* The sun was bright as it crested through the trees and over the swamp. I watched it rise as I laid immobile on the bed. My head hurt terribly - I could remember nothing - and what I could remember were only pieces to a much larger puzzle. My panther was agitated and I could feel her under my skin. Something had happened last night. The broken wardrobe was proof of that. Where was Severina? Mamere? I pushed up and the room spun. I held my head between my hands, sucking in air to keep from vomiting. I had to get out of here. Something wasn't right. Nothing was right. My bare feet hit the wood floor and I stood, making my way on shaking legs to get clothes. I managed to pull on jeans and a flannel shirt. Slipping my feet into sneakers, I tried the bedroom door. It was unlocked. I slipped into the hall way and made my way to the double doors. They were open and a beautiful morning breeze slipped through them. I hesitated, listening. There was movement downstairs, but nothing to indicate anyone was upstairs. I wanted to see if Severina was in her room, but at the same time, I knew I needed to leave. Now. I moved through the open doors and onto the balcony. The stairs were steep and my pulse pounded in my throat. If I got through this without being sick, it was going to be miracle. I swallowed and pushed away from the door. I took one step at a time, slowly moving down them. I kept my eyes on the swamp line as I moved down the stairs, my head starting to pound harder as I did. My feet hit the grass and I breathed a sigh of relief. I walked slow, taking my time, fighting the pain that tried to keep me back. * HEY! * I didn't look to see who had spotted me, I just bolted. I ran hard, not even really sure where I was going. I flew into the woods, avoiding the water. They'd catch me there. Sticks snapped and branches swiped across my face as I ran. An exposed root tripped me, and I stumbled, falling through a spider web. Undaunted, I scrambled up and ran. I could hear shouts and the pounding of feet as men followed suit. * Ya'll bring me dat girl! * Xavier bellowed, his voice sounding close. The woods grew more dark and the air grew thick. My breath wheezed out. A saw a shadow out of the corner of my eye a second before it tackled me. We hit hard and tumbled. I managed to get away from him, half crawling to do so. I started to sink. The shadow was a man with dark skin, his hair long as his face looked up into mine. His eyes were milky white. I struggled as the mud sucked me down further. * Oh God! * I cried out, knowing I would suffocate. * Help me! * I screamed at him, my hands reaching towards him. * Now mon cher wants help from ol' Josiah? * My waist became engulfed. I tried a different tactic. * Please, I don't want to die. * I begged. I could hear people coming. * Please? Don't let me die! * The mud was thick and cold as I sank further down, each movement the culprit. God only knew what was in this mud. Panic bubbled up inside of my chest. * PLEASE! * I screamed, struggling to reach solid ground. I lost a shoe and the mud was up to my breasts. * You learn nothing from your ancestors. * The man laughed. * Many a panther has died in mud pits just like this. * Xavier came into the clearing. His eyes took in my precarious position. * How did she break dat barrier? * Josiah's dead eyes looked at Xavier. * She's stronger than I thought. And the sisters. Those damn sisters. * He growled. Xavier looked at me again. * What a mess, pussycat. * I was going to suffocate. And he was going to watch. My eyes never left his. * Trow da line. * He jerked his chin toward the man next to him. The man stepped forward and swung the rope like a lasso. The mud engulfed my neck. I felt something slap over my head painfully. My lip hurt and I could taste blood. The noose tightened. There was a tug and I gagged despite my body shifting up out of the mud. The area was silent as I was drug from the pit. My mud covered fingers tore at the rough fibers of the rope in an attempt to gain relief from it. I gasped but no words came out. * Sorry 'bout dis. Its the only way. * Xaviers eyes shown with his alligator. He was enjoying this. * Josiah...you do dat thing you do. Stronger dis time. * I heard a voice, deep and dark. It slithered against my skin like the scales of a snake. I struggled as I was pulled from the mud, choking. The darkness was like a cloud, engulfing me. I clamped my mouth shut but I felt it slip through my nostrils. It tasted like ash as it spread through me and I slipped into unconsciousness. *


* The sun was bright as it crested through the trees and over the swamp. I watched it rise as I laid immobile on the bed. My head hurt terribly - I could remember nothing - and what I could remember were only pieces to a much larger puzzle. My panther was agitated and I could feel her under my skin. Something had happened last night. The broken wardrobe was proof of that. Where was Severina? Mamere? I pushed up and the room spun. I held my head between my hands, sucking in air to keep from vomiting. I had to get out of here. Something wasn't right. Nothing was right. My bare feet hit the wood floor and I stood, making my way on shaking legs to get clothes. I managed to pull on jeans and a flannel shirt. Slipping my feet into sneakers, I tried the bedroom door. It was unlocked. I slipped into the hall way and made my way to the double doors. They were open and a beautiful morning breeze slipped through them. I hesitated, listening. There was movement downstairs, but nothing to indicate anyone was upstairs. I wanted to see if Severina was in her room, but at the same time, I knew I needed to leave. Now. I moved through the open doors and onto the balcony. The stairs were steep and my pulse pounded in my throat. If I got through this without being sick, it was going to be miracle. I swallowed and pushed away from the door. I took one step at a time, slowly moving down them. I kept my eyes on the swamp line as I moved down the stairs, my head starting to pound harder as I did. My feet hit the grass and I breathed a sigh of relief. I walked slow, taking my time, fighting the pain that tried to keep me back. * HEY! * I didn't look to see who had spotted me, I just bolted. I ran hard, not even really sure where I was going. I flew into the woods, avoiding the water. They'd catch me there. Sticks snapped and branches swiped across my face as I ran. An exposed root tripped me, and I stumbled, falling through a spider web. Undaunted, I scrambled up and ran. I could hear shouts and the pounding of feet as men followed suit. * Ya'll bring me dat girl! * Xavier bellowed, his voice sounding close. The woods grew more dark and the air grew thick. My breath wheezed out. A saw a shadow out of the corner of my eye a second before it tackled me. We hit hard and tumbled. I managed to get away from him, half crawling to do so. I started to sink. The shadow was a man with dark skin, his hair long as his face looked up into mine. His eyes were milky white. I struggled as the mud sucked me down further. * Oh God! * I cried out, knowing I would suffocate. * Help me! * I screamed at him, my hands reaching towards him. * Now mon cher wants help from ol' Josiah? * My waist became engulfed. I tried a different tactic. * Please, I don't want to die. * I begged. I could hear people coming. * Please? Don't let me die! * The mud was thick and cold as I sank further down, each movement the culprit. God only knew what was in this mud. Panic bubbled up inside of my chest. * PLEASE! * I screamed, struggling to reach solid ground. I lost a shoe and the mud was up to my breasts. * You learn nothing from your ancestors. * The man laughed. * Many a panther has died in mud pits just like this. * Xavier came into the clearing. His eyes took in my precarious position. * How did she break dat barrier? * Josiah's dead eyes looked at Xavier. * She's stronger than I thought. And the sisters. Those damn sisters. * He growled. Xavier looked at me again. * What a mess, pussycat. * I was going to suffocate. And he was going to watch. My eyes never left his. * Trow da line. * He jerked his chin toward the man next to him. The man stepped forward and swung the rope like a lasso. The mud engulfed my neck. I felt something slap over my head painfully. My lip hurt and I could taste blood. The noose tightened. There was a tug and I gagged despite my body shifting up out of the mud. The area was silent as I was drug from the pit. My mud covered fingers tore at the rough fibers of the rope in an attempt to gain relief from it. I gasped but no words came out. * Sorry 'bout dis. Its the only way. * Xaviers eyes shown with his alligator. He was enjoying this. * Josiah...you do dat thing you do. Stronger dis time. * I heard a voice, deep and dark. It slithered against my skin like the scales of a snake. I struggled as I was pulled from the mud, choking. The darkness was like a cloud, engulfing me. I clamped my mouth shut but I felt it slip through my nostrils. It tasted like ash as it spread through me and I slipped into unconsciousness. *

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* Once +Loretta Blackstone told me what she needed I got up and left. Julian handed me his car keys and +Takahiro Yanahi DPI followed me out of the conference room. I was on the verge of losing it, my baby sister was missing. Taken by a witch and I had no idea why they would even want her. The thought's going through my mind of what might be happening to her were dark. I feared for her. I hurried down the hall and burst through the front door of the police station. I needed fresh air and solitude, I knew I couldn't hold myself together much longer. * "Kimiko, yamero." {Kimiko, stop.} * I stopped, but refused to turn around, tears slid down my face and I was ashamed that I was so weak at this moment. Taka turned me gently and pulled me against his chest, slipping the car keys from my hand. Wrapping his arms around me, he let me cry. * "Watashitachiha kaiyo o mitsukerudeshou, watashi wa yakusoku shimasu." {We'll find Kaiyo, I promise."} * I wrapped my arms around his waist. His gentle voice, embrace and his scent helped to calm me. I looked into my mate's eyes. * Why would they want her, Taka? Do you think that Senichi could be behind this? * My mate seemed to think for a minute. * "You and I know Senichi best. We could guess his next move in any situation and act on it before he even had to say anything. He knows he's gonna have to do something that we would never consider. I'm not saying he is behind this, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is." * I nodded, I knew he was right. Taka kissed me. * "Let's get to the house and get what Miss Blackstone needs." * I slipped into the passenger side of Julian's car and tried to pull myself together as Taka drove us to the house. *

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* Once +Loretta Blackstone told me what she needed I got up and left. Julian handed me his car keys and +Takahiro Yanahi DPI followed me out of the conference room. I was on the verge of losing it, my baby sister was missing. Taken by a witch and I had no idea why they would even want her. The thought's going through my mind of what might be happening to her were dark. I feared for her. I hurried down the hall and burst through the front door of the police station. I needed fresh air and solitude, I knew I couldn't hold myself together much longer. * "Kimiko, yamero." {Kimiko, stop.} * I stopped, but refused to turn around, tears slid down my face and I was ashamed that I was so weak at this moment. Taka turned me gently and pulled me against his chest, slipping the car keys from my hand. Wrapping his arms around me, he let me cry. * "Watashitachiha kaiyo o mitsukerudeshou, watashi wa yakusoku shimasu." {We'll find Kaiyo, I promise."} * I wrapped m...
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* Raechel Hadrian​​ was finally sleeping as I quietly dressed and left the house. I had to deal with Mia before I dealt with the females of the pack. I was still furious, but everything with Jordan McCormick​​ overshadowed it. I still needed to tell Mikaela Kieschnick​​. Maybe I'd call Damon Kieschnick​​ first. Let him decide the best way to tell her. She'd taken to Jordan right off the bat and I think Jordan had loved Mik too. I kicked the truck engine over and rubbed my hands together. It was cold and the sky was just turning a bright orange in the eastern sky. I didn't relish the tasks ahead. I put the truck in gear and headed into town. We didn't have a large police department. It was a few offices for Slade Michaels and Cole Ross, the other enforcers were directed by them. Slade and I had talked about bringing Vincent Gaines on, but it hadn't gotten any further when we were called to help Bianca. Now that the females had pulled the stunt they did, he may not stick around long enough for me to offer him the position. We had eight holding cells, each one made with reinforced silver. They stayed empty most of the time with the exception of a drunk or two needing to sleep off their drink. I parked in the space designated for me and made my way inside. * Alpha. * Bernice ran the front desk and she greeted me with a smile. * Good morning, Bernice. * She stood up. * You look tired, sir. * She handed me the file on Mia. This was a small town, she knew why I was here. I flipped through the contents. * Its been a long two weeks. * I told her as I made sure everything was in order. * Who's running the morning shift? * I asked, closing the file. * Stretch and Monty. * They were relatively new trainees, but Slade and Cole had trained them well. * Thank you. * I nodded as I slipped past her. Stretch was working the radio system we had in place and I nodded to him as I made my way towards the basement and the holding cells. Monty guarded the door leading down. * Good morning, Alpha. * He opened the door for me. * Thank you, Monty. * He nodded in return. * Good luck with that one, Sir. * I headed down the stairs, the air growing colder. I stepped down the corridor and she was in the first cell to the left. I typed in the code and a small section of the silver bars opened, allowing me to step inside her cell. She sat up when they slammed closed. She smelled like day old booze and her make up was smeared. She stood up and made her way over to me. * Alpha Beck. * Her voice was anything but respectful. * I'd hoped you would come and see me so we could sort this misunderstanding out. * She stepped close enough to run her fingers up the arms of my jacket. She shivered. * Such big muscles. * Her eyes met mine. * Maybe we can work out a deal, hm? * Her fingertips grazed my neck and jaw and for the first time in my life, I wanted to throttle a female. I shoved the file folder between us. * For starters, seducing me will do nothing but get you killed. My mate would have your head. Secondly, we'd both suffer the mating rash. And last, I would rather be dragged behind a truck, over broken glass then continue to be this close to you. * Rage darkened her eyes. * You're a son of a bitch! * Her hand flew up to slap me and I caught her wrist. * I can be. Why don't we find out just how big of a one? * She jerked away from me. * I don't understand why you're so mad at me. Why I'm to blame. I didn't do anything wrong! * She sat on the bed in a huff. * So, you didn't steal drugs from Dr. Tukami? * She was silent. * And you didn't meet Jules and my mate to give them the drugs you didn't steal? * Her eyes snapped fire as they met mine. * Or, you did do all those things, but dont want to admit it. I find it difficult to believe that you did this for the females out of the kindness of your own heart. * I opened the file that I had. * You attempted to seduce the doctor, your boss and was fired for it. I see you lived here during O'Donnells reign of terror. Your mother left with some rogue shifter. You stayed behind with your father. * She moved from the bed. * I know my life's story. I dont need you narrating it. * She tried to snatch the folder from me. I didn't allow it. * And I dont need someone of your calibre in my pack. * That got her attention. * What do you mean? * I shrugged. * Exactly what I just said. I'm banishing you, Mia. * Tears filled her eyes. * Beck...I mean, Alpha, sir....please. * I steeled myself against her pleas. * I don't trust you. In fact, you attempted to seduce me, which means you will stop at nothing to get what you want. I have yet to determine what exactly that is. But its detrimental to my pack. And I will not allow it. * She was sobbing now. * I just wanted Julian. I just wanted him to love me! * I shook my head. * He doesn't feel the same, Mia. The last female like you caused a lot of hurt as well and she almost killed members of my pack. I cannot stand by and let this happen. I will not. You broke trust. And you crossed the line thinking you could seduce me. * She hit her knees. * Alpha, please! Give me another chance! I will stay away from Julian! I'll do anything, ANYTHING to make this right. Just please, don't banish me!! * I shook my head as I gave the signal to be let out. * You'll be escorted out tomorrow morning. You will have exactly two hours to pack and clear out your things. * She was still sobbing. * Where will I go? * I stepped out of the cell. * I don't know, Mia, nor do I care. But you won't be here. And I shouldn't have to tell you that if you attempt to come back to McGregor land, you'll be killed on the spot. * I slammed the bars closed. * I hope that you take this chance and become a better person. Perhaps find a pack that will accept you. * She hit the bars, screaming. * I don't need you or your fucking pack! I didn't act alone! And everyone knows that the only reason you won't banish the others is because of who they mated and your mate is one! * I growled. * You know nothing of what I will do. Don't push me, Mia. It's too easy for me to have you executed. And it'd be supported. * I left her screaming behind me as I made my way back upstairs. I was due to meet with Jules, Meghan and Chloe in an hour. I wanted to be done with this whole thing so I could move on. I had bigger issues to deal with and this was just pissing me off. I left Mias file for Cole to finish up and then headed to my office for round two. *

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* Raechel Hadrian​​ was finally sleeping as I quietly dressed and left the house. I had to deal with Mia before I dealt with the females of the pack. I was still furious, but everything with Jordan McCormick​​ overshadowed it. I still needed to tell Mikaela Kieschnick​​. Maybe I'd call Damon Kieschnick​​ first. Let him decide the best way to tell her. She'd taken to Jordan right off the bat and I think Jordan had loved Mik too. I kicked the truck engine over and rubbed my hands together. It was cold and the sky was just turning a bright orange in the eastern sky. I didn't relish the tasks ahead. I put the truck in gear and headed into town. We didn't have a large police department. It was a few offices for Slade Michaels and Cole Ross, the other enforcers were directed by them. Slade and I had talked about bringing Vincent Gaines on, but it hadn't gotten any further when we were called to help Bianca. Now that the females had pulled the stunt they did, he may not st...
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* I finished checking in at the front desk then sat down next to Caiden Bauer​. I was nervous. I worried about what they would find today. I worried that Gabriel Jericho​ was going after Quinn Cooper​. I just wanted to be tucked inside of Ama Maes bed and breakfast with Caiden. My leg bounced as anxiety pumped through my veins.

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* I finished checking in at the front desk then sat down next to Caiden Bauer​. I was nervous. I worried about what they would find today. I worried that Gabriel Jericho​ was going after Quinn Cooper​. I just wanted to be tucked inside of Ama Maes bed and breakfast with Caiden. My leg bounced as anxiety pumped through my veins. "Im looking for a more permanent living situation." His hand settled just above my knee, stopping the nervous bouncing. My eyes met his. "Really?" My hand closed over his, my heart pounding. "Yes, really. I want to be with you." "I want to be with you, too." He leaned over and kissed me. "It's going to be okay, Gina. I can feel it." "You're a mind reader." I accused softly, tasting his lips. "Only yours. Let's find a place together. Somewhere Kristen and I can work from too." "Alright, I don't have a job yet, but I have money." "I'm not worried about that....
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