Darius's Secret

Vishous: My diamond eyes were burning from the nonstop hours that I scoured each and every blue print of all the properties that were once under each of us plus Darius and now all of them were under the Brotherhood as a whole. I laid out the system for each of the grounds and delved deeper to search the drive for more detailed specs. After moving to the Manse I had compiled all of Darius’s records and files with my own. There wasn’t much that I needed to improve on what the Brother had in place with all of his places; he was as meticulous as they came. I just tweaked things here and there but now with all that shit about this supposed twin and escape, I was doing more than tweaking, I was stripping it all the way down and rebuilding it. I double clicked on the folder holding the precise footings and would have missed the briefcase if it wasn’t marked with nothing but X’s as the file name. Once again I double clicked and that’s when it demanded a password. Snorting out a grunt I dropped my feet from the desk and rolled my chair closer and started digging. In no time I had it open and was down fucking right speechless. There before me was another residence that I know I sure the fuck didn’t know about and I doubted Wrath or any of the other Brothers did either. I dug in further and locked into some street cams in the location of the home. Movement was the first thing that hit me, it wasn’t empty, it might be abandoned but it definitely had occupants if the car pulling out of the two car garage was any indication. I was up and out of my chair grabbing up my holster and jacket from the back of the couch. Butch was on patrol and Z and Phury were down and out from what the Doggen grape vine was saying Q was recovering from multiple wounds so I shot a txt to Tohr. “In need of a Brother, you good to head out with me?”

Tohr:  I was in need of a nice relaxing night after the past few days. After all that heat from the incident with Phury and Zsadist, having to report to Wrath and hearing the aftermath, it was time for a good movie. Popping in the movie Cloverfield, I head to the popcorn machine and get myself I nice tub of buttery crunchiness. A nice cold bottle of Sam Adams, of course, held in my hand didn’t hurt matters either. I breathe in a sigh of relief as I sit down on the comfy, padded chair, placing the bucket of popcorn and beer on the holders on either side of me. Reclining the seat, I rest my feet on the cushy pop out. I settle into my little place of haven and watch the movie start. I smile to myself. Nothing like a good film to erase the tension that has been wracking my body, shoulders tight, neck stiff. I begin to relax as all of that starts to fade. Flinging a handful of butter drenched popcorn, I munch on it and swallow before grabbing my beer , starting to bring it to my mouth when I hear my phone go off. I put my Adams down and take a look at the text. It’s from Vishous. I close my eyes for a moment and scrub my hand down my face before texting back. "Sure, I’m good. Give me a few and I’ll meet up with you.". Looks like that beer, popcorn and movie will have to wait. I push myself out of the chair and leave the movie room, beating feet up to my room. Taking off my jeans, I flip through my closet to grab a pair of black leathers and pull them on. My shirt comes next, air cool between changing. Dear Scribe, I need to feed soon. Weapons come next, black daggers and knives. A glock and other various choice weapons. Settled into my fighting gear, I head out to see V.

Vishous:  I was standing on the outside of the Escalade just finishing up my hand rolled when Tohr came into sight. For a while now things around the Manse were all up in arms. It seemed shit was hitting every wall that stood firm within the place. There was a reason I chose the Pit when all the Brotherhood made the move to be under one roof and all the things going on up in the Manse was that reason. I functioned better with little to no one around me, minus Butch in that. I always felt at ease within when the male was in close proximity. Ever since the whole Folsom jumping ship sitch I had spent my time locked in on my monitors and working on all the different properties. With this new unexpected development I was mentally going the fuck off on myself. How the fuck did I miss this shit? After we lost Darius I had delve into every corner and crack of each one of the Brothers and what they had acquired over time and logged them all down from location, worth, and anything else we would need to know about them. I was pissed the fuck off about this new find. Good you could join me Brother. We need to take a ride and check on a place. Get in and I will fill you in on the deets. I gave a nod and butted out the blunt on the heel of my boot and got in behind the wheel of the Escalade.

Tohr:  I spot V standing by the sleek, black vehicle. The smell of his Turkish tobacco is lingering in the air, swirling smoke around V almost like a cloak. The night is partly overcast, the clouds beginning to roll in, a promise of snow in the air. It is very still, quiet out, the only sound I pick up is the exhale of V’s hand rolled. I’m curious about what this could be about, as both V and I were both off rotation tonight. Something serious must have popped up and I never mind helping a Brother out. I get a greeting from V and watch him stub out the hand-rolled before opening the Escalade door and slipping into the driver’s seat. I clutch the door handle, and slide into my own passenger seat.  I reach over to grab the strap for the seat belt and click it in, the snap of metal loud in the silence. I look over at Vishous, studying his profile for a moment before he turns toward me, those diamond eyes burning into mine. So, what’s up V? I wait for his answer, only a few things going through my head. It can’t be one of the Brother’s hurt, it would have been more rushed, hurried. Then what could it be? I wait in anticipation for V’s answer.

Vishous:  I waited long enough for the Brother to get in and situated before I cast a look over at Tohr and snorted out a disgruntled grunt. It would seem in my rebuilding of the Brotherhood security that I am opening long lost cans of who the fuck knows what. I jerked the gear into drive and took off out of the underground garage. Long story short I fucked up and missed a file that was in with Darius’s stuff. With one hand on the steering wheel I used my other to play with my lighter just to try and mask the annoyance at this discovery. I kept my diamond eyes locked on the road and drove the way that would take us to the desired destination. While I was searching and gathering all the info that I needed on our outlying properties I stumbled onto a locked file that I’d never seen before and low and behold but it’s another place. I manipulated every traffic light that we came up on and went around each turn like skating on ice. Another kicker is, when I tapped into the street cams located in that area it showed there was definite movement inside and outside of the place. And that is where we come in. I cocked my head and dragged my gaze for a second from the road over to Tohr. I have not a fucking clue who has set up house in this hidden place of Darius’s and why he was so damn secretive about the residence. When we hit the street I slowed down and eventually ended up parking a block away and cut off the engine. I say we go in and clean house. The grin that took up residence on my face was full of twisted wickedness and right now I was feeling particularly savage and ready for anything.

Tohr:  I listen to what V is saying in between his habit of flicking his lighter on and off. Darius has a secret place? How can we have missed this? V is so thorough in his research of everything. I notice how the lights keep turning green off schedule, knowing that Vishous is manipulating the traffic signals. I glance over at the Brother as he turns the corners, making a beeline to our destination. My brows shot up at the mention of movement inside the place and I glance over at V, his crystal eyes looking into mine as he turns to glance at me. I definitely agree that we need to find out who is living in this place and wait for V to park the vehicle. I notice the feral smirk taking place on his face at the thought of taking out what has been residing in Darius’s property. I agree V. We need to figure out what is going on in there. I get out of the car, my eyes taking in the clouded sky, the light breeze is cold, causing goose bumps to appear on my skin. Oh, yes. There is going to be snow, and soon according to the cast of the light of the night. I look around, taking everything in, making sure there will be no surprises waiting for us. There is no trace of baby powder as we stalk our way down the street. I look at the figure next to me. Whoever is in there, I don’t think it is a lesser. However, it could be one of those Bastards. I reach into my jacket to clutch a dagger as we approach the dwelling silently. I nod at V to let him know that I’m ready for when we open the door, or kick in the door. Whichever V decides to do, which according to the snarling looking grin on his face says we will be doing.

Kalea:  It was long past dark and the weather was turning colder in Caldwell as it drew further from fall and fell into winter. Zak had just left after a recent feeding coupled with gossip of the outside world, a new movie he brought, and another failed attempt to get her to come with him to one of his favorite clubs. After watching him leave she made sure the garage was locked down before making her way into the kitchen for a snack. She always found herself with a sweet tooth after feeding from Zak and the go to thing was always cream cheese/chocolate chip frosting with chocolate graham crackers. Grabbing the container of frosting from the fridge and graham crackers from the pantry she made her way up to the theater room held on the second floor. She usually ended up watching TV alone but sometimes one of the doggen would trail in and take up a space on the couch while she occupied the large overstuffed chair in the room. Tonight it seemed she was on her own, the doggen off in other areas of the home, making themselves scarce when Zak came around. They were always happy when she had someone other than them to talk to and associate with. It wasn’t that they were tired of her, they were fiercely loyal and loved her, it was the simple fact that they thought she needed more interaction than just them. Sighing to herself she grabbed the remote and turned the flat screen on and pulled up the guide so she could find something to watch.  

Vishous:  I kept to the dark as we made our way towards the large residence and only after the car left with what was a single male in the vehicle did I move in closer. Once we reached the perimeter I motioned towards the place and lowered my voice. Not that I wouldn’t mind a beat down on some Lesser tonight but right now it is good that they are not our prey. We have enough to deal with, with whatever lies in secret behind those stone walls. I watched closely as one light flickered off on the first floor and then mere minutes later another light went on, on the upper floor. Swiftly I scanned the street and other homes that were placed at a decent enough space between one another and then focused my attention back on the target before us. I say we go through the back and keep it chilled, locate the sounds of each individual and gather them all. I looked over at my Brother who was right there with me and I had to give it to the male. That was just who he was, no questions asked he just showed up, there was no putting up a fucking fit about how this was his night off and fuck you V very much. He did the race proud and I for one understand exactly why he was Wraths right hand man. As much as I want to go in guns and Daggers blazing, on this one we need info on whom and why the fuck they are here. There is too much unanswered now that we need to know about this place and why Darius kept this shit locked down. I gave one last nod to Tohr and made my way up and around to the back of the house. Quickly I deduced the system that was attached and located the box that was not far from the back door. In no time flat I disengaged the system without tripping it up and went back to the door.We’re all good man, let’s do this shit and try to keep a few alive, true? My diamond eyes flashed in the darkened night and I pulled my blade from inside my leather, with just a little urging I had the door opened and was surprisingly quiet as my shitkickers stepped over the back door threshold. I’ll take the first floor and sweep it clean while you dance it on up to the second and see what’s doing. With my blade in hand I made my way through the wide open kitchen and slinked around the doorframe into what was an impressive dining room.

Tohr: I watch V locate the security system and dismantle it quickly. V is good like that, any kind of technical shit, he is the first one to ask. I look up at the building, this should be easy. I keep my hand on the handle of my dagger as I creep into the building silently behind V. I look around the kitchen, it is spotless and I vaguely wonder if a civilian is living here with doggen. I veer from V and silently head up the stairs which are polished clean. Ascending upstairs, I look from left to right. There is the scent of graham crackers and something sweet in the air. Not lesser sweet, but something edible. It is coming from the left along with the soft glow of what seems to be a television. The sounds of crunching and a the blare of a movie complete with definitely a Syfy edge to it is emerging from there as well. I can also smell a feminine scent wafting from there too. I glance to the right, which is a mere darkened room. I detect no living being in that room. Just polished furniture and floors, along with some glass cleaner. I turn my attention back to the movements in the left room and deftly make my way inside only to find a lovely brunette with what looks like icing and crackers in her lap on a couch. I demand. Who are you and what are you doing in this house?

Kalea:  Panicked. The word was basically screaming out inside her, rushing through her veins, and holding her frozen as her gazed locked on the giant of a man standing in the doorway. Her only way out and he was blocking it. She felt like a deer caught in the lumination of headlights with nowhere to run. She hadn’t heard him break into the house, hadn’t heard him coming up the stairs, hadn’t even caught his scent. She felt ashamed that she had let her guard down even for the moment. He was just standing there staring at her, waiting, and then she remembered he had asked or better yet demanded something of her. Clearing her throat, her mouth dry from fear she spoke up. This is my house. She answered, not bothering to give her name like he had asked. Nobody but a handful of people knew her name and that wasn’t something she wanted to give up just yet. The sound of a werewolf howling in the background echoed from the television followed by the sound of an arrow being released from a crossbow. The noise broke her somewhat out of her fear and she set her snack aside before moving to stand up from her chair. Better to stand and face an enemy than to be cowering in a chair. Her hands moved unconsciously to smooth the cotton fabric of her grey tank top where it had ridden up while lounging along with the hem of her shorts. Mustering as much courage as she could she asked, Who the hell are you? There was a tremble in her voice and she hated herself for it but there had also been an edge of steel. Darius would’ve been proud at least at that, not at the fact that she had been stupid and hadn’t been paying attention to her surroundings.

Tohr:  I look at the woman standing in front of me, without fear, pride shining in her face. Stubborn jaw, nose ending in a little upturn, full lips and high cheekbones. Very symetrical, a bone structure that a model would envy. Her hazel eyes wide, looking at me, without fear, but with a touch of steel, glinting with indignation that I dare enter her space. My navy eyes crinkle at the edges as I squint and gaze at her. There is a familiarity to her and I’m trying to place it. My gaze can’t help but follow the hands that skim down her shirt and the bottom of her shorts before looking back up at her. I feel like an idiot for a moment for doing so before realizing that she hadn’t given me her name but instead answered my question with one of her own. This one has spirit. I refrain from calling V upstairs, finding myself wanting converse with her more in this battle of wills. Who’s will crack first? I stride into the room, taking a glance at the television, using my body to back her up into the room, before closing the door silently behind me. There is no escape unless she wants to jump out the window, which I doubt. I crowd her space, standing close to her, almost nose to nose. I’ll ask you again. What is your name and what are you doing here in Darius’s house? I stand there, unmoving, waiting for her answer.

Kalea:  He’s studying her, like a creature on display, and all she can do is stand there under his navy gaze. His features were set in determination, his angular jaw locked, his eyes stubborn but curious. He was tall, probably the tallest man she had ever seen and that was saying a lot with where she came from. His broad shoulders near filled the door way and his arms were bigger than her thigh. She couldn’t take him, there was no way and she wasn’t going to die trying by being stupid. Death by stupidity was not a way to go. His light brown hair was short and trimmed, clean cut, his jaw was shaven with a faint hint of five o’clock shadow. He was handsome in a rugged way, there was no doubt of that. He held himself with the grace of a warrior, of someone that had seen and done a lot of things better not spoken aloud. She took in the barely noticeable bulges hidden on his body, noting them as weapons, and here she stood with nothing but graham crackers. Thinking to herself, “Oh Darius, you would be so proud.” She had to stop herself from visibly rolling her eyes at her own ignorance. All thoughts though were pushed aside when he stepped farther into the room and shut the door. His large frame crowding her back until the back of her thighs hit the arm of the chair and he stood directly over her, his chest a mere inch from hers. Her heart clenched at his mention of Darius and then sped up when she realized that this man had known her brother. Whether it was as friend or foe she didn’t know. I told you I live here. How do you know Darius? Speaking of her brother in present tense instead of past…maybe this man didn’t know about Darius’s demise. Unlikely but that could be the case.

Tohr:  I hesitate. She obviously knew Darius. I tilt my head at her, licking my dry lips, unsure of what to say. She lives here? Why had Darius hidden her? This little slip of a woman. I move back an inch to let her breathe as I look at her with must be shock on my face. Her question has taken me completely off guard. Part of me wants to call for V right now, but the other half… wants to stay here with this girl and find out answers about my mentor, my best friend. I lock the door with my mind, so she won’t be able to get out and I move around her, trying my best to overwhelm and be as menacing as possible to get these answers. I see her gaze at the various weapons on my body, her eyes glinting with specks of gold for a moment. I can smell her fragrance, unique and intriguing. I circle her, dipping my finger in the tub of icing and bringing it to my mouth, sucking it off my finger for a moment, the soft frosting sweet in my mouth. I can feel my fangs drop down a centimeter at the seriousness of this situation. I pause for a second before quickly striding to her, grabbing her by the shoulders and pushing her up against the wall, growling out. How. Did. You. Know. Darius?

Kalea:  She watches as shock and confusion play across his features before he’s stepping back from her. Then the audible click of the lock turning sounds in her ears and her stomach twist about itself in fear. He moves past her and she turns her body about slowly to face him as she keeps her gaze on him. She’s not sure what he’s thinking or what he’s planning on doing to her and part her desperately wants to know while another part thinks it best not to know. Frowning, she watches as he leans down and dips a finger into the tubbeware of icing. Rude, I hope your hands are clean because that is very unsani… her voice cuts off as her eyes follow the now dessert decorated finger to his lips before popping it into his mouth and sucking the icing off. The hint of fang shows between his parted lips and before she’s able to process what’s happening she’s suspended against the wall with two hundred and some odd pounds of muscled vampire holding her there. Her back hits heavily against the wall, the breath knoced from her, and fear lances through her. Her heart is racing as she looks up at him and quickly the fear is pushed into the background and she feels this overwhelming need to punch him in the face. Fear turning to anger, white hot in her veins. Get the fuck off me! She yells into his face, kicking out with her legs and trying to push him away.

Tohr:  I press closer to her, completely pinning her to the wall, giving her no leeway, her kicks nothing to me. Her breath is sweet with her confectionary snack as she yells in my face. I laugh. I don’t think so, female, until you give me my answers. I can hear the knock of her heart pounding in her chest. I had seen her fear turn anger. Feisty, this one. Her spirit intrigues me even more. I can see her desire to push me away, get away from me. For an instant both of us are completely still and I peer closer at her. I realize what is so familiar about her, she resembles Darius. I’m shocked, so this is who was living here, locked behind a zipped folder. Why hadn’t she been with him? Why squirrel her away? I cock my head at her, my voice gentling. You are related to Darius, aren’t you? I look at her up and down. Yes, definitely related, but how?What is your name? A clear hint of respect in my voice now. I back away and turn around for a moment, running my hand through my chestnut locks before turning back to her. Listen, my name is Tohrment. I mean you no harm. I loved Darius like a brother. Please tell me how you knew him and what you are called. For once I cracked first. Only for him and his own would I do that for. I scrub my fingers down my face, my whiskers brazing the tips. What a turn of events this is. The moment I get my answers, I will call for V.

Kalea:  Her anger rose as he held her against the wall tighter and then the asshole laughed in her face. There was no way out, she was caught, held against her will, and her thoughts went back to similar things in her past. Her body shuddered as she shook her head to clear the past from her mind. She focused on the here and now. The here and now being this man and her in a somewhat one sided fight. He wanted answers, answers that had been kept a secret for so long. They were what had kept her alive all this time but now keeping them might very well endanger it. Kalea watched as he seemed to study her again. She could see him working a puzzle clear in his eyes, trying to come up with his own answers. And he does. The right ones. The breath leaves her when he guesses right and she leans heavily against the wall as he steps back from her. She listen to his voice as he speaks aloud, figuring it all out. His voice calm, a gentle lull that has her relaxing even as she stays on guard. She arches a delicate brow as he speaks of her brother and she can see the clear love and respect that this man…Tohrment had for him. She knows who he is now, a brother, part of the brotherhood. Tohrment with his unusually colored navy blue eyes. Stories of him race through her mind, ones that Darius had told her of. She knows this man…sort of. She watches as he runs a hand over his face, he looks tired she thinks to herself, and with that she makes her decision. Taking a deep breath and slowly releasing it she introduces herself to someone for the first time in a long time. My name is Kalea, and I’m Darius’s sister.

Tohr:  Kalea… Her name rolls off my tongue, an elegant name. Darius’s sister? I never knew he had a sister. Why had he not told me after all the time we had together? I look at her in an entirely different way. I gaze away, all thoughts of her beauty fleeing my mind. I cannot think of my departed best friend’s sister in that way. My navy blues look around the room. She is not safe here. Does she not know the dangers that lurk just outside of this building? Lessers can sense her and invade at anytime they wanted, security alarms be damned. Oh Dear Scribe Virgin, what are we going to do with her? It’s obvious she can’t stay here, or her doggen. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, pinching the area between my navy blues. I can still remember her heart beat, blood running through her veins, reminding me that I need to feed. I’ll have to call on a Chosen, which I feel guilty of asking for after that damned fiasco with Zsadist and Phury. My fangs lengthen even more, and I try to hide it as I turn back to her to speak. You are going to have to come with us. I release the lock and stride to the door, opening it and calling out. V! You need to get your ass up here. We have an issue.

Kalea:  Now she really wanted to know what he was thinking as he seemed to be lost in his own head. He would look at her and then look away only to repeat the process. He did this a few times and then would glance around the room. It made her uneasy not knowing his thoughts but he was clearly trying to work something out. He had only said her name, something in the way he had said had caused a shiver up her spine, and nothing else only silence. She saw the hint of fang again and it made her think of the way she was today before Zak came by and she fed. He needed to feed and the knowledge of that made her back against the wall a little more as if that would protect her. Then she caught what he said and her eyes widened in alarm. Us? There was someone else in the house? Oh god, the doggen…had they been harmed or worse killed. Obviously he was a brother and they could dispatch a couple doggen with no problem. The thought made her ill and she wanted to run from the room and check on her family. He had said he meant no harm but that was after he had figured out she was Darius’s relative. With her thoughts on the doggen she almost missed the sound of the lock on the door turning back and then Tohrment was going to the door, opening it, and yelled out. V…? Who could V be? She tried to remember the names of those in the brotherhood. Wrath the King, Tohrment, Phury, Zsadist, Rhage…Vishous. She had heard tales about them all without the promise of ever meeting them and now…now two were here in her house coming to take her away. She was screwed.

Vishous:  I searched out every room on the first floor, keeping my back to the wall and my blade in hand. I didn’t hear a single beat of a heart in the close vicinity of me. Each room only proved to show that the home was lived in but well maintained. The only light shedding across the floor was that of the full winter’s moon streaming in through the windows. Good thing I didn’t need the light to find my way through, with the whole hyper hearing and senses I could hear and see with very little assistance. Once I swept every room I made my way down into the basement and scoped out the space. It had four large rooms and just like the upstairs you could tell they were all use but kept in order. It wasn’t until I made my way back up to the first floor that I heard Tohr call out for me and without a thought I raced up the stairs to the second floor. I easily found the doorway that my Brother standing in and stopped right in front him. With my fingers gripping my dagger I was ready to storm into the room and take care of whatever threat was there but as soon as my iridescent eyes swept what I could see of the room my brows narrowed down and I looked from the female to Tohr. What the fuck is this shit, a damn female? My head turned instantly when I heard footsteps coming down the hall. My eyes took on a dim glow and I raised my hand to the small group of Doggen that were carrying a small army of weapons. Stand down or take your last breath along with the fucking female in the room, your choice. I could tell they were confused as hell and hesitant but when the female doggen gasped as the tats around my brow started to glow along with my eyes she gasped out and dropped her weapons so she could cross herself. I grunted out a growl, that wasn’t the first time I got that reaction and it sure as fuck wouldn’t be the last. I spoke over my shoulder at Tohr. Since when can’t you handle a handful of Doggens and a female Brother, are you growing soft on me? I shook my head and ordered the small group to stand down, it took maybe a second or two more and then the weapons were hitting the floor as they went to stand against the wall with their backs to it.

Tohr:  I see the fear shining in Kalea’s eyes as V threatens her doggen. It is obvious that she cares for them and they care for her. Although equipped with weapons that wouldn’t faze either of us, I know why V was so harsh in his tone and speech. After the doggen drop their weapons, I turn to look at the female, her hand at her mouth and speechless. Looking back at V, I roll my eyes at his comment and after he is done with the doggen I tell him what is going on. V… the issue is that this female, Kalea, is Darius’s sister. He’s kept her hidden all this time from us, even from me. Just saying that he hadn’t even told me makes my heart clench as I thought that the male had told me everything about his life. Well, now I guess almost everything. I close my dark sapphire eyes, jaw clenching,  before I look at V’s diamond ones, now glowing in the dimness of the hallway. We can’t let her just stay here. There is barely any protection against the Lessers should they decide to make her another victim. And, it’s DARIUS’S sister,  we can’t let her be harmed. I stress whose relative it is to Vishous. I let the plea show in my eyes as V knows how close Darius and I were, not to mention how close he was to the rest of the Brotherhood. I look back over to Kalea, who is standing there, looking at Vishous. I wonder briefly if she knows anything about the Brotherhood and who we are. I flood with a sense of wanting to protect her. This spirited, witty and intriguing sister of my deceased friend. V. She needs to come with us. My gaze hardens as I let my authority ring in my voice as I look at the male. I’ll take the heat if Wrath should have a problem with it.

Kalea:  The two males in front of her were nothing short of impressive. They were the embodiment of warriors created to put fear in those around them. Tohr with his tall stature, broad shoulders, and scowl (even if it was dimmed a bit because of the situation at hand). And V with his weapons in hand, ice diamond eyes, and the tattoo that curled almost protectively around one. Kalea had frowned when her female doggen had started praying when she took a look at him. She was curious as to the story behind it but she wasn’t going to ask now, probably never would. Darius may have told her stories about the brothers but he hadn’t delved to deep and she knew there were reasons for that. Pulling her gaze from the brothers and back to her doggen she found it shocking that they had so quickly tossed down their weapons, albeit smart, but still shocking. At least this way she knew they wouldn’t be harmed for acting out against the brothers in ignorance. She listens as Tohrment tells V everything, not only that she is Darius’s sister but that she is also coming with them. She feels her anger spark at being completely ignored in what she wanted but she also knew that it was useless to stand against him. Especially since the brotherhood held the King in their ranks and that even though she had been hidden for nearly her whole life she couldn’t say no to them. By doing so would be by extension saying no to the King. Again, stupidity was not a way to go. Even so she couldn’t help the smartass in her by saying You’re very confident that I’ll so easily agree to come with you. She arched a delicate brow and snorted. Cocky. Well that was a stupid thing to say but Darius had always told her she had a stubborn streak a mile wide.

Vishous:  Alright if I wasn’t floored by finding this secretive hidden place of Darius’s before then I sure as shitting was now with what Tohr had just tossed out there. A SISTER, one that he had kept on the down low and not just from the Brotherhood but obviously from Tohr himself from the fleeting pained look on his face. My fingers loosened their hold on my dagger but I didn’t let go, but I knew now there was no imminent threat that meant a blade in the back or a hole in the chest. I took a second to look from the Doggens who seemed to still be standing with a sense of pride and ready to act defensive if needed and the slip of a female that did bear a resemblance to our downed Brother and then back to Tohr. I nodded, knowing that all he said was true. Yeah, no fucking doubt you are right Brother, and I’m sure that there won’t be much dealing with Wrath once you laid that bomb on him of who she is. Finally I replaced my blade back in my holster that was strapped securely to my chest and drew my diamond gaze back to the small group of Doggen. Pack her belongings and Doggens from the service of the King will be here soon to retrieve them as well as you all to come be with your mistress. I was still reeling but that didn’t stop me from moving onto the obvious and that was getting the fuck out of here with the female safely and getting her under the protection of the Brotherhood. That is where she belonged. Darius was one of us, it was always his goal to have all the Brothers under one roof, living and breathing as a true family united. The male went as far to procure and set up the Manse for that purpose alone. He paid attention to the littlest of details to the biggest of ones, including the classrooms for training new recruits and underground tunnels to be protected but also to be highly useful for anything that the Brotherhood would need. With this female being an extension of him it was our place to do all that we could by her…whether she liked it or not. The tension and irritation in me lessened and I almost chuckled hearing the retort from Darius’s sister. Confident, cocky, either way you’re coming with us and your belongings and things will arrive shortly behind you but you might want to change seeing as its winter outside. I turned my attention back to my Brother. I’ll go get the Escalade and pull around to the back to wait on you two and then we can get back to the Manse for some more fun and frolic with this new bit of clusterfuck.”I did grin then because fuck things were never dull and this shit was going to be interesting once we dug into the whys and all of this new discovery. I gave a last nod to Tohr and dragged my gaze back to the Doggen who were still just standing there. One black brow raised and with that they scurried off to pack their mistresses things. I went back down and out the way we came in and did exactly as I said by going and getting our ride and coming back to wait.

Tohr:  I turn to Darius’s sister, her stance proud and a bit stand-offish. I know that I don’t need to tell her to not be afraid.  I scratch at the back of my neck, a nervous habit I’ve had for years. I remember Darius pointing that out to me once while we were at Zero-Sum. I’m surprised I haven’t dug holes on my hairline yet. Kalea’s scent wafts over to me, a light fragrance of cherries and almonds. Intoxicating, if it wasn’t from my deceased best friend’s sister. I sigh and rake my hand through my hair, trying to will my fangs to recede before this gets really awkward. We need to get you into some warmer clothing. V is right, it’s freezing outside and looks like it will snow soon. I close my eyes, cursing to myself. “We”. I said we. What is wrong with me? Why am I suddenly feeling like a pretrans. I harden myself, my navy blues turning to stone and straightening up a bit. I’m Tohrment, Son of Hharm. Leader of the Brotherhood. I stand there proud with all my walls erected, part of me pissed now that Darius had left this little secret from me. The anger washes over me and I welcome it with open arms. Better to be cold than to be like I am transitioning for the first time and not knowing what to do. I stare Kalea down, taking in her raised, stubborn chin and semi-defiant hazel eyes. I look up and down her frame, from grey tank top to shorts that grace long, toned legs down to her bottom feet and back up to her face. A doggen comes in with a pile of clothing. Pants, a sweater and a jacket. Plus some socks and boots, leaving them on the couch before bowing and leaving. I pick up the pile and shove them at Darius’s sister. Now, go get dressed.

Kalea:  She watched as V left the room and the doggen right behind him to do his bidding. It pissed her off a little bit but she understood why they so easily snapped to attention at his command. He, like Tohrment, was a force to be reckoned with. As soon as they left the room she turned her attention back to the man who started it all. He seemed at war with himself and she watched as he scratched the back of his head, not for the first time since he had been in the room, almost like a nervous tick. Kalea nodded as he talked, resigned to the decision that had been made even if she didn’t fully agree with it. As they waited for the doggen to return with clothing for her she got lost in her own thoughts. Tohrment seemed to be more troubled by her than V had been and it made her curious as to why. Was it simply because she was an annoyance he didn’t want to deal with? Or because she was a secret that Darius had kept from the brothers? From him? She had a small idea of the relationship between Darius and Tohr but her brother had never fully went into the details. When she had tried to get him to talk more he had simply told her that it wasn’t only his story to tell and he didn’t want to betray a brother in that fashion. Now that she was going with them then just maybe she could get the rest of the story. One look at Tohr made her rethink that idea…maybe not. Kalea frowned as Tohr seemed to fight with himself, going from a nervous school boy one minute to a livid warrior the next. One minute he was somewhat kind and the next he was shoving her clothes at her. Asshole. Feeling spiteful she flipped him off before walking from the room to get changed. When she had wapped out her shorts for jeans and pulled the sweater on over her tank she walked back to the room to put on her boots. As she was zipping up one she glanced up at him and asked what she had been curious about earlier. When is the last time you fed?

Tohr:  Kalea saunters back into the room, fully clothed in jeans and sweater, able to brave the frigid weather outside. I had chuckled to myself as she had flipped me off before haughtily making her way from the room to get changed. I watch her pull on her boots, and as she zips up the last one her hazel eyes meet mine and she asks a question I’d rather not get into. No I haven’t fed for awhile and at the thought of feeding, the fangs I had willed to retract come punching down again. Fuck! I take another deep breath and turn my back on her, completely ignoring her question. Come, we need to go downstairs. V is waiting with the car. I walk through the doorway, having to duck my head because of my height. Last thing I’d want to do is knock myself out by banging my head on it. I hear her softer footsteps behind mine as we descend the stairs, my weapons clinking together as I make a rush to get going and to get away from her. Reaching the front door, I open it, the frosty air blowing inside along with a few snowflakes that have started to fall. I turn my head to look at her and down to her hand, grabbing it to make sure she doesn’t take off running and approaching the waiting Escalade.

Kalea:  She couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped as Tohrment beat feet out the door and down the stairs. He was in a hurry and Kalea was feeling a bit scornful so she slowed her pace to a walk. He was like a child running to hide after breaking his mother’s vase. Either he was running from her or from her question, either way it made her laugh. The frigid air that swept in through the door after Tohr opened it sobered her up to the issue at hand and she hurried to get by Tohr’s side. Then he was clasping her hand in his leaving her confused. She glanced up at him but his gaze was focused on the Escalade in front of them with a determined frown on his lips. The sight of snowflakes sticking to his hair made him seem softer even as he was glowering. The contradictions the image showed caused her to start laughing again even as she was being hustled into the back seat.  

Vishous:  I had already sent a txt to #Fritz for a room to be readied but that was all that I told the devoted Doggen. This was going to be one long fucking day and I was glad that Tohr was the right hand of Wrath. That meant he got to have the pleasure of laying all this shit out for the Brother. My diamond gaze traveled up to the front entrance when they both made an appearance and I snorted out a grunt when the every protective Brother took the females hand to help her to the car. That kind of stuff was in his genetic make up, somehow the Bloodletter missed that gene and so did I. I waited long enough for them both to get inside and once I locked the doors it was on. The streets were already coated with a light layer of fresh snow and once again I manipulated the street lights and kept the Escalade from spinning out on my race back to the Manse. The inside of the vehicle was almost deathly quiet and I sure as fuck wasn’t about to break it. Later though, much later I would be digging for answers to the hows, whys and what fors of all of this. Darius had his reasons for it but now that it was in our faces we needed to find out what those reasons were and the only one with a clue was in the backseat. I glanced in the rearview mirror one last time and still was hit with the similarities between her and our fallen Brother. Shaking my head I focused back on the road before me and once we reached the triple gates leading to the manse I drove through each one and only stopped when we were directly in front of the double door wide staircase entrance. I didn’t put it in park, instead I looked over at Tohr and gave a nod. #Fritz is expecting a houseguest just doesn’t know who so a room will be ready and he will get things taken care of her doggens and belongings. I’m going to the garage and get my ass back to figuring out this puzzle, at least the part of getting the new property locked down under the same security I have all the rest under. But you have fun with the big guy and getting her settled in Brother. Chuckling I flashed a sly wink and again was glad I was the tech guy and not the King’s right hand guy.

Tohr:  I usher the female out of the car and bring her inside to the Manse. #Fritz is standing there, poised as always. I turn to Kalea. #Fritz is going to take you upstairs to your room. It was, um, interesting to meet you Kalea. I hope you like it here. With that, such a short explanation, I turn my back on her before I say any stupid shit, with my fangs so long they could puncture my bottom lip. I growl as I walk down the hall, threading my fingertips through the strands of hair, all kinds of stuff on my mind. Darius has a sister. That no one knew about. Before I know it, I’m finally in front of Wrath’s thick, wooden door. I hesitate. How is he going to react to this situation? The shady shit with Darius. The fact that we brought her here. I absently bang my head against the door before remembering whose door it is. Fuck!.

Kalea:  The house she was led into bled Darius with its extravagant stairway, paintings on the wall and the one on the high ceiling above, and the dark rich colors of the interior. Aristocratic but with a sense of home, it made her miss Darius even more. This was the place he had talked about and how he wanted to have all the brothers under one roof. Living together and united as brothers…a family. She couldn’t help the small stab of pain that occurred now and also back when he would talk about it, knowing she would never be included. Her attention was brought back to Tohr as he said a few quick words and made an even quicker exit. She watched as he walked away, heard his growl, and couldn’t stop the smile on her face. Shaking her head she turned to Fritz and held out her hand. Hi, I’m Kalea…and i’m sure you’ll hear it sooner rather than later but I’m Darius’s sister. Kalea watched as the doggens eyes widened and then he was ushering her to the room that had been set up for her with all the pleasantries he could come up with. When she was left alone in her room, only after Fritz had left and then come back with a mug of hot chocolate to “warm her up”, she removed her boots and coat before climbing into the high king sized bed. Her thoughts replaying over how the night had started and how it had ended. With her in her brother’s home with his brotherhood and a cup of hot chocolate.  

Wrath: I knew exactly who was outside of my door the moment I heard his footsteps. I set aside what I was doing and waiting for him to do something. Tohr knew that he had a standing invitation to my office and didn’t need to knock but he seemed to be struggling with something. My brow wrinkled and I wondered what it was about when I suddenly heard the loud bang. Definitely not a fist, too hollow of a sound for that. I held back the laugh that threatened to tumble out. Whatever the issue it was likely not a laughing matter but the thought of Tohrment banging his head against the door was hard to ignore. I raised my voice loud enough for him to hear through the barrier. Are you trying to break it down with your thick skull or are you eventually just going to try the handle?

Tohr:  My breath exhales from my mouth in a heavy sigh before opening the heavy doors. Wrath is sitting at his usual position behind his desk, a hint of a smile on his face, just a little curling of the edge of his hard mouth. I plop myself in my seat, my eyes close for a moment as I lean my elbows on the desk and drop my head into my hands. I stay like that for a long minute before lifting my head and scrubbing my fingers down my face. Wrath, I have something to tell you. We found… I explode up from the chair and it skitters backward. I can’t sit for this, too amped up from what has happened. I start to pace the room as my heart constricts again from the fact that my best friend, Darius, didn’t confide in me the fact that he had a sister. I felt betrayed on some level. I keep walking from one end of the room to the other as I continue to explain. We found a secret place that Darius had kept hidden from us, so we went there to explore it. Darius had… has, a sister. V and I brought her here… I wait for my King’s response.

Wrath: The tension was so thick around Tohr that I could have cut it with a knife. I got as far as him finding something and then there was a loud sound. My hand was on my bo staff before I could even identify the sound. I forced myself to relax and not smack the Brother on the head just for that. Instead I laid the staff over the arms of the large chair that I sat in as if I’d meant to pick it up. I made it a point of following each of Tohr’s movements around the room with my head so that he knew I was listening to him. A sister… I scratched my fingers down the side of my face as I contemplated that revelation. He never told me. It seems that he had a lot of secrets. I missed the Brother like no other and I was certain that Tohr shared my feelings on that front. Why was she hidden away from us all? That will weigh on whether this decision to bring her here was a colossal mistake or not. I will not have more trouble brought to our doorstep despite my love for Darius.

Tohr:  I vaguely notice that Wrath had whipped out his bo staff, but I’m so wrapped up in my thoughts that I just watched him lay it on his chair. Dear Scribe, at this point I wouldn’t care if he beat me over the head with me and lay me into unconsciousness so I wouldn’t have to deal with these warring emotions within me.  Instead Wrath’s wraparounds follow me across the room as I share what has happened. I have no clue how he is going to react to Darius’s sister is in the Manse. I watch his long finger rub down his face, quiet for a moment. Then he speaks in his deep voice asking me the same questions I had. But, there was one thing I was sure about. Kalea is Darius’s sister and I could not bear to have her hurt, she is not safe in that house she was staying at. I do not think it was a mistake to bring her here, Wrath. She was a sitting duck for Lessers in that house. I does not matter what his reasons were. Carefully approaching Wrath’s desk and laying my hands on it.I doubt that Kalea will cause any trouble here. Please, Wrath, let her stay for now. I plead, not knowing why this is mattering to me so much beyond the fact that she is my best friend’s sister. I just hope that Wrath decides to let her stay here, where she is safe.

Wrath: My eyes narrowed behind my wrap arounds, it was a habit more than anything but I was really trying to understand what I was picking up from Tohrment. I leaned forward and spoke slow and evenly. Emotions aside, what exactly makes this female a sitting duck now? She has obviously been in that facility for years upon years. How is it that she is in danger now when we didn’t even know of her existence. Perhaps you painted up a large billboard sign that directed any and all comers to break down her door? I paused and tapped my fingers on the desk. I was more than willing to help our dead brother out but I wasn’t exactly sure that this would help her. And now we are presented with the fun prospect of her knowing where to find us. Did it occur to you that he had her there for a reason? That he didn’t tell us about her for a damn good reason. What if the real danger to her IS bringing her here? I have never known Darius to be a foolish male or to do things like this for no reason whatsoever. The Brother had enough foresight to save my father’s things when it was all being looted in the hopes that I would one day need them.

Tohr:  My mind is processing what Wrath is saying to me. The questions. Oh fuck. Maybe I did fuck up, getting caught up in my emotions. I’m not usually an emotional male but when it came to Darius… or was it what I was thinking about her before I found out that she was his sister?  Nope, not even going there. My King is right. She had been there for years without being harmed and it had taken a genius tech to find out about this secret.  What if our presence there… I don’t even want to think about that. I open my mouth to speak and close it, still thinking about these questions. Why DIDN’T Darius want us to know about us. He should’ve known that she’d be safe here, with us. Wrath was right. The Brother was always methodical, thinking ahead in situations. I try to separate my logic from my emotions, my eyes shifting here and there as I think. Finally I speak. What is done is done. We can only move forward and hope that this was the right thing to do. If there are any repercussions, I will handle them personally. You have my word.