RICHARD: [Sinking a beer or three was just what I needed and where better than my own club. The big bruiser of a guy had seen my approach and ushered me in with “welcome back, Rehv” He’d already been to the house to see me several times with his brother. Didn’t know him but he didn’t push me to remember him either and that was fine with me. I had enough people hanging on hopeful threads every time they were around me and that was too much fucking pressure to deal with hour in hour out] “I’ll have your personal waitress come over, boss. Your booth is up there” [He pointed up the stairs to a private area] “And I’m gonna be back in the office, if you need anything” [again I followed where he directed a finger and I nodded. He hesitated and I knew he wanted to say more. Time to mosey him along, I had drinking to do] Hey thanks, guy. Catch ya later, yeah? [I clapped a hand on his shoulder and threaded through the crowd, up the stairs to the first floor and parked my ass in the leather booth. It gave me a birds-eye view of the entire club, from the DJ stage, to the dancers in cages, along the dance floor and to the entrance. A petite chick in what looked like the regular uniform for the servers pranced her money-maker up the stairs carrying a tray with a tumbler of Scotch, resting on top. I grimaced taking it and ordering a bottle of beer and a basket of nachos. And because she’d been watching me like a hawk for days now, jumpy when I wasn’t where she expected to find me I sent a fast text to Ehlena letting her know I was at the club and would be back at her place later. My place. It was my place, gotta remember that, Rich.. Rehv. Fuck. I took a pull of beer when it arrived, and sat back while the god awful british techno music rattled my eardrums]

ZSADIST: *The last thing Zsadist wanted to spend his night doing was playing babysitter to a symphath who just crawled out of the fucking rabbit hole from Wonderland. But here he was, shouldering past the mountain-sized human bouncer at the door of Zero Sum. No one told him he needed to keep an eye on Rehv—Rich—whatever the fuck he was calling himself. There was just a drive to make sure the fidiot didn’t wander off again. Watching Bella cope with the reality that her brother, the one constant thing in her life since day one, wasn’t with them. His body was, but the male he had been was still MIA. Zsadist made his way over to the VIP section. Xhex jerked her thumb over her shoulder toward the private area, then resumed watching the humans on the dance floor. Yeah, that was another happy fucking camper in all this shit. Z jogged up the stairs. It was no trouble finding his brother-in-law. A whole ton of “fuck off” radiated from the male. That was normal. What wasn’t? The gigantic basket of chips covered in half the kitchen from a Mexican restaurant and domestic piss-water beer on the table in front of him.* This seat taken? No? Good. *Z parked his ass on the other side of the booth. The waitress scurried in, a well-practiced smile on her glossy lips.* “What can I get you?” Water with lemon. *He eyed the nachos, considering ordering himself some for half a second.* That’s it. *Sitting back, he looked at the other male, wondering where the guy’s head was at.*

RICHARD: [‘Course I saw the big bruiser the moment he hit through the crowd. My eyes followed him up the stairs and plonk himself in my booth. I just kept pushing the nachos one after the other into my mouth. I remembered this one, mainly ‘cause of the wicked slash of the scar down his whole face and because Ehlena, helpful as only a wife could be, had told me he was my sister’s husband] Hey big man, you escaped too? [I jutted my chin towards the untouched glass of scotch while I cleaned my hands on a wet wipe that came with the food] A drink going free there, they keep bringing me the shit. [Hooking the half empty beer bottle I noticed the guys trap hadn’t opened yet. Okkkay. So BIL was a quiet one. I had to figure he’d sought me out for a reason and was guessing he’d get to it sooner or later]

ZSADIST: Fuck me, this shit is just not right. *Z scrubbed his skulltrim, having a hell of a time reminding himself he wasn’t talking to his brother-in-law, not technically. The body was the same. But everything else, down to the way the male sat in the leather booth, was different. The waitress dropped off his water. Z thanked her and tipped her, even though he hadn’t really ordered anything.* Nah, I’m good with the water. *Even with his grey matter mostly together since Nalla’s birth, Z still hated being unable to control himself and refused to drink. Hell aspirin made him twitchy.* They bring you the scotch because that’s all they’ve ever seen you drink. And they’ll keep bringing it because they don’t realize you aren’t yourself. *Zsadist waved the girl down and handed her the scotch.* Keep him floating in beer tonight. *She frowned, but wisely didn’t question Z in front of her boss.* Is anything coming back to you yet? *Eventually they’d have to reveal Rehv’s mental hiccup if he didn’t get his memory back. For now, they’d been able to bullshit anyone who pried too much, namely the glymera.*

RICHARD: Thanks, Darlin’ [I told the waitress with a smile when she cleared away the nacho plate and empty beer bottle, replacing it with a freshie. Her baby blues popped wide and she looked like I’d just pissed up her leg. Okay, so the old me wasn’t what, into using fucking manners? I waited until she was gone to reply] Nah, not a thing, guy. Shit is frustratin’, you get me? More so ‘cause it’s pissing off the wife that I don’t remember anything. I thought about lying, saying I did, but shit, lies aint my deal. It is what it is [I shrugged, rolling a shoulder and wandered my gaze down to the lower levels watching the clubbers in varying states of grinding against each other. I pegged those yellow eyes watching me and decided to play my own jeopardy and throw some questions his way since he’d stationed himself in my space and all] I spoke to your wife earlier. She called me. We’re gonna get together in a couple days [I rubbed a hand over my shaved head] Are me and her close? I guess some siblings can go years and not see each other…so…wanted to check first. How ‘bout you and me, BIL [I flashed a smile, taking a pull of the cold beer] We hang much? And careful, if you say we golf I might have to stab you with a fucking fork, buddy. [I settled back in the seat, at ease some, despite not knowing the guy, but he didn’t flap his gums at me trying to force a memory that wasn’t there, so he was alright in my eyes]

ZSADIST: *If anyone had told Zsadist he’d be sitting in a club having a civil conversation with his BIL, he’d tell them to fuck off. Nearly every conversation with Rehvenge since he’d decided Bella was his had been tense, barely a step up from a verbal boxing match. The conversation now? It was… nice. And didn’t that shit make his head hurt. But it was painfully obvious Rich needed someone to guide him through this new-to-him life. Z didn’t want to play guide dog. He couldn’t let the male get hurt because he was unaware of the dangers his life harbored, either. Bella wouldn’t survive the loss of her brother.* Yeah, you and Bella are tight. Matter of fact, you were the father figure she should have had in the first fucking place. *Z growled, remembering all the happy-happy bullshit he’d heard about Rempoon and his idea of how glymera females should look—like God damned walking skeletons with no brains in their heads.* Bella worships you. This, *he waved a hand at Rich,* is breaking her heart in ways I can’t fix. *Zsadist leveled his gaze at the male.* But I’m going to help you try. For her sake.

RICHARD: [Hearing that made the mouthful of beer turn to ash and I struggled to swallow it. Processing, I rubbed a hand over my face, roughly muttering more to myself than anyone else in earshot] This is some fucked up shit. Jesus. [The pressure on my shoulders just quadrupled knowing there was a sister just as hopeful as my wife was for my miraculous return to normalcy. I pegged the male with a steady stare and could see he meant every word he’d said, it settled some shit inside me to have someone on my side that wasn’t giving me the hairy-eyeball of expectancy] I won’t hurt her, Zsadist, you understand? I know this is harder for them than it is me. So I’m gonna go easy when I see her, make it not so… [I searched for the right word, like I had a bag of tricks up my sleeve to make meeting her any easier for us both. If only] difficult for her.. Bella [I remembered to use her name finally] to meet me. [I cut a grin across the booth a minute later when he didn’t respond] I figure you’d have my head in a noose before I could yank my foot out of my trap anyway, yeah? [Laughing, I finished off the foamy dregs of beer] you see like a good guy, I’m glad she’s got you around for her while I’m…incommunicado from my brain.

ZSADIST: *Z’s palm made a rough pass over his skulltrim, like that’d make reality snap back in place and he’d be nose-to-nose with Rehvenge, arguing about what is best for Bella’s well-being. It didn’t work. All he could do was take a drink of his water while his brain tried to cough up a solution for this fucked up situation.* I won’t bullshit you, Rich. You and I, or the male you were before this shit happened, we never saw eye to eye about what was best for Bella. And that is what made me fucking thankful you were there for her when she was growing up. If she’d been left alone to deal with the crap I’ve heard happens in high-ranking families, I’d go on a killing spree that’d make human serial killers look like cuddly puppies. *Zsadist’s eyes dropped down to his wrist and the thick black bands tattooed around it. Only Bella made them something he could tolerate on his flesh. Everyone else’s pity made him want to cut off his fucking forearms so he wouldn’t have to see them twenty-four-seven.* She’s my world. You were right to guess, I’d end you the second you did anything to truly hurt her. Just be honest with her. Let her know where you’re at with everything. My female has been through a lot. She’s got a spine of steel, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy to see her cope with losing the brother she knew.

RICHARD: I appreciate the honesty, man [I caught the eye of the hovering waitress, kind of liking having my every whim catered to with a click of my fingers. I circled a finger to the table in that “bring us two more” way then got back in the convo with the guy] So we butted heads huh? [I grinned at that. Figures. From the shit I’d been hearing about “myself” I don’t think I was likeable at all. ‘cept for Ehlena and now hearing of Bella’s devotion to her brother.] you got no fear, brother. I aint the same man I was. I got no intention of hurting Bella [I made him tell me more of her upbringing and felt the bile of anger bubble in my chest. Seemed daddy dearest was a cocksucker of the highest caliber.] Hell… I might have to take her to Disneyland or some shit, to make up for that [I flashed a grin and tipped the overly helpful waitress when she dumped the beer, water and a basket of pretzel/nuts mix on the table. She was all twitchin’ ass and pearly white smiles up in BIL’s space, probably hoping for a bigger tip or a taste of him. Who knew. Either way I was amused and shooed her away with a wave of my hand. She immediately listened retreating back down the stairs back into the belly of the club, and I found I liked the power]

ZSADIST: *The ghost of a dream nagged at the back of Zsadist’s mind. He shoved away the all too familiar panic his dreams brought on. They were manifestations of his fears. He’d been dealing with them just fucking fine. Still, Rich’s off-hand comment struck too close to home.* You have my number. Call if you need anything. We just got you back, I won’t let you get lost again because of stupid shit. *Zsadist sat back in the booth, his eyes roaming the club. It was busy, as always, but they had this little loft area to themselves. Good. He got comfortable and fielded all the questions Rich had about who the hell he was dealing with within the Brotherhood and elsewhere. Zsadist didn’t even realize the time going by until his phone chirped with a new text message. Shit, they’d been chatting for hours, like a couple of old ladies at tea. Bella’s concerned, “When will you be home?” hit like a punch to the kidneys.* I need to head home. *He waved off any worried questions from Rich.* Your sister is checking in and after everything, I really didn’t mean to leave her alone this long without warning. Come by the house as soon as you’re ready. *Zsadist frowned. How would they explain to Nalla what happened to her favorite uncle? They’d just have to take it one step at a time. Z clapped Rich on the shoulder on his way toward the stairs.* We’ll get your head right one day, my man. *With that, he was on his way home to his females, feeling better about what the future held than he had in days.* #SymphathWhoBuddies 

RICHARD: [I finished touring the adirondack house and strode leisurely back to the main room where Ehlena was waiting for me. I got hit by her caramel eyes the moment I walked in. I knew she was waiting for me to say “hi honey, I’m home” as In ‘I got my memories back and I remember everything, this place, those clothes, that bed, and you.’ But I didn’t. If only shit were that easy. Jamming hands down into my jeans pockets] The guy likes suits, he’s got an Armani addiction, lady. [Since our run in at my place, I’d seen Ehlena twice more, we’d talked, and argued again, she’d told me of “our race” me a vampire. Vampires were real. Whodda fucking thought that fiction was the one true fact. I guess I accepted it ‘cause it wasn’t the biggest piece of info she’d fed me. I was a King. Not like the blind guy in the shades, but the evil kind. Fucking evil. I had to laugh at that. My new life was being revealed like some bizarre badly written sci fi novel and at the heart of it all it seemed was this woman who had hope in her brown eyes every time they landed on me.]

EHLENA: [Progress had been made in the days since Rehvenge’s return, it was minimal, but it was progress. He now knew what he was…all of it. Both his vampire and Symphath sides, and though he hadn’t asked to see my fangs -which would have been easy proof- or his, he seemed to believe that he was indeed a vampire, but the Symphath had been harder for him to swallow. All he knew himself was the funny, cocky male that he had woken to be. It wasn’t easy to keep hold of the hope that any minute now he would shake his head and be back to normal. Whatever had been done to him that night two weeks ago was so traumatizing he had blocked it out entirely.] You do like your suits, Rehv. [I murmured trying not to let my disappointment show, which didn’t work at all. I’d so sincerely hoped that bringing him to our home might trigger something.] So, other than your suits.. Is there anything else you have questions about? [lord this sounded more like a job interview that a mated couple having a conversation. I had hoped seeing Nehm’s room would at least help him to remember his son.]

RICHARD: Nah. I think I got enough to be going on with [Too much. My head was ready to explode but the woman was trying so I had to too] you have a kid.. [Not a question. I gestured with a raise of my chin towards the huge framed picture of the boy above the fireplace. He was all gums and purple eyes. Just like mine] Where is he now?  [I took a seat and picked up one of the million photo albums Ehlena had dragged out to display in front of me, just for something to do with my hands.  I knew she was hoping one of the memories contained on their pages would trigger my mind back to “normal” shit was, I already felt normal and myself]

EHLENA: [Obviously seeing the pictures of his son -the spitting image of his papa- had done nothing.] Yeah, Rehv, we have a son. His name is Nehmesis, and he is almost a year old. [Not sure why I was surprised when no recognition sparked in those purple eyes, I felt defeated once again. What was it going to take to bring my hellren back to me.] He is back at the mansion, you know the place where Vishous brought you last week? Where we first saw one another…. [I trailed off, leaving the “again”’ unsaid. It had been more than a week since we had been reunited and I was just kidding myself if I thought that magically MY Rehvenge would come back to me.] With your sister, Bella and her hellren, Zsadist. Remember them? The scarred male, and blue eyed female who was so close to tears when you didn’t know her? [I stood across from where he sat while he thumbed through the photo album with all the finesse that someone would flip through a magazine. Not one picture on the pages seemed to spark any type of memory.] Nothing? You remember nothing about our lives? Even being within these walls, in the house you had built for us? [I didn’t bother to mention the location of the house being on the exact spot we had reaffirmed out love to one another on our eight month anniversary.]

RICHARD: Babe, if I remembered I’d tell you, right? I can see how much you want me to [I heaved in a breath and grabbed at the bottle of beer on the table in front of me. I took a long swallow and looked up at the kid again. I had a kid. Weird name, but seemed vampires didn’t do anything traditional. Shit, I had a kid. Taking another pull of the beer, it was one more piece of info I had to digest. Fuck. Would the shocks ever stop coming?] I won’t make a good dad, Ehlena.. Maybe he should stay a few days longer with [shit I struggled for the names again] blue eyes and her husband. They seemed responsible enough to look after him. [Diapers and squawking, not in any rush for that. But looking at the pictures of him and me together I’d be lying to myself if I wasn’t affected by it. The cogs were working overtime in my head, trying, so fucking hard, to remember anything] I don’t know the house, babe. [I answered her finally, but I think she knew that already. There was pieces of “me” all over the sprawling home, in most every room. But I felt disconnected from everything. Her most of all. ]

EHLENA: [His sincere words hurt, but it was obvious that he was trying. Words didn’t want to come, but I forced them] It’s okay, Rehv. I understand that it will take time. [I hated…HATED being away from our son, truth be told I wanted him home with us so badly that tears sprang to my eyes. I guess it was progress that he was accepting the thought of his son, and wanting to make sure he was well looked after, even if he wasn’t ready to meet the young] Yes, Bella and Zsadist are happy to keep him as long as need be. [God I wished I could find something that would spark even the tiniest memory within my hellren. But I could still feel the gap of disconnect between us big as the grand canyon. While it wasn’t from lack of trying, he obviously felt nothing from me. An Idea slowly dawned in my mind, and without second thought I tried it.] Open your mouth for me, I’d like to show you something, if you will. [his penetrating purple stare narrowed on me for a moment, like he was weighing his options. Cautiously, so as not to frighten him I moved to sit on the table facing him, our knees brushing lightly.]

RICHARD: [I caught that warm cinnamon perfume from her again and grinned as she got cozy on the table in front of me. A brow jacked up high] Isn’t that my line, lady? [Innuendo ladened I waited a moment and carried on] If you’re gonna drug me, It’s easier to toss it in my beer, yeah? but I’m here in your home already, kidnap would be wasted on me [my lips widened, and I saw fire flicker in her brown eyes. I hadn’t really taken the time to just look at Ehlena, really look. But I did now, while she watched me, I looked at her, all her soft features and lush lips. She really was quite a looker, I could see why I’d gone for her. Even If I had no memory of her past this last week] you want my mouth open, babe? What the hell. Sure [licking my lips, I opened them for her and made my tongue dance a little for my own salacious amusement] Be gentle, it might be my first time….

EHLENA: [I snickered at his implication] No, Love, if you used that line I’d be on my knees. [I full out laughed when his tongue danced provocatively between his parted lips, then dropping my voice low and husky, I murmured] This may feel strange, but I can guarantee it’ll be worth it. [Following his lead I licked my lips, fangs already descending as my arousal flourished. This was the closest I had been to Rehvenge since his return, and as my hunger grew, biology screamed within me for a taste of my male. The hand I raised to his cheek held a slight tremble, dearest Scribe in the Fade I was nervous as our skin met, and that familiar warmth tingled through me. Eyes locked on his I brushed my thumb over his lower lip, relishing in the soft hiss of breath he drew in.] I’m going to show you… [sliding closer, until I had to drop onto my knees, between his thighs, I gently settled him back against the cushions of the couch. I went no further until I felt his body relax, but when it did I stroked over one of his fangs with the pad of my thumb, smiling wider, -to reveal small fangs- as his own started the slow ride into his mouth.] Your fangs, Rehvenge.

RICHARD: Oh fuck [purple eyes rounded wider watching her on her knees before me. Would be lying if I didn’t for a second picture something altogether different, a dirtier version of ‘on the knees meets carpet’ scenario. But it flew from my head the second she got to touching and slipped her thumb over the pointed teeth in my mouth. Much like the vanishing I’d endeavored to do and failed, the same could be said for my fangs, I’d watched Ehlena’s grow and found it erotic but cool as all hell but I’d been unable to make mine work. I’d told her just last night the knock to my head must have defected the vampire side to me too. But now, fuckkkk I could feel the lengthening process happening in my mouth. Oh fuck could I. It was a tingle and then an ache, -the good kind of ache- the more she stroked the longer they grew until my jaw was unhinged with their size. SHIT! I stood fast, dodging the petite woman on the floor and high tailed it over to the ornate mirror hanging on the wall] fuck jesuish! [My mirror image clearly showed the long sharp white canines grazing my lip and the weirdness of them made me lisp for a second before I adjusted to the feel of the extra long canines. I opened my mouth wider, leaned in to look closer and smiled like a motherfucker at myself, catching Ehlena’s reflection a few feet behind me] Damn, look at them. I got me a set of teeth, darlin’..

EHLENA:  [ My smile was wide as he all but flew to the mirror to see the ivory hardware he’d doubted worked properly. Intense hunger flared at the sight of his fangs, stunning me with a stab of fiery pain in my belly, I’d never been more thankful to be on my knees in my life. It took several moments, but finally I stood and stepped in behind him.] You do Rehv, they just took the proper…coaxing. [I inched closer, catching the scent that threatened to knock the air from my lungs. Reaching out, I laid a hand to the wall above his shoulder to steady myself, I’d needed to feed a week ago, when Rehv had returned, but he wasn’t ready. So, I would put my needs aside, and attempt to hide what was wrong. I played the fire in my belly as a stomach cramp with an arm wrapped around my middle, I tried to breath deep, and only mildly succeeded. It was more a fish-out-of-water impersonation that I was sure he thought was crazy.]

RICHARD:  [It had taken a good ten minutes for the fangs to retreat back up into my gums leaving only the points. I couldn’t help but run my tongue over and around them. They felt fucking good and I had the overwhelming urge to bite Ehlena. To just sink those puppies deep into her throat and see what happened next. She’d told me the whole blood feeding thing, but it kind of hurled my belly to think of sucking back blood like I was Dracula] you’re looking a little green around the gills, babe. Are you sick? [I noticed her parlor and narrowed eyes watching her closely, not knowing if she was the swooning kind of chick. I’d have to move pretty damn fast to catch her if she was]

EHLENA:  [I had never gone this long without feeding, and with the stress I’d been under the last fourteen days… or so… It was even worse. It took several minutes to get the extreme hunger gnawing at my gut under control, but with all the deep breathing exercises I’d learned while pregnant with Nehm, I did it.] No, Rehv, [I smiled convincingly, though fake.] it was just a sudden cramp. Something that happens periodically. [I felt better as I moved away from Rehvenge, his scent dissipating. Note to self… don’t let yourself get that close or vulnerable again.. Not until the whole feeding conversation has taken place.] Are you hungry? I could finish preparing first meal while we talk, if you like.

RICHARD: Nah. I’m good. I can grab a pizza while I’m out later. Reclining on the couch, leg crossed on my knee, beer in hand, I looked around and had to wonder: was this all there was to fucking married life? just sitting passing the time waiting for the next day so you could rinse and repeat? I was going to go in-fucking-sane. Maybe It wasn’t too late to grab my bag from upstairs in the guest room and take off again? I narrowed eyes at the petite woman, I could probably take her if she tried to stop me, but hell, she had threw two great punches at me now. Just sit your ass there, Rich. This is your life now, buddy, I told myself and sighed, taking a long gulp of the drink. married life.. Hoofuckingrah..]

EHLENA: [I stood in the kitchen watching as he he channel surfed the big screen tv in the family room. I wasn’t sure what he thought he would be doing out later, and I was in no mood to argue further.] Whatever you prefer, Rehvenge. But I would like to caution you against going downtown alone. There are those in Caldwell who would wish to see harm done to you, and without your abilities, you are defenseless against most of them. [There was no way I could control the male that sat with his back to me, before his accident he would listen to me and heed my warnings. But now? Now he Seemed to listen to me only to be sure he did exactly the opposite of what I’d advised. I Loved Rehvenge, with all my heart, and if I had to be honest with myself Rich was starting to wear on me. I was damn thankful to have my male home in whatever capacity he was able to be here in, though it was still nearly impossible for me to look at Rich and not long for the male he had been. The one who was the other half of me. ] #SymphathWho

NO’ONE - [Pulling the warm sheets from the dryer I set about folding them, not really paying attention to what I was doing. I kept replaying the same scene in my head over and over again. After Tohrment had returned with food, I had dressed and taken a seat upon the bed where he had a plate of food waiting. We hadn’t spoken much while we both ate to replenish our strength and the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. He had continued to share my bed though. Still on top of the covers and with limited amounts of conversation. Everything had gone right back to the way it had been before my needing. But I wasn’t happy. To be honest with myself I hadn’t been happy then either, but I really wasn’t happily now. I didn’t want things to be back to the way they were. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t pretend that nothing had happened. I could understand how he might possibly be feeling right now. But I could not stand for us to simply going on acting as if nothing had happened. And yet there were times, other than his sharing my bed, where it felt as if things had changed. The night of the lesser attack, when he had brought me a glass of champagne with a welcoming smile on his face as he lead me to my seat. I had thought maybe we would take a turn for the better after that, but I had been wrong. Those moments were so few and far between that I had no idea where we actually were. Decision made I put the unfolded sheet back with the others and headed down the hall towards Tohrment’s office. Stopping outside the door, I worried my lower lip as I heard him shuffling papers around and mumbling to himself. Taking a deep breath I squared my shoulders and walked inside] Do you have a moment?

TOHRMENT - *Looking at the files Butch had left for me on the Bastards, reading and rereading each page till my eyes hurt. Damn it all my mind can do is keep placing images of No’One, No’One beneath me, No’One on top of me, No’one feeding from me. Shifting the pages around as I give up and just sit at my desk with my head in my hands, its been weeks since No’One’s needing yet I haven’t been able to truly look at her or even talk to her. Not even the Lesser raid has helped clear my head.Grabbing my hair with my hands the pain a relief, should I not be thinking of Wellsie? Lassiter is still on at me about needing to do the fade ceremony, letting out a strained laugh. Needing, there it is again, needing to do the fade ceremony, No’One had her needing! And what did I do, well I went and serviced her like a sex crazed male. Closing my eyes as I remember the needing and all that I did, all I put No’One through. Then as soon as it was over I just couldn’t ask her if she was ok, I just went back to normal and I have been hoping ever since that all was well. I have avoided all my brothers as much as I can, I don’t want to have to answer questions. I just can’t answer questions, I have even been hiding from No’one. Well I am sleeping in her room but what little talk we did have has now stopped, why? Well isn’t that the question, why is No’One all I can think about, I should be only thinking about Wellsie. Looking up as No’One’s voice brings me back to the here and now, sitting back in my chair as I cough* Well I … *Picking back up the files from Butch which I still haven’t been able to read and make stick in my messed up brain* I need to do this file work but I will be up to your room later or do you not want me to come? *Holding my breath as I realize that you must be here to stop our sleeping arrangement, I must have really hurt you in your needing*

NO’ONE - [Arching a brow as I watch you lift and wave a file at me. You were still trying to avoid what had happened, yet still planned on sharing a bed with me. Feeling my temper rise I stepped into your office and closed the door] I would prefer not to hold off this conversation any longer if you do not mind. [As I took a seat I watched as the myriad of emotions crossed your features and you set the file down] We need to discuss what happened between us. I accept that I need to apologize, once again, for putting you in that position. It was wrong of me and for that I am sorry. But it does not change the fact that you did agree to service me and now you can not even stand to look upon my face or barely speak to me even though you continue to come to my bed nightly. [Pausing to take a breath, I had a million thoughts running through my head. I had agreed to let you feed from me with no strings attached. I had agreed to stay in the Mansion when you asked it of me. I had agreed to let you share my bed when you asked it of me. And while what I had asked of you went above and beyond those, it did not change the fact that things between us had changed and I wanted to know where we stood now. And where we would, or even could, go from here] If what has passed between us has made it difficult for us to be near one another, I understand. But I refuse to let things continue on as they have. It is not fair to either one of us. [With that said I slumped back into the chair as some of the anger left me. I wasn’t sure what I would do if you ended the arrangement between us. But it was true enough that it could not continue on as it was. No matter what happened I would find a way to deal with the consequences of my needing]

TOHRMENT - *Opening my mouth then closing it, as I watch you take a seat, my shame at the pain I must have caused you along with the ache in my chest all I can think about. Then your words register YOU need to apologize, why would YOU need to apologize I was the one who couldn’t pull back. I was the one who jumped as soon as you asked, I should have waited for Doc Jane to give you the drugs. Looking across my desk as you slump down into the chair your small frame almost lost by it, yet I could see the anger in your eyes at what I had done to you* No’One I am sorry this is all my fault, I should have waited and let Jane tend to you. You were in such pain of course you asked me, but I should have known better than to take advantage. After all you have been through, after Xhex! *Growling as your scent hits my nose, blood, your blood. Leaning back in my chair and gripping the arms, my mind turning over the fact that you are bleeding after your Needing. Well at least I haven’t forced you to carry my young like the Symphath did, running a hand over my face as I picture you back then on that night. Your grey eyes so full of fear, yet you laboured for hours to bring Xhex into the world. But then I let you hurt yourself, slamming my hand down on my desk hard* No’One I can’t and won’t ever hurt you again, I am glad you are not with my young as you deserve a male of worth who will care for you and love you. I know I…. *Closing my eyes as I try to slow down my beating heart, just the thought of what I am about to do sending shivers down my spine. Placing my hand over my eyes as I continue my voice almost a whisper* I know I have asked too much of you, I will refrain from sleeping in your room. I will NOT force my company on you any longer, I should never have done it in the first place.

NO’ONE - [Furrowing my brow I held my tongue as I listened to you apologize for servicing me during my needing. For doing exactly as I had asked of you. As soon as you mentioned Xhexania and not having placed your young inside of me I placed a hand upon my belly. The thought of carrying your young had never crossed my mind, I had only wanted the pain to go away. And as quick as that the anger was back. Sitting up straighter in my seat I continued to listen as you went on about not being a male of worth and my deserving someone who loved me. I was pretty sure that I was the only one who could make decisions like that for myself, thank you very much. And then you said it, the words I had been dreading to hear. You did not wish to share my bed any longer. What was next? Would you seek out the services of one of the other chosen when you needed to feed? I could not stay to witness that. Shaking my head, I held your eyes as soon as you looked upon me again.] I should have left the Mansion when I first planned to. Then neither of us would have had to endure what happened. As for you -forcing- yourself upon me, that has never been a concern. But if that is how you see it then I cannot stop you from doing what you see to be right for you. Is there anything else I can do to ease your mind? Take my meals in the kitchen with the rest of the staff? Move rooms to the servants quarters? Leave the Mansion entirely? [My voice, along with my heart rate rose with each question I asked. Foolish stubborn male. If I was so distasteful in his eyes why had he even approached me in the first place? Staring at you challengingly I waited to hear you tell me to leave.]

TOHRMENT - *Looking at you in shock, the anger in your voice. But what caught my ear most was your question about leaving. Why would you leave? Rubbing my hand over my heart as the pain in my chest makes it hard to breath. You can’t leave me, not as well. I am only remotely living because of you, without you I have nothing. Standing up fast sending my chair crashing into the wall, walking back and forth in my tiny office behind the desk* Why? Why would you want to leave? Why would you want to change your room? Why would you take your meals in the kitchen? *Stopping to look at you, my sweaty hands rubbing along my leathers* Why No’One? I only thought to make your life easier, I only thought of you! *Growling as I lean onto the desk* You. I only thought of YOU, and for the last time YOU are not a servant in this house. YOU are a female of worth, one which I have disgraced. *Standing back up straight I start pacing again, my shitkickers sounding like concret blocks as I slam them down with each step. I can’t let you leave, but why can’t I let you leave. I have no right to keep you by my side, I am a broken male one who is only living to kill Lessers. One who wants to follow my Shellan, my No’One when my time comes. Stopping and staring at you as I realize what has been going through my mind, my love for Wellsie is still as strong as always yet. My eyes take in your soft grey eyes, your long blonde hair in its plait. Your silent dignity in the way you sit and even the way you walk, breathing in your citrus scent my heart starts to calm down. You are not my Wellsie yet I can’t live without you, you alone have soothed my heart and made my life bearable* I…. *Sitting back down slowly* I can’t get you off my mind No’One, I need you but don’t deserve you.

NO’ONE - [Gripping the arms of the chair tightly I listened to what you had to say. I watched you pace and then I listened some more. You were a walking, talking mass of contradiction. And right at this moment I wasn’t sure if what the Angel had asked of me was taking the right path. But this is where we were and I wasn’t about to give up so easily. I was tired of giving up the things I wanted. Taking a deep breath, I exhaled slowly and spoke softly] You were thinking only of me when you made the decision to leave my bed? [Tilting my head to the side, my eyes held yours] Did you ever once stop to think or even ask what I wanted? How I felt about what transpired between us? Or have you been too busy feeling self sacrificing? [Shaking my head slowly I glanced around your office until my eyes fell upon a portrait of you and your shellan. Worrying my lower lip I looked back upon your face. A face I had seen go from gaunt to full and strong, along with the rest of your body. Staring into your dark navy eyes, eyes that brought comfort to me every night you entered my room safely after returning from fighting with our enemy] If you need me, why do you choose to leave? I have never asked that of you. You are the one who pulled away after my needing, Tohrment, not I. I only offered to leave so that you did not have to look upon something you found so distasteful every day. [I could feel my heart pounding against the inside of my ribcage as I contemplated voicing how I felt. I wasn’t sure if it would benefit me or not, but if we were telling truths now was the time.] I would not see you leave my bed if you cared at all how I felt in this situation.  

TOHRMENT - *Looking at you my mind reeling from the fact that you are right, not once have I asked you what you want. Then your next statement hits me like a ton of bricks “self sacrificing”. Pinching the bridge of my nose as I recall all of what I have asked of you and not once have I really asked what you want. But to call me self sacrificing when I am only thinking of you! Or is that it you only see me as self sacrificing because I put you first, but as a male I need to put you first. I need to see to your happiness, I…… Barking out a cold laugh* No’One you are right, I am so blind when it comes to you. I claim to be thinking only of you, I claim to want you to be happy. Yet in truth I am thinking only of me.You think that I am self sacrificing, if that was so then I wouldn’t be sitting here. I would have let you go when you wanted to leave the Mansion, I wouldn’t have ask you to feed me, I wouldn’t have asked you to let me sleep with you. All I have asked you to do female was for ME, so I could get back to health. I needed to feed, I needed to sleep through the day and right now I need you to live. I have no right to tell you all this, I have no right to hold you to my broken soul. But I need you No’One. I love my shellan. I will always love her and my unborn son. I love my son John, but you, you calm me. You make my heart beat again, right now the thoughts of you walking out of my office and out of this Mansion are killing me. I know I should let you go, I should feed off a chosen. But I can’t! You say you want me in your bed, yet all I do is sleep there. *Standing up and walking slowly around my desk to you and kneeling down in front of you* Don’t you see No’One, I want…. *Dropping my head onto your lap as my hands grip the arms of your chair, tears in my eyes as I choke out* May the Scribe Virgin forgive me I want YOU! My selfish heart needs you!

NO’ONE -  [My heart nearly stopped in my chest when you told me once again that I calmed you. Yet if that was true, why would you willing leave my side? I had never asked you to. I had never asked anything of you, other than to service me and maybe that was the problem. Neither of us actually took the time to talk to the other. Ever. That obviously couldn’t continue if I wanted things to change. My eyes followed you as you walked around and knelt in front of me. I cautiously placed a hand upon your head, fighting the urge to curl myself around you, to keep you safe. My voice was soft as I slowly stroked my fingers through your hair] You are not broken, Tohrment. The other half of your soul was ripped from you without warning. No one blames you for how you reacted. [Placing my other hand along your jaw I maneuvered your head so that you were looking up at me, my hands cupping your face] You are not selfish to want to move on. And you have not been selfish to ask anything of me. All were things I was happy to give. [Smiling softly I used my thumbs to wipe the tears from your cheeks] I do not care that all you do is sleep when you are in my bed. If it makes it possible for you to sleep at all that is where you should be. And as for feeding from a chosen, that is not an option that I can easily allow to happen. No matter what happens between us from this point on, you are always welcome at my vein when you need it. [Leaning forward to rest my forehead against yours, I held your eyes with mine] Because the fact of the matter is, if you are selfish then so am I for all I can think about is you.

TOHRMENT - *My eyes looking straight into yours, you want me even though I am a broken male. Feeling your head leaning against my, your scent all around me in my small office. I wish we could just stay like this forever, just as we are. Pulling back and standing up, letting my hand run down the length of your face. Smiling as a slight blush forms on your cheeks, my hand leaving your face to travel over your plait as it hangs down from your neck and over your breasts.You are willing to give me so much I need to give you more, I need to give you as much as you are will to give to me* You are right, we don’t talk and that will have to stop. But before we leave my office together to go up to the Mansion I need to tell you something. Wellsie and mine’s mating was arranged, and I had never been with another female before her. I don’t want to bring up bad memories but seeing you through your Needing just gone and when you birthed Xhex has been my only other interaction with females. I will admit to messing this all up No’One but if you will give me yet another chance I will try to give you the life you should have had, I will…  *Swallows as my throat closes up* I will try to be all that you need if you will let me. *Holding out my hand for yours* So how about we start from tonight, lets just be a young couple starting out, trying to see what the world has in store? *Lightly pulling you over to the hidden door behind the filing cabinet and out into the tunnel, walking slowly so I don’t cause your leg any more stress. As we reach the door up into the Mansion I bring your hand to my lips and kiss it* No more hiding No’One from now on we both live. *Pushing open the door and stepping out into the foyer and walking on into the dining room still holding your hand*

NO’ONE - [How such a simple gesture could make me feel like a young girl, after everything I’ve been through was beyond me, but that was exactly how I felt as you softly ran your hand along my cheek. This was the first time you had showed any type of intimate contact since the Needing. Swallowing slowly as I placed my hand in yours. Neither of us had much experience when it came to mates. You loved your mate and she had been taken from you and I never had the chance to see if that had been in the cards for me before Xhexania’s death. So it would seem we were on some equal footing as we started anew with one another this night] You have messed nothing up, Tohrment. We are both to blame for not saying how we felt or what we wanted. [Following you into the tunnel, I smiled to myself as you regulated your pace to match my slower one. Stepping into the foyer and then the dining room, already filled with the rest of the family, I waited for you to release my hand but you didn’t. Instead you walked me to my chair and only then did you let go so you could pull the seat out for me. Sitting down I looked around as voices hushed and got quiet and found all eyes upon us. Trying to smile as if nothing of interest had taken place I cleared my throat.] Thank you, Tohrment. [Feeling your hand gently stroke over my hair as you walked to your own seat I took a breath as conversation started to pick up again and sought out your eyes as you sat opposite me. I didn’t know how to be courted and it turned out it was harder than I had imagined. But I wanted this. I wanted us. So I would be strong, as long as at the end of the night I knew you would be there to see me through any hurdle thrown our way.]  #TakingSteps 

EHLENA: [Taking Nehmesis to the mansion had not been an easy thing, but i had managed.. Tonight, when Rehvenge came home, I needed to be able to give him my undivided attention. While the young missed his papa like crazy…cried for him constantly these last couple of days, Nehm didn’t need to see his father in this state. So he was taking a little vaca with his Auntie Bella and Uncle Z. It hadn’t taken long for me to let them know what my plan for the night was and assure  Bella that I would call her with a report ASAP. It was well past the hour that Rehv was expected to arrive at my door, I had busied myself about the house, fussing over this and that. Straightening the family photos that covered the walls, or fluffing the couch cushions. I had even run the doggen out of the kitchen and baked his favorite chocolate cake. The one I’d made all those months ago on our first anniversary, right before he had taken me to Vegas and married me in the human way. Now I just sat. Waiting for him to show. The Scribe Virgin knew I hadn’t had my wits about me enough to get the number of whatever phone my hellren was carrying before letting him walk away from me.  UGH! What was I thinking?!?]

RICHARD: [Seemed I’d taken to pacing like a caged animal the past 24 hours. I hadn’t settled once I’d gotten home and now it was D-day. The female would be expecting me. I knew that, and I had zero desire to face whatever was at her home waiting for me. Cowardly, maybe, but I had too much shit circling my head. So I palmed my new cell and keyed in the numbers she’d gave me before I could think about it any more. Four rings and she picked up. Her voice was soft and again I felt the tug of something in my gut, maybe my memory bank trying to turn its broken cogs, I don’t know. But it was something. She sounded hopeful and upset all at the same time, like she’d been crying. I was a tool, she’d seemed harmless, nice even, but shit, me with a wife. didn’t fit my picture. So I paced and spoke into the handset] Hey, It’s Richard. Richard Reynolds. Look. I know I said I’d come by tonight, but shit’s not doin’ right now.  I will call you, okay. I gotta think about this whole situation, maybe you should too, yeah? [I left that hanging. Fuck. I was being a pussy. After hearing I had family and people and knowing shit had gone down to dick with my memory it had felt as if the ground beneath me had shifted. I didn’t like that. I rubbed a thumb into my eye socket, wishing the slight off focus would shimmer back into place, and then realized the other end of the call was quiet. Too quiet] Lady, you still there?

EHLENA: Don’t do this to me, Rehvenge. [My voice was quiet, just above a whisper. I couldn’t believe my ears, and I wouldn’t allow this to happen. Deep down part of me knew that if we didn’t start talking and working on Rehv’s memory now it would lengthen the process of his recovery. Eyes closed I scrubbed a hand over my face, I was having a hard time believing he was actually standing me up.] Yeah, I’m still here, and I have a name. It’s Ehlena. I’d appreciate you using it. [Maybe I was a little testy, and maybe Mary had suggested that I not push him too hard, but dammit! I needed him back. Another long silence on the line while I climbed the stairs towards our mated chambers, the light from Rehv’s study catching my eye. Wait.. Though he hadn’t told any of the brothers, or me for that matter, I knew where he was staying. The same safe house that I had planned to visit last night..before Vishous had found Rehv.] I’ve got to do this. [I murmured as I threw open the doors to the terrace and dematerialized to the south, towards the house that sat on Staten Island. The phone was still clenched in my hand when I took form on the front porch.] Open the damn door, Rehv. [I demanded, my free hand coming down hard on the ornate glass window inset in the door.]

RICHARD: What the ever lovin’ fuck! [I was glaring at the Ehlena chick with the phone still glued to my ear. Just what I needed. So much for my “kiss off” I disconnected the call and strode to wrench the door open, a hand rubbing over my newly shaven head, I couldn’t stand that damn ridiculous mowhawk a minute longer and had taken the hair clippers to it a few hours ago after a shower. I peered out into the dark to see where she’d parked and saw no cars at the curb side. I narrowed eyes and growled] Where the fuck did you come from, have you been out there this whole time? I told you I would call. [She didn’t even wait for an invite just barged on past me] Come the fuck in, little Darlin’ mi casa es su casa [I muttered sarcastically, and followed behind, hands shoved into jean pockets]

EHLENA: I dematerialized, dammit. [I took him from head…oh my god…I gasped] what..what have you done? [My hackles were all the damn way up now.] Just because you don’t remember who you are doesn’t mean you get to do this! [I stepped in real close, Small fangs barely concealed behind my very unlady like snarl and let another slap meet his face. This.. Whoever he was.. Had already taken over my hellren’s mind, but now he’d taken the part of Rehv that made him Very much him…..his mohawk GONE. The changes that had taken place internally had pushed me to the edge, but this This was going to be the breath of wind that send me toppling. What was next? A Prince Albert? As I shook my throbbing hand by my side I paced. The nice calm talk I had envisioned for tonight had been traded in for a knock down drag out.] And you’re right “Your house is my house” my name is on the deed right next to yours. [I looked around the place, between the beer bottles and pizza boxes strewn everywhere, had I not known better i would have thought the place was a college frat house instead of the high end colonial it was. I should have known to expect this, going by his appearance last night, but I hadn’t..at all.] We need to talk, and no, I’m not letting you off the hook. There’s too much at stake.

RICHARD: [My growl was vicious and I had to stop from taking a step forward, telling myself she was a chick. A very pissed off chick. And my fucking wife, at that. I pointed at her instead and rumbled out] You do that again you won’t like how I retaliate, you fucking understand me? [It seemed glaringly obvious why there was no sign of her or any female around my house, I was sure and had come to the conclusion, while I’d been thinking since I got home, that whatever marriage it had been before my brain had shut up shop and locked my memories away, that it was no longer a marriage at all, how could it be? I didn’t recognize anything about her and I’d taken a real good look last night.  And though I’d wanted to avoid this showdown with her, she’d forced my hand, so she’d get what she came for. With an outcome she wouldn’t like. I took a seat, and set a gaze over to her watching her eyes scan the room before what she’d said registered] Dematerialize? this aint Star Trek, darlin’ but now the bad taste in clothes makes sense if you and him were into that kind of funky costume shit. I burned his pimpin’ fur coat, by-the-way, you should have told him that fashion died in the 70’s [Again I rubbed my shaven head and watched her brown eyes spark fury…well well.. she didn’t like it. I grinned good and wide] like the change? I think it suits me. Better than the mohawk, that’s for damn sure. Now park that sweet ass and do this talkin’ that you wanted.

EHLENA: [I wanted to slap him again, but I wouldn’t. There were more important things that needed sorting tonight. He was pushing buttons, trying to piss me off further, but I just laughed.] Its apparent you do not know of the finer things. You shouldve pawned the fur, it was worth twenty-five grand. [i laughed again, this time at myself, as I leaned in close and skimmed my hand over the shaved shadow if the hawk. I’d shown my hand first rattle out of the box.] Of course.  It suits you..you are nothing like the male who could pull off the ‘hawk and fur look. By the way, the t-shirts and jeans aren’t him either. Thanks for making this easier on me. [Deep breath in..annnd out. I had to control myself before I made things worse. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to start with the basics.. Before I worked on us, before letting him meet our son. He needed to learn of his biology first, something bad was going to happen if he went on much longer thinking he was a damn human.] Dearest Virgin, what could have caused this? [I studied the male as I took a seat on the armchair across from him. Whatever it was, it was bad for him to remember nothing.] Lets start slow, when did you come to this house, and what do you remember from just before that? [I sat back, taking one cleansing breath after another watching for him for an answer]

RICHARD: Lady… [I rubbed my face again and sighed frustrated] I live here. I didn’t just ‘come here’ but you’re looking for an answer, you’d know better when I went missing. You are the little wife. [I stressed the word] Look.. I woke up on the street last week, and I came home to sleep off my drunk, that was it. No weird shit. Next I knew dude in leather grabbed me and took me to the fucking palace last night. Now you. And all this. [I gestured with my hands for whatever this was. I ground my back molars and had to ask..] How long was he missing for, your husband? [Not realizing I was speaking of myfuckingself in the third person, detached from the person she knew and the one I was]

EHLENA: Tonight makes nine nights since you went missing, Rehv. You had gone north to do your kingly duties at the Symphath Colony, called to say you were coming home and never did. [I watched him closely, looking for a flicker of recognition in those amethyst eyes, but found nothing.at.all. I’m not sure how long we sat there, those words hanging like laundry that needed air between us.] So.. what night did you wake up on the street? [maybe if I could make a connection in his mind that way he would begin to believe what I was telling him..because there was a lot more shocking shit where that came from.]

RICHARD: [I rattled off the day, and hell, even the time I woke up on the street with two cops towering over me] Wait.. what..? “Kingly duties at the symphath colony”? Lady, if you’re dicking me around trying to fleece me… [I growled, baring teeth and my fingers clawed at the arms of the chair] You’re talking shit. Show me proof we’re married, show me proof I’m this Rehvenge.. and yeah, cool fucking name.  [scorn dripped from my every word] almost as pimpin’ as his coat. [who the hell got amnesia anymore, unless it was on some cheesy movie? this shit had to be a joke. Not funny joke, but still. I stared at the female, all over her soft features, the wave of her hair, her lips and to her eyes, to the obvious expensive threads she was wearing, the big fuckoff ring on her wedding finger, the jewels at her neck and ears. Shit, if she was mine, I sure as hell kept her in the life of luxury. No wonder she wanted me back…]  Nine days…. [I don’t even know why I blurted it out, but I told her of the two trips to Caldwell I’d taken, the second resulting in meeting the big bastard bruiser with the face tattoo] That’s where you live? 

EHLENA: I wish I could say the word and a hidden camera crew would pop out from behind the couch, Rehvenge, but this is all the truth. [with a sigh I went into the small office down the hall, talking over my shoulder.] We were mated almost three years ago, in October. In the eyes of the Scribe Virgin. And then you..ever the romantic, surprised me with a wedding in the human way for our first anniversary. [I was breaking him in slowly to the idea that we were different from humans, but this wouldn’t always be possible. I moved the painting behind the desk to reveal the inset wall safe and retrieved the official copies of all our important documents. The Nevada marriage license was in here, showing the name he was now using. Starting back down the hall in felt good about this bit of info.] I saw you behind the club that night, your security staff called me to identify the car when you stopped then ran. [This time I sat on the couch next to him, passing him the small stack of documents.] I can run home and get you some photos if you would like?

RICHARD: Human way? okay hold it a fucking minute. That’s more than once you’ve trapped out with some bogus shit, lady. If you’re nuts, this conversation stops now, you get me? [She looked sane, but what-the-fuck did I know about sanity, you never knew what shit was behind a persons eyes. But talk of “human” and what the hell was a symphath colony? I rubbernecked seeing my name on the marriage licence then scowled] This is MY name. Where is this mythical Rehvenge’s name? [It seemed unbelievable that I’d been married for three years? jesus. But it was in black and white, it didn’t tie in with who I felt I was or who she said I was. I pegged her with a level stare, good and long and waited a minute to speak. Her eyes never wavered from mine] Photo’s would take too long going back to Caldwell. Why are none here? I checked for shit last night and last week when I ditched the ri.. [trap shut tight] 

EHLENA: I know you think I’m crazy, but I’m not. We used your human alias for the human ceremony, you can’t exactly go to a priest and say, “Hey, I’m Rehvenge, son of Rempoon, and my Shellan Ehlena.” Without being run off for being crazy. [I almost laughed, but stopped as he mentioned the photos again, an idea blooming in my mind.] they aren’t here because we have never lived in this house. It was a safe house, in case some bad shit happened again. But I won’t be but a second getting some for you. [I held his stare as I stood from the couch, lips turned in an almost smirk, and dematerialized home. As my molecules reformed on the same terrace I had left from I actually let myself laugh. No doubt he was going to need a change of pants after my disappearing act. Wasting no time, I gathered a few special, framed photos from his desk and sent myself back through the air, reforming back in the safe house behind Rehv.] See, I told you I wouldn’t be long. [I rounded the end of the couch and spread the photos out on the coffee table in front of him.] You will want to take your shirt off and check your back after you look at that middle one. There’s a full length mirror in the guest chambers.

RICHARD: [She vanished before my eyes. She motherfucking VANISHED and reappeared a minute later. I don’t think my feet got the ‘stand the fuck up, Rich’ command before I was vertical, eyes wide and I must have had a pussy expression on my face. I must have, cause that shit freaked me the fuck OUT] Jesus how did you do that - what did you just fucking do, woman? - jesus. how.. how.. what the… christ, If I’m the insane one… fuck [that had not occurred to me. I must be…  More curses fell like a lead balloon and I got to pacing around and around, while eyeballing her, ignoring the pictures she’d laid out and just out and out stared at the woman who had just fucking poofed into thin air like it was a normal occurrence. Human. she’d said that word more than once, who the hell said that? I rubbed thumbs into my eyes, if I thought my brain was overloaded before… now it was on board the fucking titanic and sinking fast. I stared at her some more, up and down and back again, trying to see this NON human trait she must have, and didn’t see anything. she was just a regular beautiful chick I saw every day. Only other chicks didn’t do the supernatural fiction shit before my eyes] do it again. I want to watch.

EHLENA: [My male had gone white as a sheet, and looked like he would topple in a full on Pass-The-Fuck-Out if I did it again.] I’m not sure that’s wise, Rehvenge. Maybe you should sit back down. [I’d come this far, might as well keep going with the whole ‘guess what you are’ thing. When he complied, more flopping than sitting his ass back on the couch, I dematerialized from where I stood to just across the table from him, making sure he was watching the entire time. His reaction worried me, if he knew nothing at all of our world, how had he survived nine days all alone?] Are you feeling okay? Would you like a drink, I’m sure we have your favorite scotch. [When he just nodded I went to the built in bar and poured us both a drink.] That is dematerializing, not even Star Trek has our skills. [i passed his drink over and sat mine to the table after a long drink.] Would you like to know what we are? See some more?

RICHARD: Our? What the fuck are we? [I asked incredulously and tipped back the glass draining it with a grimace] Let me guess, he’s a scotch drinker too? I’d prefer a beer [With a quick stride through rooms I grabbed a cold one from the fridge and while I’d been a touch freaked out watching the houdini before my eyes, I had to admit that shit was cool too. So much so before I sat my ass back again, I shut my eyes, fully aware Ehlena was eyeballing me, and imagined it was a kind of “wish yourself there” kinda deal. But nope, not a thing happened. Taking a pull of the draft, I scowled] Doesn’t work for me, maybe that fell out of my head too, lady. [Being told I was something else… besides a fucking husband to a stranger, you’d imagine in that sitch you’d freak the fuck out, but it was the 21st century, I was pretty much desensitized to anything shocking. It’s the reason I watched horror movies yawning the entire time, nothing was a surprise anymore. But my vanishing wife, I cut eyes to her.. maybe this shit was impressive]

EHLENA: [I didn’t miss the close your eyes and make a wish routine, though I wouldn’t say anything to him about it. In truth I thought it was cute, and well, made it feel like SOMETHING I was saying was penetrating his thick skull.] I’ll tell you what we are, but you have to promise to trust me and not laugh. [With the way he had reacted to the dematerializing thing I didnt know what would happen.] Oh, and sit back down. I can’t pick you up off the floor. [I waited until he had done as I asked and sat myself next to him, closer this time..close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating off him, and took his hand mostly out of habit.] We are vampires. Well you are more than that actually, but lets just take this slow.

RICHARD: [I’d been expecting martian. Maybe hoping, even. Martian would have been cool. An outta space dude. Fuck. I blinked like the village fucking idiot and caught the scent of cinnamon, of her sitting too close and once again I trailed eyes over the little wife. She really was a looker, with the red hair and pouty naked lips she kept chewing on and I hadn’t been lying when I’d told her she had a nice rack. Mighty fucking fine rack. Stacked and curved in all the right places, that for a moment, while I stared at her I had to wonder if we’d had a very active married life. Sure as shit If I was married to this one I was laying her as often as I could. No doubt about that. And she had flung herself at my like she’d been spat out of a canon. Then my mind checked back in. Vampires? Holy mothering shit. I opened and closed my mouth like a flounder, and then laughed. Just out and out head thrown back and laughed with the “WTFs”  Of all the things I’d expected with this entire situation, and I thought finding a wife was all the ball busting shocks I was gonna get, maybe a nest of kids somewhere too.  Seemed fate had other jokes up its sleeve and after witnessing Ehlena’s little trick, I had no reason to think THIS was the bullshit part of the scenario] I’m a motherfucking vampire??!? #SymphathWho 

EHLENA: [I had been a wreck since leaving the mansion…without my Rehvenge. In my head I was still trying to make sense of what I’d seen. Nothing seemed to remain of the male I was mated to. Instead it seemed that this Richard person was wearing an extraordinarily well tailored Rehvenge costume, and that almost made me sick at my stomach. There were so many things that could go wrong if we didnt get him back soon. The day had been spent holding my son in my arms as he slept, while trying to come up with a plan to bring his father back. At some point Zsadist had called, to check my mental status, no doubt and had offered for he and Bella to keep Nehmesis at the mansion for a few days. I’d initially balked at the idea of not having my son home with me, but with a little reassuring, from both he and Bella, I relented. So here I was, behind the wheel of my BMW, driving through the thick forest towards the mansion. When I pulled through the last gate Rehvenge’s sister and Nalla were waiting on the front steps, the sadness in Bella’s blue eyes matched my own.] Sister— [I called as I parked the SUV and slid from the lavish interior] This is so good of you and Z.

BELLA: “Unca wooster yehhhhh!” [Nalla in her pink onesie pj’s bound down the steps as quick as her little legs would take her. Bella had already told her they were waiting for Aunt Ehlena and Nehm, that Rehvenge wouldn’t be here tonight. But her little girl was still hopeful of a million stories and a gift, as he always brought her] It’s Nehmesis, babygirl, go back inside and we’ll bring him in [She blew kisses, as only her daughter could do lavishly, Bella made sure she got back into the mansion and met Ehlena climbing out of her car, enfolding her in a tight hug right away. Bella had her own hope going on, and already knew from the look on Ehlena’s face and from the phone call not so long ago that there was no good news, but her tongue felt compelled to ask. She had to] Any change, sister? [Because Ehlena looked like she couldn’t bat away a fly right now, Bella took the car seat and carried her sleeping nephew inside, still feeling that incredulousness of all that had happened. She’d spent most of the night and day with Z just asking “how” to which she repeated standing in the foyer with her sister in law] How could this be, Ehlena? To Rehvenge..I don’t understand any of it. He was not him at all.  [He was probably the strongest male any of them knew and out of anyone, he was the one she least worried over, because she knew he always had his shit sorted, he was infallible. Her rooster. Now he was a stranger to them, and truthfully Bella was scared spitless for her brother and his family]

EHLENA:  [I just shook my head as I followed Bella into the foyer] Honestly, sister I haven’t made heads or tails of any of this. [Sad eyes roamed the room, taking in the stairs, hallways, and adjoining room.] Is Zsadist home? I would like to talk to you both before I see Rehvenge later tonight. [I kneeled next to Nehmesis’ car seat and unbuckled the sleeping prince, pulling him into my arms before standing. Nalla was sitting quite impatiently on the bottom step kicking her little pink clad legs back and forth.] You want to play with him, Nalla? [I infused my voice with as much happiness and nonchalance as possible. When she nodded eagerly I smiled and let her gently wake Nehm by tickling his feet. The young came awake with a shrieking giggle, which goes to prove that no matter what adults are going through, young are resilient creatures.] Hey little man, there’s someone here who wants to see you. [My first genuine smile in days came as I set my son to the Aubusson rug and handed some toys to Nalla.]

BELLA: He’s getting his things ready to head out [Bella answered, keeping an eye on Nalla so she didn’t play too rough and excitedly with the baby. With the sleepless day behind her, Bella rubbed at her tired eyes, she’d had her a good cry, now she was needed for support. But her worry hadn’t lessened any, tripled in fact when during the day, when both Z and Nalla were sleeping, Bella had sat on the couch in her suite nursing the cat on her lap and it dawned on her suddenly what Rehvenge’s amnesia truly meant. Not only the heartache for the family, but a much bigger problem in that he had enemies, many from his world of business and being the symphath King. If Rehv couldn’t remember WHO he was and what he was… it was as good as putting a giant red target on his chest for those who had wanted to harm him for a long time. After that thought, sleep had eluded Bella altogether] What’s going to happen, Ehlena? Will he come home? would it be safer for him and you to be here at the mansion? When can I see him? [the questions all bubbled out of the female quickly, all the questions that had churned in her mind for the past few hours. Although that last one filled her with a slight dread. She didn’t want to see her beloved brother and have him look at her again with nothing behind his purple eyes] Sorry… [Bella smiled and patted Ehlena’s shoulder] Ignore me, my mind is still too busy. Blessed virgin. [She sighed, but smiled watching Nalla fuss lovingly over Nehmesis, making a teddy dance for him] it’s all just a giant nightmare.

EHLENA: To tell you the truth, Bella, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. [No doubt my sister had gotten no more sleep in the past few days than I had, and that her mind had been running over every question that mine had. My eyes were sad as I looked back at my son and his cousin on the carpet.] I’m going to do my best to bring him back. He’s supposed to come to our place tonight, I guess we will just take it one night at a time. [I heaved a sigh, racking my brain, as I had numerous times over the day, looking for the right thing to do. Mary had told me not to push Rehv into anything, but I couldn’t sit around and let him do something stupid like go walking out in the sunlight, or hang out in downtown Caldwell without protection.] I want him to come home, with me, while we work on his memories. But I just don’t know…. [I trailed off, the uncertainty of my future all too real in my mind as I watched the young play, oblivious to everything outside their little bubble. Neither of them knowing that what happened tonight, and in the near future, might change their lives.]

BELLA: [After Ehlena had spoken with her and Z, once he’d jogged down the stairs ready for his night rotation, Bella’s sister in law had climbed back in her car and gone back home to wait for Rehvenge. She’d stood and watched the retreating brake lights until they disappeared into the distance and only then had Bella walked back into the mansion, still thinking about all Ehlena had spoken of, her underline worries and fears and the hope to jolt his memories into returning somehow.  She was anxious to see Rehvenge, but knew this time for Ehlena and Rehvenge was crucial so Bella would stay away until they had at least some semblance of normalcy re-established between them. She could not truly understand how her sister in law was feeling, but she had such empathy for the courage she was displaying, the sheer determination to help her hellren. It would be what Bella would do in that situation. And because she was feeling sad and a little clingy for the time being, she checked on both young seeing they were happy and content and she slipped to sit on Z’s lap for the five minutes he had left before he went out. Just savoring the time. ‘Cause you never knew when it was going to be the last minute of someone knowing who you were. And then not..] #SymphathWho

RICHARD: [The crack across my face caused my head to bounce back on my neck The little redhead packed a punch that was for damn sure.  I fastened her with a dark stare towering down over the female and rubbed my jaw slowly, fully aware of the wall of meatheads around us] Lady, you can have that one, since you have such a nice rack, get me?  [I rolled my eyes down her body and back up again lecherously with just the hint of a smile and stepped back before I caught another slap. I turned from the woman standing to my full height, and cast my eyes around at all the males and the one female with intense Blue eyes clinging to the scarred faced one’s arm, she was watching me with her hand brought up to her mouth as if holding back words or something else] Well, I’d like to stay for whatever fucking party this is, but the whole leather thing ‘aint my deal, boys.  We understanding each other? [Didn’t escape my notice, this motley crew knew me. More importantly, I didn’t fucking know them. But there was no blades on show, and I wasn’t being set upon with fists, so I had to factor in this was not a kidnap-kill-and dump sitch. The fucking fish bowl with them all gawping at me was giving me the scratch and I eyeballed the door wondering how quick I could move without one of the village people being on my back]

EHLENA: [My hand itched to slap him again. I wasn’t sure what the hell had happened to my hellren, but this cocky son-of-a-bitch wasn’t him. The Rehvenge I knew wouldn’t have wasted time leering at me in that skeezy way, not after we had been separated for a week. My Rehv would have tossed me over his shoulder and hauled me up to our rooms here, and kept me there..under him for days and nights before reemerging. Not to mention the fact that he looked at his beloved little sister as if he had never seen her before. The whole thing was beyond strange, Rehv truly appeared not to know any of the brothers either.] Nallum, do you truly not know me? [I spoke barely above a whisper in the old language. The look he shot back told me enough, that he hadn’t understood what I’d said. Fuck, what was I going to do? Steeling myself, I met the eyes of each brother in turn, doing my best to appear strong and confident. “Never let ‘em see you sweat” was a motto that I had heard somewhere, and today I put it into full use.]

RICHARD: [The hysterical chick was speaking martian to me.  I gave her the “huhfuck what” look. But I gave pause to see the trepidation in her brown eyes gazing longingly at me. Was this this wife I thought I had when I tossed away that wedding band?  I couldn’t place her face, nor any of them all staring at me like I had two fucking heads. I growled low under my breath and rubbed my jaw roughly, the sinking dense feeling in my gut intensifying, finally having to admit to myself my patchy memory was more than just a drunken bender. I picked the jackass who had gotten me here by persuasion, fighting back the urge to curl my lip at him, and ignoring the desperate stares from the two females. I couldn’t deal with that yet] You know me, yeah? you said so. You know I’m Richard Reynolds? How long we know each other? [I jutted my chin to the others without asking “and them too” ]

VISHOUS:-He had watched the encounter between Hellren and Shellan with sole interest. Surely if anything was gonna snap him out of this memory loss thing, seeing his mate would.  He had hoped the bonding instinct would take over and whatever mind fuck had befallen the King of Sin-eaters would be trumped by male possession. Wrong.  The slap that resounded through the foyer was enough to have his own face aching and he fought the urge to point out the glowing handprint forming on Rehvenge’s face as he turned back for more answers.  Giving a nod, he tried not to overwhelm the bastard, even though at the moment he probably deserved all the bad shit that was coming his way just for the rack comment. -  yeah..we know Richard Reynolds.  He owns Zero Sum. We also know it’s a pseudo name you use to hide your real identity.  Your name is Rehvenge and the female behind you who gave you that -he pointed to his own cheek for reference -  is your mate…er..your wife.  -So, if Rehv had taken on the persona of Richard Reynolds, it made sense that he would be thinking only in human terms. Shaking his head and speaking softly, he spoke more to himself than the male in front of him.- damn my brother…what the fuck happened to you.

WRATH: -I wasn’t exactly how sure this would all go down, but I damn sure wasn’t expecting the hand to face slap that cracked through the room.  This scored points for me on the female.  Fuck what had happened, only just a week ago we were celebrating the victory over the Lessening society and having a few drinks.-  Once you get your fucking head on straight, RICHARD, you’ll laugh at your declaration. - Giving a shake of my head before crossing to stand directly behind Ehlena.  If anything I would need to hold her back before she reached to slap him again.  Last damn thing we needed was the Symphath in him waking up and trying to take over everyone in the room with his mind shit.  With Ehlena in arms reach my idle gaze wracked over the Symphath in question.  All I was catching from him was a whole bunch of confusion and pissed the fuck off, though that could be paired with Ehlena, or even Bella for that matter.-  You need to sit the fuck down, Reynolds.  Before your fe..wife here cuts you like a pig for speaking to her the way you did, you feel me?

EHLENA: [The king’s movement hadn’t gone unnoticed, but right now i had bigger things to worry about than what the male assumed i was going to do next. My suspicions the previous day had been right, Rehv had gone to that safe house, had assumed Richard’s life. But that didn’t explain what the hell was happening here, why didn’t he know me, nor anyone else in the room for that matter?] I need…need to know exactly what happened to you. [Toffee eyes sought out strength in the form of Bella and Zsadist’s, and though I longed to take Rehvenge’s sister in my arms and fall apart with her I knew that I couldn’t, not yet. This situation was bad, and there was only one person in the world who could help me through it. No way in hell would I let the fact that HE was buried beneath another persona keep me from my mate. It was obvious that Rehv wasn’t ready..or maybe wasn’t able, to process the things he was being told, but he would be. I could only hope that time came sooner, rather than later.] Rehvenge? [When, at last it was obvious that I wasn’t getting the answer I was seeking, I released myself to the tears that had been threatening to flow. My legs felt like jelly. It took every ounce of strength I could muster, but I stayed on my feet, just barely, to watch as Bella tried where I had failed.]

BELLA: [ “I found him” three little words had filled Bella’s heart with so much joy when she’d heard. Rehvenge was safe and well and dearest virgin she’d never been so relieved in her entire life. For Ehlena and Nehmesis to have Rehvenge back, and to finally know what had happened. Bella had charged down the grand staircase with haste hearing the distinct engine of the SUV pull up outside, a giant smile on her face, close to tears to hug her brother and also to strangle him for putting them all through this. But that all got shot down in flames having Rehvenge look at her like she was a stranger. Worse, he looked right through her, while he snarled and swore at the brothers. Worse yet, he didn’t return Ehlena’s hug and had pushed her away] This is not funny, Rehvenge! [She insisted, feeling that dread in her belly. She wanted it to be a joke, now that the realization of him not actually knowing any of them, yes, she really wanted this all to be a sick joke he was pulling. Prank of the year. She wouldn’t even hit him. Bella just wanted it to be wrong. How could he not know them? She reached a hand down and clung to Zsadist’s fingers, brow frowning and watching this male who was her beloved brother … and yet not. His whole mannerisms and how he spoke was slightly off..and just not Rehvenge ] Brother mine.. [Bella spoke quietly, too quiet for anyone really to hear her over the din of raucous exchange of words. Her fingers squeezed Z’s, her other hand joined and clung to their laced fingers needing him more than ever to anchor her]

ZSADIST: You stupid son of a bitch,what have you gotten into? *Zsadist held on to Bella, hating the fine tremble in her muscles. He’d hoped, just like everyone else, that once they got Rehv home, he’d start putting the pieces together. But the male in front of them wasn’t Rehvenge. Sure, he looked and sounded like the cocky motherfucker Z called brother-in-law, but one look in the male’s eyes and Z knew Rehv wasn’t home. Whatever had been done to him changed him, it didn’t just suck out his memories, it transformed him into as close to a human as he could get. Z felt sick. He never realized how much they all took for granted until he met Rehv’s—Richard’s—gaze again and found himself staring down a stranger. Somehow he thought the family he’d chosen and be married into would always be there. He should have known better after Darius and Wellsie were killed. Tightening his grip on Bella’s fingers, he rubbed her back with his other hand, trying to comfort her.* We’ll fix this, baby. We’ll bring him back somehow. *Zsadist tucked Bella under his arm.* I’m taking your sister, *he made damn sure to stress that point so maybe the asshole would stop glaring at her* upstairs to lie down. She doesn’t need to see this. *And they sure as hell weren’t going to allow Nalla near the male until he was himself again. She would be utterly heartbroken over being treated as a stranger by her uncle, whom she loved almost as much as her parents. Fuck, what were they going to do?*

RICHARD: [Too much was coming at me all at once. All of these people jabbing at me altogether until I blew out a ragged breath and rubbed a hand over the hat I still wore. What a fucking situation. One of the chicks was crying in my face, but still looked like she wanted to take a knife to me for what… not knowing her? I didn’t. Nor the other one who looked at me with hope in those wide blue eyes before the big bastard with the wicked cool scar down his puss took her back up the staircase that seemed never ending, but not before hairy-eyeballing me too with that look they were all giving me, the one that said “You know me. You know US” talk about pressure. Whatever madness had gotten my ass here, I was over it. And wanted gone. I swiped my gaze passed the hysterical female again to the tall dude in shades. Fucking wraparounds, someone needed to tell the guy he was inside and it was after midnight. I shook my head at the motley crew, these people I knew? No. Fucking. Way. They looked like something from the Addams Family 2.0] Look, this was a mistake [I declared. Some fucker was having a joke at my expense. I saw the shows, if you had amnesia and you saw your family, something pinged in your head and made you remember. I didn’t know these folks.. but the tatted one had mentioned Zero Sum. Hadn’t I just tried to go there again tonight and the other night. I nodded to him, not even sure why, but he seemed the calmest of the lot of them and all the emotions was fucking up my head. My feet wanted to walk] Lady… [Focused on the redhead now] maybe there’s a guy out there with my face, your husband, yes? It ain’t me. I’m sorry.

BETH: -Holy hell, what a shambles. Beth thought watching the scene unfold into, god knows what. So they were dealing with a Rehvenge who didn’t know his own name let alone any of them staring at him bewilderedly. That much was clear. Thank god Z had taken Bella upstairs, the girl was close to tears and poor Ehlena. Man, she couldn’t even dare to imagine what it felt like right now for her. Having her Wrath not know her or their marriage?  That would be a killer straight to the heart. Without thinking, and because the situation needed defusing before something was said that couldn’t be taken back, Beth dropped Wrath’s hand, leaving him holding George’s leash and got across the tiled mosaic floor of the foyer, her heels clacking with an echo and she stood in front of Rehvenge stopping him in his tracks and smiled] Hi Richard. I’m Beth. That guy over there is mine. He’s Wrath, and that’s our dog, George.  [Because he knew he was being talked about, George’s tail gave an excited thump on the floor] We have a cat too, Boo.  But he’s off somewhere being regal [Beth smiled again, hoping she was putting the male at ease with her small pieces of info. She figured it was easier to tell him, instead of assuming he knew them all and just further frustrate Rehvenge because he didn’t.  She pointed a finger up the stairs] That was Bella and Zsadist and quiet guy over there is Vishous who brought you home, he’s also wicked smart with everything if your computer ever kicks the bucket. And this is Ehlena [she squeezed the girls cold hand giving what comfort she could] It’s late, Richard, and we didn’t mean to all gawk at you [The Queen spoke softly] We’re just happy you’ve been found and are well. I’m sure it’s a lot for you to take in [She gestured behind him to the billiards room] Why don’t you go through there, we have drinks, and I can arrange for a meal for you.  And you and Ehlena can talk without the peanut gallery around.  [When it didn’t seem like either Rehvenge or Ehlena were budging, Beth changed her tone, still soft, but firm and looked him right in his purple eyes] you won’t know, but I’m Queen around here and people do as I say [she joked and gave Rehvenge’s arm an encouraging push] go ahead, it’s fully stocked, there should be something you like [And then the Queen enfolded Ehlena in a hug once the footsteps retreated] It’s going to be okay, sweetheart, be strong, we’re only down the hall if you need anything.  [With that, Beth went back to Wrath’s side, taking his hand, deciding to use that Queen influence a little more and called back to V] come on, Vishous, we’ll get you fed too.

EHLENA: [The Waterworks were turned to flash flood as I listened to the interactions between Rehv and the rest of our family. I didn’t mean to appear weak, but after all the nights of not knowing anything about my hellren’s whereabouts and days of not sleeping, it was all I could do to remain upright. Tears were further down my list of priorities right now. It wasn’t until the queen enveloped me in her arms that I was able to gain some semblance of composure.] thank you, Beth. I will try and talk to him. [I whispered, breathing deep as the trembling receded. When I was sure I could make one foot move in front of the other and propel myself into the billiards room, I did. Making a beeline for the wet bar in the corner that Rehvenge had just turned away from. I wasn’t ready to meet his eyes, not yet, so I positioned myself with my back to him as I poured me a healthy serving of a clear liquid. I wasn’t sure exactly sure what I was drinking as I brought the tall glass to my lips, but I swallowed it in one gulp.] GAH [I gasped, then looked at the bottle..Grey Goose..Vodka. No wonder the shit burned my esophagus like I had swallowed a glassful of battery acid. On a curse I shot a glance over my shoulder to see Rehvenge stretched out along one of the sofas, then poured me another glass. This wasn’t going to be the happy reunion that I had imagined…not by a long shot. Cautiously I crossed to where he was sitting and perched on the arm of the sofa furthest from the menacing male.] so.. Richard, [the name was more snarl that word] how’s life treating you?

RICHARD: [With names like ‘Wrath, Vicious and Sadist’ of course I swallowed the bullshit about the Queen part too from the good lookin’ lady and took my ass through to what looked like a pool room, not ‘cause she told me to, but I needed a fucking drink while my brain went into overdrive trying to unlock my memories. I’d watched the redhead stroll in behind me, I lounged on one of the three leather couches, eyes drifting over her and the room, not even a flicker of recognition of either and I took a swallow of the German beer I’d found] Not bad, darlin’ can’t complain. Although tonight has been a real eye opener, ya get me? [I still couldn’t quite believe this one was my wife? I scrutinized her fully with a long slow rake of my eyes from top to toe and back down again, not disliking what I saw. But was she my type? What had made me marry her? I still didn’t quite fully believe the shit that had gone down tonight, but the way she’d launched herself at me clinging tightly like she hadn’t seen me in months, the tears and shock and the face belting slap, there was no reason for any of that shit unless she -and the others- did infact know me. I rubbed along my jaw, and drank some more] What did we get married for? [I blurted] I knock you up?  I figured I was married sometime. There’s none of your stuff at my house…..[Maybe we were divorced after all..it’d make walking away from her and her soulful brown eyes easier]

EHLENA: [I sat quiet as those eyes, so familiar and so foreign at the same time, analyzed everything about me. I couldn’t help feeling as though I didn’t measure up to whatever standard he had for his “wife.”] I can only guess what a shock you’ve had tonight. [The question that followed turned my stomach. Of course this cocky motherfucker that sat, sprawled like he owned the place on the couch was nonchalant as ever, like the only way he would be with me was if I was with child? My molars ground hard and my hand clenched with the urge to slap him again, as I formulated my answer. The brothers and Wrath may have been willing to pussy foot around with the human terms, but I was less inclined to do so. I wanted my hellren back.] We were MATED because we are in love, and you BONDED with me. [I wanted to point out so much more than that, but held my tongue on the carving in his back.] Can you honestly tell me that your house is anything like what you expected anyway? [my eyes drifted to his left hand, where the ring we had exchanged used to reside, a sudden wave of grief washing over me.] Where’s your ring? [The words came out hoarse, through a throat that had closed up.]

RICHARD: Bonded? What fucking kind of cult shit is that, lady? [I took another long pull of the beer wishing it was ice cold and stared across at her] Fine. I believe we’re married [I conceded easily, didn’t mean I still didn’t have a few questions for her and them out there too. But I was itching to leave and I stood up to pace, my gait slow and easy before I waved my empty left hand and replied, leaving out the small detail of me ditching the platinum band down the waste disposal] Don’t have a ring…  [Her name repeated in my head again and the recognition from the strip club waitress kicked in. Fuck. The name was similar if not the same.. was that why I felt like I’d been hit in the back of the head when the chick gave me her name, ‘cause I was trying to remember a wife? shit] 

EHLENA:  Not a cult, Rehvenge.. It’s our biology. [As i slid from the couch my mind was made up, I wouldn’t play into his delusions of being someone he wasn’t. If this insanity was going to be our life from now until his memory came back I wasn’t going to help prolong it. I stopped in front of him, crossed my arms over my “nice rack” and took a calculated look at his ring finger, trying to decide if he was telling the truth or not. The Scribe Virgin knew that I couldn’t read this persona like I could Rehv. Maybe it had been stolen when what the fuck ever caused this shit went down.] okay, I’ll buy that..for now. But it will be replaced when we get home. [I would take him home with me, I would get my male back no matter what it took. This I  vowed on our son, My Rehvenge would come back to me…no matter what it took. My eyes softened and I fought the urge to beg] you will come home with me, won’t you? [I would have to bring Nehmesis to the mansion to be cared for by his auntie, at least until I knew how Rehv would react to this “new life”.]

RICHARD:  [Fuck. my head was hurting. Too much shit to take in all at once. Was it only two hours ago I was brought here by the inked wonder, only to be have this info thrown at me at once, from people who wanted me to know them and looked at me like I was ripping out their fucking hearts when I didn’t. I paced some more, back and forth around the large pool table and back again. I pulled off the beanie hat to scrub hands over my hair then pulled it back on again with a grimace] tell me I did not choose to have this haircut? [I shook my head, the answer didn’t matter. I was trying to process, but the wave of desperation and hope from this woman was hitting me in the gut like a sledge hammer. Too cloying for my own comfort. I needed out. And sure as shit was not going to her home. Not until I could think straight] Look… I guess we got things to talk about… Ehlena… write down your number and address for me. I’ll stop by tomorrow.. [pausing to gage her reaction I waited for more hysterics and was surprised when I watched her stiffen her spine and quietly did as I asked, passing me a neon post-it.  I could tell my actions were hurting you, and somewhere, somewhere deep inside me I didn’t want that, you seemed nice -despite the slap, which I’d deserved- but then, I wasn’t thinking like me, as each person had clearly pointed out. Who the fuck was I? [I growled nodding to the female] Later.. [and stalked out without a backward glance, to get the one who had brought me here to drop me back at my car… replaying all the shit they’d told me on a loop… once again muttering..] Who. The. Fuck. Am. I? #SymphathWho 

RICHARD: You wanna get the fuck out my face, guy [I warned. A growl boiled out of my mouth facing off with the dickwad who was stepping in my path with his punk-ass friends. From the stench rolling off the kid, he hadn’t seen a bath anytime this century and his tight pupils showed he was high as a kite. Not that I gave a fuck. I had somewhere to be, and this punk was in my way. He swayed, stumbled and laughed in that way that wasn’t even humorous and it grated my on my last nerve. I grabbed onto his stinking shirt and manually moved him out of my way, cracking his back to the wall on the sidewalk] Get the fuck out of my way, I said. Jackass. [With the scum dealt with, I sneered at his buddy offering him a turn too, which he declined backing his feet up. Smart kid.

I was back in Caldwell. Not even sure why, I hadn’t remembered anything new and didn’t want to walk into a fuckstorm of trouble so I’d kept a low profile, only venturing into Manhattan. It sure as hell hadn’t been planned to come back to this decaying rundown town tonight or any other but like something had a tight fist hold on my gut I was drawn here for some inexplicable reason, and now I was down on Trade street having parked six blocks away and skulking past the clubs, I recognized ‘Screamers’ and some restaurants, eyeballing them from under the ridiculous beanie hat I still wore to hide the even more ridiculous mohawk. The place with the old school rat-pack music of Frank Sinatra coming from inside caught my eye, and I stalled , hands jammed into the jeans pockets, to look across the street at Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant, deciding if I could eat or not]

VISHOUS: -Vishous pressed his wide shoulders against the bricks of the alley, then the back of his head. Closing his eyes, he let out a long frustrated sigh trying to clear his jumbled thoughts. It had been a fucking week since Rehvenge had seemingly vanished into thin air..less than that since being spotted on the high tech vids he himself had installed on the outside of Zero Sum. There was something here that didn’t make sense…an answer to a question that just wasn’t presenting itself, and he’d be damned if he couldn’t quiet his brain long enough to fit that final piece of the puzzle into place. The clothes, the hat..hell even the way he walked. King Sin Eater was apparently not concerned with the chill nor the cane he usually carried and what the fuck was up with the jeans?

Shaking his head, he pushed from the wall and stepped out from the alley onto the street. He would start from the beginning and walk the path the male who had looked like Rehv had walked. It was a hallelujah moment when he discovered the very male he was looking for was looking back at him from across the street.- what the…. -Narrowing his eyes, he took in the man’s appearance from the denims to the beanie hiding his head. Was he mistaken? Could this just be a coincidence? When the male started across the street, apparently en route to the Italian joint besides him, he stepped back to the shadows to watch.-

RICHARD: [I approached Salvatore’s restaurant as if sneaking up on an enemy. Something felt off deep in my gut, the same place that was kicking signalling hunger. It was the former I listened to and backed away. This fucking town was messing with my mind and I didn’t know why. It wanted me here but the moment I was I wanted out. There was some shit I was missing but I wasn’t hanging around to find out. Hunching my shoulders, brows dropping over my eyes and I blinked rapidly to clear that fucked up vision that kept appearing flat. I’d head back to my Lexus and get the fuck out of dodge once and for all. Whatever was in this Caldwell, It sure as hell was not something I wanted to come face to face with. I was listening to my inner voice for once and I got my feet to walking, sending a sneer to the alleyway seeing a giant shadow] fucking junkies [I muttered in a dark rumble and kept on walking down the street, retracing my steps when I felt a hand heavy as a fucking tank land on my shoulder. I thought the punk-ass kid was back for another go and I growled, a sneer washed all over my face as I spun around ready to plant someone into an early grave for getting in my way]

VISHOUS: -Holy Scribe, it was him. There was no mistaking the sneer on the male’s mug or the apprehension as Rehv approached the restaurant. As he passed the alley, Vishous could hear fully the snarled insult and there was no more doubt. No one on earth could sound like a hound from dhundh like Rehv could. This big ass male was the Reverend and he was going to find out just where the sullen bastard had been. Slipping from the alley he gripped his shoulder from behind. Vishous returned the snarl that was given when the Symphath King spun to face him- What the fuck dude, where have you been?

RICHARD: [Not the obnoxious junkie kid after all, but still someone equally annoying for getting in my way that I growled low again up into the goatee’d dudes face] Any closer and we’ll be kissing and that’ll just piss me off, guy, you understand? Fuck off. [Doing the side-step with the fucker on the sidewalk I bumped hard against his shoulder and carried on, not in the mood for whatever shit he wanted to peddle me. If he was smart he’d get the message not to bother me again. I had places to go, and getting out of this stinking mess of a town was priority]

VISHOUS: -He was not usually one to be threatened and let the fucker live…but damn. What the hell just happened. Guy? He watched Rehv walk away as if he had no clue who he was. Taking a moment to calculate the new clues, he whistled one shrill whistle to get Rehv’s attention. The sound was loud enough to echo between the rows of brick buildings, loud enough to hail a cab had he wanted to.- Hey!…dickhead! You have no idea who I am do you? And I’m thinking..you don’t know who YOU are as well…am I right.?…Reverend..

RICHARD: [My feet faltered hearing the meathead in leather behind me. I rubbed my jaw, sighing. Resigned with my head lowered for a brawl if he wanted one. Dear god, It just was not my fucking night it seemed. I turned slowly giving him the stink-eye assessing him in all the leather and attitude. The cognizant of what he was saying ricocheted around my head… fucker knew me? Not likely. I didn’t know his face and I sure as shit didn’t want to. ] you got the wrong guy, you get me? [Growling jutted my chin] get to walking, guy [I sneered looking him up and down] ‘cause I aint buying anything you’re selling and I’m sure as hell not a church you want to pray to. [Reverend… reverend… reverend…. it kept ping ponging in my head while I was being eyeballed like fresh meat. It pissed me off making my gums ache. They’d been doing that a lot lately, I ran my tongue over my teeth trying to ease the throb while my temper flared. Ignoring the jackass, I crossed the street passing a black Escalade and I cut down an alleyway to take me to Tenth street where I’d parked my ride]

VISHOUS: -Loud and clear. The symphath’s thoughts transmitted like a beacon and Holy fuck! Not only did Rehv not remember who he was..he had no fucking clue he was even a vampire. It was that bombshell that had Vishous stunned still while the sin-eater hot footed it across the street. This was suddenly not only serious but a matter of life and hey, hello! Death! Hitting off a quick text to the brotherhood, he materialized in front of the sulky grumpy bastard at the end of the alleyway and held out his hands as if to stop a charging bull.- Rehv, buddy..I don’t know what’s doin’ or what’s happened..but you know me and I know you. You got questions…I got answers. I can take you to your family who’s missing your grouchy ugly ass. You don’t trust me, I get it but…something’s up and you need a friend, true?

WRATH: -The Buzz of my phone before it voiced “V” I was eyebrows deep in scrolls, so V contacting me on his night off rotation didn’t exactly put me on high alert, but the brother wouldn’t call me to shoot the shit and gossip either. What I wasn’t expecting to hear was he found Rehv, and was enroute to The Mansion right now. Willing the doors to the study to close as he went into further detail. He didn’t know shit, and he didn’t even dress like his regular self. Rubbing a hand through my hair as I disconnected the call and immediately called his Shellan. The shock was so strong I could feel it over the connection. I wanted her to come straight to The Study and stay there until we had a chance to talk to him beforehand, at least then we would know the full extent of what was doing. And last thing we needed was the Symphath to act like he didn’t even know her. Sending Beth a quick voice text before Shoving all my work shit from the desk. With Georges lead in hand I descended the staircase and stood next to Fritz as he buzzed the Escalade in through the first gate, just then Fritz announced the arrival of Ehlena and was letting her in when the sound of breaks stopping just around and she bolted.- Fuck! EHLENA!

RICHARD: [How the fuck had I ended up in a car with this dude? Hell If I knew, but he got my attention with me needing answers. I did, and it was for more than just the night I couldn’t remember. I knew now it went back further. Much further and this dude had answers. Family? That had caught my attention too. Shit. Why did the thought of family claw at the inside of my belly. I wasn’t a family man, didn’t feel like one and didn’t want to be one, but the curiosity, it fucking seemed, was greater. Cause here I was, sat docilely as the car ate up the miles, winding along roads and it was either foggy outside the windows or my eyes were jacked up again. I had to blink rapidly to try and clear the hazy sight. Instead I turned to the driver, and sneered a little, again having to wonder why I was even here. But I figured size wise I could take him if shit went south] If you’re going for the Mike Tyson look with that face ink, you should know, guy, it aint working for him either, ya get me? [I was hoping for a snappy retort so I could unleash my pissed off mood but a giant motherfucking house came into view, as if by magic I knew it hadn’t been there a second ago and them Bam, there it was. I whistled through my teeth, dude had a serious chunk of change to have a place this size. Before I knew it the big bastard was ushering me inside with a butler bowing us in. A. Fucking. Butler. And then a pocket rocket of red haired female was plastered to my chest before I even registered where she’d appeared from, sobbing, all arms and legs wrapped around me. What the………] Lady, I don’t mind the PDA, yeah, [I extracted the octopus from me and stepped back, noticing more big bastards coming from all directions] but at least buy me dinner first. [I pegged the chick with the golden brown eyes with a look, saw the Mike Tyson wannabe cross his arms, also eyeballing me -fish in a bowl much- ] now you wanna tell me who-the-fuck you are, lady?

EHLENA: [Oh..God. He was home! Since speaking with Bella and Zsadist I had taken to praying, those archaic prayers my Mahmen had taught me as a young, and they had worked! The Scribe Virgin had brought my Rehvenge back to me! It took me a moment, after Wrath’s call and telling Jesse I was leaving, for me to wrestle my emotions into control enough to dematerialize to the mansion. In all my excitement I bounced and waved into the little camera in the vestibule, leaving the outside door standing wide.] Fritz! The king called! Where is he? Where is Rehvenge? [The unmistakable sound of tires on the crushed white rock of the drive caught my attention, and I turned in time to see the blacked out Escalade pull to a stop behind me. My feet carried me across the worn grey stone and into the foyer sure as if I had been making the trek my entire natural life. The moment Vishous released Rehvenge’s arm I was on him, my unfettered relief at having him home safe clear in the way I clung to him sobbing. Imagine the surprise I felt when my mate shoved me off and backed away, his amethyst eyes plainly saying what his lips were about to.] What…Lady? [Realization dawned slowly as I took in the male who looked so much like Rehvenge. While my mate stood directly in front of me, glaring at me, he didn’t. This male, though he walked, talked and looked the exact replica of Rehv, was no one I knew. The confusion in the very eyes that had once held so much love cut to the core. My hand shook uncontrollably as it raised to my lips, the joyous tears drying up. Fury replaced the emotion at his words, and without thought my open hand jacked back, sailed forward, and collided with that gorgeous face, the crack echoing from the ornate ceiling.- I’m your fucking Shellan! That’s who I am. #SymphathWho

——ToBeContinued —— 

EHLENA: [It had taken me no time at all to leave the club and return to the Adirondack house after my call to Wrath. I had pleaded with the king of the race until he promised not to tell anyone else of Rehv’s disappearance until I had been able to tell Bella and Zsadist myself. Now, I sat, safely locked back in our chambers with Nehmesis, still in his dinosaur pajamas, babbling and playing with his Legos on the floor. I had woken the sleeping young upon my return home, out of the selfish need to hold him. Seeing the footage from the club made me strangely sick at my stomach. I had always trusted my hellren implicitly, knowing that there was no way that the bonded male would do anything to hurt me. Now though, I wasn’t sure. That male in the car was without a doubt Rehvenge, but it wasn’t the male I knew. Something had happened. The grandfather clock in Rehv’s study had just chimed one AM when I sent the call through to Bella’s cell, worrying my lip with a fang as I waited for her to pick up. This call should have been made nights ago, but I couldn’t do it until now. When the feminine voice came on the line, it was clear that Wrath had kept his promise not to tell her what had happened. Now, I steeled myself against the tears that wanted to flow.] Bella, hello. It’s Ehlena. Is there anyway that you can meet me at our house? I need to talk to you. [the words came out in a mad rush, and I only prayed that she could understand me.]

BELLA: [Bella was mid-giggle when she pressed the screen on her cell to take the call from Ehlena. Zsadist had his fingers pressed into her side tickling her for teasing him with the promise of sharing her ice cream with him then at the last moment pulling the spoon to her mouth. She was laughing and barely registered what Ehlena had said before she sobered and slipped from Z’s lap to stand in the middle of the room] Sister dear, slow down, what’s wrong? [She hadn’t seen or heard anything from Ehlena or Rehvenge for more than a week, but that was normal, especially if the couple wanted alone time, and Bella had decided to give it to the weekend and then call her brother, but now, listening to Ehlena’s emotional ladened voice, she had to wonder if all was well at home. Maybe her sister in law needed to vent, if her and Rehvenge had been arguing?…] Give me a few minutes, I’ll be there, Ehlena [Telling Z of the situation and that something was doing with Ehlena, she left hellren and child watching a movie, quickly dressing in warmer jeans and a sweater. She paid no mind to her messy hair that was caught back in a dishevelled knot and took to the stairs, smiling at the doggen, before she dematerialized to her brother’s home, handing over her jacket to the friendly female who let her inside and let her know the mistress of the house was in the living room. She should have brought wine, Bella thought taking the long corridor, if they were going to have a girlie gossip -bitch about stupid males- they’d need wine-

EHLENA: [By the time Bella arrived at the house I had handed Nehm off to Jesse with instructions for her to draw him a bath and made my way downstairs. The poor doggen had probably rested no more in the past week than I had, constantly worried over her young master and his insane Mahmen.] Sister! [I cried meeting Bella in the doorway of the living room with a hug, my tears still hiding below the surface of my emotions.] Thank the Scribe Virgin that you could come on such short notice. [taking her hand I lead Rehvenge’s sister, and the closest thing to a sibling that I’d ever had, to the wet bar in the corner. I had just finished a short glass of Rehv’s favorite scotch, and needed a refill if I was going to get through this conversation.] Would you like a drink? [I gladly let Bella pour her own wine, so that I didn’t spill the dark red liquid on the white carpet below, and motioned for us to have a seat on the plush sofa. Feet tucked beneath me I curled myself into a ball around the glass, toffee eyes drowning in the thick, amber liquid. When the cushion on the other end of the sofa dipped I slowly met Bella’s blue eyes.] When was the last time you heard from your brother, Bella? [hope sparked within me, was it possible that Rehv just needed some space and had told her where he was? Grasping at straws was what I had been reduced to…]

BELLA: [Waving off a drink, then changing her mind and grasped a fine cut crystal glass for something to do with her hands. Bella’s worry was spiked seeing the state Ehlena was in. Her brows frowned and answered quickly] It was the night we went for first meal together, and shopping. Where is Rehvenge, Ehlena, what’s happened? [As Bella watched the play of emotions turn Ehlena’s skin chalky white, she placed the glass on the table and took her hand finding it cold] Ehlena, please, tell me. [Allsorts of things began filling Bella’s mind then, the longer Ehlena took to voice what was obviously and visibly difficult for the female to speak of. Bad things flitted through her mind, Rehv was Ehlena’s rock and vice versa. If she was this upset, it was no mere mated argument. She frowned, browed drawing down over her worried Blue eyes and rubbed warmth into Ehlena’s fingers] take your time, sister. I’m here.

EHLENA: [defeated again my shoulders slumped. It was amazing what hope could do when it was misplaced. If that was the last that Rehv and Bella had talked we were looking at a few days before he had gone to the colony. His sister marked the last person on my list that would possibly have been in contact with Rehv since that horrible night. When her warm hand grasped my icy one I shivered and tried to order my thoughts in a way that wouldn’t throw Bella into the same state of mind that I had been living in for the past week.] The last time I spoke with Rehvenge was just before sunrise 6 days ago. [i sat quiet a moment, toffee gaze hanging on our linked hands, willing some of the female’s warmth into my body. It felt as if exhausting this last avenue meant I had lost him, though I had seen him on that camera, quite alive and from the looks of it healthy as ever.] He had been tending to business at the colony, which Caleb had insisted was of the utmost importance, and was on his way home to me. [I tried to hide the depth of my anguish with a smile as I went on] We hadn’t had any grown up time in weeks and he insisted that Nehmesis be sleeping and I be…well you don’t need those explicit details. [My breath hitched and I was no longer able to hold back the tears.] I waited for hours… [my hands were shaking so badly that I spilt some of the scotch onto my pants before being able to sit the glass to the table with a clatter.] I’m so scared, Bella. I don’t know what else to do.

BELLA: [So she didn’t alarm Ehlena further than she already was, Bella pulled in a rough breath, trying and failing dismally not to panic hearing her brother had not been heard of in days and days. She knew him, no kind of business, club or his kingship would keep him from his family and certainly not his shellan, it just was not Rehvenge, not his nature of a hellren or father to just take off with no word. So that in itself amped up the worry. Bella chewed her lip, processing slowly, while her mind felt like sludge and she had to blink rapidly to stop the first prick of worried tears in her eyes. Grasping Ehlena’s hand tighter to garner her attention back to the here and now, she spoke calmly asking if she’d checked with Trez and his brother and especially Xhex. When all came back as affirmatives but with no results, Bella’s worry hitched up a notch. Those were his people, if they didn’t know…. the thought trailed off dragging with it a sense of dread that settled in Bella’s stomach. Where the hell was her brother? For her own piece of mind, and it was stupid, she knew that, she pulled out her cell and called his number, maybe it was all just a mistake, but it dropped right to voicemail] The Brotherhood [she declared] my Z, he will find him, Ehlena. Don’t worry, we will find him, the brotherhood can find him [she repeated it over and over, hoping to convince herself as well as her sister in law, who frankly looked terrible. The worry had obviously worn her down to the point of exhaustion.. but a thought fought through the worry, and Bella frowned more with it’s crushing realization. if Rehvenge didn’t want to be found… for whatever reason, she knew better than most, that he could just disappear… she just hoped that wasn’t the case]

EHLENA: [i nodded numbly, the tears flowing like rivers down my cheeks.] I..I called Wrath just before I called you. [sniff, sniff. This overflow of emotion was so unlike me. One of the things I had always prided myself on was that I could keep a level head in any situation…well obviously not this one.] I made him promise not to say anything until I could speak with you, but he is ready to send the brotherhood out searching. Xhex went as close to the colony as she dared then checked all his safe houses and she came up empty handed. [I went on to tell her of the security camera video that had been taken behind the club, with Rehv in the strange car.] He wasn’t himself, Bella, there was something very wrong about him. I can’t explain it, but it was like at one time it was both my hellren and not him. [knowing just how little sense I was making at this point I closed my mouth, eyes pleading with my sister in law to understand what I was saying and have some top secret sibling way to find her brother.]

BELLA: It’s going to be fine, Ehlena. It’ll be fine [Bella repeated and stood, her bones too jittery to keep still, she needed to pace to walk to move. It was all too much to take in. Nothing about this made sense at all. Much like Z, Rehvenge was a male she knew instinctively would always be around and now that her brother’s larger than life frame and booming laugh was not filling his home with his shellan, Bella’s core strength was shaken. Dearest virgin, what Ehlena must be feeling right now. She watched her sister in law try so hard to be strong and composed knowing she must be in complete hell. Bella leaned down and kissed the top of Ehlena’s head ] Let me call my hellren, it’ll be okay, sister, we’ll get Rehvenge home to you [Bella weighed up the new info, nothing made sense, if Rehvenge had been at the club, why wasn’t he home, where the hell was he? She got to pacing again, her free hand rubbing at her forehead as the call connected to her mate, and just like that, the crack of her emotions hearing his voice so deep and sure, as she knew it would, crumbled her] Nallum, I need you. Can you come to Rehvenge’s.. the house, not the commodore. I don’t I.. Ehlena and I are here. [She told him quickly the basics of what was doing knowing probably Wrath would have filled him and his brothers in on the situation by now, while tears tracked silently down her cheeks and a sob caught on every other word] Hurry please, baby. [Bella whittled a fang to her inside lip until she tasted blood, and she wiped her face before turning back towards Ehlena.  Watery Blue eyes meeting the golden brown of Ehlena’s and she forced a smile reassuringly even when her belly churned dread,  and nodded to her as she hung up the phone just needing her Z here to fix all this as she’d promised Ehlena]

ZSADIST: *The bottom fell out of the earth the second he heard Bella’s frightened voice. He could barely focus on what she said through the barrage of every horrific thing she might be caught in. It wasn’t until she said Rehvenge’s name for the third time that he understood what the real problem was. Zsadist barked at a doggen to take Nalla, muttering an apology to the frightened female after she dropped the tray of snacks she’d been carrying up the stairs. A quick pit stop to Wrath’s office—which turned into a soul-deep deep freeze as more of the story unfolded—and Zsadist was more than ready to head out and knock some damn sense into his brother-in-law. Gone for a week and then turning up at ZeroSum without so much as a call to his shellan? That shit did not fly. It also made Z’s head hurt. As much as he gave the male shit for how he constantly tried to make Bella a young to be coddled and closeted away from males, Rehv was a male of worth. Especially when it came to his family. With his weapons strapped on and hidden under a windbreaker, Zsadist stepped outside of the mansion. He looked up to the stars, which were covered by a thin blanket of clouds from a departing storm.* He’s a fucker of the first degree, but please don’t take Bella’s brother from her. She’s had enough shit to last a lifetime. *Zsadist never prayed. To him it was close to begging and he refused to do that ever again. No, he told the Scribe Virgin straight-up what he wanted. If she wanted to smite his rank ass, she could come to earth and do it. He waited for a heartbeat and then dematerialized. His cells shifted north, heading to Rehv and Ehlena’s house. They’d find Rehvenge. They had to. The motherfucker was loved by too many to be gone forever.*

EHLENA: [It was hours before Bella and Zsadist headed back to the mansion to meet with Wrath. My sister-in-law had begged for me to return with them, had assured me that our rooms there would be prepared and waiting for us. I couldn’t do it, couldn’t leave the mountain home that we both loved so much. After telling them no less than fifty times that I was staying, the couple had offered to take Nehmesis with them so I could rest. Heaven help me, but I collapsed in on myself the moment they left, weeping uncontrollably, my body quaking until I could no longer stand. Sometime during my breakdown a doggen had draped a blanket around my shoulders and the entire staff had left me to myself. I wept for my missing hellren, I wept for the unknown cause of his disappearance, I wept at the possibility of our son never knowing his papa. I sat there, in the living room floor, rocking back and forth for hours, and would have been there longer except something occurred to me. Frantic I scrambled from the floor and up the stairs to Rehvenge’s office, scanning the wall to wall bookshelves for the one…THERE, in the corner was the folder I was looking for. A couple of years ago, after I had purchased the Lexus for Rehv, he had insisted that he keep it at one of his safe houses, one that only he and I would know about. Fuck, why hadn’t I thought about this sooner? The only paperwork that existed on this house was here, in this folder, in our home. This had to be it. I ran to the double doors that led to the balcony, planning to dematerialize to the house.] FUCK! [I screamed at the top of my lungs when the god damned shutters were locked tight for the day. I dropped to my knees and prayed to the Scribe Virgin that Rehvenge was safe from both the sun and any harm…until I could get to him. I don’t know how long I sat there praying, but eventually exhaustion overtook me and I slept, curled tight around the folder that, my mind had no doubt, held the whereabouts of my hellren.] #SymphathWho

RICHARD: [Shouldn’t a club owner know what fucking club they actually in fact owned? I was driving to Caldwell to see this place I couldn’t remember, more than a little pissed off that my memory bank wouldn’t cough up the info. I’d had to go on another paper trail hunt again and found a copy of the deeds to ‘Zero Sum’. Signed sealed and all mine. I’d been laying low the last week, my sleeping was off, I could pass out during the day just watching tv but hell if I could sleep once the darkness hit and those mechanical shutters covering every window whirred up. I didn’t know why it seemed the shutters were important, but deep in my gut I knew they were protecting me from something. Drivebys, maybe. Shit, I didn’t know. But I never ventured out until I heard them rise. That night, after a fitful sleep of around four hours, heavy dreams of a chick down on her knees in front of me with the pinkest lips I’d ever seen before wrapped around my dick and she was moaning about revenge.  I woke with wood thick as a fucking bat and groaned thinking she could take her sweet twisted oral revenge out on me anytime she liked, as long as she was in that same subservient position with her giving mouth wet and wide open.

I’d taken a shower and pulled a pair of jeans on with a shirt and black leather jacket. The closet was full of fancy ass suits in range of black and grays that looked to be worth a couple grand each, but I’d reached for the dark denim liking that better. And I yanked another beanie hat on over the fucking shaved mohawk. The faster that grew out the better. I still couldn’t fathom what bet I could have lost to render the forfeit THAT haircut. I surmised whoever I’d been pre-concussed head I was a pompous dick for stocking silk suits and walking around with hair best left in the 1980’s.

With a steady drive to Caldwell, I felt a tight frisson in my bones approaching the city, recognizing some streets, others not so much. My whole fucking body was thrumming with anticipation… or was it dread? I saw drug deals going down, not even questioning it, I just knew little packets of the white shit was being exchanged for green bills. I saw prostitutes touting their wares in tiny skirts and too much lipstick on most every corner. A kick of empathy for the chicks filled me until I sped up a gear, pacing the engine and turned a left and then a right. Heading to Trade street. The hum in my body jerked up a notch and I growled… I was missing something, it was a lick of cognizant of an unknown I couldn’t put my finger on, like I was expecting someone at any moment. I just didn’t know who. And then the club came into sight. Neon and glass made up the entire front of the place. I knew it and felt a relief settle that something finafuckingly felt right. Didn’t take but a minute to park around back, but the moment I slid the door open the sense of danger hit my gut hard as a hammer, so hard I sucked in a breath and pulled my foot back into the car. Maybe the shit I wasn’t remembering was here? The shit that left me slumped on the streets. Whatever I wasn’t remembering I still had a gut instinct I was gonna listen to. I sped away with a screech of tires on the road, visiting my club could wait for another day. When my fucking brain wanted back in the game and tell me what info I was missing from that night…]

EHLENA: [The call from Trez had come a mere ten minutes ago, security cameras at the club had picked up images of a car, the plates of which were registered to a Richard Reynolds, Rehvenge’s human alias, parking in the employee lot. I hadn’t wasted a second, after the call I had gathered my purse and set Jesse to watching Nehm then stepped outside to dematerialize to the club. When I arrived the car was gone. Go fucking figure. But iAm called up their camera archive and got the footage sent into Rehv’s office. Now perched on his oversized chair I watched as the footage zoomed in tight on first the cars license plate, then its driver. I choked back the first sob, but the subsequent ones were too strong for me to stop.] It was him. Driving the car… it was Rehvenge. [though he hadn’t been wearing his normal Tom Ford or Armani suit there was no doubt that my hellren had been behind the wheel of the Lexus that I had purchased for him as gift, a change from his normal Bentley.] WHY didn’t you stop him? Why did you let him get away? [I shoved from the rolling chair, sending it crashing into the wall behind me. Whirling around I faced off with Trez, my hands balled in tight fists I lost control and launched myself at the male who was at least three times my size. Tears flowed, curses flew and fists pummeled at that wide chest until my energy waned and I collapsed. I didn’t really blame the male for the pain in my chest but I needed an outlet. Looking back at the screen I ran the clip backwards looking more closely at Rehvenge just before the car took off.] There is something off about him, and not just the clothes. He doesn’t seem to know the club, didn’t park in his normal place. What’s going on with him? [It took me awhile to get my emotions back under control, but once I did I knew that I needed to contact Wrath and the brotherhood. Not only was Rehvenge Bella’s big brother and Zsadist’s brother-in-law, but he was also King of the Symphaths. Wrath would need to control things up north until we knew what was going on with Rehv.]

WRATH: -For the better part of a full week Rehvenge was out of touch, he’d even missed one of our meets, I hadn’t thought too much of it, shit scrolls kept me snowed under far too often that at times I missed first meal because I’d lost track of the time. A call two days after our scheduled meeting from Trez told me I should have been worried, had questioned why he missed the meeting or didn’t return my call. Last Trez knew he was heading to the colony for some business about an uproar, and the Symphaths were causing problems. Since then he was nowhere to be found, not even his shadows had been able to pinpoint his location, or why exactly he’d gone awol and up and disappeared after his trip to the colony, all they knew is he wasn’t there. Trez and iAm had only contacted me twice when they couldn’t reach the Symphath King for the duration of the week, and the current call flashing my screen could only mean bad news was coming. The walk from my Mated chambers to The Study was a route I could take all on my own, the steps counted, the turns down pat. This short path I took alone, hardly. George was only just behind me unwilling to allow me to venture without him. Crossing my study to take a seat on the throne with my phone still plugged to my ear. Ehlena.  From what I could understand from her choked voice and occasional sobs had seen Rehvenge, he was spotted outside of Zero Sum but for less than Three minutes before he once again took off like a bat outta hell. Xhex had even tried countless times to trace to him, but came back with nothing but empty hands. Fuck. Shit was worse than I had thought to begin with. Symphath needing vacation and all, I could believe that, but on this long a hiatus with no word beforehand, and leaving his Shellan in the dark this whole time, shit had gone south and quick.- Ehlena, we’ll do what we can to find him, be of ease, female. You call me or Beth if you need anything. –Ending the call with the distraught female with a promise to send in the troops immediately, I could only think of what would Beth do in those exact shoes. Rubbing a hand over my face careful to not knock my wraparounds off. Beth would have done the same as Ehlena, if not more. Calling the only people she knew who could help and doing anything necessary. The war against the Lessening society hadn’t slacked off, I had no spare Brothers to offer help, but where would I be if I didn’t have the fellow Symphath King on my side? Rock and a hard place? Hardly. I would be neck deep in shit that I wouldn’t be able to tread out of. There was only one thing to do, and only once decision that was already made for me. I’d have V on that shit in a matter of seconds. Sending Vishous the go ahead to track down this Richard Reynolds, any known addresses, phone numbers, emails, hell even a fucking pager if he had one. I’d find the SinEater and kick his ass for causing us to stray from the war to bring his ass back from whatever hell hole he fell into. Willing the doors to the study open when the approaching shitkickers and one set of flops came down the hall of statues- Black Daggers get your asses in here! #SymphathWho 

EHLENA: [Guilt rode me hard as I paced the confines of our mated chambers, phone in hand. The one person from Rehvenge’s past, besides Bella that was important to him and I hadn’t gotten to know her any more than I did the other fighters. Now, I needed help and she was the only one to turn to, and I felt like a heel. Cursing I hit the pre-programmed number, Rehv had always made sure that I had ways to reach his right hand female if ever the need arose, and crossed back by the bed. Nehm was sleeping again. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately..or maybe it only felt that way because I had barricaded us within these walls since my hellren’s disappearance, and hadn’t slept at all since that first day. I spent my hours checking in with the colony and the shadows, but had avoided this phone call at all costs. When the droning of the ringer was finally stopped I released a hard breath and started speaking before waiting for a greeting]  Xhex, It’s Ehlena. Listen, have you talked to Rehv in the past four days? He was at the colony but never made it home. [Call me crazy, but I added]  God I’m sorry for not making the effort to get to know you sooner. [It may have been odd and out of place, but at least I had said it. Now, I held my breath and listened to the other female’s breathing, waiting for an answer.]

XHEX: Ehlena? *Xhex jerked the cell from her ear and double checked the name with the voice on the other end of the call. There were a few numbers she transferred to every single burner phone she went through—Rehv, Trez, iAm, John, and recently Ehlena’s number found its way into her perma-rolodex. Despite that fact that Rehv didn’t tell her to, she felt responsible for his female and their young in a way. But until this moment, she’d never had a reason to worry about them. Silence hissed through the cell. Xhex realized Ehlena was waiting for her to say something halfway intelligent.* What do you mean, Rehv is missing? *A soft intake of breath from Ehlena was more than enough to let Xhex’s brain catch up with the freight train of news the female dumped on her. When was the last time she’d talked to Rehv?* I haven’t talked to him since, shit, the night he went up there to take care of some business. *It ate at her still that he went up there without her. But she knew if she put one foot on symphath property, she wouldn’t be coming back. And suddenly she had too many people she actually cared for to be so stupid with her personal safety.* I’m coming over. Give me thirty to wrap shit up here. *Xhex flipped on the mic she had hidden under the band of a wide leather cuff she wore on her right wrist and told her security crew she’d be bouncing out early. It’d been awhile since she’d done that. Well, since the last time John visited. Yeah, that was a ball of happy and now she had to deal with the idea that Rehv may not have survived as long as any of them hoped at the King of the symphaths. Gut in her shitkickers, Xhex climbed behind the wheel of her winter-time rental car and took off as fast as the slick streets of Caldwell would allow.* Please let this be a big misunderstanding…

RICHARD: [Fucking A. When had I become the fucking rain man? I kept the smug as shit smile off my face sitting at the Blackjack table when another grand of chips came sliding down my way to nestle in greedy piles of Gold and Green along with the other seven Gs. I’d been driving myself stir crazy all day trying to piece together things I didn’t remember. Why had there been dust sheets all over the house if I lived there? I definitely had the memory of buying the place, I saw it clearly. I just couldn’t recall being there this week or last or even last month. Not until four days ago.  Why was I wearing a wedding band and no woman around? No pictures, or feminine shit anywhere.  I’d said fuckit around 9pm when I discovered the Black Lexus is250 in the garage out back. It had been four days since I woke up on the street, and my blackout hadn’t shifted my memory back into gear but I sure as hell knew I wasn’t married, divorced maybe. I’d look for that certificate tomorrow. And I’d pulled the platinum band from my finger tossing it into the waste disposal unit without another thought then took that sweet as hell ride into Manhattan to a casino I knew. Whatever lucky streak I was having I pushed it to the limit, I already knew I had a chunk of change to play with from the bank account info I’d found. Strangest shit happened when the cards were dealt, I knew when to fold and when to hit. Winning. Every. Goddamn. Game. Fuckkkk. I plastered a grin on my face and winked at the chick sat opposite me with her breasts too perfect to be real and little pink dress too tight and short for someone of her age. The way she eyed me I knew what shit she was thinking. Keep the winning going, Rich, I told myself watching her tongue run over her rosy Red bottom lip, you could have that for a bonus. If she was lucky]

EHLENA: [I’d done my best to pull myself together before Xhex arrived, and well.. I took another look in the mirror.. Yeah I had failed miserably. My strawberry blonde hair was tangled in a messy knot on top of my head, and in an attempt to hide the red, puffy skin around my eyes I had applied a light coating of make-up. Now I looked even more like the walking dead. When the doorbell rang downstairs not 27 minutes after the call I knew who it was, and thank the scribe she was here. I checked on the sleeping prince, who was enjoying Mahmen and papa’s king sized bed far too much, and headed for the door, feeling the mental pull from my son weakening with each step away from him. It was hard to believe, even now that he was going to be such a powerful Symphath. As I descended the stairs I tried for deep, relaxing breaths and to clear my mind as much as possible, Xhex already knew that I was panicked, but she didn’t need the overload of Where-is-he?-What-Has-happened? That I knew was rambling in my head, as soon as she walked through the door. Jesse was the doggen who answered the door, the displaced nanny busying herself with other tasks while I fussed over our son. I took a seat on the leather sofa in the sitting room, the same place that I had set two nights before meeting with Trez and iAm.] Jesse, if you don’t mind sitting with Nehmesis when you are finished here, I don’t want him to wake alone. [The petite female bowed with a soft,”Yes, Mistress,” Before opening the door and welcoming our guest. My hands shook in my lap as Xhex came into the sitting room, tears threatened to fall from my eyes.] Oh, Xhex! [emotions no longer in check I fled the sofa and flung my arms around the other female.]

XHEX: *What else could she do? Xhex caught Ehlena’s body and held it against her. The female trembled so bad, it was a miracle she didn’t drag the both of them down to the floor. Her grid was awash in misery, concern, and the fears every loved one has when someone vanished from their lives without a word. Xhex tried to smooth down the rough edges of Ehlena’s panic. She knew she’d catch shit from Rehv if he ever caught her screwing with his female’s mind, but she needed Ehlena coherent. As she was at the moment, the most Xhex could do was hold her and whisper all the lies she’d heard any time one of her small family of choice was up shit creek.* It’ll be okay, Ehlena. Come on, let’s sit and you can tell me everything that’s happened since before he left that night to right now. I mean everything. Even if you don’t think it’s important, it might be for me. *Xhex took one look at the pain in Ehlena’s eyes and flinched. She, who cut the nuts off motherfuckers for talking to her wrong, was completely terrified of the pain she saw contained in one fragile body. Ehlena had a backbone, but she wasn’t a warrior. She didn’t have to deal with the, “What ifs” every warrior went through out in the field. Unfortunately, Xhex knew the answers to those questions all too well. They were written out in the fading scars on her body and soul. The biggest question she had was, “What did Rehv run into bad ass enough to take the King down?” Followed by, “And how the fuck am I going to kill it to find the truth?”*

RICHARD: [ “Your drink, sir” The waitress placed the glass of Bourbon in front of me. I got the same sexual vibe from this one too as I smiled and winked my gratitude] Thank you, Darlin’ [Tossing a $100 chip on her tray and got back to my game. The Bourbon tasted like shit but I gulped it back, fancy ass place didn’t mind taking my money, but couldn’t serve a good ol’ American beer. Fuckers. I was about done anyway. And I was taking over 12 grand with me. I’d stopped winning three games ago when I caught the subtle glance exchange with the dealer and security who spoke into his wrist piece, I knew the globe security cams would all be focused in on me to see how the fuck I was cheating. Thing was, I wasn’t. Pure fucking luck. But it was time to split. Whatever Dustin Hoffman shit I was pulling I didn’t want it rumbled before I had chance to visit other fine establishments and deplete them of their profits. The hot piece in pink followed me with her baby Blues like she was a puppy just waiting for the go ahead to dive on the dog biscuit. I flashed her a tight smile, my dick not into it. Another night, Darlin’ I nodded silently to her and took off to cash in my chips]

EHLENA: [As my legs and ass met with the cool leather of the couch I crumbled. I could feel the familiar tingle of Symphath in my head and welcomed the little she was able to do to sooth my overloaded mind. But in truth just having the female here, knowing her history with my hellren was enough.] Dearest scribe where to start… [closing my toffee eyes I thought back to that night, which seemed to have been forever ago and just last night at the same time.] It was just like any other night, Xhex. Rehvenge had gotten the call from Caleb during daylight hours that some rogue symphaths had been brought into the colony, and they needed him there at nightfall. [I sucked back a sob that threatened to break my facade of composure and continued] So he kissed Nehm and I goodbye and dematerialized up north, planning to be home before daybreak. Hours later I received a call from him that he had wrapped things up and would be home in ten. [I deliberately left out the whole bath and naked part, knowing Xhex didn’t really want those deets.] I waited up for hours before exhaustion took me. When he called everything sounded perfect, he was looking forward to some Mahmen and Papa time. [my cheeks warmed in a blush] As was I, but I have not heard from him since. He isn’t answering my calls nor is Caleb. [I meet the hard eyes of the other female and saw in them the concern she was trying to hide.] Do you think.. Maybe that you can find him? You were such a part of his past..is there anything that you know that might help me?

XHEX:  *Xhex lit off a stream of curses and stood. She couldn’t sit still. Not with the litany of possibilities running through her mind. Once again, she wished she could be Rehv’s security when he went to the colony. At that moment, she didn’t give two fucks what would happen to her up there, so long as shit like this could be avoided. There was no way Rehv skipped out on his female and their young. Ehlena was the air he breathed and Nehm was his pride made flesh. Xhex ran a hand through her hair. His trail was four days cold. That’d make finding him even harder. Before she could stop herself, she glared down at Ehlena.* Why didn’t you call me sooner? *Xhex made herself count to ten…and then twenty. Snapping wouldn’t change a damn thing, other than getting her ass handed to her when Rehv heard later.* I’m sorry. Out of all of us, he was the one I didn’t have to worry about any more. *Trez had been causing more and more female issues at the Iron Mask, most of which she had to clean up. iAm had started to pull back even more from them. A feat given the fact that he rarely talked as it was.* After he took over, we all knew it’d be hard, but he had those bastards whipped. He sneezed and the entire damn colony tried to give him a Kleenex. *She rubbed her forehead.* I have to go up there. *She held up a hand before Ehlena could remind her how stupid that idea was.* I won’t set a foot on symphath land, but I need to see if I can pick up any trace of Rehv. *After four days and a rain storm, it was doubtful. But they had a big fat zero on the intel scale. They needed information. Fast.* Can you text me the addresses for all of Rehv’s safe houses? Even the ones I’m not supposed to know about. *Knowing Rehv, he had some just in case.*

EHLENA: I know I should have called you that first night, but..well couldn’t admit that he was gone. It wasn’t until Trez and iAm showed up that it really sank in. [Wasn’t that the truth? I had spent the first couple of days buried beneath a mountain of denial the size of Mount Saint Helens. I had always seen my mate as invincible, a force to be reckoned with, so the thought of someone..anyone getting the drop on him wasn’t realistic in my mind.] I will text you what I have, but I am sure there are things connected to the club..and his other streams of business that I am unaware of. Please check those out as well? [After our mating Rehv had told me about the drugs and girls that were sold inside Zero Sum, wanting me to know all of his past. Hell, he even explained the whole situation with his half-sister and what had happened with Xhex up at the colony. Which is why I knew that she couldn’t go there to look for him, I knew that if I asked her to go she would, but then Rehv would never forgive me] I know his influence over the Symphaths was great, so I am at a loss as to what might have happened. Just please..please find him. [swollen eyes tracked the female as she paced the room and I knew that if Rehv was to be found it would be this female who did it]  I haven’t told Bella, or the brotherhood that he is missing yet, so please keep this quiet.

RICHARD: You keep shakin’ that ass at me, Kandi darlin’  I won’t have any green left, you hear me? [I flashed a smile to the girl currently rolling her money maker in my face. The strobe lightning in the strip joint making the tiny scrap of her clothes seem invisible every time it hit them. I slipped another twenty into her greedy little hand when the song finished and watched her saunter off with a slow swish of her curvy hips to the next punter. Sitting back in the leather chair, not ready to hit home yet, not when I had a pocket full of free money to splash around and so many eye-catching…delicacies. One such delicacy stopped at my shoulder holding a tray and a fresh beer] Ahhh thanks…. and what’s your name little darlin’? [I asked doing the scan of her body up and down slowly. Not a stripper, but she wore minimal clothes too. A little mini skirt, a band of white elastic over her breasts and a black bow tie on her neck. She gave me the kind of grin that was rehearsed and fake and induced to make me part with a big tip. Not likely. She wore too much makeup and her perfume was almost choking me. She placed the beer by me, making sure her breasts were face level to me. I grinned liking her gumption, if nothing else. The chick had to earn her bread after all] “Lena, sir. Can I get you anything else? We got food, chicken in a basket, fries, that sort. It’s not good, really. But it’s filling. I can recommend the chili-dog fully loaded” [I ran cold for a second then recovered from the sense of dejavu jamming into my head. What had she said her name..?] Elena? [I questioned quietly despite the din of music playing in a soft grind beat to tempt schmucks like me to part with their green] “Lena, Sir” [I nodded and paid for the beer, ordering one of the loaded dogs and shook off that feeling of recognition and let my eyes wander back to the stage…]

XHEX: *It had taken Xhex another ten minutes of awkward hugs and empty reassurances before she could get out of Ehlena’s house. She felt for the female, she really did. Despite everything going wrong with herself and John, she’d be a complete wreck if the male went missing for so long. Xhex made a stop at work to let her crew know she’d be taking a few personal days—something she never did unless she was seriously injured. The humans who worked for her were a good group. She could trust them to handle shit. The second they had their orders, Xhex grabbed her backpack of gear she kept stowed in a safe set into the floor of her office. Her first stop was to the border of the symphath colony. The wind caught her as she took form. If she had been male, her nuts would’ve jumped into her stomach from the deep chill. The cold didn’t get any better as she made her way around the perimeter of the property, sending threads of her power out to find a mind signature she recognized. Xhex came up with a big fat zero. Heart sinking, she checked her phone for the first of a dozen addresses Ehlena sent. Before she knew for sure what she was doing, Xhex opened her texts and popped a quick note to John, “Love you. Always. -X” She didn’t care if it made her seem weak. This shit with Rehv drove home some serious truths. None of which she had time to think about too deeply.

Over the course of two long, sleepless days, Xhex traveled all over the northern half of New York. She searched houses, warehouses, even a garage where Rehv had a couple spare Bentleys stored—just in case he needed new wheels quickly. Nothing remained at any of them, save a handful of need-to-have items like toothbrushes and toilet paper, and the faint scent of the soap Rehv preferred. It wasn’t fresh enough to lead her anywhere, though. Worry drove her on and on until she couldn’t see straight anymore. Six. Fucking. Days. Six days without word from Rehvenge. Xhex felt like she let Ehlena down. How was she going to face the female and tell her, despite all of her work she had nothing to show? Gut sunk into her shitkickers, Xhex mustered up the last of her energy and dematerialized, scattering her cells back toward Caldwell from Manhattan. Normally she didn’t give two shits if she was the bearer of bad news. This time, though, she felt like the biggest asshole to ever be born.* #SymphathWho