white marking of a scar that ran over his right eye and down his cheek.
He opened his mouth and spoke, and I actually understood him! Man these hallucination's are craaaaazzzzyyyyy!)
"Come back Redalia.....Come back to me.....You are my reason for being."
"You left me.....I was all alone for so long."
"I know Moya Lyubov', I thought what I did was for the best. I wanted you to have a choice. I see now it was a horrid mistake. I should never have left you."
"I've already mated with Conall...We can never be..."
"Moya Lyubov' did you bite him?"
"What? No he bit me. He said that's how it's done. I felt.....bliss when he did it."
I felt tears well up in my eye's. I didn't want this. I didn't want to be tied to a liar or deceiver for all eternity. I wanted Mikhail. He brushed his head against my cheek as he licked it.
"Redalia, You are not bound to Conall McGreggor. You must return the Mates Bite in order to seal the bond...You are free."
"I am?!"
"Yes, now go. It's time to wake up now and remember what we spoke of. Remember Red..."
The white light's of the parking garage were so bright and harsh. I blinked hard against them. I looked around and saw Mikhail holding me, he was looking around. No doubt scanning the area. I moved my arm slightly and lifted my hand to brush a stay strand of hair from off his face. He looked down at me, his warm golden eye's looked as if they were molten
"Well hello there, Spyashchaya krasavitsa." he said.
"Uhg, translation?" I muttered groggily.
"Sleeping Beauty. Ha, ha I told you, you could do it. Now up we go. We have to get out of here."
He hoisted me up like I weighed about as much as a sack of feathers. I noticed he'd put his jeans back on and a dark shirt with a nice sift leather jacket on top. He placed me on the Ducati then mounted it behind me. I felt him shake off the leather and place it around my shoulder's.
"Hold on, we'll be back in Sanctuary soon. By the way, nice bike."
"You think you can...handle it big guy?" I stuttered. He chuckled as the bike roared to life.
"Trust me, Vozlyublennyy, I can handle anything you dish out."
"You sure about that?" I whispered over my shoulder.
He stared ahead, deep in thought maybe? Then he leaned in close, covering my back with his body and breathing close to my ear. It sent shivers down my spine as my body naturally reacted to the sensation and arched closer to him, exposing my neck to the now cold wind. His body heat warmed me all over.
"We shall see." he breathed almost inaudibly.
"Oh yes, we shall." I thought to myself as we sped off into the night.
The wind was harsh and unforgiving, but as badly as I felt in the cold I knew Mikhail was colder. It felt like time passed slowly as we made our way back to The Dark Horse. I'd been gone far to long I knew Alex was going to be an absolute mess when we got there.
Finally we rounded the last curve and the bright neon bar sign came into view. Mikhail maneuvered the bike behind the bar with ease and parked in the shadows. He helped lift me off and started to walk to the side door, but if anyone inside saw us they'd ask to many question's. I stopped him with a hand against his chest then motioned towards a darkened side wall.
He picked up on my indication and body language and turned us to face the wall. Once we were a few feet away I called upon my magic, a vibrant blue circled and intertwined around my arm then my hand. I waved it in front of us and the wall disappeared. It was the last thing I remembered. The use of magic drained me into unconsciousness.