The Venatrix

Chapter Twelve

Going through Lights office wasn't nearly as fruitful and satisfying as I thought it would be. Everyone that has gone missing is quite frankly nobodies. They held the rank of delta or lower. If they didn't hold a rank, it's because they were in high school. As a hired killer with principal there is no one here that I would want to kidnap to benefit me or to benefit my cause. However, if I wanted to kill just to kill these were the people that I would target.

"Has anyone found Miss. Bleau's file?" One of Maddox's men asked. Maybe he is the Beta or the Gamma. I'm sure they told me their names. I probably just wasn't paying attention.

"No, maybe she doesn't have one?" The other guy suggested.

"Oh, she has one. It's just a matter of where he would hide it." Malkai said.

"Why is my past so important to you guys?" I ask closing the file I was reading and throw it on the desk.

"I just want to see what all of the fuss is about." The one guy said. What is he implying? Do I not seem interesting enough? I mean it's insulting but it's the truth. Honestly, my life at home was boring until the last couple of months. Personally, I think I put off a mysterious vibe. Who would ever think that I used to be a skilled musician? I know there are some tapes around here somewhere. I'm hoping that I find them before the royal pains in my asses do.

"I'm interested to see if he has the incident reports that were submitted to the werewolf council on your behalf." Malkai says picking up another file. Three heads snap towards his direction. Curious eyes and confused faces bounce between the two of us. I hiss at Malkai through the helmet. I already slipped up and showed my face after losing my temper. That doesn't mean, I've given him the green light to spill my secrets

"What are you two talking about?" Maddox asked.

"Nora?" Malkai asked, jutting his head towards Maddox. He is telling me to tell them my story, but I don't see how it is relevant to the missing persons case we are working on. I am not missing. I never was. Until they can tell me how my case may benefit this one it is none of their business.

"I don't see how it is relevant to this case. If it becomes beneficial to this case, I'll talk about it." I say picking up another file.

"You know, all it would take is one phone call and I can have your case sent to me in a matter of minutes." Maddox said. His eyes have darkened. His jaw is tightly cinched and he has crossed his arms over his chest.

He can't use his alpha tone to manipulate or punish me into giving him the information that he wants. He can't force or manipulate Malkai into giving him the information. So, all he can do is give me a schoolboy threat hoping I'll give him what he wants.

"Your Majesty, if you want to take the time to do so then feel free." I say shrugging. A growl escapes his lips, but he doesn't remove his phone from his pocket. The truth will come out eventually. Everyone wants to know about me and what led to Lights obsession, which is fair, but how do I tie into this case? I didn't make this deal. I was traveling the country hunting vampires when this deal was made. Even after that I was living on the east coast in a deserted cabin.

"Have you had any luck?" Mr. Hardy asked, knocking on the door frame.

"Everyone that has gone missing seems pretty normal and relatively boring." I say glancing up at him.

You're right. They were either basic pack members or were training to be warriors." He said ignoring my obvious dig at his people.

"Well, eliminating the warriors would make it easier for them to cross territory lines undetected." Maddox said.

"Vampires can't enter any home or facility without the permission of the owner. Right, now the best way to protect Esmeray would be to keep her inside." Malkai said. Wait, did anyone tell him about her? Did I?

"I really don't want to keep her isolated away from everyone else, but I'll see that it is done." He says.

"I'll spend some time teaching her how to use a stake." I offer.

"I'm sure she will love that. She has gotten really attached to you since your cross-country trip. You're her role model. "He said, smiling. I don't say anything. I just nod. I shouldn't be anybody's role model.

"That solves one problem but what about the rest of the pack?" He asked.

"How have you been fighting them off this far?" Maddox asked.

"Silver daggers or spears." He said.

"Silver daggers are fine. spears however are too hard to maintain control over. It would be too easy to snatch one away and then use it against the original user." I explained.

"What do you recommend?" He asked.

"Well, normally bows or guns. They are long range weapons that are lethal and don't require you to get too close to your opponent. However, those are too hard to obtain on short notice. I would create some stakes and work on teaching defensive maneuvers." I explained.

"Don't stakes have to be made out of a certain type of wood?" He asked.

"No, they just have to be sharp enough to penetrate the heart." Malkai added.

"You could even have a few people standing by with match books or lighters. Even with a vampire's quick recovery time. A single moment is all it takes to light one on fire. It's a slower method but effective all the same." I offer.

"That seems simple enough. I'll go speak to the beta and see what we can get together." He says before retreating down the hall.

"You make killing vampires sound like child's play." Maddox jokes.

"It was how I made money." I say shrugging.

"It seems like we aren't going to find anything today. It's time for Nora and me to go to bed." Malkai said, looking at his watch.

"You're right. There is a spare room at the end of the hall. You two can stay there." Maddox said. It almost felt weird for him to give us our room assignments. Especially since this isn't his house. Malkai picks up his duffle bag, grabs my hand wordlessly and pulls me down the hall.

The room was dark. Royal blue walls, cherry wood floors, a queen size sleigh bed with baby blue sheets, a mini fridge that had been installed under the nightstand, a miniature closet and a small bathroom off to the side. It reminded me of a small hotel suite.

Malkai removed our clothes from the duffle bag and hung them up in the miniature closet. Then he removed the thermoses from the bag and placed them in the fridge. I slowly start taking off my gear. Carefully placing it behind the door in case I must get ready in a hurry.

Malkai comes over and flips the switch on the lock. When his skin brushes against mine, I shiver at the sparks. Our eyes meet and his eyes seem darker than normal. We seem to gravitate towards each other like a magnate. He carefully tucks a piece of wild curly hair behind my ear. His hand gently brushes against my cheek. Fire pools in my belly.

I want nothing more than to be claimed by him.