Theo, Xan, and Kurt were doing the final security checks on the premises for tomorrow's meeting. The guests would arrive tomorrow morning, the meeting would happen in the afternoon, and then the closing party. The building was a conference centre, with beautiful gardens and luxurious interiors.
"Looks good!" Kurt said checking the security systems.
"Good here too!" Theo confirmed it.
Xan admitted, "I am glad you guys are here to check."
"Well, we shall soon be all related!" Kurt said with a smirk. Just then Theo's mobile phone rang.
"Oh, it is Frank!" Theo said, frowning.
Put him on speakerphone! Kurt ordered, and Theo complied.
"Frank?" Theo said.
"Hi Boss, look I need you to be calm about what I am just about to tell you," Frank said carefully.
What is it? Don't you BS me either! " Theo growled.
"It is Alannah! She got another visit from Akihiko in her changing room and he.." Frank said.
"And he what Frank?" Theo said in a voice hard as stone.
"He branded her Boss, with his gang sign. She didn't want us to tell you, but she safe back at Lang's now." Frank said.
That was the last thing Theo heard because he had crushed the phone in his hand.
I will kill him! I will take a bite out of his still beating fucking heart when I rip it from his chest! " Theo said in a dangerously low voice.
"That is too fucking quick, Theo!" Kurt said. The other two looked at Kurt, and they saw the dark, murderous expression. According to rumours, the last person he killed was skinned alive. Xan thought the rumours might have been exaggerated, but looking at Kurt's eyes right now, he could see the rumours were true.
"We will deal with that later. Right now, Alannah needs her partner and father!" Xan said, and they nodded. They wasted no time in getting to the car.
Back at the Lang Mansion, Grace was having a look at Alannah.
"That looks nasty!" Grace said, looking at the large brand.
"Well, it is not the best thing I have ever had done!" Alannah said.
It is deep and it is going to take a while to heal. How did he do it? " Grace said as she injected a local anaesthetic near the area.
I have heard of them but have not seen one. "There is a metal element in a glove that heats up to a flesh-burning temperature," Alannah explained.
"Nasty! You have had it rough recently. " Grace observed.
"It is my fault, I have let my guard down since I met Kurt!" Alannah said as she winced.
"No, it is not. It is that psycho's fault and hopefully tomorrow we can get permission to take action!" Grace said.
Do you think Kurt will still want me? I let myself bare the mark of another man!" Alannah said.
"Are you kidding me? You were attacked! The only thing that will change is that Kurt is going to become super protective. The Chairman tends to get like that! " Grace said.
"Does Xan?" Alannah asked.
"Oh, yes! It is natural because.. "Grace started to say.
"Because a Syndicate and Chairman can't function properly without their partner!" Kurt said, walking in with Theo and Xan.
"Don't look at me!" Alannah suddenly said as she desperately tried to cover her brand.
Stop it! You make it worse! " Grace scolded.
"How could it be any worse? I have got the bloody Fire Dragon's brand on me! " Alannah shouted.
Alannah! " Kurt said, coming to her side. He looked at the brand and it killed him inside, not because of what it represented, but because Alannah had been hurt again. Akihiko had hurt his goddess again and made her think he would not want her. This is, of course, exactly what Akihiko wanted. Everything he had done was to drive a wedge between them!
"Can you give us a minute?" Kurt asked Grace.
"Of course!" Grace said as she took Theo and Xan out with her.
"I'm sorry Kurt, I don't know where he came from!" Alannah said desperately.
"Darling, it is I who is sorry as I have not protected you enough!" Kurt said, with a mixture of sadness and anger.
"Kurt, he comes from a traditional Ninja family and knows how we operate. He also knows my weaknesses and is willing to exploit them. " Alannah said cupping Kurt's face in a desperate attempt to soothe Kurt.
It upset Alannah even more to see Kurt like this. Kurt could see what she was trying to do and smiled. "Why are you worried about me, when you are the one that got hurt?" Kurt asked.
"Is it not obvious Kurt? I love you and I can't bear to see you in any sort of pain! There is nothing I would not do for you!" Alannah confessed softly.
"What did I do to deserve a Goddess like you, Alannah? I can't wait to get you back to my territory and treat you like the queen you are! " Kurt said before kissing her.
Alannah broke off the kiss suddenly and asked, "So, you are not bothered about this brand scar?" I understand if you find me less attractive! "
Kurt growled and placed Alannah's hand on his groin. Alannah blushed as she felt his cock was already starting to get erect.
"Alannah, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever change that. You can't buy the connection we have, and I have waited such a long time for you. The only thing that bothers me about that brand is the fact that it was created by someone for you, and it caused you to think that I somehow would find you less attractive. " Kurt said, and then kissed her again. Alannah moaned in pleasure as she felt Kurt's tongue slip into her mouth.
They both suddenly heard someone cough. Sorry guys, but I need to finish treating the open wound. Plus, Theo would like to check on Alannah! " Grace said.
Kurt sighed and said, "We will finish this conversation later. Meanwhile, let Grace treat you and then come to the study. I have a surprise for you!"
"What is it?" Alannah asked, confused.
"If I told you, then it would not be a surprise, would it?" Kurt said. Kurt laughed when Alannah pouted.
"Hey Loverboy, my turn!" Theo said as he walked in.
It is fine, I have got to go anyway. Remember, the study Alannah!" Kurt said, walking out.
"How are you doing, sweetheart?" Theo said, coming over and kissing Alannah on the cheek.
"Oh, you know, hard day at the office!" Alannah said relaxing.
"I am going to kill him, you know," Theo said simply.
"He just completely lost it! I think he thought I would want to go with him, even if Kurt was not there, I still would not leave my family. Can you imagine what trouble the Twins would get into? " Alannah said with a smile.
"We are all done now!" Grace said as she finished dressing the brand.
"Perfect! Thank you again, Grace." Alannah said.
"What is family for?" Grace said with a smile.
"No offence, it is still a bit weird thinking I am part of this family!" Alannah said, and Grace chuckled.
"Come on, let's get you to the study before Kurt bursts" Theo grumped.
Alannah and Theo walked to the study. When Alannah opened the door she gasped. There were cabinets, trunks, and tables, all full of different types of weapons. Alannah saw Chris, Kurt, Xan, and James standing in the centre with a small grey-haired man.
Kurt smiled and walked over to her. Taking her hand, Kurt said, "Alannah, you are finally here! There is someone I would like you to meet. This is Kiyochika Kaneha, and he is...
"Only the greatest living weapons smith in the entire world! Jesus! How did you pull this off?" Alannah said, astonished.
"I pulled in a favour from Xan. I had the idea, but James organised it! " Kurt explained.
"Master Kiyochika Kaneha, I am beyond honourable to meet you!" Alannah said with a bow of respect.
"As you are. Please excuse my surprise. I was expecting to meet a lady, not the famed Red Vixen! Word of your warrior spirit and fighting skills have even spread to my ears!" Kiyochika said.
"Again, I am honoured and flattered," Alannah said, blushing.
"Alannah, he is here so you can choose your next set of weapons. I know how devastated you were over the destruction of your Tessen. I know these won't replace them, but it might be a good start!" Kurt said.
Alannah could not help it. She flung her arms around Kurt and kissed him. "Thank you so much, Kurt, this means so much!" Alannah said with a wide smile.
"You are most welcome my Love. Shall we get started?" Kurt said.
"OK, so what's my budget?" Alannah asked eagerly.
Budget?? Alannah, there is no budget! We fought over who would pay. Theo moaned.
"You broke your last Tessen?" Kiyochika said, frowning.
"No, a dishonourable fighter broke it in an honour match. Alannah was protecting a friend and adhered to the three pillars! " Xan explained quickly.
"There is no dishonour in what happened then. Come child, let me show you some things that may interest you!" Kiyochicka said. He barked out orders to his two assistants in Japanese. They nodded and went away.
"These weapons look artistic, but are not for warriors such as yourself!" Kiyochika said with a bow.
This roughly translated as the weapons on display were more for looking pretty, than for actual fighting.
The two assistants came in with a large wooden cabinet on wheels. They rolled it into the centre of the room and bowed. Kiyochika took a key that was on his chain from around his neck and unlocked it. The two assistants then opened the cabinet and pulled it out. It formed a straight board with weapons on it. They were not as nearly as fancy as the ones on the tables, but they were still beautifully made.
These are for my special clients who are true warriors. Not people who play at it! Please feel free to try any of them. We have set up targets at the back for you, "Kiyochika said.
"These are Assassins weapons! They are extremely rare and expensive!" Alannah said almost physically drooling.
"As expected, you know your weapons!" Kiyochika said approvingly.
"Come Alannah, pick some out a try it" Kurt encouraged. Alannah had to stop herself skipping to the cabinet. Her eyes instantly caught the Tressen.
"She is beautiful!" Alannah whispered as her fingers traced the pattern on one of the fan's spokes. She picked it up and was surprised at how light it was.
It is made of a metal of my own making that is both strong and light. The handle is made of purpleheart wood, giving it the weight that it needs. The fan itself is made of black leather, bonded with Kevlar making sure it won't lose its shape!"
"And handy for stopping bullets too!" Alannah murmured.
"The gold leaf design represents.." Kiyochika began to say.
"The three pillars of a warrior: loyalty, courage, and honour!" Alannah said.
"Yes, would you like to try it out?" Kiyochika asked. Alannah expanded the fan and tried a few moves. The balance and weight were perfect.
"Do you like it?" Kurt asked.
"Like it, I love it and Akihiko better watch out!" Alannah said with newfound confidence. She had found her new weapon.