Invisible Man

Vacation

 

 

Knock, Knock

 

I roll over away from the noise of someone beating on Darien’s door. It’s too early and we’re supposed to have a couple of days off. Reluctantly I turn back to face him and hear the knocking sound come again, gently I caress his open palm and allow my eyes to travel over the familiar snake tattoo on his wrist. “Red?” I scramble to my feet realizing the problem with the knocking and nearly fall over the pile of dirty clothes I had yet to wash.

 

Our relationship hadn’t gone any further then cuddling and touching, luckily no one needed to know this. “Darien?” I whisper noting him grumble before meeting my gaze. “You need a shot.” Glancing down at his arm he starts literally falling from the bed.

 

Thud

 

“Ow.” I walk across the bed and hop over his now uncomfortably sprawled form. “Wait.” I do as he asks and turn seeing a rather dark smile on his face.

 

“SHIT.” I remember Claire and what she told me of his madness, the silver is already taking over those warm dark eyes I care for so much. “I would love too; it appears Hobbs is attempting to break down your door.” Before he can really catch on to what I was up too, I bolt for the door and manage just enough of the locks before he catches up.

 

“Dead bolt.” I meet Darien’s silver eyes and wince at his grip on my arms; I don’t like the madness and wonder just how far it will go.

 

“Darien, don’t make me do something…

 

Surprised his lips press gently to mine, grip loosening and drawing a surprised sound from me. I know this isn’t him but the change is strange, until he gets a little to rough and nearly chokes me with his insistent kiss.

 

I shove him sharply and give him a dark look. “You personality stinks when you have the madness.” At that I manage the bolt and watch Hobbs nearly tackle Darien to the floor and see Claire right behind with the injection ready.

 

About ten minutes later Darien is sitting at the kitchen counter watching Claire and I make breakfast, his apologizing had finally driven me to helping cook, something I rarely if ever did without him. I couldn’t take it anymore and turn giving him a look that indicates enough was enough.

 

Finally to my grateful surprise Hobbs spoke up. “Darien shut up already…she knew what happens and got involved because she cares. You’re going to drive her nuts.” I smirk watching Darien scowl brushing at his sweats and t-shirt.

 

“Exactly.” I flop beside him and lean on his shoulder. “I like you just the way you are.” I smile seeing him finally allow a relieved smile and turn his attention to the work babble starting. “We’re on vacation for two days, leave it with the office.” I pointedly give Darien a warning look when he attempts to protest.

 

Once the other leave I turn my attention to cleaning, I watch Darien sort out clothes and smile when he joins my side stuffing them into the washer and then he’s off to get ready for the day ahead. I wonder what he has in mind for the days off and wipe my hands on the dishtowel hearing him curse about the cold shower.

 

I step to the door and watch him walk out with a towel wrapped around his waist. “You put in a wash and expect it to work on the shower too?” He gives me a look at my amusement and smirks.

 

Granted we had been together a while, but that look was a clear indicator I didn’t need to know what he had in mind. I turned sharply hearing his laughter and curse him everything in the book, sometimes he was impossible.

 

While he continued to take the shortest shower of his lifetime I snuck a cup of hot coffee deciding I need to relax and it was a good way for me to do so. I sat at the counter glancing over the paper, my attention drawing to familiar stories in the area and pausing on the clock on the stove. I hear a familiar thud sound turning to see him walk out in a robe, glancing at the door that banged on the wall before focusing on the laundry again.

 

I watch him carefully, it’s not like I can’t contemplate things happening. I know he can sense I’m watching him and watch him turn raising a brow. “What’s up?” apparently my expression is far too easy to read.

 

“Not much.” I place the coffee aside and turn to retreat to the shower.

 

“Liar.” I turn giving him a pointed ‘don’t start’ look, right now I need to focus on things other than my boyfriend.

 

Inside the bathroom I study my reflection and make a face. “It’s strange.” I jump startled by my own voice, finally I glance at the shower and reluctantly hop in.

 

I hate cold showers and already can hear Darien stirring, he’s got plans and I need to get myself in gear. I hear the phone ring and shut of the quickest shower of my lifetime. Shivering I dive into the large bathrobe I swiped from Darien and walk to the door. I hear him trying to talk us out of something and note the muttered curses. “Our day off went.” I could tell by the familiar rubbing of his neck and disgusted tone in his voice.

 

Slowly I walk up wrapping my arms around his waist and lean into his back. His hands come to rest on my arms and I hear a deep sigh. At least I can calm him down during one of his rants; it reminds me again how I don’t want his madness to ever set in again. I have seen my man mad and I don’t want to see it in that context.

 

“That was Bobbi…we’re needed.” He grumbles again before reluctantly tugging loose.

 

I smile slightly at his narrowed eyes. “We almost had it.” I add watching his scowl deepen before he shuffles over gathering his clothes and I join him.

 

He comes out of the bathroom in jeans and his familiar jacket, black t-shirt underneath. I had already changed into a pair of bellbottom blue jeans and a off the shoulder bell sleeved black shirt. Sometimes our skill to match one another disturbed even us, I giggled at his amused expression before both of us shuffled to the door.

 

Outside I start the engine to my blue jeep and listen to him carefully talk about the case, or what he knows of it. Not much. I sigh both of us exchanging brief looks driving through traffic, this has Arnaud written all over it and neither of us want to deal with him again so soon. He had become an even bigger nuisance than the Chrysalis group with varying experiments running amuck.  Our life had turned into mad scientists and mutants chasing us on a daily basis, I already missed our promised two days.

 

Inside the office Darien, Hobbs, myself the official and Eberts. I remember briefly why I sometimes dislike the official, mostly because he thinks he owns Darien and our relationship. (bastard.) I know he doesn’t, but that doesn’t mean he would easily weasel his way in and part us for the benefit of the agency.

 

“Arnaud was spotted at a local haunt; your covers are all there in the folder. Enjoy the club.” His typical briefing, if he had a thought it might actually hurt him. “Watch it, we also think Chrysalis might be involved this time around, some of their less than pleasant agents have been spotted in the area.” Stifling my groan I turned to follow the others out into the hall.

 

Claire caught up with us and pulled me aside while Bobbie and Darien discussed our new covers. I follow her into her lab and am presented with a pocket sized dose and syringe case for Darien’s counter-agent. I raise a brow watching her glance over some information on her desk and turn to me.

 

“No repeats of the last incident. If he needs that, you know what to do. I was so relieved you handled him so effortlessly.” I mentally cringed remembering exactly how well I had handled him, if Hobbs and she hadn’t shown up; I think our relationship would have ended up heavily on the rocks.

 

“Thanks Clair.” I turn without another word on the subject; I didn’t need to share my thought process with her.

 

I follow the still avidly talking Darien and Hobbs, before Darien pauses watching Hobbs go get the van and turns watching me almost knowingly. I can see the question in his dark gaze and don’t wish to discuss it; unfortunately he doesn’t always let me have my way.

 

“Are you alright?” I nod watching him lace his fingers with mine and meet his stare again. “Liar.” I stick out my tongue on that note and start to pull him along behind me. “Oceana, I need to speak with you about what happened this morning…despite all the apologies and everything.” I give him a very irritable look, it is clearly missed.

 

“I don’t want to discuss this morning…

 

“For once what you want isn’t important.” I freeze at the dark tone in his voice and hesitantly meet his eyes, there’s something burning there and it isn’t going to be pretty. “I know exactly what was going on this morning; unlike the fact you did get out of that mess…if anything did happen…we...um…

 

“Please get the hell out of my head Darien.” I reach into my pocket and show him Claire’s cautionary backup. “I…” faltering I see his relieved look. “…I knew what was happening, but I don’t want that to change what we have.” I swallow hard, I’m afraid of his conversation right now.

 

“It won’t.” Fingers lift my chin to meet those eyes. “I’ve fallen in love with you.” I start to say something and again find myself caught off guard. “We need to go meet up with Bobbi.” he starts to tug me down the hall still stunned by his words.

 

“Hey.” He stumbles when I pull back sharply. “I love you too.” I smile at his annoyed look and start tugging him along.

 

In the van I finally start to pay attention to our situation. For one the club is a dance club with paint dancers, black lights and lots of neon’s. I’m not a fan of neon colors and clubs of this sort tend to have music that make my ears hurt, secondly Darien is going in as a DJ and I’m to be his manager. Bobbi is assigned to go in as a bartender and what we do know about things is there have been murders and things going on in this place. Three dancers, two waitresses and the DJ were murdered. Staring up at Darien I feel this urge to go back and smack the official, even if he’s a prick this case is just a bit hard to handle.

 

The club doesn’t look that frightening during the daytime, I make note to the few exits I can see before watching Bobbi turn to the side of the less than appealing building. I’m surprised it is even considered a club, it looks more condemned. Darien catches my hand before following his partner into the club. A first thing I notice is it isn’t gloomy and has lights nearly blinding us at our entrance. Bobbi leaves our side to go talk with our boss and Darien walks over getting an idea of the DJ equipment.

 

I study the club intently with the black interior, neon beaded curtains and other matching details. The neon’s aren’t quite so harsh in this bright light, but I know I’m going to hate it when the club opens. I see dancers setting up their paints and watch others running around readying the club for its opening. I already dislike where this is going, it is easier to see a threat when it’s coming in the light, this was a mistake waiting to happen.

 

I sense someone behind me and turn sharply. “Ms. Benton?” Nodding I study the thin lanky club owner with tawny blond hair and deep set green eyes. He’s dressed in rich red silk shirt with black slacks. “Thank you for coming on such sort notice…where’s…

 

“He’s checking out the equipment.” The club owner turns viewing Darien’s interest with the equipment and seems to think he knows what he’s doing; thankfully we can both fool this guy. “Interesting club.”

 

Smirking I catch the soft delicate movement of his hand, his pale hands painted in dark black nail polish. I realize then it’s a Goth club and we might have a lot more blending to do than I originally expected. Adjusting his collar I finally catch a glimpse of the silver Wiccan symbol around his throat and note he has been handed a glass of thick red wine.

 

“You’re not a fan of this type of club?” I try to play disinterest in his amused tone, but his smugness irks me.

 

I glance around at the neon’s again before settling on the vampire wannabe in front of me. “It’s the neon’s, not the style.” I remark watching his brow arch seeing his hand move in a wide arch of invitation to the bar. “I don’t mind alternative living.” I add instead turning to assist Darien.

 

He blocks my exit noting my slight agitation. “I didn’t think you were the type to appreciate this sort of club…you seem so…innocent to this life style.” I don’t like his condescending attitude but know it’s better to keep all enemies closer, even if he wasn’t the enemy.

 

“Looks are deceiving.” I state startled when a waitress has a glass of white wine presented under my nose. “Get to the point.” I remark reluctantly taking the wine and trying not to reach out and strangle our current clientele.

 

I refuse to sip at the wine watching him closely before an elegant finger is lifted the nail longer than I would expect. “Draven is my club name…I want you and your DJ to watch yourselves. My last ones had an unfortunate ending…I don’t need anymore bad publicity.” He looks so grave his green eyes heightened in color due to the dark liner around his eyes. “Would you be willing to join me for dinner?” I can’t believe he’s dumb enough to hit on me.

 

I allow my gaze to move past him seeing Darien apparently interested in the music before meeting the green gaze watching me closely. “No thank you Draven, for one…I am dating the DJ and no offense, I don’t like you much.” To my surprise his smile broadens and he bows walking or rather nearly floating off. “Dramatic.”

 

I glance down at my hip finding the source of an irritating vibration and lift the cell to my ear. “Oceana?” at least I’m happy to hear that it’s Claire. “Watch Darien closely if he has to be invisible too often, the tattoo will turn red faster than usual. I gave you the back up in case I couldn’t get there in time.” I mutter my understanding before hanging up and sighing miserably.

 

I watch Darien seem to study the equipment and jump when the speakers let out a sharp sound; his testing is going to blow our cover if he isn’t careful. Walking up to the platform I adjust the speakers and note him let out a sigh of relief. I get the impression I’m going to be playing the love sick girlfriend and manage for both our sake. I note his gaze linger on Draven before the familiar man waves almost mockingly and turns ordering Bobbi around on drinks.

 

“I don’t like him.” I smile ruefully at Darien’s comment and meet his frown with sarcasm.

 

“I don’t much like him either; he’s a real nice prick.” I added that last bit because I dislike his toying approach with the new employees. “His taste in wine is cheap like his act.” I lower the wine to the table beside me and relax when an arm lifts around my waist.

 

Darien notes the lights go out and the neon’s start to show through the black and violet lights of the club. “Where the hell are we?”

 

“In a Goth club and it isn’t going to be fun.” I remark watching his brow wrinkle in annoyance before both of us watch Hobbs reluctantly serving people, his expressions of horror growing with each new individual appearing in the place.

 

The thickening of the crowds makes me uneasy despite Darien getting the hang of the DJ equipment. Bobbi acts more paranoid than usual and I can’t seem to shake the green gaze following my every move, clearly Draven has taken my issues with him as a challenge. I note Darien smirk shoving aside the white wine that keeps piling up around me. Clearly Draven thinks getting me drunk will help his case, I sigh realizing there is no room left for the most recent wine addition and give Darien a pointed look.

 

Carefully he sets the last one on the very edge and waves down one of the waitresses. “Please take these away, she isn’t going to drink them anytime soon and ask our kind host to stop sending them.” Reluctantly the woman nods taking several of the full glasses back and he watches Bobbie meet his stare with amusement. “I don’t think Draven is going to like my DJ talents by the time you tell him off.” I snort in response grabbing a CD that I personally like and slipping it in.

 

“Good.” I remark sourly before watching the waitress return with another tray to take the rest away. “Thank you.” I whisper softly seeing her brighten slightly; clearly she understands how pushy her boss can be. “I have yet to see anything suspicious or familiar, that bastard is too flamboyant to hide in such a crowded place.” Dark eyes lower at me before the hint of a bitter smile whispers past his lips.

 

“I agree.” I notice Hobbs taking a break and watch Darien sit down before becoming invisible. I leave the DJ table to order some tea, there is no way a drop of alcohol is dropping in my system until I am home with Darien, and then I may just take a rum bottle and drink the whole thing.

 

I turn noting someone out of the corner of my eye, I remain in the middle of the room trying to decide whether to keep moving or follow the person. Past experience makes my feet move directly to the bar, I don’t need to be swiped off somewhere again. I would have rather ordered something from Bobbi; at least I knew he wasn’t out to turn me over to Arnaud or someone else. I remain settled at the bar waiting for Hobbs’s return, it is much easier than risking something being slipped into my drink. Clearly I’ve again got the attention of the local club owner.

 

I resist the urge to run back to the DJ platform, Darien isn’t back yet because Bobbi is still missing. “Finally decided to accept a beverage?” I glare at those green eyes and shake my head.

 

“No.” I state firmly before crossing my arms wishing to be elsewhere.

 

“Perhaps you prefer something else?” he adds waving his hand in another fake gesture of grace.

 

“My fist in your face?” “No, I’m not drinking alcohol.” I decide to give him the blunt approach before again seeing shadows in the club and being reminded that it’s too dark. “Please leave me alone, I’m quite happy with the normal DJ.” I start back to the platform before he again blocks my exit.

 

Staring around the club he looks almost wary. “I don’t need anymore trouble, please at least stay close to him.” He adds almost hesitantly before disappearing into the crowd playing host again.

 

I felt like he was warning me of the big bad shadows and instantly clung to the bar, I would wait until Bobbi returns and then find Darien. Ten minutes later I feel a poke at my back and see Hobbs has the tea ready nodding toward Darien, I thank him and nearly run back to the platform. I can’t shake the feeling we’re being set up, what’s worse is I get this feeling our annoying resident Goth vampire wannabe is being tricked into helping this threat. I hate the dark more now than ever and not seeing the enemy before they spring out is not my idea of comfort, I settle myself beside Darien watching him glance down at his tattoo in relief.

 

I notice it has barely changed color and already know he’s being paranoid because of this morning. “Stop it; I’m perfectly capable of handling your less than pleasant side.” I remind him seeing him make a face and then his dark eyes scan the crowd. “I don’t like the dark anymore than the neon’s. Draven seems paranoid and wary of something lurking unwelcome here.” His surprise is evident and I explain my encounter carefully.

 

After the conversation he watches me closely. “Than he’s here and we’ve overlooked…” a flash off to the side made him hesitate.

 

“Darien?” one minute he’s there the next he leaves me to stare after nothing. “Damn it.” I know it’s useless to search for him, invisible and ignoring me will get him an ear full though.

 

I can’t shake the feeling that this is a very bad idea, I leave the platform and start toward the last place I saw the shadows. One it was stupid and probably bad, but it was most likely where he disappeared to, the second part of this plan is worse because I fail to get Bobbie’s attention.

 

I slip past the bodies of varying dressed people, the alternative look not bothering me as much as the darkness was. The next worst thing in this mess was the strobe light, the flickering light didn’t help my vision any and it created more frustration then help. I slid in behind a support and allowed my eyes to adjust to the dark before attempting to find the shadows in the annoying light.

 

I felt a hand on my shoulder and caught it without thinking forcing the person flat on the floor. “Ow.” I glance down at the muffled voice and smile in relief.

 

“Sorry Bobbie.” I help him back up and explain the story; he mutters a few less than pleasant things about his partner before sticking close.

 

We both search the club for signs of unwanted guests and Darien, I jump stifling a screech when Darien appears off to our side. I tap Bobbie on the shoulder and point to our missing appendage. Bobbie hands me the spare gun I had him hold and goes one way, I go the other and both of us are off among the crowd.

 

“Darien Fawks I am going to cripple you.” The thought eases me for a minute before I see him slip off into the shadows and loose sight of him. Bobbie halts not far from the disappearance and scans the room. I wonder if Darien quick silvered again or if he met up with some trouble.

 

I lift the vibrating phone to my ear again. “Missing something?” I recoil at the familiar accented voice and stifle my groan. “Out back, leave the crazy one behind.”

 

Click

 

“Bobbie’s not crazy.” I remark in irritation. “He’s just a little paranoid and slightly less stable than others.” I return my phone to my pocket and lean on the beam behind me.

 

I have two choices, one believe Arnaud actually has Darien out back and walk blinding into a trap or get a message to Bobbie. I have no idea how trust worthy Draven is or how truly sincerely dense he might be. The waitress from earlier was strangely polite and to me a bit too nice for this club, but then again being away from her boss might have been a relief to her or she had a crush on Darien. I let the hundred and a half more possibilities fly through my head before smacking it backwards against the beam in frustration.

 

“Ow.” I sigh still debating when I hear a familiar sound off to my side and see Bobbie staring at me with a question lingering in his eyes. “Nothing yet.” I remark sourly before scanning the crowd for signs of Darien and hoping this is a sick joke.

 

Bobbie Hobbs isn’t stupid and can hear the change in my tone. “I’ll pretend to be dense, but I did hear that.” I allow my gaze to meet his briefly before hiding a smirk.

 

“Paranoid and smart.” Not the safest of combos but at the moment in my favor. I shrug slipping into the crowd aware of him going the opposite way and double back after me. Irritated and annoyed at the situation I make my way to the back exit as indicated by Darien’s disappearance and pause at the door. Leaning down I see the last traces of quick-silver disintegrate and touch the door.

 

I glance back and see Bobbie hidden well in the shadows, time to go into the trap with a hopeful way out. “Bastard.” I open the door and exit into the typical alley.

 

Dumpsters and old rather rank smells, staircases and housing around us, the typical silent apartments that no one would or wanted to see anything. Allowing my eyes to adjust to the darkness, much to my relief I spot a black car and a very unhappy looking Darien. A goon has a good hold on him and he looks slightly agitated.

 

Arnaud is standing to the side with a cloth at hand and a know-it-all smirk. “It would appear the only way he will cooperate successfully is to drag you along.” I wince hearing Darien let out a sharp sound when he becomes a human punching bag.

 

“Gee I wonder why?” sarcasm is my best weapon so I don’t go over there and beat the man beating Darien to a pulp.

 

“Don’t get cute…” Arnaud’s dark gaze is amused, allowing that smug look of his he turns to his goons again. “…drop the gun.” He adds watching Darien lift his head a dark expression in his eyes.

 

“I’m born cute.” I point out dropping the gun and kicking it aside, Darien half smiles at my comment before wincing when another blow connects with his gut. “If you keep hurting him I will do more than break your nose this time.” I warn watching Arnaud grimace gently touching his once broken nose.

 

Instead of replying to this he motions me forward. I cross my arms almost challenging him wondering where Bobbie might be lurking. “Do I have to do something to change your mind?” Arnaud’s tone makes my eyes flicker to Darien and back again

 

I knew that all he really needed was a dead body to figure out the gland properties, but then again I wasn’t so sure of that and had a feeling Darien needed to be alive. Hesitant at the possibilities I wasn’t really willing to risk it. Lowering my arms I started from the shadows leaving my fingers loosely on the hidden throwing knives in my belt, something I had taken up after being fed up with Arnaud and being caught the majority of the time.

 

Slowly I approached them keeping my eyes fixed on the guy holding Darien and Arnaud’s gun leveled at me, that wasn’t part of my plan. “Bobbie Hobbs, where the hell are you?” I scanned the alley carefully and found no sign of him or the familiar yellow van. I stopped a few feet away from them and saw Arnaud’s cocky smile, he thought he had already won.

 

“Get into the car and behave.” He warned his accent grating on my last nerve.

 

“No.” Quirking a brow he leveled his gaze with mine. “Either way you know he won’t survive, why should I let you have the chance to take away someone I care for?”

 

Sighing I was surprised when the gun pointed directly at me. “You are becoming a nuisance; I thought we understood one another last time.” I didn’t flinch but I remembered the last time, he indicated interest in me and it wasn’t just my body. “I could use your intelligence, most of those that I have aren’t quite as sharp.” Like I planned to go work for the one person that made my life hell, that man was about to get it.

 

Instead of this stupid run around I decided I was on my own and threw the dagger with only a flash of silver. The goon holding Darien yelped in surprise and Darien was free, going invisible, I felt a hand on mine and instead of allowing him to take me along pulled loose.

 

Bang

 

I froze seeing Arnaud dive into the car and turned, Bobbie was there with more bullets flying at the car. “Car!” I dove to the side landing roughly and rolling as the car sped past, I lifted my head in time to see taillights and heard two pairs of feet running to my aid.

 

Glancing up I found myself lifted to my feet. “Ow, pavement.” I watched Bobbie run past which was useless, but for now it didn’t matter.

 

“What was that?” Darien questioned sharply which made me wince.

 

“Me being stupid worked didn’t it?” He gave me one of his looks, clearly that wasn’t a good thing to say.

 

“No, you got hurt.” I ignored the throbbing that agreed with him and lifted my sliced arm to inspect the damage. “I could have gotten us both to Bobbie and into a lot less danger.” Instead of arguing with him I lifted his wrist to meet his face.

 

The green was almost gone and he then realized my problem. “You were saying?”

 

“Oh.” I realized he had been invisible an awful lot since we got to the club, I knew it had been pushing and that he would have gone over the edge. “How did…

 

“I’ve been around you enough.” I state softly before watching an irritated Bobbie return muttering to himself. “Arnaud wasn’t the one that caused the chaos though, he was a distraction. Those shadows lurking belong to someone in there.” Turning back to the club I try to ignore my arm and see Bobbie move ahead opening the exit.

 

Instead of returning to the platform immediately Darien pulled me off to the side and into the employee’s bathroom. He then proceeded to clean at my cut and assess it for a need of medical attention, instead of giving him an excuse to get us out of here and create havoc with the official I held toilet paper to my arm and headed back out.

 

He knew arguing with me wouldn’t work, also knew the very reasons he wouldn’t win the argument and that didn’t mean he agreed with it. Instead of focusing on my way of ignoring him and the reasons we stayed together he went back to DJ-ing. I went up to the bar to talk with Bobbie and observed Draven’s attention turn to my arm before he nearly fled the bar. He had issues and clearly he was worried that he would be caught in the next form of crossfire.

 

“Strange.” Bobbie handed me the first aid kit and watched me tend to the cut with some butterflies and ointment. “He acted like you were the plague.” I lifted my gaze to follow his.

 

“I am.” His brow furrowed in confusion. “He thinks that what Arnaud did is tied in with his club being screwed over.” His gaze focused past me seeing Darien was watching vigilant for something to happen. “Crap.”

 

“What?” his amusement at my comment made me sigh, I even sounded like Darien now.

 

“His shot, he’s low and I would rather red eyes to silver didn’t show up.” Bobbie winced at that and watched me turn to leave.

 

I stopped in my tracks noting Darien had again left from the platform. I crossed my arms and tapped my foot trying to work this out; he knew that he was close to quick-silver-madness. Tilting my head I was sure I saw our resident club owner crash into something on his way to a familiar exit, it was an invisible barrier which meant Darien was there doing the work he was supposed to do.

 

I easily ran through the crowd and caught up with the startled Draven, before turning watching Darien step from the shadows gripping his head with a grimace of pain on his face. I ignored the idiot at my feet and injected the counter agent watching Darien rest against a beam before glaring down at the club owner. He had yet to make a move to run and was watching us warily.

 

I crouched down glowering at him; his green eyes flickered to the floor before daring to meet mine again. “Why the rush Draven?” long fingers crossed, black nail polish glaring under the bright flashing lights.

 

I could see his lips purse in refusal to speak and resisted the urge to backhand him, clearly he wasn’t our suspect. “When she’s annoyed even I don’t ignore her.” Darien was near my side ready to jump the minute Draven made a run for it.

 

Draven’s eyes lingered with the floor before that familiar half smile graced his raven lips. Instead of saying a word he lifted his shoulders in a gesture of ignorance. I took a deep breath and shifted, he watched my hand come within inches of his face before I yanked his shirt dragging him forward.

 

“I don’t have one damn reason to not hit you.” I warned releasing my hold watching him scramble back into the legs of Bobbie who had apparently noticed us. “Spit it out before I get mad.”

 

Irritated by my rough handling he adjusted his shirt back into place, eyes magnified by the dark liner narrowed at me. “You’re here under my authority.” He remarked which made all three of us glance at each other suspiciously. “Now that you’re done rough handling the owner, please go do your damn jobs.” He spat ignoring us and rising to his feet.

 

I didn’t let his careless attitude change my mind and stood my ground blocking his path. “If it is under your authority then who are we and why are we here?” his lips planted into a firm thin line, he hadn’t expected me to retaliate.

 

Draven realized he had pushed his luck and swallowed hard, he knew they weren’t what they appeared but he wasn’t sure what or who they were. He had given something away and was now being confronted on it, for all he knew they were part of those that had ruined his club. Cursing himself for his self indulgence he met my gaze with a look between fear and annoyance.

 

“I don’t have to reply to that. You work for me.” He added attempting to move past me and stopping the minute I leveled my gun to his nose, Bobbie hadn’t even reacted when I lifted it from my side.

 

“Repeat that.” Darien offered seeing that something wasn’t quite right, Bobbie had his gun ready too.

 

“He said you work for him.” I heard a click sound behind us and resisted the urge to flinch.

 

Bobbie lowered his gun recognizing Draven’s body guard. “We don’t.” Bobbie stated firmly watching the man hesitate with his weapon. “We work for the government.”

 

Draven looked ready to faint; the body guard lowered his weapon and nodded as if confirming the situation with Bobbie. I leveled my gun with the holster at my side watching Draven nearly fall into the chair to his side. Clearly he was relieved at the news and looked far less vampire like, almost scared human.

 

“Good.” Darien studied Draven closely almost like he was removing the layers of makeup and blanched.

 

Bobbie too blanched which left me as usual in the dark. “I know him.”

 

Darien’s arm was around my shoulders squinting closer at Draven. “No wonder we’re here.”

 

Confused I turned to him and saw him make a face. “My uncle sent you?”

 

“Uncle?” My head began to hurt.

 

“Uncle Charlie.”

 

“Uncle Charlie!” I smacked myself in the face, I had just openly threatened the ‘Officials’ nephew. “Someone couldn’t have mentioned this before I threatened him?”

 

I was past rational thought or conversation. Darien led me off to the side like some child having a melt down; in reality it was close enough. I had threatened the officials’ nephew; told him off, told him I despised him and refused his hit on me attempts. Talk about your life being over, I had just told of my boss’s nephew in more ways than one.

 

Darien’s hand was against my cheek trying to calm me. “I feel sick.”

 

“You look worse.” He stated softly, which was probably true. “You’re paler than usual.”

 

“Did you miss the whole official’s nephew part?” I felt clammy and even worse.

 

“No…” I met those dark eyes and saw very little concern, mostly amusement. “…it isn’t like he doesn’t already have issues with us.” I sighed giving him that much. “It’s not like Draven can really do much, he’s guilty of things the official wouldn’t like.”

 

“Ever the optimist.” Both of us glanced up at Bobbie who was glaring in the distance at our new surprise.

 

I didn’t dare say a word, Clair was running through the crowd with what I would say deemed panic. She was clearly here in case Darien had gone into his madness; unfortunately she appeared worried about more than one thing. She halted seeing one issue was solved and finally made her way past all the people to catch her breath before us.

 

“Eberts…

 

“Failed to mention that he was related to the official?” Her eyes snapped to mine and then she sighed. “After threatening him…I got it.” She cringed before staring up at me with a sort of grimace.

 

“Right then.” She lifted another agent shot to my hand and studied Darien’s tattoo making sure all was well. “Eberts thought backup might be in order, apparently Herman got himself into some mob type trouble.

 

“Herman?” Darien stifled his laughter in favor of Bobbie’s amused expression, all of us turned to a very frustrated swearing Draven.

 

“Yes, Herman Borden.” Clair acted puzzled before Draven stood with a scowl.

 

“In the club I prefer Draven.” He muttered with sarcasm that only got three of us laughing at him and Clair completely confused.

 

“At least it isn’t Henry.” I remarked thinking of the acme cartoons.

 

“I’m named after a mouse.” He grumbled before starting back to attend to his club.

 

“Hang on there.” Bobbie blocked his path pointing out several hidden parties within the club, clearly he and Darien had found our enemies rather easily. “How did you get mixed up with the mob?”

 

“Mobster.” Corrected Draven.

 

“I don’t care.” Remarked Darien staring him down. “Your uncle sent us in for a reason, what mobster?”

 

Draven stared hard at those around him and surrendered, he was tired of running at the moment. “Bernard Garret…he owns this part of town and got frustrated with my lack of interest in his drug traffic, and weapons. I knew my uncle worked for the government and sort of asked for help. Normally he wouldn’t give me the time of day but…

 

“Bernard is quite popular on the FBI’s list of wanted.” Claire pointed out seeing that Darien and Bobbie already had left us and were scanning through the crowd. “I hate when he does that.” She noticed my nod of agreement and smiled. “Oceana…

 

“What?” I ask keeping Draven in my sight in case someone tries to shoot him, that wouldn’t be in my favor.

 

“…You and Darien are adorable.” I turn giving her a scathing look for her amused tone and then duck hearing shots fired.

 

“Great.” I grumble watching the familiar panic that follows a gun going off in a public place. “Chaos, just how I like it, not.” Clair and I both stood ready, she had her gun aimed and I yanked Draven to the floor.

 

“Where did they come from?” Clair asked staring across the crowded club and just catching Bobbie before he vanished in the steady stream of people.

 

I felt arms wrap around me and was rolled; Clair was pulled back by to my surprise Bobbie who also yanked Draven with him. I glanced up and saw dark eyes watching me worriedly before relief seemed to take over. “Darien.” I smiled glad that I hadn’t become another hostage and winced hearing shots fired close by.

 

We were on our feet and making our way toward the exit; Draven’s body guard was a pretty good shot and seemed concerned for his paycheck. It was good for us and bad for the villains. I heard another shot and felt air, those bullets were getting closer and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling. I pulled sharply on Darien’s arm and we finally made it to our exit.

 

The door slammed behind us leaving us all in a familiar alleyway. Bobbie left to get the van and left us to protect the nephew. Claire’s eyes widened when Darien’s quick silver left his body, he had been shot in the arm and fell forward at my side.

 

“Darien!” her startled cry made me realize there was warm blood on my hand; he had been shot in the side as well.

 

“No.” I was struck with a sudden dread and pressed firmly against the wound on his side, it was clearly the more serious of the two. “Claire?”

 

She examined his two wounds and frowned. “The side isn’t good, but his arm will be fine.” I swore and hoped he would be alright before watching him quick silver his wound and stand.

 

I met his gaze and silenced his protests when both of us helped him to remain on his feet. “Draven get your ass in the van.” I warned watching the Goth man pale at my command.

 

Bobbie was lifting Darien into the back before I heard a shot and saw a dent near my head in the van door. “Oh crap.” It was a bit close for my tastes.

 

I heard a click and then a shot. I winced rubbing my ear and watched the assailant fall to the ground. Bobbie was on him arresting him despite the shot to the mans leg. Clair went on a follow up catching the next assailant to leave the club, this one judging by her expression was Bernard and now Draven could deal with his uncle on a more personal basis.

 

Bobbie and Claire dealt with the official and issues with the delinquent nephew; I remained in the keep watching Darien closely. He was still out and had to have stitches in his side, I had cursed the idiots that shot him to hell and cursed Draven there with them. I was happy to hear about the official chewing Draven a new asshole and thanked Bobbie for the pleasant news.

 

They had been there a short few minutes when Darien came around. “Ah crap.” He glanced at both wounds with a sort of grimace of irritation.

 

“At least you can say that still.” He turned to my voice and winced probing his side. “You will live.” Claire steadied herself working at his side, checking the monitors and his wounds.

 

“Yes, sadly.” She smirked at the two glares aimed her way; Bobbie sent her one that I swore she would regret one day. “He’s all yours again, he’s also off for a few days to heal.” She added watching Darien’s expression perk up at this.

 

“A vacation because he got shot? Now where’s the fun in that?” I noticed Clair drop her clipboard and saw Bobbie stifle laughter, he knew me too well.

 

“Exactly Claire, where is the fun it that?” I kissed Darien and leaned on his shoulder glad to have the smart ass back to normal.

 

Clair lifted her clipboard and sighed. “I should have known better than to be smart. Get out of my lab.” I giggled at her less than amused tone and both of us did exactly what she requested.

 

It took some effort getting him into bed and making sure that he had no issues with his stitches. At least we could spend some time together without the official breathing down our necks and it would be nice for some quiet time. He was wounded but that didn’t mean much to me, it was just good to have him to myself for a bit.