Blaidd

“So, this is where you are.”

Indago found Blaidd sitting on the veranda staring at the horizon. The tip of the dagger constellation was no longer visible, so he focused on the mountain peak, where it disappeared as the sun rose. Dingbat lay curled up in Blaidd’s lap. He absentmindedly stroked the furry beast.

Indago stepped into Blaidd’s view, when he didn’t respond. Blaidd just leaned to the side and looked past his cousin.

“Cousin,” Indago said in concern, as he sat across from Blaidd.

“What?” Blaidd asked, when it was clear Indago wasn’t going to leave.

“It’s been two days, and you’ve refused to answer anytime I hail you. Phaedra is insisting you get your tail down to the park. They need help, and she wants you to bring Vivian’s journal.”

How did I end up with two overbearing mothers? Blaidd grumbled. The females in my life are going to be the death of me. With the agonizing space in his chest, the thought was honestly appealing.

Seeing Blaidd was again trapped in his thoughts, Indago got up and kicked his boots. Dingbat mewled in agitation at having her nap disturbed, and proceeded to climb up to Blaidd’s shoulder. On her favorite perch, the little reno summoned her courage and let out a tiny snarl directed at Indago.

Blaidd chuckled morosely, agreeing with the disgruntled sentiment. Indago quirked his brow at the pair, before walking away. The Chief Beta then stopped.

“Oh, you might bathe. You stink,” Indago cast over his shoulder.

“Why does it matter, if I’m going to do hard labor?”

Indago just shook his head as he left the veranda.

“Well, Dingbat, we better get up. If I make Phaedra come after me, she’ll skin both our tails.”

Dingbat fluttered her fledgling wings, as Blaidd got his sorry ass up and headed inside. She contentedly sat on his shoulder, till Blaidd waded into the bath. The reno furiously flapped, but her wings weren’t yet full-grown, and Dingbat plopped into the bath. With churning legs, she paddled for the edge, then scrambled out of the water. Dingbat looked bedraggled and pissed as she eyed Blaidd.

“You needed a bath too,” Blaidd informed the irate soaked ball of fur.

He couldn’t help the chuckle that burst out, when Dingbat let loose a tiny contrary growl, then shook and flapped her wings to dry off.

Blaidd shucked his wet pants and tossed them out onto the floor, then washed up. By the time he dressed again, Dingbat had forgiven him. Blaidd cringed as her tiny nails dug into him, as she scaled up his leg to perch on his shoulder.

“Sorry, my furry friend,” Blaidd apologized to Dingbat as he placed her in the cage and shut the door, then grabbed Vivian’s journal.

Blaidd stepped through the limen mirror, emerging in Phaedra’s parlor. He took a deep breath. It smelled like it always had, a mix korora incense and bacca tea.

“Ah, good, you brought it.” Phaedra stood up from the small table. She’d obviously been expecting him. “Let’s go.”

Blaidd followed, since there was no arguing with the mage.

“You’re working with Coal today,” Phaedra informed him, as they reached the park.

Blaidd saw the grim looking black-haired Lupercalia, and wanted to groan. With the mood Blaidd was in, he was likely to rile the omega even further.

“You got the book?” Coal asked gruffly. The male had no problem talking to the Primitus as if he was just another young cub. “We need to see what Vivian planned for water collection.”

Blaidd flipped open the journal. He was momentarily distracted by the scent of Vivian that wafted from its pages. The drawings on the last several pages were detailed, showing Vivian took great care and pride in planning out the new park. Blaidd stopped when he reached a sketch that showed the omega dwellings nearest the park.

“I think this is it.” He couldn’t read Vivian’s writing, but the images seemed to fit.

“Ah, yes.” Coal pointed. “That’s what she intended the tubes and containers for.”

Vivian drew out a plan to collect run-off from several roofs. Blaidd admired the drawings, then looked at what had already been accomplished based on her designs. It was an impressive transformation. But beyond the miraculous sight, it was how it all came about that made Blaidd proud, yet humbled him at the same time. Tools and supplies had been donated, which he knew the omegas had a hard time affording. There were volunteers gathered, ready to work, and not all of them were omegas. Others turned out, excited to see what was being done in their city. While Blaidd had been hunting tyrants and traitors, Vivian had been enacting actual change for his people.

“Well, we better get to work,” Blaidd commented, rubbing the scruff on his chin.

“Alright,” Coal replied dubiously.

Regardless of having bathed, Blaidd was certain he looked haggard. He sure felt like a wreck. Still, a bit of physical labor would do him good.

“You’re on my team. Let’s get these supplies moved.” Coal gestured.

They divided the pipes and cisterns among the dwellings lining the park, then got to work installing them.

“So, Vivian returned home,” Coal commented from the ground, as Blaidd pieced together a collection trough on a roof.

“She did,” Blaidd curtly replied.

“I didn’t hear news of a challenge. I’m surprised you let her go without a fight.”

Blaidd was in no mood to talk about it, but obviously Coal didn’t get the hint, or he didn’t care.

Probably the latter.

“It wasn’t a male that escorted her home. And I wasn’t about to challenge her mother,” Blaidd grumbled.

“So, you could’ve just kept her. That is your right.”

“I know it’s been a while since you lost your mate, Coal, but that’s not the best way to start a relationship with a female. I know Vivian looked small and gentle, but I would’ve wanted to go to sleep eventually.”

Blaidd imagined Vivian smothering him with his own blanket if he attempted that stunt.

“And I’ve been training her,” Coal chuckled, surprising Blaidd.

That’s where she learned the moves she used in the training room. Blaidd smiled. He liked the idea that Vivian knew how to defend herself. It comforted him.

“Thank you for doing that,” Blaidd replied.

This time Coal’s mouth gaped in shock. He then closed it, and considered Blaidd shrewdly.

“I didn’t do it for you, but you’re welcome,” Coal huffed. “After the display with the last human female, I figured Vivian would need a way to beat you off her.”

“Nameless and I weren’t the best of friends then, and Harper was affectionate compared to the murderous females locked in the Hold. After a little time on the outside and meeting Vivian, I can see the difference.”

“So, what happened, your shining personality didn’t convince her to stay?”

“You do still remember I’m the Primitus, right?” Blaidd scowled down at Coal.

“Who could forget.” Coal tossed up a connector for the trough.

“You know what, if I wasn’t the Primitus, my life would be a whole lot easier right now. I wouldn’t be looking for a traitor who killed my sire and sent me to the Hold. And my mate wouldn’t have left, because she can’t give me an heir. So, if you’d be so kind as to keep your sarcasm to yourself and hand me that drainage pipe, I’d appreciate it,” Blaidd angrily growled at the old male.

The moment Blaidd saw Coal’s expression he realized what he said.

“Vivian told you this and then left?” Coal tossed the pipe, and Blaidd attached it to the fitting on the gutter.

Blaidd was slightly shocked Coal fixated on that, rather than the intel about the traitor he inadvertently shared.

“Yes. Fate was impeccable with its timing. I must be cursed,” Blaidd snarled in aggravation.

His life was one kick to the shaft after another.

“Oh, son, you are an idiot. You should’ve insisted she stay,” Coal amended with a shake of his head.

“Koyat’g fate, Coal! One minute you insult me with your incredulity over the fact I didn’t hold Vivian hostage. Now you’re telling me I’m a fool for letting her go. Which is it?”

“You should’ve insisted - no - demanded she stay,” Coal replied with conviction.

“Her worthless first mate abused her, but you think my best course was to keep her prisoner, when I promised to let her go home,” Blaidd rumbled, his hair bristling.

“Tell me, son, have you been mated before? Or maybe raised a female?”

Blaidd’s brow rose. It was common knowledge the answer was no.

“Then take it from me, a female tells you devastating news like that, the last thing she wants is for you to let her go. I don’t care what Vivian may have said. By the Fates, how did you ever manage to defeat Kral Nox?”

How do I keep screwing up? Blaidd suddenly cursed himself, as the truth of Coal’s advice sank in.

“I have to go.” It was a miracle Blaidd didn’t break his neck leaping down from the roof.

“I guess you do,” Coal chuckled.

 

Vivian

Vivian left so suddenly, she forgot to return Blaidd’s communicator. She scrolled through the images of Torvus, doing her best not to tear up yet again. She regretted not taking a picture of Bayl and Umi. Of all the things she’d miss, their sweet cherubic faces topped the list. Vivian was barely holding it together, then she reached a picture of Blaidd and Indago. Blaidd had his arm around his cousin, wearing a broad grin. Her hand flew to her mouth to repress a sob. She’d fallen for a man who was just outside of reach, and fallen hard. It was such a cruel twist of fate. Besides the platinum cuff on her ear, this was the only things she had to prove it hadn’t all been just a dream. The mementos were absurdly trivial, inanimate and cold, when compared to the depth of emotion and the agonizing void she was left with.

“Hey, Sis, I brought mocha fudge ice cream. I figure we can watch a movie on Netflix,” Kara hollered as she walked through the front door.

“Why aren’t you at class?” Vivian quickly pocketed the communicator and dried her eyes, before her sister walked into the living room.

“Eh.” Kara shrugged and plopped down on the sofa.

“Did Mom put you on Vivian watch, while she’s at work?”

“No,” Kara said in indignation. “I felt like spending time with you. It’s been so long since we just chilled and gorged ourselves on some chocolaty goodness.”

“Okay.”

It had been a long time since they had girl time, and Vivian probably could use the company. She’d been down right pathetic.

“Oh, I forgot the spoons.”

“I’ll get them.” Vivian got up, and headed for the kitchen.

“What do you want to watch?”

“Something light,” she insisted. Vivian couldn’t handle some dark drama right now.

“Got it. Ooh, I didn’t know this remake was out already,” Kara said as she flipped through the new releases.

“You want milk, or a Coke, or something?” Vivian asked as she peered into the fridge.

“Diet, if Mom’s got it.”

Vivian came back into the living room, just as the movie started. She sat on the couch and pulled her legs up, then handed a soda and spoon to her sister. Vivian smiled when she realized Kara was playing Beauty and the Beast.

“You remember singing these songs when we were little?” Kara asked. “I used to try so hard to mimic you.”

“You were a very cute princess, even if you couldn’t sing all the words past that giant pacifier.”

Vivian smiled at the image of Kara nursing her favorite pink binky with chubby chipmunk cheeks, as she poked a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.

“Shut up.” Kara shoved her.

“I’m glad you came over.”

“Me too.” Kara grinned, settling in to watch the show.

But as the movie played, it became apparent this was not a good choice at all. Kara was in the middle of boisterously singing along, when she turned to see tears streaming down Vivian’s cheeks.

“Vivian, what’s wrong?” Kara scrambled to hit pause on the remote.

“I-,” Vivian choked on her words. “I’m sorry. It’s just the beast, he’s keeping her in a fancy tower, and everything is so unbelievable, like magic,” Vivian hiccupped, as she waved at the television. “And they fall in love!”

“Oh god.” Kara hugged Vivian. “What’s going on?”

“I love him, Kara. It’s like I’ve been dead inside, then all of a sudden - kapow - I feel everything in HD.”

“Maybe it’s just that you’re finally out from under Steve. You can actually live, and learn what it means to be you again,” Kara reasoned.

“I know what you’re saying. I’ve been reading about how to cope with this for the last year. But this is different, Kara. I fell in love with Blaidd.”

“So, what happened? Are you just figuring this out?”

“No, not really.” Vivian shook her head. “We were making out, he bit me, and I bit him. And in their culture, that makes us married,” Vivian rambled with a sob. “I found out, and realized how serious things had gotten so fast.”

“Holy shit, you’re married to an alien werewolf?”

“I can’t be, Kara. He’s like a prince, and I can’t give him children.”

“Oh.” Kara’s face twisted in sorrow.

“I told him, then Mom showed up, and here I am.” Vivian’s shoulders sagged.

There was no point rehashing that Blaidd asked her to stay, but she said, “No.” Blaidd may have asked with all sincerity, but everything between them was new. Vivian insisted she wasn’t some fragile china doll, and yet she was broken. Eventually Blaidd would resent how she reeled him in with her damsel in distress act, as unintentional as it was. And even if Blaidd didn’t resent her, Vivian refused to rob him of the chance at a family. She’d seen how Lupercalia families interacted, it was everything to them. Blaidd had so much taken from him already.

“I don’t know what to say,” Kara lamented.

“There’s nothing to say.” People like to believe love conquers all, but sometimes that just isn’t true. Steve taught her that devastating lesson.

Vivian scrubbed at her tears, but they just kept flowing. She looked up at the ceiling in a vain attempt to hold them in. Kara pulled her into a hug, gripping her tight, and it felt good. Vivian was thankful that for once she didn’t have to suffer alone.

“I think this calls for more than chocolate ice cream. Do you think Mom has a bottle of red?” Kara asked.

“I think so. I’m going to go sit in the garden.”

Vivian walked outside and sat in the deck chair near the flowering crape myrtle hedge. The sun was bright, filtering through the large oak, and the gentle breeze dried her tears. Vivian breathed deep, pulling in the scent of lavender, letting it calm her battered soul. As she admired how large her mother’s tomatoes had grown, the ray of light hitting them began to flicker. Vivian’s eyes widened when a Lupercalia materialized before her eyes. It took Vivian a moment to recognize who it was.

“Lyr, what are you doing here?”

“I’m glad I guessed right.” Lyr took in his surroundings. “I was sent because the Primitus needs you,” he replied, sounding harried.

“Is he hurt? Did something happen with Zora?” Vivian stood, instantly worried.

“What’s going on?” Kara inquired from the patio door, her voice laced with concern and suspicion.

“Kara, this is Lyr.”

“I remember.” Kara scowled at Lyr.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again.” Lyr grinned as he gave Kara a bow.

“What did he say?” Kara demanded, one brow arched.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again,” Vivian translated.

“I’m sorry, Vivian, but we must go.”

“Alright. Kara, I have to go. Something’s happened with Blaidd. It may be a few days before I return. Please tell Mom.” Vivian took hold of Lyr’s arm.

“Okay. Good luck, Sis.”

“I look forward to you kicking me again,” Lyr said to Kara, still wearing a sly grin.

“I don’t think I want to know.” Vivian decided it was best not to relate that last message, as Lyr swiped his hand over the remote limen clipped to his lapel.

 

Blaidd

“She must be staying with her mother or sister.”

From what Blaidd could tell, Kara and Judith had come to collect more of Vivian’s clothes, but Vivian hadn’t stepped foot in her house. Her scent had grown stale.

I better check in with Nameless and Serus while I’m here.

“Hello,” a strange female voice called out from the sitting room.

Blaidd froze in the hallway, but not before the female wearing a black uniform came around the corner. He’d gotten so sidetracked, he failed to hear the human guard enter.

Koyat’g fate!

“What the hell?” The woman stared wide eyed at Blaidd, and he realized his hood had fallen back, revealing his face. “Freeze!”

The female reached for the weapon strapped to her hip. Blaidd swiftly sidestepped into a small bathing room, and slammed the panel door.

“Come out with your hands up. This is Detective Roberts, I have an intruder in the Folton home,” Blaidd heard her say as he swiped his hand over the remote limen and shifted out of Vivian’s home.

“Jesus!” Cheryl screeched when Blaidd materialized in Harper’s kitchen a second later.

“I apologize,” Blaidd sighed.

Cheryl wasn’t the only one feeling a little agitated at the moment. Blaidd was glad he didn’t have to restrain the female guard to get away. It was bad enough she saw him.

“Sorry, Blaidd.” Cheryl shook herself loose of the shock.

“Hey, Blaidd,” Harper greeted him.

“I didn’t come to stay,” he replied. “Where are the twins?”

“Rotting their brains in the living room.”

Blaidd heard a ruckus in the other room and followed Harper, wondering what she was talking about.

“That should’ve been a kill shot!” Serus exclaimed, as he frantically tapped a handheld controller.

“You’ll have to do better than that,” Nameless chuckled.

On the display screen, called a television, was the image of two characters hunting and firing at each other.

“I should’ve never unpacked my Play Station,” Harper laughed at their antics. “They’re addicted to that game.”

“Greetings, Blaidd,” Nameless hollered over his shoulder.

“Are you two still hunting Nox, or have you settled for hunting imaginary versions of yourself?” Blaidd asked.

“The signal tracker will alert us next time Nox uses his utor,” Serus commented without pausing.

Blaidd shook his head in amusement. He debated mentioning what happened at Vivian’s house, but it could wait till after he saw Vivian.

“Do you all need anything?” He asked Harper.

“No. You might be able to pry one of them loose, and give the game a try.”

“After I win,” Nameless interjected between firing at his brother’s character.

“No thanks. If you don’t need anything, I’m going check on Vivian.”

Harper opened her mouth to say something, but Blaidd already started shifting to Judith’s dwelling. He appeared in the garden, and knocked on the glass door, while making sure his hood was pulled low this time. Judith appeared shocked when she came to the door, but instantly let him inside.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to speak with Vivian.”

Judith just stared at him in confusion. Blaidd looked at the band on the shell of her ear, certain it was a translator cuff. Yet from the perplexed look on Judith’s face, maybe he was wrong.

“I don’t understand. Kara said one of your people came to get Vivian.” Judith frowned.

Blaidd was instantly filled with a sense of foreboding.

“Who? Do you know who was here?” Blaidd rumbled, making Judith flinch.

“Kara said it was Lor or something. He was in the room on Torvus, when we first arrived.”

“Lyr?”

“That sounds right. Please, what’s going on?” Judith started to shake.

“There’s been some misunderstanding. Do not worry, Mother Judith. I must go.”

Something was up, because he hadn’t sent Lyr to get Vivian.

That would explain why he wasn’t manning the portal when I left.

Blaidd couldn’t shift fast enough. The second the spinning stopped he opened his eyes to find an entirely different guard manning the limen controls.

“Sito, where are Lyr and Vivian?”

“I apologize, Primitus, I do not know. Indago assigned me to cover the controls, but didn’t say why.”

“Don’t leave this post unless you hear from me or Indago directly. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Primitus.”

Blaidd swiftly exited the portal room, while hailing his Chief Beta.

“Did you send Lyr or anyone to pick-up Vivian?”

“No. Lyr abandoned his post. I assigned Sito to cover it.”

Blaidd closed his eyes, as the feelings of dread and panic multiplied.

“That’s not like Lyr. Meet me in surveillance, right now!”

Blaidd didn’t know what was going on, but he was going to find out.