"Now that I think about it, you don't really talk much about where you're from, De." Luke ponders, and I'm sure he's making up his own idea of what Delilah's life was like before she came to earth. "It's nothing noteworthy," Delilah quickly brushes Luke off. While I can't see Luke from my position between his legs, I know he's pouting. Luke and I lay on my bed while Delilah sits at my desk. I can practically hear the gears running in her head.
"Remember that I told you guys that vampires aren't pack creatures. Soren, you never should've been chased by so many of them like that. They shouldn't have been together in the first place. Usually, when vampires are together, they're cultists or wannabe saviors, but they didn't seem to be either of those. And it's weird that a vampire would approach you if they weren't interested in you. Let's not forget the fact that he asked about Saiya. Clanents are rare, and for them to show up at a time like this is bad news." Delilah's tone is grave. I didn't think about it in the moment, but now that it's been brought to my attention, I can't help but wonder. "What are clanents again?" Luke asks. "Clanents is a term used to describe a group of vampires," I tell him.
Delilah nods her head, authenticating my statement. "Before that vampire asked me that question, he put his hand on my arm and stared deeply into my eyes, as if he would find the truth there, and for a second I almost told him the truth."
"Remember, vampires can hypnotize you by staring deep into your eyes. All it takes is a few seconds. I'm surprised you were able to snap out of it as fast as you did. Perhaps he didn't get a chance to fully take effect."
"I'd say the biggest question is why were they running after you?" Luke pitches in. "First, he approaches you even though you weren't his type, and then he asks about your sister. You lied to him about having one, and then he chases after you. It sounds to me like we shouldn't be worried about you or what they were doing, rather what they're going to do or maybe have already done." Luke finishes off his suspicions, and it puts a deep pit in my stomach. "The whole point of Jason and me keeping this entire ordeal a secret is so that we would be able to explain everything to Saiya and wouldn't overwhelm her with what-ifs. If the vampires are approaching now, all of this would be for nothing. Not to mention, she could get seriously hurt."
"You should visit her today," Delilah suggests. "Yeah, I'm going to check in today and see how she's doing. But there's one other thing you should know about. There's been this shadow figure recently. It keeps trying to convince me to hand over my body to it. It has only appeared twice, but it knows about everything that's been happening, so I can only assume it's been watching from the shadows. We're already dealing with vampires, werewolves, and effingolos. I don't know what this thing could be."
"And we can't forget about the creepy ghost girl who was twirling you around like a baton during the gala," Luke adds. "If it's trying to possess your body, it's most likely a demon or a spirit. But there are many kinds of demons and spirits, and I have no way of telling which until I can properly see the one that's been paying you visits. For now, the only thing that you can do is not give in to its persuasions." Delilah tells me. "Damn girl, you're really attracting all kinds of attention." I roll my eyes at Luke's comment. "Unwanted attention," I groan. " Speaking of attention, I've met this new guy." Luke's words instantly draw my and Delilah's attention. Delilah and I give each other a look before Delilah speaks up. "Are you sure that you really want to be dating at a time like this?"
"Have you encountered any supernaturals?" Luke questions Delilah. "No,-" Delilah is about to speak again, but Luke interrupts her. "Soren is the only one who has been attracting supernaturals as of late. I think I'm in the clear."
"Apparently, it's not just me since the vampires could be after Saiya. So, at this point, anybody can be a victim." I point out. "Trust me, from the way you're describing these vampires, I think I would know if this guy was one of them."
"Soren also has a Spidey sense when it comes to detecting supernaturals. Last I checked, you don't." I get out from between Luke's legs and turn around so that I'm facing him. Luke rolls his eyes. "OK, putting the negative energy aside, can we just be happy that I have found somebody that I like that isn't a one-night stand?" Delilah and I sigh, but let Luke continue on. "Just promise to be careful," I tell Luke. Luke nods his head in excitement and then rambles on about his new partner. He gushes about how patient his new partner was, and how much he listened. Luke's excitement was palpable, and Delilah and I could clearly tell that he was smitten with whoever this person was. As happy as I am for Luke, the timing seems iffy.
~~
I pull into Saiya's driveway and ring her doorbell after leaving my car. I fidget with my fingers. I didn't give her any notice that I was coming, and she will find it hard to believe that I'm here because I wanted to see her. When Saiya doesn't answer, I ring the doorbell again. That's weird. Her car is here, and she usually answers the door in seconds. A minute or two later, and there's still no response. Have the vampires already gotten to her? I quickly dialed her phone. She doesn't answer that either. I creep around her house to try to find any open windows.
I try every window possible, but they're all locked. Shit. I go back to the front door and furiously bang on it. "Saiya, It's Soren! Let me in!" I demand. I hear a bit of shuffling before I hear the door unlock. A few more seconds go by until it actually opens. I prepare myself for anything and make sure that Delilah's recharged necklace is in my grasp. The door slowly creaks open. Saiya's frightened blue orbs come into view, and it's clear that she's holding something behind her.
"How do I know that it's really you?" She tries to keep a steady voice, but it falters. "You wouldn't since we're practically estranged." I give her a deadpanned face to seal the deal. A sigh of relief exits her mouth and she completely opens the door. "It's you alright," she smiles. I give her a skeptical look before walking inside. I walk to her living room before turning to her. Even in the safety of her home, she's on edge. "What's going on? Why wouldn't you believe that it was me?" I question her. She quickly stiffens and awkwardly scratches her neck.
"Oh, it's nothing. The night shifts have been long and tedious, so I haven't been getting much rest."
"I thought you worked day shifts."
"I did, but I recently switched over to have more time to prepare for the wedding during the day."
"Right, okay, how about you cut the shit and tell me what's really going on. Sleep deprivation doesn't make you ready to bash my head in with that bat of yours." A lot of hockey spreads across her face. "You saw that?"
"Let's just say you're not exactly discreet." Saiya tiredly sighs before sitting on the arm of the couch. "I wasn't lying. It really has been a rough few days."
"I'm not doubting it. The hard part to believe is that sleep deprivation is the sole cause of your paranoia." Saiya timidly looks at me, and I can tell that she's trying to figure out what to say to me. "If I tell you something that sounds completely crazy, would you believe me?" By the way she looks at me, I can tell that my next response is crucial, but I can't readily accept what I know she's going to say. Knowing that I'm as skeptical as I am, it would be far too suspicious for me to jump at the idea of supernaturals existing. "Depends on what you say. I've seen some things, so I'm more open-minded than you might think."
Saiya tightly squeezes herself as if she is trying to protect herself. "What if I told you that vampires and shapeshifters exist, and possibly other kinds of supernaturals. This is all hypothetical, of course." Shapeshifters? Without the knowledge that Delilah gave me, I'd still think that effingolos were shapeshifters. Saiya's statement proves that the existence of effingolos on earth is not as far-fetched as we originally thought. What business do they have with her? I frown and cross my arms. "I would find it hard to believe without evidence, but I'm inclined to believe that something made you this frightened. So, hypothetically speaking, my next question to you would be, what makes you think that supernaturals exist?"
Saiya bites her lips and hesitates before speaking again. "And if I hypothetically told you that I've seen one? How they move and the inhuman things that they can do." I try to think of a way to respond, but the silence only puts Saiya more on edge. "Calm down. I'm not going to run around calling you crazy or anything of the sort. Even as you're hypothetically telling me this, I don't think you're crazy or weird. Granted, it's a little hard to believe, but who am I to tell you that you didn't see whatever it was that you saw. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you're not being heard."
Saiya lowers her head, presumably in shame. "There's this...stalker of sorts. He's been visiting me for a while now and has been feeding me these absurdities of the supernatural. Even after showing me his fangs and super speed, I refused to believe it. But one night, someone, no, something came into my house. This thing looked exactly like him. I thought that he was acting a little strange, but didn't think anything of it until the thing attacked me." She tells me the truth in her own way.
"Why do you think it was some kind of shapeshifter rather than the possibility that your stalker got violent?"
"He may be creepy and weird, but he would never try to harm me. I know that now. He saved me that night. If he wasn't there, Soren, I don't know what would've happened."
"Does Jason know?"
"Do you think he'd be away from me if he did?" Right, stupid question. "Speaking of Jason, how are you two doing?"
"It's funny that you ask that, considering that he and I are having troubles. It's almost as if your timing is perfect. Too perfect. Why are you here anyway?" Saiya looks at me with a skeptical glare. I can't help but smile, proud of her keen perception. "Slow down there. I'm not the enemy, but I can see why you'd be suspicious. I came because I had a bad feeling."
"A bad feeling," Saiya dryly repeats. She's usually so timid around me, so it's unusual for me to see this side of her. "Believe it or don't believe it. I'm not one to waste my time trying to convince somebody of something unless I'm getting paid."
"Speaking of working, has Jason been acting weird at the office? He's been…distant with me. Maybe you've had more luck." Saiya grits her teeth at the prospect. "Actually, I haven't been at the company for five days now, so I wouldn't know. But Jason and I have talked over the phone. He seemed troubled, but nothing too serious." Saiya nods her head before looking down. "So what are you going to do?" I don't need to clarify what I'm talking about.
"I don't know. He said he'd always be here to protect me, but I'm more worried about you guys, the people around me. While he's been a decently respectful guy around me, he isn't exactly the sweetest person to everybody else. I've heard him talk to and about others. It isn't pretty."
"What does he plan to do with you?" For some reason, the question makes her blush. "Um, well, he's adamant on courting me." I'm stunned into silence for a few minutes. "Okay…is he succeeding?" Saiya shoots off the couch. "Soren! How could you ask a thing?! I'm engaged!" I roll my eyes. "Yes, a fact that I can never forget, considering who you're going to marry. But this family has a knack for cheating, so once again, I'll ask without judgment. Is he succeeding?"
"No," she growls. "So this man randomly shows up in your house and confesses his love for you?"
"Not exactly. He said we had 'this connection,' " She air quotes. A connection? Damn, Saiya is deeper into this than I originally thought. Jason is going to have to tell her everything soon. If events continue the way they are, who knows what'll happen. I have firsthand experience of the difficulty in resisting a supernatural bond. As if now there's nothing that I can do for her. It's unfortunate, but her best bet is to continue letting that vampire help her. "Right, well, I remembered that I have something to do. Be safe, and if anything goes wrong, contact me. Trust me when I say that I can handle it."
I don't wait for a response before leaving.
~~~
I look at the address that Keith sent me a while back, of the last place Jason's parents were seen, and Trevor's wife's location. I pondered it before deciding to dial Jason. To my surprise, it goes to voicemail. What's up with people not taking my calls? I huff and decide on the next best option. I quickly call the group chat comprised of Luke, Delilah, and me. It doesn't take long for them to answer. Luke is with somebody in the background, and to my surprise, Delilah's succubus form makes itself known as horns protrude from her head, webbed-like wings sprout from her back, and a tail that forms an arrow tip sways around. It looks like she's in some kind of club as the lights flash a range of colors. Some guy behind her falls, and she wipes her mouth. "You called?" She says nonchalantly.
"Damn girl, we see you," Luke hollers. Delilah grins. "I see you also have your hands deep into someone at the moment."
"Not yet, but soon," Luke grins and gives his partner a sensual look. Delilah quickly hides her succubus features before Luke's partner could turn around and face the camera. "Are you trying to insinuate something?" Luke's partner flirts. I'm unable to see the man's face as Luke's head blocks the view. "Can you guys go somewhere a little more private. This is important." It doesn't take long for the two to excuse themselves from whatever activities they were participating in.
"So, what's up, Ren?" Luke asks. "I wanted your advice on something. Should I tell Trevor that I know the location of his wife?" My question is met with silence after Luke winces. "Yikes, that's a tough one. Do you think he'd jeopardize the mission if he knew?" Luke asks.
"I don't know what to expect. I don't even know why he and his wife separated in the first place. He hinted at them being mates but never told us the extent of their relationship. According to Trevor, the timeline goes as such: Jason's bio parents were being hunted by some great evil. Upon the discovery of Jason's mom's pregnancy, they fled to a witch who transported Jason's bio and adoptive parents to Earth. Apparently, Gabriel and Jessica were also supernatural protectors of Jason's bio parents, which is why they tagged along. Jason's mom carried the rest of her pregnancy term on earth, which is why Trevor, who was already on earth after escaping Aremis, a supernatural prison, was able to deliver Jason. But Jason's biological parents' identity was somehow never revealed. Possibly the work of a spell. They were able to raise Jason for ten years until they had to go on the run again. After that, Jason's memories of his bio parents were erased. It was deemed unsafe for Trevor to stay with Jason, presumably because he was too close to Jason's bio and adoptive parents, despite not knowing Jason's bio parents' identity. That's where Carissa, Trevor's wife, comes in. She was Jason's teacher and kept watch of him even after Jason's adoptive parents eventually died in a car accident when Jason was 18. At this point, Jason was too old to be in foster care, so he lived alone with the fortune left behind for him as Carissa watched him from afar. That's where his past ends. Trevor said that Carissa cut contact years ago. He never mentioned anything about a marriage with her."
"It doesn't sound like Trevor went looking for her. Perhaps he knows that it'll only put them in danger if he reconnects with her." Delilah pitches. "Yeah, but shouldn't he know that we know and make that decision for himself rather than us assuming?" Luke argues.
"He could have a ton of self-restraint, or we can dangle food in front of a starving beast and hope he also doesn't eat the feeder. Maybe Trevor didn't go looking because he knew it would only drive him crazy to not be able to reach her. I say we investigate the reason for their separation before we stir anything." Delilah argues. "It's great that you mentioned us investigating, since my next question was going to be if you guys would join me," I say. "Of course, we'd help. Shit's getting interesting," Luke cheers. "Perfect, meet up at my house in an hour. We'll depart today. We only have three more days until my bond with Jason returns. Carissa lives in a completely different state, and the last known location of Jason's bio parents is a warehouse on the outskirts of town. We go to the warehouse today and set out tomorrow to find Carissa."
"A different state?! De, what are the chances that you can just teleport us?" Luke pleads. "Zero. It's bad enough that we have vampires and effingolos on our tail. I can't leave a trail of magic everywhere we go. We'll have to take transportation the old-fashioned way."
"Great, I'll see you guys in an hour." I hang up the call and pull out my jar of applesauce. A few minutes later, I'm getting a call from Jason. I answer the call. "Hey, sorry I missed your call. We were in a meeting." I instantly become rigid. "Did it go well?" I ask with apprehension. "Yes, actually. Remi did a great job with the presentation. She was a little iffy on public speaking, but she eventually got her shit together. She really shines when she comes out of her shell." I roll my eyes and scoff. Presentations are my job. "Yeah, whatever. My reason for having called you no longer exists, so if you don't mind, I'll be hanging up now." I'm about to hang up the call before I'm interrupted.
"Wait! Are you jealous?" Humor dances in Jason's eyes. It grinds my nerves. I give him a fierce glare. "You know that you'll always be my number one." Jason flips me that boyish grin. The same one that always makes my stomach do somersaults. It's not fair. "Shut up. Of course, Remi did a great job. I taught her. Just another skill of mine." Jason hums, and I don't like how nice the sound is to my ears. "Anyway, why did you call?" I clam up. Should I tell him that I'm going to find Carissa without him? "Um, it's nothing important. I got Luke and Delilah to help me."
"You contacted me first, and now you can't tell me anything? If Delilah is involved, then I'm almost sure that it has something to do with supernaturals, which means that it has something to do with me." He frowns and drills me with a piercing stare. I sigh and concede. "We're going to find Carissa and the last known location of your bio parents." I wait for a growl or anything to indicate that he's mad. What I get is even worse. He's completely silent. "Listen, Jason, it's better this way. My mark was supposed to have been long gone, according to Trevor. It's been over a month, and we only have three more days until everything comes crashing down. One of us has to be at the office, and it's clear that Remi is doing a good job taking over my role."
I'm met with more silence. "Um, I'll keep you updated," I can't even look him in the eyes. His stare…it's not anger, nor is it his usual analytical stare. For some reason, it's scarier, more dominant. It's only when I go to hang up that he speaks up. "I don't trust that," I swear his voice is an octave lower. When I finally meet his gaze, I can tell that he and Ace are one in this moment.
"You don't trust what?" I gulp. "I don't trust that you'll keep me updated. Even now, you still haven't told me what you've been sneaking around doing. You never told me how you got Trevor's information. You didn't tell me how you got that bruise on your arm that night, nor where you were. Hell, you didn't even tell me about what happened when I blacked out from the mark's effects until I asked you. We're supposed to be a team. It's not supposed to be me sitting here on my ass while you put yourself in danger. If you went to Trevor's alone, what would you have done after having a gun pointed at your face? What about these potential shapeshifters that you told me about, which you still haven't told me how you acquired that information either."
I never realized just how much I have been holding out on Jason, but if I tell him, he'll go into defensive mode. It's already bad enough that we have to be apart; it'll be worse if he worries. "Jason, you have to trust me. I have Delilah with me. I'll be fine. I appreciate your concern, but your instinct to protect me will only get in the way. Think about what's important. Would you rather keep me safe or find your parents?"
"My parents are already gone. Hell, they might just be dead. I will not have you succumb to the same fate, you hear me?" Determination shines bright in Jason's eyes, and he has never sounded more commanding. "I-" I'm at a loss for words. "When the mark is gone, I'll tell you everything. It's too dangerous with you and Ace trying to combine. I don't want to trigger anything."
"You're triggering a lot of things at the moment. You're going to tell me everything right now, and you will not go on that trip without me." I'm saved by the bell as my doorbell rings. "Everything will be okay. Check up on Saiya, okay." I hang up the call and answer the door. Delilah and Luke stand in front of my door. I grab my keys and exit the house. "Let's get this show on the road."