Posts tagged Bella

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 

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

BELLA: [If there was anything to make a girls body feel well and thoroughly used, it was a enduring a needing. Even someone else’s.   Bella was still experiencing aches and twinges in her every muscle two days later. Oh boy, had her Z gone through her like the very end of the world was approaching and the only savior was his body firmly impaled inside hers…. she grinned to herself…. and Bella had happily assisted her hellren in that endeavor. Such a giving shellan. Of course she had, she’d been as caught up in that sexual bubble as her Z. It was only in the fading moments of the needing as it dissipated from the mansion that Bella and her male had flopped like wet noodles back onto their mated bed, both wearing the kind of exhaustion that was both a pleasure and an agony to even lift a head from the pillows all at the same time.  Breaths labored and all out of sorts, Bella had giggled thanking the virgin aloud that she’d survived her mates hunger. As it was, they both had enough bite marks to warrant an investigation of cruelty if seen by a human, luckily for them any human privileged enough to traipse through their home knew everyone had fangs and loved to bite. Z’s large hand had lain on Bella’s belly while the feeling returned to her legs and her lungs fought for normality.  He’d looked more than a little smug, her well sexed hellren got off on making her scream his name, he’d told her more than once, maybe it would make up for the asinine thoughts he’d had weeks ago reasoning she was off galavanting and banging hips with another male when in fact visiting Phury. As if any other male could render her numb from the waist down like Zsadist could.

She’d grinned across at him, ready to lay a kiss on his scarred mouth just because she loved him so damn much and wanted to whisper it against his lips, when the jarring thought dropped into her mind like one of those machines you feed cash into and a claw grabs at a toy. NALLA! Bella had yelped their daughter’s name, feeling clarity for the first time in hours and hell……, Bella had no clue where she was! In their sensuality haze, first down in the classroom and the hours and hours spent destroying their bedroom and bathroom, she hadn’t gave a thought about Nalla. It had been quite comical, very “home alone’ish”  both Z and Bella almost falling out of bed in their rush to pull on clothes that Bella had headbutted her hellren, elbows and knees digging into his ribs and belly trying to climb over him to get to the closet quicker to rip sweats and a tee from a drawer pulling them on while Z had told her to calm down, that someone in the house would have taken care of Nalla for them. Of course she knew that was true, there was never a shortage of people willing to look after their baby. But with every male and shellan otherwise occupied in the last hours, Jesus… Nalla.. how the hell could she have forgotten her baby? Bella felt like the scummiest of all mahmen’s walking the earth. However, just as Z had assured her,  Nalla was completely fine and happy, didn’t even know her parents hadn’t been around. They found her inside her playpen, one of the younger doggen, Maria, sitting in there with her and both were reading from a book, covered in teddy bears and eating cookies.

Now it was two days later, and Bella had a case of the guilts still, so she’d spent every waking moment with Nalla, doing every activity her girl enjoyed doing to make up for all the “oops I forgot you, Nalla, ‘cause mahmen was busy climbing daddy like he was a great totem pole” Both females were dressed in swimwear. Bella in her favorite hot pink and black print strapless bikini. And Nalla’s little butt was covered in a one piece in the same hot pink color with monkey faces all over and the butt had a frill around it. The pair had sung Old McDonalds Farm all the way to the basement to the heated pool room. Bella thought amusingly, with a smile on her face, that she needed to have a word with the old farmer, every animal he seemed to have was a duck —Nalla’s favorite animal noise to make— “Quack quack quackkkk” followed them into the water in her daughter’s sing-song voice. An hour later, Bella lifted Nalla out of the water, onto the marbled side and told her to go and grab a towel while she dove back under the water, and swam out to the middle of the pool to retrieve the floatie toys they’d played with. When Bella heard an excited Nalla yell “Mamaaaa… wa’ch me jump” and just like that, Bella’s blue eyes widened in desperate horror watching those chubby little legs run along to the edge of the pool, a laugh-squeal bubbling out of Nalla, without a care for safety, and ignoring Bella’s scream of ‘STOP NALLA!’  before she went airborne and scared around 895 years from Bella’s life when her daughter hit the water without one arm or waist floatation device around her little body.

JESUS. Bella catapulted herself through the water, the buoyancy working against her and it felt like a long week later when she reached her under the water, grabbing Nalla up and out into the air desperately checking her, was she breathing, was she hurt was she okay. Nalla of course was absolutely fine and found the whole thing thrilling, and bounced excitedly, water dripping down her face and her yellow eyes brighter than ever, declaring] “‘gain, mama! go ‘gain ‘gain A’GAIN!” Virgin scribe in the fade, you scared Mahmen, babygirl. Jesus. [She clutched her close, panting with fright still and let go of a little laugh. Her daughter was as fearless as a lion and would probably put Bella into an early grave from worry. She would need to see Z about chaining her up in her playpen. It was the only way, Bella decided letting go of an expel of air. Not wanting her afraid of the water, Bella bounced her up and down all the way to the steps and climbed out, sitting her down on the lip of the pool with her] Nalla, daughter of Zsadist, Granddaughter of Ahgony,  I will paddle your little butt if you ever do that again, do you hear, Mahmen? That was naughty to go into the water without me. What do you say to Mahmen for doing the wrong thing, Nalla? [Bella had her firm mother tone in place as she looked down at Nalla, she watched her girls brow frown, before she stood, and climbed on Bella’s lap, Nalla cupping her face in her hands and declared with glee] “Mama pwetty” [Bella laughed and peppered that cute little face in kisses. She had her father’s charm for apologizing] Come on, my  little flame haired dare-devil, we have cookies to deliver to papa and your uncles [The two females, wrapped in matching white robes, the littlest one was still too big and trailed on the floor, as they hand in hand walked back down to the tunnels and into the main house. Again singing about a duck that lived on Old McDonald’s Farm…] #SwimMama

BELLA: [It was a day like any other. Or so it started out, anyway. Bella had gone down to swim, she managed 10 laps before her legs felt like squished jelly and she resembled death breathing hard.  Oh Man. She’d have to begin working out with Marissa again to get back in shape. She preferred the zumba workout under her male, but she made a mental note to call her sister in law later. Fixing food for her and Nalla didn’t take long and soon her babygirl was laid out in her crib for a nap. With the monitor in hand, Bella’s bare feet padded quietly through the mansion, her skirt swaying softly around her ankles. Things seemed okay with Zsadist again, but she felt a frisson of clingy wanting to spend every spare minute with him making sure that they were actually in fact alright again and back in their good place and he wasn’t holding onto any hurts or mistrusts. So her routine the last couple of weeks had been to go looking for him once Nalla was sleeping, or she’d even tote their daughter with her if she was being fussy. Didn’t matter if he was working out, or cleaning his SIGS or just peeling an apple. The only time she wouldn’t disturb him was with brotherhood business.  She’d plonk herself at his side and chew his ear off with conversation… Ahh there he was, she grinned stood at the metal double doors leading to the big gymnasium. She’d stood here, seemed a lifetime ago now, for that very first time and watched him do the exact same thing. Punching the small bag dangling in front of his face. Back then she didn’t know she loved her Zsadist, she was just inexplicably attracted to that dark male. Now though, she advanced inside her smile growing as he moved like a dancer, so quick and precise, each bunch of his back muscles moving in sync. Now… she was fathoms deep in love] Hey handsome. [Bella chose one of those horse things -even if looked nothing like a freakin’ horse- to haul herself up onto to sit] 

ZSADIST: *Thump-thump-thump. Thump-thump-thump. Zsadist switched from hand to hand as he pummeled the shit out of the black speed bag. His shoulders ached from the serious round of heavy lifting he’d done before settling into some cardio. He bounced on the balls of his feet in time with the quick jabs he sent into the speed bag. At the moment, he was deep in imagining the bag was his brother-in-law’s face. Yeah, that worked just great after all the shit talking he’d heard a while back. Zsadist knew the second his shellan waltzed into the workout room. Her scent cut through the stink of sweating males that always lingered in the room. Without losing eye contact or rhythm with the speed bag, he cracked a thin grin just for his female.* Right on time, as usual, baby. *He put on a burst of speed, his fists a blur as he showed off for her. On his third rep with his right hand, a surge of energy smacked into his gut like a bull going after a prancing idiot dressed head-to-toe in red. The speed bag bounced forward and clocked him right in the face. Z threw up his forearm to catch the blood dripping out of his nose.* What the fuck was— *Another pulse of energy washed through the room. Z’s eyes cut to Bella. She was way too fucking calm for it to be her needing throwing off the “fuck me” vibes. Plus, she wasn’t due to go through that ordeal again for another eight years. He was counting that shit down so they could take care of it. Preferably in a way that didn’t mean he had to watch her nearly fucking die again. Zsadist growled and jerked his padded gloves off.* Run, baby. I need to chase you. Claim you. Mark you and fuck you until you can’t walk.

BELLA: [He was absolute poetry in motion, there was no other male his match and Bella unashamedly ate up the sight of her hellren as he peacocked just for her. Didn’t that just give her a nice thrill in her belly. But her lips popped a wide O when the bag bounced off his face and she saw blood] Jeez Nallum,… careful. [And just like that, as if someone somewhere had flicked a switch,  the air was thick around them, it hit her in the face as if a living pulsing thing.  So cloying with arousal -HIS- that if she’d had a straw she could slurp him up. She didn’t know her breathing had increased watching him struggle to throw the gloves off and all the while eyeballing her. That look he got in his yellow eyes… yeah that look that said without words she was going to get laid. Very very laid. The kind of laid that would leave her raw, only ever had one effect on Bella. She went wet between her thighs and she moaned. She was good at turning her male on, she knew every trick in her bad shellan handbook, knew Z inside out, all the ways to make him grow hard in seconds, but this, this was a special kind of arousal. She could smell it on him. Someone in the mansion had gone into their needing. OH shit. She couldn’t think, but who had time to think when she was right at that second being stalked with her hellren advancing forward and she slid down from the horse, never taking her wild blue eyes from Z and did as he wanted, what she wanted, scribe virgin, she ran. Instead of taking the nearest door to her, she headed down the long gym to the farthest door that lead into the rooms used for classes. Jesus, she could hear him behind her, she laughed, and almost…almost stopped dead in her tracks to offer herself up for his own banquet… but where was the fun in that. Her male wanted a hunt, because when he caught her, man.. -she knew from the last needing experience Ehlena had caused- Z was going to fuck her into a blissed coma- 

ZSADIST: *Game. Fucking. On. Zsadist’s blood pounded in his ears, a driving song leading him in the direction his prey ran in. He started slow, allowing her the illusion that she might be able to get away. They both knew otherwise, but in the midst of the chase, logic flew out the window. All he could think of was how wet Bella would be when he caught her. That skirt she was wearing didn’t stand a chance. Zsadist dodged around the exercise equipment, damn near tripping over the ass end of a treadmill. The door in front of him flapped closed once, twice…. He caught it on the third pass and threw it open. The clang of steel on concrete echoed down the hall. A second bang rang out from ahead—she’d gone into one of the classrooms. Zsadist’s purr echoed around him as he followed the scent of Bella’s arousal like a hound after a fox—and he’d get a taste of that hot fox the second he got his hands on her. He reached the classroom she’d ducked into. Her scent covered the entire room. Zsadist damn near laughed at his female. She wasn’t there, but she’d made sure to run around enough to try and throw him off. Zsadist darted around the rows of desks, making his way to the door connecting to the next classroom. Bella was halfway across the room. Her skirt trailed behind her. Her hair bounced this way and that, all wild as she ran. Zsadist let out a roar and jumped over two rows of desks. He leapt onto a desk in the next row and launched himself forward. Landing in a crouch right in front of her, he looked up at Bella in the dim light. His eyes cast a yellow glow over her flushed cheeks. She yelped, and didn’t that shit just make him harder.* Mine. *He growled again and swept Bella up into his arms, carrying her over to the large desk at the front of the classroom.*

BELLA: [There was times when her hellren turned her on. And then there were other times he REALLY turned her on. And dearest mother of the race, the latter was the here and now. Before Bella knew it, she was cornered like a wild animal, her heart banging all out of accord in her chest, cheeks flushed and her blue eyes beautifully wild with need looking down at her male crouched and poised for attack. He was magnificent. No other words for it. Her ass hit the desk with force pushing it and the chair behind it towards the wall and her thighs were torn open to make room for his frame to muscle in between. Bella didn’t need any prompting, she was front row with Z as ready as she’d ever been. She set her hands to ripping at his sweats just pushing them down his thighs and his cock so thick and hard punched out from his hips made her moan raggedly, hungrily, right from her throat. She was still wearing panties but lead him where she wanted him to be and tortured them both pulling his tip over her soaked lace, back and forth, up and down her slit, panting animalistically and reached up for his mouth wanting it on hers] Rip them, Nallum [She did that sweep against her panties again with her hand grasped tight around his length, her belly contracting anticipating. Bella was prepared for a fast hard ride as she got her other hand in on the action and stroked him slowly, her lips working his with kisses prying them open] Let your Nalla in, baby. 

ZSADIST: Sweet fucking hell, *Zsadist breathed against her lips. He was already damn close to coming all over the lace keeping him from sinking deep into his female. Her teasing drove him wild and he needed to get into her. With a snarl, Z wrapped his long fingers around the lace smack dab in the middle of her panties and pulled. The satisfying rip that followed was almost as good as the moan Bella let out. Z captured her lips, drank down her whimpers and sighs while his fingers stroked her, seeking out the nub at her core. Fuck, she was so wet. He couldn’t wait any longer. Neither could she, apparently. Bella shoved his hand aside and brought the tip of his cock to her entrance. Zsadist reared back and sank his fangs into the side of her neck at the same moment he drove into her. His hips went into a hard, demanding rhythm. The desk Bella perched on slammed into the wall behind it. The wall cracked. Dust flew around them. Z didn’t give a fuck. He needed to hear one damn thing at that moment.* Come for me, Bella. Let me hear you.

BELLA: [Z took her over, It was that simple. He shoved deep into her core, she gloved him wet as a fist and he took her over. Completely. He sank so deep and perfectly she cried out with each thrust stretching her out. Bella had gone back on her hands flat to the desk, her thighs up around his waist cradling him while her male tried to bang them into the next room. God, he was so beautiful, she soaked in his bonding scent with every breath. The hoarse words falling from his lips only causing that tidal wave of pleasure in her belly to ignite and she buckled hard, just bowed beneath him pushing his cock all the way inside until she’d took all of him right to the pubic bone and came screaming. Z was in that out of control zone and Bella encouraged him arching her neck for him to drink deeper harder, she felt every rush of blood that spilled into his mouth. It had the right effect and she came again, just tumbled right after the first going on and on] My male [she panted snaking a hand around his nape, scoring with her nails around his ink] Keep going.. ohgod [The desk hitting the wall went on clattering, the noise echoed with their sex sounds, and she didn’t know she was voicing all the carnal things she wanted to do with him on him for him in her moans. , Bella was too caught up in the hot heady rush of Z thrusting into her to catch onto any one single thought, she just squeezed hard around him, pushed her hips forward to the very edge of the desk and groaned his name while he worked himself in and out of her body]  

ZSADIST: *The second her second release locked her down tight around his cock, Z tumbled down Bliss Lane right behind her. His body kept pumping, filling her, marking her as his and his alone. The room was so saturated with his bonding scent, he was pretty sure there was no oxygen to be found. And that was just fucking fine with him. Let the other males she encountered know she was more than well taken care of. She deserved it. Zsadist locked his hands at the small of her back and lifted Bella’s ass off the desk. Turning around, he sat on the side of the desk. Z shoved her shirt off and said a prayer of thanks that she didn’t wear a bra that day. He buried his face into her breasts, nipping, licking, teasing each in turn. Leaning back, he took a heartbeat to get a damn good look at his woman. Her legs were split over his. Her skirt rode up around her waist and trailed over and between his legs behind her. She was caught up in the moment, panting, glistening with their mingled sweat. Zsadist grabbed the back of her neck and dragged her down to claim her lips.* Ride me, baby. Make me yours. *Fuck, he’d forgotten how much the needing hormones made sex more important than breathing. Whoever the hell was throwing that shit around better take care of it before they drowned in sex. Not that it wouldn’t be the best fucking way to go out.*

BELLA: [Christ. They would kill each other before whoever’s needing it was dissipated. Someone else’s hormone battle was different to her own. Then she had been writhing in pain, agony so acute the only relief had been Zsadist pumping his pleasure into her over and again. Now, with the female’s hormone surge filling the mansion like a hot blanket of sex, Bella was pretty much on the same wavelength as her male, wanting to sate him until his bones were jelly. She didn’t get that hit in the groin as he did, not from the hormones anyway. Her own arousal came directly from him and she got good and settled in his lap unable to sit still she just rocked out like he was her very own fairground ride. She pushed her hips down and his head back and as her little fangs inched into her mouth until she felt them on her inner lip Bella let go of a groan full of sex, and bit Z clean on the throat doing exactly as he wanted. Making. Him. Hers. Before the day was over, their last sex would be sweet and soft, probably laid on their bed spooning with Z behind her so he could cup her breasts and control how she moved her hips against him. It would be loving and gentle and he’d whisper those beautiful words in his deep gravelly voice to her that always caused her heart to grow twenty sizes bigger with love for him. But right now, Bella was all about the OWNING, and she fucked her Zsadist with a forced rush, burying him over and over in all her wet warmth, biting him from one side of his throat to the other, leaving small rivulets of his blood she moaned and licked up with greed] You’re so damn beautiful, baby [she confessed to her male with a fangy grin, her eyes bright and full of thick lust as she popped her ass down and impaled him shrieking a little. God in heaven, he felt so good and she went for his mouth again tasting him] Put me over the desk, Nallum, and come for your shellan.. 

ZSADIST: Oh fuck me. *Bella didn’t need to tell him twice how she wanted it. Zsadist raised her off his lap and set her feet on the floor. She flipped her hair over her back, her blue eyes meeting his over her shoulder as he stepped in behind her.* Hold on tight, baby. *With no niceties needed, she was so damn ready for him still, Zsadist drove back into his female. Leaning down over her back, his fingers tangled in the hair at the base of her skull and pulled her head to the right. His fangs struck. The second her blood coated his tongue, he lost it. His hips flexed, bracing as far as he could get in her. His orgasm pulsed and kept on going until he couldn’t fucking see straight. Zsadist licked over the holes he made in Bella’s throat. His hand untangled from her hair and slid around the front of her throat, gently encouraging her to arch her back further. The pneumatics started all over again, kicked off by yet another mind-melting wave of needing energy. Z slipped his free hand between Bella’s thighs and stroked the top of her sex.* I can’t get enough of you, Bella. *Growling, he pulled her a little closer so he could meet her blue eyes as yet another orgasm rang his bell.* Mine.

BELLA: [Bella was teetered in that surreal place that felt like she’d come too much and was balancing precariously on the edge of a giant high and feeling as if she couldn’t orgasm enough.  She needed more, wanted more from Z and dearest scribe in the afterlife she got it. Pushed over that desk, god that poor desk, she wouldn’t ever look at it in the same way without knowing her ass and breast prints were ingrained in it somewhere.  She was used and used so thoroughly she shuddered crying Z’s name until he pulled free of her body. It felt like a hundred years she rose up dragging much needed air into her lungs righting her twisted skirt from up around her waist until it fell back to her feet. Z was swaying on his legs, making her laugh and she reached up to cup his cheeks, kissing his swollen lips, and tucking his still hard arousal back inside his sweats. Bella wasn’t stupid enough to think the needing in the house was done, there would be many more hours to go and god help them she wanted back upstairs in their room behind a closed door before the next hot cycle hit her male’s cock. When her shirt was back on and her ruined panties bunched in Z’s hand -He’d never let anyone see her undies no matter how strung out and distracted he was- She had to cajole him out of the classroom, across the gym, all the while he sniffed at her, growled and pushed her against walls to dry grind against her body. Oh Maaaan, it felt like it took a week to reach their rooms.  At one point Bella was almost pushed face first down onto the grand staircase and mounted from behind, only her yelp and quick wit to move her feet down the hall of statues saved the poor doggen seeing her male rutting her. Bella was laughing so hard with that slightly bat-shit kind of crazy-excited by the time she was thrown down to their mated bed and her male, her gorgeous delectable male was prowling over her, cock ready telling her to open her mouth. Like his very bad obedient shellan she licked her pink lips and moaned taking him to the back of her throat, jerking with a muffled cry as his hand skimmed between her wet thighs.. oh man… the needing.. god.. it was going to kill them both for sure…] #NeedingRicochet

BELLA: Dearest mother of the race! Your sour face is going to ruin lunch, Rehvenge. [Bella declared picking up her fat wine glass half full of red rioja wine] So you heard Zsadist and I having sex when you passed my rooms. So what? You surely didn’t think Nalla got here as if conjured by magic, did you, brother mine? [She was more than amused and couldn’t help teasing her prim brother, whose attitude was comical and almost ironically puritanical] I do apologize for being late, however.. [Again Bella’s pink glossed lips jerked with mirth and her Blue eyes were brighter as she watched Rehvenge’s lips tighten] Zsadist…distracted me.

REHVENGE: [Growls low] You’re far from humorous, Bella. [I leaned back in my seat, the restaurant I’d chosen on the outskirts of Caldwell and where our table was situated afforded us privacy. I took the small espresso cup to my mouth sipping slowly and flicked my purple gaze to my sister happily diving into the Yellow fin tuna tartare with avocado purée entree. I’d always enjoyed watching my sister take pleasure in her food since she was small. The difference now being she didn’t have a tyrannical father telling her she was too fat. It was my own fault, the sex shit, I’d made the epic mistake of going down the hall of statues to hurry her ass along, assuming she was doing something female and fussing over what shoes to wear -if she was anything like my own shellan- ] I don’t want to discuss you and sex. Ever. [I informed tightly and fuck, I knew I sounded like a prude, but hearing my sister, before I had a chance to knock at the door or get my feet out of there, instructing her hellren to…. Christ. Jesus. I couldn’t even voice it in my own head. It’s not something a brother needed to hear from his baby sister. At all. Ever.] Eat your food. [I pushed my grid into that denial place. Hell yes Peanut got here by magic. And that was the story I was sticking to]

BELLA: [She couldn’t help it.  Bella laughed and covered her mouth before she did something unlady like and spray her food. Man, she loved her brother, she really did. She could be 670 and he’d still treat her as if she was 6 years old prancing around in her pink tutu and leg warmers reenacting swanlake for him and their mahmen] You’re being a stuffy old male, Rehvenge [Her nose wrinkled at him] How is me having sex different to everyone else? I will call you a liar if you tell me that glazed happy look in my sister-in-law’s eyes is not that one of pleasure, dear brother [Bella conversed before her plate was cleared away. And because she WAS his sibling and perhaps had learned some of his evil ways over the years, Bella pressed on, teasing him enjoying that look of squirm on his tight face] If it had been up to Zsadist I’d still be in our closet right now. You should thank me I have restraint, brother, or you’d be eating lunch alone..

REHVENGE: [My eyes flashed darker hearing of the fucknut’s perversion knowing exactly what Bella was doing. Unfortunately my rational brain was on a fucking timeout and I growled just a little, just as our main courses -steak and potatoes for me- was put in front of us. Fresh wine for Bella was poured by the waiter and I had mineral water] For the love of the Scribe Virgin, Bella I swear I will wipe your grid right here right now if you don’t shut up about your jackass hellren and his insatiable sick needs. [My brows pulled right down over my eyes and I cut into my rare steak like it was Z’s throat. I smirked liking that thought and cut him up real good.]

BELLA: And I will pop a bullet in your ass if you call him a jackass once more, Rehvenge! [Of course she was joking. Mostly. But dammit, the name calling was childish, both Rehvenge and Zsadist seemed to relish on one upping each other with the names. She was sure it was some form of twisted male bonding.  She was forever threatening one of them to stop it. She let his mind wiping remark go, he’d never do that. He was more bark than bite with her. Others, not so much] You know he is far from jackassery, I have a wonderful loving hellren. [Bella hmphed and sniffed haughtily taking a sip of the delicious wine] you should be glad of that. If it was up to you, I’d be mated to a stuffy-assed male of the Glymera [Under her breath, but sure he could still hear Bella muttered] And he wouldn’t like closets a’tall.

REHVENGE: [I out and out grinned across the table at Bella. It never took much for her protective instincts to kick in over that male of hers. For anyone else I would have toyed further with those small insecurities for my own sick amusement. But not my beloved sibling. I smiled and filled my mouth with the steak saving from me answering. Knowing Bella as I did, I could almost feel sympathy for the fucknut for when she turned wild, but he handled her just as she did him. Fuck knows how, on paper that match would just not make sense. I rubbed over my mohawk and pegged her with a level gaze] Say the word, Bella. I will have a line of fine upstanding males willing to provide for you [I did my own teasing with a smile. Truth was, even if I only admitted it to myself, I was happy Bella had that male, he may be slightly psychotic deep inside his grid, but there was no one else who would go to the ends of the earth to protect his females. As her former protector, I couldn’t ask for anything better for Bella. If people knew my true nature, I was sure they would think the same about me for Ehlena. So fucknut and I were not that too far dissimilar. Not that it would be an admittance I’d voice. Ever]

BELLA: [Their lunch after the sex talk went relatively quietly and relaxed. Bella laughed a lot at the animated talk of Nehmesis and his bath times. It was all too apparent Rehvenge was beyond happy with his little family. Man, it made her beam a grin as they left the restaurant, her hand hooked in his arm and they took the gentle walk back down the street to his Bentley. It had been a great idea for just the two of the them to spend an hour together without spouses or children. Not that either of them minded that, but sometimes, she thought, it was nice to have her Rooster all to herself to reconnect with him when he wasn’t being the businessman or the hellren or father. Just her Rooster. A store caught her eye] I want to go in there real quick, Rehvenge [of course he insisted on going with her. Bella chewed the grin on her lips knowing the instant he saw what kind of store it was. Female’s underwear wherever the eye landed]

REHVENGE: I’m sure this was paramount you shop right this moment, Dearest [I spoke sardonically, my brow cocked high, knowing her game. I leaned into my cane and got hit with 4 grids from inside the store. The assistants all eyeballing Bella and I. There was always a frisson of fear from humans around me. Didn’t matter if I smiled giving the outward appearance of a friendly fucker, there was something in my aura that was a danger beacon. Good really, most everyone gave me a wide birth and I was free to let my purples wander around the store admiring the frilly shit females went ga ga over]

BELLA: Zsadist would love this [Bella exclaimed holding aloft a scrap of red that would barely cover any of her body. She missed the roll of eyes from her brother, and hooked the red body over her arm with two more purchases. Of course she’d made Rehvenge come inside with her just to make him squirm, she should have known however nothing much fazed him as she watched him finger a white basque between thumb and forefinger. Instead, she did her own wandering, choosing a select few items knowing exactly which ones would rev her hellren’s engine. Bella never picked the most expensive underwear anymore, silly really, since 9 times out of 10 Z rendered them to scraps of fabric with his fangs. virgin in the fade, she loved when he did that]

REHVENGE: Again, I don’t wish to know the fantasies Z has about wearing females panties, Bella [My mouth twisted with a grin and I motioned with a hand for one of the assistants who had never taken her blue eyes from me to come here to me. I jutted my head across to Bella] My sister here would like assistance carrying her purchases and I want this [I handed her the white thing] for my wife [I told her the size and dismissed the human turning my back to walk across to the register desk barely hearing the “yes, sir” from the female. Atop of the counter was a row of teddy bears -I didn’t get the connection from underwear to stuffed animals. Fucking female logic in there somewhere I knew it- I tossed over a pink one followed by the blue. For Peanut and my boy and slotted my black Amex card into the machine to pay for all purchases]

BELLA: I could have paid for my own things, Rehvenge [Bella said slipping into the Bentley five minutes later, the heat hitting her face when he cranked up the dial] Thank you. I will be sure to let Z know he owes you a gratitude of thanks, too. [She chuckled taking pity on him and not voicing aloud that all her new undies would be modelled in about five minutes for her hellren… only Rehvenge’s growl in the interior of his car told Bella he had heard anyway..oops. It only made her laugh more.. served her mind spying brother just right… and just because she knew he would hear, she smiled out the window, the mansion coming into view once they were through all the security gates, she spoke to him in her head. ‘Thanks for a fun time, Rooster. Love you…. now go home, I have a closet to get to…’ she left Rehvenge growling to himself and her laugh echoed as she took her packages into the house and to find her male..] #TheSymphathAndHisSister

BELLA: [Bella’s eyes hurt. She’d barely had a handful of hours sleep since her nightmare, not that she’d been eager to close them again after seeing David orchestrating the worst nightmare to date. And then waking up to see Z crawling out of bed away from her.. she wasn’t in a rush to go lay in their mated bed alone either.   So she was hellishly tired. Nalla was still cutting some teeth, and her daughter was up all night and most of the day, deciding instead she would rather have tea parties and build block skyscrapers she would then happily kick to the ground while she gnawed on every teddy she owned. It left Bella exhausted. With Nalla finally knocked out for a blessed nap with some home remedy Fritz the wonder doggen had made, Bella had sank down into the library couch, soft and warm, the cushions enveloped her body and she sighed curling her feet under her ass. A book, the latest Jessica Bird novel, lay unopened on her lap. She shut her eyes for just a minute revelling in that utter bliss of silence. Beautiful. Wonderful. Silence. She smiled laying her head back trying to keep her mind from her hellren. It wasn’t easy. She was used to hunting him down several times in the night to just talk with him.  She felt itchy and on edge with this indifference cast over their heads like a bleak gray mass of misery. Flipping her lids open, she focused her Blue gaze on the pages of the book giving the author her full attention]  

ZSADIST: *He made no attempt to be quiet. Zsadist’s shitkickers thumped down the staircase, announcing his arrival to the first floor of the mansion long before he dropped off the last step. Bella’s phone clutched tight in his hand, he followed the faint trail of her scent through the foyer and down the hall to the library. For one second, he paused in the doorway, savoring how beautiful his shellan looked as she nodded off while reading. It was a picture of peace and contentment he knew neither of them truly felt. When did the shit hit the fan again? Why did it seem every time they were doing just fine, something big and bad crept into their happily ever after and took a dump on it? Zsadist thumped his palm against the doorframe. Bella jumped and he closed in on her before she could make up an excuse to not be around him. The same damn thing he’d been doing to her since their fight.* My twin is a horse’s ass. You’re going to tell me what godforsaken hole he’s crawled into. No more lies. No more dodging this fucking issue. I want my family whole for once. *Hadn’t he fought and scrapped to get this, this small family of people who didn’t judge him for his scars and slave tattoos? He’d be damned if Phury’s stubbornness and Bella’s misguided attempts to save him from worry were going to screw their lives up now.*

BELLA: [Most of the footsteps past the library in the last hour just walked on by, so the door flying open made Bella gasp. Her fingers tightened on the book’s spine staring into the very pissed off face of her hellren. She wasn’t shamed in the slightest when she just ate him up. From his boots all the way up his huge build to the top of his bald head. It felt like weeks since she’d seen him, in reality it was only a few short hours since she’d handed Nalla off to him for an hour before her nap, few words were exchanged, their norm of late. Taking her time answering him, Bella laid the book down, wasting an extra thirty seconds reaching over for her bookmark and tucking it into place. Before she swept her Sapphire eyes back up to his. Man, he was handsome, she thought as her heart gave a giant thump behind her ribs. Didn’t matter that he was spitting fire from his beautiful eyes right now. He was always handsome to her, whatever the mood he wore. Man. She missed him] And hello to you too, hellren mine. [She spoke quietly, eyes never wavering] Alas, it seems horses asses run in the family. But you didn’t disturb my reading so dramatically to discuss that. [She supposed it was a good thing he wanted to go and see Phury, but a frown pulled around her forehead to know he’d only tracked her down because she had info he wanted. She shrugged, now it was down to the twins to sort their beef out with each other now. She was done with it. She rattled off the address to Phury and Cormia’s new house] I’d advise you shake whatever pissed off you have [she waved a hand in front of her] going on, or you won’t get past his porch.

ZSADIST: That’s why you’re coming with me. Nalla will be fine with one of the females watching her. *Zsadist scrubbed his skulltrim with both hands, forgetting he held Bella’s phone until it knocked against him dome. Sitting, he dropped the cell onto her lap. He’d been an ass to her, he deserved her cutting remarks. It didn’t make it any easier to wrap his grey matter around her deceit. In the part of his brain left nice and clean thanks to sessions with Mary talking shit out, Z knew Bella only did what she thought would be the least painful for him. They were both to blame. It didn’t make him happy, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to admit it out loud. Phury had been warned by his call. If they sat around playing marriage counselor, his twin would take off and leave Z chasing shadows trying to knock some sense into the dense fucker. Z took a breath and met Bella’s blue eyes.* I can’t do this without you, Bella.

BELLA: [Bella felt a crack in the protective wall she had up around her feelings listening to him. Of course he could do it without her.  Z was stronger than he gave himself credit for. But she set the book aside -Jessica Bird would have to wait for another day- and picked up her phone. No prizes for guessing what he’d used that for. She hadn’t even know her cell was missing. She didn’t really want to be in the middle of whatever war-of-words Z and Phury would throw at each other. She’d done her part -stupidly- and fucked up worse than she could have ever imagined. Now she just wanted to sulk and lick at her wounds until Zsadist was ready to forgive her. But Bella nodded and rose from the couch] You should get a jacket, It’s cold out. [she said automatically and grabbed her own when they passed by their bedroom minutes later before descending the grand staircase] I assume I’m good cop to your bad cop? [She attempted humor pulling open the door ready to dematerialize to Phury’s new home. Man, she’d wanted to at least text Cormia as a pre-warning, it wasn’t the female’s fault a black cloud of bad mood was about to land on her doorstep. But Bella thought better of it, another deceit between her and Z was not something else she could deal with. She was already beyond miserable] Hey Z… [she stilled him from walking out the door for a second with her hand on his arm] I know you’re angry, okay. Just.. [she paused searching her mind for the right words. Just play nice? don’t go to town on your twin when he is only trying to forge a life for himself same as you? Bella couldn’t say any of that, cause at the heart of all this was a bag full of overspilling lies, caused by Phury and aided by Bella herself. And Z, hurt by them both was stuck in the middle. So she shook her head slightly and tried to raise a smile, She’d stand by whatever he decided to do] Let’s go. You remember the address?

ZSADIST: *Everything Bella didn’t say was right there in her eyes. Zsadist’s heart gave a kick in his chest. He couldn’t apologize, not yet. Not until he saw for himself what damage had been done between him and his twin. For decades, he’d taken Phury’s presence in his life for granted. He knew every day since his release from the Mistress, he would wake and find his brother doing all the good and just things Z couldn’t. The dark sludge coursing through his veins refused to allow him to be anything other than a miserable SOB. But not his twin. He’d been spared that. It wasn’t until he realized Phury may never come home again that he really began to worry. What if Bella took off again, like Phury did? Zsadist gave Bella’s hand a squeeze.* Meet you there, nalla. *He dematerialized and the wind caught him up, blowing him north toward his twin. Zsadist took form down in a small valley. Ahead stood a large cabin-esque home. Lights shined through frost-covered windows. A head of blonde hair bobbed past a window—Cormia. At least part of Bella’s stories were true. His shellan materialized beside him. Zsadist took a moment to make sure she was okay before he trudged up the snow-covered hill to face his twin.*

BELLA: [Walking behind Z at a slower pace, Bella was in no hurry to get to the front door despite the biting cold nipping at her cheeks. She shoved her hands down into her deep pockets and followed Zsadist up onto the porch watching him scrub back and forth on his skulltrim. Her hellren was nervous. Maybe because of what state he’d see his brother in again? After all the last time Z had, Phury was one step away from being in the fade. She’d told him his twin was on the mend now, and he’d looked well. But Z needed to see that for himself.  She sighed, feeling his hurt, and rubbed a hand soothingly on his back and pressed the doorbell. Time to get this show on the road. Bella had her own nerves going on when her brother in law’s shadow filled the doorway. Depending on what went down tonight with the brothers her life back at home in the mansion kinda relied on it. A bad outcome and Zsadist was not going to ever be in the mood to forgive her. Please Scribe Virgin don’t let Phury run away from this. She prayed silently and caught at Z’s fingers, not letting go even if he tried to attempt the pull back. Not happening, Hellren. She gave him a squeeze and smiled at Phury, who returned the greeting, but the tension rigid in his spine was all too apparent when Z’s frame came into the picture and she saw those yellow eyes flicker back to her. Bella almost cringed.  Yep. I told him where you lived. Another mistrust racked on up there for her overall tally] Hi, Phury. May we come in?

PHURY: *Dear Virgin in the Fade … . Phury had anticipated Zsadist’s arrival. However, he hadn’t expected it so soon. Instinctively, he stepped forward until he blocked the door so his twin couldn’t barge in and upset Cormia. He’d seen that determined look on Z’s face too many times and after each occurrence, Phury spent days playing cleanup. Not this time. He was done taking care of Zsadist. He had a shellan, a precious little girl, and an army of warriors to keep his shit in check. Phury put his entire life aside to care for his twin. Well, now it was his turn to be cared for.* Bella, Cormia is in the kitchen making a snack. She’ll be thrilled you’re here. *He leaned over and grabbed his coat. Shrugging into it, Phury stepped out, coming nearly chest-to-chest with a male who looked so much like him, yet they couldn’t be more different.* We’re going for a walk. *He didn’t bother asking Zsadist. Asking never got him anywhere with the male.*

BELLA: [Giving Zsadist a wary look, Bella didn’t want to leave them alone. But she squeezed Z’s hand a last time and smiled at Phury as she walked by him to go into the house. She passed the time with Cormia talking of her new hobby of interior designing their new house to within an inch of his decorated life. She’d immediately apologized to the female for the unannounced arrival only for Cormia to reassure her fears] “Do not worry so, Bella. The brothers need this, however much Phury thinks otherwise. They will quarrel like brothers and all will be well” [Cormia directed Bella to sit and poured them a coffee. All the while Bella wrung her fingers together, worry held in her blue eyes for what was happening outside. She couldn’t even hear Z and Phury’s voices… Was that a good sign they were actually talking like adults? She prayed to the scribe it was]

ZSADIST: You mean to tell me that while I thought you were roomies with the Grim Reaper, you were shacking up and playing house with a chosen? *Zsadist snarled and cut Phury off, blocking the male from walking further into the forest. They’d walked back down the hill and kept going until the treeline swallowed them. Neither of them spoke until Zsadist was sure they were out of earshot of the females. They did not need to hear what he wanted to beat into his twin’s thick skull. It was all he could do not to pin Phury to a tree to make sure he heard every last syllable of what he said.* Get your dick wet, I don’t care, but don’t do it and pass it off as some druggie rehab necessity. Was her pussy so tight, it cut off the blood to your brain and made you forget your family?

PHURY: *Phury’s fist connected with Zsadist’s jaw approximately two seconds before he fully thought about taking a swing at his twin. Zsadist’s head snapped around from the force of the blow. When he turned to glare at Phury, his eyes had gone pitch black and Phury knew the shit had hit the fan. He jumped out of the way just in time to miss the kick Zsadist sent toward his prosthetic leg. So his twin wanted to play dirty, fine. Phury ducked around the tree at his back and scooped up a fallen branch. Zsadist gave chase, and ran smack into the branch gut first. He hunched over, holding his stomach. Taking advantage, Phury drove his elbow into Z’s back, right above his left kidney. His twin dropped down onto a knee with a grunt. Phury stepped down onto his left hand, pinning the bastard in place so he’d be forced to listen.* If you ever speak of Cormia that way again, I will gut you. She has done nothing to you, Zsadist.

ZSADIST: She took you away from your family. *Grinding his teeth, Zsadist jerked his hand free from under Phury’s shitkicker. He flexed his fingers, making sure nothing was broken. Before Phury could back up more than half a foot, Zsadist wrapped his arms around his twin’s legs and jerked him off his feet. Z flipped him onto his stomach and knelt on Phury’s right shoulder blade, putting all of his weight on the joint.* Come home, mother fucker. I’m not asking again.

PHURY: *Phury spit out a mouthful of dirt and melting snow. The pain in his shoulder made it impossible to breathe, let alone inform his twin what a moron he was being. But that was Zsadist, all reaction, no thinking. For all of his intelligence, he was as wild as a panther caught in a cage. Phury sucked in a ragged breath the second Z eased up the pressure on his shoulder.* You didn’t ask at all. *He craned his neck around to glare at the male.* No one took me, Zsadist. I was sick and she helped me, that’s it. Did you even bother to ask Bella how she found me? No, you didn’t. She saw me coming out of an Narcotics Anonymous meeting. I need to keep my life simple right now or stress will make me jump right back on the drug train.

ZSADIST: *Zsadist pushed himself to his feet and let loose a long stream of curses. His voice bounced around between the trees, amplifying his anger for all to hear.* You should have called, wrote an email, sent a god damned carrier pigeon—something to let me know where you were. We haven’t been close, I get that. It was my fault for being completely incapable of dealing with life outside the hell I lived in when you found me. *He paused and took a deep breath, amazed that he could say any of this shit out loud, let alone to Phury. The sessions with Mary had done wonders for making him a talkative fucking pansy. For the most part, he and his twin just ignored the pain of his past. They never talked about it. Not even right after when Z had lost his shit when Phury tried to provide females for him to feed from. Phury just stowed the information away and moved on to another problem to tackle. He’d always been the strong one and it ate at Zsadist how much he’d used Phury.* You took care of me, Phury. You saw the part of me that wasn’t broken and fought for others to give me a chance. And you took away my only chance to return the favor.

PHURY: *Phury’s entire front side was frozen. Shivering, he stood and brushed off the snow clinging to his pants and jacket. It did no good. Some of it had melted while Zsadist held him down. The wind kicked up and he jerked his jacket closer around his torso.* I didn’t want you to go through what I did, Zsadist. Call me a selfish fucker if you want, but I couldn’t undo all the good Bella and Nalla have put into your life. You belong with them, not holding my hair out of the way while I vomit for the tenth time that day, or giving me a sponge bath because I’m too weak to even crawl to the bathroom. Cormia took that burden. I hate myself for pulling her into it. *Phury dragged a hand through his damp, cold hair.* But that’s what I do. I drag people into situations they don’t want to be in. You know better than anyone else.

ZSADIST: *Noting Phury’s ice blue fingertips and his wet clothes, Zsadist turned and headed back toward the house. After a moment, his twin followed. Z slowed until Phury caught up.* It should have been my call to make. Cormia was given the chance to say yes or no. *He held up a hand to cut off whatever Phury was about to say.* She made a choice, you didn’t force her. No matter how whacked out you got, all of your anger and abuse was taken out on yourself. You never made me do anything that wasn’t for my best interests because I was too far gone in my head to take care of myself. *He stopped, his head lowered. Zsadist couldn’t look at Phury, lest his twin see the pain ripping apart his chest.* Without you, I would have died decades ago. I wouldn’t have Bella and Nalla. You saved me just as much as they did, only you never got the thanks I owed you.

PHURY: *Phury’s throat tightened up. He watched Zsadist’s profile, shocked at the emotion racing over his twin’s face. Swallowing down the lump of emotion in his throat, he clamped a hand on Zsadist’s shoulder.* Was that so hard? Come on, I have icicles growing on my balls. *Leading the way up the hill, Phury still couldn’t believe what happened. He’d expected a fight and gotten one. The last thing he thought Zsadist came to his house to do was thank him for years of taking care of him. Thinking back, Phury knew he would do it all over again. He’d never been at peace while young, knowing his blood was somewhere out in the world. That hole festered and grew, even after finding Zsadist, because his brother wasn’t whole, either. Both of them were broken, just in different ways. They knocked the snow from their boots on the doorstep and stepped into the warmth of the house. The scent of coffee wafted their way. Together they headed for the kitchen and were met with a pair of shocked females.*

BELLA: [The cup of steaming coffee stalled halfway to Bella’s mouth seeing both males enter the spacious kitchen.  Her heart had gone into overdrive hearing them arrive back, anxious to know how their talk had went.  She’d had every finger crossed for a good outcome since they’d been gone so long.  Her eyes narrowed assessing the wet clothing, one rubbing his belly, the other his shoulder. Didn’t take Newton to figure out what those buffoons had been doing, and here she’d been sat thinking they’d act like damn grown ups. Bella rushed to her feet but stayed at the table while the serene chosen hot footed it over to Phury, obviously head over heels for the male, whether he saw it or not. Bella scowled at them both, glad there was no obvious injuries, bloodshed or broken bones. She fisted hands to her hips] Dearest virgin, only the grace of being in Cormia’s home is stopping me from hitting you both with that damn skillet! [A frown drew down right over her eyes, and she met the coal black gaze of her hellren, her voice softened resisting the need to fuss and love on the patch of red riding on his chiseled jawline] Are you okay, Nallum? [She hooked two large mugs from the carousel loaded down with matching china and poured coffee for them just to occupy her hands] All out of your system I hope… [Her pointed stare went to both Z and Phury in that “I mean business and you better agree” way]

ZSADIST: “If I wasn’t afraid I’d break the pan, I’d hit them.” *Zsadist gave a startled laugh at Cormia’s outburst and rubbed his sore jaw. Phury at least had the sanity to give his female an apologetic look. When Zsadist looked over at Bella, he knew it’d take a whole lot more than a look to get him out of the dog house.* We’re … we’ll be okay. *Their slug-out and share sad tales session had gone a long way to healing the holes in both of their lives, but Zsadist knew better than anyone to assume everything was magically better. It’d take a long time to rebuild trust and get the last of the issues worked out of their system. But at least he knew for sure that Phury was living the life he should have been since day one. Zsadist dared to get within smacking distance of Bella and gave her a kiss* Thank you for finding him. #RoadToTwinRecovery

BELLA:  [The agony of having her eyes snipped open was as brutal as bearing the pain for when they were sewn shut. The stitches had long since healed over so when David clipped at Bella’s eyelids the scream bellowed from her throat, an absolute agony that shut her body down, a defense mechanism, and thank the scribe for that. When she woke again, she was still tied to the bed, wrists bound together and out to the side, and her ankles the same. Half of her body was numb from the awkward position she was forced to lay in and her eyes felt like she’d had sand poured into them. She struggled to open an eyelid, her vision after all these months of being blind was beyond hazy and she sank back into the sheets closing them again. Why did she even need to see? She’d resigned to being in this place forever. She wanted no vision for that. The sounds and smells were bad enough. And god, the touching. She visibly shuddered and thanked the virgin she was drugged most of the time, to stop her from dematerializing, and was out cold for whatever happened with David]

“There’s my girl” [The voice from the doorway was cheery. As always. David spoke to Bella like they were best friends, closer even. She didn’t even sneer anymore, just accepted it, anything for a day when he wouldn’t inflict a punishment on her] Hello David, how fare you tonight? [The bed depressed with his weight and he began untying the restraints from both ends] “I can’t see your pretty eyes, Bella. Open them for me, I released them for you, didn’t I? and you have not properly thanked me” [When did you know you were in the presence of a sociopath? When his kind words spoken in a monotone voice held the threat that had your own voice quaking. David rarely raised his voice anymore,  he didn’t need to, he controlled Bella with something worse. Her own fear] They’re sore, David. “Open them, sweetheart.” [With her hands and legs freed, she struggled to sit up against the headboard, underused muscles aching in every limb.  Whatever dress he’d made her wear that day rode up on her thighs and she rushed to pull it down over the straight line scars going left to right on each leg. She’d gotten them when she’d refused to talk to him. Not a mistake she’d made again, instead Bella had made fresh mistakes, over and over.  She was a mouse forever putting herself back into the trap for that small piece of cheese even knowing she was going to be caught.

 Sometimes she taunted David to the point he’d cry. Other times she comforted him.  Her one power chip was the twisted distorted love he had for her and she played it like she was in  high roller game in Sin city.  Bella struggled and winced as she peeled her eyelids open once more, too afraid to be tied up again, or worse, in disobeying her tormentor. They stung like hell, oh shit, so painful but she was nothing if not determined and with her eyes streaming tears as they adjusted to the light and the air hitting them, Bella kept them open.  Hazy vision turned towards David and saw his beaming face. God, she hated that man. Her first chance she got she was going to shove a knife into his chest. “My associates will arrive soon, my beloved. I don’t think I need to tell you how to conduct yourself… do I?” [He strode around the spacious bedroom pulling clothes out of drawers, Bella watched through foggy eyes, blinking to clear them. He was preparing to dress his living doll again to parade his toy for his lesser comrades. Bella nodded and slid from the bed, testing out her numbed legs, as always she tried to dematerialize, to anywhere, as long it was away from here and found she couldn’t. She wobbled. The dizzy sensation hitting her the moment she got herself vertical.

He said the same thing to her every time, and it bristled Bella’s temper, she gritted teeth. sick of hearing his stupid voice] I know how to conduct myself. Do you, David? Tying me up, drugging me. How gentlemanly IS that? [Before she felt the back of his hand, as was all too common if she ever dared speak up.  Bella continued, making her way around the bed to the bathroom doorway leaning against any available surface to stop from toppling over] You said you loved me [Her empty belly threatened to dry heave even saying those words, but survival relied on whatever tools Bella had to hand. Just as predicted, David dropped a blue shawl and hurried across to her. He looked ridiculous with his hair dyed black, in contrast to his pale eyebrows and lashes and his eyes had lost all pigmentation. It showed Bella’s resolve that she didn’t flinch when he threaded his fingers under her hair and grabbed her neck roughly] “I DO LOVE YOU” [He hissed.  His hand tightening with a squeeze, the madness in his eyes showing clear as a full moon] “I do love you, my sweet. You belong to me! No one else. Me. ME! Haven’t I looked after you all this time? No one wants you, your family don’t! I’m all you have, Bella.  So watch with care what you say to me, you hear?” [One more hard squeeze around her neck and he pushed her aside to go back to his clothes choosing task. Bella kept her mouth shut before she blurted out her brother would never stop looking for her.

How many months had it been now? Six.. Nine? Bella had lost count somewhere between the passing out for days at a time, to the continual darkness she’d lived with. Even vampires needed the sun to establish the time of day.  She tried to determine any clue from the blast of cool air coming from the tiny window in the bathroom. Could be fall. The chill was icy. It had been a snowy February when she’d been kidnapped, she remembered.  She’d stepped out of her  farmhouse to visit her mahmen and then the sweet taste of chloroform, she’d had no time to struggle, to scream even, it had happened all too fast.  And that had been it until she’d woken blinded, naked and in a tunnel pipe. He’d kept her there for so long, Bella had prayed for death, begged the Scribe Virgin. Then she prayed for death again, to be taken unto the fade, when he’d released her and began the psychotic pretense of the life she now had.

Splashing water on her face, Bella looked at herself in the mirror.  Seeing her reflection for the first time in a long while. The sight shocked her. Man, she looked old.  And the jagged scar on cheek didn’t do anything to help that. Funny, it made her think of the Brotherhood warrior, Zsadist and the furious scar he had covering his face, while she went through the routine of cleaning. Ever aware that David’s revolting gaze was on her.  She let her mind think of that Black Dagger male and the only time she’d seen him. She wondered if he was mated now.  She’d been inexplicably drawn to the male, despite the air of ‘fuck off’ he’d conveyed. Bella sighed, and rounded her shoulders. Even if she escaped, she was completely ruined for any male of worth. She knew that now.  Staring at herself. It was another “what if” she could set aside.  

No time to dwell on those anymore, not when her hellish life was this in this place with that man. Her Sapphire eyes traveled down her body, cataloging the marks. She had too many bruises and scars to count.  David’s name was still etched forevermore into Bella’s abdomen, next to it was two lines. A sick tally he’d scraped into her skin of the males he’d brought for her to feed from and then killed right in front of her. A third would undoubtedly join the tally if she didn’t get free soon. The memory of her crying and sinking her fangs into the newly transitioned vampire while he’d begged for his life, haunted her still. Perhaps she was the monster now too, after all, she’d deemed her life more important than that of the young boys hadn’t she?  Survival of the fittest. And she sure as hell had that] I’m ready.  [She told him quietly and walked to the hand outstretched to her, taking it in hers] “Beautiful, my beloved wife. All will be envious of my good fortune having you at my side” [David.  Controlling.  Dominant, with a side order of absolute maniacal dementia for the female who resembled his late wife so much he’d weaved Bella into her, stroked a finger down Bella’s cheek mistaking her shiver of revulsion for that of desire, he chuckled and kissed her lips not noticing she stood statue still, the kiss unreturned] “Tell me, who are you.?” [Bella’s eyes wandered to the table where his implements of pain were kept and then swept back to her captor knowing she’d have to escape this place on her own wiles.  No one was coming for her] I’m Bella. [It was the same thing he asked her daily and Bella spoke on autopilot now.  She’d give him any sentiment he wanted if it stalled her beatings. David rose his pale eyebrow waiting for the rest] I’m Bella Ormond. Your wife, David. [Thick pulsing hatred, it’s very own being,  piled on top of the already revolted severe dislike Bella held for this sycophant of the Omega’s. One way or another she would kill this bastard. Or she’d die trying…..


Bella thought you only bolted upright from a nightmare in movies. Until it happened to her. She was gasping for air, and her heart was going so fast it was practically tripping over itself in haste. Trembling hands moved to cover her face, the terror of the dream slowly seeping away. It had been months since she’d dreamed of her kidnap, but that.. was something else. Married to David? Fuck. She shuddered, ice chilling her spine,  and moved silently through the sheets to her savior not stopping until she was flush up against Z’s back as he slept on the very edge of their mated bed, and her hands locked around his belly. Being out of sorts with him these last weeks, barely speaking, had left Bella’s unconscious mind vulnerable for the nightmare to seep in. Z’s sleeping form brought the calm in stages until she could fully breath again. He’d never stopped looking for her not until she was found… Fusing herself to her hellren, Bella relaxed and let her eyelids fall closed again knowing she’d talk to Mary about her dream in the morning… #BEDreaming

BELLA: [She was in a funk. Not a tiny funk. Or a misery she could ignore. No, Bella had herself a raging teenage-emo right in the face kind of funk going on. She’d tried for days to talk to her hellren, it was akin to banging her head against a wall. In the end, too pissed to continue trying she just left him be, if he wanted to speak he would. She’d screwed up major league, but so had he many times and she didn’t run off in a sulk, she didn’t sleep away from their mated bed, she didn’t ignore him like he wasn’t even there. So Bella’s mood was less than stellar as she lead Nalla down the long tunnels to the training rooms practicing her haughty glare for if she ran into her hellren.  Her daughter was carrying her bag of goodies: coloring books and crayons, a doll and her box of raisins. She didn’t care if Zsadist was busy, she didn’t even ask him, she made sure Nalla got inside the office where he was, her squeal of “Papaaaa look I got cwayons” clearly heard and Bella turned on her heels and retraced her steps, out from behind the painting under the stairs and down to the Billiards room. This time of night it would be empty. She grinned finding it so. A little quiet time with her good friend Riesling. With a full glass of her favorite wine, she curled out in one of the oversized leather chairs, legs dangling over the arm, head resting on the other, and the wine glass balanced on her belly, while she had the fight of all fights with Zsadist inside her mind. Her lips upturned a little.. those fights she always won]

PAYNE: [Her ass handed to her by Tohrment, then a ‘come to Jesus’ with the King on the training room mats had left her with a sour stomach. Not to mention Manuel wasn’t in the best of moods since her return from South Carolina. Sure he had been attentive, overly so caring for her needs during her recovery as a good mate should but the underlined anger and frustration was there, hidden behind his mahogany eyes. Payne wanted to make it better, wanted to reassure him of her love and devotion but it seemed like she couldn’t reach him at times and now more so since he had decided to spend more time in the clinic on research and what not. Fine. And if she was honest with herself, she was so done with confrontations at the moment that she needed a break. Quietly opening the door to her room, she stuck her head out to see if the coast was clear before descending the grand staircase towards the billiards room. One of those pink drinks she’d had at Rehvenges’ place that night out with Bella would serve her well and good. Speaking of the blue-eyed devil…entering the spacious room and expecting to be alone at this time of night, she stopped abruptly seeing Bella nursing a glass of wine, cuddled up in one of the leather chairs with a look on her face like she’d lost her best friend. Immediately concerned for her friend but not wanting to alarm her since she’d seemed lost in her own universe, Payne approached Bella where she sat and reached out, gently tugging at a strand of her long dark hair to get her attention.] May I join you?


BELLA: Bella had heard the approaching feet and had been ready to snarl at whatever stiff-necked stubborn male it was. She was in no mood for any penis-owners for company.  Until she saw the lithe stride of Payne. Her smile curved her lips and she toasted the female with the glass, careful not to slosh it over herself] Pull up a seat, sister [Bella gestured towards the fully stocked bar that never seemed to deplete no matter how fast you drank. Virgin bless those hard working doggen’s] I’m having a wine or four. Help yourself, it’s only the boys’ alcohol. [She hadn’t had much of  a chance to catch up with Payne since her night away in South Carolina, but she’d heard all about it. Personally she’d thought Payne had done the right thing in going to assist Murhder, not that any of the aforementioned stubborn outdated mules would ever agree. No, they liked their females 1920’s style. Chained to a kitchen stove and or the bed and with very little to say or do regarding their own opinions. Bella scowled, her brow pulling down over moody Blue eyes. All this was Phury’s fault, him and his cowardly ways with Z.  The wine spoke for her, she knew that. But pah, it was also a truth.  If not for him she wouldn’t feel so damn lost without her hellren. With a long swallow Bella drained her wine and swung her legs to the floor heading towards the bar, she bumped hips with Payne shooing her to the side as the other female perused carefully over the fully stocked bar. Bella knew what she wanted and squealed with an AHA pulling the bottle of Tequila out from the back. She found a pitcher of salt and a lime too] Want to join me in a shot? [Her fangs peeked with a grin grabbing up two tiny glasses, toasting Payne once both were filled] To you Payne, the bravest female I know. And to all the cantankerous males we happen to love. Bastards.  [Bella clinked, licked her hand taking on the salt, her face scrunched gulping back the Tequila, and sucked around the wedge of Lime, leaving it stuck to her teeth as she grinned at Payne] Good huh?

PAYNE: [Payne watched and followed Bellas steps, tipping back the small shot glass and grimaced a bit as the shot of Herradura-fire slid down her throat settling warm on her belly.] One more. [She managed to croak out at the same time she slammed down the little glass and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Payne chuckled at Bellas lime-green smile and nodded in agreement. The liquor was good and exactly what her mood called for when searching the bar even though all those shiny bottles looked the same to her eyes. She clipped a fang worrying over her bottom lip as Bella poured her a second shot and contemplated grabbing and drinking straight from the bottle like she had seen her twin do on numerous occasions…but that was part of the problem wasn’t it? While her friend had so graciously toasted to her strength and courage, making her cheeks flush a nice pink tint of embarrassed mixed with pride, the fact that her behavior was more than frowned upon by several in the brotherhood mansion did not go overlooked by her. Wasn’t that why she was suspended from rotation? Yes. Now grueling weekly sessions with the King? Oh yeah that too. And her male….she sighed then, a scowl painting her features and before Bella had a chance to hand her the second shot, she gruffly took it on a big huff, tilted her head back and downed the small glass in half a second. Without thought or care, she then reached for the neck of the tequila bottle, clutching it tight in her hand and moved jean clad hips towards the big leather sofa.] I claim this seat. And this bottle. [Tequila working swiftly through her system, she held the bottle for Bella to see before she plopped non too ladylike on the huge piece of furniture, tucking long legs under her and moving her black braid over a shoulder. Curious diamond eyes followed Bella returning to her seat with a full glass of wine and she thought back to her earlier toast.] If I may be bold. What bastards did we toast? Personally, I have had enough testosterone to last me ten lifetimes o’er these weeks. [Grabbing a pillow and settling it on her lap, she took a swig from the Herradura bottle, hissing at the scorching burn and turned a quirked brow in question over at her friend]


BELLA:  [It felt like a victory when Bella happened upon a family sized bag of salted pretzels, she tore into the packaging and left it open in the middle of the table separating her and Payne when she none too gently parked her behind once more in the comfy chair. Nibbling the snack and sipping her wine Bella sighed and told of the sorry state of events from her life the last few weeks] So you see, they’re bastards… well… maybe not Zsadist, I did lie a lot. [she frowned until her eyes were almost obscured] A girl tries to do her best for her family and what do I get? A damn empty mated bed and silence like I’m a child. He left our bed, Payne.. I hate sleeping alone.  [she huffed, and swigged from her wine until only half remained in the glass] They all have double standards, Payne, you’ll see… it’s one rule for them and another for us. oh it’s OKAY for them to withhold truths, but dare to do the same FOR  A VERY GOOD REASON [A noise akin to a snort came from Bella’s mouth and she yelled looking towards the door as If Zsadist could hear her all the way down into the training center. She smiled then watching Payne cradle the bottle like a babe in between guzzles] You know what… we BOTH should go to South Carolina, I have relatives there… let them all run around after their tails for a while [Bella giggled, more so because the alcohol was doing what it was intended, and making her brain fuzzy and warm and forgetful of THAT look Zsadist have gave her, like she’d just stabbed him in the gut with a blunt spoon.  She slouched further in her chair, leg kicked carelessly over the arm] What say you, Payne, shall we run off into the moonlight together?  

PAYNE: [Ice colored eyes widened as big as saucers, she almost spit out the mouthful of tequila she’d been in the process of drinking before swallowing hard in a spurt of coughing.] Runaway you say? Mayhap your eyesight is a bit hazy but… [Payne pointed to her temple first, then under her right jaw at the fading yellow bruises.] according to our King and the Commander…[The liquor set her tongue wagging, where she could hardly hide the trace of sarcasm in her tone…] I am to no longer GALLIVANT around the unknown without proper permission or an army of warriors babysitting my backside. [Setting the now half-empty bottle of tequila on the table next to the pretzels, she flung the pillow from her lap to the end of the sofa and flopped, the room spinning like a carousel behind her eyes.] Double standards, Indeed. [She then took her turn and related the meeting with Tohrment and the head-to-head with the King. Her hand motions talking faster than the slur that crept up in her voice.] So you see, Bellasistermine, you are not the only being treated as young. ‘Tis apparent our choices were made within our best judgement and good reason, as you say…not for our benefit but for others sake but is that take into consideration? NO! Mayhap….[She sat up quickly in her drunken haze, reached for the pillow and flung it over at Bella almost missing the wine glass and broke out into a fit of laughter…] you are right…we SHOULD go back to South Carolina…better yet, let us go now! [An evil-type of snicker followed her suggestion as she reached for the bottle once, twice, missing it until a third time she managed to grab it and down the rest. Chucking the glass container to the side landing with a thud on the carpet floor, she sat back on the sofa bringing up her legs in Indian-style fashion and began to undo her now sloppy braid.] I would love those triangular shape treats…Doritos? My stomach growls for them.

BELLA: [While Payne slurred her way through her tirade, Bella giggled and nodded vehemently along with everything she said] Absolutely-we-will-go-now AFTER snacks oh god yes we need more snacks [Swaying to her feet, she felt like the floor was shifting beneath her.. woah.. wine really didn’t agree with her equilibrium.  Bella helped pull up Payne after much laughing and re-starts,  and then, like smart females,  did the ‘you lean on me I lean on you’ arm link to stop them both from face planting the floor, and both females lurch-walked their way down to the main kitchen] Fritzy! we have a hunger for Doritos [Bella announced too loudly making the doggen chuckle at them both] oh OHH and some Guac too please and sour cream, you like sour cream Payne, ohh you’re gonna love it. Salsa too please, Fritzy.. yes yes heap it on the tray [barely taking breath, the way past tipsy female instructed the doggen to laden the tray with all kinds of goodies while the girls discussed in shushed whispers their trip away from the overbearing pig-headed mule males of the house] We shall galli with all the vants we want, Payne sister, yes we will [she beamed a grin at the two Payne’s stood side by side and decided to hug the nearest one to her] You know [Bella said around a mouthful of salsa and chip, pushing her wild mane of curls out of her face, she grinned, all fangs and sunshine, and staged a whisper as she watched Payne hold onto the island counter like it was her very own lifeboat raft] I think you’re a little bit sauced! [Course, Bella did her own ‘standing on top deck’ sway herself as she declared this. With her arm firmly curled into Payne’s arm, the pair followed behind the doggen carrying their hoard of food, and belted out a rendition of ‘Hey Soul Sister’  at the top of their lungs not caring who heard. Bella was done pandering to her moody male and the cowardly brother-in-law. She was done trying to fix her family. Right now all she wanted was more guacamole, maybe another bottle of wine and the shrill singing of her friend at her side. She giggled, hip bumped Payne as she hit a high note in the song]

PAYNE: Arm in arm with Bella, Payne walked back towards the billiards room in a cushiony tequila induced cloud. Careful not to bump her friend into the wall, she returned the hip-bump and made up her own words to the song she so badly mutilated with her voice. Beyonce she wasn’t. Her onxy waist-long hair now around her shoulders, she curled a loose strand over an ear and gave Bella a wry smile.] Verily, if I am sauced, then you are toasted. [Laughing again, she hiccuped loudly, sending a blush over her cheeks followed by a string of haphazard apologies which only sent Bella into a fit of giggles. Her mother would spin in her silk robing if she saw just how vulgar and distasteful her daughter had become. And if that didn’t cause Payne to break into her own fit of giggles to join Bella’s nothing would. Thanking the doggen with an over exaggerated flourished bow, she sat her tush on the floor on one side of the coffee table while Bella sat on the other and they dove right into the food. Payne inquired on the goings on of the mansion knowing that Bella had first hand in all the news. Her eyes widened at the mention of a possible romance between No’One and the commander, to which Payne replied in a whisper, ‘verily a warm females body would improve his mood immensely’ sending them both almost snorting their drinks through their noses, chuckling like teenagers. Time flew by until the food was all but gone and their liquor tolerance had been reached but neither wanted their impromptu ‘girls night out’ to end so Bella popped in ‘Grease’ to which Payne gave a thumbs up since it was now her second favorite movie next to ‘Dirty Dancing’. Side by side now on the big leather couch with vats of popcorn in each of their laps, they turned half-hazed out eyes towards the big flat screen TV and settled back for some Sandy and Danny Zuko. What began a moody and sulking night for drowning sorrows in the bottom of many bottles, ended up, in fact, being a cathartic evening for both girls… with the Pink Ladies help, of course...#HappyHour #BrothersEternal

BELLA: “Mama look! I Pweety” [Popping her head out of her walk-in closet, Bella dissolved into a soft giggle seeing her precocious daughter wearing one of Bella’s pink bras like a jacket, hooked around both her little arms, and a pair of bootie shorts hanging down to her knees, teamed with Bella’s newest pair of Black Louboutin’s with the vivid Red soles on Nalla’s feet. Her naked chest had a string of pearls dangling and one arm jangled with around 20 bracelets and didn’t her daughter just look proud as a peacock at her ensemble.] You look beautiful, angel [Bella choked back another laugh as Nalla teetered across the room, the too large shoes click clacking. God help their credit cards when Nalla became an age she wanted to pick her own clothes, she might have to sell one of Z’s kidney’s to fund her little girl’s fashion habit. Dipping back into the closet, she came back out ten minutes later with an excessive arm load of clothes Bella was donating to Safeplace to go along with a boxful of baby clothes Nalla had outgrown. Another thirty minutes, dressed in the right attire appropriate for an almost two year old, Bella and her chattering smaller yellow eyed shadow carried the clothes down to leave with a doggen to pack into Marissa’s car. Bella saw the sister in question in the kitchen a few minutes later as she plonked Nalla into her high chair] Hey Marissa [she smiled, heading for the coffee pot] When are you heading to work? I have some more clothes to bring down, might need the SUV, though.


MARISSA:  [Nearly bumping my half awake body into Bella as I reached for the coffee pot I smile and laugh before throwing my arm around her shoulder in a small hug] I’m sorry Bella, I’m not quite awake. Did you say you have MORE clothes to offer? The females and mahmens are going to be beside themselves with joy. Your first offering was so generous, I can’t thank you enough. [taking the coffee pot from her I fill my mug and look over at Nalla nearly spilling the coffee] Oh my Nalla, don’t you look beautiful! Bella, I should be leaving in about thirty minutes, and if you’re serious I can ask Butch or Vishous for the Escalade.


BELLA:  [Grinning around a mouthful of the Colombian blend Fritz got for the house, Bella moaned as the caffeine went to work in her body, and nodded while she dumped a bowl of grape halves on Nalla’s tray. As always her daughter didn’t believe in table manners and proceeded to shove two into her mouth and gave Bella a toothy grin. Man, the love for her angel hit her so hard sometimes, she leaned and kissed Nalla’s fire curls. She was so lucky to have her child, and Nalla blessed not wanting for anything in a house full of people who fell over themselves to spoil her, it was why Bella liked to donate to safeplace often. Those poor babies, with their broken families tugged at Bella’s heart, and all the hard work Marissa had done with the safe haven, the least anyone could do to help was donate a few clothes] I have toys too, I couldn’t resist when I was out last week [When she were sneaking around seeing Phury and Cormia..but that she didn’t voice, or she’d be swamped with guilt again, better to not confide in anyone and make her dishonesty that much worse] Can you keep an eye on my raggedy-anne here [Bella ruffled her young’s messy hair] And I will run up and fetch the rest of the things. Be good for Aunt ‘rissa, baby [Marissa being one of Nalla’s absolute favorite people, Bella grinned heading out of the kitchen hearing the baby chatter going on]


ZSADIST: *It didn’t take a genius to find his young after he climbed out the entrance to the tunnels under the stairs. Zsadist followed the happy squeals to the kitchen.* Bella, have you seen my—*He stopped when he realized Bella wasn’t in the kitchen with Nalla. Z gave Marissa a nod. Keeping wide berth to not make her uncomfortable, he walked around the far side of the prep station in the middle of the room and reached into the fridge for a bowl of fruit to snack on.* Sorry, Marissa. I thought Bella was in here. How are things going? *Nalla yelled at him, tossing a grape his way. It splattered to the floor a foot past the tray of her high chair. Z held up a hand and scooped up the mess before the female could get to it.* I’ve got the little hellion, don’t worry. *Speaking on worrying, he couldn’t help the next thing out of his mouth, even though he’d told Bella he washed his hands of the whole fucking thing.* Has Cormia settled back in over at SafePlace?

MARISSA: [Smiling brightly at Bella I nodded and walked over to play in Nalla’s curls] She is always an angel with her Aunt, aren’t you princess? We’ll be just fine, take your time. [Taking a long sip of my coffee I continued to watch Nalla shove the grapes into her mouth and laughed to myself. Seems she has taken after the Brothers eating behavior. My head swiveled up and around as I heard Zsadist’s voice right before he entered the kitchen.] Hello Z [Grabbing one of Nalla’s grapes I popped it into my mouth and smiled over at the brother just as Nalla yelled and threw a few his way. I watch him squat down to pick up the mess and when he stood up again I reached for the grapes in his hand to dispose of them.] Cormia? [I wiped my hands on a towel and shook my head, a little puzzled at the question.] Cormia is not at SafePlace. Have you heard from her?


ZSADIST: *An uneasy feeling settled in his gut and made the piece of melon he chewed taste like shit. Z forced himself to swallow the fruit before he spoke. His voice was low, controlled. Marissa was not the one at fault and he sure as shit didn’t need her overprotective hellren butting his crooked nose in their biz because Z accidentally startled her.* I’d just heard that she was back at SafePlace and wanted to check in on her. *Why would Bella lie to him? Their relationship worked because she was always honest with him, even on days when he couldn’t shake the shadows of the past digging their razor-sharp claws into his shoulders. An avalanche of questions slammed into his grey matter. Dizzy, Z set his forgotten snack on the prep table.* I need to grab something upstairs. Can you watch Nalla until Bella comes back? She shouldn’t be long. *If she was even in the mansion still. Z’s heart dropped into the churning acid pit of his stomach. Bella lied about seeing Cormia, so where had she been the night she claimed to be with the chosen? Z cut through the dining room and headed for the staircase, seeking out his shellan for answers. The soft music from her phone drifted down the grand staircase. He stopped and slid back around toward the dining room entrance to chill his shit out before he flipped into interrogation mode.*


BELLA: [Bella was at the top of the grand staircase, arms overflowing with bags and a storage box packed to the brim with toys ready to haul down to Marissa’s car, when her phone twinkled with ‘club can’t handle me’ indicating a text message. She dumped her stuff with a puff of expelled air and reached into her pocket. Phury. Making sure she knew to go to their house tonight and not the church. Bella backed a few feet down to the hall of statues, and hit call, speaking in a hushed tone when her brother-in-law answered] Hi it’s me.. no, it’s fine texting, I’m alone.. he’s working.. yes I will.. okay, yes.. [Bella fidgeted from one flip-flop foot to foot, the only thing keeping her from spilling the beans to Z was Phury’s word he’d come back to the mansion this week. Her voice lowered] I don’t like this, you know I don’t..I know.. yes I know you don’t.. Look, we’ll talk about it tonight..a real talk, no dodging me, I mean it..  I don’t know yet, I’ll come up with something [she still had tonight’s lie to endure, it curdled her belly just thinking of it. Hopefully Z would be working-out or busy with his brothers to notice if she left for an hour and she wouldn’t have to shovel out some cock and bull tale she absolutely loathed telling him. Her tone softened and she smiled when Phury switched the phone to Cormia] Miss you too.. yes, Can’t wait to see… tonight, yes..

ZSADIST: *Red hot anger washed over his vision. The walls of the mansion shrunk around him, making his skin twitch with the need to run, be free somewhere other than in this place where so much of his life had gone right and was now set to go so wrong. Z couldn’t deal. He heard Bella gathering bags at the top of the staircase. If he confronted her now, he was sure to push her away, as he’d done before Nalla was born. They’d have their fight—the lies ate at him, made him sick to consider—but not now. Bella’s gentle footsteps headed down the stairs. Zsadist made a beeline around the foot of the stair to the tunnels. He slammed the door shut. The painting affixed to the other side rumbled, sounding like it was ready to fall off the door. Cursing, Zsadist went straight to the locker room to grab the spare boots, leathers, and jacket. Dressed, he headed outside through the parking garage. Z trudged up the steep drive. Salt crunched under his boots. Bitter cold seeped through his thin jacket, but he didn’t give a fuck about the cold across his skin. The chill in the center of his chest scared him shitless.

BELLA: [Dear virgin, how could clothes and a few toys weigh so much. Bella heaved the last load into the back of Butch’s SUV and stretched out her aching back, the cloud of air puffing out of her mouth. Much as she loved the darker nights she really really wanted warmer weather again. Bikini weather, so she could entice her male into the outside pool. Bella wrapped arms around herself, flip flops slapping against the ground, in a hurry to get inside when a movement from up the long driveway caught her attention. Her mate. Not even giving a thought as to why he was out strolling in the frigid temperatures, Bella grinned to herself and vanished quickly and appeared before Zsadist] BOO! [Her smile was all sunshine and fangs looking up at him] Where you going, Nallum mine? [she hopped on the spot shivering, freezing cold]

ZSADIST: *Snarling, he whipped around to face whoever was stupid enough to speak up on him. Zsadist barely managed to keep himself from lashing out at Bella. Backing away, he scrubbed his hands over his frozen scalp, wishing he could work away all of the doubts and questions in his mind.* Out. I needed out. *He flapped a hand toward the forest around them and wanted to curse himself for not heading straight toward the creek he used to take John to on his bad nights. Zsadist couldn’t meet Bella’s eyes. His gaze fell on her feet. They were bare, safe for a pair of sandals. BIting out a curse, he shrugged out of his coat and handed it to her.* Go inside and get warm, Bella. *He turned, ready to leave, but his brain to mouth filter failed as his foot crunched down on a thin sheet of ice.* If you go out later, take your gun. At least I’ll know you’re safe, even if I don’t know who you are with.

BELLA: [Bella had experienced many of those ‘belly sinking’ moments in her short life. Many of them were with her male. So the feeling wasn’t unfamiliar. It still made her gut churn and plummet down to her feet region hearing him, seeing the black scowl on his face. She ignored the outstretched hand holding his jacket to her, and grasped his free arm halting him in his tracks] W-what do you mean, Z? [She was tumbling down the rabbit hole, the frigid cold she was feeling had nothing to do with the weather and all to do with Z’s frosty attitude. De-ja-fuckingVu, indeed. But the nagging voice in her head muttering telling Bella she’d expected this.  He knew, somehow.. and didn’t that just chomp a giant hole in Bella’s chest. She frowned, rounding to face him. She’d long since shied away when he was in foul moods, not daring to touch him. Long since past, and she lifted a hand to cup his cold scarred cheek] What is it, nallum? [deliberately swerving what he’d said, the less she could lie to him, the better. Didn’t make her feel any better, but it was something in the grand scheme of her lying tally, which was fast becoming a whole giant scroll of them]

ZSADIST: What is it? *Shaking off her touch, he backed away from her again. Zsadist’s foot caught a patch of snow at the edge of the pavement. He sunk into it, deep enough to cover the top of his left boot. Snow melted against his skin, soaked into his socks.* God damn mother fucking son of a whore! *He yanked his boot free. Feeling as cold as the snow stuck to his pants, he finally met Bella’s blue eyes. She didn’t flinch from the look. No, he’d scared her far worse before, back when she first foolishly thought to save him from himself. Had he pushed her too far? Depended on her too much? What had he done to send her running off to secret meetings with someone she refused to identify.* Who, Bella? One word. One chance. No more lies. I heard you talking to them.

BELLA: [A bubble of emotion caught in Bella’s throat and she stopped a dry sob from emerging with fingertips pressed to her lips trapping it inside. Blue eyes wider, barely blinking watching Zsadist. He’d heard her call with Phury. Didn’t take Einstein to know he’d overheard and connected the dots wrong and 2+2 became 679. He thought she… virgin scribe.. just the blank stare on his face told her he really did think she was sneaking behind his back with some male.. in a romantic way. Oh god. Much worse than she could have ever anticipated, she knew when she’d been seeing Phury, trying to make him come home, that the moment Z knew he’d be pissed with her. Never for a second had she factored this in. She took a breath, words lodging in her throat. She either betrayed a trust of her given word or broke the bonded trust of a hellren and shellan. Rock. Hard place. Bella smack in the middle. She reached out again, and felt the sting of him backing up away from her] It’s not what you’re thinking, baby. It’s not. [she shook her head, brown curls obscuring her vision for a moment, the cold air drying the tears that wanted to fall in a cascade down her cheeks before they even reached her lashes. Her fang whittled against her lower lip as Z just stood there glaring down at her waiting for an answer] Cormia [she spoke finally around the ball of emotion clogging up her throat. Wasn’t a lie, after all] I was talking to Cormia. [To gather herself, Bella paced a little away from her mate, then turned to see his black eyes mirrored in the moon’s light. Hurt. Yeah, she felt hurt, one overheard conversation and he auto jumped to the wrong damn conclusions of the worst possible kind] When have I gave you reason to ever think that of me, Zsadist? When? [She folded arms around herself, not feeling the cold anymore despite her teeth chattering. She had to ask herself, the thought crushing her, had he ever really trusted her at all.. ]

ZSADIST: *His anger flared. She was still lying through her dainty fangs.* How is Cormia doing at SafePlace? *Before Bella got another lie past her lips, he leaned in and growled.* She isn’t, is she? Marissa had no fucking clue what I was talking about when I asked her about Cormia. She looked at me like I’d lost my goddamned mind. Here’s your chance to come clean, Bella. Or has lying become second nature to you? *The pain in her eyes hurt more than he could bear. She’d been the one solid thing in his life he could rely on. Lies and betrayal, he had plenty of both from Phury during the last months of his time in the Brotherhood. Zsadist was stupid enough to think he’d left the worst behind when he washed his hands of his twin, but now his trust had come back to bite him in the balls again.*

BELLA: [If Bella had been in a better frame of mind, she would have gave Zsadist props for not actually splitting out of there. Usually, with any kind of argument he made like the vanishing man and took his feet to walking. But she was too busy with the guilt and the hurt and the holy hell of the fucked up situation right then to even give his progress a thought. She sent Phury a silent apology, she hated backing out of her word, no doubt it would make Z’s twin disappear for good from their lives, but when it came down to it, Z against anyone else, she picked her male. Always. Absolutely every-time. In her mixed up way, she’d chosen Z in lying to him. Only he wouldn’t get that now.  Stupid really, the clarity of that. Man, why hadn’t THAT been her decision that first goddamn night she’d seen Phury in that dark church parking lot? No, I won’t lie and not tell Zsadist. No. But instead, Bella doing the wrong thing in the wrong damn way had tripped herself in a bag of lies from the get-go. Stupid. Stupid. It didn’t change the fact Z was thinking something so much worse she barely could give it a name for fear bile would shoot up her throat] You know better, Zsadist. You know ME better than that.  [she didn’t disguise the agony in her voice, nor the tremor as she cleared her throat] I was talking to Cormia [she held up her hand to shut him up before he could spit out denial again and went go for broke] But first it was your twin I was speaking with. [The whole tale rattled from Bella’s lips from start to finish, until she stopped to take a breath, her brows drawn down over her watery blue eyes] I should have told you sooner. I - I [what excuse could she give. None. Bella was out of excuses and reasons. The mistrusting look on her hellren’s face was all she could see. And she had no one to blame but herself] I’m so sorry… I..

ZSADIST: Phury? *Zsadist couldn’t have been more stunned if Bella hauled off and stabbed him in the gut. And that was exactly what it felt like when he started putting the pieces together. Shopping trips with no bags in tow after. Nalla’s sudden interest in her uncle. Z had brushed the latter off, thinking his little girl saw a picture of Phury somewhere and it reminded her, as it did him, that there was a vital piece missing from their little family. Betrayal sat heavy on his chest. Zsadist couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t see clearly. Something warm trailed down his cheek and he realized he was crying. Stupid fool, he told himself. They’ve played me again. Coddled me because I’m too god damned weak to deal with the real world like a functioning adult. Nalla had a better clue about what was going on in his life better than Zsadist did. Z scrubbed his skull trim again, wishing it would be as easy to wipe away the tension riding his shoulders.* All this time you knew he was back. You knew how much it ate at me to not know if he was even alive and you still fucking lied to me, Bella? I can’t—I can’t deal with this. Not now. Go to him if you have to, if it will keep him from vanishing out of our lives again. But don’t think of coming home to curl up beside me in our mated bed and spoon feed me lies. I’ll find somewhere else to sleep. *Zsadist did what his feet had been screaming to do since she stopped him. He ran. The cold, the snow, none of it mattered. Zsadist took off into the forest, boots flying over paths he knew as well as his hand despite the white shit covering them. If only it were as easy to outrun his fucked up life.*

BELLA: [With the ground threatening to rush up and meet Bella head on, she turned on her flip flops, not even looking in Zsadist’s direction as he disappeared out of sight, and walked slowly back towards the mansion. She’d fucked up and knew it, painfully so. The tears didn’t stop even when she got herself into the house and tracked up the stairs, down the hall of statues and into her room. She could have followed him, but it would have done no good, she’d seen him this way far too many times not to recognize his ‘stay-the-fuck-out-of-my-face’ attitude. And instead of Z being the instigator of their troubles, like so many times before afraid to let himself live, Bella had taken center stage and screwed things up all by herself. She’d even taken an encore with a lavish curtsy and made her hellren hate her. She scrubbed the wetness from her cheeks and sat on the side of the bed sending a quick text to Phury ‘Z knows you’re back. Can’t make it tonight. I’m sorry’ It was down to her brother in law now what he did, if he chose to speak to Z. She was done. Bella had more pressing issues, as the pain settled deep in her chest, resonating from all those months ago when she’d fought for a life with Z. She felt like she was right back in that time and place again. Alone.  She hiccuped around a sob, covered her face and just cried. She cried like she’d just lost her best friend. ] #WebOfLies