DECEMBER 30TH 5032

“Want me to help you get rid of those?” I questioned before a yawn escaped me.

Jaxson sighed, dropping onto the couch before repositioning himself to lie down. Junho was dozed off in the single-seater while Christian had his head down on the kitchen island.

“I just want to sleep for one hundred years, and please, rid me of these fucking love marks. I swear, remind me to beat the shit out of Michael when he wakes.” Jaxson groaned.

I smirked, walking over to him. I sat on the floor, allowing my power to flood into my fingertips. Jaxson turned his head to the side - a trail of fresh kiss marks trailed his neck and shoulders. I held back the laughter that wanted to escape my throat.

“I dare you to laugh. You had your fit. Don’t.” Jaxson warned. I knew he meant it.

“Alright. I’ll save it for tomorrow when you beat up Michael.” I replied, unable to hide my amusement as I returned my concentration to helping to hide the love marks. They would vanish on their own, but my spell would make it so no one else saw it.

“Christian, you awake?” Jaxson asked. We waited for a reply but were greeted with silence.

“Junho?” I asked turning my head to him. He was already in deep sleep.

“Jeez, that spell took its toll on him,” Jaxson commented.

“Don’t blame him. You know it’s difficult to perform that spell. I’m surprised Michael was able to stay up as long as he did. He’s really learned how to glamour like a fairy.” I acknowledged.

“Ya. How are you holding up?” Jaxson asked, turning his head to look at me. I could see the exhaustion in his heavy eyes that fought to stay awake.

“I think we all need a rest day. This mission has been exhausting, to say the least. I still have a little juice left in me. Christian said Scarlet was able to kiss Akane with the lipstick I made.” I explained.

“Damn...Scar’s good.” He whispered.

“You thought she wouldn’t be able to?” I questioned.

“No. I had confidence she’d figure out some opportunity to plant a kiss maybe on the neck or cheek but didn’t think she’d hit home base. Did the spell work?” Jaxson questioned.

“Yes. She also somehow got Akane to hold onto the lipstick which has a tracker. I know exactly where she is, and it also has a voice recorder which I’ve already turned on. I’m not checking it until we have enough info, just in case they realize and try to destroy it. Daichi is wired too. By New Year’s Eve we will have all the goods ready for an arrest. I just hope we can get all three of them. We need Akane’s real name. This impersonator is using an Alibi. I’ll get info from Scarlet once she wakes up, which won’t be much longer.” I replied.

“Scarlet did real good. All of you guys did. If she’s a succubus, that spell will take effect on New Year’s Eve and foul her plans if she attempts to use it. I think we have a shot at stopping this. The other plans are set for the ball. It’s just a matter of time and continuing playing hide and seek. Once this is done let’s request for two weeks off and we’re not going on another cruise.” Jaxson complained.

“Agreed.” I sighed.

Jaxson exhaled, looking up at the ceiling before closing his eyes. I continued working on the marks on his shoulders in silence, feeling the exhaustion of the last week start to crawl into my mind. It’s been such a busy week. So much for vacation.

I finished with the marks, making sure I didn’t miss any.

“Jaxson I’m...” I began but trailed off, noticing his chest rise and fall at a slow rhythm. His breathing deep.

“Damn, guess I’m the only one awake,” I commented, turning to check on Junho and Christian who were still fast asleep. I smirked, rising to my feet before walking to the bedroom and getting some blankets. Once they were covered, I took my laptop and a pair of headphones before I headed towards the washroom.

“Let’s see what these guys are talking about.” I declared, putting the seat of the toilet down before sitting on it; my hands typed across the keyboard.

It didn’t take long before I had multiple recordings organized in a timeline from the night Christian had placed the tracker on Daichi to this morning where Scarlet had given the lipstick to this Akane. Or should I say our fake Akane?

We’d already figured out from Michael and Junho’s assessment of Scar’s interactions today that they were two different people. The real tiger shifter Akane who was here on her father’s behalf and an imposter.

I smirked as I clicked the enter button – a voice feed came through my headphones. I slid them on my head, increasing the volume as I focused on the mid-conversation, or should I say argument, occurring.

“Where the fuck were you?!” A female voice snarled. I automatically label the female as fake Akane.

“That’s none of your business. Jeez. I’m supposed to be on vacation. Not working on this stupid deal, you want to conduct! You know what’s going to happen if you get caught?” A male replied.

“I NEED this transaction to go through. You know my clan is being hunted! This will be my insurance to ensure I stay alive.” Akane argued.

“YOU stay alive. What does that have to do with ME? Do you see what you’re fucking doing? Akane can get into major shit because of your fucking protocol to save your ass. It’s not my fault your fucking ancestors or whatever went on a murder spree. Maybe chant and pray to the gods for forgiveness for your family’s actions in attempting to wipe out the Aoitori clan. Maybe you don’t believe in Karma, but trust me, she’s a bitch.” He argued.

“Daichi!” She ordered. There was a moment of silence.

“I’m going to say this once. I’m not on your side. I’m doing this to try and save Akane’s ass from your selfishness. The stuck up twin sister who has her Papa wrapped around her finger. In fact, do you sleep at night? You know, being able to use that succubus power of yours on your own father? You’re a disgrace.” He snarled.

“Don’t you dare talk to me like that!”

“Silence Lucinda! I’m this close to ratting your ass out. You think I haven’t noticed agents from PINC snooping around on this cruise ship? It’s only a matter of time till they have all they need to hunt your ass down. In fact, I’d even help them.” Daichi laughed.

“You wouldn’t dare betray me.” She hissed.

“Settle down, my fake Queen. I’m only helping you because Akane is at risk and I love her.” He confessed.

“Some love that is when you’re hitting on Irina.” She mumbled. I heard something smash into pieces.

“I’m hitting on her to piss you the fuck off. How dare you go trying to ruin her relationship with that Alex dude? Sure, I may not like his guts, but I’d never fucking interfere with his relationship if it wasn’t for your unsatisfied ass. You have Papa and a bunch of experimental shifters following you and that’s not enough for you. You’re an energy seeking bit—” He tried to finish but a slapping sound followed.

“Do. Not. Tempt. Me. Daisusuki. I can rid of you in a matter of seconds.”

“Go ahead. I dare you. Finish the deed.”

There was a moment of silence before Daichi snickered.

“Exactly. You can’t. You kill me, and your sister would drop this mission and destroy this ship with you in it. You’re pathetic Lucinda. Don’t you ever once look at your sister and pity her? Haven’t you made her suffer enough? I guess her childhood of being overshadowed by you wasn’t enough. That Akane was always the second, the other twin, the less powerful one, wasn’t enough for you. You’ve used your powers since you learned how to use them. You’re a mistake. Twins with completely different spirits. Unbelievable. I guess you should go thank that Elaine woman.”

She didn’t reply.

I heard three footsteps before Daichi continued.

“And I will say this once. Don’t you dare use my name. You are not who I follow. You think this exchange will go well, and you’ll drive away with Irina to use whatever powers she’s so oblivious about. Think again. I don’t know if you can tell, but her boyfriend is one hella powerful dude. So, go ahead. Try to claim all the goodies for yourself. You will fail. I’ll make sure Akane and myself don’t need to deal with it.”

I heard footsteps before they stopped once again.

“I heard Trinity’s in LA to see Saikikku. I suggest you either give up this plan of yours or brace yourself. If she catches word you’re here...well. You can say goodbye to that pitiful life of yours.”

I heard the door open and close.

“He thinks he can get away with talking to me like that...just you wait. I will succeed. No one will stop me. Not Trinity, not PINC. No one will stop me from obtaining what I want.”

I heard footsteps before a door slammed shut – silence followed.

I sighed, sliding my headphones on my neck as I relaxed. A big grin morphed on my lips. Got you...

I pinched the bridge of my nose, opening my eyes to glance up at the clock, 5:30 AM glared at me. I sighed. I looked at the empty living room. Myself, and later Christian encouraged Jaxson and Junho to head to bed. Took a few tries till we just carried them into bed. Christian took a shower after helping me set up the plan for tomorrow.

I heard the door open; Christian walked out in a pair of shorts with a towel ruffling his hair.

His amethyst eyes glanced up at me.

“You look dead.” He commented. I rolled my eyes.

“I’m almost done,” I replied.

“You said that three hours ago.” He reminded.

“I don’t want us fucking up,” I confessed. Christian walked over to the island, pulling up a stool as he let the white towel rest on his neck.

“You never fuck up. The plan is perfect.” He complimented.

“Did you talk to Elias?”

Christian had informed us that the others were on the cruise; Scarlet having been out with Akane when we’d had the main discussion. I’d have to make sure I inform her before we execute this plan.

“Yup. I didn’t want to get him involved, but we need him. My powers aren’t enough for this. He’ll help with the glamour portion. Daniel’s assisting his brother as well.”

“The whole gang getting involved?” I questioned, frowning. I didn’t want to ruin their vacation time.

“Nope. Just Elias and Daniel. Kai, Ryder, and the others will distract Makoto.” Christian noted. I nodded.

“Scar has no idea they’re on this cruise, does she?” I inquired.

“Nope. They’re in the Elite Platinum section. I didn’t think they were planning to go because they had to return home. But when Junho went to get clearance from the security head to watch Scar, he saw Makoto with Marcus and Kai. I think Marcus noticed and approached him in his get-up.” Christian explained.

“How’d he know it was Junho?”

“Junho as a girl looks exactly like his sister. Marcus has met her before. But they’ve been friends for years, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he noticed the difference in their auras. Even if Junho cloaks himself, Marcus would easily pick it up.” Christian disclosed.

“That group of men are lethal together,” I commented.

“I agree. I wish we could get them to work in PINC.” Christian chuckled.

“Scarlet and Makoto would cause too much trouble for any of us to handle.” I joked.

“Ugh. I can only imagine. We already dealt with enough the last three occasions. No more.” Christian complained.

“Fat chance. If we get a chance to celebrate the new year and they come across one another, I can already foresee the mischief they will get themselves into.” I complained, smiling. I watched Christian shake his head, but a wide grin was on his lips. We knew even if those two caused a whole lot of trouble, it would be fun.

“We should go sleep. Michael and Scar are probably gonna sleep all day. Jaxson and Junho look just as tired. Let’s call it a night. Everyone has been contacted and will be in position by tomorrow night. I have all our equipment and weapons ready.

“The calm before the storm, huh,” Christian replied, yawning.

“Go sleep. I’ll finish up.”

“You sure? You promise you won’t be here for ten hours?” Christian challenged.

“Yes, I’m sure. I just want to send these records to Kendrick. It will be quick. Remind me to have a quick chat with Michael before tomorrow. We’ll be changing the truth serum plan.” I admitted.

Christian raised an eyebrow.

“You’re not gonna let Michael put it in his drink to reveal that it’s Akane?” He questioned.

“Nope. I have a better plan and trust me, Akane’s officially innocent.”

“What? Who...” He trailed off. I grinned.

“Twins.”