Chapter 6
The Beginning
Ram woke up alone. It was a circumstance he desperately wanted to change. He felt like Annie was in charge of everything right now and he was afraid if he pushed she would think sex was all he craved from her. Nothing was further from the truth, but he was a male with needs and some were physical. He ached with his desire for the mate he had finally discovered.
Just the scent of her when she was near drove him crazy and he had to force his inner phoenix to calm so he wouldn’t burst into flames. His temperature soared when he touched her and it was all he could do not to go all Neanderthal on her. It was a tribute to the character and strength his father and the training all young males of their kind went through that he’d not thrown her over his shoulder and taken her somewhere to ravish her.
That being said, it could happen today. Dragging himself out of bed, he showered mainly to wake up not because he needed it. He considered taking himself in hand, but didn’t think that would help. Annie was what he needed. Once he got downstairs, he could smell the aroma of some delightful food. Grabbing a plate, he filled it and sat down across from Cam.
“Good morning, Prince.” Cam teased him with his title. One rarely used and only then with foreign dignitaries.
“Lord Cameron, what were you needing?” Ram asked teasing him back.
Cam made a face as if he’d tasted something sour. “I’ve been checking on the graphs of paranormal crime as you suggested. Something is definitely brewing around Miami. The thing that’s odd is it’s stabbings and shootings, not animal attacks. These attacks are on humans and werewolves. Mostly in secluded communities, although a few are on the edge of more populated areas.”
“That still fits the possible characteristics we’re looking for. We need to go there and check on things, but we need a leader in the werewolf community to go with us,” Ram suggested.
“That’s a shame because normally the heir presumptive would do something like this and he’s an idiot. Maybe one of the paranormal peacekeeper pairs could come with us,” Cam supposed.
“That would be best. I’d hate to get the heir killed. Peacekeepers know they’re taking risks and can protect themselves. See what you can do and get me some gear.”
Cam would know what he needed. Phoenix were hard to injure, but why take chances or let others know that? He’d want full protective gear and a full set of weapons. That would be not only guns, but throwing knives and darts. He wanted to cover all the bases.
On the phone, Cam was talking fast and seemed to be negotiating. That was alright because he was good at that. Hopefully, they would be going to Miami soon. Things were beginning to happen and it was time to take action. Ram didn’t believe in just sitting there and waiting for trouble to come to him. He was all about facing it head on.
“I’ve come up with something, but I need you to keep your sense of humor in check.”
“Alright. I’m sure I can manage that,” Ram assured.
I have Sergeants Dae and Nite on their way.”
“What did you say?”
“D-A-E, Dae and N-I-T-E, Nite. I’m sure someone with a sense of humor like yours stuck them together.”
“You’ve got to be kidding?” Ram asked amused. “I’ll try not to laugh. When will they get here?”
“They are somewhere nearby and headed our way. It’ll be about three and a half hours each way. You might want to call Annie and tell her tonight’s off,” Cam said.
“Damn. I was looking forward to seeing her. At least, I think I’ll get a good fight. I’ll call her now.” That’s exactly what he did.
“Annie?”
“Yes, Ram?”
“I have a trip that came up and I won’t be back ‘til late tonight. We’ll have to put off our plans until tomorrow. I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll do some extra jobs today so I’ll get off early tomorrow. See you then.”
“Okay, Sweetheart.” The line went dead. He hoped it was real early tomorrow. How could someone he’d known such a short time become so important to him? Ram didn’t understand it, but he knew it was true.
“Come on. Sandy says they’re here,” Cam informed.
They walked out together. Ram couldn’t say for sure what either of the peacekeepers were. Nite was a beautiful female and Cam had certainly noticed. Dae was a big bruiser and he was sure females would go crazy over him, especially if Sandy was anything to judge by.
They shook hands and introduced themselves. “Cam here told our Captain something is going on and because of the information that supports it, he sent us to go with you. Want to tell us what you know?” Dae asked.
Ram filled them in, it didn’t hurt to let them know what was going on. “We don’t know what’s going on for sure, but if it’s nothing, it doesn’t hurt to check it out. If it’s something, maybe we can stop it before it gets out of control,” Ram explained.
“I wonder why we haven’t heard anything about this?” Nite asked.
“Some leaders believe in keeping secrets. I don’t think it’s the way to handle things. People should be aware so they are prepared. Otherwise, it all goes to hell fast,” Cam observed.
“What he said,” Ram agreed.
“I sure hope it’s nothing, but the statistics say something is going on,” Dae admitted.
“What he said,” Nite agreed and they all laughed.
“Who has the biggest ride?” Dae asked. “I like to ride in comfort and style.
“I’ve got a big SUV,” Cam offered. “It seats eight, should be plenty for four of us.”
“Shotgun,” Dae yelled.
Ram didn’t say anything. They would get to know each other better this way. They got in and Cam drove. Nite leaned her seat back and went to sleep. “She had a late night last night. Once she gets a nap, she’ll be fine.” Dae shared.
It seemed the two partners were close. Ram would try to take a nap too, but he wasn’t sleepy. He pulled out a smart phone Cam had given him and found a game that looked interesting. It kept him busy for a while. About the time he was through playing, Dae woke up.
“Hey, Sleeping Beauty. You back with us?” Ram asked.
Dae flushed. “I had a rough night undercover.”
“Wasn’t your partner with you?”
“No, they kept him on other cases. He didn’t fit the bill for this job.”
“What was that?”
“Female prostitution. Someone’s been abducting paranormals who hit the streets. The only ones that have turned back up have been dead.”
“I can’t imagine why they would take them.”
“We figure they’re starting a house of ill repute and need some experienced females they don’t have to pay,” Nite observed.
“That’s terrible. Those women are probably already desperate. Now their only hope is removed.”
“That pretty much sums it up. Apparently, I look too high class. They didn’t move on me.”
“I’m sure they aren’t taking females every night.”
“Maybe not, but nearly.”
“Is it possible they have enough for now?”
“We’re considering that possibility or they made me.”
“That would be terrible. All that work. I can see why you’re disappointed,” Ram observed.
Cam and Dae were talking. There’d been a constant buzz of conversation from the front. With his keen senses, he could listen in if he chose to but why bother. Cam would fill him in and just hit the highlights.
“Miami is coming up. We thought we’d skirt the edges and stop at some of the crime scenes,” Cam suggested.
“Sounds good,” Ram agreed. “We can ask around and see what the locals know.”
“Most of them won’t tell us shit,” Nite admitted. “They’ll probably be scared to even be seen talking to us. Our best hope will be a pool hall or some other kind of bar.”
“We’ll follow your lead,” Ram offered. It wasn’t something he was used to, but these two were professionals and knew the area. He and Cam were not experienced at this work and strangers here.
They took an off ramp and the area was clearly poor and far enough away from the heavily populated areas to have little law enforcement. “This place looks like they have little hope. Just the kind of place to recruit for followers,” Ram observed.
“It’s dangerous here. You two know how to fight?” Nite asked.
“We can hold our own,” Cam declared.
There was a gang hanging out near a pool hall. “I’d skip that one,” Dae noted.
“Agreed,” Ram said. They drove by slowly and the eyes of every gang member present watched them drive by.
A couple blocks down was another bar that didn’t look as threatening. Cam pulled over and parked. Shutting the engine off, he and Ram locked gazes for a moment and Ram nodded slightly. The two peacekeepers took their cues from them and followed them out of the car. Cam clicked the lock and they all walked into the bar.
The place wasn’t crowded, but there were maybe a dozen people, mostly men. Dae took a deep and noticeable breath. “Some shifters, wolves from the scent. Maybe a vampire. Let’s go say hi.” He moved off to the pool tables and laid down a couple quarters.
“Who are you?” A big ass male asked Dae.
“Nobody. Who are you?”
“Someone who isn’t sure he likes you. I like the female though,” He shot Nite a lecherous look.
“She’s dangerous, Man. I’d be careful,” Dae assured.
“You’re warning me?” The big guy reached out to grab her and in a smooth move she had him on the floor, his arm twisted and her boot on his neck.
“I was, but some guys gotta learn the hard way,” Dae observed.
The other guys stepped back and gave the girl some room now that she’d taken down the biggest, meanest looking one in the group. She dropped his arm and kicked his neck before she walked away. “Who’s a girl gotta blow to get a drink around here?”
“That would be me.” A bartender raised his hand. “Or you could just pay,” He added reluctantly and why not? What single guy wouldn’t want a blow job from a lovely lady like her?
“A beer and a shot of tequila.” Night ordered and she put a twenty on the bar. She winked at the bartender who immediately got her the drinks. Strutting away from the bar, she went to pick out a pool stick.
Every male eye and even the two ladies, followed her every movement.
“Damn, that’s one hot piece.” A male muttered.
“Better not let her hear you.” Dae whispered overly loud.
“What was that?” Nite asked surveying the patrons.
“Nothing,” The guy mumbled.
“Who am I going to play against and what are we playing for?” Nite wondered out loud.
“You can play me, Sweetheart. I’m Big Mike.”
“Hey, we were in the middle of our game.” A smaller guy playing against Mike protested.
Mike slapped him on the back of his head. “Get out of here. Go now.” The guy scrambled to get away.
“You any good, Mike?” Dae asked.
“I’ll give you a challenge.”
“If I win, I want some information about the local politics.”
“Easy enough. If I win?”
“Fifty bucks.”
“Normally I’d ask for something else, but I could use some money right now. Maybe we can play another game?”
“Let’s see how this one goes first.”
“You’re on, Beautiful.”
Ram knew she’d be good, but she was perfect. Mike let her go first and he never got a turn. “Why don’t we sit at the table and I’ll buy you a drink while we talk?” Nite asked.
“I like a girl with class. Lead the way,” Mike said.
Nite led the way to a table where all five of them sat. She ordered drinks for all of them and they spoke idle chit chat until the drinks came.
“So, what do you really want to know?” Mike asked.
“There’s a movement going on. It’s trying to gain power. They’re hurting anyone who doesn’t join. Have you heard or seen anything?” Nite asked.
“There’s these guys. They pick on the weaker people and they usually pick one to injure or kill. They leave someone behind to watch so everyone toes the line. So far, they’ve left me and my boys alone, but they’ll be after us soon enough. The leader of the group says his name is Vin and their ruler is Hubolla.”
“That’s it? No rules and no goals?” Dae asked.
“The goals are world domination and the rules are do what you’re told and don’t talk to anyone about what’s going on. He says when they get enough followers, Hubolla will come.”
“Do you think it’s true?” Nite asked.
“Vin, he’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer. This thing is too big and they have too much money. Of course, he’s setting up some vices, whore houses and gambling halls. None of the females are safe and I’ve heard he’s going out wider and farther to get women. He takes paranormals and humans. I’ve heard he wants to breed an army with the whores. Sorry, ma’am.”
“That’s okay. I know what you mean. So, he has long term plans,” Nite observed.
“Looks like it. I better go. If I’m seen talking to you, well let’s just say he kills for less,” Mike said as he gulped the last of his beer. Nite held out her hand and they shook. Ram saw her pass him some money. “Thanks,” Mike said before he shagged ass out of there.
It was clear this group had everyone scared. It was happening now when they were just getting started. What would it be like in a year or two? They had to be stopped. The small group exchanged looks.
“How do we find one of these guys?” Nite wondered.
“Had we waited, we wouldn’t have found anyone to talk to. Now we have something, but what do we have? Some outsider is hanging around watching everyone. Let’s walk around and see who watches?” Cam suggested.
“Why not?” Ram agreed. They left the bar and were happy to see the SUV was untouched.
There was a guy across the road leaning on the building watching them. “What do you think?” Nite asked.
“Looks suspicious to me,” Ram offered. Peacekeepers had broader powers than human police.
Nite walked across the street to talk to the guy. She didn’t seem as threatening even though she was.
The male looked up with interest as Nite approached him. “Hey Babe, what do you need?”
“I heard there was some recruiting going on for a new group. What are the benefits of joining?”
“What makes you think I know anything about these people?”
“My mistake. I guess you’re just another loser that doesn’t know anything.” Nite turned to walk away.
“Wait a minute, Hot Stuff. I might know something. You and your friends looking to join?”
“I am, not too sure about them.”
“Maybe we should leave them behind and go off by ourselves?”
“You are so naughty! Still, I’m not as strong as a hunk like you and a girl has to be careful.”
“I can understand that, but I’m the trustworthy type. You want me to trust you, so you need to trust me.”
“Okay. As long as it’s not too far.” She followed the guy out of sight.
“Is that a good idea?” Ram asked.
“She’s a peacekeeper and she has a tracker on her. We all do,” Dae admitted.
“That’s not as bad but shouldn’t we try to keep up with them?” Ram asked.
“They’ve probably gone inside. Let’s circle around and we’ll be there in case she needs us,” Dae suggested.
“I guess we don’t have a choice. I hate having her out of sight. How do you manage, man?” Ram asked.
“It’s not easy, but it’s part of the job and I had to get used to it,” Dae offered. “She’s a strong female and she can take care of herself with that rare exception of when she is overwhelmed with too many adversaries. Then she has a panic button to push.”
“A tracker and a panic button?” Ram asked.
“No, a tracker that is also a panic button,” Dae clarified.
“Can you see how far she is?” Cam asked.
“She’s right here and I assume that means she’s below us. We need to find a way down,” Dae observed.
“Well damn,” Cam said and Ram agreed.
They moved into the nearby building and looked for a way down. “Over here,” Ram said. They both joined him and they went downstairs. “Shit! This is all connected. It looks like it was enlarged recently.”
“They plan to hide below where no one will look. How far away is she?” Cam asked.
“Looks like she’s on the other side of this wall. If we go through there, that’s where she’ll be,” He whispered.
“How many of them could there be?” Cam said as he stepped around the door. “Fuck.”
The other two followed them. Yeah, fuck. There were at least fifteen of them and they looked like gang members. They actually looked like the gang members that had been hanging out at the pool hall they’d drove by first.
“Hey, we just came to get our friend back and we’ll be on our way,” Ram informed.
“She’s our friend now. You have one chance to leave. Take it,” A big guy said. Ram started to laugh. “What’s so funny?”
“That you think you and your buddies can take us on and win. Tell me, are you in charge?” Ram asked.
“Yes, I am in charge here,” He confirmed.
“This is going to be so much fun,” Ram assured.
“You’re crazy. You guys are outnumbered four to one.”
“Three to one,” Ram corrected.
“How’s that?” The male asked.
“You’re forgetting her,” Ram pointed out.
“She can’t fight,” He said right before Nite flipped the guy restraining her and smashed his head into the concrete floor.
“You were saying?” Ram asked.
“I’ll show you.” The guy aimed a punch straight for Ram’s nose, but he caught the guy’s fist in his hand and squeezed it. The sounds of bones breaking rang through the air. The male screamed in pain.
At that point, complete chaos broke out. Fists were flying, kicks were lashing out, and Ram felt like he was in his element. He’d not had a fight like this in years. True, it was a serious cause, but was it wrong to enjoy it so much? Ram just didn’t care.
When all was said and done, their adversaries were done in. He looked around and saw his team was all still on their feet. “Now, we need to decide which of these reprobates to take back with us. The one that claims to be the leader for sure, but I question if that’s true,” Ram noted.
“I doubt it too. I think this guy was secretly calling the shots here. His name is Con. He had plans for me. They weren’t good plans either,” Nite shared.
“We’ll take those two and one more. We’ll fold the back seat and there’ll be enough room for the three of them. They’re buddies so they won’t mind close quarters,” Ram explained.
“You’re devious,” Nite accused.
“That’s been said before, but I don’t understand why,” Ram admitted, looking innocent.
Let’s grab these two and a random guy. Toss Nite your keys and she can get the SUV ready for company,” Ram instructed. Cam did as directed and Nite ran up the stairs to prepare for them. After waiting a few minutes and noticing some of the adversaries beginning to stir, he figured it was time to leave. “Let’s go.”
He grabbed the first male he came to while Cam and Dae got the targeted ones. They lugged them up the stairs and out to the SUV where Nite had everything ready. “I was about to come and get you guys,” She declared. They restrained the males as they loaded them. “We need to get the hell out of here before they get reinforcements.”
They closed the back and they all got in the same seats as before. “I hope we can get something out of them,” Nite said.
“We have ways,” Ram assured.
“Do I want to know?” Nite asked.
“Best if you don’t. You’ll get full disclosure of anything we find,” Ram offered.
“I still don’t know who the hell either of you are,” Dae said.
“We are well connected and your kind of people. That’s all you need to know.”
“Humph,” Nite made a noise.
It didn’t matter, Cam just headed toward home. They’d made excellent time and he hoped to be back early enough to meet Annie for supper. He gave her a call even though he had no privacy and made arrangements to meet her at headquarters. Once he knew she’d be there, he made another call and set up a romantic supper in the rec hall. He hung up happy with what he’d accomplished.
“We invited to supper too?” Nite asked.
Ram chuckled. “I’m sure you and Dae have plans.”
“Yeah, right,” Nite said and she reclined and went back to sleep. How rude.
The ride was long enough to be boring and short enough he couldn’t sleep. Ram was happy when they pulled in the parking lot of their headquarters. He was even happier when he saw Annie there waiting for him. They exited the SUV and he hurried to her pulling her into his embrace.
“Nite, Dae, nice to see you,” Annie said and they nodded to acknowledge her.
“You know each other?” Ram asked surprised.
“I consult for the peacekeepers sometimes,” Annie mentioned.
“When we can afford it. Annie is the best,” Dae admitted.
“My father is very money driven,” Annie agreed.
“You should become a peacekeeper,” Nite suggested.
“My father would have a calf,” Annie said.
“He needs to become more community minded,” Dae suggested.
“We know that will never happen,” Annie admitted.
“Well thanks for the Simmons case, anyway,” Nite offered.
“You’re welcome. That poor little kid,” Annie observed.
“Simmons case?” Ram asked.
“Annie gave us a freebie. Her father didn’t know. Toddler was abducted by a predator. She found him right away,” Nite said.
“I was driven to. Poor little thing,” Annie declared.
“If only we could have that kind of help all the time,” Dae observed.
“Don’t you have witches that are peacekeepers?” Cam asked.
“A few, they aren’t like Annie. No one is like Annie,” Nite replied. “It’s that powerful bloodline, good reflexes, cool head, and caring outlook.”
“Sounds like you have a crush on her,” Ram observed jokingly.
“If she was a male or I swung that way, I would,” Nite admitted.
“Not what I expected you to say. I’ll admit I think she’s wonderful, but she’s my mate,” Ram said possessively.
“I hadn’t heard,” Dae said. “Congratulations.”
“It’s not common knowledge yet,” Annie mentioned. “We just met recently.”
“Mum’s the word,” Nite offered.
“It’s not a secret either but Dad’s negotiating trying to get his pound of flesh out of Ram’s family,” She admitted.
“Should you be admitting that?” Nite asked.
“Dad already told Ram as much,” Annie said with a shrug.
“I just want to run away with her and come back mated. That would teach him,” Ram declared.
“I’d pay to see the look on his face,” Nite laughed until tears formed in her eyes.
“Not a fan of Royal?” Ram asked.
“I’m a fan of the missus, I don’t know how she tolerates him,” Nite admitted.
Annie sighed. “I know he’s difficult, but he is my dad.”
“I know, and for that I’m sorry,” Nite offered. “So, what do we do with these guys?”
“Let’s take them inside. We have a holding cell,” Ram admitted.
“Really?” Dae looked interested. “Interrogation can be difficult if you’re not experienced.”
“We are,” Cam admitted. “All too much so.”
Nite had the back open where the three men lay trying to get loose. “Just like three peas in a pod.”
“Let’s each grab our guy and follow Cam to the holding area,” Ram instructed. He picked up his guy who seemed to have gained weight on the way here. “Why does he seem heavier?”
“It’s all the struggling,” Nite advised.
Annie got the door and she and Nite trooped after them. Cam went through a door and down stairs Ram hadn’t paid attention to. He and Dae followed. The basement area was two full flights down making it right below the rec room. Lights came on automatically as they approached.
The place wasn’t fancy, but it was clean, open, and well lit. It looked like ten cells, each with a cot, a toilet, and sink. Nothing fancy there, either. There was a separate room for interrogation with a chair for a prisoner. Ram could see it through the large one way mirror.
Two of the males were put in rooms, the other was put in the hot seat so he could be questioned. “Any volunteers?” Cam asked. “I’d like to see what one of you do, if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll take a shot at it,” Dae offered. He walked into the room where the prisoner was restrained in the chair. He was no longer gagged. “What’s your name?”
“I don’t have to tell you anything.”
“You don’t, if you don’t mind being sent to our prison for life.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Then answer my questions. If you’re innocent, you’ll get to go back home. Now, tell me what your name is?” Dae asked again.
“Mason Treller.”
“Okay, Mason, what were you doing with those guys?”
“They threatened us, all of us. When I get home, my family will probably be dead.”
“Who threatened you?”
“You have one of them. His name is Con and the other one is Vin, but he wasn’t there. He comes around once in a while to see if everything is going like he wants it to.”
“When was he there last?”
“Just last night. He was pissed. Vin said the cops were interfering with him getting the whores he needed. He’s got a cop in the station feeding him information.”
“That’s helpful, Mason. Did he say who the cop was?”
“One of them is dead, no Deeds?”
Dae and Nite looked at each other. Yes, this was helpful to them. Ram hated dirty cops. They sold out the public trust. One was about to go down hard.
“Do you want us to get your family? We’ll send someone for them so they won’t get hurt.”
“Would you? We have a newborn and a two-year-old.”
“Here,” Dae passed him a notepad. “Write down your address.”
“Nite, go get them yourself please? I have a bad feeling,” Annie said.
“Are you psychic?” Nite asked.
“No, I cast a spell and danger surrounds his family. These bad people have cops on the force in Miami,” Annie offered.
“Okay. We’ll go now, but we’re coming right back here. Tape any questioning they do,” Nite demanded.
“Watch out for Officer Tompkins. I don’t know if he’ll be there or not. If he is, don’t trust him,” Annie advised.
“I understand. Basically trust no one, not even cops. I got it. Come on Dae, let’s go.” They left and now Ram, Cam, and Annie were alone with the prisoners.
“Don’t put that man near those other two, they’re poison,” Annie said.
“I hadn’t planned to,” Ram admitted. “I think he’s just a victim. His aura is a little muddy, theirs is black.”
“You can see auras?” Annie asked.
“Sometimes. This guy got handed some bad luck,” Ram said as he got him loose from the chair and took him far away from the other two. “Get some rest, man. When your family gets here, we’ll feed you.”
“Now what?” Annie asked.
“I need to call my dad,” Ram informed.
“This shit is getting real fast,” Cam offered.
“I should call my dad, but he’ll want in the middle of everything,” Annie admitted.
“Will the peacekeepers allow that when he never helps them?” Ram asked.
“He’s a political figure. He’ll pull some strings and they’ll have to,” Annie revealed. “Does your dad help your peacekeepers?”
“He’s the head peacekeeper. We don’t have much crime, but when we do, he’s all over it,” Ram declared.
“Is that true? Ram might not see his dad clearly,” Annie asked Cam.
“His dad is solid. The man is true blue,” Cam agreed.
“My dad tries, I think. He just can’t see past his own responsibilities,” Annie admitted.
“Hey, why don’t we leave Cam down here and go upstairs for a while? I have something for you to see.” Cam nodded his agreement.
Ram would have food sent down here to him. They were going to have to call in some support. Things were getting out of hand right when his dad was planning a visit. He led Annie upstairs and took her to the rec room. A lovely candle-lit supper was laid out with roses and everything.
“This is beautiful.” Annie gushed.
Ram pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. He’d got a lot done today, but damn he’d missed spending time with her. That was his only regret. Whoever Hubolla was, he had a head start on them, but Ram would deal with that. This evil guy wasn’t going to win.