"Mommy, I don't want to." I cried; my shoulders moved up and down as the sobs rattled through me.

"Baby, it's not permanent. Only temporary. It will help you fit in." Momma pulled me into a hug, lifting me up as I cried into her shoulder.

"I don't care. I don't want to lose Aurora and Serenity. They're my friends." I continued to cry; Mom rubbed my back.

"Oh baby, I know. But I need Saikkiku to do this. I promise it’s temporary. You'll get to talk to Aurora and Serenity again."

I pulled back to stare into her eyes.

"You promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

"Cross your heart, hope to fly, poke a flower in the sky!" I demanded, saying the oath mommy taught me.

She nodded.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, poke a flower in the sky. I promise. You will hear them again." She swore.

"Okay." I whispered.

I watched the crystal ball in the middle of the room begin to glow; my hands clenched the fabric of my mom’s coat.

Serenity. Aurora. I love you.

"And we love you." Aurora replied.

"We'll never leave you, Scarlet. Be good." Serenity whispered.

I closed my eyes; the last set of tears flowed down my cheek before I opened them again. A bright light consumed me.

*Buzz Buzz*

I moaned, trying to ignore the vibration from the nightstand. It continued to buzz; the sound started to bug me. I forced my eyes open, glaring at the iPhone buzzing away. I lifted my head, looking around the room.

Jaxson's hand was on my waist, still, dead asleep – his peaceful expression made me smile, before I brought my attention back to the buzzing phone.

I sighed, allowing my hand to run through my messy hair, moving it out of my face. I looked around the room, wondering where my glasses were.

Ugh, what time is it? Hmm...that dream too... Was that a memory? Serenity? Aurora?

I felt something calming slip into my mind, making me relax.

"Yes, Scarlet that was a memory. It's nine in the morning." Serenity answered.

It was still strange to accept that the voice in my head wasn't because I was insane, but because they were a part of me and blessed to protect me.

I peered at the phone, realizing it wasn't mine but Jaxson's – MICHAEL appeared on the screen. Michael?

I leaned forward, grabbing the device. Jaxson groaned; his arm freed me as he turned to the other side, falling back to sleep.

I slid the screen, answering the phone.

"Michael?"

"Scarlet?" Ethan's voice greeted me. I yawned; my mind felt hazy.

"Um, yeah?" I answered, squinting as my surrounding began to blur. Aww shit.

I stilled; the environment shifting completely as I was pulled into a vision.

I stood on what looked like the school grounds – the buildings appeared familiar. Students were screaming, running in all directions as panic flooded their faces.

I scanned around me, trying to figure out where I was when my eyes landed on Jaxson – his body frozen in place; the phone trembled in his hand as a tear rolled down his cheek.

I could see the desperation, fear, regret, agony. So many emotions all at once, breaking my heart. I wanted to comfort him – his pain-stricken face and glossy eyes made me want to do anything to stop this from happening, whatever it was.

"Don't...I'll do anything." He whispered into the speaker. I heard something in the background – screaming? Laughing? It was almost impossible to hear with the chaos happening around us.

He screamed – called a name over and over. His voice was mute; my mind unable to grasp who he called for. Before I could take a step forward, a loud sound burst through the air, shaking the ground. Smoke began to rise – shattered glass and pieces of buildings skyrocketed into the air.

"No...NO!"

I turned my head to face Jaxson again; his voice returned as he stared at the clouds of smoke in devastation. I noticed Michael, Ethan, and Junho running towards him, anger plastered on their faces as they rushed through the waves of people, wearing bulletproof vests and combat gear.

Before I could see anything else the vision faded; Jaxson's bedroom returned.

"Scarlet? Scarlet, can you hear me?"

I blinked, confused by Ethan's frantic voice. Holy shit, that was the future?

I heard shuffling in the background before Michael’s soothing voice came through after the third attempt to get my attention.

"Scarlet." He called out.

"Yes."

"What did you see?"

"Jaxson. Devastation, pain, sadness, remorse, fear...anger. So many emotions. He was on the phone with someone – screaming in the background…and laughter. Loud, menacing laughter, but it was so hard to hear, I barely caught it. Was he at a school? Maybe a college or somewhere with tall buildings. There was a loud sound. Explosion, smoke, glass, pieces of buildings flying everywhere. People running, scattering for the exit. You, Junho, Ethan running to Jax...he called someone’s name...but who?" I let the words flow out as the memory already began to fade.

I let out a sigh, rubbing my face. I should have brought my gloves.

"Scarlet, you okay?" Michael's voice was filled with concern.

"I'm fine. Sorry, just give me a moment." I sat up, trying to calm my breathing – the feelings of fear and desperation lingered.

"It's okay Scarlet. Breathe. You’re safe, nothing’s going to happen to you. Relax."

I felt my body calm – my shoulders dropped as I closed my eyes; the swarm of emotions from the vision slowly faded away.

"Michael, did you use your gift?" I whispered.

"Yes. Sorry." He apologized right away. I smiled, thankful for his concern.

"It's fine. It helped. Thank you. Um, wait. Wasn't I talking to Ethan? And you can use your gift through the phone?" I questioned, trying to recollect my thoughts.

"Yes, I took the phone from him and yes. It’s tricky to do. I need an image of the person and have some connection which currently is the phone."

"How did you know I was having a vision?" I asked, curious.

"I have foresight like you, remember? A very weak version, but the moment Ethan said your name I saw you on the bed, in a trance, the phone in your hand. That's why I knew you were having a vision and asked you what happened. I doubt you have a notebook nearby. It would have faded if I didn't step in."

I nodded. Guess he's right. I could barely remember the vision; the only detail was the pain in those golden copper eyes I loved so much.

"Good to know...and thanks, Michael."

"You sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay. I don't feel utterly exhausted, just light-headed." I confessed.

"Where's Jaxson?"

"Next to me. He's asleep." I turned my head; Jaxson still knocked out.

"Still?"

"Yes."

"Try waking him up." I frowned but reached out to gently shake him.

"Jax? Jaxson?" I shook him more firmly, but he mumbled something, still fast asleep as he relaxed.

"He's knocked out." I acknowledged.

"That's rare. How long has he been asleep for?"

I opened my mouth to reply but didn't recall what time we'd fallen asleep. Shit...what time did we fall asleep? Let's see, it was eleven at night when I got ready...how long did we have sex for? Ugh.

"You had sex for twenty-five minutes, so you fell asleep at eleven forty-five since Jaxson didn't enter the room till eleven ten." Aurora disclosed, making me blush. Uhh, thanks?

"You’re welcome." She replied; my mind felt lighter as her presence disappeared.

"Scarlet?"

"Oh. Sorry. Aurora said eleven forty-five." I replied.

"A solid nine, plus hours. Rare indeed." He mumbled.

"Jaxson doesn't sleep?" I questioned.

"He has insomnia. He struggles to sleep and when he does, it’s in very short increments. For him to sleep past six hours is only when he's completely wasted. I guess you're what he needs to sleep better."

I blushed, shaking my head.

"Am not. Anyways, what's wrong?" I changed the subject, wondering why Ethan was calling over and over.

"We're making our way back to Jaxson's. Try to wake him up. We may have a lead on the case, regarding Lizard breath’s exact location. Christian’s making some final reservations for our operation tomorrow." Michael explained.

"Okay. I'll get ready, wake up Jaxson and we'll debrief?"

"Yup. We'll bring breakfast."

"Thanks, Michael."

"No, thank you, Scarlet. I know you still have a lot of questions, but we promise to answer them all once we get this case over with. So, hang tight, kay? We'll be at Jax's in twenty-three minutes."

"Twenty." Christian called out.

"Oh, hell nah. Can we take the regular road? Or someone else drives? I'm not vomiting up my breakfast!" Ethan complained.

"See you in twenty Scar, sweetheart." I giggled at Junho's voice in the background.

"See ya soon Scarlet." Michael assured me.

"Yes. Bye." I hung up; Ethan’s girly scream came from the other side.

"Makes me wonder if that boy really is a man." Aurora mumbled, sighing.

"Aww, c'mon. I think it’s cute." Serenity argued, giggling.

I smirked, taking another glance at Jaxson who was still asleep.

Might as well get ready and let him sleep.

I took a quick shower and changed into my spare work clothes – black jeans, black t-shirt and black gloves. I slipped the fingerless gloves on, staring at them as I glanced in the mirror.

I still looked tired but much better than before. To think a few days ago, I would wake up in my designated bedroom, walking into the living room where Jake would be knocked out, crumbs and beer bottles scattered across the table.

Here I was, with the man who approached me with the purpose of little more than just a one-night fling – interested in continuing whatever connection we had, made sure I got home safe, called in the following day, scheduled me a VIP Uber which lead me to Christian and my exam was the deal setter – bringing me together with the rest of them.

Everything happened so fast, and I was honestly terrified. I hadn't gotten a moment's rest because of being either knocked out or focusing on the case and everything that's happened in a month.

I was curious as to what would happen now that I found a group of individuals who were like me – a shifter a part of this large galaxy I never knew existed.

I applied dark red, matte lipstick before pulling my hair into a ponytail. I didn't know where we would be going today. If the warehouse plans were going to be implemented, I couldn't let my hair get in the way.

I walked out of the bathroom, wondering where I put my leather jacket, noticing Jaxson was still sound asleep. He needs to get up.

I walked over to the bed, leaning down. I brushed my hand against his cheek, smiling at his peaceful expression – his pained-filled expression from the vision flickered in my mind. I frowned. Why? What happened to possibly make Jaxson so frantic and hurt?

"Jaxson baby, you gotta get up."

I lowered my hand to his shoulder – shaking him. He groaned but still didn't budge.

"Jaxson."

Still asleep. Shit, I thought Michael said Jaxson barely got any sleep.

"Jaxson. Wake up." I used a firmer voice.

His eyes squeezed shut before opening slowly – glowing orange eyes greeted me.

My jaw dropped as I froze. That isn't Jaxson, is it?

"Nope. Looks like his phoenix spirit from the glow of his eyes." Aurora said calmly; the opposite of me who tried not to freak out.

"Just stay calm Scarlet." Serenity proposed.

"Um...is Jaxson home?" I whispered, unable to move.

He took his time scanning me; those eyes looked me up and down. A lazy smile appeared on his lips before his hand reached out and brushed my face – the touch was comforting enough that I immediately relaxed.

"He's asleep. Do you need him?" His voice was a tad lower, deeper than Jaxson's usual voice – it was more neutral. I nodded.

"Yes. We have an assignment. The others are coming."

He nodded.

"Okay. Give me a minute, Princess." I frowned.

"Princess?"

He smirked.

"In time, Visionary. Everything will make sense to you and the spirits bestowed upon you. You just need to play catch-up." He leaned forward; his lips pressed lightly against mine. I blinked; the kiss felt different. Those lips that kissed me held a sense of tenderness compared to Jaxson's confident kisses.

I closed my eyes, lightly kissing him back. Spirits were a part of us, having different personalities to them but in the end, they were a piece of the final puzzle.

He pulled away; my eyes opened to stare into his. My eyes stung; his image shifted – long, orange hair appeared; his angular face had a design of markings on the left side.

He smirked. His hand returned to my cheek; his thumb brushed lightly.

"Easy there with your eyes. It drains a lot of power from you."

"My eyes?"

"Your eyes hold power in them to reveal all things hidden. They are now green, and I'm one hundred percent certain you can see my markings and orange hair."

I nodded, slowly.

"I should wake up Jaxson, but once everything is settled, I will assist in explaining. Farewell, Princess." He winked, closing his eyes.

"But –" I tried to ask one of the multiple questions flooding my mind, but when his eyes opened again, Jaxson's normal amber eyes stared back at me filled with confusion.

"Scar?"

"Hello, sleepyhead." I whispered.

He stared at me, looking confused.

"Why are you kneeling down here?"

"Because you wouldn't wake up. Orange eyes said he'd wake you up."

"Orange..." He trailed off; his eyes grew wide.

"Fuck. Were my eyes glowing?" He asked, sitting up; the blanket fell to his lower waist. His chest always caught my attention – those chest muscles and abs doing enough to make a girl forget what day it was.

"Scar baby. Concentrate." Jaxson whispered.

"Oh right. Uh yes. He...was nice. He called me a Princess, and he kissed me." I revealed. He frowned, tilting his head.

"Princess? Hmmm, wait? Why did Agni kiss you?"

"I don't know. Can't you ask him?"  I asked. Agni is his name. Hindu God of fire - makes sense since he’s a phoenix. I wonder what his demon spirit’s name is?

"He's ignoring me." Jaxson huffed, rubbing at his eyes.

"What time is it?" He questioned.

"Time for your ass to get out of bed and shower cause the boys will be here in five minutes." I encouraged. He gave me a playful smirk, but pulled the sheets off; my eyes roamed his naked body, landing on his cock.

So, distracting.

"You know that confidence of yours is a blessing and a curse." I mumbled, fighting the urge to suck on his length.

His hand reached out, holding my chin in place before he leaned inward to kiss me firmly on the lips. I moaned into his mouth; my body already wanted to do more.

The phone began to ring; the sound caused us both to part. He bit his lip; hunger in his eyes.

"Guess I'll take a rain check, Baby."

"I guess so." I giggled. He gave me a quick kiss before making his way out of bed, heading straight to the bathroom.

"Aren't you going to answer that?"

He opened the washroom door, walking back out with a towel around his waist, making me frown. Damn you phone.

He chuckled, shaking his head at my visible disappointment.

"I am but don't want to distract my apprentice."

I huffed.

"Apprentice huh. Your whole damn body is a fucking distraction." I mumbled, causing him to laugh loudly. He grabbed his phone.

"You’re one to talk." He replied, licking his lips as he looked at my appearance; that predatory look of his turned me on.

He slid his finger across the screen.

"Michael what –"

Silence.

I frowned, noticing Jaxson's light smile morph into a stern frown as he listened to what Michael was explaining.

"When?"

He gave me a look, a glint of worry in his eyes. This doesn't sound good.

"On it. Don't. I'll take my car and bring Scarlet. Have the police cleared out? Okay. The moment you get there start investigating. Tell the cops to speed up that autopsy. We need to know what killed her."

He sighed, ruffling his hair.

"Be there, ASAP. Got it. Double the agents on the other girl and notify Kendrick. Alright. Bye."

He hung up, sighing as he placed his phone back on the nightstand.

"What happened?"

"Remember how Xerxes is looking for the Elemental?"

"Yes."

"We narrowed it down to five people. Adelia was the fifth, Naomi Watson, was the fourth and was murdered in an accident. Michael just informed me the third, Amelia Ray's body was found in a cottage far out east."

I frowned, crossing my arms.

"Xerxes?"

"Most likely."

"That means there's only two more left."

He nodded, making his way to the bathroom, stopping in front of me.

"Yes. I told Michael to double security around the other girl."

I raised my eyebrow, looking up at him.

"How about the other girl?"

"We'll be watching her twenty-four, seven.” He replied.

"Um. I think you're failing at that, seeing as you’re here and the others are on the way to the crime scene. How you going to keep your eyes on her. Who is she?" I complained.

He kissed me on the forehead; the act different than his usual behavior

"I'm looking at her, and I won't let Xerxes have you."