9 Chapter 9

I was practically drowning in all the jealousy flowing off the women in the bar this evening. Ever since Conall dropped in he's been the focus point of all the conversation's between the women folk of Sanctuary. I smiled to myself, though, a little pride did in fact swell my chest a bit and even though Janet Bouldaire kept going to the ladies room just to pass by him and shove her fake air bags in the air as she did so, he still only had eyes for me.

My happiness was short lived as the doors to the bar swung open and in waltzed four very large, very broody looking men. After I gave them an initial welcome they sated themsleves in the far, dimly lit corner near the pool tables. I'd been sending out calming vibes via a calm charm but it was taking it's toll on me now. After a quick convo with Conall via our telepathy (Hey it's the only thing I can think of to call it, cut me some slack here. I'm new to all this Wolf stuff.) I marched over to the table to get their orders and maybe a little insight.

There were three racking up to play pool as I approached. All of them stopped to watch me walk by and stop directly in front of the one sitting down. He was tall, even sitting, I could tell that. He had tanned skin and a big Bush hat pulled low over his face. (Think Crocodile Dundee but a bit more worn in and floppy)

"Hey there, welcome to The Dark Horse sugar, can I et ya'll some drinks to start with?"

The man was silent for a long moment. Just as I was about to ask again he looked up. There is no descriptive word in the English language great enough to explain how beautiful his eyes were. They looked as if they were molten lava. Tumbling and receding into itself over and over, I was so captivated by his gaze I nearly forgot where I was. I quickly snapped myself free from his cryptic stare and cleared my throat. I looked down at my pen and pad and composed myself.

I strengthened my backbone and once again looked up at the man, ready to stare him down. He was no longer looking at me, but passed me. My first thought was of Conall. If he was right and these men were in fact Dark Reapers like we'd discussed during our telepathic exchange, then they may recognize him.

The need to protect him from harm and recognition jump started my mouth. I quickly named off the specials and started swaying from one foot to the next. Blocking his view of the bar. Once I'd finished I'd stood waiting for him to give me an answer. By this time the other men, just as tall and ust as tan skinned stepped closer to us as if sensing something was about to go down.

I kept my nonchalant expression plastered to my face as I patiently waited to get their orders. I sent a quick message to Conall during this time.

"Conall, get in the kitchen. Now!"

I felt the shift in the room as soon as he'd left the area, I could only hope the Dark Reaper didn't feel it as well. Even through all this, I found myself wishing he'd look at me again. I wanted to see the lava flowing and twisting in his eye's.

He, along with his cohorts wore the same Bush hat's, long over coats and bandanna's around their faces. It was pretty hard to make out any facial features beneath them so I made a mental note to watch carefully if they ordered drinks. But my note was in vain because no sooner had I thought it, the boss man removed his.

In one quick motion he removed the bandanna, his men followed suit. He smiled up at me and finally he spoke. It was a deep, smooth voice, if it were a drug I'd say it was cocaine laced with ecstasy. It just seeped into your very pores and leeched itself in your very essence. I wanted, needed him to speak more.

"I'll take a beer. What's the best you have to offer beautiful?"

"Well Killians Brew is our best seller. Though I do carry some nice aged whiskey and scotch for those who want a little refinement in their daily diet or for those who want to escape their shitty lives to pretend to have a better one for a few hours.I don't judge I just supply the demand."

He smiled, a wide toothy grin. Goddess his face was amazing! No imperfections, even the scar over his left eye was beautiful! I wanted to touch it, to lightly run my finger down it until I reached the end and was forced to touch his scruffy cheek. I'd like to touch his cheek...and his jaw...and his neck....Whoa! Snap outta it girl! I mentally slapped myself, hard, and honed in on his words.

"Aged whiskey huh? How about some....bourbon? Kentucky Bourbon is my favorite. I'm especially fond of an old brand by the name of P.V.W, but I doubt you'd have it."

"Actually I have a bottle in the back. 20 years old to be exact. Cost me close to $4000.00 but I feel it's worth it. It's in my private collection."

"Ah, beautiful and an excellent taste for liquors. I take it since the private collection is your, you must be the owner of this lovely bar?"

"Yes, I am. I'd be happy to pour you a drink from my P.V.W if you'd like. Free of charge. It's nice to meet a fellow P.V.W fan, as you can guess there aren't many folk around here who've even heard of the brand let alone tried it. Will your boys be havin' anything?"

"They'll have the beer. I'll take the bourbon. IF, you sit and chat with me some more."

I've got him now!

"It's a deal. I never could turn down a chat with a handsome man such as yourself."

"Whoa girl, layin it on thick don't ya think?! Rein it in woman!" I said to myself.

I turned and briskly walked back into my office at the back of the bar. Conall was waiting for me when I dtepped inside. He shut and locked the door then turned to me expectantly.

"Well, who are they"

"Um, I don't know. He hasn't given me a name yet."

"Yet? Red you can't go back out there. They're Dark Reapers, they'll kill you."

"In broad daylight? They haven't even said anything about me being the Dearg Ma Tire Banrion. As a matter of fact they seemed very interested in YOU more than me."

"Me? But why me?"

"I don't know..."

I said as I brushed by him and unlocked my safe. Once inside I shuffled some papers around until I found what I was looking for. A little silver tin Dumask had given me long ago after my training had finished. I opened the box to check the contents then, satisfied with what I saw, I went to the other side of the room and searched my private liquor collection until I found my prize.

20 year old P.V.W, I brushed the dust off the bottle before tucking it under my arm and going back to my desk as I opened the silver tin once more. I handed the bottle to Conall carefully as I sat down in my over sized chair.

"Open this.....carefully. Then hand it back to me. Hurry up they're waiting."

He did as I asked using the corkscrew I kept sitting on my desk. Then he handed the bottle back to me gently. I took it and sat it in my lap, cushioned between my thighs. Then I dipped my fingers in the tin and pulled out a little silver dust. I held it over the bottle neck and sprinkled it into the bourbon.

Then I dusted off my fingers and closed the tin tightly, handed the bottle to Conall again and instructed him to gently swirl it as I replaced the tin in my safe. Once we were all done and the powder had dissolved I took the bottle back and headed for the door.

"Red please, I can't lose you. If they hurt you...."

"They won't. I think they want you not me. I'm going to find out why they're here. Then when I'm done with them I'll kick em out. You stay here, outta sight until this is done. Ok?"

"...Fine, what did you do to the bourbon though?"

"Tracking powder. He drinks it and we'll be able to track him anywhere he goes,Now do as I say and stay here."

I kissed him then left. As I made my way back to the table I instructed Alexandria to serve the men their beer then head home, I wanted her to check on Jax and inform me of his healing progress. After promising to pay her for a full shift she agreed to head out after she'd served the men.

I replaced the smile on my face and headed back to sit with the stranger.

"Y'all will get your drinks in a few, Ok. Alex will be bringing them out soon. As for you, try this on for size."

I placed a glass in front of him and poured him a small amount in to it. He took it happily and swallowed it in one gulp. I smiled as I saw the tell, tell signs of appreciation for a great aged liquor cross his face. The sudden sweat upon his brow and the slight red in his eyetold me he may have been familiar with hard drinks but he was by no means accustomed to the fire water. He gave a slight cough but composed quick.

"Damn that's some great stuff. Never had it that good before."

"Well, of course you haven't! Because you've never been here before sugar. Now is there anything else I can do for you?" I smiled sweetly.

"Oh sweetheart, there's a lot you could do for me, but for now how about we continue our chat? That was part of the deal." He winked.

"Ok, the place isn't too busy this evening." I sat across from my handsome yet creepy customer.

"So, who you lookin for?"

His eye's widened for only a moment before he regained composure and smiled a knowing smile at me.

"Now how'd you know we were looking for someone?"

"Not to hard to guess hun. Four big, brooding, handsome men come into town outta no where and the first place you hit is the local watering hole. Then seat yourselves so you can scan the entire bar without being noticed. You are obviously the leader, seeing as how you're constantly shifting and watching the door and my patron's, not to mention ya kinda have the whole....."I'm the Leader" vibe going on. So I'll ask ya politely once more....who ya lookin for?"

There was a bit of a long pause where he did nothing but smile and look me up and down. The sense of unease coming of his companions was thick as molasses. Time to up the charm and play my "Little bartender who just wants to look out for her bar" routine. Finally he sort of scoffed then slid his glass across the table to me where I happily refilled it. This time he drank it slow and savored the burn.

"Your right, we are looking for someone."

"Ah ha, I knew it. Ok so who is it? I betcha I can help. Is it a law breaker? An escaped convict? We don't see much action round here. I'm happy to help in any way."

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Oh Goddess help me this was sickening. I sounded like a lost puppy begging for a pat on the head or a "Good Girl" from my wayward master. I could only hope this would end soon and I could get back tothe Manor and see and explain things to Conall.

"Well, the man we're after claims to be something he's not."

"Well a lot'a people do that sugar. Your gonna have to narrow it down." I said in my best southern belle voice.

I could see I was loosing him, he didn't trust me. I'd have to show him he was among similar company as himself. I just hoped it wouldn't come back to bite me.

"Oh hunny don't you worry your handsome head about me..." I flicked my fingers and a blue flame appeared and danced across the table before fizzling out. "I can keep your secret if you can keep mine." I said with a smile and a wink.

"I knew you were magical the moment you stepped through my doorway. Now please do continue. If this man risks exposing us I'll do what I can to help." I lied.

I propped my elbows up on the table and leaned in. My breasts came to rest on the table top which in turn pulled the V-neck of my collar even further south. The man's eye's flitted to my partially exposed flesh then just as quickly came back to rest upon my face.

It seems a little flash and some sultry, sexiness would work well in this situation. I could only hope my leap of faith, exposing my magic, would help to loosen his tongue as well.

"I see, well the man we're looking for is tall, tan skinned, green eyes, brown shoulder length hair, and speaks with an Irish accent. He wouldn't be easy to forget."

(Jackpot! Thank the Goddess.)

"Hmm, anything else you can tell em about him?"

"Like I said he's a liar. He has also dabbled in the black arts. He's disguised himself using said magic and is parading around as...."

"As? Please do continue I'm very intrigued!"

"He claims to be the long lost son of King Quinn of the Wolven. Goddess rest his soul. It's hard enough to live in this day and age with Doran masquerading as King of my people, sending out his Dark Reapers every time he get's his panties in a twist. Now we have this renegade traipsing around pretending to be the Prince."

I gave a slight gasp at the mention of the deceased Wolf King.

"So....How do you know this man isn't the real son to King Quinn?"

"Because my dear, I am Quinn McGreggor's son."

Now that time the gasp was real.

"You...but..."

"I know he's told you he is the one Redalia. But he isn't. Yes I know who you are, just as I know Conall has been staying with you and trying seal a bond with you but believe me when I say....he is only doing it to try to fulfill a prophecy that isn't his to fulfill."

I just stared at him. I didn't know what to think, what to do. So I just sat there. After a few moment's of deep thought I composed myself and moved to stand. Once on my feet I looked around the bar.

"I'm going to close the bar. I'd like to keep talking to you though. Will you wait here until I'm done?"

"Yes."

"Can we speak....alone once the bar is closed? In my office maybe? Your men can wait here or in the hall outside my office. They are welcome to the food and drinks and can play pool while they wait."

"That will be fine....Redalia, I know this is all going to be hard for you. I know he must have told you so many thing's...I'm....I'm so sorry I didn't make it here in time to stop him from intruding upon your life."

I pushed my wild curls behind my ear and gave a slight nod then turned, squared my shoulders and walked to the far end of the bar where I rang the final call bell and announced closing time.

"Hey, final call everyone. I'm closing early tonight, got a few thing's to do this evening."

"Awww, Red if you close early I'll have no where to go!" came a grumpy reply.

"Frank Moses how bout you take your sorry ass home to your wife and 5 kid's for once! Help her make dinner or watch the kids for her. Man up! Final call everybody!"

Murmurs of aggravation sounded throughout the bar as everyone started paying tabs and filing out the doors. Once everyone had been cashed out and the place had been cleaned and shut down I locked the door's and headed back to the corner where the stranger sat.

"Well, that's, that. You ready to do a little explaining?"

"If that's what you need me to do I will oblige."

"Ok, so you obviously know who I am....I mean officially."

"If you are referring to your title among my people yes I do, You are the Dearg Mac Tire Banrion. The Red Wolf Queen....but do YOU know who you are?"

"What? What do you mean? Of course I know who I am."

"Let's go to your office. We'll finish out chat there. I promise I'll explain everything."

Suddenly my phone started blaring Foggy Mountain Breakdown, I looked at the caller I.D and saw it was a number I didn't recognize.

"It's him. Go ahead and take the call. Ask him about Veno Petrov."

I slid my finger across the screen and answered the call, all the while staring straight at the stranger.

"Hello?"

"Red, Mo Ghra are you on your way yet? Who was the man at the bar did you get his name?"

I paused a moment as the man slowly nodded his head.

"Yea, do you know a Veno Petrov?"

"...Redalia, where are you?"

"I'm at the bar closing up and doing last minute clean up and inventory, Conall I asked you a question."

"Redalia I'll be right there."

"Conall, I asked you a damned question. What's going on? Why are you acting so secretive? It's pissin me off a bit. You know the last couple of nights have been like hell for me, answer the question! Do Not Try My Patience." At this point I was sick of the lies and secrets!

"Redalia that man....he's a bad man I'm only trying to protect you. Please, I'll come to the bar and explain everything."

Suddenly the stranger shook his head no. His face was set in a stern gaze. He didn't want Conall here. Suddenly I heard a voice inside my mind.

"He's lying Redalia."

Shocked, I blinked rapidly and tried to focus on Conall. I had to keep him away from the bar until I got my answers from this man, whom I guessing was this Veno Petrov character.

"Conall, I'm tired of being treated like a child. Secrets being kept from me, death threats being thrown at me, Shades popping in and outta my best friends bodies...I'm not a child. I'm a big girl. I think I'll stay late at the bar tonight. Don't come down here, I need to think about thing's."

"Red....Veno Petrov is a Russian born International Hitman and a member of the Wolven. He's known for his sadistic and savage mutilation's of his victims. He's the most sought after Hitman in the world. He's also the most cunning and powerful. Please just be safe, I'll be here when you get home. I love you Mo Stor."

"I'll be home when I'm ready to come home. It's my house after all."

As bad as it hurt, I hung up. Every fiber of my being hoped he understood it was all an act, but in my heart I secretly started to feel like it might not be an act after all. I didn't want to believe what this man was telling me, but wanting and doing are two very different things so for the time being I would play along. I'd find out as much information as I could then make my decision to trust him or kill him, I'm an assassin after all.....it's what I do.

"It sounds as if he's trying to sway you from me. Telling stories about my exploits?"

"He said you were a Russian born International Hitman. He also said you were Wolven."

"Ah, well I see there is no need for the guise then."

Suddenly his voice went from a sexy American accent to one heavily laden with a Russian accent. I nearly hit the floor when he spoke again. (I have a thing for a hot guy with a nice accent....obviously.)

"I have to hide my accent when visiting America. It tends to scare most people, if people are scared they won't speak to me. Now may we adjourn to your office?"

"Uh, yea sure. This way."

Veno followed me down the hallway and around the corner to my office, once there he opened the door for me and turned back to his men.

"Оставайтесь здесь и смотрите."

(Translation: Stay here and watch.---in other words Keep a lookout)

"Da ser."(Yes,sir)

He closed the door and turned to face me. I was leaning back against my desk, sort of half sitting on it. The light from the one and only ceiling fan painted me in an unflattering light so I'd have to really up the charm. To bad my back and neck were killing me. Not to mention my stomach was now growling. I can't believe I'd forgotten to eat, all day!

"You look tired my dear."

"Yep, the joys of owning your own biz. So, what did you mean earlier when you asked me if I knew what I was?"

"You know you are the Dearg Mac Tire Banrion, but do you really know what that means and what comes with the title? Haven't you ever wondered why it translates to The Red Wolf Queen?"

"Well....I never really gave it any thought. From the time I was little I've been preparing for the day I'd meet the Prince and Leader of the Wolven, for the day I'd meet my other half. I'm the most skilled of all THE ELITE warriors. Top of my class in all studies. Just so you know, in case you get any ideas." I gave a playful wink.

He smiled back at me and closed the space between us so fast he took my breath away. He was so handsome, being this close to him set my insides on fire. The urge to touch the white scar running down over his eye and cheek was tantalizing. He must have sensed my need, he lowered his face until we were merely and inch or two at the most, apart.

"Once you find your TRUE mate, you will be able to transform into your very own TRUE form. The Red Wolf of our people. THAT is why you are called the Red Wolf Queen. Tell me little witch, can you transform yet?"

"Transform?!...wait...Little witch?.....You....You sent me the text last night?"

"Yes. I've been watching you for a while now. Ever since I came into town. It was only last night I realized I was too late to stop Conall from infiltrating your home and corrupting your judgment. For that, I will forever remain apologetic. I never wanted this life for you Redalia, you must understand that."

"Understand what? What do you mean you never wanted this life for me? Mr. Petrov I think you had better start from the beginning and explain yourself very quickly. I've not ate today and I'm starting to get pretty fatigued and easily pissed off."

Suddenly right beside me on my desk there sat a bowl of very delicious looking Beef Stew. The smell alone was enough to turn my mouth into a watering hole.

"Did you just..."

"You need to eat. I'll explain while you do so."

Reluctantly I pushed off the desk and sat down in my big chair. I grabbed the bowl of stew and went to town on it. It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!As I scarfed it down and nearly choked a time or two he started explaining.

"Ok so I'll attempt to make a very long story short. Have you been told about the first Wolven and his mate?"

I nodded, unable to speak through my mouthful of stew.

"Ok, so you know that's how you came to have the Healing Stone embedded into your heart and soul."

"Mmmm, hol ohn ah sec...*swallow*....I was told I had half of the Stone in my heart. My mate has the other half, it's how we know we are mates."

"Who told you that der'mo?!"

"Der'mo?"

"Shit."

"Oh...Conall told me when he told me about the Wolf, Mac Tire and his human mate."

"I should have known. Redalia, YOU have the whole stone inside your heart. YOU are quite literally the Healing Stone in human form. When you heal someone you will glow red. Not just any red but a beautiful iridescent shade of crimson, and as far as your mate goes....you should have the freedom to choose whomever you wish. You shouldn't be tied to one person because of some ancient prophecy. That's just ludicrous. That is what I meant when I said I never wanted this for you. Redalia, I was supposed to be your mate. No doubt Conall told you about the dream of Cernunnos?"

I eyed him suspiciously and shook my head.

"I thought as much, and did he tell you the great God came to HIM in the dream? In a lush forest and told him of you and your destiny?"

"I shook my head again, starting to feel a bit uneasy about the fact hesomehow knew these intimate details. He scoffed at my reply.

"Redalia, It was my dream. I saw you, but once I did I knew....I could never lay claim to you."

I swallowed the last of the stew and wiped my mouth with a napkin I found laying on a stack of papers. I turned my chair to face Petrov.

"Why? Why did you decide you couldn't lay claim to me."

He looked up slowly, It was then I saw something shocking in the golden depths of his eye's.....Pain.

"I knew from the moment I saw you, you were perfect and I didn't deserve you. As long as I was there, as long as I was Prince our destinies would be intertwined. I wanted to be worthy of you, I could never force you to love me, and so when I came of age I left. To make myself worthy. I also wanted you to be free to choose who you would love. I was going to present myself to you when I thought you and I were ready and I had planned to court you like a normal human being. If you wanted to love me, only then would I tell you the truth of who I was."

He looked away, focusing on something outside my window. I used my powers to watch his aura, it never shifted. He was telling the truth. But how could any of this be true. It couldn't be....he had to be lying....

"I'm not lying to you Redalia. You were meant to be my mate. But you were stolen from me."

"Wait, I'm calling a time out. IF your telling the truth and Conall is lying about everything.....how could he and I share the powers and the bond that we have? How would he be able to do the whole, fast healing when we are in close proximity thing, and F.Y.I, I glow blue when I heal, not red and what about the telepathy thing? How would he be able to do ANY of the thing's he's been doing?!"

I was at my wit's end. I couldn't believe it but I was actually starting to question Conall's character and morals though I felt like I had him on the blue glow. But when I asked him questions his aura showed him as speaking the truth....I just don't get it.

"If he believed what he was telling you, then he technically wasn't lying. His aura would not have shown any untruths. As far as everything else goes...it's simple magic tricks. The rapid healing was a trait he was born with that's why the blue glow, Redalia he has been the one manipulating your senses and abilities, you won't unleash your full powers until you are with your TRUE mate and F.Y.I he was also born with the telepathy, he can do it to everyone not just you. He pretended he could only do these things once he found you, his mate as he calls you. It's how he has been able to manipulate you so easily."

"Ok, well....wait a minute, get outta my head!"

"I'm sorry, I won't intrude again. Though to be fair you should know, when we are in close proximity it is very hard not to read you. It's part of OUR bond."

"Ok, just give me a second and let me think....Ah ha! Ok tell me this, if everything your saying is true, how is it Conall can make me feel...well....." Oh wow shoulda thought this line of questioning though first...woopsie!

"Like you've found your one true love? How can he make you feel like everything is perfect when you are together? Did you ever stop and question Why you let him move in so quickly? Or why you allowed him to lay claim to you when he did? You'd only just met him hadn't you?"

"Yes but he saved my life...and I felt...wait.....hold on, I never told you any of this. How do you know everything?"

"I was there Redalia. I was there when the Bear Shifter attacked. I was there when you saved his life, I was there when the council showed up and I was there when the Shade attacked you through your friend. I tried to warn you last night before you went to bed with...him."

He looked away again, I felt a sudden rush of shame sweep over me. I could feel my cheeks growing warmer. A sharp knock at the door brought us both to "Alert Con 1." He crossed the room swiftly and opened the door, his number 2 guy was standing there.

"Сэр, пришло время патрулировать территорию."

(Trans: Sir, It is time to patrol the territory)

"Da, I understand."

"What have you been telling them? My Russian isn't very fluent."

"Earlier I told them to patrol the place while we were talking, now he tells me we need to leave to do our patrols tonight. I'm sorry Redalia I must go."

He turned to leave.

"Wait!...Please."

He stopped, slowly he turned back to me. I walked over to meet him face to face. I still wanted answers to more of the question's I had now pilling up inside my mind. We were inches apart when he placed a rough, strong hand upon my cheek and cradled my face, then he tilted my head upwards and gently kissed me.

The explosion of color and warmth flooded my very soul. I saw his memories in my mind's eye. The dream he had, had when he was still a child, the courtyard where he played with his friends, his mothers beautiful face, his fathers hearty laugh. The day of his coronation in the Black Forest, then suddenly I saw myself as a teenager.

I was laughing at something Alexandria had said, next I saw my twenty first birthday, I was down in the Forested area of out backyard. A wolf came out of nowhere, I was scared to death but something kept telling me I would be Ok. The wolf slowly came over to me and nuzzled my neck and hair. I smiled and laughed as he and I rolled through the grass. Then I realized the memory wasn't his...nor mine...it was ours.

It was a memory we shared. One I, by myself couldn't remember. I heard his voice then, heavy with his accent.

"I locked this memory away in your mind, until the day we would be together. I wanted you to see it when you were ready to believe me."

He released me from the kiss. I instantaneously started to fall forward a bit. But he caught me and helped me over to my chair. He bent down to his knee as I sat. I was completely in awe and shock of what I'd just seen and experienced. He swept hair from my face and stood again. As he was exiting my door I turned quickly and hollered after him one last question.

"Petrov, how do you know so much about Conall? Why does he think your a Hitman and savage murderer?"

He turned kept his back to me as he laid one hand on the door frame. Then he turned his head to look over his shoulder.

"I know because, Conall is my brother. The rumors were to keep my identity a secret. I left long before Mother and Father had Conall. Please do not tell him, It is my place to do so."

"I won't.....Veno, I'm so...."

"Mikhail.....Mikhail is my real name, not Veno."

"Mikhail, I'm so sorry about...everything."

"It sounds so beautiful when you say it. I'll text you later, when I find a safe place to meet. It may be a few day's. Until we see each other again. Just know, You will haunt my dreams now more than ever. Goodnight my Queen."

With those final word's he and his men were gone. I was left to ponder what the hell had just happened.